A COLD PARADISE Release Crushing New Video Single “Impatient”!

Modern metal collective A COLD PARADISE return with their crushing new video single “Impatient,” continuing to shape a sound defined by weight, atmosphere, and cinematic scope. Founded in 2025 by vocalist Antonio Calanna (formerly ALL FOR METAL) and signed to PERCEPTION – A Division of Reigning Phoenix Music, the project represents a modern vision of epic yet heavy music where emotional intensity and sonic power go hand in hand.

"We’re more than impatient to finally share this song with you. The song is about living in that tension between patience and desire: holding on, trusting the process, and being ready when the moment finally arrives. We hope you feel that same anticipation with us, and that this track makes you just as impatient to hear what’s coming next," Calanna reveals. "Impatient defines the direction we want to take with A Cold Paradise. This is the sound, the energy, and the path we’ve been aiming for from the start." 

Stream / Download “Impatient”: https://acp.rpm.link/impatientPR 

Watch the video clip streaming Below:

"Impatient" highlights the multi-layered identity of A COLD PARADISE. The project unites Antonio Calanna’s distinctive, wild vocal style with a modern and youthful sound, supported by a strong artistic cast to form a genre-bending live experience built on heavy riffs, haunting melodies, cinematic textures and electronic soundscapes; ready to take the modern metal world by storm!

In March, A COLD PARADISE will bring their powerful new material to the stage for the first time during a run of headlining dates, the "Weekend Paradise", showcasing their evolving artistic identity and offering audiences an exclusive preview of the forthcoming album. Tickets are available at www.ursulaz.com/weekendparadise. This will be the very first opportunity to experience A COLD PARADISE live - an event not to be missed.

About A COLD PARADISE:

A COLD PARADISE is a modern alternative metal band founded in 2025 by Antonio Calanna (ALL FOR METAL vocalist until 2026), signed to Perception – A Division of Reigning Phoenix Music. The project was born from a desire to emphasize atmosphere, melody, and emotional depth within heavy music, without compromising its force. Rooted in genuine feeling, A COLD PARADISE builds its sound from the inside out, letting emotion guide both songwriting and production. Heavy riffs collide with expressive melodies, cinematic atmospheres, and carefully woven electronic elements that shape the emotional arc of each song. The band works with a defined collective identity: music, lyrics, and visuals all feed into the same artistic world, where storytelling, contrast, and emotional weight matter as much as the breakdowns. Living in the tension between vulnerability and force, A COLD PARADISE blends modern metal and rock with immersive textures to create a dynamic, evocative, and unmistakably human sound.


A COLD PARADISE Artist Line-Up:
Antonio Calanna | vocals
Paolo Avanzini | guitars, vocals
Luca Birocco | guitars
Fortunato De Negri | bass
Daniele Motta | drums
 
More on A COLD PARADISE:
Facebook | Instagram | Tik Tok | Youtube

XCOMM Release New Single & Music Video “Hot Pursuit / One And Nothing”

Following a landmark start to 2026 that saw them support the Foo Fighters at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, earn a place on the prestigious NME 100 of 2026, rack up over 2.5 million views across all platforms on their music video for “Fake ID,” and surge to nearly 50,000 Instagram followers in a matter of weeks, Venice hardcore unit XCOMM return today with their new single “Hot Pursuit / One And Nothing.” Watch the video BELOW and stream the track HERE.

Released via Blowed Out Records - the incubator-like brainchild of Ross Robinson, Ghostemane, and Bill Armstrong and produced by Ross Robinson (Korn, The Cure, Slipknot, Glassjaw, At The Drive In), the track captures the remarkable spectrum of what XCOMM are capable of. “Hot Pursuit” is fast, confrontational and unrelenting and moves with razor-sharp urgency before folding into the darker, almost ethereal tension of “One And Nothing.” The result is the sound of a young band showcasing their exceptional range without any compromise or softening their edges. Speaking on today's release, frontman Michael Gatto shares

“Hot Pursuit is about everyday frustrations and the way we put energy and purpose to combat those frustrations, I remember this one was written at our second ever rehearsal. “One And Nothing”, on the other hand, is about moments of clarity and realizations that you do have control over your surroundings and the way things play out.”  

The release arrives as XCOMM’s live presence continues to expand. It was also announced today that the band will join this year’s Warped Tour line-ups in Washington D.C. (June 13 & 14) and Long Beach, CA (July 25 & 26). They will also be playing the previously announced 3rd Anniversary Parking Lot Show at The Punk Rock Museum in Las Vegas on April 4th, 2026, sharing the bill with Spike and the Gimme Gimmes, Kate Clover, The Whops, and River Ratts and California Chaos Festival at Pacific Electric Los Angeles on April 11 with Militarie Gun, Stateside, Grave Secrets, Blossom, Jawdropped and Star 99. With their debut album on the horizon and a rapidly stacking list of live shows, festivals and momentum that shows absolutely no sign of slowing, XCOMM are poised to be THE breakout band of 2026.

XCOMM 2026 Live Dates

April 4, 2026 – Las Vegas, NV – The Punk Rock Museum (3rd Anniversary Parking Lot Show)

April 11, 2026 – Los Angeles, CA – Pacific Electric (California Chaos Festival)

June 13 & 14, 2026 – Washington, D.C. – Warped Tour

July 25 & 26, 2026 – Long Beach, CA – Warped Tour

As the lyrics for “Hot Pursuit / One And Nothing” make clear: “XCOMM is coming, coming for your life.” 

That is not a threat, it’s a fact. Buckle up.

ABOUT XCOMM

XCOMM are a ferocious hardcore punk band from Venice Beach, fusing old-school intensity with a modern sense of chaos and clarity. Formed in 2023, the band features frontman Michael Gatto, bassist Adan Escoto, drummer Revel Ian, and DJ/sampler Hunter Grogan.

Signed to Blowed Out Records, XCOMM recorded their upcoming debut album Time To Burn with the legendary Ross Robinson producing. Early singles “Reasons,” “Fake ID,” and “Hot Pursuit / One And Nothing” showcase their ability to bottle frustration, urgency, and sharp self-awareness into precise, pummeling anthems. “Fake ID” alone has amassed over 2.5 million views across all platforms, helping propel the band to nearly 50,000 Instagram followers in just a few short weeks.

XCOMM kicked off 2026 supporting the Foo Fighters at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles and were named in the prestigious NME 100 of 2026. In 2025, they shared a stage with Down at Milwaukee Metal Fest, earned heavy rotation on SiriusXM’s Liquid Metal and Faction Punk. They will appear at both Warped Tour 2026, 3rd Anniversary of The Punk Rock Museum in Las Vegas and California Chaos Festival at Pacific Electric in Los Angeles.

XCOMM are:

Michael Gatto – Vocals/Guitar

Revel Ian – Drums

Adan Escoto – Bass

Hunter Grogan – DJ

A Dizzy Late Night Confession: Ray Hawthorne Releases "Somewhere Else"

Everyone's favorite pop punk disruptor, Ray Hawthorne, is back in his feelings and out of his body. Following the anthemic chaos of his recent single, "Sidelines" and his sophomore album, "Ray Hawthorne Isn't Real" the Los Angeles-based firebrand returns with "Somewhere Else," a dizzy, late night confessional about being physically present but emotionally checked out. Fans can listen to the new single Below.

Kicking off like a movie, "Somewhere Else" starts with a messy walk home and only gets more unhinged from there, zooming in on bloody knuckles, bad habits, and the way shame makes you want to disappear even when someone is standing right in front of you. Ray Hawthorne leans into that split-screen feeling of watching yourself from the outside, trying to be the person someone believes in while secretly falling apart in real time.

With his signature mix of chaos, humor, and heart still fully intact, Ray Hawthorne shares:

"Yo have you guys seen Britney Spears’ instagram lately? I’m supposed to write a quote for the song I just dropped but I literally can’t look away from Britney Spears’ instagram. Admittedly I was super out of the loop for the whole ‘Free Britney’ thing, I only got a basic overview from some friends and never really looked further into it. But yo, a reel she just posted popped up on my instagram feed and it’s wild. Don’t scroll through Britney Spears’ reels tab if you have anything else planned for the day. You won’t be able to look away. But the comments are turned off, so you can’t even get a feel for what people are thinking about these reels. You’d have to look up some YouTube think-piece about it, and I don’t have time for that. Alright, actually I had to look it up. I just did a basic YouTube search for “Britney Spears Instagram”. A video popped up with a thumbnail that says “Is it her sister with AI of her face? Is she alive?”. I gotta watch this shit, will report back.

Oh my god. That’s 30 minutes of my life I’ll never get back. Let me save you some time, this video is bullshit, Britney Spears is still alive, she is NOT just Zoey 101 with an AI face no matter what “Ready to Glare” on YouTube might suggest. Just leave Britney alone and listen to my new song instead. It’s called Somewhere Else.”

Renowned for his work in North Kingsley, the acclaimed project alongside Shavo Odadjian of System of a Down, Hawthorne initially captured hearts as the Heartbreak Hero with his inaugural solo release "Heartbreak Feels Good in a Place Like This". Building on his solo work, his debut record "Ray Hawthorne Sucks" further cemented his status as a bold new voice in pop punk, quickly amassing a devoted following and over 18 million streams across all streaming platforms for his magnetic charm and razor-sharp wit.

Blending heartbreak, sarcasm, and just the right amount of emotional stability, Ray Hawthorne leads with a messy kind of hope, turning emotional freefall into something you can scream along to. Where debut album and his firstborn, "Ray Hawthorne Sucks", leaned into an earnest DIY vulnerability, his latest record, "Ray Hawthorne Isn't Real", took a turn and tapped into the restless defiance of a secondborn. The 15 tracks helped embrace the chaos, laugh at the pain, and maybe, just maybe, allow us all to find a little redemption along the way.

Starting from the very real possibility that Ray Hawthorne is just a guy screaming into the ether (and somehow making it sound catchy), his catalog has become a refuge for anyone who's ever felt too loud, too sensitive, or too much. Loud, petty, and deeply cathartic, Ray Hawthorne is proudly one of the most unapologetically honest voices modern pop-punk.

Be sure to stay tuned for more Ray Hawthorne news coming very soon.

ABOUT RAY HAWTHORNE

Do you remember that episode of Degrassi where Ashley really wants Craig to tell her he loves her, but Craig gets all panicked and can’t tell her that he does? It causes so much drama in their relationship. She begins to question her feelings for him and because of that, he becomes seemingly unsure of his feelings for her. So, in an effort to quell the bad vibes, Craig writes a song that includes lyrics IMPLICITLY AND EXPLICITLY stating that he loves her. (Total banger by the way, the only song of his I like better is the one he sings at the battle of the bands after the two inevitably break up, it’s also about Ashley. I believe it’s called ‘What I Know’) Anyway, Craig was only able to admit he loved Ashley in song form, but you as the viewer are left wondering ‘Does he really love her, or was this just his solution to end the drama?’ Or, ’Is this truly the only way he can express himself because he’s kind of nervous about speaking his true feelings outside of the structured environment of a song?’. I tend to believe it’s a mixture of both. So what I’m trying to say is, this collection of songs is kind of like that. I always feel like I have so much to say but often feel a bit too vulnerable when discussing my actual feelings. So for the majority of my life, I’ve just written them into songs instead. These songs can be quite vulnerable even if they seem silly at times. So now you’re left to wonder... am I telling the truth or just trying to get rid of Ashley’s bad vibes?

SONATA ARCTICA Release Brand-New Single “Freedom Concept”!

Finnish power metal pioneers SONATA ARCTICA have unleashed a brand-new single titled “Freedom Concept.” The track arrives as a powerful statement in the band’s 30th anniversary year, followed by an extensive touring schedule, and delivers the melodic intensity and energy fans have come to expect.

“Freedom Concept” captures the signature blend of soaring melodies, driving rhythms and emotional depth that has defined SONATA ARCTICA for three decades. At the same time, the song explores a thoughtful and timely subject: the complex idea of freedom and the responsibility that comes with it.

Frontman Tony Kakko comments: ”Freedom Concept” , a song about understanding and misunderstanding the concept of freedom, often forgetting it comes paired with responsibility, and how what ever values and thoughts you may have are not automatically transferred to your offspring and how in most cases that’s an effin great thing…(breath in) has been sitting on my desk for a while and we figured this kind of melodic power metal blast we’re known of would be a good way to celebrate the 30th anniversary ”tourette” we’ve started at the end of January 2026 WHILST also working on our next studio album. This song’s NOT gonna be on it. So…extra special snack in between meals. Enjoy!”

Stream / Download “Freedom Concept”: https://sonataarctica.rpm.link/freedomPR

About SONATA ARCTICA
It has been 30 years since SONATA ARCTICA began their journey as one of the Finnish power metal pioneers. Emerging on the international scene in 1999 with their debut album Ecliptica, the band quickly established themselves as a leading force in melodic metal.

Since then, SONATA ARCTICA have released 11 studio albums, alongside countless singles, EPs and several live albums. Over the decades, they have toured the world extensively, built a dedicated global fanbase and solidified their reputation as one of the most successful Finnish metal bands of all time.

With “Freedom Concept,” the band once again proves why their sound continues to resonate across generations: melodic, powerful and unmistakably SONATA ARCTICA!

SONATA ARCTICA is:
Tony Kakko (vocals)
Elias Viljanen (guitars)
Tommy Portimo (drums)
Henrik "Henkka" Klingenberg (keyboards)
Pasi Kauppinen (bass)
 

More on SONATA ARCTICA:
Website | https://www.sonataarctica.info
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/sonataarctica
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/sonataarcticaofficial/
X | https://twitter.com/sonataarctica
TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@sonataarcticaofficial
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/user/SONATAARCTICA

Unverkalt Unveil Heavy and Hearfelt New Album Héréditaire

Unverkalt have always been drawn to the edge. Since emerging from Greece’s underground catacombs in 2017, the five-piece post-metal band have balanced boundless atmosphere with suffocating heaviness. But now, on their upcoming third album and first for Season of Mist, they are plunging into the darkness that’s always waited for them below. While wrestling with the weight of our accursed history, Héréditaire now stands as their heaviest and most heartfelt offering.

Héréditaire comes out tomorrow, Friday, February 27 on Season of Mist, but you can hear all nine foundation-shaking songs today by listening to the full album playlist on the Season of Mist YouTube channel.  

“Our aim has always been to blend softer, more romantic elements with extreme chaos. With Héréditaire that time has now come”, Unverkalt’s guitarist and chief composer Themis Ioannou says. “This album is a lament for what is far older than our very existence. It speaks of what seeps through generations, searching for an answer to one pervasive question: What do we carry that was never ours?”

Pre-order

https://orcd.co/unverkalthereditaire

Pre-save on Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/prerelease/5ndUNl3HyjsagbOuQCrakn?si=QESfESdPQwqHTC5MKNX4Jw

“This album is not meant to resolve”, the band says, “but to dissolve patterns from those who came before, faceless yet familiar. The colors have drained. What remains is veiled in black, not as a symbol, but as a truth that covers everything”.

On Héréditaire, Unverkalt lift the veil on our cursed existence with their heaviest and most heartfelt offering.

Recording Lineup:
Dimitra Kalavrezou — Vocals
Themis Ioannou — Guitars, Keys
Eli Mavrychev — Guitars, Vocals
Joscha Hoyer — Bass
Christian Eggers — Drums

Guest Musicians:
Sakis Tolis — Vocals on "I, The Deceit"

Songwriting Credits:
Comped by Themis Ioannou.
Lyrics by Dimitra Kalavrezou & Eli Mavrychev.
Lyrics for "I, The Deceit" by Dimitra Kalavrezou & Joscha Hoyer.

Recording Credits:
Recorded & Engineered by Unverkalt.
Drums Recorded & Engineered by Christian Eggers at Noir Surge Sound, Berlin, Germany.

Production Credits:
Produced by Themis Ioannou.
Vocals produced by Dimitra Kalavrezou & Eli Mavrychev.
Mixed by Joshua Barber.
Mastered by Lasse Lammert at LSD Studios, Lübeck, Germany.

Cover Art:
Themis Ioannou

Pre-order & Pre-save

https://orcd.co/unverkalthereditaire

Available Formats:
CD Digipak
2x12" Vinyl Gatefold — Black
2x12" ​Coloured Vinyl ​Gatefold ​— Black & Gold 'Sunburst'



Follower Unverkalt:
Bandcamp: https://unverkalt.bandcamp.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unverkalt/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unverkalt/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Unverkalt/
Twitter: https://x.com/unverkalt/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@unverkaltofficial/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/55vU7DZVwI4ks0NpfKDAvK/
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/unverkalt/1524174404/
Last FM: https://www.last.fm/music/Unverkalt/

ADIA CLARK LAY Hooks Listeners with Catchy New Country Single “Go Fish” Out Now

Rising country artist ADIA CLARK LAY is set to make a splash with the release of her brand-new single, “Go Fish,” arriving on all streaming platforms today. Blending playful storytelling with heartfelt country authenticity, “Go Fish”showcases Adia’s signature sound — equal parts charm, confidence, and modern

country flair.

With its infectious melody, relatable lyrics, and radio-ready production, “Go Fish” delivers a refreshing anthem about self-worth, patience, and letting love come naturally. The track captures the spirit of contemporary country while staying rooted in classic storytelling, making it a perfect fit for both traditional country fans and today’s new wave of listeners.

“Go Fish” highlights ADIA CLARK LAY'S ability to turn real-life emotions into memorable songs that resonate long after the first listen.

ADIA CLARK LAY continues to carve out her space in the country music scene with a sound that is both genuine and radio-friendly. “Go Fish”is poised to connect with audiences through its fun energy and relatable message, making it an ideal addition to country, hot country, and Americana playlists.

The single features a warm, polished arrangement layered with bright instrumentation and a hook that is as catchy as it is empowering.

METALITE Sign Worldwide Deal With PERCEPTION And Unleash Brand-New Single “Our Time Has Come”!

Swedish modern power metal force METALITE have officially signed a worldwide contract with PERCEPTION - A Division Of Reigning Phoenix Music, marking a major new milestone in the band’s rapidly ascending career! Following the signing, the band have unleashed their brand-new single, “Our Time Has Come”, a high-energy anthem that showcases everything fans have come to expect from METALITE: massive melodies, driving riffs, and a futuristic edge wrapped in razor-sharp production.

Guitarist, producer, songwriter and founder Edwin Premberg comments: “We’re beyond excited to finally share our new single Our Time Has Come with you. This song kicks off a powerful new chapter for METALITE and marks the beginning of our upcoming concept album 'Discovery' where the story continues on a new planet and humanity begins a new life. It’s a classic METALITE track - full of high energy, soaring melodies, and that unmistakable METALITE sound. This is only the beginning, and we can’t wait to take this journey together with you”.

With its soaring vocal lines, pounding rhythm section, and cinematic synth layers, “Our Time Has Come” captures METALITE at full throttle. The track blends melodic precision with modern production punch, delivering an arenaready chorus that’s impossible to ignore.

Listen to “Our Time Has Come” below:

ABOUT METALITE

Formed in 2015 by guitarist Edwin Premberg and vocalist Emma Bensing, the band quickly gained recognition for its fresh and modern take on melodic metal and their 2017 debut album Heroes in Time set the stage for METALITE’s rise.

In 2019, the band entered a new era with Biomechanicals, marking the debut of vocalist Erica Ohlsson. With an even more refined sound, the album embraced electronic elements and pulsating rhythms, elevating METALITE’s futuristic vision, further solidifying the band’s reputation as innovators in the genre.

Their evolution continued with A Virtual World in 2021, an album that expanded on their sci-fi themes while delivering massive soundscapes and powerful melodies.

With Expedition One (2024), METALITE embarked on their most ambitious project to date. A visionary concept album set in the year 2055, it tells the story of a renegade team searching for a new world, exploring themes of human evolution, technology, and survival.

In 2024, the band welcomed drummer Erik Junttila to the lineup, bringing new energy and power to their sound. His premiere gig with the band took place in Linköping at the beginning of 2025, marking an exciting new chapter in METALITE’s journey. Since then, they completed several tours with bands like Pain, Leaves’ Eyes and the Night Flight Orchestra and played at several festivals, including Sweden Rock and Masters of Rock.

With millions of streams and a growing global fanbase, METALITE continues to redefine the future of melodic metal. Their fusion of cutting-edge sound design, anthemic choruses, and sci-fi-inspired storytelling has set them apart, proving that their journey is far from over. Stay tuned - a new discovery awaits!

Guitarist Eric Steckel Returns With "Back To Life" Video

Internationally acclaimed blues-rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter Eric Steckel has released his new single "Back to Life" via OPEN/SPV Recordings. Equal parts soulful and high-voltage, the track captures Steckel's signature blend of blues intensity and hard-rock power — an uplifting statement built on massive guitar tone, emotional melody, and a chorus made to pull you back from the edge.

Watch the video below.

Stream the single here.

"'Back to Life' is, quite simply, my personal tribute to the sacred art form that is music," says Steckel. "Its restorative powers have guided me and protected me from a very young age and still do to this day. I wanted this song to resonate with anyone who shares in the appreciation of music and the resuscitation it brings us when life has us at the end of our ropes. Sometimes the only thing standing between despair and survival is a 'melody that finds us in our darkest hour.'"

In an era where pedalboards, laptops and samples have become commonplace, Eric Steckel goes against the grain — harking listeners back to the days when great guitars were played loudly through great amps. Hailed by many as one of the leading modern voices in blues rock, Steckel delivers a powerhouse performance that has left audiences in 30+ countries mesmerized. His signature blend of hard rock and blues ” often dubbed "bluesmetal" — is must-see for fans of guitar-driven music. Steckel's story began early: His debut album A Few Degrees Warmer was recorded live when he was just 11. He has shared the stage with or opened for legends including Ray Charles, Steve Vai, Gregg Allman, B.B. King, John Mayall, and Johnny Winter.

Eric Steckel's momentum is also reflected online, with a rapidly growing fanbase and strong engagement across platforms — currently 149,000 followers on Instagram and 168,000 followers on Facebook.

PHOTO CREDIT: Greg Vorobiov

GORGONAUT Release New Single "Vernix Caseosa", A Riff Forward Statement From Chicago’s Emerging Heavy Project

Chicago-based solo project GORGONAUT presents the new single "Vernix Caseosa". "Vernix Caseosa" leans into movement and energy, embracing a lighter and more immediate spirit within GORGONAUT’s evolving sound. Built around momentum rather than thematic weight, the track emphasizes groove, drive, and impact, allowing the music itself to carry the experience without overt narrative framing.

Guitars remain the dominant force throughout, paying tribute to classic metal traditions while locking tightly into pulse-driven rhythms supported by synthesized and textural elements. The arrangement prioritizes propulsion, with dense riff work sustaining intensity beneath the vocal lines and maintaining constant forward motion.

In its closing moments, the song expands beyond its grounded foundation, introducing layered orchestration that pushes the finale into deliberately heightened territory. The result balances heaviness with scale, reinforcing GORGONAUT’s interest in blending aggression with cinematic atmosphere.

About GORGONAUT:

Created by multi-instrumentalist Ryan Bruchert, known for work with BLACK SITES, HEWHOCORRUPTS, TRIALS, CENTAURUS, GORGONAUT serves as a focused creative platform unrestricted by stylistic boundaries. The project combines heavy guitar driven songwriting with electronic textures, atmospheric layering, and digital influences drawn from both metal and contemporary electronic music.

Drawing influence from artists such as DEVIN TOWNSEND, VOLA, VOYAGER, MOON TOOTH, DREAM THEATER, and THE BIRTHDAY MASSACRE, GORGONAUT continues to explore the intersection of metal, electronic composition, and immersive sound design while pursuing a distinctly personal creative direction.

CLOCKTOWERS Release New Single “Dark Mother” from Upcoming Album Genesis, Out March 20

Heavy music innovators CLOCKTOWERS announce the release of their new single, “Dark Mother,” the closing track from their forthcoming album Genesis, arriving March 20th.

“Dark Mother” serves as the definitive finale to Genesis, showcasing CLOCKTOWERS at full creative strength through focused songwriting, commanding performances, and a deeply immersive metal atmosphere. The track delivers a powerful sense of motion driven by technical precision and dynamic arrangement.

The song opens with a carefully composed intro built around a solo hook that evokes an ancient Egyptian mood, setting a cinematic tone before expanding into a crushing lead riff supported by intricate drum fills and tightly controlled hi-hat work. Layered guitars move with purpose while a low octave foundation builds tension toward a massive sonic release highlighted by explosive fretboard work.

A fiercely memorable verse riff anchors the track with sharp rhythmic movement, allowing the vocals to enter with a clean, energetic flow that locks tightly into the groove. The vocal performance rides within the rhythm in a creative pocket, interacting closely with the guitars to form the distinctive CLOCKTOWERS sound.

The rhythm section plays a central role throughout “Dark Mother.” The bass performance delivers agile transitions through shifting riffs while maintaining strong rhythmic cohesion. Driving drums reinforce the urgency of the arrangement and elevate the track’s large-scale atmosphere, creating a sense of conflict, battle, and emotional intensity.

Midway through the song, an abstract bridge emerges with controlled unpredictability, introducing tension before guiding the composition toward its final ascent. The track maintains a unique swing that carries momentum through evolving sections and synchronized instrumental interplay.

Lyrically, “Dark Mother” explores themes of control, warfare, perseverance, and spiritual questioning. The narrative examines personal strength while confronting long-held beliefs and arriving at the realization that accepted truths may have been built on false foundations.

As the final chapter of Genesis, “Dark Mother” closes the album with lasting impact while leaving listeners eager for what comes next from CLOCKTOWERS.

Listen BELOW:

Genesis, the upcoming full-length release from CLOCKTOWERS, arrives on March 20, 2026 and captures the band at their most focused and driven to date. The album blends gritty hard rock attitude with crushing metal intensity, built on thunderous riffs, commanding rhythms, and deeply intentional songwriting. Across eight tracks, the record explores themes of addiction, loss, spiritual conflict, rebellion, fatherhood, and personal responsibility, all delivered with raw emotion and musical precision. Soaring choruses collide with heavy, groove-centered passages, while intricate guitar work and a relentless rhythm section keep the energy constant. Genesis reflects the band’s growth in both sound and vision, presenting a cohesive body of work shaped by instinct, experience, and an uncompromising creative voice.

CLOCKTOWERS is:

  • Tarek Puska – Vocals

  • Dakota Logan – All instruments (guitars, bass, additional production)

SUNSWARM Announce Crushing New Single "Erasure" Ahead of Forthcoming Album

Southampton, UK industrial post-metal act SUNSWARM announce the release of their new single "Erasure."

"Erasure" is not structured as a traditional single. Across eight minutes, the track unfolds as a bleak and overwhelming piece of industrial post-metal, built from early 90s industrial sampling techniques, scorched guitar textures, and vocals shaped by black-metal intensity. Rhythms move like shifts in pressure rather than conventional song structures, creating an atmosphere of suffocation and psychological weight.

Emerging from UK South Coast underground scene, SUNSWARM draw influence from the brutal desolation of GODFLESH, the spiritual intensity of AMENRA, the sonic extremity of THE BODY, and the cosmic dread of ORANSSI PAZUZU. Their sound merges industrial noise, post-metal density, and extreme vocal expression into something immersive and deeply physical.

The band describe the track as the emotional entry point into the record: "This is the opening track from our forthcoming album. It’s not a song. It’s 8 minutes of bleak, overwhelming Industrial Post-Metal. No Light. This nihilism is not a political or philosophical position. It is waking in the middle of the night and feeling a void. The growing feeling of strangulation in this creeping dystopia that the power structures and their tech is dragging us and our children into.

When you strip back the substances and digital, what oxygen do we have left? Erasure. Erased."

With "Erasure", SUNSWARM present confrontation rather than escape, reflecting modern anxiety, technological alienation, and the erosion of identity within an increasingly mechanized world.

The single is a harbinger of a wider conceptual release, with further details on the forthcoming album to be announced soon.

About SUNSWARM:

SUNSWARM is led by vocalist and bassist Rich Lee-Davis and vocalist and guitarist Neil Sutton, joined by additional contributors who extend the band’s sonic and visual reach. Together they construct an immersive environment where sound, light, and texture collide. Their creative world is defined by sensory overload, stark monochrome imagery, disorienting strobe work, and the feeling of being enclosed within an atmosphere that is both vast and hostile. Everything they create is intended to overwhelm, to blur the line between performance and encounter.

From their earliest ideas, SUNSWARM have operated from a place of complete self-definition, shaping a language of heaviness that goes beyond impact or aggression. They approach weight and intensity as emotional terrain, a landscape shaped by pressure, absence, and the darker edges of lived experience. Their second single, “Erasure,” marks a further reveal of this landscape, a glimpse into the bleak and immersive world the band is building.

SUNSWARM is: 

Rich Lee-Davis - vocals, bass
Neil Sutton - vocals, guitar
Additional contributors (live and studio) - to be announced

Connect with SUNSWARM:

Website: https://sunswarm.bandcamp.com/
Bandcamp: https://sunswarm.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunswarmband
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunswarmband/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SUNSWARM

Myrath Tease Upcoming Album With New Single "Breathing Near The Roar"

Tunisian-French metal visionaries Myrath unleash their new single "Breathing Near The Roar," one of the most intense and emotionally charged tracks from their upcoming album Wilderness of Mirrors. Driven by thunderous riffs, cutting-edge production, and the unmistakable pulse of their ancestral heritage, the song captures inner battles at full force. It's a collision of tradition and modern metal that feels urgent, powerful, and deeply meaningful.

"Breathing Near The Roar" explores isolation, survival, and the fragile line between truth and illusion. Through haunting imagery and raw emotion, the lyrics portray the fight to stay alive — emotionally and spiritually.

Zaher Zorgati moves from vulnerability to explosive intensity, embodying the tension of standing on the edge yet refusing to fall. The hypnotic refrain rises like a ritual chant - a cry for release and transformation within the storm.

LISTEN TO THE NEW SINGLE — BELOW

Wilderness of Mirrors will be released on March 27 and features 10 brand-new, emotionally charged tracks that continue Myrath's evolution of blending their ancestral heritage influences with progressive and power metal. Fans can expect a journey through fantasy and reality, from haunting melodies to thunderous riffs and cinematic arrangements. To celebrate the release, Myrath will embark on a major European tour starting in April 2026, bringing Wilderness of Mirrors to fans across 16 countries.

PRE-ORDER THE NEW ALBUM — HERE

With millions of views on their cinematic music videos, critically acclaimed albums, and performances at festivals such as Hellfest, Wacken, and Sweden Rock, Myrath continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Wilderness of Mirrors represents the band at their most dynamic and authentic, a milestone in their journey toward becoming one of metal’s most legendary acts.

Pre-orders for Wilderness of Mirrors and tickets for the European tour are available now. Don't miss the next chapter in Myrath's epic musical journey.

Roman Candle Tackle Misogyny And Survival On Latest Single "LADY LAZARUS"

Roman Candle release their latest single, "Lady Lazarus", today. A brutally honest confrontation with misogyny, survival, and the violence of shrinking for comfort. Named after Sylvia Plath's incendiary poem and fueled by the same defiant energy, the track lives in the tension between tenderness and rage, refusing to soften or apologize for taking up space. Listen to the blistering new offering HERE and watch the music video BELOW.

Piper Ferrari's vocals cut through with fearless precision. The band matches that intensity, building a sonic landscape that dares you to look away. Piper explains

"'Lady Lazarus' is me confronting misogyny head-on and refusing to shrink for anyone. The title comes from the Sylvia Plath poem, and like her, I'm pulling something powerful out of something painful. Lines like 'Tender when I wanna be / Callous when I have to be' came from recognizing how women are expected to bend, soften, or apologize just to exist - but also how we learn to harden ourselves for survival.

"When I sing 'Give me your dead stare, I eat men like air,' it's not about hating men - it's about reclaiming the space that was denied to me, the anger I was taught to bury, and the fear I was meant to carry. This song is the sound of unlearning all of that. It's rage, it's release, and it's me deciding I'm no longer shrinking out of anyone's comfort."

"Lady Lazarus" marks the sixth single since Roman Candle signed to Sumerian Records last year, continuing a run that has seen the Las Vegas quartet sharpen their voice with each release. "Fire In The Night Sky Forever.", "This Band Has Led Me To Places I Wouldn't Go With A Gun," "Nothing Is Original" and most recently, last week's "Bite Harder Than You Bleed". Last October's sold-out Las Vegas hometown show marked a defining moment, proof of swelling local and national attention.

To date, the band has amassed 2.8 million streams across all platforms and 400,000 YouTube views, steadily building a devoted following through relentless live performances and emotionally resonant songwriting.

ABOUT ROMAN CANDLE

Hailing from the desert underground of Las Vegas - Roman Candle - Piper Ferrari, Jonas Vece, Sergio Lopez, and Alex Dupuis - form one of the most emotionally raw and compelling new voices in modern screamo.

What began as a creative spark between Piper and Jonas has evolved into a fully realized four-piece, blending serrated aggression with vulnerable lyricism and a deep sense of place within the current hardcore landscape.

Onstage, the band operates with total commitment. Piper's commanding vocal presence, Jonas's tense and dynamic guitar work, Sergio's driving low end, and Alex's explosive percussion combine into a live experience that feels both communal and cathartic. Their hometown support has swelled alongside national attention, positioning them firmly at the forefront of a new generation of screamo artists.

Roman Candle Are

Piper Ferrari - Vocals

Jonas Vece - Guitar

Alex Dupis - Drums

Sergio Lopez - Bass

Via Doloris Release Luminous New Single “Un Franc Soleil”

Via Doloris is rooted in an inward journey rather than orthodoxy. Conceived in solitude and shaped by discipline, composer and multi-instrumentalist Gildas Le Pape (ex-Satyricon) traces a melodic, atmospheric and introspective path through black metal’s foundations on upcoming debut album Guerre et Paix. He’s joined by Frost, the legendary drummer of Satyricon and 1349, who provides a sense of persistence, grounded and unyielding.  

Today, Via Doloris are releasing the second advanced single from Guerre et Paix. Standing among the album’s most luminous moments, “Un Franc Soleil” captures a fleeting sensation of release after prolonged inner unrest. An atmospheric depiction of an illusion glimpsed from afar, the song evokes the distant promise of a life freed from struggle, a vision radiant yet never fully attained.

Listen to “Un Franc Soleil” below.

Guerre et Paix comes out March 20 on Season of Mist.

Pre-order & Pre-save

https://orcd.co/viadolorisguerreetpaix

“Un Franc Soleil” captures Via Doloris at their most expansive and textural. The song unfolds in measured restraint; layered guitars trace gentle melodic figures across a patient rhythmic foundation.  Frost’s nuanced drumming anchors the gradual ascent of each chord progression, allowing melody to emerge from distortion and clarity from dissonance. Written in French, the lyrics carry vulnerability and resolve in equal measure, portraying serenity not as certainty, but as something only ever approached.

Within the broader architecture of Guerre et Paix, “Un Franc Soleil” functions as a threshold: a contemplative pause before the album returns to denser and more conflicted terrain.

Based in Oslo, Gildas Le Pape first gained attention in 2007 when he joined the legendary Satyricon as a guitarist. Over the next six years, he toured the world and contributed to the band’s recorded legacy, before stepping away to explore a broad range of musical directions. In time, this path led him back to extreme music, this time with a renewed creative vision and sharpened intent. In 2023, he invited his long-time collaborator, Frost — arguably one of the most accomplished drummers in the genre — to join him in bringing the debut release to life.

Line-up:

Gildas le Pape — Lead Vocals, Choirs, Guitars, Bass

Frost — Session Drums

Production Credits:

Drums and vocals recorded at Red Room Studios, Norway.
Drums and vocals engineered by Mattis Elvestuen, guitars engineered by Gildas Le Pape & Mattis Elvestuen.

Produced by Gildas le Pape.

Mixed by Nicolai Codling & Gildas le Pape.

Mastered by Magnus Gulbrandsen at Jeløy Sound Mastering.

Guest Artist:
Raido (Ferriterium, Heimsgard, Karne) — Guest Vocals on Track 3.

Cover Art:

Artwork by Gildas le Pape.

Photography:

Cover artwork & press photography by Linnea Syversen.

Available Formats:

CD Digipak

12” Vinyl Gatefold — Black

12” Coloured Vinyl Gatefold — White

Pre-order & Pre-save

https://orcd.co/viadolorisguerreetpaix

 

Follow Via Doloris:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/viadolorisofficial/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/via.doloris/

Bandcamp: https://viadoloris.bandcamp.com/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2R3PxQ7zeA3BpPhpI1JlxF

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/artist/via-doloris/1862267909

Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/artist/362455292

BADSQUATCH Releases New Single "Such A Burden"

BADSQUATCH is an American singer/songwriter/producer based in the Midwest. A big man with a big voice, BADSQUATCH is an artist with one overwhelming presence.  Adopting such a moniker would suggest nothing less, though along with the rough and gruff appearance, the music that comes out of this massive human ranges from soft and pensive acoustic tunes to bold and abrasive alt rock bangers. The material he creates generally addresses a large range of gritty subjects that are inspired by his own journey of self-discovery and what it truly means to be human.

  

One may recognize BADSQUATCH from his work as the frontsquatch of midwestern dystopian party rock trio The Party After, who recently released their powerhouse album Dopamine Machine in July 2025.  During the recording process for the album, BADSQUATCH also wrote and recorded a large amount of material that didn’t fit the picture for the band, so he is deciding to reach into his personal archives and begin releasing music as a solo artist.  

 

His first single, out February 20th, is a dark and brooding song broaching the subject of self-loathing with inspirations from alternative and industrial artists alike. This release, titled “Such a Burden”, is the first from a collection of songs that BADSQUATCH is considering a concept album/mental health piece rooted in subjects of shadow work and addressing the darker parts of oneself, all with a goal of awareness, healing, and growing into our potentials in this unique human experience. 

 

"To dig deep into the music to come, much like the healing process, we must first start with addressing the darkness and the shadows that are difficult to own," says Badsquatch.

 

Badsquatch has officially signed with new management under Pamela Parks at Headity.com. Stay tuned — strategic moves, fresh momentum, and powerful next steps are in motion.  

 

 STREAM "Such A Burden" HERE

BADSQUATCH LIVE SHOWS:

Fri. February 20  @ Brokedown Palace, Omaha, NE

Sun. February 22 @ Chelsea's, Eureka Springs, AR

Tue. February 24 @ Knight Moves, Hazel Green, AL

 

For More Information Please Visit:

Official Website

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

YouTube

PRIMAL FEAR Release Impelling New Single & Video "One"

While the world remains being a restless place, metal commando PRIMAL FEAR is among the most reliable constants in these insecure times. Supporting their 2025 success album Domination on stages worldwide with a second European leg kicking off in London, UK on March 11, the band warm-up their engines with a new track called "One" today. The straight-forward anthem calls upon mankind to stand together instead of feuding each other, and was recorded during theDomination sessions. Combining hard-hitting riffs and the group’s melodic trademark approach masterfully, the single is in no way inferior to PRIMAL FEAR’s celebrated current opus!
 
Bassist/vocalist Mat Sinner states: “‘One’ is a continuation of the Domination atmosphere. A massive riff, true PF melodies, a driving groove, and Ralf’s characteristic vocals. It’s like a teaser for the second leg of our European tour as well as our upcoming South American run. Our cover artist, Death.Milk.Designs, has created a killer video clip with a collection of awesome scenes. Enjoy listening & watching the video, we're incredibly excited for the next part of the tour!”
 
Watch the official music video below:
Stream the single: https://primalfear.rpm.link/onePR

Since September 5, 2025, the day which has seen the official Domination release through Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM), the group have undisputedly shown that they belong to the very front of the scene. On one hand, Domination stormed the various album charts around the globe once again with a major highlight being their fourth German top 10 entry in a row, rounded off by a series of impressive numbers in other European countries as well as in the US and Japan.
 
On the other hand, PRIMAL FEAR fired countless songs from their rich hit arsenal - including a series of their brand new material - at the crowds during the first leg of their “Domination” European tour. Fans gathering at the packed venue have literally known the words of "Destroyer" and especially their obvious new stomping anthem "I Am The Primal Fear" from day 1 of the trek, making these dates a common triumph across the continent after re-completing the PRIMAL FEAR foundation and Mat Sinner’s long-awaited live return. Culminating in form of their first headline appearances in Spain in 7 years, the band have renewed, if not extended their footprint on the grounds of the metal world with this 21-date run.
 
It’s beyond debate that the metal commandos must bring their oiled machinery to other places, which they couldn’t visit during the first part of their “Domination” tour. No sooner said than done. The second leg is booked and the eagle is conquering the posters of worldwide festivals continuously. Don’t miss out & and be prepared to get an unforgettable heavy metal lesson taught by PRIMAL FEAR!
 
Order Domination (ltd. CD earbook, digipak-CD, jewel case-CD & various vinyl variants) & stream it here: https://primalfear.rpm.link/dominationPR

PRIMAL FEAR are:
Ralf Scheepers | vocals
Mat Sinner | bass, vocals
Magnus Karlsson | guitars
Thalìa Bellazecca | guitars
André Hilgers | drums
 

More on PRIMAL FEAR:
primalfear.de | Facebook | Instagram | X | TikTok | RPM

RANDALL KING RELEASES SLOW BURNING “THINKIN’ ‘BOUT DRINKIN’”

As Randall King readies his follow-up project to 2024’s Into The Neon, the Hereford, Texas native arrives today with his latest slow burner, “Thinkin’ ‘Bout Drinkin’,” available everywhere now. Listen BELOW. 
 
"I've been thinkin' 'bout how excited I am for this new chapter - so what better day than today to share an early taste of what we've got cooking? 'Thinkin' 'Bout Drinkin'' is country music delivered right to your ears, courtesy of the Tonk machine,” shares King. “I hope you enjoy it, because there's more like it coming soon..."
 
Written by Don Sampson, Monty Holmes and Troy Cassar-Daley, and produced by Jared Conrad, “Thinkin’ ‘Bout Drinkin’” finds the narrator facing temptation in the face of heartbreak.

“Thinkin’ ‘Bout Drinkin’” is King’s first release since signing with progressive artist development company Neon Coast for artist management, and is the latest off his upcoming project. 
 
King’s sophomore album, Into The Neon, was released Jan. 26, 2024 to critical acclaim, leaving Texas Monthly observing "his Texas bona fides are unimpeachable.” Into The Neon was also named among the top country albums of 2024 by Entertainment Focus and Whiskey Riff. 
 
Known for his road warrior diet of nearly 150 shows a year, King is currently on his 2026 Big Deal Tour and will support Luke Bryan on select dates of his upcoming Word On The Street Tour. King will kick off his 13-date A Long Way From Amarillo Europe 2026 Tour on May 4 in Oslo, Norway.
 
For more information and to follow along with updates, visit RandallKingMusic.com.

ABOUT RANDALL KING:
A West Texas native and self-described “old soul," Warner Music Nashville's Randall King has never wavered in his honky-tonk allegiance – in fact, he’s worn it like a badge of honor, growing with pride into a leading voice for today’s traditional country. Amassing nearly 500 Million streams with singles like “You In A Honky Tonk,” “Hey Cowgirl” and “Mirror, Mirror,” he’s kept the twang alive in country’s mainstream while also earning acclaim through deeply personal EPs like 2020’s Leanna, and his 2022 major label album debut, Shot Glass – which landed on both Whiskey Riff’s Top 40 Country Albums of 2022 and Billboard’s All Genre 50 Best Albums of 2022 (So Far). Schooled on icons like Keith Whitley, George Strait, Alan Jackson and John Anderson, but inspired by modern masters like Dierks Bentley and Gary Allan, King first built an independent, grass-roots following on the strength of his electrifying live shows – each one a harrowing mix of rowdy roughnecking, romantic tenderness and breathtaking emotion – never asking for permission to explore his creative vision. He has since gone on to headline all across the U.S., the U.K. and Europe, where he continues to play nearly 150 shows a year and hone his craft where it matters most. Named a Country Artist to Watch by everyone from Pandora and Country Now to Music Mayhem Magazine, his sophomore major label album Into the Neon, available now, takes that craft to the next level, as King’s neo-traditional roots meet the blood-pumping rhythms and sharp, arena-sized grooves of Y2K-era country and beyond. Co-produced by King and Jared Conrad, and featuring 18 tracks, punchy sounds exist side-by-side with timeless swagger, further blurring the line between yesteryear and today–even as King renews his forever-country vows. Into The Neon was named among the best country albums of the year by Whiskey Riff, Country Now & Entertainment Focus, and yielded King’s debut single, “I Could Be That Rain.”

COREY KENT FAST-TRACKS RELEASE OF NEW SONG “EMPTY WORDS” DUE TO OVERWHELMING FAN DEMAND

Multi-platinum country star Corey Kent is giving fans what they asked for, fast-tracking the release of his powerful new song “Empty Words” after an overwhelming early response with the teaser being viewed over 20 million times across social media platforms. Listen to “Empty Words” BELOW.

Written by Kent alongside Austin Goodloe, Lydia Vaughan, Matt Roy and Joybeth Taylor, “Empty Words” delivers a gut-punch of regret and reflection wrapped in Kent’s signature country-rock grit.

“As a songwriter, it feels like catching lightning in a bottle when you find that line or double entendre that carries more weight than expected,” shared Kent. “So ‘Empty Words’ is really special because it says something heavy yet simply. I love that it’s already resonating with fans. Based on their insane reaction, we didn’t want to make them wait so we’ve bumped it up in the release schedule to get it to them even sooner.”

Built around stark honesty and emotional fallout, the song captures the quiet devastation of realizing too late that words without action don’t hold weight:

The release follows Kent’s recent collaboration with Koe Wetzel, “Rocky Mountain Low,” which is currently climbing the country radio charts. The tracks are the first taste of new music since Kent’s 2025 EP Poster Child.

Surpassing 1 billion career streams earlier in the year, Kent’s second No. 1 single “This Heart” was certified GOLD by the RIAA while his hard-driving hit “Something’s Gonna Kill Me” is approaching PLATINUM status. Both join Kent’s TRIPLE-PLATINUM No. 1 breakout “Wild As Her.”

Looking ahead, the Oklahoma native will join Jason Aldean’s Full Throttle World Tour in February 2026 for a series of dates in Australia and New Zealand. Next April, Kent will return to the massive Stagecoach festival in Indio, California (4/25). And in May, he’ll be back overseas for the Highways Festival in London, U.K. (5/16), plus a handful of headline dates in Germany and The Netherlands.

Recognized by Rolling Stone as an artist that is “poised to be country’s latest red dirt star,” Kent has become a decorated artist on the rise, growing from humble heartland roots into a Triple-Platinum certified No. 1 hit maker with one billion career streams.

Rising from the vibrant Red Dirt country scene as the embodiment of authenticity, Kent set his sights on Nashville as a teen, bringing his self-penned catalog of country-rock anthems with him. But after the pandemic coincided with the loss of his first publishing deal, Kent was forced to move to Texas and get a job on a paving crew to pay the bills, yet he stubbornly refused to call music quits, with honky-tonks and dancehalls on both sides of the Red River becoming his stomping ground. 

Fast forward a few years and the hit single “Wild As Her” proved he was right all along. An untamed tribute to a free-spirited stunner, the track re-invigorated Kent’s career as a now Triple-Platinum-certified No. 1 at country radio, and the lead single off his 2023 major label album debut, Blacktop. Since then, Kent’s track “Something’s Gonna Kill Me” went Gold and he also earned his second No. 1 at country radio with track “This Heart,” as the song reached the top of both the Country Aircheck/Mediabase chart and the Billboard Country Airplay chart last summer. 

Kent released his sophomore major-label album, Black Bandana, to critical acclaim in 2024, with Music Row Magazine describing the title track as “gently but unrelentingly uplifting.” He’s also earned next-big thing accolades along the way, including recognition from CMT and the Opry Next Stage program and toured with the likes of Morgan Wallen, Jon Pardi, Jason Aldean and Parker McCollum.

Defined by the tenacity and trailblazing spirit he developed from years of cutting his teeth on the road, Kent is now kickstarting a new chapter, taking his creativity to new heights. For the latest news and information about Corey Kent, visit coreykentofficial.com.

Out today from Dissentience!

DISSENTIENCE, the progressive death-thrash unit from Bethlehem, PA, returns with their most conceptually ambitious and sonically punishing release to date: Kaiju. Scheduled for release on February 20, 2026, Kaiju is a four-track concept EP that fuses cinematic horror, crushing riffs, and lyrical dread into a singular apocalyptic vision. Drawing inspiration from classic Japanese monster films and the unknowable terrors of Lovecraftian mythology, the record explores the narrative of a colossal, nameless beast as it decimates a city. Rather than paying tribute to kaiju lore in name alone, DISSENTIENCE builds a world where riffs, lyrics, and production align to place the listener in the path of annihilation.

The EP begins with "Obsidian Tomb", a track that captures the initial moments of catastrophe. A somber acoustic intro builds tension before the monster is unleashed. The song moves through blast-laden choruses, thrash-driven verses, and groove-heavy interludes, all while painting a picture of destruction through the eyes of a terrified populace. The band intentionally avoids naming the monster or the city to keep the setting timeless and the fear universal. This choice also reinforces the Lovecraftian tone by allowing the horror to remain undefined, inviting each listener to project their own dread into the story.

"Chaos Absolute" takes a different narrative angle by focusing on the political and social collapse that follows the attack. Opening with a syncopated, high-tension riff and shifting into a massive, deceptively catchy groove, the track evokes the panic and futility of global leaders attempting to respond to an unstoppable force. Frantic guitar harmonies, dissonant progressions, and a brief clean bridge section give way to some of the heaviest material on the record. The phrase “fall into chaos absolute” functions as both a summary of the storyline and a reflection of the listener’s experience as the music surges with desperation.

The title track "Kaiju" represents the climax of the EP, unleashing a relentless barrage of violence and devastation. The lyrics describe grotesque scenes of bloodshed and helplessness as the beast rips through the last remnants of resistance. Riffs churn beneath guttural vocals, with every passage dripping with urgency and rage. The music mirrors the scale of the narrative, building to overwhelming levels of sonic brutality. The repeated line “Kaiju will bring forth a new age of rot” serves as the thesis for the entire record, framing the monster not only as a literal destroyer but as a symbol of humanity’s self-inflicted reckoning.

The final track "Death Shroud" transitions into the aftermath. With the monster gone, what remains is a landscape of ash, grief, and existential dread. The band leans into dissonance and atmosphere, balancing crushing heaviness with bleak introspection. Survivors are left to make sense of their trauma, questioning whether the world can rebuild or if it even should. The Kaiju, now retreated, is no less present. Its legacy hangs in the smoke, a constant reminder of how fragile everything truly was. “The Kaiju may lay dormant, but the anguish remains” is the emotional core of the track and perhaps of the entire release.

Kaiju was produced by DISSENTIENCE in collaboration with Corey Pierce, recorded at Peach Pie Sound by Matt Menafro, mixed by Zeuss, and mastered by Alan Douches. The yet-to-be-revealed cover art is by Matt Stikker, known for his vivid and brutal visual storytelling. This release follows the band’s prior offerings Mask of Pretense (2018) and Empire Anatomy (2022), continuing their evolution as songwriters and sonic architects.

Refusing to imitate the past, DISSENTIENCE draws from influences like TRIVIUM, REVOCATION, SYLOSIS, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, DEATH, and LAMB OF GOD, all while forging a sound that avoids the trappings of nostalgia. Their music is defined by technicality, brutality, and a refusal to be boxed into genre clichés. Critics have taken note. Decibel Magazine remarked that DISSENTIENCE channels the essence of classic thrash and death metal without creating a carbon copy. Metal Injection praised their ability to blend groove and fury in a way that hits with maximum impact.

With Kaiju, DISSENTIENCE has crafted more than just a record. It is a fully realized conceptual journey that pushes their sound further into new territory. Every song contributes to a unified narrative of destruction, dread, and reflection. It is a rare example of a metal record that is both musically blistering and thematically rich. Where others nod to monsters, DISSENTIENCE gives them voice, weight, and consequence.

About DISSENTIENCE: 

Formed in 2013 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, DISSENTIENCE is a progressive death-thrash metal band that combines the technical precision of death metal with the relentless energy of thrash. Rejecting retro imitation and genre stagnation, the band creates forward-thinking metal that is both aggressive and dynamic. Drawing influence from bands like TRIVIUM, REVOCATION, SYLOSIS, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, DEATH, and LAMB OF GOD, DISSENTIENCE forges a sound built on sharp riffs, crushing rhythms, and inventive songwriting.

The lineup features Connor Valentin on guitar and vocals, James Vitale on guitar, Sean Langer on bass, and Nick Scherden on drums. Known for their intense live performances and refusal to be confined to a single subgenre, the band continuously pushes their sound in new directions. Their music balances chaos and melody while exploring dark themes through a modern lens.

After releasing their debut EP Mask of Pretense in 2018 and their full-length album Empire Anatomy in 2022, DISSENTIENCE returned with the concept EP Kaiju in 2026. The record blends the devastation of giant monster cinema with the dread of Lovecraftian horror, showcasing the band’s evolution in sound and narrative depth. DISSENTIENCE has earned a reputation as one of the most compelling rising forces in heavy music. Their mission is clear: to make metal that is uncompromising, inventive, and unapologetically intense.

DISSENTIENCE is:

  • Connor Valentin – Guitar / Vocals

  • James Vitale – Guitar

  • Sean Langer – Bass

  • Nick Scherden – Drums


Connect with DISSENTIENCE:

ARISING EMPIRE ALERT: Lost in Hollywood Drop New Single "Love Is Dying"

LOST IN HOLLYWOOD RELEASE BRAND NEW SINGLE "LOVE IS DYING" (FEAT. PHILIP STRAND FROM NORMANDIE).

Love isn't supposed to sound like this.

With "Love Is Dying," Lost in Hollywood tap straight into the moment where everything starts to crack — and they don't look away.

Featuring Philip Strand of Normandie, the new single by Lost In Hollywood blends crushing metalcore weight with a haunting melodic pull, balancing raw aggression and fragile emotion in a way that feels both intimate and explosive. It’s not a polished love song or a dramatic farewell — it's the sound of something falling apart in real time.

The track arrives at a moment where Lost in Hollywood have been quietly building serious momentum. Recent singles like "The Fire," "Pretty Skin," "Like A River" (feat. Of Virtue) and "The Art Of Being Torn Out" (Feat. Half Me) didn't just showcase different sides of the band — they proved how confidently they move between atmosphere, heaviness and emotional depth. Each release pushed their sound further, pulling more listeners into their orbit and solidifying their place in the modern metalcore landscape.

"Love Is Dying" feels like the emotional center of that journey. Philip Strand’s unmistakable voice adds a fragile contrast to the band’s relentless energy, turning the track into a tense back-and-forth between vulnerability and rage. It’s heavy, melodic, uncomfortable — and exactly the kind of song that sticks with you longer than expected.

All of this leads straight into Lost in Hollywood’s upcoming album, set for release on March 20th. The record promises to be the band's most focused and ambitious work to date — bigger in sound, sharper in songwriting and unafraid to sit with uncomfortable emotions. If the recent singles were pieces of the puzzle, "Love Is Dying" is the moment everything clicks into place.

March 20th isn't just another release date — it's the next step for a band that's done playing it safe.

Watch the video Below: