Iodine Recordings to Release Gameface "All My Friends" EP on 9/25

For more than 35 years, Southern California melodic punk veterans GAMEFACE have built a legacy on heartfelt songwriting, emotional honesty, and an unwavering connection with their devoted fanbase. From influential releases on Revelation Records, Doghouse Records, and Equal Vision to a celebrated return in the 2010s, the band has remained a constant voice of authenticity, proving that sincerity never goes out of style.

Now, Gameface begin a new chapter with Iodine Recordings, returning with their first new recordings in over a decade. The two-song 7", featuring "All My Friends" and "Men of Stone," finds the band sounding as vital and emotionally resonant as ever. Rooted in the melodic post-hardcore sound they've spent decades refining, both songs reflect on friendship, aging, loss, and the quiet struggles that often go unspoken.

Pre-order here and listen to the title track below.  

The cover art was designed by iconic cartoon artist Brian Walsby (7 Seconds, The Melvins, Corrosion of Conformity).

"'As we age, our circle of friends tends to shrink. It's easy to grow complacent and withdrawn. We lose people. Social media magnifies our anxieties, and the pull of political division only deepens the distance between us. It's easy to feel small, isolated," explains vocalist Jeff Caudill. "'We wrote 'All My Friends' and 'Men of Stone' for those who've drifted down rabbit holes, those facing declining health, and those who can't quite bring themselves to talk about any of it. These songs lived as ideas for years, but only recently did we feel compelled to record them. It was a way to lean on our friendship and help get us through these dark times. We feel strongly about these songs, and we're grateful they exist."

Rather than chasing nostalgia, Gameface continue to write music with the same vulnerability and conviction that has defined the band since 1990. "All My Friends" and "Men of Stone” are not simply a return — they're a reminder of why Gameface remain one of melodic punk's most enduring and beloved voices.

MORTIIS Announces and Streams Digital EP, "Farewell Romero"

Iconic Norwegian artist MORTIIS is now revealing a digital EP today, 'Farewell Romero.' The EP draws its inspiration and namesake from the eponymous song, which was originally featured on his recently released full-length, 'Ghosts of Europa.'

'Farewell Romero' features the original album track and a fascinating new version of this song with renowned French artist Nicolas Horvath. The classical pianist has previously collaborated with ALCEST and is also known for his work with the famous Japanese animation Studio Ghibli, among many other exciting projects. The third track is a new variant (Madrigal version) of the 'Ghosts of Europa' track 'Violent Silence,' featuring former TODESBONDEN vocalist Laurie Ann Haus. The EP can be streamed in its entirety at THIS LOCATION.

MORTIIS comments, "It has always been my nature to experiment and try new ideas, so to some, it's probably not a surprise that I had a couple of variations of some of the songs from 'Ghosts of Europa' sitting around. When I write songs, I tend to try a lot of directions out, and sometimes there are brutal production decisions to be made, such as killing off otherwise great melodies, or entire sections, from songs. This is probably why I have always been pretty open to creating variations of the songs. Sometimes 'killing your darlings' is just too damn painful. Oh, and the artwork for this EP might be my personal favourite from the 'Ghosts of Europa' series."

This EP follows up 'Ghosts of Europa,' which was released on June 26, 2026 via Prophecy Productions, making it MORTIIS' debut to the label! 'Ghosts of Europa' is available as ltd. box set incl. 2CD artbook edition, gatefold LP (excl. handmade sand-filled vinyl), bonus LP, music cassette et al. (50 copies). Ltd. box set incl. 2CD artbook edition, gatefold LP (excl. 'galaxy' metallic vinyl), bonus LP, music cassette et al. (450 copies). As a 60-page hardcover 2CD artbook incl. 8-track bonus CD, ltd. Gatefold marble smoke vinyl LP (300 copies), ltd. Gatefold crystal clear vinyl LP (300 copies), Gatefold black vinyl LP, and Digipak CD Pre-orders are now live HERE.

Mortiis is a pioneering dark ambient and industrial metal artist, widely credited as the founder of the dungeon synth genre, whose work spans from haunting atmospheric soundscapes to abrasive, genre-defying electronic metal. With a legacy stretching over three decades, he remains one of the most influential and enigmatic figures in underground dark music

With Ghosts of Europa, the enigmatic Norwegian artistic entity, known as MORTIIS, presents an album that he views as a creative liberation. During its long and winding creation process such concepts as genre, rules or experimenting with sounds dissolved while simply making music that reflected every conceivable idea on his mind without accepting any limitations became his guiding principle.

Of course, MORTIIS' musical handwriting is ever present. Echoes from the often quite divergent phases of his previous works can be found across Ghosts of Europa. Yet, the creator of musical worlds left hardly a stone not turned in his epic quest for genuinely new ways of expression. As a result, this cinematic and visionary album often feels expansive, strange, and darkly dystopian. In this, Ghosts of Europa reflects its maker's struggles while creating the album – as for him, these tend to come into existence at the cost of friendships and relationships as well as much soul searching. 

"Ghosts of Europa" has also been shaped to some extent by the original idea that involved a collaboration of MORTIIS with Stephan Groth from APOPTYGMA BERZERK based on their mutual fascination with the highly influential old German school of electronic music, and particularly TANGERINE DREAM and Klaus Schulze. When this fell apart, MORTIIS decided to continue on his own and a long process of transforming the early recorded materials began.

Relics of this early stage remain in hints of the influences from Berlin as well as a host of guest contributions, but visions of bleak, desolate, and timeless alien landscapes warped and mutated the songs. This carried Ghosts of Europa into spaces where MORTIIS never existed before. 

In the beginning of the artistic entity MORTIIS there was black metal. The artist Håvard Ellefsen known as the musical entity MORTIIS started out as a bass player in and during the formation of legendary Norwegian band EMPEROR in 1991 and 1992. After parting ways with these black metal pioneers, MORTIIS embarked on a solo career, the so called Era I From 1993 until 1999, the Norwegian released six full-length albums that were entirely composed on synthesizers and are considered to constitute a fundamental influence on the later Dungeon Synth genre.

In the next decades, MORTIIS evolved and redefined is sound through several eras that embraces experimental & heavy industrial rock, a new wave of gothic & electronic influences, experimental studio works, and back to his roots. 

During most of his career MORTIIS has performed with a mask and face prosthetic that turned his stage persona into an otherworldly being. Over the year, his looks have changed and evolved. For a time during 'Era 0', his live concept even abandoned the wearing of the iconic mask. MORTIIS' stage entity has often been compared with a troll – a creature of Nordic folklore, which it was never intended to be according to the artist.

"Ghosts of Europa" is the sonic testimony of an experienced and matured musician, who created what he loves most and does best: electronic rock with stylistic influences from many genres while not being bound by any that creates dark soundscapes, cinematic sonic visions, and a plethora of emotions. Just when you think that you have finally figured "Ghosts of Europa" out, MORTIIS will surprise you with another facet and fresh aspect of his richly detailed masterpiece.

 

Line-up:

Håvard "Mortiis" Ellefsen – vocals, keyboards, vocoder, bass guitar, programming

Guest musicians

Benedicte Computorgirl (COMPUTORGIRL) – vocals on track 4

Christopher Amott (ARCH ENEMY et al.) – guitar solo on track 7

Christopher Rakkestad (ELVARHØI, BOLVERK) – vocals on track 1-6

Emil Nikolaisen (SERENA MANEESH, BRIAN JONESTOWN MASSACRE et al.) – fuzz & noise guitars & additional FX on track 3 & 4

Iliana Basileios Tsakiraki (ENEMY OF REALITY, SEPTICFLESH et al.) – vocals on tracks 1, 2, & 5

Laurie Ann Haus (BLIZZARD GAMES) – vocals on track 1, 2, 5 & 7

Matthew Setzer (SKINNY PUPPY, LONDON AFTER MDNIGHT) – throat singing on track 7

Michal Kielbasa (BLACK MAGIC RITES et al.) – tubular bell & vibraphone on track 2, tubular bell on track 6 & tabla loops, additional synths & FX on track 7

Sarah Jezebel Deva (THE KOVENANT, CRADLE OF FILTH et al.) – vocals on tracks 1-3, 5 & 6

Thomas Bolverk (RAGNAROK, BOLVERK) – distortion, clean & sampled guitars on track 6

Thorsten Quaeschning (TANGERINE DREAM) – additional synths & sequencers on track 1

Vegard Blomberg (MOCK) – e-bow & guitars on track 2, additional Copicat, Space Echo, fuzz & e-bow guitars) on track 4, Copicat, Space Echo & fuzz guitars on track 4, fuzz guitars on track 6, fuzz & ambient guitars on track & guitars on track 8

Erling Blomberg – additional guitars on track 8

Album Credits:

Recorded (re-recorded, re-animated & eternally tweaked and re-tweaked) at various locations over a thousand sessions during years of misery, poverty, and disdain (2020-2026) in Fredrikstad (NO)

Early vocal recording by co-producer Stephan Groth at Pitch Black Drive, Fredrikstad (NO)

Mix by Sean Beavan at The Grey Room, Crestline, CA (US)

Mastering by Jules Seifert at Epic Audio Media, London (UK)

Cover Artist: Nihil

Layout Creator: Laurent Clément (Dead Seed Productions)

Pre-orders:

https://mortiiswebstore.com/pages/ghosts-of-europa

Available formats:

"Ghosts of Europa" is available as a 60-page hardcover 2CD artbook incl. 8-track bonus CD, ltd. Gatefold XXX vinyl LP, Gatefold black vinyl LP, and Digipak CD.

MORTIIS Links:

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

X

BANDCAMP

SPOTIFY

APPLE MUSIC

YOUTUBE

OFFICIAL SHOP

Toxic. Addictive. hot mess Announce Debut EP + Are Back With Two New Singles!

Milwaukee pop rock upstarts, hot mess, are back with a double dose of new music, releasing two new singles - "Toxic Cloud" and "New Addiction" today alongside the announcement of their debut EP, "Make Myself Your Favorite Scene", set for release on October 15th. Following the momentum of their neon-lit, pulse racing single "Take Me Home", hot mess continue to sharpen their blend of nostalgic grit and modern pop-rock sheen. Fans can listen to "Toxic Cloud" and "New Addiction" HERE.

Pulling in complementary directions, "Toxic Cloud" takes aim at a scene obsessed with everything except the music itself, while "New Addiction" trades that slow-burn tension for a rush of drums and pop punk urgency, widening the emotional range that hot mess has hinted at so far. Together, the two singles offer an early glimpse of the range and chemistry that run throughout the band's debut EP, "Make Myself Your Favorite Scene". Built across 6 tracks, their forthcoming EP, is a document of late nights, bad decisions, and the moments that feel too good to be smart, all filtered through hot mess' signature blend of retro-futuristic synths and pop-punk backbone.

On what "Toxic Cloud" and "New Addiction" represent for the band, frontman Reid Stevenson shares:

"Toxic Cloud and New Addiction being released together reflects what we want to be as a rock band. We want the freedom to push into heavier territory with a track like Toxic Cloud, being more guitar driven and having a breakdown. While also being able to write on the other side of the pop-leaning spectrum with New Addiction, but still rubbing some hot mess dirt on it to make it our own."

Reflecting on reaching the milestone of announcing their debut EP, "Make Myself Your Favorite Scene", bassist Trevor Gallagher states:

"We here at hot mess are beyond excited to announce our very first EP: Make Myself Your Favorite Scene! This project has not only been a year in the making, but its truly a statement into what we’re all about. Heavy hitting, catchy, and a punch in the face that makes you say ONE MO TIME SUCKA."

Only eight songs into their career, hot mess are still in the earliest chapters of their story, yet the trajectory is unmistakable. Colliding a danceable pop rock with a streak of pop punk grit, the band deliver songs that feel instantly familiar and endlessly replayable. Hook heavy and high energy, hot mess are just rough enough around the edges to hint that something bigger is beginning to take shape.

Stay tuned for more news from hot mess soon.

ABOUT HOT MESS

hot mess is a high energy, pop-rock band formed in 2025 out of Milwaukee, WI. Blending anthemic hooks, punchy guitars, and unapologetic lyrics into a sound that feels nostalgic and refreshingly modern. The band is comprised of members Reid Stevenson (vocals), Sam Theno (guitar), Owen Stevenson (guitar), Trevor Gallagher (bass), and Aidan Scheuren (drums).

hot mess channels themes of ambition, relationships, jealousy, and self reflection. Pulling from their pop-punk roots they push their sound into a contemporary, darker pop-rock territory.

GIRISH AND THE CHRONICLES Return with Hard-Hitting New Single “Generation Coward” OUT NOW via Frontiers Music Srl

GIRISH AND THE CHRONICLES are excited to unleash their new single “Generation Coward," along with an official visualizer, out now via Frontiers Music Srl.

The hard-hitting new single blends the band’s signature melodic hard rock and metal with modern alternative influences. Driven by crushing riffs, soaring melodies, and anthemic hooks, the track showcases a heavier, more contemporary edge while remaining unmistakably GATC.

The band commented:

“Lyrically, 'Generation Coward' is an unflinching reflection on fear, conformity, hypocrisy, and the silence that often surrounds human suffering in today’s world. In an age where tragedy unfolds in real time and outrage can be reduced to a passing moment on a screen, the song challenges listeners to question blind obedience, empty virtue, and our growing desensitization to injustice.”

Balancing melody with raw intensity, “Generation Coward” captures both the frustration and urgency of the times while pushing GATC’s sound into bold new territory. It is a powerful reminder that hard rock can still provoke thought as much as it delivers unforgettable hooks.

Watch the Official Visualizer for “Generation Coward” Below:

Over the last few years, GIRISH AND THE CHRONICLES have evolved from one of India's best-kept hard rock secrets into a truly international force. Fueled by extensive European touring and a widely acclaimed appearance on the hit American television show America's Got Talent, the band has experienced remarkable growth, expanding its audience far beyond its homeland and earning recognition among rock fans across the globe.

Staying true to the melodic hard rock and classic heavy metal foundations that have defined their sound from the very beginning, the band’s sound proudly embraces their roots while confidently pushing toward the future. A sound filled with big hooks, soaring choruses, electrifying guitar work, and a renewed sense of ambition.

At the heart of it all is frontman Girish Pradhan, whose unmistakable voice continues to set the band apart. Possessing a rare combination of power, range, grit, and emotion, Girish channels the spirit of the great rock singers of the past while maintaining a personality and charisma that are entirely his own. His commanding vocal performance elevates every track, bringing passion, intensity, and authenticity to the album's diverse musical landscape.

This is a band at the peak of its creative powers: proud of its heritage, energized by its international success, and ready to claim its place on the global hard rock stage. GIRISH AND THE CHRONICLES are no longer just one of India's premier rock exports - they are a band whose time has truly arrived.

Listen to "Generation Coward" HERE

PC: GATC and Ashish Limbu

Get Out Alive Shares "If I Leave'

GET OUT ALIVE are thrilled to share the new single "IF I LEAVE." Listen below.

"'If I Leave' is about giving up," the artist says. "A feeling of low worth, with the chorus opening questions like, 'If I leave, will you come for me?' These lyrics are a vulnerable confession that help is needed and anyone who may relate is not alone. You are not broken. This lyrical message is wrapped up in loud drums, rhythmic guitar work, and intense belted vocals, inspired by all of your favorite dad rock bands from the '90s."

Let the '90s dad rock commence!

Get Out Alive is the brain trust of Chas Huff, a solo alternative metal artist originally from the southwest suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, who later relocated to Palm Coast, Florida. His musical journey began in high school, producing on a borrowed computer before stepping into the local scene as a performer. Over the years, he played in multiple bands, including a punk band which shared stages with acts like Puddle of Mudd, and later a group that opened for artists such as Fame on Fire, collaborated with notable features, and secured a distribution deal. He further expanded his reach through an international project earning another distribution deal and working alongside recognized collaborators.

After years of band experiences and setbacks, Chas shifted his focus toward his solo project, Get Out Alive, creating a fully independent outlet for his artistic vision. Self-produced and developed alongside collaborator Zack Baker (Rain City Drive), his sound blends heavy riffs, immersive atmosphere, melodic vocals, and emotionally driven, hook-focused songwriting. Outside collaborations and industry opportunities ultimately reinforced his decision to invest fully in his solo path.

Born out of isolation and personal struggle, Chas uses Get Out Alive as more than just music, it serves as a self-help-driven creative expression rooted in growth, faith, and introspection. Influenced by psychology and philosophy, his work explores the balance between light and dark while embracing raw honesty. Through his music, he aims to turn pain into purpose, offering listeners both emotional release and a sense of hope, grounded in the belief that to truly get out alive, you must face the truth.

AMY STROUP REIMAGINES IRVING BERLIN’S “ALWAYS”

Today, Nashville-based singer, songwriter and producer Amy Stroup releases a new interpretation of Irving Berlin's timeless classic “Always.” The recording serves as the musical centerpiece of a short piece celebrating the people who make up the backbone of the American workforce. “Always” is available here.

With more than 1,500 licensed sync placements, Stroup is known for creating music and moments that connect with audiences across film, television and advertising. She now brings her signature artistry to one of America's most enduring songs with “Always.” Her interpretation underscores the campaign's celebration of the resilience, optimism and entrepreneurial spirit of small businesses, pairing a fresh, intimate performance with a timeless American standard.

“When you're invited to step into a song that has meant so much to so many people for generations, you approach it with a lot of respect,” said Stroup. “I loved finding a way to honor what makes ‘Always’ timeless while bringing my own voice and perspective to it. I'm grateful to the team behind this for trusting me with such a beautiful piece of music and for wanting my voice to help tell its story.”

Given the freedom to reinterpret “Always” through her own artistic lens, Stroup delivers a performance that honors the song's enduring legacy while introducing it to a new generation of listeners. Her recording is available on all digital streaming platforms.

About Amy Stroup:
Amy Stroup is a Nashville-based singer, songwriter and producer whose emotionally expansive songwriting and cinematic sound have made her one of today's most sought-after creative voices. According to Billboard, she is among the most licensed female artists working today, with more than 1,500 film and television placements, including Landman, Grey's Anatomy and Virgin River, along with campaigns for brands including British Airways, Google and Nike. As the creator of the viral project Danger Twins, her music has generated more than 5 billion TikTok impressions and millions of streams. Her songs have been recorded by artists including Chaka Khan, SYML, Andrew Belle and Sam Williams. Stroup is signed to Jonas Group Publishing.

PARMALEE DROPS NEW TRACK “I NEED SOMEBODY”

Six-time number one hitmaker Parmalee returns with the band’s latest track, “I Need Somebody.” Written by Matt Thomas, Taylor Phillips, Andrew DeRoberts, David Fanning and Andy Albert, the upbeat track reflects on a person’s heartbreak and the desire to wipe it out of their memory by seeking to find a forever love. Listen to “I Need Somebody” BELOW. Recently earning the longest-running number one by a band in nearly 14 years on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, Parmalee’s current single, “God Knew Better,” is currently climbing the country charts.  

Parmalee is currently on tour:

7/31 Lexington, SC - Icehouse Amphitheater
8/1 North Myrtle Beach, SC - Alabama Theater
8/7 Lodi, CA Kat County 103 - In The Grove
8/8 Las Vegas, NV -  Edgewater Casino Resort
8/15 Chelsford, UK - Country Calling – Hylands House
8/21 Johnson Creek, WI - Gobbler Theater
8/22 Sunrise Beach, MO - Captain Ron’s
8/28 Dieppe, Canada - YQM Countryfest – Site MusicuArt Site
8/29 Mason, NH - The Range
9/5 Bedford, TX - Bedford Beats and Eats Fest
9/11 Chittenango, NY - The Haven of The Wild – Chittenango, NY
9/12 Norwalk, CT - Norwalk Oyster Festival
10/4 Doswell, VA - State Fair of Virginia
10/10 Palmyra, MO - Marion County Fairgrounds
10/16 Cave Creek, AZ - Harold’s Cave Creek Corral
11/13 Indianapolis, IN - 8 Seconds Saloon

KEEP UP WITH PARMALEE
WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE | FACEBOOK | X

Summer Hoop Blurs Love, Obsession, and Worship on “Mindlessly”

Dark-pop breakout, Summer Hoop, has today released her brand new track "Mindlessly", a haunting, yet energetic anthem that reframes obsession into scripture. Moving between alternative, pop-rock, and metal, "Mindlessly" is Summer Hoop's debut to Oxide Music, introducing her as a powerful new addition to the label's growing roster. Fans can listen to "Mindlessly" BELOW.

Plunging into the disorienting pull of obsessive devotion, "Mindlessly" weaves themes of martyrdom, sacrifice, and salvation to capture the feeling of losing yourself entirely to someone else. With vivid lyricism, Summer Hoop traces the tension between worship and self-destruction, hopelessly following a lover while recognizing the damage that is to come.

Tapping into the darker impulse of "Mindlessly", Summer Hoop shares:

"“Mindlessly” is about me having a blind devotion to somebody, kind of as if they were this beautiful corrupt religious leader. I would let a beautiful person RUIN ME. If you’re sexy and a smooth talker you don’t have to care about me at all I’m going to drink the kool aid and worship you “Mindlessly”."

On signing yet another standout act, Andrew Wetzel, founder of Oxide Music, shares:

"We are absolutely ecstatic to add yet another amazing artist to the Oxide Music family and we look forward to helping Summer continue to build her story."

Sitting at the intersection of glossy pop hooks and darker, heavier undercurrents, Summer Hooppositions herself as a distinct new voice for fans of Poppy, Maggie Lindemann, and PVRIS. With a growing catalog and a bold artistic identity rooted in the contrast of beauty and chaos, Summer Hoop is quickly carving out a space of her own in the alternative landscape.

Following today's release, Summer Hoop will hit the road this fall supporting Icon For Hire in Florida and Nate Vickers across five US dates.

Be sure to stay tuned for more Summer Hoop news coming soon.

SUMMER HOOP

Supporting Icon For Hire

September 8 - Orlando, FL - Conduit

September 9 - Tampa, FL - The Orpheum

SUMMER HOOP

Supporting Nate Vickers

September 17 - Nashville, TN - The 58’

September 20 - Harrisburg, PA - Capital City Music Hall

September 21 - Vienna, VA - Jammin’ Java

September 23 - Greensboro, NC - Hangar 1819

September 25 - Atlanta, GA - The Masquerade

TRAPEZE’S SELF-TITLED DEBUT ALBUM FEATURING ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAMER AND FORMER DEEP PURPLE MEMBER GLENN HUGHES ARRIVES THIS OCTOBER

Deko Entertainment is proud to announce the release of Trapeze, the self-titled debut album from legendary British rock band Trapeze, arriving this October on 180-gram blue vinyl and limited to just 500 copies worldwide.

Originally released in 1970 and produced by John Lodge of The Moody Blues, Trapeze captured the band's early psychedelic and progressive rock sound before they evolved into the hard-rock powerhouse that would go on to influence generations of musicians.

Formed in 1969, Trapeze originally featured former The Montanas members John Jones (trumpet, vocals) and Terry Rowley (keyboards), alongside former Finders Keepers members Glenn Hughes (bass, vocals, piano), Mel Galley (guitar, vocals), and Dave Holland (drums). Following the release of their debut album, Jones and Rowley departed the group, leaving Hughes, Galley, and Holland to continue as a trio.

The band's legacy extends far beyond this groundbreaking debut. Glenn Hughes would go on to join Deep Purple and later be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the legendary group. Mel Galley would become a member of Whitesnake, while Dave Holland would achieve international success with Judas Priest.

Fans can listen to the original version of “Send Me No More Letters” below:

Making this release even more special, Trapeze has not been available on vinyl since its original 1970 pressing. This newly remastered edition is presented on 180-gram blue vinyl and includes a beautifully designed inner sleeve, with only 500 copies being pressed worldwide.

For more information and to pre-order visit the Trapeze store:
https://www.dekoentertainment.com/reissues/trapeze

For more information, visit: 

www.dekoentertainment.com

Green Carnation Perform Prog Miracle on New Single “The Messiah Complex”

After reaching crushing new peaks and delving into the deepest, darkest and most personal depths of their storied career during its opening chapters, the Norwegian prog bards Green Carnation are ending their critically-acclaimed album trilogy with a bold and uncompromising exclamation.

“A Dark Poem is by far our biggest achievement since Light of Day, Day of Darkness”, Green Carnation vocalist Kjetil Nordhus. “Our new album trilogy returns to the epic storytelling that put us on the map back in 2001. While the reception to Part I and Part II has been overwhelmingly positive for us, we do believe that Part III saves the best for last”.

Today, Green Carnation are releasing the title track as the second advanced single from A Dark Poem, Part III: The Messiah Complex. By performing a prog miracle, trilogy highlight “The Messiah Complex” reveals a dark truth about human nature.

“The title track from Part III of A Dark Poem is about our need to find external excuses for our behavior”, Green Carnation bassist and primary lyricist Stein Roger Sordal says. “This is nothing new, but with our uncritical way of working with our increasingly digital world, we seem unable to cope with the consequences of our actions”.

“‘The Messiah Complex’ is a standout song in the trilogy”, Nordhus adds. “The vibe to this song is quite unique for us, but it doesn’t take long to recognize that it is still very much a Green Carnation song. Bjørn’s guitar work lifts the song up, together with Jonathan’s drumming and, of course,  Stein Roger’s bass and vocals during the bridge”.

Listen to “The Messiah Complex” below:

   

A Dark Poem, Part III: The Messiah Complex comes out September 4, 2026 on Season of Mist.

Pre-order

https://orcd.co/greencarnationadarkpoempart3

Catch Green Carnation during their upcoming hometown shows and European summer festival dates.

During their headlining show in September at the Kilden Performing Arts Centre, the band will perform A Dark Poem in its entirety for the first and final time. Already, fans from 18 different countries have purchased tickets for this once-in-a-lifetime event.  

Green Carnation 2026 + 2027 Show Dates

August 1 - Ungarn, Hungary @ Feke Zaj Festival [TICKETS]

September 12 - Kristiansand, Norway @ Kilden Performing Arts Centre [TICKETS]#

September 25 - Bucuresti, Romania @ Bucharest Prog Day II [TICKETS]

September 26 - Barcelona, Spain @ Be Prog! My Friend [TICKETS]

May 1, 2027 - Kopervik, Norway @ Karmøygeddon [TICKETS]

#Performing A Dark Poem, Part I-III

With A Dark Poem, Part III: The Messiah Complex, Green Carnation finish a masterpiece that stands alongside Light of Day, Day of Darkness as the defining statement of their storied career.  

Recording lineup
Kjetil Nordhus - Vocals
Stein Roger Sordal - Bass, Rhythm Guitars, Lead Guitars, Keyboards
Bjørn Harstad - Lead Guitars, Effects
Endre Kirkesola - Keyboards, Synthesizers, Organs, Effects
Jonathan Alejandro Perez - Drums

Guest musicians
Ingrid Ose - Flute on “Broken Souls, Common Enemies”

Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra and Opera Choir on “A Dark Poem - Orchestral Suite”

Live lineup
Kjetil Nordhus - Vocals
Stein Roger Sordal - Bass
Tchort - Guitars
Bjørn Harstad - Guitars
Trond Breen - Guitars
Endre Kirkesola - Keyboards

Recording & Mixing Studio
dUb Studio

Mastering Studio

Rorysound Studios


Production Credits
Producers - Endre Kirkesola, Stein Roger Sordal, Kjetil Nordhus
Mixing & Sound Engineer - Endre Kirkesola

Mixing Assistant — Bjørn Harstad

Mastering Engineer — Lawrence Mackrory

Credits for “A Dark Poem - Orchestral Suite”

Recorded at Kilden Performing Arts Centre in Kristiansand, Norway

Performed by the Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra and Kristiansand Opera Choir

Symphone Orchestra Conductor - Alexander Hanson

Choir Preparation and Conductor - Anne Haugland Balsnes

Mixing & Sound Engineer - Simen Endresen Hefte

Mastering Studio - Rorysound Studios

Mastering Engineer - Lawrence Mackrory

Cover artist
Niklas Sundin


Pre-order & Pre-save
https://orcd.co/greencarnationadarkpoempart3


Follow Green Carnation:
Bandcamp: https://greencarnationsom.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreenCarnationNorway
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/green2carnation/
Twitter (X): https://x.com/Green2Carnation
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2vfEaTADayEniT7xbG-XCA
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1ZaJhNBAhJ3HjPsWiB9sDc
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/artist/green-carnation/72866964
Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/artist/8192
Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/artist/23079

Australian Hard Rockers AIRBOURNE Release New Single "Here She Comes" - Co-Written with Mutt Lange & Bryan Adams

When you're making an album that offers a 21-gun salute to hard rock’s proud past, its history and its heart, it makes perfect sense to align with writers and producers who have played a key role in championing the music worldwide, and who continue to do so.

Highly fitting, therefore, that AIRBOURNE’s latest single, "Here She Comes," out today, should and was co-written with Bryan Adams & Mutt Lange – names responsible for hundreds of millions of sales and for creating some of rock’s most revered and timeless releases, the likes of ‘Reckless’ and ‘Waking Up The Neighbours’ (global chart-toppers for Adams, the latter No. 1 in 11 different countries), and ‘Back In Black’ and ‘Hysteria’ (seminal albums produced by Lange for AC/DC and Def Leppard respectively, game-changers for the genre as a whole).

Watch the Visualizer for "Here She Comes" Below:

Add in the talents of producer Brian Howes (who helmed 2013’s ‘Black Dog Barking’ for AIRBOURNE), engineer Mike Fraser (who worked on 2010’s ‘No Guts. No Glory’ & 2016’s ‘Breakin’ Outta Hell’), mixing engineer Zakk Cervini (BMTH, Architects, Evanescence) and mastering legend Ted Jensen, and you have a track – Single 5 from the forthcoming self-titled studio album, out September 4th via Spinefarm – that manages to both box and charm the ears at the same time.

First there was do-or-die anthem ‘Gutsy’, then ‘Christmas Bonus’ (“Ho-ho-ho – let’s go!”), then ‘Alive After Death (Last Plane Out)’, officially No. 1 at German Rock Radio, and most recently ‘Kid In A Candy Store’, a rite-of-passage rocker in the spirit of AC/DC’s "Whole Lotta Rosie"; and now, blowing in hard on a festival-ready chorus and enough full-blooded ‘woahs’ to lift an arena roof or part the lower clouds, there’s ‘Here She Comes’, complete with guitar solo cranked high in the mix for maximum shoulder-straddling impact.

Lyrics like, "Here she comes, raising a hurricane, there she goes blowing my mind" might sound like they’re about one of vocalist/guitarist Joel O’Keeffe’s favourite subjects, women – which, to be fair, they are – but they also nod to the tropical storm that bore down on Music Farm Studio in Byron Bay, south-eastern Australia, as AIRBOURNE were recording, adding to a list of tribulations topped up by dangerous, potentially lethal wild-life and uncooperative vintage gear.

“It was like a hurricane came through,” recalls drummer Ryan O’Keeffe. “I remember screaming, ‘Get away from the windows!’ Streetie [bassist Justin Street] was sleeping in an old bus outside the studio, and a tree fell right next to it and almost crushed him!”

Adds brother Joel: “That’s how the song came about. It’s just out of this storm that blew in. Everyone was sitting there going, ‘Here she comes!’ Then we flipped it, and it became a bit of a double entendre. It’s so much fun.”

Pre-Order 'Airbourne' HERE

When AIRBOURNE – brothers Joel and Ryan O'Keeffe (vocals/guitar and drums, respectively), bassist Justin Street, and guitarist Brett Tyrrell – entered Music Farm Studioin southeastern Australia to record their new album, they effectively drew a line in the Byron Bay sand. The mission was clear: to create not only the greatest body of work in the AIRBOURNE canon ("Real blockbuster sh*t!," to echo their own words), but to scale the highest possible peak – shirtless, naturally, in true AIRBOURNE style – in the name of hard rock; to break new ground, defend the territory won by the heroes who came before them, and strengthen and celebrate the sacred bond with rock fans around the world.

In short, go forth and GET GUTSY!

Ryan: “This record distils everything we stand for into one place. Everything we love. It’s the best album we could possibly have made.”

“Everything we are as a band, our heart and soul, is in this record,” confirms Joel.

‘Airbourne’ is The Album, the statement recording, that only one band could have created; for proud sons of Warrnambool, Joel and Ryan, it was all about stepping up to the mighty task, staunchly protecting their beliefs and keeping the vision alive – no compromise, no corners cut, still no ballads (or bullshit); and if that meant staring down deadly snakes and even deadlier super-sized spiders, then so be it. Bring it on, Big Boy!

‘Airbourne’. Made with passion. Made in Australia. The Great Barrier Riff.

AIRBOURNE Live:

July 30 – Rockstadt Extreme Fest, Romania

August 1 – Wacken Open Air, Germany

August 4 – Tipos Arena, Slovakia

August 7 – Wasserschloss Klaffenbach, Germany

August 8 – Rockowizna Festival, Poland

August 10 – Forum Karlin, Czech Republic

August 12 – Summer Breeze, Germany

August 14 – Reload Festival, Germany

August 16 – Motocultor Festival, France

August 18 – Navarra Arena, Spain

August 20 – Roig Arena, Spain

August 22 – V And B Festival, France

August 26 – Klub Studio, Poland

August 29 – Helitehas, Estonia

August 31 – Allas Sea Pool, Finland

September 3 – Tivoli Grona Lund, Sweden

September 5 – High Voltage Live, Norway

Heavy Music Disruptor Showing Teeth Shares "Bad Exchanges" — LISTEN // EP Out In September // Signs With Republic/Spinefarm

After quietly emerging as one of extreme music's most talked-about artists this year, acclaimed Nashville-based sonic alchemist SHOWING TEETH unleashes a venomous new single in the form of "Bad Exchanges." 

Listen here.

Additionally, she has signed a freshly minted partnership with Republic Records and Spinefarm — as officially announced.
 
Next up, SHOWING TEETH will unveil her much-anticipated debut EP, A Fate Worse Than Loneliness, dropping on September 4 via Republic Records + Spinefarm. Pre-order/Pre-save here. 
 
On "Bad Exchanges," a woozy beat anxiously tosses and turns beneath her seething verses. Distortion groans, electronics squeal, and a chugging detuned groove explodes in tandem with a high-pitched scream. Amidst the chaos, raw emotion spills out like blood from an open wound as she wonders: "Why can't I just be happy? This feeling always ends." It concludes with an unbridled burst of intense catharsis awash in grainy feedback. 
 
Stay tuned for the premiere of an equally powerful music video to accompany the track.

The song lands in the wake of "Rip," which has already amassed over 1 million streams and counting. Revolver touted it among the 6 Best New Songs Right Now," raving: "Beyond that textual heaviness, Showing Teeth goes next level berserk with her feral shrieks."
 
This fall, she will hit the road as support to President on the band's sold-out North American Campaign 2026 for six weeks across North America. This run commences on September 4 in Nashville, TN at Brooklyn Bowl Nashville, visits major markets coast-to-coast, and closes out on October 14 in Dallas, TX at House of Blues Dallas. All dates are below.
 
Experience A Fate Worse Than Loneliness and more to come from Showing Teeth this fall.

PHOTO CREDIT: Mack Knox @mknoxmedia

SHOWING TEETH ON TOUR:
WITH PRESIDENT:
9/4 — Nashville, TN — Brooklyn Bowl Nashville
9/5 — St. Louis, MO — Delmar Hall
9/8 — Chicago, IL — The Riviera Theatre
9/10 — New York, NY — Brooklyn Paramount
9/11 — Toronto, ON — Danforth Music Hall
9/12 — Montreal, QC — MTELUS
9/13 — Boston, MA — Big Night Live
9/15 — Philadelphia, PA — Theatre of Living Arts
9/16 — Silver Spring, MD — The Fillmore Silver Spring
9/18 — Louisville, KY — Louder Than Life*
9/19 — Huntsville, AL — Mars Music Hall
9/20 — Atlanta, GA — Shaky Knees*
9/22 — Orlando, FL — House of Blues Orlando
9/23 — Atlanta, GA — Buckhead Theatre
9/25 — Kansas City, MO — Warehouse on Broadway
9/26 — Denver, CO — Summit Music Hall
9/28 — Salt Lake City, UT — The Depot
9/29 — Las Vegas, NV — Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas
10/1 — Garden City, ID — Revolution Concert House & Event Center
10/2 — Seattle, WA — Neptune Theatre
10/6 — Berkeley, CA — The UC Theatre
10/7 — Los Angeles, CA — The Wiltern
10/9 — San Diego, CA — House of Blues San Diego
10/10 — Phoenix, AZ — The Van Buren
10/12 — San Antonio, TX — Aztec Theatre
10/13 — Houston, TX — House of Blues Houston
10/14 — Dallas, TX — House of Blues Dallas
10/17 — Nashville, TN — Ceremony Festival*
*Festival Date

SoCal Metal Band Fraxures Return With Steaming New Single “Trauma Bond" via Cleopatra Records

Los Angeles, California: SoCal metal band Fraxures unleashes the third single from its highly anticipated new album, Hexes. Since forming during the pandemic, the powerhouse five-piece has forged an unmistakable sound, blending crushing heaviness with emotional depth. Hexes is a raw and unapologetic exploration of the darkest aspects of the human condition, told through a deeply personal perspective that follows a journey through the shadows in search of the light.

 

“'Trauma Bond' is based upon being trauma bonded to someone. No matter how toxic the relationship is, the two cannot seem to break away from each other, yet they find no peace in each other’s presence. So the song outlines the push-pull of that relationship, being helplessly bonded through the chaos the two have built, and finally being able to break that bond and be free of the constant space of trauma that festers in the unity of the two people," says frontman Travis Neal.

 

 STREAM "Trauma Bond" HERE

HEXES CD/Vinyl is Available HERE

HEXES Digital is Available HERE

 

WATCH "Trauma Bond" Official Music Video Below:

Formed in 2020 in southern California, Fraxures line up as: Travis Neal (vocals), Fred Aching (drums), Vinny Marvaso (bass), Nolan Davis (guitar, vocals) and Esty Sanchez (guitar) - seasoned musicians from renowned acts such as William Shatner Band, Deadgroove, Kings Of Thrash, Divine Heresy, Powerflo, BillyBio, The Bloodline, and A Hero Within.  The members’ shared passion for creating earth-shattering music saw FRΛXURES emerge as a force to be reckoned with, blending the raw energy of metal with a modern edge. 

 

Their sound reflects their rich history, while carving a distinct path in the heavy music scene, reflected by the success of live performances alongside some of the biggest names in metal and alternative rock - Fear Factory, Snot, Taproot, Orbit Culture, Of Mice & Men and Unearth among them.

 

Fraxure’s first release, the critically acclaimed EP Firewater Sessions, was produced by legend Billy Graziadei of Biohazard. Showcasing the band’s ability to channel crushing riffs, soaring melodies, and thought-provoking lyrics into a cohesive sonic experience, it led to them joining the Cleopatra Records family last year, since then they have released two singles, “Blackheart Serenade" and "It’s No Good," a hit on into Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart.

 

Now Hexes is on the horizon, and for the band’s fans, its September 4th release date cannot arrive quickly enough, all the more so after the band announced “Grab the vinyl or deluxe CD to explore the deeper meaning of each track.”

Darius Rucker's "Wagon Wheel" Joins Spotify Billions Club with Surprise Red Rocks Presentation Alongside OCMS's Ketch Secor

Before taking the stage at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on Saturday, July 25, Darius Rucker and Old Crow Medicine Show’s Ketch Secor were surprised with a Spotify Billions Club plaque commemorating Rucker’s iconic version of “Wagon Wheel” surpassing one billion streams on the platform. Later in the evening, the multi-GRAMMY winners combined forces  to perform the chart-topping hit together, bringing the song’s remarkable journey full circle as the songwriter and the artist whose version has been streamed over a billion times shared the milestone with a sold-out crowd.
 
“You never know where a song is going to take you, and I don’t think any of us could’ve imagined ‘Wagon Wheel’ would still mean this much to people all these years later,” marvels Rucker. “To celebrate a billion streams with Ketch right before we walked out at Red Rocks made it even more special. I’m grateful to everybody who’s made this song part of their lives, and I’ll keep singing it as long as y’all let me!”
 
Originally completed by Secor after he heard an unfinished Bob Dylan demo featuring what would become the song’s chorus, “Wagon Wheel” became an instant classic when OCMS released it in 2004. Rucker’s rendition was released in 2013 for his True Believers album and has taken on a life of its own, transcending country radio to become one of the defining songs of its generation while earning both a GRAMMY Award and RIAA Diamond certification.
 
“Songs have a funny way of finding their own path, and ‘Wagon Wheel’ has had one incredible life,” reflects Secor. “Watching Darius bring it around the world over the last decade has been one of the greatest gifts a songwriter could ever receive. Standing beside him at Red Rocks to celebrate this milestone felt like watching another beautiful chapter get written.”
 
Spotify’s Billions Club is the platform’s flagship playlist celebrating tracks that have surpassed one billion streams. Since its launch, it has evolved into one of Spotify’s most prestigious programs, encompassing artist plaques, original video series, live concerts, long-form videos and more.
 
The milestone comes amid another busy chapter for Rucker, who is currently playing cities across the country on his Songs of Summer Tour in addition to select festival dates with his Hootie & the Blowfish bandmates. He was also recently announced as the national anthem performer at the upcoming WWE SummerSlam on Aug. 2 and will host the fifth annual edition of his own Riverfront Revival festival in Charleston on Oct. 9-10. For more information and to purchase tickets to upcoming shows, visit www.dariusrucker.com and follow on social media @DariusRucker

Ketch Secor & Darius Rucker were honored for "Wagon Wheel" surpassing one billion streams on Spotify prior to performing at Red Rocks on Saturday, July 25, 2026. | Photo Credit: Josh Pruitt/Ivywild Visuals

MALVADA Share New Single “Anymore (English Version of “Aversa~O”)”

Women-led, talented Brazilian Rock band MALVADA are pleased to share the new single and official visualizer for 'Anymore (English version of “Aversa~o”)', as part of the digital deluxe edition of their self-titled album, originally released in June 2025 and out now via Frontiers Music Srl.

 

The band commented: “Anymore” is about breaking free from a relationship built on manipulation, greed, and lies. It's the moment when someone stops seeing the other person through a fantasy, recognizes the truth behind the mask, and decides to close the door on everything that no longer deserves a place in their life. At its core, the song is about liberation, self-awareness, and reclaiming your own strength”.

 

Watch the Official Visualizer for

“Anymore (English version of “Aversa~o”)” Below:

The rising star of the Brazilian rock scene has a name: MALVADA, and they are ready to take over the world!

MALVADA was initially formed in March 2020, during the beginning of the pandemic. With a rock n' roll style full of personality, the band quickly attracted attention as one of the most promising acts in the Brazilian rock scene.

 

In January 2021, MALVADA released their first single entitled "Mais Um Gole", which gained greater prominence in the scene. Shortly afterward, in May of the same year, it was time to release the second single "Cada Escolha uma Renúncia", which preceded the launch of the band's debut album, "A Noite Vai Ferver". 

 

In the years 2022 and 2023, MALVADA solidified its presence on the national rock panorama, performing more than a hundred shows in several cities in Brazil. The band had the privilege of participating in huge festivals, such as Rock in Rio, Best of Blues and Rock, Angra Fest and Chama Rock, sharing the stage with renowned national and international rock names, like Pitty, Ira!, Angra, Viper, Edu Falaschi, Matanza, Golpe de Estado, Extreme and Tom Morello.

 

In November 2023, MALVADA, composed of Indira Castillo, Bruna Tsuruda, Rafaela Reoli and Juliana Salgado surprised with a big announcement: the band has become the newest signee of the prestigious Italian label Frontiers Records, which has renowned bands in its catalog such as Mr. Big, Asia, Whitesnake, Jeff Scott Soto, among others, promising to take them to a new level, with opportunities to expand their reach and conquer the global market.

 

Their latest self-titled album, released last June and produced by the Brazilian Grammy awarded producer Giu Daga, delivers a powerful and exciting musical experience, featuring tracks in both English and Portuguese, setting the bar for the band to conquer a global audience. 

MALVADA recently toured Europe with Michael Schenker, wrapping the tour up last month, and are set to play again at Rock in Rio in September, along with Bring Me The Horizon, Avenged Sevenfold, Bad Omens and Poppy.

MALVADA are:

Indira Castillo - Vocals

Bruna Tsuruda - Guitar

Juliana Salgado - Drums

Rafaela Reoli - Bass

Gunshine's New Album 'Grand Rising' Out Now! Release Single "Capt'n Save a Hoe"

Florida rock band Gunshine have released their new album, Grand Rising,  along with the focus track "Capt'n Save A Hoe" via vnclm_ / Create Music Group. With Grand Rising, Gunshine raise the bar yet again in an exciting evolution of the band. The album takes listeners on a dynamic journey filled with genre-bending twists and turns, shifting moods, and unexpected vibes—all while staying true to the core elements that set Gunshine apart. Featuring 13 tracks, each single-worthy in its own right, Grand Rising is poised to become a modern-day rock classic.

 

"I'm very proud of this record, it's definitely fresh and original. As we continue to put out music, I think our fans and other listeners will see that we are not boxed into one sound or one 'thing'. We love being creative and making true art, just writing whatever comes out. I'm super stoked for everyone to hear this record!" says Austin Ingerman. 

 

He continues, "'Capt'n Save a Hoe' blends rock, hip hop, and funk elements with a groove that sets the tone throughout the track. Lyrically it's a reminder to not get dragged down by a relationship that's no longer serving you. I had fun with the production on this one and added a lot of hip hop inspired layers. The main groove was actually inspired by Michael McDonald's 'I Keep Forgettin''. I've always liked songs that blend multiple genres and flavors, and we definitely did that on this song."

 

"We tracked the whole record, (except "Goth Girl" and "Single Looks Good On You"), in Las Vegas with producer/mixer Chris Collier (Korn, Mick Mars, Whitesnake, Lynchmob).  I've been working with Chris for about 9 years now.  He's incredibly talented, has a great ear, and adds a heavy hitting production value that makes the songs sonically translate very well."

 

STREAM "Capt'n Save A Hoe" below:

 

The album is now available on limited edition vinyl and CD here:

https://gunshine.diggers.store/

Gunshine are:

Austin Ingerman: (Guitar, Vocals)
Jordan Benson: (Lead Vocals, Piano)
Jake Tripp: (Bass, Vocals)
Tommy Salzburg: (Drums, Vocals)

MESHUGGAH Release Remastered Anniversary Editions of 'Destroy Erase Improve' and 'Catch Thirtythree'

The Illustrious Swedish extreme metal band MESHUGGAH mark two notable milestones with Destroy Erase Improve: 30th Anniversary Edition and Catch Thirtythree: 20th Anniversary Edition. Released via Reigning Phoenix Music, MESHUGGAH honor two of their most influential works with these remastered anniversary editions. Both titles are available on vinyl, CD digipack, and digitally, featuring the original album artwork and newly remastered audio.

Alongside the arrival of Destroy Erase Improve: 30th Anniversary Edition, the remastered single "Suffer in Truth" is featured as one of the most revered songs on the track list.

Listen to "Suffer in Truth" below:

Order the Destroy Erase Improve: 30th Anniversary Edition here: https://meshuggah.rpm.link/destroy30PR

In celebration of Catch Thirtythree: 20th Anniversary Edition, the remastered "Dehumanization" has been unveiled as one of the album's most momentous offerings. 

Listen to "Dehumanization" here: https://meshuggah.rpm.link/dehumanization20PR

Order the Catch Thirtythree: 20th Anniversary Edition here: https://meshuggah.rpm.link/catch20PR

Originally released in 1995, Destroy Erase Improve marked a decisive turning point not only for MESHUGGAH, but for the future of heavy music itself. The album introduced a sharpened and unmistakable version of the band’s evolving language: machine-like rhythmic precision, dissonant riff architecture, jazz-fusion flashes, and a level of technical control that would become foundational to progressive, extreme, math, and djent-adjacent metal in the decades that followed. Widely regarded as one of the defining metal albums of the 1990s, Destroy Erase Improve remains a blueprint for the sound MESHUGGAH would make entirely their own.

A decade later, MESHUGGAH pushed their vision even further with Catch Thirtythree. Released in 2005, the album stands as one of the band’s most singular statements: a continuous 47-minute composition divided into 13 movements, built around hypnotic repetition, shifting rhythmic illusions, crushing eight-string guitar work, and an atmosphere that remains uniquely immersive within the band’s catalog. Self-produced by MESHUGGAH, Catch Thirtythree also marked the band’s only full-length album built with programmed drums, using Toontrack’s Drumkit From Hell technology as part of its stark, futuristic design.

Both anniversary editions reaffirm the lasting impact of MESHUGGAH’s work across generations of heavy music. From the genre-redefining force of Destroy Erase Improve to the monolithic conceptual scope of Catch Thirtythree, these remastered releases offer longtime followers and new listeners alike the chance to experience two essential chapters in the band’s history with renewed clarity and weight.

Connect with MESHUGGAH:

ESOTERIK Shatter the Binary with New Single “No Absolutes”

ESOTERIK unveil their new single “No Absolutes,” a hypnotic and high-impact track that captures the tension between spiritual awakening and human volatility. Built on down-tuned riffs, syncopated industrial rhythms, and a massive electronic low-end, the song delivers a collision of polished mechanical precision and raw emotional release.

Where the band’s previous single “Cycles” introduced listeners to the agonizing loops of human repetition, “No Absolutes” violently shatters the wheel. The track rejects artificial moral binaries and societal expectations of perfection, urging listeners to embrace the fractured, chaotic, and beautifully imperfect nature of the human journey.

At the center of the song is Allison Eckfeldt’s dynamic vocal performance, moving seamlessly from intimate, haunting whispers to explosive, confrontational anthems. Her delivery mirrors the track’s central theme: the divided self is not something to be conquered, but integrated.

Musically, “No Absolutes” was crafted to feel expansive, heavy, and precise. The band relied on a Mesa Boogie Mark V amplifier to preserve mid-range clarity while cutting through the electronic weight of the production. Rhythm guitars were re-amped and doubled with a wide left-right panning spread, carving out a powerful center channel for Allison’s vocals to strike with maximum impact. Subtle octave layers lift the choruses, giving the track added depth and scale at its most explosive moments.

The single’s visual identity expands the song’s philosophy through sacred geometry. The cover art features the Vesica Piscis, an ancient symbol formed by the intersection of two identical circles and often associated with creation, duality, and the meeting point between the spiritual and physical worlds. Wrapped in protective shielding and untamed thorny vines, the imagery reflects the song’s thesis: we are not fragmented, warring personalities, but one unified being experiencing life across multiple frequencies.


With “No Absolutes,” ESOTERIK deliver a sonic manifesto for anyone caught between contradiction and self-acceptance. Heavy, hypnotic, and emotionally charged, the single stands as one of the band’s most urgent and resonant releases to date.

ESOTERIK Is:

Allison Eckfeldt (Vocals)
Brady Bledsoe (Instruments/Vocals)


Connect With ESOTERIK:

Official Website: https://www.esoterikmusic.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kazlovesbats
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esoterik_music
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/esoterikmusic

COLIN STOUGH LAYS HIS HEART BARE ON HAUNTING NEW BALLAD "BONE DRY" - OUT NOW

Colin Stough strips everything back on his latest release, "Bone Dry," available everywhere now. Listen BELOW.

Written by Stough alongside Gavin Lucas and Jackson Inman, and produced by Phillip White and Stough, "Bone Dry" trades roaring guitars for quiet devastation. Anchored by acoustic guitar, understated percussion and one of Stough's most vulnerable vocal performances to date, the heartbreak ballad captures the emptiness left behind when there are simply no tears left to cry.

"'Bone Dry' is about getting to that point after a breakup where you've cried all the tears you've got left," Stough shares. "The person you loved was everything to you, and then one day they're gone, and you're just standing there trying to figure out what comes next. Growing up in Mississippi, rivers, rain and dry ground were just part of everyday life, so that imagery always stuck with me. Sometimes heartbreak doesn't leave you angry. It just leaves you empty. That's what this song is."

Built around imagery of dried-up riverbeds, cracked earth and empty skies, "Bone Dry" turns the landscape of Stough's Mississippi upbringing into a portrait of heartbreak. His gravel-worn vocal carries every ounce of the song's emotional weight before giving way to a restrained guitar solo that never overwhelms the story, allowing every lyric to settle long after the final chorus fades.

The release follows the rock-driven "Trippin'," showcasing another side of Stough's artistry and continuing to prove that whether he's turning the amps up or stripping everything away, his greatest strength has always been telling the truth.

About Colin Stough
Born and raised on the Mississippi-Alabama line, 21-year-old Colin Stough was brought up on Southern rock and second chances. A self-taught guitarist and gravel-voiced storyteller influenced by The Allman Brothers, Conway Twitty and Koe Wetzel, he first picked up a guitar at age eight, later trading prized possessions for a pawn shop acoustic he still plays today. After high school, he worked full-time as an HVAC tech until his mom pushed him to audition for American Idol Season 21. That leap launched a life-changing ride, including a standout third-place finish, a deal with 19 Recordings/BMG Nashville and breakout songs like "Sober," "'Til The Day One Does" and the hard-edged anthem "White Trash." With a skinned-raw vocal and lyrics carved from lived experience, Stough has built a loyal following of more than 800K across social platforms. His EPs Promiseland and Lookin' For Homeoffer a no-frills portrait of a young man navigating life with Southern grit, while releases including "White Trash," "20 Bucks," "Best For You," "21 Year Old Man Blues," "Trippin'" and now "Bone Dry" continue to showcase both the power and vulnerability of his songwriting. On the road, he has opened for acts like Chase Matthew, Drake White and Kidd G as he continues to build his audience one show at a time. A student of Skynyrd and the outlaw spirit, Stough isn't chasing trends. He's telling the underdog's truth, one song at a time.

KEEP UP WITH COLIN STOUGH
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE

Ian Munsick Offers Heartbreak Healing with “Medicine Man,” Out Now

As Ian Munsick prepares to release his fourth studio album, The Mountain Goat, on August 21, the Wyoming native is offering heartbreak healing in his latest release from the project. “Medicine Man” is available now; listen below.
 
Written by Munsick, Mike Robinson, Jeremy Spillman and Ryan Beaver, “Medicine Man” finds the narrator offering love as an antidote to heartbreak. 
 
“As you probably know by now, I have no interest in making the same song twice. This has always allowed me to find new creative spark and fall in love with making music all over again every time I write a song," shares Munsick. "‘Medicine Man’ is unlike any song I’ve released. It has a psychedelic, beachy, deserty, 70’s, Eagles meets Fleetwood Mac meets me kinda vibe to it. It’s one of my favorites from The Mountain Goat and I’m confident it will be one of yours too.”
 
Munsick’s current single, “Love Is Blind,” is currently top 50 and climbing at Country radio. The official music video starring Ryan Charles and Rocky Mountain Fever bandmates Peter Wilson (drummer), Tristan Smith (guitar player) and Jonathan Warren (fiddle player) is available now. Watch HERE. 
 
Spanning 15 tracks, The Mountain Goat is Munsick’s first independent release via WEST TO THE REST RECORDS in partnership with Triple Tigers Records, and was produced by Munsick, Jeremy Spillman and Mike Robinson. Pre-save HERE. 
 
Additionally, five D2C fan packs are available to pre-order on his online store, including an exclusive autographed zoetrope vinyl. Pre-order HERE.

Along with co-producing the album, Munsick also played an extensive role in the instrumentation heard on the record. In total, Munsick is credited with playing nine different instruments: acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass guitar, mandolin, banjo, harmonica, piano, bouzouki and kazoo, as well as lending background vocals and programming.
 
Munsick promises to deliver fans a memorable tour of the west with a series of shows during album release week, as well as the launch of his Schaefer Outfitter clothing line on August 18. As part of “The Road to The Mountain Goat,” Munsick’s official album release show will be held at Deer Valley Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater in Park City, Utah on August 22 as part of the Deer Valley Concert Series. 
 
Founded in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Schaefer Outfitter has spent four decades providing western wear to working cowboys and ranchers. Their collection with Munsick will include custom pearl snap shirts, outerwear, hats and graphic tees designed collaboratively between Munsick and the Schaefer team. Fans can enter to win a signed piece of the collection HERE.
 
Munsick is also partnering with The Landmark Hotel & Casino to open the Ian Munsick Cowboy Bar & Western Grill in August in Deadwood, S.D on September 18. Built between 1894-1920, The Landmark is Deadwood’s largest historic structure at approximately 35,000 square feet. The Ian Munsick Cowboy Bar & Western Grill will reside within over 2,600 square feet of the footprint. The venue will promote and celebrate country and western music with old school country bar decor, along with two performance stages, one indoors and one outdoors.
 
The Road to The Mountain Goat Shows:
Aug 21 || Minden, NV || TJ's Corral Outdoor
Aug 22 || Park City, UT || Deer Valley Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater
Aug 25 || Morrison, CO || Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Aug 28 || Pueblo, CO || Colorado State Fair
Sept 11 || San Angelo, TX || Black Buck Amphitheater 
Sept 12 || Albuquerque, NM | New Mexico State Fair
Sept 18 || Deadwood, SD || Deadwood Jam