Legendary Hard Rockers BONFIRE Shares New Single “Lost All Control” + Video

German hard rockers BONFIRE are thrilled to share a killer new single "Lost All Control." The track is off their highly anticipated new studio album, 'Higher Ground' out on January 24th, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl. The track is accompanied by a new music video, available below.

Bassist Ronnie Parkes comments on the new single:

“'Lost All Control' is a powerful song with great performances throughout the track and it is very melodic. It talks about the isolation and the disconnection of reality that people with mental illness sometimes have to deal with. One of my favourites off the new album!”



Watch the New Video for "Lost All Control" Below

BONFIRE is one of the most seminal German hard rock bands of the past fifty years. Originally founded as Cacumen in 1972 by guitarist Hans Ziller in Ingolstadt, Germany, the group initially played local venues, steadily building a fan base before releasing their first album under the name Cacumen.

In 1986, the band rebranded as BONFIRE, and their debut album as BONFIRE, 'Don't Touch the Light,' marked their international breakthrough. They followed it up with 'Fireworks' in 1987, which further cemented their status in the rock and metal scene. Despite their success, BONFIRE experienced several lineup changes, including the departure of key members. However, Ziller, the band’s driving force, kept BONFIRE alive, continuously adapting to the challenges faced by the group.

In the 1990s, BONFIRE briefly disbanded but returned in 1996, with Ziller reclaiming the rights to the band’s name. Since then, BONFIRE has released numerous albums and maintained a strong presence on the international rock scene. BONFIRE has remained a resilient force in hard rock, continuing to tour and release new material well into the 21st century.

During their most successful phase with album classics such as 'Don’t Touch The Light' (1986), 'Fireworks'(1987) and 'Point Blank' (1989), the group – alongside Scorpions and Accept – counted among the three most popular German acts on a global basis, including triumphal accomplishments throughout Europe and overseas, celebrated tours alongside Judas Priest and ZZ Top, gold records, high chart positions, TV appearances and more than 35 million YouTube views of their hit “You Make Me Feel” alone.

The band’s trademarks continue to be and always have been deeply melodic hard rock songs, driven by captivating guitar parts, grooving rhythms, and haunting vocal melodies. To this day, band founder/guitarist Hans Ziller and his exceptional group regularly awe their fans with new releases and impressive shows.

'Higher Ground' is a new life chapter for BONFIRE and the very first release under the wings of Frontiers Records.

BONFIRE are:

Hans Ziller - Guitar

Dyan Mair - Vocals

Frank Pané - Guitar

Ronnie Parkes - Bass

Fabio Alessandrini - Drums

About Frontiers Music Srl:

Founded as Frontiers Records in 1996 in Napoli, Italy, by Serafino Perugino, as a business specializing in the Italian distribution of Melodic Rock indie labels, Frontiers soon developed as one of the cutting-edge indie label companies in Melodic and Hard Rock Music. Frontiers has become synonymous with quality Classic and Melodic Hard Rock, Progressive, and Metal music in the international markets with over 1300 releases and quarterbacking the release of new music from legendary and timeless artists such as Winger, Journey, Toto, Yes, Mr Big, Glenn Hughes, Whitesnake, Boston, Asia, Alan Parsons, Electric Light Orchestra, Def Leppard among others.

 

Frontiers Label Group manages its imprints Frontiers Music Srl, FLG and BLKIIBLK, and it is headquartered in Italy for administration and financial services with a UK Branch in London for UK & Europe A&R and Marketing operations.  A US subsidiary is in the office headquarters of all US operations including A&R and Marketing. US legal representation has been entrusted to the Entertainment Law Firm based in New York City & Nashville, Serling Rooks Hunter McKoy Worob & Averill LLP, while in Italy Frontiers legal affairs are followed by Studio Legale De Cicco Arts & Media in Rome.

PALEFACE SWISS Unleash Ambitious New Album 'Cursed' & Music Video For New Track "River Of Sorrows'

The wait is over. Switzerland’s reigning, defending heavy weight champions of emotionally charged Nu-Core brutality - Paleface Swiss - have dropped their highly anticipated and most ambitious album to date, ‘Cursed,’ today. To mark the occasion, the band has also released music video for brand new track, “River of Sorrows.” This deeply emotional track offers a powerful glimpse into the album’s dark and cathartic narrative Fans can stream 'Cursed' in full now HERE and can watch the music video for "River Of Sorrows" below.

Each track on ‘Cursed’ is represented by a flower with symbolic meaning, which when combined, form the “River of Sorrows” is paired with the Purple Hyacinth, a flower representing sorrow, regret, and forgiveness. “River of Sorrows” delivers a visceral exploration of the weight of sorrow, despair and helplessness caused from being trapped in an unhealthy relationship. The track’s lyrical vulnerability is matched by its crushing intensity, underscoring the unrelenting emotional journey of the album and cementing it as the band’s most ambitious and conceptually intricate work to date. 

Frontman Marc “Zelli” Zellweger explains,

“‘River of Sorrows’ is about the emotional weight of betrayal and the drowning feeling of being trapped in a one-sided connection. It’s heavy in every sense of the word—musically, lyrically, emotionally—and it’s a piece that feels deeply personal while also being universally relatable. We wanted to bring those feelings to life in a way that would truly resonate with listeners.” 

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 and was recently included in Loudwire’s coveted ‘Best Rock & Metal Songs of 2024’ list and nominated for “Angriest Song of The Year” in Nik Nocturnal’s popular annual awards. The track 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. The band then threw fans a huge curveball with second single "My Blood on Your Hands", which was also nominated in the Nik Nocturnal Awards 2024 for ‘Best Animal Noise'. Third single, "Love Burns" was released in early December and set the internet ablaze with praise for the dynamic song writing displayed on the track along with the band's fearlessness when it comes to pushing themselves out of their sonic comfort zone and making bold choices that definitely pay off, balancing their signature heaviness with an emotionally charged narrative and new, expansive sonic elements. To date, the 3 previously released singles have run up 3,200,000 cross-platform streams and 659,000 YouTube video views.

Speaking about the release of 'Cursed' today, Paleface Swiss collectively share

“Cursed is the piece we’ve always wanted to create. We set out to craft a cohesive concept with our music, videos, and artwork and we're very proud of the outcome. The process of making this album has been therapeutic in ways we didn’t anticipate, and we’re beyond excited to finally share it with the world. We hope to see you at a show on our upcoming headline tours and have you sing these tracks with us”

The North American run of The Cursed Tour kicks off on March 20th in Detroit, MI and will see Paleface Swiss headline 30 shows across the country hitting major cities including New York, Los Angeles, and Toronto with special guests Stick To Your Guns and Nasty. Tickets and full routing can be found 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

August Burns Red Have Some News + It Involves Their Classic "Thrill Seeker" Album

Grammy-nominated, Lancaster five-piece AUGUST BURNS RED — JB Brubaker [lead guitar], Brent Rambler [rhythm guitar], Matt Greiner [drums], Jake Luhrs [vocals], and Dustin Davidson [bass] — have some "thrilling" news" for their diehard legion of fans.

The band will be releasing an incredibly special version of their seminal debut album Thrill Seeker.

The album was re-recorded from the ground up by producers Carson Slovak and Grant McFarland. And fans have always wondered what the album might sound like with Luhrs, who joined the band after the album's release, on vocals. The ABR faithful gets it wish with this version! 

The new edition features several additional sonic treats, including guest appearances by Killswitch Engage's Adam Dutkiewicz, the original producer of Thrill Seeker, on "Speech Impediment," and by original Thrill Seeker vocalist Josh McManness on "Barbarian." It will also feature the rare bonus track "Pride & Humility," which was also re-recorded.

The anniversary version will come in three vinyl variants, along with exclusive new merch, which is available here.

The 20th anniversary edition will be self-released via the band's own ABR Records on January 24. Pre-order it here and pre-save it here.

Today, ABR have shared the lyric video for  "Your Little Suburbia Is In Ruins." Watch it Below.

"When I joined the band in early 2006, I often spoke about how I'd love to do vocals on a studio recording of Thrill Seeker," says Luhrs. "I did the majority of the touring on the album and always felt a deep connection to it. As the 20 year anniversary of the album approached, we decided to finally give Thrill Seeker a facelift. It was such a rewarding experience to dust these songs off and give them new life. This album changed the course of my life and I can't wait for fans to hear this."

Morgan Wallen’s Stoic Surprise Release, “Smile,” Out Now

19x Billboard Music Awards winner and two-time 2025 GRAMMY nominee Morgan Wallen surprises fans with an unexpected release, “Smile,” originally teased on Wallen’s Instagram and TikTok. Listen HERE and watch the official music video, directed by Justin Clough, Below.

Written by Wallen, Rocky Block, John Byron, Ernest Keith Smith, Ryan Vojtesak and Luis Witkiewitz, “Smile” is a continuation of a theme set by previous releases, “Lies Lies Lies” and “Love Somebody,” as the narrator navigates life’s little moments and longings. “Smile” depicts a relationship as we see them today through filtered snapshots: It was good to see you smile / Girl you know it’s been a while / It was good to see you smile / Even if it was just for the picture.
 
“Lies Lies Lies” recently became Wallen’s 16th No. 1 at country radio, while “Love Somebody” – celebrated by HITS Daily Double as a “heartbreak hit-in-the-making,” and Billboard as an “instantaneous chart-topper” – debuted at No. 1 globally across five countries, becoming Wallen’s first solo song to debut at No. 1 on the all-genre Billboard 100 chart upon release. “Love Somebody” led Wallen to become the first artist to have three singles sit atop the Billboard 100 and Hot Country Songs charts simultaneously.
 
After concluding his record-breaking One Night At A Time Tour in October – which spanned 87 shows, 57 stadium shows and 10 countries across two years – Wallen will host his inaugural Sand In My Boots Festival on the beaches of Gulf Shores, AL in 2025. The festival, which sold out in less than two hours of on-sale, will feature headlining sets by Wallen, Post Malone, Brooks & Dunn and HARDY across three days and three nights, with additional guests including Riley Green, Bailey Zimmerman, T-Pain, Diplo, Wiz Khalifa, The War on Drugs, 2 Chainz, Chase Rice, Three 6 Mafia, 3 Doors Down, Ella Langley, ERNEST, Morgan Wade, Moneybagg Yo and more. For full details, visit sandinmybootsfest.com.
 

About Morgan Wallen
When 19-time Billboard Music Awards-winner and two-time 2025 GRAMMY nominee Morgan Wallen released his third studio album One Thing At A Time in 2023, its instant success left The New York Times proclaiming Wallen as “one of the biggest stars in pop, period.” One Thing At A Time has remained atop the all-genre Billboard 200 chart for 19 non-consecutive weeks, the most weeks at No. 1 for a Country album, and was the most-streamed album of the year on Spotify. His collaboration with Post Malone, “I Had Some Help,” became only the second single in chart history to debut with the support of all reporting stations and remained No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 all-genre charts for six weeks. Wallen’s recent release, “Love Somebody,” debuted at No. 1 globally across five countries and 11 charts. “Love Somebody” led Wallen to become the first artist to have three singles sit atop the Billboard 100 and Hot Country Songs charts simultaneously.
 
With 16 chart-toppers at country radio, Wallen’s 87-show One Night At A Time World Tour, spanning two years, 10 countries/3 continents and 51 stadium plays, concluded at Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium on Oct. 19. Performing to over 3.1 million fans, One Night At A Time was named a Billboard and Pollstar Country Tour of the Year in 2023, as well as People’s Choice Country Concert Tour of 2024, surpassing attendance records in numerous stops; including Neyland Stadium and Ohio Stadium, where Wallen became the largest weekend ever for both venues. Wallen donates a portion from every ticket sold to his Morgan Wallen Foundation.

DAVID ELLEFSON RELEASES MODERN-DAY TAKE ON DONNIE IRIS HIT ‘AH! LEAH!’ ​   

Grammy Award-winning bassist David Ellefson has unveiled a year-end holiday treat in the form of a fresh and dynamic rendition of the 1980s classic Ah! Leah! by legendary singer-songwriter Donnie Iris. The track features an impressive lineup, including vocalists Chip Z’nuff (Enuff Z’nuff) and Stephen Shareaux (Kik Tracee), along with Drew Fortier (The Lucid) on guitar and Paolo Caridi on drums.

This updated version of the radio rock favorite is now available on all digital platforms.

Ellefson shared his enthusiasm for the project, stating:
"The skinny tie alternative rock movement of the early '80s was such a fun and creative era for music. Ah! Leah! Was not only a massive FM radio hit; it’s a hauntingly beautiful song with an unforgettable melody and lyric. Alongside acts like Aldo Nova, The Greg Kihn Band, Joe Jackson and The Cars, this was a transformative time for rock music that shaped me as a young musician. This rendition brings together an amazingly talented group of friends and musicians to create a really cool version of this classic, setting a creative tone for the holiday season!”

 

Chip Z’Nuff adds, “Anytime I get the opportunity to work with heavyweights on a classic 1980s hit, I sonically attack with as much reflection and intent as possible. David Ellefson picked an incendiary track with Donnie Iris Ah! Leah!, which is the perfect combination of pop meets metal in 2025!”

 

Fans can look forward to seeing Ellefson hitting the road for his Bass Warrior tour across Europe, running from March 6-29. More information can be found at: www.basswarriourtour.com

Ah! Leah! production credits:

Produced by David Ellefson & Drew Fortier

Mixed by Alessio Garavello at Rogue Recording Studios, Wembley, UK

Bass Guitar recorded by John Aquilino at The Focusrite Room, Mesa, AZ

For more information on all of these events please visit:

www.davidellefson.com

www.basswarriortour.com

ATTILA Rally The Disenfranchised With New Single "America's Rejects"; Add Butcher Babies & DED To America's Rejects Tour

Atlanta’s party metalcore heavyweights Attila are back with their new anthem “America’s Rejects”, out now on all major platforms. The track is a bold declaration of defiance and serves as an unapologetic anthem for outcasts, misfits, and anyone daring to defy the status quo. Fans can listen to the track HERE and watch the visualizer below.

The new single coincides with the announcement that the band's America’s Rejects Tour, just got even bigger. Joining Attila and previously announced special guests Dealer and Nathan James on the road will be heavy hitters Butcher Babies and Ded, making this tour one of the biggest and loudest parties of the year. Tickets are on sale now HERE

Speaking on their new track and the new additions to their upcoming tour, Attila frontman Chris 'Fronz' Fronzak shares:

“‘America’s Rejects’ is an anthem for anyone who’s ever felt like they didn’t belong—a big middle finger to the status quo. Adding Butcher Babies and Ded to this lineup takes it to a whole new level. This tour isn’t just a show; it’s a movement. We’re uniting the rejects, the outcasts, and anyone who’s ready to throw it all in the face of the norm. 2025 is our year, and this tour is going to be a big f** you to everything holding you back!”*

The America's Rejects Tour starts on March 4 at Club L.A. in Destin, FL, and continues through 22 cities before culminating at The Orpheum in Tampa, FL, on April 5. Full routing below. Tickets are on sale now HERE

Attila

The America's Reject's Tour

W/ Butcher Babies, DED, Dealer and Nathan James

Tue. March 4 – Club L.A. – Destin, FL

Fri. March 7 – Studio at Warehouse Live – Houston, TX 

Sat. March 8 – Trees – Dallas, TX 

Mon. March 10 – Lowbrow Palace – El Paso, TX 

Tue. March 11 – Sunshine Theater – Albuquerque, NM 

Thu. March 13 – Mesa Theater – Grand Junction, CO 

Fri. March 14 – Gothic Theatre – Denver, CO 

Sat. March 15 – Black Sheep – Colorado Springs, CO 

Tue. March 18 – Wildwood Saloon – Iowa City, IA 

Wed. March 19 – Deluxe – Indianapolis, IN 

Thu. March 20 – WC Social Club – West Chicago, IL 

Fri. March 21 – Grewal Hall at 224 – Lansing, MI 

Sat. March 22 – Madison Theater – Covington, KY

Tue. March 25 – Toad’s Place – New Haven, CT 

Wed. March 26 – Amityville Music Hall – Amityville, NY 

Thu. March 27 – The Ritz Theater – Scranton, PA 

Fri. March 28 – The Brooklyn Monarch – Brooklyn, NY 

Sat. March 29 – Reverb – Reading, PA 

Mon. March 31 – Lincoln Theatre – Raleigh, NC 

Tue. April 1 – Terminal West – Atlanta, GA 

Wed. April 2 – Music Farm – Charleston, SC

Fri. April 4 – The Banyan Live – West Palm Beach, FL 

Sat. April 5 – The Orpheum – Tampa, FL

ABOUT ATTILA

Chris Fronzak (vocals), Chris Linck (guitar), and Kalan Adam (bass) aka ATTILA have been churning out metalcore anthems for nearly two decades, shaping and defining the genre as they go.

 

Formed in Atlanta, Georgia in 2005, ATTILA has released eight studio albums, including their infamous 2013 smash hit, "About That Life" which debuted on the Billboard Top 200 at #22. The band are best known for their uniquely aggressive heaviness, their incendiary, high-energy live shows and their tongue-in-cheek, not-giving-a-fuck attitude. Their music has amassed over 290 million streams and they currently have 737k monthly listeners on Spotify alone.

 

ATTILA has continued to thrive and evolve over the years, cementing their status as one of the most influential bands in the modern metalcore genre. ATTILA began a new era in April of 2023 with the release of “Bite Your Tongue” which shocked fans around the world with the surprise addition of clean vocals from Fronz for the first time ever on one of the band's tracks. A string of stand-alone singles then followed - "Mia Goth", "FU4EVR", "Timebomb", "New Devil" Ft. Dickie Allen, "Dog Pack" Ft. Sn8ke and "Wasteland" Ft. DED Between them, the new singles have racked up 12.8 million streams on Spotify alone and 860,000 YouTube views.

These new tracks showcase a new direction for ATTILA, maintaining the band’s signature blend of metalcore, nu metal and deathcore whilst also adding new layers of melodic finesse and instrumental technicality. Proving that even after 15 years, they are still one of the most innovative and prolific forces in the genre.

PHIL X & THE DRILLS Unveil New Lyric Video For “Don't Wake Up Dead”

Legendary guitarist Phil X’s own band, Phil X & The Drills, are thrilled to unveil their new official lyric video for their single “Don’t Wake Up Dead,” featuring Korn drummer Ray Luzier, out now via Frontiers Music Srl. The video comes with a time-lapse of the production of the single’s artwork, created by Thomas Estrada.

Phil X commented on the single:

“'Don’t Wake Up Dead' is a look at how people just go through the motions of life just to get to the end of their day. I know because I, myself, have been there. To put it into impactful words, if you’re not waking up ready to conquer all obstacles, you’re waking up dead. Plus… Put to music that’s like downing a triple espresso is pretty awesome."

Check Out the New Lyric Video for "Don't Wake Up Dead" below

In 2003, THE DRILLS started to cause a stir in Hollywood, with their brand of punk mixed with classic and modern rock with guitar virtuosic undertones. Phil X was at the helm as the lead vocalist and guitar player. Daniel Spree on bass and backing vocals and Jeremy Spencer(Five Finger Death Punch) completed the power trio. They remained quite underground and released their first EP, 'Kick Your Ass In 17 Minutes' in 2009. Jeremy had left to start FFDPby this time, so the constant rotation of drummers began.

Also, in that time period, Phil was becoming a groundbreaking YouTube sensation on a video channel called Fretted Americana, where he demoed vintage guitars. Actual 1959 Gibson Les Pauls (worth in the range of $250K),1954 Fender Stratocasters, and hundreds of other guitars were put through their paces in Phil’s hands. Before he knew it, Fretted Americana was sitting on millions of collective views and from a marketing standpoint, it made sense to take THE DRILLS to another level as PHIL X & THE DRILLS.

'We Bring The Rock’n’Roll' was the follow-up to 'KYAI17M.' With even more classic rock flavors stirred into the mix, this was the first endeavor to feature famed drummers that Phil had worked with on other artists’ records, including Chris Cornell, Daughtry, Kelly Clarkson, and Gavin DeGraw to name a few.

Drummers like Josh Freese (Sting, Foo Fighters), Abe Laboriel Jr (Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton), and fellow Canadian Randy Cooke (Smashmouth, Five for Fighting) were all featured on this record.

Following two successful tours in the UK, the band released 'We Play Instruments ’N Sh!t.' Musically showing vast growth in writing and production, the band was excited to unleash this heightened evolvement to their new fan base. The fan base started to grow exponentially, due to Phil filling in for Richie Sambora in Bon Jovi for thirteen shows in 2011. Phil went on to replace Sambora in 2016 and has been juggling both bands along with becoming a father since.

Multiple tours and recordings with Bon Jovi inevitably took the front seat in Phil’s career but every time he got a break, he was writing and setting up recording sessions with drummers like Tommy Lee, Tico Torres, Ray Luzier, and many more. 

The first of these sessions were mixed by Chris Lord Alge and released on 'Stupid Good Lookings Vol 1.' Taylor Hawkins, Glen Sobel, Brent Fitz, Matt Chamberlain, Abe Laboriel Jr, and Randy Cooke all participated on this drum extravaganza with more sessions in the vault.

2024 marked an exciting new landmark for the band when they opened for Mötley Crüe at Summerfest in Springfield, IL. Phil X, Daniel Spree, and Brent Fitz took the stage and left the 10,000 attendees, event coordinators, promoters, and agents (not to mention the headliner) all thrilled.

Finally, the band recently signed to Frontiers Records Srl and is excited to embark on a new journey with new music.

Listen / Stream "Don't Wake Up Dead" HERE

PHIL X & THE DRILLS:

Phil X - Lead Vocals & Guitars

Daniel Spree - Bass & Background Vocals

Ray Luzier – Drums

Annisokay Share Video For New Single "Never Enough"

The German metalcore titans Annisokay return with their latest single, "Never Enough" — a blistering anthem that dives headfirst into the chaos of inner conflict. Fueled by ferocious riffs, pounding drums, and hauntingly melodic vocals, this track is a visceral journey through self-doubt, perseverance, and the fight for redemption.  

With a relentless intensity, the song captures the essence of battling inner demons and navigating the scars of fear and mistrust. It's a sonic explosion of raw emotion and unyielding determination, blending heavy breakdowns with soaring melodies to create a cathartic masterpiece.  

"Never Enough" solidifies Annisokay's place as one of metalcore's most dynamic forces, delivering a track that is both emotionally raw and musically electrifying. Prepare to scream along, feel the fire ignite, and fight your way to the dawn.
 
Turn the volume up and brace yourself. Annisokay have raised the bar yet again. 

Watch the video below. Stream the song here.

Anne Autumn Releases Video for Trap-Pop Anthem "Crushin' on U"

Vocalist and songwriter Anne Autumn Erickson is putting a new spin on modern trap pop with her new single, "Crushin' on U."

"Crushin' on U" is a fun, carefree love song about having a crush on that special someone. On it, Anne Autumn shows off her rapping skills and angelic vocals over trap hip-hop beats.

Please consider adding "Crushin' on U" to any of your playlists. It's perfect for pop, hip-hop, alternative, and any playlist that's about love.

Stream "Crushin' on U" on all platforms HERE, and watch the official music video for "Crushin' on U" below.

"Crushin' on U" closes out a busy year for Anne Autumn. In August, she released her fastest-climbing single yet in the delightful, soul-pop song "Feel the Love," featuring Canadian rapper Eazy Mac. The song has surpassed 12,000 Spotify streams and continues to grow. Both "Feel the Love" and "Crushin' on U" feature beat production by Gemini Beats.

In October, Anne Autumn released "Never Going Back," an empowering R&B song about not listening to anyone who tries to bring you down and, instead, coming out victorious. "Never Going Back" was produced by Clarity Sound/Foreign Familia Records.

As for Anne's metal band Upon Wings, they released one single this year and are gearing up for a comeback in 2024. This year, the band's 2022 single "Last Love," surpassed 26,000 Spotify streams.

EKOH Drops New Video For "Haunted" (Feat. Colorblind)

On the heels of wrapping up a highly successful, nearly completely sold-out, headlining U.S. tour, Las Vegas' EKOH has a lot to celebrate. A man who's comfortable on the rock side of hip-hop, EKOH, with intention, went into 2024 without label representation, and completely disrupted, exploded, and usurped any expectations anybody, fans and media alike could have had for this young artist with a vision.

2024 turned out to be a banner year for the MC, welcoming an impressive VANS mashup consisting of an EKOH-designed skate shoe, some of the biggest artist collaborations of his career including a track with rapper Tech N9ne, October's release of Pressure, EKOH's self-released album and a full tour of the U.S. to celebrate its success. Now standing in the select group of musicians that are earning more than a million streams every month on Spotify, EKOH has entered the next chapter of his quest for world domination and has started off strong with a brand new track featuring Travis Moseley of Colorblind. 

Listen to the always fiery EKOH alongside the dreamscape that is Colorblind on "HAUNTED." Watch the video below.

Of "Haunted," EKOH explains, "This song is deeply personal. The verses share my battles with depression, addiction, and a past I'm not proud of, while the chorus reflects feeling trapped by it all—haunted and barely living. I think it'll resonate with a lot of people. Being at the end of each of our albums, I think we were both feeling emotionally exposed and able to lay everything out on the table."

Colorblind's Moseley added, "This song came from a really personal place for both of us. We were nearing the end of our own albums and decided to come together to write something that reflected where we were emotionally. The chorus captures the feeling of being haunted by the past and stuck in a cycle you can't control, but collaborating on it allowed us to channel that weight into something cathartic. It's about facing the weight of the past and the struggle to keep moving forward, even when it feels like everything's falling apart."

After the recent wrap successful U.S. tour, EKOH closed 2024 in style by performing the single, "Hole In Your Head," live, at the 2024 Fighters Only World MMA Awards — go HERE for to check it out. On the experience, EKOH reported, "Being a huge fan of UFC and all things MMA, it was an honor to be asked to perform and open the night for the MMA awards. Growing up in Las Vegas, I've been watching organizations like the UFC since the beginning and it's still incredible to see how far it's come."

For an MC with a seemingly endless ceiling who continues to elevate with every move, 2025 will inarguably be a big year for EKOH.

The Great Old Ones Roar "Under the Sign of Koth"

THE GREAT OLD ONES have always been known to craft intriguing narrative-based concept albums based on the works of revered 20th century horror writer H.P. Lovecraft. While not a new concept in the metal scene - The Great Old Ones does it ever so differently, never losing the thread throughout their decade-long discography.

On Kadath, the Great Old Ones dip even deeper into Lovecraft's storied Dreamlands. New single "Under the Sign of Koth" sheds light on the next chapter of Randolph Carter's journey into darkness. "Climbing the huge stone steps, seeing yellowish-red eyes, I’m running under, under the sign of Koth" vocalist Benjamin Guerry wails as the band tears through the very fabric that dreams are made of.

Watch the visualizer for "Under the Sign of Koth" below.

Kadath is out January 24th, 2025 on Season of Mist.

Pre-save & Pre-order

https://orcd.co/tgookadath

THE GREAT OLD ONES have been crafting sonic landscapes that echo with the cries of ancient, cosmic deities and the whispers of forgotten realms. Their discography masterfully showcasing the sheer power of atmosphere and narrative, and has guided listeners through the darkest corners of Lovecraft's mythos, earning them a devoted following among both metal aficionados and acolytes of the macabre. With their unique blend of harrowing intensity and sombre beauty, they have captured the essence of the otherworldly, marrying it with the raw, blackened heart of metal.

 

Kadath marks a bold departure from the oceanic depths of the Cthulhu mythos, venturing instead into the Dreamlands. It is here that we follow the protagonist, Randolph Carter, as he seeks the fabled city that haunts his visions. The album resonates with his longing and determination, embodying the treacherous path he treads amidst the capricious gods and monstrous entities that dwell within this twilight realm. Through seven tracks, THE GREAT OLD ONES tortuously narrate Carter’s odyssey, transcending the boundaries of music to evoke a world where fantasy intertwines with terror.

 

Recorded under the vigilant eye of Francis Caste at Studio Sainte-Marthe, Paris, Kadath's production is nothing short of sorcerous. Each note and whispers are imbued with the power to transport the listener, offering an escape into an epic, immersive universe. Benjamin Guerry’s haunting vocals and guitars, alongside the mesmerizing contributions of Aurélien Edouard and Alexandre Rouleau on guitars, the deep resonance of Gregory Vouillat's bass, and the relentless assault of Julian Deana's drums, forge an album of unmatched emotional depth and technical prowess.

 

Thus, behold the latest chapter in their eldritch saga, Kadath - their unyielding quest to explore the outer margins of reality and imagination. An invitation to journey beyond the familiar, into a world of cosmic dread and awe-inspiring beauty, where the ancient gods still roam and dreams bleed into reality.


Line-up:
Benjamin Guerry - Guitars, Vocals
Aurélien Edouard - Guitars
Hugo Bernart - Guitars
Gregory Vouillat - Bass
Julian Deana - Drums

Recording Studio:
Recorded at Studio Sainte-Marthe, Paris, France

Production Credits:
Produced, Mixed & Mastered by Francis Caste at Studio Sainte-Marthe, Paris, France

Biography:
The Great Old Ones, with additions by Sébastien Gamez

Cover Art:
Jakub Rebelka

Photographer:
Daphnea Doto & Solweig Wood


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

Follow The Great Old Ones:
Website: https://www.thegreatoldonesband.com/
Bandcamp: https://thegreatoldones.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thegreatoldones
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegreatoldonesofficial/
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/thegreatoldonesband
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1U6VZQrgQ4CNXbS6FpP0QC
Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/en/artist/4377965
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/artist/the-great-old-ones/596465875 
TIDAL: https://tidal.com/browse/artist/5475055

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

SUBWAY TO SALLY has released the moving ballad "Herz in der Rinde" today, taken from their 15th studio album, 'Post Mortem,' which will be released tomorrow via Napalm Records. The pioneers of German folk metal reveal a melancholic side, telling a story of love, loss, and memories. The poetic lyrics merge with the band's signature folk sound, accompanied by a stirring melody that explores the pain of a love that once seemed eternal but has since faded. The haunting imagery of the carved heart and the finality of loss make this song a deeply emotional highlight, building up with a powerful arrangement into an intense soundscape that culminates in a monumental conclusion.        

To celebrate the release of 'Post Mortem,' SUBWAY TO SALLY is currently on their annual "Eisheilige Nacht" tour. They are joined by their labelmates, the ferocious power metal band Warkings – who collaborated with SUBWAY TO SALLY on the previous single "Stahl auf Stahl" – as well as the Irish folk punk band The O'Reillys & The Paddyhats and the German folk metal band Harpyie. Don’t miss out on this spectacle – grab your tickets now!        

SUBWAY TO SALLY on their new single:      

    "´Herz in der Rinde´ is a song our fans will love – it’s quintessentially us. Grand melodies, folk and violin sounds, lutes, paired with Eric’s initially balladic vocals, collide with heavy metal guitars during the merciless finale of the story and the song. A piece like a great movie – that was our goal, and we are incredibly proud of the result!"

Watch the Official Music Video for “Herz in der Rinde“ below.

German Folk Metal Legends SUBWAY TO SALLY Celebrate Their Rebirth with Their 15th Studio Album!

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.

The new masterpiece begins with the explosive track "Phönix", which celebrates the creative rebirth of the folk metal institution. On 'Post Mortem,' SUBWAY TO SALLY neither looks back nor into the future, but rather delivers a sharp analysis of the present. Songs like "Wunder", "Nero", "Lumpensammler", and "Die Erde bebt" offer the band’s signature soundscape while exploring socially critical themes without moralizing. This serious side is contrasted by captivating tracks that celebrate life and the simple joy of music. The anthemic title track "Post Mortem", the rousing "Unter dem Banner", and the poetic ballad "Herz in der Rinde"unleash an uncanny joy of playing. All songs unite the band’s familiar trademarks of great melodies and profound lyrics but never feel redundant. The haunting "Atlas" melancholically draws on Greek mythology, while the folk metallers showcase a heavier yet melodic side on "Stahl auf Stahl". For this piece, they enlisted their labelmates Warkings as guest performers, whose power metal adds a unique flavor to the track. With English lyrics in the chorus, SUBWAY TO SALLY returns to their roots. With "Kummerkind", the septet tackles mental struggles that many people cannot escape, once again proving their precise grasp of the zeitgeist.           

SUBWAY TO SALLY comment:

"In this world of contradictions and changes, finding a voice seems difficult. But upon closer inspection, one finds parallels in history and art. What do Putin and Nero, Oppenheimer and Prometheus have in common? What rises from the ashes of Rome? Does history truly repeat itself – once as tragedy, the other time as farce?"

SUBWAY TO SALLY skillfully explores this tension between past, future, and present, art and political reality with their music, making it clear with 'Post Mortem' that they are more alive than ever before.

Get your copy of 'Post Mortem' HERE

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

PERFECT PLAN Announces New Studio Album 'Heart Of A Lion' - Set for Release on February 28, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl

PERFECT PLAN is thrilled to announce the release of a new studio album, 'Heart Of A Lion,' set for release on February 28, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl. Coinciding with the announcement, the band also shares the first single, “We Are Heroes”, accompanied by a new music video.

Lead singer Kent Hilli describes the first single, by saying:

“'We Are Heroes' is a song about the “everyday life heroes” we humans can be… Like nurses, doctors, firefighters, police officers, etc., but also about humans climbing their way up from everyday struggles, substance abuse, other addictions, mental health issues, and becoming a better version of themselves. At the same time, helping and inspiring others by stating themselves as an example of progress and recovery. When I wrote the lyrics, I was imagining myself in a conversation with God about our everyday struggles as humans. As humans, we face different choices every day but the choice to choose love will always be the best and the only way for us going forward.”

Watch the New Video for "We Are Heroes" below.

PERFECT PLAN’s fourth studio album, “Heart Of A Lion” marks the culmination of the band’s musical production to date. Over the course of their first trilogy of albums, “All Rise”, “Time For A Miracle” and “Brace for Impact”, the Swedes have quickly established themselves as a new gold standard in not only the Scandinavian melodic rock genre, but the melodic rock genre as a whole.

Talking about 'Heart Of A Lion,' Hilli continues:

“The new album is once again showcasing that we have developed and matured as a band in terms of songwriting and production. The melodies, riffs, and hooks that we have created on this album are overall the best we’ve done so far. I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished. Although our main influences like Survivor, Foreigner, Europe, and Whitesnake are still shining through, there’s that unmistakable PERFECT PLAN sound that is the driving center of it all. And I think we have strengthened that sound and identity.

“With 'Brace For Impact' we wanted to discover a new heavier and 'in your face' sound but on this album, we are back to the sound of the first two albums, with more keyboards and bigger sound taking you back to the 80’s with a modern touch and feel. On this album, we once again teamed up with Mårten Eriksson, whom we worked with on 'Time For A Miracle.'

Hilli adds:

“Mårten brought his extreme talent to the songs both co-producing with us and also did he mixing. Mårten's long experience as both a songwriter and producer in the pop industry brought so much to the table and the end result is simply fantastic. If you liked our previous albums, you are gonna love 'Heart Of A Lion'!”

 

Kent Hilli is a one-of-a-kind singer that gained a world-class reputation almost from the start. His class, range, tone, and heartfelt expression caught the attention of his heroes Giant, who picked him to sing on their latest album 'Shifting Time,' and saw Kent releasing two solo albums in 2021 ('The Rumble') and 2023 ('Nothing Left To Lose').

Completing the lineup is: Rolf Nordström, guitarist extraordinaire, Mats Byström, the music mastermind who plays bass and forms a solid, rock-hard base with drummer Fredrik Forsberg. The subtle textures, so important in AOR, come from Leif Ehlin’s keyboards.

'Heart Of A Lion' is a powerful statement from the band offering their absolute best songwriting and production ever: a strong offering with roots very well planted in the 80’s AOR sound. Produced in collaboration with Mårten Eriksson, the band was determined to top the musical results they had previously reached and took a few months to come out with the right musical material.

Sometimes the stars align, and the result is absolutely stunning: a perfect balance of energy and unforgettable melodies is what you are going to find in 'Heart Of A Lion.'

Pre-Order 'Heart of A Lion' HERE 

PERFECT PLAN offers the “perfect” (pun intended) combination: a superb singer, a well-oiled band of experienced players, and a great songwriting talent with a knack for unforgettable melodies and driving rhythms.

With 'Heart Of A Lion,' PERFECT PLAN has crafted an outstanding piece of work which, while paying tribute to the obvious references to the sound of the classics (think Survivor,Foreigner, The Storm, Giant, etc) and Scandinavian AOR, has a recognizable identity and personal feel.

PERFECT PLAN are:

Kent Hilli – Lead Vocals

Leif Ehlin – Keyboards

Rolf Nordström – Guitar

Mats Byström – Bass

Fredrik Forsberg – Drums

New Dark Chapel album out Feb 28, 2025

Guitarist/singer/producer Dario Lorina, best-known as a longtime member of Black Label Society (2014 to present), is launching his brand new band, DARK CHAPEL.

Led by Lorina and also featuring Brody DeRozie (Guitar), Mike Gunn (Bass), and Luis Silva (Drums), the band’s airtight guitar-craft and sludgy grooves with magnetic melodies, bluesy phrasing, and grunge mystique are spotlighted on their debut album, Spirit in The Glass, which is due out February 28, 2025 on MNRK Heavy. 

ario’s gritty delivery on the song takes hold on a hypnotic hook, bleeding into a fret-burning lead punctuated by dramatic bends. “’Glass Heart’ is a lyrical and almost cinematic musical story that started with a riff and lyrically stemmed from emotion,” he reveals. “That emotion created an imagery for me that I began writing about as if that feeling was a painting I was writing to describe.”

 

Striking an elusive balance between dark and heavy, ethereal and passionate, Spirit in The Glass  is as Lorina describes, ““This is a culmination of all artistic influence, whether musical or otherwise.” 

FREE PATCH WITH ALL U.S. LP AND CD PRE-ORDERS WHILE SUPPLIES LAST

SEE ALL DARK CHAPEL MUSIC + MERCH HERE

Dario Lorina began his professional career in 2006 when he was 16 as the touring guitarist with the late Jani Lane (ex-Warrant). At 19, he joined veteran metal act Lizzy Borden whom he toured with for four years. He released two instrumental records with Mike Varney on Shrapnel Records in 2013 and 2017 titled, DARIO LORINA and DEATH GRIP TRIBULATIONS. On January 1, 2014 he joined Black Label Society and has since been touring worldwide alongside Zakk Wylde, performing on guitar, piano and backing vocals ever since. Lorina dueled solos with Wylde on Black Label Society's 2022 album DOOM CREW INC., and he joined Zakk Wylde on the January 2022 cover of Guitar World magazine.

 

“The guitar never really left my hands,” he laughs. Years of woodshedding followed. At 16 years old, he answered the call to audition for Jani Lane and found himself on the road with the ex-Warrant frontman shortly thereafter.

FIND OUT MORE HERE

HAMMERFALL - unveils fan video for 'Freedom'

Heavy metal titans HAMMERFALL have released a spectacular new video for their third single, 'Freedom,' from the latest album, Avenge The Fallen. The video is a heartfelt tribute to their global fanbase, who played an integral role in its creation.

When the single 'Freedom' was unleashed in early July, HAMMERFALL launched a unique competition via their social media platforms, inviting fans to submit videos to become a part of "HammerFall’s History."
Fans from all corners of the globe participated, showcasing their passion by rocking HAMMERFALL merch, singing or playing their favorite instruments to the song, throwing the horns, or sharing epic moments at HAMMERFALL shows.

The final video is a dynamic blend of these incredible fan submissions, paired with electrifying live footage from HAMMERFALL’s recent tours and festival appearances. The result is a powerful celebration of the connection between the band and their loyal "Templars of Steel."

Watch the video below:

Line-up:
Joacim Cans - vocals
Oscar Dronjak - guitar
Fredrik Larsson  - bass
Pontus Norgen - guitar
David Wallin – drums

HOMEPAGE: LINK
FACEBOOK: LINK
INSTAGRAM: LINK
TWITTER: N/A

LORD OF THE LOST Vocalist CHRIS HARMS to Release First Solo Album, '1980', on January 31, 2025!

LORD OF THE LOST Singer CHRIS HARMS’ First Solo Album – an 80s Synth-Pop Revival!

CHRIS HARMS not only stands out as a musical chameleon with his band LORD OF THE LOST but also with his very first solo album, '1980.' The album, which is strongly reminiscent of synth-pop, will be released on January 31, 2025 via Napalm Records and is the realization of a long-cherished dream that is finally coming to life. 1980 delivers a very unique sound yet untapped in Harms' main band. Instead, it dives into the uniquely atmospheric synthesizer sounds of the 80s, interweaving them with electronic, wave, and goth elements and completely diverting from guitar-driven rock style.

Harms’ distinctive voice and '1980's synth-pop-inspired sound craft an atmospheric journey through time, starting with the wave-infused, dancefloor-ready album opener and first single, “I Love You.” The official music video, released today, perfectly complements the track, delivering captivating visuals that radiate the retro charm of the 80s.

CHRIS HARMS adds:

“‘I Love You’ – that immediately sounds like a cheerful summer hit to me. However, this first impression couldn’t be more wrong. While the 80s synth sound effortlessly creates a sense of lightness, ‘I Love You’ is, at its core, one of the saddest songs I have ever written. Melancholy in neon colors.”

Watch the Official Music Video for “I Love You“

'With LORD OF THE LOST, CHRIS HARMS just experienced the most successful four years in the band's history, including participation in the Eurovision Song Contest and tours with Iron Maiden, as well as one #1 and two #2 albums on the Official German Album Charts. But a break is out of the question. The idea of a solo album has been maturing in his mind for a long time and has now taken its final form.

CHRIS HARMS describes '1980':

“If I were forced to categorize this album and label it, it would probably say ‘a strange but successful mix of Depeche Mode, Modern Talking and Sandra with Chris Harms' voice, but with less perm and mullet’”.

Make sure to get your copy of '1980' NOW

Songs such as the hit “She Called Me Diaval” and “Lunamor” exude a pleasant lightness, while “Past Pain” and “May This Be Your Last Battlefield” strike a reflective note. Two selected duets round off the album: Harms welcomes guest singer Sven Friedrich (Solar Fake) on “Madonna Of The Night”, while Ronan Harris (VNV Nation) can be heard on "The Grey Machines”.

'1980' deliberately avoids attempting to reinvent the wheel, but is to be understood as a musical journey through time. It is proof of Harms' artistic versatility, for which he is admired and appreciated far beyond genre boundaries. There is no deliberate calculation or riding the wave of any trends on the album, but simply a passion, desire, and love for music, with which CHRIS HARMS has marked a remarkable new pinnacle in his discography as a musician.

This Gift Is A Curse Reign Terror on 'Heir'

Though they bonded together after a chance encounter, for the past 16 years, This Gift Is A Curse have pushed the confines of underground metal  to violent extremes. On their upcoming fourth album, the Swedish band extend their all-encompassing reign with a cold, hard fist. Heir claims metal's crown of thorns behind an unruly arsenal of hardcore and sludge-encrusted black metal. As its lead single so cryptically proclaims, there's no escape from their terrifying reign.

Watch the harrowing video for lead single "Kingdom" below.

Heir comes out March 7, 2025 on Season of Mist.

Pre-order & Pre-save

https://orcd.co/thisgiftisacurseheir

Their new video sets an appropriately grim scene for the return of This Gift Is A Curse. After all, a decrepit, god forsaken cabin in the woods looks awfully picturesque when framed against this band's unholy seance. Hammering blast beats and a swarm of needling tremolo picks tear through the gates of "Kingdom" like the hounds of hell.

"I made a secret door into your eyes", a possessed Jonas Holmberg chants alongside Livmødr's bewitching Laura Morgan. The song's eerie pangs of melody summon us deeper into its pentagram-shaped maze, only for the tortured screams and chaotic bludgeoning of riffs to slam the door behind you.

This Gift Is A Curse defies the transient trends of music, instead choosing to carve its path with the bones of the fallen. Their forthcoming album, 'HEIR,' is a relentless pursuit of the extreme, a mosaic of human suffering and the dark beauty that lies within. As the album prepares to sear its mark upon the world, one thing is clear: There will be no heirs to the throne of darkness that This Gift Is A Curse occupies. The crown is theirs alone, forged in the fires of creation and destruction, a beacon for those who dare to walk the shadows.

Line-up
Jonas A. Holmberg - Vocals
Patrik Andersson - Guitars, Vocals
David Deravian - Guitars
Lars Gunnarsson - Bass
Christian Augustin - Drums

Recording Studio
The Overlook Studio, Gävle, Sweden

Production Credits
Produced, Engineered & Mixed by William Blackmon at The Overlook Studio.
Mastered by Magnus Lindberg at Redmount Studios, Stockholm, Sweden.
Guitars recorded at Laard studios and House of Inge Studio. Engineered by Daniel Noring and TGIAC.
Bass recorded at Cold Barn with the help of Daniel Noring.
Vocals recorded at Cold Barn by TGIAC.

Guest Musicians
Laura Morgan (of Livmødr) - Vocals on Kingdom (Track 1), Old Space (Track 9) & Ascension (Track 10).

Cover Art
Jonas A. Holmberg / House of No Light .317 (Instagram)

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

Follow This Gift Is A Curse
Bandcamp: http://thisgiftisacurse.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thisgiftisacurse
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisgiftisacurse/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7MoipbqoshfYNfckhzRtYC
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/artist/this-gift-is-a-curse/405256386
Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/artist/1005843
TIDAL: https://tidal.com/browse/artist/3813169

Available Formats
Digital Download
CD Digipak
2x12" Vinyl Gatefold - Black

2x12" Coloured Vinyl Gatefold - Gold w/ Silver Splatters

2x12" Coloured Vinyl Gatefold - Red w/ Black Splatters

Manchester's INCA BABIES share a multi-storied ninth album 'Ghost Mechanic Nine' & rock doc

Manchester post-punk trio Inca Babies have released the album 'Ghost Mechanic Nine' via Black Lagoon Records, their first record in three years (after ‘Swamp Street Soul’), continuing their explosive exploration of goth, punk and death-rock jazz-blues, while paying tribute to the strong riffing and cool, dead-pan delivery of the dark wave scene at the time.

They also share a fun documentary on the journey from their formation in 1983 in the now-legendary deck-access flats of Hulme in Manchester to where they are today - on their ninth studio record. Designed as executive ‘cities in the sky’, these homes quickly became cockroach-infested slums inhabited by students, artists and druggies. Dubbed them "the Hulme Cramps" for their Gothabilly twang by writer CP Lee, their 1984 debut single 'Interior' presented an unusual sound for Manchester - a departure from Joy Division, Buzzcocks, The Fall and The Smiths, but with a nod to their influences,

Incas frontman Harry Stafford (guitar, keys, vocals) revisits the raw guitar sounds of the band's 80s output, joined by Rob Haynes (drums, percussion), Jim Adama (bass) and Kevin G. Davy (trumpet).

A vibrant part of Britain's early postpunk / goth /death rock scene, they amassed a steady following through touring and releasing a further six singles and four albums in the next five years, all entering the UK Indie Charts. They also recorded four sessions for BBC's legendary John Peel show between 1984 and 1988 before calling it quits that year. The band reformed in 2007 and hasn't looked back since.

Driving for the sake of it driving to escape. Headlights in the dark: red and blue dash lights; wondering why anyone but you is driving this late. The ghost on the highway, the grease-ball mechanic who says you’ll keep going for miles and miles. It’s number 9, the ninth Inca’s album the first of nine songs on the album. The rush of energy from the first track sets the tone for the rest of the album.

The Incas most recently shared the single ‘Ghost Mechanic 9’, a driving guitar blast, whose powerful sound recalls the Incas' early music. With its singular hypnotic bass rhythm, it could have fit neatly on their 1986 album ‘Opium Den’. Earlier, they released 'Spacewalk', a timeless Rockabilly groove inspired by Link Wray, Alan Vega and Brian Setzer (set to a Sci-Fi space opera), together with its B-side 'Monster In The Deep'.

With Simon ‘Ding’ Archer (The Fall, PJ Harvey) at the controls, this album's production offers an analogue, yet contemporary, zing to the production. Recorded at 6Db Studios in Salford, Archer and Stafford recorded and mixed this album over two years, with 'Ding' also contributing sonic and dub flourishes. Marco Butcher mastered this record at his Boombox studio in North Carolina.

These darkly invigorating tunes visits a similar place as where Inca Babies got their start with raw and spiky psychobilly trash rock, reconnecting with their roots, where The Gun Club and The Cramps met - the very intersection where Inca Babies found their most passionate and loyal following. ‘Insect Symphony’ is a Stooges lead-riff tribute to all those bands that are no longer with us. The inclusion of a longer and remixed version of the fan favourite ‘Opium Den’, now called ‘Opium Dub’, is a masterful example of Archer's sonic dexterity at the dub controls.


Since reforming in 2007, they've released three albums and toured extensively around Europe, Russia, North America, India and beyond. Renewed interest in the Incas was propelled by Cherry Red Records 'Best of’ compilation release ‘Inca Babies 1983-87: Plutonium’. After Bill Marten's death in 2008, the band decided to continue creating music, subsequently releasing their Death Blues Album Trilogy - 'Death Message Blues' (2010), 'Deep Dark Blue' (2012) and 'The Stereo Plan' (2014).

'Ghost Mechanic Nine' is available everywhere, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. Also released on vinyl and digitally, it can be pre-ordered via Bandcamp and the Louder Than War shop.

CREDITS
Written by Harry Stafford & Rob Haynes
Harry Stafford – vocals, guitars & keyboards
Rob Haynes - drums & percussion
Jim Adama – bass guitar
Kevin G Davy - trumpet, horns
Simon 'Ding' Archer - sonic and dub flourishes
Released by Black Lagoon Records
Catalogue no. BLRLP0060
Recorded, mixed & produced by Simon ‘Ding’ Archer & Harry Stafford
Recorded at 6Db in Salford under Simon ‘Ding’ Archer
Mastered by Marco Butcher at Boombox Studio (North Carolina, USA)
Artwork created by Harry Stafford
Live photos by Simona Masoni
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

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Defeated Sanity Release Raging Double Guitar Playthrough

Around this time last year, before the underground legends descended one last time into Menegroth, The Thousand Caves, Defeated Sanityfelt like they were in need of an adjustment. Over the past 30 years, no other band has hit on more ways to spin death metal on its deformed head. But instead of concocting another heady bludgeoning of jazz-infused chaos, they wanted to double-down on the neck-snapping brutality that fans love about their earliest classics.

Judging by the reaction to Chronicles of Lunacy, it's safe to say that Defeated Sanity delivered in skull-crushing spades. The band's new album cracked Billboard's Rock, Hard Music and Independent charts. 

As they gear up for their first headlining tour of Europe since 2018, today, Defeated Sanity are flexing their rabid technical chops with a double guitar playthrough of the album's most infectious deep cuts.

Watch guitarist Vaughn Stoffey and bassist Jacob Schmidt tear through "Extrinsically Enraged" Below.

None of their albums are ever going to follow a straight line, but on Chronicles of Lunacy, Defeated Sanity return to sheer brutality.  


Lineup
Josh Welshman - Vocals
Vaughn Stoffey - Guitars
Jacob Schmidt - Bass
Lille Gruber - Drums

Guest musicians
Danny Nelson and Paolo Paguntalan provide backup vocals on "Amputationsdrang" and "Accelerating the Rot"

Recording Studio
Thousand Caves Studio in January 2024.

Production
Recorded, mixed and mastered by Colin Marston.
Produced by Colin Marston and Defeated Sanity.

Cover Art
Artwork by Jon Zig
Title lettering by Liz Schmidt
Layout by Alex Eckman-Lawn

Pre-order & Stream
https://orcd.co/defeatedsanitythecroniclesoflunacy

Booking: Daniel Defonce TKO: danieldefonce@tkoco.com


Follow Defeated Sanity
https://defeatedsanity.bandcamp.com
https://www.facebook.com/DefeatedSanity
https://www.instagram.com/defeated_sanity_official 
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0dy6peOuKo2QkwaNWPoJpx
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/defeated-sanity/277268753