Capsize return with "The Fracture," their first release since signing to Roux & Ruin Records.
Listen below.
The song, produced by Matt Good (From First To Last, Asking Alexandria), twists melody and misery into one — a dark anthem that reminds everyone why people can't seem to look away.
"This song is about taking responsibility for everything in my life, even the things that are out of my control," shares Daniel Wand. "I've found holding myself accountable is the only way I've been able to make sense of the aftermath when things fall apart in any category of life. It's about feeling empty from it, and still trying to find some kind of light at the end of the tunnel by being candid about internal struggle. More than anything, I hope it connects with people who can find it relatable, who stuck in their own self-destructive cycles and helps them feel less alone in what they're going through and maybe taking on a similar route to process what they're are going through."
After several years of sporadic single drops, Capsize fans can look forward to a new physical release, on deck for 2026, with more details to be revealed shortly. The next release will be the band's first since A Reintroduction: The Essence Of All That Surrounds Me, which arrived in 2016 via Equal Vision Records.
For now, fans can revel in the melodic maelstrom of "The Fracture."
LAINEY WILSON’S PEACE, LOVE, & COWBOYS (HOLIDAY EDITION) EP NOW AVAILABLE ON CD AND VINYL
Lainey Wilson’s holiday EP, Peace, Love, & Cowboys (Holiday Edition), is out today on 12-inch vinyl, 7-inch vinyl and CD. The project consists of “Peace, Love, & Cowboys (Holiday Edition)” and “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” with Bing Crosby, as well as instrumental versions of both tracks. Purchase HERE.
The release is just the latest in a series of milestones for Wilson, who hosted the 59th CMA Awards earlier this week (the first solo female host since Reba McEntire in 1991), where she also won three awards—Entertainer of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year (Whirlwind)—and performed twice during the live broadcast: a musical medley monologue and her song “Ring Finger.”
Moreover, Wilson is nominated for three awards at the 68th Grammy Awards—Best Country Song (“Somewhere Over Laredo”), Best Country Solo Performance (“Somewhere Over Laredo”) and Best Country Duo/Group Performance (“Trailblazer” with Reba McEntire and Miranda Lambert)—will perform during next week’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and is on the cover of US Weekly’s Humankind Issue this week, highlighting her Heart Like A Truck Fund (read HERE).
Known for her electric concerts, Wilson recently performed sold-out shows at New York’s Madison Square Garden and Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena as part of her extensive Whirlwind World Tour and will continue to tour through next year including dates across Australia and New Zealand. See below for the complete tour itinerary.
Wilson released the deluxe version of her award-winning album, Whirlwind, this summer via BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville (stream/purchase HERE). In addition to Whirlwind’s original 14 songs, the extended edition features five additional tracks: “Bell Bottoms Up,” “King Ranch, King George, King James,” “Yesterday, All Day, Every Day,” “Peace, Love, and Cowboys” and “Somewhere Over Laredo,” which is currently soaring towards #1 at country radio.
Released to overwhelming attention from fans and critics alike, “Somewhere Over Laredo” was the most added song at country radio at impact and earned widespread praise from outlets such as CBS Mornings, Rolling Stone and Billboard, who called it “one of her most commanding, dynamic vocal performances to date, crescendo-ing from a soft-focus, tender vocal, before gradually reaching into her upper register for powerful moments that heighten the song’s emotional acuity.”
“The reigning current standard-bearer for women in country” (Variety), Wilson also won four awards at the 60th ACM Awards this past spring—Entertainer of the Year (her second consecutive win), Female Artist of the Year (her third consecutive win), Album of the Year (Whirlwind) and Artist-Songwriter of the Year—performed during last year’s Dallas Cowboys’ Thanksgiving Halftime Show and won two awards at the 58th CMA Awards, where she made her hosting debut alongside Peyton Manning and Luke Bryan. Wilson also recently launched her fourth collection with Wrangler, as well as her own boot (Golden West Boots) and jewelry lines (The Lainey Wilson Jewelry Collection).
The 16x ACM, 12x CMA and Grammy Award-winner and Grand Ole Opry member is a prolific, sought-after songwriter who has scored eight #1 hits including “4x4xU,” “Wildflowers And Wild Horses,” “Watermelon Moonshine” and the 2x PLATINUM Certified “Heart Like A Truck,” in addition to award-winning collaborations with Cole Swindell (“Never Say Never”), Jelly Roll (“Save Me”) and HARDY (“wait in the truck”). Moreover, Wilson wrote and recorded “Out of Oklahoma” for the Twisters movie and has collaborated with artists such as Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, Dolly Parton, Post Malone and more. She will also make her feature film acting debut in next year’s adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s Reminders of Him, after first acting in Paramount’s hit television series, “Yellowstone.”
LAINEY WILSON CONFIRMED TOUR DATES
December 7—Las Vegas, NV—Lainey Wilson: Wildflowers & Wild Horses
December 10—Nashville, TN—Grand Ole Opry
February 6—Auckland, New Zealand—Spark Arena*
February 8—Christchurch, New Zealand—Wolfbrook Arena*
February 11—Brisbane, Australia—Brisbane Entertainment Centre*
February 12—Brisbane, Australia—Brisbane Entertainment Centre*
February 14—Newcastle, Australia—Howlin’ Country*
February 16—Sydney, Australia—Qudos Bank Arena*
February 19—Melbourne, Australia—Rod Laver Arena*
February 20—Melbourne, Australia—Rod Laver Arena*
February 22—Adelaide, Australia—Adelaide Entertainment Centre Arena*
February 26—Perth, Australia—RAC Center*
March 20—Thackerville, OK—WinStar World Casino & Resort
March 21—Thackerville, OK—WinStar World Casino & Resort
April 10—Florence, AZ—Country Thunder Arizona
April 11—Laughlin, NV—Laughlin Event Center
April 25—Indio, CA—Stagecoach Festival 2026
July 10—Chicago, IL—Windy City Smokeout
August 6—Detroit Lakes, MN—WE Fest
August 7—Oshkosh, WI—Xroads41
August 9—Canton, OH—Concert for Legends
August 12—Sturgis, SD—The Sturgis Buffalo Chip
August 15—Springfield, IL—Illinois State Fair
* with special guests Flatland Cavalry and Kaitlin Butts
KEEP UP WITH LAINEY WILSON
WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE | X | FACEBOOK
DREW BALDRIDGE AND MICKEY GUYTON SPREAD HOLIDAY CHEER WITH “JOY TO YOUR WORLD” AVAILABLE TODAY
Country artists Drew Baldridge and Mickey Guyton are spreading holiday cheer with their new collaboration, “Joy To Your World,” which is featured on air throughout Hallmark Channel’s “Countdown to Christmas” programming event. Fans can stream “Joy To Your World” beginning today, Listen below.
Written by Danielle Rubio, Dalton Diehl, and Johnny Simpson and produced by Nick Schwarz exclusively for Hallmark Channel, the song captures the warmth and wonder of the holiday season, from swirling snow and ringing sleigh bells to the joy of sharing a little extra love with family, friends, and community. With its timeless message and heartwarming delivery, “Joy To Your World” is poised to become a holiday favorite for years to come.
In addition to “Joy to Your World,” Baldridge and Guyton both appear in Hallmark Channel’s “A Grand Ole Opry Christmas,” which premieres on Saturday, November 29 at 8:00pm ET/7:00pm CT. The film is about Gentry Wade (Nikki DeLoach), the daughter of a country music star who has to confront her past when the Grand Ole Opry invites her to represent her late father at their centennial Christmas celebration. Through a magical event, she is transported back in time to spend time with her father and is inspired to finish a song she wrote as a teenager.
Baldridge is currently climbing the country charts with his latest release “Rebel,” a follow up to back-to-back Top 10 hits “Tough People” and “She’s Somebody’s Daughter,” his first No. 1 at country radio.
About Drew Baldridge:
Drew Baldridge is carving out a lane all his own with songs rooted in Farm, Faith, and Family. His 2025 highlights include the release of new radio single “Rebel,” along with previously released songs: “Deserve Her,” “Get Me Gone” featuring Emily Ann Roberts, “Call Me If You Get One,” as well as a moving collaboration with Dove Award-winning collective I AM THEY on “Scars.” Baldridge’s single, “Tough People,” became his second consecutive Top 10 hit, following the RIAA GOLD-certified smash “She’s Somebody’s Daughter,” which reached No. 1 on Country Aircheck/Mediabase and No. 3 on Billboard Country Airplay. The song also earned Baldridge honors from the NSAI and BMI, recognizing his outstanding songwriting achievement.
Notably, he is the only self-funded artist ever to hit No. 1 on Country Aircheck/Mediabase with his first chart-topping single via his Lyric Ridge Records label and holds the distinction of being the highest-charting independent artist ever on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. With more than 1.1 billion streams and impressions and 2 million social followers, Baldridge has quickly become one of country music’s most-watched rising voices.
A powerhouse performer and songwriter signed to Sony Music Publishing, Baldridge has written more than 500 songs with cuts by Bailey Zimmerman, LOCASH, and others. In 2025, he toured with Cody Johnson, Bailey Zimmerman, and Jelly Roll before launching his own Country Born Tour across the UK and Europe this December. Named to the CRS “New Faces” Class of 2025, an iHeartCountry “On The Verge” artist, and MusicRow’s Independent Artist of the Year, Baldridge continues to build a career that blends authenticity, perseverance, and a deep connection to fans.
PARMALEE’S “HOW DO I LET YOU GO” SEEKS GUIDANCE TO LIFE’S HARDEST QUESTION
Chart-topping and platinum-selling country band Parmalee today releases their most personal and reflective song ever - “How Do I Let You Go.” Inspired by the passing of frontman Matt and drummer Scott Thomas’ father, as well as guitarist/pianist Josh McSwain’s father, the heart-stirring ballad reflects on the love, loss and ache of wishing for just a little more time. Listen Below.
“This song is a note to our dads and the friends we lost too soon,” shares frontman Matt Thomas. “Myself, Scott and Josh grew up playing in bands with our dads. Barry eventually joined that band too. From the time we were kids, all we ever wanted to do was play music for a living. There’s a line in the song about ‘Corrigan’s’ — that was the club where it all began for us with them. The place that shaped us as musicians and friends. One of the hardest things is knowing they never got to see us fulfill our dreams of playing music for a living. Even so, they’ve been with us every step of the way, and we know every night they have the best seat in the house.
Haunting and hopeful, it's raw, real and deeply human, delivering the kind of storytelling that stops you in your tracks. A powerful reminder that while letting go is impossible, there’s undeniable beauty in the memories that remain.
Comprised of brothers Matt and Scott Thomas (lead vocals/guitar and drums, respectively), cousin Barry Knox (bass), and lifelong friend Josh McSwain, Parmalee has been a household name with headliner status for years, following four back-to-back #1s at country radio and being recognized as the most played country act by Billboard in 2022 for their iconic love song “Take My Name.”
Currently on their “Feel Like Home” Tour, the band’s vibrant stunner “Cowgirl”, from their latest album Fell In Love With A Cowgirl, is heating up to be their sixth #1 at country radio, as it races toward #1 territory.
With over 1.6 billion on-demand streams, five #1 smashes plus a growing list of platinum singles, Parmalee has cemented their place as a hit-making powerhouse and live-concert favorite.
Upcoming Tour Dates:
November 20 - Sarasota, FL - Big Top Brewing Company
November 21 – Cocoa, FL – Cocoa Riverfront Park Amphitheater
November 22 – Jupiter, FL – Abacoa Amphitheater
November 23 - San Antonio, TX - Y100 All Star Jam
December 5 - Waynesboro, VA - The Foundry
December 6 –Covington, TX - Madison Theater
December 11 – Corpus Christi, TX – Brewster Street Ice House
December 12 - Durant, OK - Choctaw Casino Durant
December 13 – Katy, TX – Mo's Place
February 19 - Rutland, VT - The Paramount-Rutland
February 21 - Jordan, NY - Kegs Canalside
February 27 - Fort Lauderdale - Top Shelf Country Cruise 2026
August 28 - Dieppe, Canada - YQM Countryfest
KEEP UP WITH PARMALEE
Randy Houser Releases Regret-Proof "Back In The Bottle"
Multi-Platinum hitmaker and powerhouse vocalist Randy Houser releases “Back In The Bottle,” tapping into the reckless, unforgettable nights that linger long after last call. Listen to the new track, available now via Magnolia Music Group, Below.
Leading up to the song’s release, Houser shared the inspiration for the song on socials: “When I had the idea for ‘Back In The Bottle,’ not to name drop, but I was hanging out with Post Malone, and we went to the studio. Didn’t even leave to get started ‘til probably midnight. We did two nights like that, and we were having a great time, writing and drinking.
“So that gave me the idea: ‘If I could put last night back in the bottle, I’d pull last night back down and drink it again,’” he shared with a laugh. “And we’ve all had those nights. How many times have we hair-of-the-dogged it? Sometimes you just gotta keep rocking and keep having fun.”
Written solely by Houser and co-produced by Blake Chancey, “Back In The Bottle” opens with the familiar wreckage of a rowdy night out, leading to a chorus that embraces the kind of night you’d gladly repeat, consequences be damned:
The release ignites a new chapter for Houser, and fans can expect a steady stream of new music throughout 2026. “Back In The Bottle” follows Note To Self (Deluxe), which saw the Mississippi native trading powerhouse moments with Cody Johnson, Justin Moore, Miranda Lambert and Riley Green.
Beyond the studio and stage, Houser has been building his presence in film, with roles in Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon” and starring alongside Dennis Quaid in “The Hill,” demonstrating the range and depth of his artistry.
For tour dates and more information, visit RandyHouser.com or follow along on Instagram @RandyHouser, Facebook.com/RandyHouser and Twitter/X @RandyHouser.
Oakland's Sword Tongue presents new 'Diamonds To Dust (Anthony H. Remix)'
Oakland alt-rock trio Sword Tongue presents their new offering - 'Diamonds To Dust (Anthony H. Remix)', an infectious, tribal inspired, EDM version of the original 'Diamonds To Rust', a highlight track from the recently-released 'Bonfire In The Tempest' - the band's fourth EP to date. Fusing dark electricity and soaring emotion, this remix harnesses a storm of tension and release within a hypnotic, irresistible groove.
Creating dark music for dark times, Sword Tongue is made up of vocalist Jennifer Wilde and guitarist Gaetano Maleki, a husband and wife who launched this project in the pandemic year of 2020, now joined by renowned drummer-producer Dan Milligan.
Anthony (H) delivers a tour-de-force reinvention of 'Diamonds To Rust', taking the song completely onto the dance floor. Stomping beats raise the tempo and crush the instruments into a distilled, hard-hitting foundation for Wilde's deadpan vocals and hushed tones.
“We’ve partnered with Anthony (H) before, for a remix of The Illusionist on our second album, and were excited to hear how he would transform one of our favorite tracks into a more DJ-friendly and dance floor filling powerhouse," says Jennifer Wilde.
"This is a track born out of an anxious reckoning of the unceasing progress of time, counting down to the inexorable end we all face. These days when all that is desired is rest and pause, we are reminded that there is no cheating time – it moves forward whether we are prepared or not."
Electro-Industrial DJ / artist Anthony H. (a.k.a. Anthony Hudson) is a charted Industrial, electro bass artist & EBM, dark electronic DJ - artist - producer, who has worked with Empirion, Omnimar, Sebastian Komor, Moaan Exis, Matt Hart, Dark Tunes, Ruined Conflict, Die Warzau, Spankthenun, Solemn Assembly, 40 Octaves Below, as well as with Nettwerk Records' Anthony Valcic (Frontline Assembly, Skinny Puppy, Numb).
The 'Bonfire in the Tempest' EP was produced by Dan Milligan, brainchild of The Joy Thieves, who has co-created, produced and remixed such artists as Chris Connelly, PIG and Consolidated, and members of such bands as Ministry, Stabbing Westward, The Rollins Band, Killing Joke, David Bowie, Marilyn Manson, Depeche Mode and Nine Inch Nails, among others.
Just recently, Sword Tongue released the single 'Murder White Noise', a wry commentary on the state of the world and our attempts to soothe ourselves to get through it, and 'We Are The Resistance', a unified protest anthem that marks the 249th anniversary of the USA's founding.
Gaetano Maleki shares, “In the last few years, Jennifer and I have had some significant milestones with our children coming into adulthood. It made us realize how fleeting it all is, as cliché as that sounds.”
Galvanized during our current age of cultural upheaval, this EP bursts with raw emotion and is tempered by sophisticated production. Blending alt-rock, post-punk and dream pop, it explores anguish, anger, transformation and triumph. Vocals oscillate between a croon and a roar, seduction and rage against the backdrop of shimmering guitar tones, mesmerizing bass, and intricate drum lines.
'Diamonds To Dust (Anthony H Remix)' is now out everywhere, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp, where the 'Bonfire In The Tempest' EP is also available digitally and as a first-print red variant cassette with a special album poem inside.
EP & REMIX CREDITS
Lyrics by Jennifer Ryan Wilde
Music written & arranged by Sword Tongue (Wilde / Milligan / Maleki)
Jennifer Ryan Wilde - vocals
Dan Milligan - drums & percussion
Gaetano Maleki - guitar & bass
Produced by Dan Milligan
Remix by Anthony H
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR
Keep up with Sword Tongue
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | BlueSky | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music| Press contact
Keep up with Anthony H
Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
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CROBOT Unleash Lyric Video for new song “GUN TO MY HEAD” Add U.K. Tour Dates
Today marks an exciting milestone with the release of the Official “Gun To My Head” lyric video, the song is now available on all platforms. It’s time to turn up the volume and immerse yourself in the electrifying sound of Crobot, as their music promises to propel you into an exhilarating journey beyond the stars. As the band wraps up their US tour, the anticipation builds for their upcoming adventure in the United Kingdom. Fans should prepare for an unforgettable experience, kicking off on December 2 in Southampton and culminating in a spectacular finale on December 14 in Brighton. Buckle up for a wild ride filled with
energy and passion!
There’s a special kind of madness that happens when a band circles back to its roots — that wild-eyed realization that the thing you were chasing was behind you the whole damn time. CROBOT are standing right there now, staring down the beast they built, grinning through the smoke.
Brandon Yeagley still preaches his gospel from behind the mic like some back-alley shaman with a harmonica holstered for punctuation. Christopher Bishop remains the riff conjurer — tone soaked in engine grease and snake oil, as if the guitar itself were trying to escape the song. And with the arrival of brothers Willie (bass, vocals) and Nico Jansen (drums, percussion), the band’s pulse has started to sound downright dangerous again — thick, swinging, and impossible to fake.
Every band says they’re “getting back to their roots.” Most of them mean they’re out of ideas. CROBOT means it like a blood oath. They’ve stripped it all down to the muscle and marrow, rediscovering that holy intersection where Sabbath’s weight meets Funkadelic’s freak, where Clutch’s swagger shakes hands in the Blood, Sugar, Sex, Magic Chili-Peppers era. This isn’t nostalgia — it’s resurrection. The past few years have sanded off a lot of pretense. What’s left is a band that’s learned how to breathe again, how to groove again, how to trust the dirt under their boots. They’ve been through the industry grinder, the touring trenches, the ego traps, and the inner wars — and somehow came out grinning wider, riffing harder, and sounding more alive than they have
in a decade.
That rebirth roars to life on “Gun to My Head,” the first shot fired from their upcoming album. It’s CROBOT at their most unfiltered — hook-heavy, groove-drenched, and thick with the kind of swagger that makes amps sweat. The song’s chorus swings like a pendulum between surrender and salvation, the sound of four musicians testing their own limits and finding freedom on the other side. It’s not about violence — it’s about the pressure of transformation, the push and pull between love, truth, and the kind of pain that forces
you to evolve.
“Sometimes you’re forced to take a step back and reflect on what really matters,” explains Yeagley. “Every note has a reason, every word a purpose. We’re etching something in-blood into the CROBOT discography - and Gun to My Headfelt like the best taste of what’s to come.”
CROBOT in 2025 isn’t chasing relevance. They’re chasing feel. That unspoken alchemy that happens when four lunatics hit a downbeat and the room levitates for a second. They’ve traded the smoke and mirrors for sweat and instinct,
and it shows.
Call it rebirth, call it regression, call it whatever you want — CROBOT is back where they belong: knee-deep in the groove, grinning like thieves, and daring you to
prove them wrong.
REMAINING US DATES
11/20 Asheville, NC - Eulogy
11/21 Raleigh, NC - The Pour House
11/22 Baltimore, MD - Metro Gallery
11/23 Philadelphia, PA - MilkBoy
British Metalcore Act Shields Share New Single "Parasites"
British metalcore band Shields have released their new single "Parasites."
The song is taken from their upcoming studio album Death & Connection, to be released on January 30 via Long Branch Records.
Stream "Parasites" and pre-order the album here.
"'Parasites' is about the experience of sinking into depression and the warped internal relationship that develops within that state," comments singer Joe Edwards. "Originally a rock song from a previous project, 'Parasites' was repurposed for our album. As the original track already had dark undertones, it was easy to re-frame it in moody industrial arrangements, allowing for a wide range of dynamic shifts between sections."
The band shares, "Our new album Death & Connection is a body of work born from the absence of the people who no longer hold space in our lives. This record was created from a necessity to express and soothe our deepest losses; however, that was never the intention — we simply set out to make an album we wanted to hear."
Founded in 2012 by primary songwriters Joe Edwards (vocals) and Samuel Kubrick Finney (guitar/vocals), Shields quickly made an impact in the heavy music scene with their viral single "I Just Feel Hate" — a track they re-released in a newly reimagined version in April 2025. Their EP GUILT cemented their refined sound, blending brutal instrumentation with poignant, emotionally driven lyrics. With this release, they demonstrated an aggressive adaptability to the ever-evolving alternative music landscape, winning over fans from across adjacent genres. The momentum of their powerful breakthrough led to tour cycles alongside acts such as Loathe, Ice Nine Kills, and Escape the Fate.
Shields' debut full-length album Life in Exile (2018) received critical acclaim for its raw honesty and musical maturity. However, the album cycle was tragically cut short by the sudden passing of guitarist George Christie — an event that ultimately led to the band's untimely and abrupt disbandment.
Their return marks a bold decision, given the tragic circumstances surrounding their 2018 split. Yet, Shields re-emerge with powerful new tracks, inviting audiences to witness the next evolution of their sound - matured, refined, and fearless. This new chapter is supported by a fortified lineup, featuring founding members Edwards andl Kubrick Finney, now joined by Alastair Wain (drums) and Krishan Pujara (bass).
If Shields' discography is any indication of what lies ahead, audiences can expect a torrent of unrelentingly bold strides into new sonic territories.
SHIELDS ARE:
Joe Edwards — Vocals
Samuel Kubrick Finney — Guitar + Vocals
Alastair Wain — Drums
Krishan Pujara — Bass
BLACK SEA OF TREES Unveil Their New Single “Servant to the Sun” From the Upcoming Album Cult of the Sun
Melbourne progressive metal visionaries BLACK SEA OF TREES return with their powerful new single “Servant to the Sun”. Known for blending death metal ferocity with atmospheric folk textures and immersive storytelling, the band now presents one of the most commanding and accessible tracks of their career.
“Servant to the Sun” captures the moment in the album’s narrative where the protagonist fully surrenders to a radiant sun god and embraces a euphoric sense of divine purpose. The song opens with driving rhythms and a strong feeling of forward momentum, evoking the sense of marching toward destiny. Its soaring choruses, confident vocal presence and hypnotic guitar harmonies express both the exhilaration and the blindness that accompany total devotion. A spacious middle section offers a moment of trance-like bliss before the track returns to an authoritative and resolute declaration of faith.
Lyrically, the single explores the dangerous joy that comes from unquestioning belief. The protagonist feels liberated from doubt and burden, convinced that divine selection has granted them enlightenment and purpose.
Musically, “Servant to the Sun” showcases BLACK SEA OF TREES at their most focused and anthemic. The band leans into rhythmic precision, deep commanding vocals and euphoric melodic phrasing that reflects the spiritual high of the character’s transformation. The track draws influence from OPETH, GOJIRA, KATATONIA and CULT OF LUNA while maintaining the distinct identity that has shaped the band’s evolving sound.
Listen Below:
About BLACK SEA OF TREES:
Based out of Melbourne and Victoria in Australia, the progressive metal ensemble composes their music around the narrative of their releases. BLACK SEA OF TREES formed in 2018. The debut album, The Spiritual Beast, materialized in the spring of 2023. The band's forthcoming sophomore full-length is an exploration of spirituality, folklore and philosophy, with death metal, folk and ambient elements incorporated into the soundscapes. "A Red Dawn" marks the beginning of this next chapter for BLACK SEA OF TREES, introducing this next album's concept: the protagonist is chosen by god to overthrow an old kingdom in a spiritual revolution. It's a narrative that is heavily influenced by the Ancient Egyptian Pharaoh, Akhenaten and his life’s journey.
BLACK SEA OF TREES bring to life their themes and concepts through dark atmospheric tones, strong full voiced melodies, falsetto and deep growls. With songs ranging from intense 8-minute long walls of sound to 3-minute atmospheric/acoustic passages, BLACK SEA OF TREES draw inspiration from the likes of OPETH, KATATONIA, CULT OF LUNA, RUSSIAN CIRCLES, and KARNIVOOL. A wide array of styles is entwined into the outfit's distinctive and compelling sound.
BLACK SEA OF TREES is:
Samuel Exton - Vocals/Guitar
Jan Schotting - Drums
Francesco Adami - Bass
Chris Schwinghamer - Lead Guitar
Connect with BLACK SEA OF TREES:
Bandcamp: https://blackseaoftreesofficial.bandcamp.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackseaoftrees
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC24GQ_gVO_PPBR5TJqmdZpQ
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3zogtBHiOCIaGsOfy7y6oS
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/au/artist/black-sea-of-trees/946433249
VESSELES Reveal New Single "Perpetual Chasm of Black Mirrors"
Symphonic black metal project VESSELES has released their new song "Perpetual Chasm of Black Mirrors". The song is from their upcoming release Home, which will be released on January 16, 2026. "Perpetual Chasm of Black Mirrors" highlights the deepening mental decay as Valira sinks deeper into her own internal torment.
Listen BELOW:
Pre-order Home: https://vesseles.myshopify.com/
About VESSELES:
Founded in 2023, VESSELES is the sonic vessel through which Valira speaks the language of her origins. As composer, orchestrator, and architect, she crafts bleak, incantatory soundscapes that fuse serrated guitars with haunted symphonic textures. Her voice, at once seething and spectral, now rises with increasing clarity, layered across both backing and lead roles in studio and on stage. This is not performance. It is possession. Through sound, she casts off the human shell and steps fully into her true form: demon, exile, survivor. VESSELES unveiled the debut EP I Am A Demon in 2024, a liturgy of identity dysphoria, rage, and revelation. "Eternally Within Us" follows the recently released 2025 single, "Flesh Throne".
Credits:
Composed by Valira Pietrangelo.
Performed by VESSELES.
VESSELES Is:
Valira Pietrangelo - guitar and backing vocals
J Burial (Joel Ferry) - vocals
Ron Graves - bass
Nick Brown - drums
Links:
Bandcamp: https://vesseles.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vesseles/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Vesseles
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vesseles666/
Music and merch: https://linktr.ee/vesseles
Illusions of Grandeur Unleash Their Darkest Anthem Yet with New Single “CURSES”
Cinematic metal titans Illusions of Grandeur erupt into a new era with the release of their thunderous and theatrical new single, “CURSES.” Known for fusing bone-crushing metal with immersive world-building and dramatic storytelling, the band once again raises the stakes, dragging listeners deeper into their mythic universe.
ABOUT THE SONG:
The song "Curses" by Illusions of Grandeur explores themes of consequence, judgment, and the power of words, continuing the band's narrative-driven style rooted in Greek mythology The song deals directly with the concept of curses and their inescapable consequences. The lyrics begin, "Listen carefully, Lessons silence teach, The more you learn, The less you speak, Wisdom wanes, What lies beneath, Curses, Spoken, Webs your Words wea...". This suggests that actions and even words have lasting, often negative, impacts that can ensnare a person.
BIO:
Illusions of Grandeur
is a powerful female-fronted metal band that captivates audiences with their dynamic sound and theatrical performances.
Illusions Of Grandeur is a Theatrical Hard Rock/Fantasy Metal band based in
Los Angeles, CA USA.
Their performance, “The Siren Saga”, is a story of the journeys, perils, and triumphs of the Siren and her warriors. The story mixes facts and fiction combining Greek and Norse Mythology, Sirens, Gods, Archangels.
Maddox Batson Shares the Spirit of the Season with 'Home For The Holidays' Bundle
On the heels of announcing his worldwide tour for early 2026, Maddox Batson releases his Home For The Holidays bundle with two renditions of Christmas staples: “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” and “Last Christmas.” Listen to the tracks via Prosper Entertainment / Warner Records here.
Batson is also set to take the stage at the Opry Country Christmas show on Sunday, Nov. 30; the 15-year-old singer/songwriter made his Grand Ole Opry debut on March 26, 2025. Tickets are available for purchase for the Opry Country Christmas show here.
“Christmas is HUGE at my house. We’re the family that puts the tree up early, watches Elf and Home Alone on repeat and blasts Christmas music like it’s our job! It’s always been my favorite holiday – the one that takes me back to going over to my Nana and Papa’s house and spending quality time with my family,” says Batson. “This year, I wanted to put my own spin on two of my all-time favorites – ‘I’ll Be Home For Christmas’ and ‘Last Christmas.’ Hope y’all love ’em as much as I loved making ’em. Happy Holidays and see you out there on the road in 2026!”
In the midst of offering fans new tracks for the holiday season, Batson also announced his 2026 worldwide tour. The tour kicks off in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida on Feb. 17, 2026 and includes coast-to-coast U.S. shows along with Canadian and European dates. Baylee Lynn, Jenna Davis, Just Jayne and Timmy McKeever support Batson for various dates. Public on-sale occurs on Nov. 14 at 12 p.m. local time via MaddoxBatson.com.
Batson is hailed as “A young star, new on the country charts already striking a chord and hitting all the right notes” by NBC Nightly News, while Forbes praises Batson’s stage presence, sharing “It’s not only his lyrics and relatable subject matter that’s captured the hearts of young fans, it’s his engaging, high-energy personality that shines through every live performance, music video, and interaction with everyone he meets.”
With so much momentum and a 2026 40+ headlining tour announcement, expect more music soon to follow upbeat, sentimental track “Coincidence” via Prosper Entertainment / Warner Records and “No More,” a powerful track that taps into heartbreak and healing with a combination of grit, vulnerability and raw emotional delivery.
STAY TUNED WITH MADDOX BATSON
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About Maddox Batson:
With his Stagecoach Music Festival debut in April and the arrival of his deluxe EP First Dance (The After Party) in May, Maddox Batson was ready to show the world you’re never too young to be the face of music. Batson most recently wrapped his 29-city I Need A Truck Tour and released his new track “Coincidence.” The 15-year-old, hailed as “A young star, new on the country charts already striking a chord and hitting all the right notes” by NBC Nightly News, is set to hit the road in 2026 for the Maddox Batson Live Worldwide Tour with North American and European dates.
Life is moving fast for the multi-instrumentalist (piano, guitar & mandolin), and he’s trying his best to remain a kid while becoming next up in country-pop music. “It can be overwhelming, this life, but I’ve got a lot of good people surrounding me,” he explains. “I’m still just a kid, though, and I’m happy about that.”
AUNT CYNTHIA'S CABIN Announce Repress of 'Misty Woman'
The psychedelic desert rock ensemble AUNT CYNTHIA'S CABIN evoke an expansive and immersive soundscape in their acclaimed album Misty Woman. This December, the band's debut full-length release returns including a brand new bonus track on cyan and magenta vinyl, as well as on CD, via Black Throne Productions.
The album was thoroughly shaped by the landscape traversed in its making. The San Diego, CA, based psychedelic desert rock trio road tripped from San Diego, CA, to Austin, TX, to record the album at Electric Deluxe Recorders with Grammy-award winning producer Adrian Quesada. The sun-scorched and mirage-laden Texas environment of the record’s creation sets the tone for the music therein.
Misty Woman will be unleashed on December 19th, 2025. The vinyl is available for pre-order via Black Throne Productions HERE. AUNT CYNTHIA'S CABIN has recently signed with Atomic Music Group.
About AUNT CYNTHIA'S CABIN:
AUNT CYNTHIA'S CABIN is comprised of San Diego’s Brennan Justice (guitar, lead vocals), Anthony DeFreitas (bass, vocals) and Jeremy Luvaas (drums, percussion). Beginning as a duo, Justice and DeFreitas' previous time in a surf rock ensemble saw the pair develop their signature Western tones with an excessive use of spring reverb, translating now to the ethereal, dusty sound of psychedelic desert rock. The band’s name is born from a fictional 1970s murder mystery novel dreamt up by the trio on a drunken night, capturing their embrace of “strange and heavy”, aptly fitting of the uncanny elements entwined in their music. AUNT CYNTHIA'S CABIN produce an neo-psychedelic style that carries an eerie quality. The sonic atmosphere envelopes each listener with nostalgia.
The trio began as a self-recording band with a home-brew analog-meets-digital rig set up. The DIY approach was left behind in 2019 when the outfit ventured from their hometown of San Diego, CA to Austin, TX to record Misty Woman in a studio they felt would best fit the vibe of their new compositions. Working with producer Adrian Quesada (The Black Pumas, 7-time Grammy-nominee) at Electric Deluxe Recorders, the very sun-beaten landscape that surrounds the studio fed into the quality and mood of the recordings.
Initially released by Nasoni Records in February of 2020, the enthralling textures and captivating character of AUNT CYNTHIA'S CABIN's Misty Woman returns including the new track "Magic Touch", on vinyl and CD via Black Throne Productions on December 19th, 2025.
AUNT CYNTHIA'S CABIN is:
Brennan Justice (guitar, lead vocals)
Anthony DeFreitas (bass, vocals)
Jeremy Luvaas (drums, percussion)
Links:
Bandcamp: https://auntcynthiascabin.bandcamp.com
E-Shop: https://auntcynthiascabin.printful.me/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/auntcynthiascabin/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/auntcynthiascabin
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC61wjDcx2Jiqs_Hsds4trPw
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/66kb7d5jDmTkMSs1XcOXTQ?si=LwpSkvTASQ2BQkORMbCFkQ
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/aunt-cynthias-cabin/1351437121
Candi Carpenter Drops "Friday Night (Three Stacks On The Radio)" Inspired by Tim Robinson’s "I Think You Should Leave"
If you're a fan of powerhouse vocals on bone-chilling, emotive ballads, then we think you should stay.
Presented and directed by alternative disruptor Candi Carpenter, enter the new music video for their single "Friday Night (Three Stacks On The Radio)," inspired by everybody’s favorite comedian, Tim Robinson, and his series, I Think You Should Leave. More specifically, the episode titled, "Friday," wherein the suited Robinson delivers a truly impactful eulogy with a deadpan delivery that truly makes you feel as if maybe you should leave, but to leave would mean missing out on a once-in-a-lifetime performance (here.)
Replacing Robinson's absurdist delivery with Candi Carpenter's Lady Gaga-level vocal control and range, we're left with the "Friday Night" that we all deserved and never suspected.
Watch the Candi Carpenter rendition of "Friday Night (Three Stacks On The Radio)," Below.
On the choice to tap ITYSL for their next single, Candi explained, "As a fellow Michigan kid who learned to make little jokes when things were hard, Tim Robinson's comedy makes me feel less alone. I am not entirely sure if I even have a real personality anymore or if I am just a sentient amalgamation of bits and lines from I Think You Should Leave. Tim and his collaborators write all of these incredible songs for the series, and 'Friday Night (Three Stacks on The Radio)' is such a freaking banger. Recording this cover and re-creating some of the sketch for the music video is my feeble attempt at saying 'Thank you' to a show that’s helped me and my friends survive a lot of rough times. If I Think You Should Leave ever officially becomes a religion, I will consider joining."
From the raunchy, unbridled mind that brought you the ultimate 2025 protest anthem, "American God," and the beautifully fatalistic voice behind "The Fear Of Being Human Remains," Candi Carpenter is the ideal candidate to lead a future filled with artists that are unafraid and uncensored.
Candi Carpenter (they/them) is a queer, non-binary, openly autistic singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-disciplinary artist who is unafraid to shatter expectations. A true rock and alternative musician's musician, Candi writes songs that cut deep, grappling with toxic religion, sexuality, identity, and the existential beauty of the human experience.
For fans of cheeky visionaries and fun sonispheres, keep your eyes peeled for more from Candi Carpenter, who plans to be a continued source of inspiration for the downtrodden, the misunderstood and the fabulous.
Never fraudulent, forever authentic, Candi Carpenter thinks we should stay.
Horizon Theory Release New Single "Transcendence" feat. Morgan Rose (Sevendust)
Horizon Theory has released their new single “Transcendence”, featuring Morgan Rose of Sevendust on both guest vocals and drums, available now via Mindful Recordings.
“Transcendence” marks the first single from Horizon Theory’s upcoming full-length album, Mission Control, slated for release in March 2026. Accompanied by a visualizer, the track delivers an atmospheric and hard-hitting sonic experience.
Produced by Morgan Rose, mixed by Chris Dawson and mastered by Kris Crummett, the single delivers a polished sound that rivals some of modern rock’s most powerful productions.
Josh Harrington, the band's vocalist shares, "'Transcendence' is a song that I think everyone can relate to. It’s basically about a relationship that implodes. Love lost and questions unanswered. Something we’ve all been through at some point in our lives. It features Morgan on drums and backing vocals also!"
He adds, "This will be our first release working with a producer and until we toured with Sevendust we hadn’t really considered it. While we were on the road with them Morgan mentioned getting in the studio and putting an album together. To say we were pumped at the opportunity is an understatement! Working with Morgan was an awesome experience and a great way for us to expand our sound with some fresh ideas in the studio. We can’t wait for you to hear the rest of the album Mission Control!"
Morgan Rose comments, “I had the best time working with these guys. The songs are amazing. Lyrically, and musically, I have no doubt people will relate to it in a big way”.
“Transcendence” is available now on all major streaming platforms.
STREAM "Transcendence HERE
WATCH the visualizer video for "Transcendence" below.
Horizon Theory is a 5 piece Heavy Rock/Metal band that is quickly showing that they have what it takes to become a mainstay in the genre. The airtight rhythm section featuring Luen Murr on Bass produces the foundation for what will only prove to be more complex and melodic. Chris Black layers guitars that can mesmerize and enchant just as easily as they can violently blast through whatever is in the path. This all sets the stage for Josh Harrington to invoke emotion and energy from any crowd that witnesses his passionate vocal performance. With several singles racking up Millions of views and streams since 2023 as well as tours with the likes of Sevendust, 10 Years, Cold, Orgy and Smile Empty Soul, HORIZON THEORY has exploded onto the scene with energy and conviction.
Horizon Theory:
Josh Harrington - Vocals
Chris Black - Guitar
Luen Murr - Bass
For More Information Please Visit:
Adam Ezra Group New Song Out Today!!!!
New Song: “Searching For Words That They Haven’t Made Yet” Out Now!!!
This is one of my favorites from the upcoming album. Officially out today anywhere you can stream music!
Since the beginning of August 150,000 people have streamed our new music around the world and that is TOTALLY because of you all...our core people...listening, saving, and sharing our songs. Over 30% of those listeners have come to us through algorithmic recommendations triggered by your enthusiasm for our latest releases. Words can’t do a thank you justice, so in addition we promise to keep this all going...so excited for the releases to come...
Tour!!
Between now and the end of the year we have so many shows coming up we’re excited about!! If you see one you’re interested in, we recommend getting tickets early...we’re seeing a lot of sell-outs lately, and if you’re on this email list we want to make sure you’re getting all the info you need to keep visiting!! :)
Dec 1 Dörphof, Germany - SOLD OUT
Dec 2 Dörphof, Germany - SOLD OUT
Teen Mortgage Drop "Below The Christmas Tree" — LISTEN // Band Partners With Skate Super Skate Posse
Washington, DC punk duo TEEN MORTGAGE — guitarist/vocalist James Guile and drummer Ed Barakauskas — are getting festive with their new holiday track "Below the Christmas Tree."
Listen below.
Of course, in typical Teen Mortgage fashion, it's ANYTHING but a typical holiday track.
"We wanted to give people a new Christmas song to throw in their rotation because the usual Christmas hits get tedious to listen to," states Guile. "The song is a satire of people's tendency to ignore the world and embrace consumerism during Christmas and the way they would continue the tradition in the face of a nuclear holocaust. But the flip side of that is that Christmas is a call for peace."
Teen Mortgage are also partnering with Super Skate Posse and the Boys and Girls Club of Baltimore to provide 50 pre-selected, area youths with new skateboards, helmets, and Converse sneakers, along with a skate demo and music performance in Baltimore.
Guile says, "We're insanely proud to offer kids a chance to be part of the skate community in Baltimore and maybe get inspired to be in a band too."
The event will take place at the Skatepark Of Baltimore, locate at 1201 W 36th Street, Baltimore, MD on Saturday, November 22 from 2 to 3pm, and will include demos from professional skaters Brian Anderson, Darren Harper, Spencer Brown, and Tony Massey, as well as a full performance from the band.
The Super Skate Posse Givebacks partner with local organizations across America to remove the cost barrier of access to the mental health benefits of skateboarding through a one of a kind experience to underserved youth. This is the first time the event will take place in Baltimore and is sponsored by The Boys And Girls Club Of Baltimore, Converse, Good360, Lingraphica, No Expectations, Team Bonding, Vu Skateshop, JBL Audio, Polio Treading, and Primary Wave.
"It's an honor to work with Teen Mortgage to uplift the youth of Baltimore. It may not be common knowledge but lead singer, James Guile, is a lifelong skateboarder. I commend James and Edward Barakauskas for identifying a need for resources in their community and taking action," says Chris Nieratko, Executive Director, Super Skate Posse.
In addition to this special performance, the band will perform at two holiday-themed shows. The will appear at the Jingle Bell Roxy LA on December 10. Jingle Bell Rox is a 13-night concert series in partnership with Union Rescue Mission. There will be a donation drive at each show to support those in need this season.
The band will also perform at Blissmas 25 with Better Lovers, Glassjaw, Saves the Day, Terror, Onyx, Haywire 617, Koyo, and Johnny Booth on December 13.
Teen Mortgage, who have shared stages with the likes of Weezer and Smashing Pumpkins, are in the middle of a headline tour. Get tickets here. They will hit the road hard in 2026, as well, as they are set to tour with Joyce Manor, Militarie Gun, and Combat next spring. All dates are below.
TEEN MORTGAGE ON TOUR:
HEADLINE 2025:
11/12 — Louisville, KY — Zanzabar
11/14 — Indianapolis, IN — Turntable
11/15 — Lakewood, OH — Mahall's
11/16 — Pittsburgh, PA — Bottlerocket Social Hall
HOLIDAY SHOWS:
12/10 — West Hollywood, CA — The Roxy Theatre
12/13 — Buffalo, NY— Buffalo RiverWorks
WITH JOYCE MANOR, MILITARIE GUN, + COMBAT:
SPRING 2026:
3/09 — Phoenix, AZ — The Van Buren
3/11 — Austin, TX — Stubb's Waller Creek Amphitheater
3/12 — Houston, TX — House of Blues Houston
3/13 — Dallas, TX — House of Blues Dallas
3/14 — New Orleans, LA — House of Blues New Orleans
3/16 — Orlando, FL — House of Blues Orlando
3/17 — Atlanta, GA — Buckhead Theatre
3/18 — N. Myrtle Beach, SC — House Of Blues Myrtle Beach
3/20 — Baltimore, MD — Nevermore Hall
3/21 — Boston, MA — Citizens House of Blues Boston
3/22 — Philadelphia, PA — The Fillmore Philadelphia
3/24 — Brooklyn, NY — Brooklyn Paramount
3/25 — Buffalo, NY — Asbury Hall
3/26 — Toronto, ON Canada — The Danforth Music Hall
3/27 — Detroit, MI — Majestic Theatre
3/28 — Chicago, IL — The Salt Shed
4/26 — Madison, WI — The Sylvee
4/27 — Minneapolis, MN — Varsity Theater
4/30 — Des Moines, IA — Wooly’s
5/01 — St. Louis, MO — Delmar Hall
5/02 — Lawrence, KS — Liberty Hall
5/04 — Denver, CO — Fillmore Auditorium
5/05 — Salt Lake City, UT — The Depot
5/07 — Great Falls, MT — The Newberry
5/08 — Calgary, AB Canada — The Palace Theatre
5/09 — Edmonton, AB Canada — Midway Music Hall
5/11 — Vancouver, BC Canada — Commodore Ballroom
5/12 — Seattle, WA — The Showbox
5/13 — Portland, OR — Roseland Theater
5/15 — San Francisco, CA — The Fillmore
REDIVIDER Unleashes “Quartered & Devoured," A Vicious Salvo of Fury and Ritual
Death metal powerhouse REDIVIDER returns with “Quartered & Devoured”, the first single from their upcoming full-length album Sounds of Malice, arriving January 9, 2026 through Third House Communications.
A feral introduction to the chaos that defines Sounds of Malice, “Quartered & Devoured” captures the pure essence of brutality with a lingering feeling of entrapment. The track tells the story of the first humans in Dungeons & Dragons lore, a wild and violent race despised by the gods for their aggression. The lyrics depict a ritual of defiance, where these humans perform a hanging, drawing, and quartering as a sacrificial act against the divine powers that tried to erase them from existence.
Musically, REDIVIDER wastes no time pulling punches. “Quartered & Devoured”hits hard as the opening track, setting the tone for the record with relentless rhythms, haunting tension, and grooves that refuse to let go. The band fuses precision and chaos to create an atmosphere that is both crushing and unforgettable. Each riff lands with weight, every hook sinks deep, building a sense of unease that never lets up. Groove remains the pulse that ties the track together, a foundation of violence that demands attention.
Sounds of Malice marks REDIVIDER’s most intense and immersive work to date, diving headfirst into themes of rebellion, destruction, and the ancient hunger that drives humanity to endure.
About REDIVIDER:
REDIVIDER is a death metal band from Louisville, Kentucky, formed in 2021 by vocalist Jacob Spencer and guitarist Paul Nunavath. Joined by guitarist Jake Atha and bassist Alexander Farrington, the band draws influence from the early Florida death metal scene and bands like CANNIBAL CORPSE, MORBID ANGEL, DEATH, and GORGUTS. With a sound rooted in old school brutality and layered with modern aggression, REDIVIDER combines guttural vocals, dissonant riffs, and relentless groove to create music that is both violent and immersive.
The band made their live debut in 2022 and quickly gained recognition in the underground scene, sharing stages with acts such as CREEPING DEATH, CRYPTA, MASACRE, COGNITIVE, and SEE YOU NEXT TUESDAY. Their debut album Sounds of Malice is a conceptually rich, sonically punishing record that blends fantasy-driven storytelling with crushing heaviness. Written with live performance in mind, REDIVIDER’s music thrives on tension, rhythm, and unapologetic intensity, death metal built to be felt as much as heard.
REDIVIDER Lineup:
Jacob Spencer – Vocals
Paul Nunavath – Guitar
Jake Atha – Guitar
Alexander Farrington – Bass
Mike Hargrave – Drums (live)
Connect with REDIVIDER:
KING ULTRAMEGA - The Day I Tried To Live (Single)
To commemorate the induction of the legendary SOUNDGARDEN into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, alternative rock collective KING ULTRAMEGA have unleashed a powerful new rendition of "The Day I Tried To Live", featuring SOUNDGARDEN's Kim Thayil, with Alissa White-Gluz of ARCH ENEMY, Mark Menghi of METAL ALLEGIANCE, and Charlie Benante of ANTHRAX. "The Day I Tried To Live" is also featured on a 2-song LP release that also features KING ULTRAMEGA's rendition of the SOUNDGARDEN classic "Rusty Cage". KING ULTRAMEGA crafted this single in loving memory of legendary vocalist Chris Cornell, while raising funds and awareness for MusiCares, which is the Recording Academy’s nonprofit that provides mental health, addiction recovery, and emergency services to those in the music community.
Kim Thayil welcomed this unique opportunity to rediscover his relationship with the song, outside of the familiar context of performing it as a SOUNDGARDEN member. Though the process of sharing his original contributions and interpretations of his guitar performances with other musicians was challenging, Thayil found it to be personally cathartic, capturing the essence of "The Day I Tried To Live", while still bringing a fresh power and beauty to the song.
Thayil comments, "I believe that the personal exploration that came out of my accepting the invitation from Mark, and King Ultramega, to participate in these recordings, allowed me to open myself up to the creative risks of sharing an emotive and artistically intimate experience with other creative individuals, and that this has proved to be rewarding and encouraging, for me, of future similar collaborations."
While Thayil's smooth, soulful lead guitar performance shines on top, bassist and KING ULTRAMEGA creative visionary Mark Menghi keeps the groove of the song true to form. Menghi's precise bass performance gives Thayil a familiar foundation to build upon so that together, KING ULTRAMEGA can do justice to Chris Cornell's legacy.
Menghi comments, "It was a bit nerve racking for me to go in and record this track knowing Kim was going to be on this song, as it's his band's song to begin with. In addition, it was equally important for me to keep it true to the original so Alissa had a strong foundation to deliver her magic. 'What would Chris think?' was the question that kept repeating in my head over and over."
As a longtime SOUNDGARDEN fan, vocalist Alissa White-Gluz cites Chris Cornell's work as highly influential and inspirational to her own, through all of his projects. Her energetic performance carries the song through a range of emotional peaks and valleys, from smooth, dark verses to gritty, soaring choruses. The use of subtle dynamics and textures shows meticulous attention to detail, demonstrating White-Gluz's intent to craft a tribute that remains true to Chris Cornell's style and delivery.
"I felt that I needed to try to embody his unique power and swagger when delivering the vocals here," she comments. "He has always had such a remarkable way of wording things; 'I stole a thousand beggars’ change and gave it to the rich' - just so, so good. He always managed to grab our attention with narrative and keep our interest with thoughtful word choice and intriguing messages."
Finally, drummer Charlie Benante of ANTHRAX lays the beat down with care and intention, closely matching the dynamic structure of the original song. Always playing slightly behind the beat, Benante alternates lighter and heavier playing to recreate the signature sound of "The Day I Tried To Live".
"This is one of my favorite Soundgarden songs," Benante comments. "I just love everything about the song. I especially love the ending, I never expected it to end the way it ends. It's just a beautiful piece of music. Matt’s playing on this tune really compliments the song so much. I just tried to stay true to that."
The LP featuring "The Day I Tried To Live" and "Rusty Cage" is available exclusively on the Reigning Phoenix Music webstore, SOUNDGARDEN webstore, and KING ULTRAMEGA webstore.
A limited run of 500 purple vinyls (available to US purchasers) and 300 lilac vinyls (available to European purchasers) will go on sale beginning November 7, to commemorate SOUNDGARDEN's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The vinyl will be available on the Soundgarden, Reigning Phoenix Music and King Ultramega stores.
About KING ULTRAMEGA:
For Menghi and his collaborators, KING ULTRAMEGA is both a deeply personal labor of love and one of the greatest honors of their musical lives. "To be here thirty-plus years later paying tribute to whom I believe was the king of those times is one of the greatest musical honors of my life."
Lineup for "The Day I Tried To Live":
Kim Thayil - Guitar
Alissa White-Gluz - Vocals
Mark Menghi - Bass
Charlie Benante - Drums
Connect with King Ultramega:
kingultramega.com | Apple Music | Spotify | Deezer | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok | X
Alone At The Afterparty: Nate Vickers Reflects On “Feels So Wrong”
Alt rock's breakout act to watch, Nate Vickers, bares a new kind of vulnerability on his brand new single, "Feels So Wrong", out now via Oxide Records. Building on his confessional momentum of his previous single "Deja Vu,", Vickers pivots from heartbreak's dizzy aftermath to exploring the complicated costs of personal growth, confronting the uneasy guilt and loneliness that lingers after moving on. Watch the brand new video for "Feels So Wrong" below.
Wrestling with the irony of success, "Feels So Wrong", sees Nate Vickers spotlighting the double-edged nature of achievement. Today's brand new video follows Nate as he moves through an empty room filled with balloons and party decorations that echo celebration, but ultimately underscore his quiet ache of isolation and disconnection. Through honest, introspective lyrics and his signature alt-rock edge, Vickers reflects on the loneliness that emerges when fake friends return, but true support remain elusive.
Setting the scene for "Feels So Wrong," Nate Vickers muses:
"It feels so cool to be successful, but it feels so wrong at the same time. It's about feeling lonely after finding success. How fake friends will hit you up after you're doing well, but weren't there for you when you needed help."
With his smash hit "A Little Too Late" cementing Nate Vickers as a breakout voice and his previous single "Parasite" pushing his sound into a darker, more visceral territory, latest singles "Falling Away From Heaven" and "Deja Vu" build on that rising momentum. Seeing Vickersblending gritty guitars with pain and the pursuit of healing, these latest tracks capture an artist unafraid to bare his scars while reaching for something greater.
Inspired by icons such as Linkin Park, Three Days Grace, and Bad Omens, Nate Vickers has crafted a sound that is unmistakably his own, drawing more than 1.5 million followers to his TikTok and 540K to his Instagram. Between viral, late-night covers and playlist-dominating originals, Vickers has also earned his place as a standout favorite on Pandora and Sirius XM's Octane. What began as a spark has now become an alt-rock wildfire.
Be sure to stay tuned for more Nate Vickers news coming soon.
ABOUT NATE VICKERS
For Houston-born artist Nate Vickers, perfection isn’t a pursuit – it’s a mandate. Guided by an unflinching commitment to total artistic integrity and execution, Vickers has spent years carving out his own lane where raw emotion meets dark, cinematic soundscapes and precision is everything.
Gravitating towards rock and metal from a young age, Vickers found music early. “I was a big fan of Kiss when I was a kid,” he recalls. “I watched their concert on TV and thought, ‘that's incredible.’” Around age five Vickers formed an unlikely friendship with an eccentric older neighbor and musician who sold him his first drum set and taught him guitar chords. From there, the obsession never stopped. In high school, he began to find his voice thanks to screamo youtube covers he recorded in his bedroom. By 18, Vickers began teaching himself to sing. A natural performer, Vickers has since honed a powerfully confident voice defined by depth, raw emotion, and grit. Holding nothing back, he stylistically sells every word he sings – a foundational mentality to his creative identity.
He carried this mindset into the studio when he started recording original music in 2016. Teaming up with producer Robby Joyner after the dissolution of an early band, Vickers launched his solo project. To this day, Robby is his producer and creative partner. “We align really well stylistically and creatively. If we have to do eight vocal sessions for one song, we'll do it. We don't care … whatever makes it perfect. We both have extremely high standards.” Vickers has since garnered more than 16 million streams on Spotify and 1.5 million followers on Tiktok.
Along the way, however, Vickers faced waves of self-doubt. “I was impressionable and cared about other people's opinions a lot. It finally came to a point where I was either gonna quit doing music or fix that.” With newfound inspiration, he’s entering a revived era of unapologetic artistic vision. “I've always known exactly what I wanted to do. What I want to do right now is the same thing I wanted to do when I was 16,” he says.
Sonically, Vickers draws from the emotional grit of Deftones and the moody tension of The Neighbourhood, forging a hybrid of dark, moody alt-rock and more in-your-face alt-metal.
Photo Credit - Clayton King