KORPIKLAANI - Release Video For 'Sauna', The English Version Of Their Song 'Saunaan'

Finnish Folk Metal Superstars KORPIKLAANI have released a video for the song 'Sauna', which is an English version of the first single from their latest album, Rankarumpu. 

KORPIKLAANI's twelfth studio album Rankarumpu is classic folk metal - fast, energetic and dynamic, showing once again they are the leaders in this genre. The fast paced, violin-driven and playful folk metal tune 'Sauna' is one of the finest examples of KORPIKLAANI's staggering virtuosity. With its irresistable lead melody and a chorus for the ages, 'Sauna' should fill any fan of the genre with pure delight.

Samuli Mikkonen (drums) commented:
"We’ve have played 'Saunaan' on every show after it was released and it has become a banger! Now it was about time to make an English version so everybody can understand our tribute to Finnish sauna culture. The message is simple:
'Sauna! To party is not a crime
Your worries will burn like a pine!'"

Korpiklaani will embark on an extensive GSA tour with In Extremo and Rauhbein on November 15th. 

LISTEN TO 'SAUNA'
https://korpiklaani.bfan.link/sauna

WATCH THE MUSIC VIDEO FOR 'SAUNA' Below.

FOLKFEST OF THE NORTH
NORTH AMERICAN CO-HEADLINE TOUR 2025
KORPIKLAANI  |  ENSIFERUM
GUESTS: Trollfest & NiNi
 

27.02.2025      US  Boston, MA, Brighton Music Hall

28.02.2025      CA  Quebec City, QC, Salle Montaigne - SOLD OUT

01.03.2025      CA  Montreal, QC, Beanfield - SOLD OUT

02.03.2025      CA  Ottawa, ON, Overflow

03.03.2025      CA  Toronto, ON, The Concert Hall0

4.03.2025      US  Columbus, OH, King of Clubs

05.03.2025      US  Pontiac, MI, Crofoot

06.03.2025      US  Chicago, IL, Outset

07.03.2025      US  Minneapolis, MN, Skyway Theatre

08.03.2025      US  Des Moines, IA, Wooly’s

09.03.2025      US  Denver, CO, Gothic Theatre

11.03.2025      US  Salt Lake City, UT, Metro Music Hall

13.03.2025      US  Sacramento, CA, Goldfield Roseville

14.03.2025      US  San Francisco, CA, Great American Music Hall

15.03.2025      US  Los Angeles, CA, Regent Theater

16.03.2025      US  San Diego, CA, House of Blues

17.03.2025      US  Phoenix, AZ, Nile

18.03.2025      US  Albuquerque, NM, Sunshine

20.03.2025      US  Oklahoma City, OK, Beer City Music Hall

21.03.2025      US  Dallas, TX, Granada

22.03.2025      US  Austin, TX, Come and Take It Live

23.03.2025      US  Houston, TX, Warehouse Live

25.03.2025      US  Tampa, FL, Orpheum

26.03.2025      US  Atlanta, GA, Masquerade Heaven

27.03.2025      US  Greensboro, NC, Hangar 1819

28.03.2025      US  Baltimore, MD, Baltimore Soundstage

29.03.2025      US  Mechanicsburg, PA, Lovedraft’s

30.03.2025      US  Brooklyn, NY, Brooklyn Monarch

KORPIKLAANI ONLINE:
https://linktr.ee/korpiklaani

Ray Hawthorne Returns with Humor & Heartbreak: “Ray Hawthorne Sucks” Out Now!

Defying expectations, Ray Hawthorne has returned - breaking new ground with humor and self-deprecation with the release of his latest album, "Ray Hawthorne Sucks." Known for his bold and emotive style, Hawthorne takes an unexpected, playful turn with Muppet-inspired elements scattered throughout the album, adding a surreal twist that injects levity into his cathartic lyrics. Fans can dive into to the new album HERE and pick up a limited-edition vinyl HERE.

Alongside today's long-awaited album release, Hawthorne has dropped the music video for "Flatline", a cinematic nod to his debut single,"EMERGENCY (feat. Kellin Quinn)." Set once again in the iconic bedroom that started it all, the video for "Flatline" is a treasure trove of Easter eggs that tell a layered story of his evolution all while featuring Muppet-inspired antics. Fans can watch the bittersweet new video below.

Speaking on today's video release, Ray Hawthorne shares:

"The Flatline music video is like your favorite rom-com if all the characters were actually puppets, and instead of falling in love they do drugs. No matter what you were expecting the Flatline music video to be, I can guarantee this was not it. Also, Kermit only showed up for the orgy scene. What a diva."

Furthering his excitement of his new album release, Ray continues:

"Are you looking for some random guy to spill his heart into mediocre pop punk music? Then THIS is the album for you! Wanna hear songs that sound like they should have been downloaded on Limewire in 2005? Then THIS is the album for you! Did you grow out of your emo phase only to realize life gets way more emo once you start paying taxes? Then THIS is the album for you! Did you ever get scared to walk into a Hot Topic so you just hung out at Orange Julius instead and made fun of posers but you were really just projecting because you thought you were the real poser? Then THIS is the album for you! Do you think Ray Hawthorne sucks? Then THIS. IS. THE. ALBUM. FOR. YOU."

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". However, his latest release, "Ray Hawthorne Sucks", shows a more introspective side of Hawthorne - one that channels sarcasm, raw emotion, and brutal honesty into a genre-blurring sound that’s distinctly his own.

While his work in North Kingsley and his debut EP showcased a different persona, Hawthorne’s latest solo venture shatters expectations, leaning into the pounding drums, distorted guitars, and chaotic energy. "Ray Hawthorne Sucks" is a self-aware, tongue-in-cheek title, but it’s also a reflection of the album’s themes—self-criticism, resilience, and emotional vulnerability. Packed with explosive anthems, the album strays from the cinematic, heartfelt tones of "Heartbreak Feels Good In A Place Like This", plunging listeners into a grittier side of post-punk, hardcore, and Hawthorne’s emo roots.

Be sure to to stay tuned for more new music from Ray Hawthorne coming very soon.

ABOUT RAY HAWTHORNE

Ray Hawthorne is basically an emo Muppet. His life revolves around pop culture references, Ninja Turtles action figures, and his dog named Oliver. Oliver laid on Ray’s feet during the recording of every song on his forthcoming album “Ray Hawthorne

Sucks”. This was mostly a positive experience, but there’s a particular section during the song “Panic Mode” where Ray had to yell “HEY HEY HEY HEY” over and over again. This made Oliver very tense, and he thought he was being scolded. Ray felt really bad for confusing Oliver in such a way. After the recording was done treats were had by all, and all was well.

Counterparts Drop New "Heaven Let Them Die" EP With No Advance Warning + Share Two Videos

Today, Canadian quartet COUNTERPARTS — Brendan Murphy, vocals; Kyle Brownlee, drums; Tyler Williams; guitars, and Jesse Doreen, guitars — dropped Heaven Let Them Die, a surprise EP. Listen here.

Fans can purchase the release, along with a full merch line, here. 

The EP finds the band going harder than ever before.

The band has also shared videos for "A Martyr Left Alive" and "No Lamb Was Lost." Watch them below.

"Heaven Let Them Die is Counterparts at our most aggressive — sonically, lyrically and visually," says Murphy. "Picking up where Eulogy ended, Heaven Let Them Die details how I came to terms with all I had foreshadowed in the previous release and how that led me to where I am now. This EP is the most authentic representation of Counterparts to date — honest, harsh and without restraint."

ABOUT COUNTERPARTS:
Since forming in 2007, Counterparts have gone from the Hamilton, Ontario, underground to touring the world as one of Canada's most important and impactful musical exports. They've released seven full lengths, with A Eulogy for Those Still Here landing in 2022. They've also released four EPs and a live album. Now, they have delighted fans with the surprise EP, Heaven Will Let Them Die, out via Pure Noise. The band has sold 250,000 albums through the course of its career and their most recent headliner in support of AEFTSS was almost entirely sold out.

Paleface Swiss Drop Dark New Single "My Blood Your Hands" & Announce Huge Golden Ticket Give Away

Paleface Swiss, Switzerland’s finest purveyors of expertly crafted brutality, have unveiled their brand new single, “My Blood On Your Hands”, today. Diving deep into the turmoil of unspoken fears and the endless cycle of unresolved struggles, the track serves as the latest glimpse into the band’s highly anticipated third album, 'Cursed' due January 3rd, 2025. Stream “My Blood Your Hands” HERE, watch the official music video below and pre-order the album HERE.

Promising be the band’s most thematically layered and sonically intense release to date, every track on Paleface Swiss’ upcoming opus is represented by a different flower featured on it’s artwork. “My Blood Your Hands” is represented by the butterfly weed —a flower, which in Victorian Flower language, symbolises rejection and bears the message “let me go”. The song and its video marks the first act in a series of upcoming releases, each exploring a blend of vulnerable and emotional themes intertwined with the band’s signature brutal intensity. Cutting to the core of the human experience, “My Blood Your Hands” balances themes of internal chaos and raw despair. Frontman Marc “Zelli” Zellweger offers further insight into the track:

“ Have you ever been lying in bed, unable to fall asleep because you’re haunted by the same problems you’re too afraid to confront? You replay different scenarios in your mind, but just as you’re about to reach a resolution, you find yourself back at the beginning. It keeps spiralling, growing worse and worse until you reach a point where you think, ‘It would be easier to die than to face this pain.’ 

 The next morning, everything seems mostly fine—until night comes again.   

 That’s what this song is about.”

In addition to the new single, Paleface Swiss are thrilled to announce a one-of-a-kind Golden Ticket initiative for fans. Starting Monday, November 11th, fans who pre-order the special box set on the official website will have a chance to find the coveted Golden Ticket, hidden within one lucky box. This golden ticket will grant the winner and a guest an unforgettable experience at the band’s album release show in their home-town of Zurich. Head to the band's website for more information www.palefaceswiss.com

The lucky Golden Ticket Winner will receive

- Round-trip airfare for two to Zurich, Switzerland  

- One night’s accommodation at a comfortable hotel  

- An exclusive Meet & Greet with the band 

The band's upcoming third full-length, ‘Cursed’ is a masterclass in modern brutality and encapsulates two years of creative exploration and raw personal experiences for the Paleface Swiss members. The band retreated to the seclusion of the Canary Islands to craft this sonic juggernaut. Collaborating with Ron Steven Deris at Misueno Studios and with long-time collaborator Florent Salfati (Landmvrks) helping to add the finishing touches, their work culminated in an album that marries the band’s signature heaviness with intricate conceptual storytelling. The first single from the album, “Hatred”, was released in September, delivering the perfect blend of bombastic nu-core swagger, incendiary rapid fire vocals, thrash-inspired guitar solos and the pummeling rhythmic section the band have become globally renowned for. Since release, ‘Hatred’ has hit 877k streams on Spotify alone, with the accompanying music video hitting 250k views.  

Joining the band for their mega US run will be Stick To Your Guns and Nasty, making it another bonafide unmissable lineup. The tour kicks off on March 20th, 2025, in Detroit, MI, and will cover 30 cities, including Los Angeles, New York, and Toronto. Full tour dates and tickets are available HERE.

Known for their incomparable live performances and fearless approach to intense and vulnerable topics, Paleface Swiss has built a reputation as one of the most vital, unfiltered and rapidly rising forces in the world of modern metal today. With ‘Cursed’, Paleface Swissare ready to take listeners into their darkest, most intricate and artistically diverse chapter yet, combining their trademark deathcore heaviness with raw vulnerability, a rare and special combination for a band within their genre. With a brand new album, an ever-growing army of devoted fans, critical acclaim, sold-out headline shows and stellar festival performances garnering new fans wherever they go, Paleface Swiss have their sights firmly set total, global domination. Stay tuned, buckle up and kick back for the ride.

ABOUT PALEFACE SWISS

Since the release of their first album, 'Chapter 3: The Last Selection', independent outfit, PALEFACE SWISS have gained international recognition throughout the Deathcore and Beatdown Community. Known for their huge, aggressive riffs, brutally bombastic rhythm section, frontman, Zelli's outstanding vocals and a pinch of humor. This is Switzerland’s finest heavy music. Across their catalog, the band have gained 110 million streams, 21 million YouTube views on their own channel, and recently peaked at 1 million Spotify monthly listeners.

‘Chapter 3: The Last Selection’ was released on October 30th 2020, spawning four huge tracks “Curse Us”, “The Rats”, "Lights Out" and “Skalpell” which quickly ranked high in the beatdown/hardcore charts and saw the band become cover stars on Spotify’s Heavy Beatdown playlist.

In 2022 the band released their second full-length album 'Fear & Dagger'. The album was widely considered a huge step up for the band as plaudits began to roll in for frontman Zelli's vocal ability and the band's unflinching commitment to never shy away from brutally heavy riffs, face-melting technically insane guitar solos, punishing beatdowns or from facing difficult, emotional topics head on. Metal Injectionaccurately summed it up in their review by saying, "It's fun to get caught up in Paleface's unrelenting instrumentals, but Zelli's really the star of Paleface. This is largely because he treats his screams like rap bars." New Transcendence stating "Paleface have created one of the most emotionally relevant and intriguing beatdown releases to date" and Wall of Sound calling it "an unashamedly brutal and angry album".

The album shot the band into the upper echelons of the "New Wave Of Deathcore" and spawned singles "The Orphan", "Deathtouch", "Dead Man's Diary" feat. LANDMVRKS frontman Florent Salfati and fan favourite and stylistic curveball, "My Grave / Lay with Me". The album focused on more mature and critical topics related to the fears and struggles young people have to contend with in the 21st century, most importantly, the topic of mental health.

The ensuing 2 years saw the band's popularity sky-rocket. Honing their craft in the live arena, the band rapidly jumped from strength to strength, creating what is now one of the most thrilling and impactful live shows in modern metal. Their ability to win over any crowd, wether it be their own headline shows, touring the US with the likes of Body Snatcher or The Ghost Inside, touring the UK with the likes of Counterparts and Kublai Khan or at globally renowned festivals such as Sick New World, Hellfest Open Air, Summer Breeze, Cabaret Vert, Dynamo Metal Festival and more, one thing is for sure, Paleface Swiss will turn an audience into fans by the time they're done at every show they play.

To support their largely sold-out touring efforts, the band released a series of stand alone singles, "Best: Before Death" - now a staple and firm fan favourite in their live set list, "Please End Me" and "The Gallow".

Now, with the impending release of their third full-length album, 'Cursed', Paleface Swiss are set to write the next chapter or their incredible, epic journey as they reveal their most thematically and sonically ambitious album to date. Never pulling punches when it comes to heaviness, technicality or emotional vulnerability, Paleface Swiss are rewriting the rulebook on what it means to be an extreme metal band.

PALEFACE SWISS Are: 

Vox: Marc “Zelli” Zellweger

Guitar: Yannick Lehmann

Bass: Tommy-Lee Abt

Drums: Cassiano 'Cassi' Toma



Find Paleface Online 

www.palefaceswiss.com

Zombie Metal Sensation DOMINUM Releases Second Single “One Of Us” with Official Music Video

Before DOMINUM unleashes the zombies with their new album, 'The Dead Don't Die', on December 27, 2024, a new single entitled “One Of Us” has arrived, and it’s all about Jesus… Zombie Jesus, that is!

In the song, the undead sing about an exciting story of betrayal, redemption and resurrection. In addition to the well-known, mighty and powerful orchestration and the vocal prowess of Dr. Dead, they once again offer something to catch the eye! In the official music video for “One Of Us”, DOMINUM proves that they can not only create top-notch, catchy tunes, but also aesthetically intriguing music clips.

The zombie empire will expand even further at the end of the year when the Living Dead march out on DOMINUM's first headline tour - the world of the living has a lot to look forward to!

Dr. Dead on the new single “One Of Us”:

“I have pondered at length whether you were ready to hear what I am about to reveal. There exists a book—a tale of a man who boldly declares himself to be 'One of Us.' This is not a false claim; indeed, it holds a certain truth. Yet, there are details concealed from you, truths you deserve to know in full. And so, we tell you this story.

Be neither alarmed nor sorrowful, for this revelation must be shared. The word must be spread. Thank you for your understanding.

Yours faithfully,

Dr. Dead”

Watch the Official Music Video for “One of Us” Below.

DOMINUM on the upcoming album 'The Dead Don’t Die':

"Hey, living people. Exactly one year ago, our journey began, and now it’s time for a new chapter. In the darkest nights, I buried my fallen zombies and brought them back to life under the full moon. But the real story is still to come. Stay calm, stay close (forever—pun intended), and I’ll tell you everything soon. Just remember one thing: the dead don’t really die."

Yours,

Dr. Dead

DOMINUM entered the scene in 2023 with a blast and hit the top 20 of the Official German Album Charts immediately with their debut album, 'Hey Living People.'

Massive album opening track “We Are Forlorn” invites the listener on a dark and dramatic journey that continues full-speed on “One Of Us”. Irresistibly catchy “Don't Get Bitten By The Wrong Ones” features DOMINUM’s trademark eerie yet tongue-in-cheek lyrics, continuing straight from where the band left off with their first album. The monumental title track “The Dead Don’t Die” is another highlight of 'The Dead Don’t Die' - a clever take on a classic children’s lullaby leads into brilliantly dark storytelling, that heavy instrumentation and a multifaceted vocal performance take to the next level.

Feuerschwanz and dArtagnan mastermind Ben Metzner is featured in this song. In addition to the album’s 10 original tracks, DOMINUM continues delivering the exciting cover of Scorpions’ classic hit “Rock You Like A Hurricane.” Some formats come with the bonus CD 'Live at Graspop Metal Meeting 2024' which includes their acclaimed performance at Graspop 2024.

Get Your Copy of 'The Dead Don't Die' NOW

Since the release of the first album in December 2023, DOMINUM has played nearly sold-out tours supporting big names such as Bruce Dickinson, Avantasia, Feuerschwanz, and Peyton Parrish in Europe, as well as convincing international audiences at summer festivals such as Graspop and Rock Harz.

DOMINUM will kick off their first full headlining tour right in time for the release of 'The Dead Don’t Die,' bringing their new horror stories to life on stage for the first time, after supporting Feuerschwanz on the second leg of their Fegefeuer tour again.

DOMINUM are:

Dr. Dead – Vocals

Patient Zero – Bass

Victor Hilltop – Drums

Tommy Kemp - Guitars

MALEVOLENCE - Release Video For New Single 'Trenches'

Sheffield’s metal powerhouse MALEVOLENCE have unleashed their brand-new single, 'TRENCHES,' embodying the raw resilience and grit of their Steel City roots. This standalone track is the first glimpse of their partnership with Grammy-winning producer Josh Wilbur, known for his work with heavyweights like LAMB OF GOD, KORN, and GOJIRA. Amplifying their Northern backdrop, MALEVOLENCE also collaborated with in-demand director duo Double or Nothing Productions for a Metal video debut that demonstrates their unique identity in British Metal.

Vocalist Alex Taylor comments: "Trenches is possibly the most aggressive, ignorant, and direct song we have ever written. Over the last few years, we’ve been playing more in the commercial metal circuit at festivals and arenas, so we wanted to take this opportunity to remind people that we still haven’t lost sight of where we came from. The lyrics are a declaration of not needing validation or approval, and a rejection of those who never supported the journey but only show their face when you achieve some level of success.”

Stream 'Trenches' on all platforms now at: https://malevolence.bfan.link/trenches

Malevolence are:
Alex Taylor | Vocals
Konan Hall | Guitar / Vocals
Josh Baines | Guitar
Wilkie Robinson | Bass
Charlie Thorpe | Drums

NECKBREAKKER - release video for new single 'Face Splitting Madness'

Burgeoning death metal power house NECKBREAKKER have revealed the video for 'Face Splitting Madness', the latest single to be taken from their debut album, Within The Viscera, that's set for release on 6th December via Nuclear Blast Records.

On the latest single, the band comment: “We are honoured to release out third and final single from our upcoming debut album Within The Viscera. We feel the song encapsulates our vision for the brutality and themes set for the final album. We are proud of every step in the process of making this product come to a reality.”

Pre-order and pre-save Within The Viscera now at: https://neckbreakker.bfan.link/witv

NECKBREAKKER is
Christoffer Kofoed - Vocals
Joakim Kaspersen - Guitar
Johan Lundvig - Guitar
Sebastian Knoblauch - Bass
Anton 'Hajn' Bregendorf - Drums

Folk Metal Icons SUBWAY TO SALLY Celebrate Life With New Single "Post Mortem"!

Those thought to be dead live longer – and German folk metal masters SUBWAY TO SALLYprove this on their 15th studio album, 'Post Mortem', set to be released on December 20, 2024 via Napalm Records. The first single, the title track “Post Mortem”, unleashes captivating energy that has drawn in fans and critics alike for over three decades. The significant title reflects the spirit of the band: despite all obstacles and the notion of mortality, life is celebrated.

With lyrics that invite the Grim Reaper to join at the table and face life’s challenges with a wink, SUBWAY TO SALLY call on listeners to embrace the unknown and make the best out of the time we are given – so raise your glass to an unbreakable zest for life!

Not even two years have passed since the release of their previous record 'Himmelfahrt' in 2023, and initially, the band had secretly planned for it to be their last album. With a symbolic title, the genre-defining force from Potsdam, Germany intended to close their over 30-year career with dignity. But things took a different turn. SUBWAY TO SALLY undeniably struck a chord with the times, and the response to 'Himmelfahrt' was overwhelmingly positive from both fans and critics alike. After a tour with many sold-out shows, it became abundantly clear that their 14th album was not the final chapter. The album’s release unleashed an unstoppable sense of lightness and energy that sparked their creativity to such an extent that SUBWAY TO SALLY is now ready with their brand-new masterpiece, 'Post Mortem', following the fastest creative process in the band’s history.

SUBWAY TO SALLY on the new single:

"Some songs write themselves. Our band has been around for thirty years; we’ve been through thick and thin together! Death has knocked on our door several times, at least metaphorically speaking. COVID, then our resurgence with the last album 'Himmelfahrt': we’re simply not to be silenced and nowhere near quiet yet – folk, rock, raw, defiant, and unmistakably SUBWAY TO SALLY; that’s the song ‘Post Mortem.’"

Watch the Official Music Video for “Post Mortem” below

SUBWAY TO SALLY are:

Eric Fish - Vocals, Flutes, Bagpipe

Ally Storch - Violin

Bodenski - Hurdy Gurdy, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals

Simon - Acoustic Guitars, Trumsheit, Vocals

Ingo Hampf - Guitar, Lute

Simon Michael - Drums, Percussion

Sugar Ray - Bass

SUNSTORM Shares New Single "Hope's Last Stand" + Lyric Video

Today, AOR/Melodic rock quintet SUNSTORM shares a new single “Hope’s Last Stand”, taken from their third album, 'Restless Fight,' set for release on November 22nd, 2024, via Frontiers Music Srl. The track is accompanied by a new lyric video, available below.

Guitarist Aldo Lonobile says:

“'Hope’s Last Stand' is one of my favourite tracks. A solid rock song with an anthemic chorus. Ronnie really shines on this song, one of the strongest performances of the album!”

Ronnie Romero expresses his enthusiasm for the release, by saying:

“I really love the new album! I believe it keeps the SUNSTORM essence with an AOR base, but bringing a fresh more guitar-oriented and a heavier sound.”

SUNSTORM is a project created, overseen, and directed by Serafino Perugino, President of Frontiers Records, and it was originally designed to showcase a musical style similar to singer Joe Lynn Turner’s Melodic Rock/AOR roots.

Check Out the Video for "Hope's Last Stand" below

Since 2021, SUNSTORM has featured one of the most impressive vocal talents of recent years, Lords of Black and Rainbow singer Ronnie Romero. Romero’s debut album with SUNSTORM, 'Afterlife' was released in early 2021 and showcased a rejuvenation of SUNSTORM's previous musical formula, mixing Melodic Rock/AOR with more '70s-oriented hard rock, a la Rainbow (for which Romero performed as the singer).

Romero's voice and prolific musical activity have brought him to the forefront of the hard rock/metal scene where he can be seen/heard with Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow, The Michael Schenker Group, Lords of Black, The Ferrymen, and Elegant Weapons with Judas Priest guitarist Richie Faulkner. 

Ronnie Romero is also a prolific solo artist, with the release of his first two cover albums 'Raised On Radio' and 'Raised On Heavy Radio' – where he pays tribute to legendary artists from the metal world – and his latest work 'Too Many Lies, Too Many Masters', the first to feature all-new original material, released in September 2023.

With the new album 'Restless Fight,' the third to feature Ronnie Romero, SUNSTORMchanged its skin. The new line-up that backs Romero, comes from a heavy background. 

On guitars, Aldo Lonobile, musician, songwriter and producer (Geoff Tate's Sweet Oblivion, Archon Angel feat. Zak Stevens, Ring Of Fire feat. Mark Boals), Andrea Arcangeli (from the Italian progressive metal band DGM) on bass, Alfonso Mocerino (ex-Temperance, Virtual Simmetry) on drums and Antonio Agate (one of the most talented Italian keyboard players and arranger for symphonic orchestras, featured in countless albums) on keyboards. It brings back SUNSTORM’s classic AOR/Hard Rock formula with a heavy dose of energy culminating in a more dynamic and bombastic approach.

Order 'Restless Fight' HERE

Since the inception of the new album’s production, the discussion has centered on the concept of keeping the roots of SUNSTORM’s musical style: the AOR sound of the early records that everyone wanted, but with special attention to the 80s way to arrange the guitars and keys in order to reach more powerful vibrations. The aim was to give a fresh appeal to the new music so that it could be the perfect foundation for Romero, who with his powerful vocal style, is the perfect fit to deliver the goods for the music.

The result is 'Restless Fight,' an album where Ronnie’s vocal acrobatics sit perfectly into Lonobile’s way to play guitars, clearly influenced by the 80’s guitar heroes such as Jake E. Lee/Steve Stevens, to name a few.

'Restless Fight' stands pretty tall in its own right and SUNSTORM is here to stay with a lot more to say!

SUNSTORM are:

Ronnie Romero – Vocals

Aldo Lonobile – Guitars

Andrea Arcangeli – Bass

Antonio Agate – Keys

Alfonso Mocerino - Drums

MAJESTICA - Announce New Album 'Power Train'!

Great news from Sweden!
Symphonic power metal quartet MAJESTICA have announced their brand new studio album Power Train, which will see the light of day on February 7th, 2025, via Nuclear Blast Records. After more than four years since their last album, the Swedes are ready to set the bar high once again with their new long player and are presenting their fans what is their strongest album to date. 
Power Train is a spellbinding experience that awakens sleeping dreams with powerful riffs and epic choruses. The enchantment rises like a breath of stars, propelling listeners into the heart of a fairytale world.
This is particularly evident in the album's first single. With the title track 'Power Train', MAJESTICA leaves an exciting first impression and also presents a strong music video, which you can witness below.

Tommy Johansson comments: 
"Get ready for explosive Power Metal with a ”can’t stop singing along”-chorus in the new track "Power Train". The video literally takes you onboard the Power Train with elements taken from the entire album."


Stream the new single here: https://majestica.bfan.link/powertrain-sgl
Pre-order/pre-save Power Train here: https://majestica.bfan.link/powertrain-album

The new album Power Train contains ten brand new tracks and will be available in the follwing formats: CD Jewel (incl. booklet), Vinyl , and digital.

When it came to the process of recording and putting all the pieces together, the band did not change a lot compared to the last projects. Again the music was written, recorded, and produced by MAJESTICA themselves. "Like our previous albums this one is also produced by ourselves, and we recorded most parts in our new place ”Majestic Studios”. For mixing we went back to Jonas Kjellgren as we have been very happy with the sound of ’A Christmas Carol’ and ’Metal United' says bassist Chris Davidsson. Regarding the amazing artwork for Power Train, Chrisexplains: "For the artwork we teamed up with Jan Yrlund / Darkgrove design. It invites you to join this majepic ride of the Power Train, imagine standing there on the platform eagerly waiting, and you hear ”all aboard”!".

TOUR
Shortly before the release of their new album, MAJESTICA will play a few shows, perfect to warm up for the upcoming album. The tour, which is called 'The Dead Don't Die Tour', kicks off on December 26th in Nürnberg, Germany. Along with headliners DOMINUM and support HAMMER KING, the Swedes are going to stop in seven cities. Furthermore, MAJESTICA will play a festival show at 'No Sleep After X-Mas Festival' in Runkel with some extra focus on their Christmas album A Christmas Carol on December 29th.

MAJESTICA is:
Tommy Johansson | guitars, vocals
Petter Hjerpe | guitars
Chris Davidsson | bass
Joel Kollberg | drums

Polish Black Metal Icons PATRIARKH, Formerly Batushka, Reveal Official Music Video for “ВЕРШАЛИН IV“

Polish black metal icons PATRIARKH (formerly Batushka) embark on a dark and ominous pilgrimage as they unveil the next single from the upcoming concept album, 'ПРОРОК ИЛИЯ'(Lat. PROROK ILJA), out on January 3, 2025 via Napalm Records.

Accompanied by an official music video, the new song, entitled “ВЕРШАЛИН IV” (Lat. WIERSZALIN IV), weaves the sacred-inspired vocals of Eliza Sacharczuk with liturgical melodies, building into a storm of dark choirs and unforgettably intense harsh vocals.

Building on the critical success of 'Hospodi '(2019) and relentless touring around the globe, PATRIARKH brings a renewed vision and profound storytelling to their Napalm Records debut. This eight-track journey immerses listeners in the true story of Eliasz Klimowicz, the enigmatic Prophet Ilja, set against the dramatic historical backdrop of the 1930s and ’40s. Deeply rooted in Eastern Orthodox traditions, PATRIARKH masterfully merges black and doom metal with haunting religious themes, conjuring an atmosphere as dark as it is mesmerizing.

Make sure to pre-order your copy of ПРОРОК ИЛИЯ (Lat. PROROK ILJA) now and check out the thrilling music video for “ВЕРШАЛИН IV” (Lat. WIERSZALIN IV) below!

PATRIARKH on the new single “ВЕРШАЛИН IV”:

“This is the most Oriental-sounding song on our new album. The beautiful monody that runs throughout the entire piece is deeply influenced by Greek and Romanian traditions, which are integral to Orthodoxy. In our new music, we aim to showcase different aspects of Orthodoxy. Just as the Prophet Ilja journeyed to Kronsztadt, we traveled far for musical inspiration to create a psalm in honor of the New Jerusalem that our prophet was building.

This song features our long-time singing teacher, Eliza Sacharczuk. We have been collaborating with her since 2016, continuously improving our singing skills through lessons and consultations. Our choice was intentional; Eliza has a truly unique voice. Listen and see for yourself!"

Check out the official music video for

“ВЕРШАЛИН IV” (Lat. WIERSZALIN IV) Below

Reborn PATRIARKH (formerly Batushka) returns with

a masterpiece of arcane black metal!

'ПРОРОК ИЛИЯ' details a true story that happened in the band’s home area of Podlasie, in the village of Grzybowszczyzna, in the 1930s and 40s. The album takes the listener into the world of Eliasz Klimowicz, the titular Prophet Ilja, an illiterate peasant who was the leader of the Orthodox Grzybowska Sect, active until the 1960s, cultivating and transmitting the history of the self-proclaimed prophet. PATRIARKH spread their gospel by using an arsenal of folk instruments, such as tagelharpa, mandolin, mandocello, hurdy gurdy and stringed dulcimer, and worked with a symphony orchestra and choirs to give their new creations the most organic and vivid feeling possible. As is trademark with PATRIARKH’s music, Orthodox sacredness is mixed with black and doom metal, now largely enriched with folk music, neo dark folk, and even film music. The band utilizes the entire palette of Orthodox music, venturing into the areas of Byzantine monody, liturgical chant and Russian polyphony, neatly adapting folk and liturgical melodies to their own style. 

PATRIARKH on the new album:

“With this new release, we are starting a new chapter in our history - not only is our name changing, but our music is also undergoing a natural evolution. The story on the album encouraged us to get out of our comfort zone, we reached for means that we had not used before in our music. Many of you will wonder if this is still black metal? Or is it even metal? Radio play, audiobook, theater, film soundtrack, folk music, performance... All these terms will fit here. Some will hate, others will love...”

The lyrical side of 'ПРОРОК ИЛИЯ' is an interesting mix of theater and pastoralism. PATRIARKH uses fragments of texts from the theater play "Prorok Ilja" and draws from the messages contained in the works of Włodzimierz Pawluczuk, combining it with folk and liturgical texts. On 'ПРОРОК ИЛИЯ', listeners can hear various languages – and Polish for the first time ever! The album was recorded in January and May 2024 at Tall Pine Records (Behemoth, Zalewski, Afromental), Heinrich House (Behemoth, Vesania, Hate), Wem Studio (Kasa Chorych, Lukasyno, Cira) and Radio Białystok studio. Mixing and mastering was handled by Wojciech Wiesławski at Hertz Studio (Vader, Behemoth, Decapitated), and production was helmed by band mastermind and leading vocalist Bartłomiej "Варфоломей" Krysiuk. “ПРОРОК ИЛИЯ is an album full of emotions, sentimentalism and folklore. It’s pastoral, lyrical, epic, multidimensional and multicolored, just like my Podlasie is multicolored,” says Варфоломей. Dive into the deepest of all shadows with this black metal masterpiece and join PATRIARKH on this intriguing ride!  

Pre-Order Your Copy of 'ПРОРОК ИЛИЯ' NOW:

PATRIARKH are:

ВАРФОЛОМИЕЙ – Vocals

ЛЕХ - Drums

МОНАХ ТАРЛАХАН - Guitars

МОНАХ БОРУТА - Guitars

АРХАНГЕЛ МИХАИЛ - Guitars

ХИАЦЫНТОС ЯЦА - Choir

ЯЗЫЧНИК – Choir

Iconic Guitarist MARTY FRIEDMAN Shares New Single "Song for an Eternal Child" + Music Video

Today, innovative guitar visionary MARTY FRIEDMAN shares a new single, "Song for an Eternal Child," from his latest solo album 'Drama.' This track is accompanied by the album's second music video.

About "Song for an Eternal Child," MARTY comments:

"The second music video from my album 'Drama' reflects on a feeling that resonates deeply with so many of us—the inescapable sense that we’ve never really grown up. The same innocent, wide-eyed child I was years ago, discovering everything about life, is exactly who I still am today, and it seems I’ll always be that way. Directed by Takumi Osera, the minimalistic imagery in this video might even change the way you see yourself. I’m on tour NOW! Tix/VIPs and all info at www.martyfriedman.com."

Also worth noting, MARTY has a brand-new full autobiography, Dreaming Japanese, being released worldwide by Simon and Schuster on December 3, 2024. It is available now for pre-order at amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com and dreamingjapanesebook.com

Watch the New Music Video for "Song for an Eternal Child" Below

MARTY FRIEDMAN`s presence in the world of music, the world of guitar, and Japanese pop culture is mystifying, bizarre, and nothing short of inspiring. His latest solo album 'Drama'where he only slightly revisits the atmospheric elements of his acclaimed 1992 release 'Scenes,' elevating them to a modern and exotic collection of epic, extravagant, and unapologetically emotional mini-symphonies.

From his groundbreaking beginnings with Cacophony, alongside the legendary Jason Becker, to his pivotal role in propelling Megadeth to its peak of popularity with his breath-taking range and unorthodox melodic sense, MARTY FRIEDMAN has solidified his status as a unique guitar icon.

Tracks like "Illumination" and "Mirage" transport listeners to captivating realms, evoking sudden tears and chills. The entire album spotlights MARTY's mesmerizing melodies, game-changing arrangements, and heart-tugging motifs even more than any of his previous work.

Recorded in Italy, where MARTY had access to a treasure trove of vintage guitars along with his modern signature models, 'Drama' is a pure, uplifting musical experience.

Order 'Drama' HERE

Produced By: Marty Friedman 

Studios: Newsin Audio Design, Italy

Woodcliff Studios, USA

NK Sound & Sunshine Studios, Japan

Recorded By: Luigi Stefanini, Frank Rosato, Takao Nakazato,

Atsuo Akabae, Kenjiro Naka

Mixed By: Alexander Backlund and Jay Ruston

Mastered By: Koji Tanaka at Victor Creative Media, Tokyo

Guitar Technician & Sonic Guru: Franco Piona

Since moving to Japan in 2003, MARTY FRIEDMAN has become a household name even beyond the world of music. Fluent in Japanese, he has appeared on over 900 Japanese TV shows of every variety, as well as motion pictures and commercials including an ad campaign for Coca-Cola / FANTA that ran for over two years. He was recently appointed an Ambassador of Japan Heritage by the Japanese government who also commissioned him to compose the "Japan Heritage Theme Song", recorded by MARTY and the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra and is played at official government-related events. He has played the Opening Ceremony at the Tokyo Marathon 5 times, including in March of this year. Three books on MARTY`s life have been released in Japan and a brand-new full autobiography will be released worldwide December 3rd.

In addition to his legendary work with Cacophony and Megadeth, MARTY has released fifteen solo albums starting in 1988 with 'Dragon's Kiss', and has had multi-platinum, platinum, and gold album sales awards in twenty-seven countries, achieving seven Grammy nominations to date. In recent years, FRIEDMAN has put out the distinguished, ongoing Tokyo Jukeboxline, which, as the title suggests, is a series of albums featuring covers of Japanese songs starting with 'Tokyo Jukebox' in 2009, 'Tokyo Jukebox 2' in 2011, and most recently, 'Tokyo Jukebox 3' in 2020. This series has become a go-to set for people all around the world who are fast becoming fascinated with Japan and its music.

MARTY has played the Tokyo Dome, Budokan, and every major Japanese venue multiple times. He has toured Japan countless times with his solo music as well as alongside many legendary Japanese stars. Since the release of 'Tokyo Jukebox 3' in 2020, MARTY has toured Japan twice, performed as a soloist with three major symphony orchestras, and made several TV appearances, most recently performing with Yoshiki of X Japan.

Since the pandemic, MARTY and his band have toured the U.S. twice and are planning to tour extensively for ‘Drama’.

Band Members: 

Marty Friedman - Guitar

Wakazaemon - Bass

Gregg Bissonette - Drums

Mika Maruki - Piano, Keyboard & Synth

Hiyori Okuda - Cello

Miho Chigyo - Violin

Vocals on “Dead of Winter”: Chris Brooks (Like A Storm)

Vocals on “2 Rebeldes”: Steven Baquero Vargas

Bass on “Mirage”: Or Lubianiker

Rhythm Guitar on “Thrill City”: Naoki Morioka

Keys and Synth on “Song for an Eternal Child”: Takuro Iga

Drums  on “Thrill City”: Chargeeeeee

Additional recording: Yukiko Takada, Jordan Rudess, Naoki Morioka, Maki Furugaki, Chris Brooks, Matt Brooks, Kent Brooks, Brian Becvar

35 years in, Manchester's THE SPEED OF SOUND presents 'Artificial Paradise', previewing 'Bounty' LP

Manchester indie rock / power pop outfit The Speed Of Sound present 'Artificial Paradise', a hugely upbeat danceable rail against Artificial Intelligence, along with the B-side 'Jaunt', which also happens to be the first single revealed from the album 'A Cornucupia: Bounty' - the third of their album trilogy 'A Cornucopia: Minerva, Victory, Bounty', released via Big Stir Records.

Formed in 1989 with a pre-history dating back to the day Andy Warhol died in 1987, the band is  now made up of father and son John Armstrong (guitars and vocals) and Henry Armstrong (keyboards), Ann-Marie Crowley (vocals and guitar), Kevin Roache (bass guitar) and John Broadhurst (drums). 

"Already the 'music industry’ appears to have no actual interest in music beyond creating prefabricated manufactured ‘product’. The logical next step from their existing ‘talent factories’ and hologram concerts perpetuating careers of dead stars is for major labels to move to entirely virtual stars; AI singing AI songs with AI instruments. AI regurgitates what is available for it to scrape, it cannot create something new. There will be no advancement, no evolution, no change. There is no life without change," says John Armstrong.  

''Artificial Paradise' is uncompromisingly human and says a firmly grooved up “No” to Artificial Intelligence in music. The video uses A.I images which are all generated from the prompt “Artificial Paradise” and are all meaningless, formless and empty. Which is exactly what A.I does".

Full of ambition, energy and melodic brilliance, this three-album deluxe edition is available on vinyl and CD. Beginning with the 'Minerva' album, The Speed of Sound shared a rich bouquet of thought-provoking compositions, including the hauntingly spacious 'Trickledown', the stratospherically vast 'The Great Acceleration', the uplifting 'Mind Palace' and 'West Wind', where a recklessly fast rhythm merges with a Wagnerian horn section.

The 'Victory' album then brings 14 fresh and unexpectedly shape-shifting grooves, from the supremely danceable 'Underground', unabashed sensuality of 'Monsoon', gothic lounge jazz of 'Permafrost', the glam-rocking 'E to F', reckless garage punk punch of 'Go For It', post-nostalgia of 'The Same River' and triumphant shimmering elegance of 'Tranquility Falls' to the strangely linked pairing of  'Apocalypse Acropolis' and 'Apocalypse Metropolis'

The Speed of Sound's music has always been idiosyncratic and counter-intuitive, in search of something new. Creating music with lyrical bite, expanding their foundation of 1960s, punk and new wave influences, their dynamic and stylistic variation crossing borders and pushing boundaries at every opportunity. 

Following 2021's critically acclaimed album 'Museum Of Tomorrow', the band returns triumphant, defiant and redemptive with this trilogy, marking their 35th anniversary. Most music is never even recorded, and most recorded music remains unheard. 'Victory' is a celebration of this unheard underground music and the counterculture itself - music made for the pleasure of making it. 

'Artificial Paradise' is out now and available everywhere, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp, where the full trilogy 'A Cornucopia: Minerva, Victory, Bounty' can be obtained on CD or vinyl. The 'Bounty' album will be official released on November 22. 

CREDITS
All songs written by John Armstrong
John Armstrong - guitars and vocals
Ann-Marie Crowley - vocals and guitars
Kevin Roache - bass guitar
John Broadhurst - drums
Henry Armstrong - keyboards
Bob Dinn - trumpet and flugelhorn
Chris Guest - harmonium, vibraphone, organ, shakers, tambourine
Alex Armstrong - typewriter on 'Yet Another Tuesday'
Recorded, Mixed and Mastered at Vibratone Sound Studio in Manchester by Chris Guest, Adam Crossley and The Speed of Sound
Main sleeve image: Purple Spaceman © Lina Landers 2022
Artist photographs by Shay Rowan
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Keep up with The Speed Of Sound
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Mastadon | Soundcloud | YouTube | Apple Music | Spotify | Press contact

Keep up with Big Stir Records
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Mixcloud | YouTube

Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud | Instagram | Spotify | LinkedIn | Email

DELAIN Releases Brand-New Track “The Reaping” + Official Video!

DELAIN will finally release their new EP, 'Dance with the Devil', this Friday, November 8, 2024 via Napalm Records! Right in time, the melodic synth-metal masters around keyboardist, founder, and main songwriter Martijn Westerholt create a stir with a brand-new song, entitled “The Reaping”, cut from the new offering.

The gripping track acts as a whirlwind of emotions articulating feelings of foreboding and sorrow through catchy electronic synth melodies and modern heaviness. It delves into collective themes, expressing disillusionment with the current path of society toward imminent and inescapable consequences. “The Reaping” is now available on all streaming services worldwide and comes with an electrifying official music video, underlining this exceptional track with stunning high-quality visuals.

'Dance with the Devil' allows DELAIN’s listeners to dive through their highest quality discography while striding ahead into a future that promises to explore new, more synth-driven soundscapes than ever before.

Martijn Westerholt on “The Reaping”:

“’The Reaping’ is a very expressive song with a serious subject - where the world/society is heading and metaphorical storms on the horizon. Musically the song can be recognized as a typical DELAIN song filled with heavy guitars, but also with the very recognizable 80's synth elements DELAIN is known for”.

Watch the Official Music Video for “The Reaping” below.

As their second release with a revitalized lineup anchored by Martijn Westerholt, 'Dance with the Devil' features a thrilling collection of two brand new tracks, two newly-presented favorites, nine electrifying live performances, and two instrumental bonus tracks, showcasing the best of their catchy, melodic signature sound with extensive electronic synth elements and fresh modern nuances.

Secure your Copy of 'Dance with the Devil' NOW

'Dance with the Devil' debuts with two gripping new tracks, “Dance with the Devil” and “The Reaping”, followed by a brand-new version of "Sleepwalkers Dream", showcasing singer Diana Leah’s outstanding voice and her breathtaking full vocal capacities. 'Dance with the Devil' continues with nine live performances, featuring massively-streamed hits from both the present and the past. These include "Burning Bridges", "The Quest and the Curse", "Moth to a Flame", and the massive hit "April Rain", which has been streamed over 10 million times, along with "Queen of Shadow". In addition, the digipak edition features instrumental versions of “Dance with the Devil” and “The Reaping”, as well as an alternate ending version of “Underland”. DELAIN’s new EP impressively underlines the unit's high-class standing in the scene and continues their voyage of setting fans’ hearts ablaze!

Martijn Westerholt adds:

“We're thrilled to have brand new material ready to be released! In addition to the new songs, it was fantastic to have captured some magical live moments of our European tour earlier this year as live tracks for the EP. We’re definitely very excited for this release and are really looking forward to bringing the new music to the stage!”

North America Tour

Special Guest: XANDRIA

Support: Edge Of Paradise

07.03.25 US – Phoenix, AZ / The Nile

08.03.25 US – Los Angeles, CA / Whisky a Go Go

09.03.25 US – Sacramento, CA / Goldfield Trading Post

10.03.25 US – Portland, OR / The Bossanova Ballroom

11.03.25 US – Seattle, WA / El Corazon

13.03.25 US – Salt Lake City, UT / Metro Music Hall

14.03.25 US – Denver, CO / The Oriental Theater

15.03.25 US – Lawrence, KS / Bottleneck

16.03.25 US – Joliet, IL / The Forge

17.03.25 US – Detroit, MI / The Token Lounge

19.03.25 US – Columbus, OH / The King of Clubs 

20.03.25 CA – Toronto, ON / Axis

21.03.25 CA – Montreal, QC / Fairmount Theatre

22.03.25 US – Cambridge, MA / Middle East  

23.03.25 US – New York, NY / The Gramercy Theatre

24.03.25 US – Baltimore, MD / Soundstage

26.03.25 US – Atlanta, GA / Masquerade (Hell)

28.03.25 US – Dallas, TX / Granada Theater 

29.03.25 US – Austin, TX / Come and Take It Live

DELAIN are:

Martijn Westerholt - keyboards

Diana Leah - vocals

Ronald Landa - guitars and backing vocals

Ludovico Cioffi – bass and backing vocals

Sander Zoer - drums

BURNING WITCHES Enchant with New Single “The Spell Of The Skull” + Official Video

BURNING WITCHES bring back the vibe of 80s heavy metal and update their powerful force with renewed sonic clarity on their upcoming maxi-single, 'The Spell Of The Skull', set for release via Napalm Records on December 10, 2024! With screaming guitars, the Swiss band is back for a heavy metal blast session in the snow.

This time, they curse their audience with two new songs from their latest conjuring of witchcraft. Witchqueen Romana Kalkuhl hypnotizes your mind with her melodic riffs, while diabolic priestess Laura Guldemond conquers your soul with crowd-pleasing shouts. Title track “The Spell Of The Skull” starts off with a short but mighty heavy guitar intro that perfectly sets up Laura’s powerful vocals, which especially shine in the chorus of the song, making it a true sing-a-long experience and creating an epic atmosphere pleasing every fan of heavy metal!

Only a few years after their foundation, these five witches had already performed at fully attended shows at the biggest and most important festivals of the entire metal universe, like Wacken, Summer Breeze, and Rock Harz Open Air in Germany. After five attention-grabbing albums, BURNING WITCHES prepares for another attack in 2025!

Guitarist Romana Kalkuhl on “The Spell Of The Skull”:

“We are busy bees and in between all the shows we managed to write the first new songs with Courtney on guitar. We are so excited to present you some fresh music and this keeps us all entertained till the next album. Working on this was such a blast, 'The Spell of the Skull' could be a new WITCHES anthem, what do you think? Lean back and enjoy & get enchanted by your favorite WITCHES!“

Watch the Official Music Video for “The Spell Of The Skull” below.

Featured on the New Two Track 12’’ Vinyl Edition

Pre-Order HERE

BURNING WITCHES are:

Laura Guldemond - Vocals

Romana Kalkuhl - Guitars

Courtney Cox - Guitars

Jay Grob - Bass

Lala Frischknecht - Drums

JELLY ROLL EARNS SIXTH CONSECUTIVE #1 AT COUNTRY RADIO WITH “I AM NOT OKAY”

Award-winning multi-genre phenomenon Jelly Roll today notched hissixth #1 on country radio with “I Am Not Okay,” topping both the Billboard Country Airplay chart and the Mediabase country chart. Featured on his Billboard 200 #1 critically acclaimed sophomore country album,Beautifully Broken, and written by Jelly with Taylor Phillips, Ashley Gorley and Casey Brown, the GRAMMY-nominated superstar’s genre-blending and poignantly soul-touching track is also #1 at Canadian Country Radio, Top 10 at Hot AC, Top 20 at Top 40 and Top 20 (#16) on Billboard 100, while the project’s fiery “Liar” is Top 5 at Rock radio. Listen HERE.

Jelly spoke to Billboard about his latest accolade, stating: "Thank you to country radio, the team, and the label for taking the first single from the Beautifully Broken album to #1. And to everyone who has supported this song along the way. I believe in the power that music has to connect with people and being able to see the response out on the road touring and seeing and hearing from people about this song, it’s been unreal. I want to thank the other co-writers, Taylor Phillips, Ashley Gorley, and Casey Brown, for creating something that is incredible and that I am so proud of. Thank you to the fans for believing in the music and for being a part of this - for calling the stations and asking to hear it. If you had told me before that I would have six consecutive #1 at Country radio, I wouldn’t have believed you. Thank you for continuing to shine a light on therapeutic music."

Currently nominated for three CMA Awards on November 20, including the night’s highest honor of Entertainer of the Year, “Nashville’s New Hero” (Rolling Stone) just announced his hometown headlining show for Tuesday, November 26 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. Get tickets HERE. Jelly also made his debut on the PBS series “Austin City Limits” over the weekend as the show celebrates its 50th  Anniversary Season. Watch his performance of “I Am Not Okay” below.

UPCOMING BEAUTIFULLY BROKEN 2024 TOUR DATES

11/4/2024 - Cincinnati, OH - Heritage Bank Center *

11/6/2024 - Detroit, MI - Little Caesars Arena *

11/7/2024 - Indianapolis, IN - Gainbridge Fieldhouse *

11/8/2024 - Lexington, KY - Rupp Arena *

11/10/2024 - Evansville, IN - Ford Center *

11/12/2024 - Omaha, NE - CHI Health Center Arena *

11/13/2024 - Kansas City, MO - T-Mobile Center *

11/14/2024 - Oklahoma City, OK - Paycom Center *

11/17/2024 - Houston, TX - Toyota Center *

11/18/2024 - Corpus Christi, TX - American Bank Center *

11/19/2024 - Austin, TX - Moody Center *

11/21/2024 - Birmingham, AL - Legacy Arena at the BJCC

11/22/2024 - Columbia, SC - Colonial Life Arena *

11/23/2024 - Jacksonville, FL - Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena *

11/26/2024 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena+&

#Warren Zeiders & Alexandra Kay

*ERNEST, Shaboozey & Allie Colleen

+ERNEST & Alexandra Kay

About Jelly Roll:
Award-winning, GRAMMY® nominated Nashville native singer/songwriter Jelly Roll (Jason DeFord) bowed at #1 on the Billboard 200 All Genre Chart for the first time with his acclaimed 2024 album, Beautifully Broken—which also earned the highest critical praise of his career so far from Rolling Stone, Billboard, Associated Press, NPR, and more. The release concluded his most successful year yet and followed his sold out Beautifully Broken Tour in arenas nationwide.

Just a year earlier, Jelly debuted Top 3 on the Billboard 200 All Genre Chart and #2 on the Top Country Album charts with his debut Country Album, Whitsitt Chapel (released June 2nd, 2023) - earning the biggest Country debut album in Billboard Consumption Chart history. Following his sweep at the 2023 CMT Music Awards where he earned three awards to become the most awarded artist of the night, the Billboard Country Power List Cover star and “country’s ‘most authentic’ new artist” (The New Yorker) received Billboard’s 2023 Breakthrough Award and the People’s Choice Award for Male Country Artist of the Year. Nominated for Best New Artist and Best Duo/Group Performance for “Save Me (with Lainey Wilson)” at the 2024 GRAMMY Awards, along with eight genre-spanning nominations at the 2024 iHeartRadio Awards and a win for Best New Country and Pop artist wins, Jelly is one of three artists alongside Morgan Wallen and Luke Combs to have scored three Country Airplay #1s in 2023 and the first to do it with his first three singles. He has earned five consecutive #1s to date at Country radio and is “one of Nashville’s fastest rising stars” (The New York Times). A 4X winner at the 2023 People’s Choice Country Awards and the most nominated male at the 2023 CMA Awards, with five total nominations capturing his first CMA Award for New Artist of the Year, Jelly continues to break boundaries. His #1 hit single “Save Me” — a confessional, vulnerable expression of self-doubt— set the stage for his new season of life and took him to new heights including a Platinum certification from the RIAA on the heels of his 28-week reign at No. 1 on Billboard’s Emerging Artists chart. Most recently, “Save Me” earned Jelly his first ACM win for Music Event of the year, released his new album Beautifully Broken on October 11 and launched his Beautifully Broken Tour on August 27th following his seven consecutive #1 singles: “I Am Not Okay,” “Chevrolet” - Dustin Lynch feat. Jelly Roll, “Halfway To Hell,” “Save Me,” “Need A Favor,” “Son of A Sinner” & “Dead Man Walking.”

Not just an artist but a humanitarian, Jelly continues to resonate with fans on a global scale while racking up numerous milestones - from playing his sold-out hometown show for 18,000 fans at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena to donating a recording studio at the juvenile detention center he served in as a teen, to the release of his record-breaking documentary by ABC News, “Save Me” - the most watched music documentary on the platform - to his visits with rehab centers and those incarcerated across the US. Featured by Nightline, GMA, GMA3, The New York Times, LA Times, The Tennessean, Billboard, Variety, American Songwriter, CMT and more, his self-built, unconventional industry rise and unique fan connection has garnered praise from numerous outlets, with Variety noting, “for everyone who’s facing the same struggles, Jelly Roll is their Springsteen,” and American Songwriter echoing, “with a string of accolades and an extremely dedicated following, Jelly Roll has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.”

KEEP UP WITH JELLY ROLL
WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE | FACEBOOK | X

TAK MATSUMOTO GROUP Shares New Single "Crash Down Love" + Teaser Video

Tak Matsumoto Group (TMG) - the internationally acclaimed project formed by guitar virtuoso Tak Matsumoto with Jack Blades (Night Ranger) and Eric Martin (Mr. Big) – are pleased to share their new single “Crash Down Love” alongside a teaser video.

The track opens the band's new studio album, 'TMG II' which is currently available digitally, with the physical CD release slated for December 6th, 2024.

Watch the Teaser Video for "Crash Down Love" below

About the new album, Jack Blades comments:

“'TMG ll' has a fresh and alive feel born out of the friendship and camaraderie that Tak, Ericand I share with each other. Throw in a healthy dose of my good buddy Matt Sorum on drums and you have a hell of a recipe for some seriously kick ass rock n roll. The songs tell the stories, the music rocks the soul, and woven throughout the fabric is the amazing guitar playing of Tak Matsumoto---a true “Guitar Hero”. Enjoy the ride!”

“I was the singer of the Tak Matsumoto group in 2004. We had an incredible experience, writing / recording a heavy melodic hard rock state of the art sounding record that went platinum, sold out tour all over Japan, It was perfect timing and one of the biggest highlights of my life”, states Eric Martin.

“Tak Matsumoto is the guitarist, main composer, producer of B’z!, the best music selling Rock act in Japan! So here we are, 20 years later… This time we have powerhouse drummer Matt Sorum from Guns & Roses /Velvet Revolver/ The Cult and B’z support guitarist / chorus Yukihide ‘YT’ Takiyama to round out the group”, continues Martin. “'TMG ll' has got a Japanese / American rock feel to it and it’s badass. We are on tour right now in Japan and killing it. I am hanging with the coolest musicians on the planet… Life is good. The record… is really good!”

Buy & Listen to 'TMG II' HERE

After a 20-year hiatus, TMG returns with original members Tak Matsumoto (guitarist and member of the Japanese rock superstars B’z), Jack Blades (Night Ranger) and Eric Martin(Mr. Big), reigniting the powerhouse trio’s signature rock sound. Originally launched in 2004, TMG wowed fans worldwide with their unique fusion of hard-hitting rock and oriental influences. Now, after two decades, they’re set to do it all again.

Tak Matsumoto explains how the project came to life:

“Twenty-one years ago, I met Jack and Eric at The Fillmore in San Francisco. I suggested we collaborate, and that’s how TMG was born. We came together in LA to write our first single,“OH JAPAN”, which sparked the creation of our debut album, 'TMG I', and an incredible tour throughout Japan, ending with a memorable performance at the Budokan. Though we’ve stayed in touch, life pulled us in different directions, and two decades slipped by. In 2022, I reached out with a proposal to reunite.”

“Now, in 2024, TMG has completed our latest album, 'TMG II', featuring the talented drummerMatt Sorum. We’re excited to share this album, a blend of Japanese and American musical sensibilities. We hope you enjoy it!”, adds Matsumoto.

The recording line-up for this album includes Matt Sorum (Guns N' Roses and Velvet Revolver) on drums, and Yukihide “YT” Takiyama, who is well known for recording and live support for B'z, on guitar and arrangements.

Today's single, “Crash Down Love,” is impressively catchy and symbolizes the new TMGsound, while “Guitar Hero”, whose lyrics were written by Jack Blades with Tak in mind, may just be the best example of the band's evolved sound.

“I was able to create a truly exciting and convincing piece of work with my wonderful band members,” says Tak. The Japanese metal act BABYMETAL, appears as a special guest in a killer and groovy Dance-Metal song called “Eternal Flames” where their duet with Eric Martinis truly unique!

TMG are currently touring in Japan. The full list of tour dates can be found HERE.

TMG are:

Tak Matsumoto - Guitar

Jack Blades - Bass & Vocal

Eric Martin – Vocal

Matt Sorum - Drums

GIRISH AND THE CHRONICLES Return with New Single “KAAL” Out Now via Frontiers Music Srl

Indian rockers GIRISH AND THE CHRONICLES are thrilled to unveil their new single and accompanying video “Kaal” now via Frontiers Music Srl.

The track represents a first for the band, featuring a chorus sung in Nepalese. It is a heavy song, a little different from the band’s usual sound, aiming to tap into a new audience that listens to Nepali Rock/Metal music.

The band is also currently on their Re-Ignition Tour 2024, which started in Trollhättan, Sweden, on October 25 and will end in Troon, UK, on November 30. They are also set to perform at the oldest and one of the biggest Rock fests in India, Mahindra Independence Rock, to be held in the city of Mumbai.

Girish Pradhan comments on the new single, by saying:

“I know I would eventually sing in my Native language of Nepali, some day, but I had no clue it would come about this way. 'Kaal', which also translates to 'The End/Doom' etc, is a musical force. We wanted to try out a different sound for a change. We wanted it to be raw, both sonically and visually. While we know there may be some folks out there, for whom it’s not a wise idea to divert away from a style that has been working fairly well for us, we also feel it is extremely important to keep experimenting and exploring.”

“GATC has never been about a particular sound. We have always been so much more than that, and our true fans over the years have always known that. Either way, it’s a banger and there’s no way one can escape the sonic punch they’re about to receive. A big thanks to our label Frontiers Records for being understanding and supporting us on this venture!”, he adds.

Watch the Official Music Video for "Kaal"

Arguably one of the most prominent and influential bands in the melodic rock/metal genre for the past 10+ years in India, GIRISH AND THE CHRONICLES has been steadily gaining popularity and prominence globally as well. Critics and fans alike have labeled frontman Girish Pradhan as one of the best rock voices in the scene. The band has already gained a legendary status amongst rock enthusiasts, both old and new, within India.

Known for their dynamic songwriting style and energy-packed live performances, GATC has toured with, supported, featured as special guests, and shared festivals with the likes of Guns ‘N’ Roses, Skid Row, Alter Bridge, Nazareth, Kamelot, Bullet For My Valentine, Poets Of The Fall, TesseracT, Hoobastank, and more.

Being the only band from their home state of Sikkim to have ever toured consistently, nationally and internationally, GATC is considered one of the most influential bands in the Indian rock scene of the last decade and is looked up to by many up-and-coming musicians.

Girish Pradhan’s reputation has been growing recently as one of the hottest new rock singers on the scene. He has appeared as lead singer on the last album from the Hard Rock supergroup The End Machine featuring George Lynch and Jeff Pilson, both ex-Dokken, and more recently as lead singer in the new hard rock project The Nail.

Listen to "KAAL" HERE

GIRISH AND THE CHRONICLES are:

Girish Pradhan - Vocals, Rhythm Guitars

Yogesh Pradhan - Bass, Keyboards, Production

Suraz Sun - Lead Guitars

Nagen Nags - Drums

UK Metal Legends RAGING SPEEDHORN Sign to Spinefarm + Unveil New Single "Night Wolf"

Spinefarm is excited to welcome UK metal legends RAGING SPEEDHORN to its roster. The Corby sextet has also unveiled their new single, "Night Wolf," and announced an extensive UK tour throughout March 2025.

Stream "Night Wolf" HERE

A major presence within the UK metal scene for the past two decades, with half a dozen crushing studio outings to their name (and what a name!), RAGING SPEEDHORN have forged their reputation through hard touring, hard music, plus a no-compromise attitude… to everything.

New single, "Night Wolf," the band’s first for Spinefarm, produced by Russ Russell, sees the six musicians – as much gang as band – delivering one of the most memorable moments of their career, with all valves glowing, all faders up and all needles flickering red.

The band comments on the single: “We’re super excited to release our new single ‘Night Wolf’, produced by our brother Russ Russell at Parlour Studios. It’s got everything you need in a classic RAGING SPEEDHORN song: big riffs, thundering drums, and great vocals. To us, it’s a mixture of Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath with a unique Speedhorn sound.

“We’ve been inspired by one of our favourite 80s movies, and we hope our fans will enjoy the retro vibe in our artwork.”

Dante Bonutto, Director of A&R, Spinefarm comments on the signing:

“For the past two decades, Raging Speedhorn have been a mighty force within the UK metal scene, showing what can be accomplished through hard touring and hard music, plus the collective, instinctive desire to make music that grabs both attention and lapels. It is therefore with a sense of pride that we welcome the band to Spinefarm.

"New single ‘Night Wolf’ is classic Speedhorn, a howl-at-the-moon taste of what’s to come, and we look forward to supporting the band in their continued efforts to dispense sonic justice.”

RAGING SPEEDHORN are:

Frank Regan – vocals

Daniel Cook – vocals

James Palmer – guitar

Daf Williams – guitar

Andy Gilmour – bass

Gordon Morison – drums

EXTREME Share "Small Town Beautiful" Video

The band from Boston share where they're from and invite followers to do the same for upcoming fan interaction video

Extreme continue to highlight the many sides of SIX, their first album for earMUSIC released in June of 2023, with a new video for the charmingly gentle and lyrical track "Small Town Beautiful."

SIX was conceived as an album-length journey. With the 10th video to be released from that album (a run that began with "RISE" amassing millions of views followed by "#REBEL" through "Thicker Than Blood" up to "Beautiful Girls" and "Save Me," garnering millions more) the story and the journey continue as Nuno Bettencourt, Gary Cherone, Pat Badger, and Kevin Figueiredo explore the beauty in the small things of the places we call "home."
 
Watch the video below

"'Small Town Beautiful' is a beauty that is simple, kind, and caring. You can see it in her smile, gentle, warm, pure, familiar. The girl next door from a small community, a small town that no matter where she will journey to, a big city or even off to serve... There is an aura, a glow around her...her small town comes with her wherever she goes and whomever she touches," says Bettencourt.
 
With "Small Town Beautiful," the band also wish to shine a light on fans' hometowns around the world — embracing where they come from.

Many of us leave our homes to chase our dreams, whatever those may be, but these small towns leave an everlasting mark on us.

That is why Extreme is asking all fans to be a part of this song and to journey together. The band will create a special fan-edit of the music video to feature the fans themselves… their hometowns and their stories. Head over HERE to submit a photo in your small town for a chance to be featured in the new video.

We want to see the places that shaped the person that you are today. Because we all have a story to tell, and it starts with home.

The idea is to rally Extreme fans around the song and create a virtual space where all can be "home" together as the holiday season approaches.
 
As most folks are thinking about being "home for the holidays," EXTREME will travel to India for the Bandland Festival in November and have once again confirmed their presence on the Monsters of Rock Cruise in 2025.

STREAM SIX HERE.