Restraining Order Sign With Blue Grape Music, Announce "Future Fortune" Out 9/12, + Share "Know Not" Video

New England fivesome RESTRAINING ORDER — Pat Cozens [vocals], Dylan Tobia [guitar], Kyle Beaudreault [guitar], Jake Miller [guitar], Keith Freeman[bass], and Will Hirst [drums] — traffic in no nonsense hardcore punk. 

After amassing millions of streams, praise from Stereogum, Brooklyn Vegan, and more while regularly reducing venues to piles of ash, the group will deliver its third full-length Future Fortune on September 12. It marks the first release for Blue Grape Music, the band's new label home. Pre-order it here.

The band has shared the video for the gloriously gnarly first single "KNOW NOT." Watch it below.

"'Know Not' takes on the simple yet hard to grasp mission in life," states Cozens. "That we must keep moving forward. Life will always be confusing but we all know deep down what we have to do to be our best. It's never easy, never will be, so we've all got to hold ourselves accountable to get to where we want to be. It also continues a constant theme of this band and in my lyrics. We must keep striving to get ahead of life, especially in a world that's always multiple steps ahead of you."

Restraining Order have a handful of local dates scheduled around the album release. All currently confirmed dates are below, with more expected to be announced soon.

RESTRAINING ORDER LIVE:
9/11 — Amherst, MA — The Drake
9/12 —  Hamden, CT — Space Ballroom
9/13 — Massapequa, NY — VFW

Emerging in 2017, Restraining Order hit their stride with 2019's This World Is Too Much. The latter spawned the fan favorite "Don't Really Think," which amassed over 1.1 million Spotify streams and counting. The 2023 follow-up, Locked In Time, incited tastemaker applause. Stereogum hailed it as "a great entry point for the present-day hardcore landscape" and New Noise Magazine celebrated how, "Restraining Order introduce a new flavor of hook-filled, catchy tracks." Plus, Revolver christened them one of "7 Bands Leading Massachusetts Hardcore's New Wave.”"Along the way, they shared stages with the likes of Angel Du$t, Citizen, Drug Church, Fiddlehead, Fucked Up, Kublai Khan TX, LustSickPuppy, and more. The group eventually caught the attention of Blue Grape Music in 2024 and signed to the label. 

RAVEN BLACK UNLEASHES NIGHTMARISH NEW SINGLE “LITTLE PIGGY” — A DARK CARNIVAL OF POWER, PAIN, AND PURGE

The twisted, theatrical metal maestros RAVEN BLACK return with their most sinister sonic offering yet:

“This Little Piggy”, a blood-curdling single that drags listeners screaming through a chaotic swirl of power, vengeance, and grotesque reckoning. Out now on all streaming platforms,

“This Little Piggy” marks a vicious new chapter in the band’s macabre mythology.

From the first guttural growl to the final haunting laugh, “This Little Piggy” is a razor-sharp anthem for the outcasts, the misfits, and the tormented. With blistering guitar riffs, hammering drums, and Raven’s signature blend of horror-inspired vocals—switching from haunting whispers to primal screams—the track conjures a sinister fairy tale gone completely off the rails.



This release marks a new chapter for RAVEN BLACK—a darker, more intense evolution of their already infamous sound. Produced by Ulrich Wild (Static-X, White Zombie, Deftones), the single showcases the band’s signature fusion of metal mayhem and circus macabre, with a cinematic flair that could summon the dead to dance.

CLICK TO PREORDER HERE "BLACK SONATA"

Meet RAVEN BLACK, a theatrical metal act originally from Los Angeles. Their unique brand of metal, influenced by gothic, classical, and heavy metal music, serves as the soundtrack to vocalist Raven's duality as she shares her story of being a hybrid of both dark and light.

Drawing from a myriad of musical inspirations, RAVEN BLACK expertly blends elements from their favorite art forms, including movies, ethnic backgrounds, and personal life experiences. Each song is crafted to take fans on an adventure, offering new perspectives and understandings. Their sound ranges from melodic to dark, fun to raging and psychotic—yet every track tells a story.

At the heart of their narrative lies a comic book character: a girl whose innocence was taken at a young age. Overcoming her demons and cursed by her predators, she discovers she is half human, half doll. The doll within her is dark, and as she embraces her inner darkness, she travels with her demons who protect her from those seeking to steal her inner power.

She is the key.

Green Carnation Announce New Album 'The Shores of Melancholia'

No matter how long or where the journey has taken them, Green Carnation have always sought to climb the highest mountains. While founded by Emperor's former bassist Tchort in the early '90s, the Norwegians quickly amassed a cult following while blazing their own trail through fields of symphonic doom, hard rock, acoustic plucking and progressive metal.

Had they never returned from hiatus during the mid-2000s, this band would've been remembered for completing one of the most ambitious individual epics in metal's vaunted archives. And yet, one mighty tale - or three, to be exact - continued to elude them. That is, until now. Two decades removed from its initial conception, Green Carnation have finally completed their masterpiece.

Today, the prog auters are announcing the first part of A Dark Poem, a grand and gloomy album trilogy that was inspired by Arthur Rimbaud's dreamy ode to Shakespeare's Ophelia. The Shores of Melancholiaremains grounded in the band's newfound heavy hooks, but though heavenly to the ears, lead single "In Your Paradise" is awash with doubt over our distorted view of the world.

"We are so excited to announce our long-awaited album trilogy", Green Carnation says. "A Dark Poem promises to take listeners to the highest tops as well as their darkest inner rooms. Its opening chapter begins in a melancholic place that we have long associated with our music".     

Watch the video for "In Your Paradise" below:

A Dark Poem, Part I: The Shores of Melancholia comes out September 5, 2025.

Pre-order
https://orcd.co/greencarnationadarkpoem1

Pre-save on Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/prerelease/2o7sN7WqyIQDx96WvqtYUm?si=qoQVyW1ZR9e0cVH3FHPIIg

Green Carnation will premiere all of The Shores of Melancholia live for the first time later this year at ProgPower USA.

The video for "In Your Paradise" was directed and edited by Rikard Amodei.

Additional video credits
Tor Sellevold Solbakken - Camera and color grading
Walter Cortes - Camera
Alexander De Senger - Grip
Stian Urdalen Jonson - Grip
Devin Michael Jonson - Grip
Bjornar Eidet Skutlaberg - Lights
Joakim Stien - Lights
Ruben Lervåg - Set sound
Lars Gunnar Liestøl - Still photos

Green Carnation would like to especially thank Cultiva and Kilden Performing Arts Centre, along with Mike Moen and the crew at LX Design.

Current line-up
Kjetil Nordhus - Vocals
Tchort - Guitar
Bjørn Harstad - Guitar
Stein Roger Sordal - Bass
Endre Kirkesola - Keyboards
Jonathan Alejandro Perez – Drums

Recording line-up
Kjetil Nordhus - Vocals
Bjørn Harstad - Guitar, Effects
Stein Roger Sordal - Bass, Guitars, Keyboards
Endre Kirkesola - Keyboards, Synthesizers, Organs, Effects
Jonathan Alejandro Perez – Drums

Guest Musicians
Ingrid Ose - Flute on “In Your Paradise” & “Me My Enemy”.
Grutle Kjellson (Enslaved) – Harsh Vocals on “The Slave That You Are”.
Henning Seldal – Percussion on “Too Close to the Flame”.
 
Production Credits
Recorded at DUB Studio in Kristiansand, Norway
Produced by Endre Kirkesola, Stein Roger Sordal & Kjetil Nordhus.
Sound Engineering by Endre Kirkesola.
Mixed by Endre Kirkesola
Mastered by Lawrence Mackrory 

Cover Art
Niklas Sundin (https://www.nsundin.com)
 
Photography
Lars Gunnar Liestøl

Bio
George Pacheco
 
Pre-order
https://orcd.co/greencarnationadarkpoem1

Pre-save on Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/prerelease/2o7sN7WqyIQDx96WvqtYUm?si=qoQVyW1ZR9e0cVH3FHPIIg


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

STARACE Release Darkly Theatrical Music Video For "When The Light Has Gone"

Brazil’s fast-rising rock band StarAce have released the official music video for their second single “When The Light Has Gone”. In keeping with the swaggering, soul-stung shuffle of the track, the new video brings the song’s hypnotic heartbreak to life with bold visual storytelling and a surreal narrative twist. Directed by Brazilian filmmaker Thiago Siqueira, the film follows a femme fatale, played expertly by Brazilian actress Mariana Falopa, as she spirals through a dreamlike sequence of love, betrayal, and blurred realities—set to a soundtrack that blends gypsy jazz elegance with gritty rock ‘n’ roll swagger. 

The visual narrative for “When The Light Has Gone” unfolds in two distinct acts: one grounded in a raw, sweat-soaked underground venue, and the other in a stylized, hallucinatory realm where the band appears as a gypsy jazz ensemble—mirroring the song’s seductive swing and jagged edges. Fans are pulled deep into the story’s layers as the central character attempts to bury her past—literally—and wrestles with the paradox of wanting to enchant and reject all at once. Watch the music video for “When The Light Has Gone” below .

Listen to the track HERE



Offering further context for their new video, StarAce frontman Julio Starace explains:

“The idea for the ‘When The Light Has Gone’ video came up from the concept of a ‘sinister love,’ where a girl appears committing a crime, trying to bury her love, and goes on a trip in her head. The band is split into two acts—one real, one fantasy. We appear as a gypsy jazz band at one point, which contrasts with the ‘real’ StarAce playing a small, sweaty underground club. The audience holds flashlights as a reference to the song’s title. The end of the video is the BEST—we hope fans enjoy the revealing twist!”

“When The Light Has Gone” follows the band’s debut single “My America,” and continues to showcase their wide emotional and sonic range. Their upcoming full-length album, produced remotely by David Frangioni (Aerosmith, KISS, Ozzy Osbourne), will include 12 tracks spanning riff-driven anthems, vintage rock ’n’ roll, soul-bearing ballads, and even country-tinged moments. More to come from Starace REAL soon!

ABOUT STARACE

StarAce is more than just a band—it’s a brotherhood of sound and spirit. Hailing from São Paulo, Brazil, brothers Julio, Luiz, and Thomaz Starace have spent years refining their craft, creating a distinct fusion of classic rock, blues, and American roots music with a modern edge. Raised in a household filled with music, their early exposure shaped their passion for storytelling and musicianship. After experimenting under various names like Ferrorama and Ted Marengos, they ultimately returned to StarAce, a name that embodies both their family heritage and artistic evolution.

With influences spanning a who's who of rock 'n' roll legends such as Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, and Muddy Waters, StarAce’s music is a blend of raw energy, intricate vocal melodies, and heartfelt lyricism. Their sound bridges past and present, layering soulful guitar riffs, grooving bass lines, and dynamic drum beats with emotionally driven storytelling. Their upcoming debut album, produced by David Frangioni (Aerosmith, KISS, Ringo Starr), captures this fusion of classic and contemporary, delivering a collection of hard-hitting anthems and soul-stirring ballads that showcase their depth as musicians.

Each member brings a unique essence to the band’s chemistry—Julio leads with his powerful vocals and intricate guitar work, drawing from the greats like Neil Young and Jimmy Page. Luiz anchors the rhythm section, blending Paul McCartney’s melodic sensibilities with Geddy Lee’s technical prowess, while Thomaz commands the drums with precision, balancing raw energy and a refined flare with a producer’s ear for sonic excellence.

With their roots deeply embedded in classic rock and their vision set on the future, StarAce is ready to carve their own path and bring timeless rock ‘n’ roll into a new era. They're not here to save the world, they're here to bring people together and provide fans with the soundtrack to their own salvation. After years of refining their vision and sound, their long-awaited debut album, Real, is a bold, genre-spanning statement from a band ready to leave their mark on the world.

StarAce Are:

Julio Starace - Lead Vocals & Guitar 

Luiz Starace - Bass & Backing Vocals 

Thomaz Starace - Drums & Backing Vocals 

Chris Dias - Guitar & Backing Vocals 

Bia Tucci - Keys & Backing Vocals

Credit Giovanna Carlini 

Pinkshift Share "Vacant" Video

Maryland trio PINKSHIFT recently announced their new album EARTHKEEPER, which arrives August 29 via Hopeless Records. Pre-order it here. 

Today, the band has shared the video for the uptempo, punk rock anthem "Vacant." Watch the late-night dance party, inspired by a surprising source, below.

"For 'Vacant,' we drew upon our ever-present punk influences to create a sound that feels familiar while also introducing concepts new to us," the band states. "Though we're no strangers to breakdowns, the one in this song was inspired by grunge jam sections rather than hardcore/metalcore, and ended up becoming of the grooviest parts we've ever written."

The band finishes, "'Vacant' is cheeky, urgent, and energetic, and we wanted to reflect that visually with a lighthearted, un-serious music video. Inspired by Beyonce's '7/11' video, it showcases the three of us and our two touring members, Michael and Kirby, just hanging out. A simple concept, but it captures our genuine selves connecting and reconnecting with the song and each other as we have a late-night dance party."

Pinkshift have also announced their upcoming tour and in-store activities around album release on the east coast and in their native Baltimore. All upcoming appearances and dates are below.

IN-STORE APPEARANCES:
8/27 — Rough Trade — New York, NY (6pm)
8/28 — Repo Records — Philadelphia, PA (7pm)
8/30 — Sound Garden— Baltimore, MD (4pm)

PINKSHIFT ON TOUR:
9/27 — Brooklyn, NY — Under the K Bridge Park
10/4 — Baltimore, MD — The Amphitheatre at the Inner Harbor
10/10 — Asbury Park, NJ — Asbury Lanes
10/11 — Richmond, VA — Richmond Music Hall
10/12 — Carrboro, NC — Cat's Cradle Backroom
10/14 — Atlanta, GA — The Masquerade
10/15 — Orlando, FL — Conduit
10/17 — Houston, TX — White Oak Music Hall
10/18 — Austin, TX — The Ballroom
10/19 — Dallas, TX — Club Dada
10/21 — Phoenix, AZ — Rebel Lounge
10/22 — San Diego, CA — The Voodoo Room
10/23 — Santa Ana, CA — Constellation Room
10/24 — Los Angeles, CA — The Echo
10/25 — San Francisco, CA — Bottom of the Hill
10/27 — Portland, OR — Polaris Hall
10/28 — Seattle, WA — Neumos
10/30 — Salt Lake City, UT — Kilby Court
11/01 — Denver, CO — Marquis Theater
11/02 — Lawrence, KS — Bottleneck
11/04 — Minneapolis, MN — 7th Street Entry
11/05 — Chicago, IL — Bottom Lounge
11/07 — Detroit, MI — The Sanctuary
11/08 — Cleveland, OH — Mahall's
11/09 — Pittsburgh, PA — Thunderbird Music Hall & Café
11/11 — Toronto, ON — Hard Luck Bar
11/13 — Boston, MA — Brighton Music Hall
11/14 — Hamden, CT — Space Ballroom
11/15 — Philadelphia, PA — First Unitarian Church
11/16 — Washington, DC — Atlantis

Impureza Release Fiery Salute on "Reconquistar Al-Ándalus"

Impureza first lit the torch for flamenco death metal more than a decade ago. But the latest single from the Hispanic metal band’s upcoming third album Alcázares fans all the way back to the fall of Granada and the bloodstained ascension of the cross over the Islamic Iberia.  

Watch the lyric video for “Reconquistar Al-Ándalus” Below;

Alcázares comes out July 11 on Season of Mist.

Pre-order & Pre-save

https://orcd.co/impurezaalcazares

”Reconquistar Al-Ándalus” is a hymn of fire and faith, where the cross is used as a weapon of reckoning. Driven by relentless double-kick drums and tremolo-picked fury, the latest single from Alcázares evokes the spiritual violence of the Reconquista’s final hour. Flamenco-inflected passages and orchestral accents frame a scene of brutal redemption, as crusading forces advance on the last bastion of Al-Andalus. Guided by Impureza vocalist Esteban Martín, the listener is cast into the role of a Christian zealot who welcomes death and sets ablaze the very memory of the Caliphate—commanding submission, invoking annihilation and swearing dominion beneath the symbol of the cross.

IMPUREZA is a Hispanic metal band formed in 2004 by guitarist Lionel Cano Muñoz from Orléans. Their music is distinguished by a unique fusion of extreme metal and Spanish sounds inspired by Andalusian culture and flamenco, creating an atypical style known as Hispanic Metal. IMPUREZA remains an innovative project in the international metal scene, making it a pioneer of the genre.

The entire concept of the band revolves around the voluptuousness of Latin atmospheres, the ferocity of metal, and Spanish culture and history, explored through a fictional and esoteric aspect. Their compositions feature both clean and guttural vocals sung in the language of Cervantes, flamenco guitar, acoustic fretless bass, extreme metal, and orchestral arrangements that evoke the colors of Spain. The very essence of their music lies in the duality between two seemingly opposed musical genres, which, through clever composition, give birth to a new and avant-garde style. Their fiery music is literally the union of traditional Hispanic folklore and extreme metal. These metal warriors brandish their Iberian sounds as weapons with pride. This ingenious alliance is matched only by the singular and unprecedented creative originality of its founder Lionel Cano Muñoz and his compañero Esteban Martín, both of Spanish nationality. IMPUREZA’s conquistadors draw inspiration from their strong identity, which defines the band's very essence. IMPUREZA's members are also influenced by many Spanish artists such as flamenco guitarist Paco de Lucía and gypsy singer Camarón de la Isla, as well as bands like Behemoth, Morbid Angel, Krisiun, and Fleshgod Apocalypse, among others.

Let the conquistadors of IMPUREZA lead you into their realm and immerse you in Spanish culture with a groundbreaking musical concept — the one and only fierce guardians of Hispanic Metal!

SOMOS IMPUREZA!

Line-up:
Esteban Martín – All Vocals
Lionel Cano Muñoz – Rhythm, Lead & Spanish Guitars
Florian Saillard – Fretless Bass
Guilhem Auge – Drums
 
Production Credits:
Recorded & mixed by Sébastien Camhi at Studio Artmusic, Les Arc-sur-Argens, France.
Mastered by Jacob Hansen at Hansen Studios, Ribe, Denmark.

Guest Musicians:
Xavier Hamon – Percussion
Louis Viallet – Orchestration
 
Cover Art:
Johann Bodin & Xavier Ribeiro

Photography:
© Michel Canavaggia / Mr Cana Photography

Follow Impureza:
Website: http://www.impureza.eu/
Bandcamp: https://impureza.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Impurezaconquista
Instagram: https://instagram.com/impurezaofficial
Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/ImpurezaBand
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLkOMYXI-_teRnaDCs1ho8A
Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/artist/1195314
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3YA9Uqs38ZD6Lg2q66PVw9
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/artist/impureza/422671948

Mawiza Release New Single featuring Gojira's Joe Duplantier

Integrating tribal rhythms and ancient instruments with modern groove metal has earned Mawiza recognition from the Chilean Grammys and respected elders like Mercyful Fate, Slipknot and Mastodon. But on their upcoming third album, these modern day Mapuche warriors are fighting to restore our balance with nature.

Today, Mawiza are releasing "Ti Inan Paw-Pawkan" as the third and final advanced single off ÜL. Though drawn from a place of deep sorrow, this  earthshaking lament echoes the resilience of the band's ancestral land by taking up the fight alongside Mapuche tribespeople and Joe Duplantier from Olympian performers and Grammy winners Gojira.

"This song is a lament for indigenous people who are living in the city, far away from the land", Mawiza says. "But it's also a wake up call. Underneath the city, even when crushed by concrete, nature is always fighting to come out".

Watch the video for "Ti Inan Paw-Pawkan" below.

ÜL comes out July 18 on Season of Mist.

Pre-order & Pre-save

https://orcd.co/mawizaul

Hear Mawiza perform "Ti Inan Paw-Pawkan" and other defiant anthems from ÜL when they tour Europe this summer alongside fellow Chilean metalheads Ater. 

Can't wait to chant along to ÜL? Hear the whole album a week before it comes out by RSVPing for this week's Bandcamp Listening Party.

ÜL Bandcamp Listening Party
Thursday, July 10 @ 1 pm Eastern Time

RSVP
https://mawizakvlt.bandcamp.com/live/l-listening-party

ÜL pays tribute to nature and Mawiza’s ancestors. "Ngulutu" recalls ancient battles between the Mapuche and the Spanish in Santiago, Chile. "Mamüll Reke", "Wenu Weychan", "Lhan Antü", and "Kalli Lhayay" are filled with rhythms and sounds reminiscent of the most hermetic rituals of the Mapuche people. They were used by shamans to induce trance and heal the sick, to communicate with and greet the spirits of the mountains.

Closing song "Ti Inan Paw-pawkan" features chants from members of Mawiza’s indigenous community, as well as Gojira frontman Joe Duplantier. It is here, during the album’s finale, that the band stake their claim as both indigenous and urban. The song acknowledges the mission entrusted to Mawiza by Mapuche authorities and by the land itself: to raise awareness about balance on Earth in an empowered way and to call for greater attentiveness to Mapuche territory. Otherwise, the consequences will be dire.  

Lineup
Awka - Lead vocals & rhythm guitar
Karü - Lead guitar & backing vocals
Zewü - Bass & backing vocals
Txalkan - Drums & percussion

Guest musicians
Fabiola Hidalgo (Liquen) contributes vocals to "Wingkawnoam", "Pinhza Ñi pewma", "Ngulutu" and "Mamüll reke"

Joe Duplantier (Gojira) contributes vocals to "Ti Inan Paw-Pawkan"

Recording Studio
Estudio del Sur in Chile

Producer
Pancho Arenas

Sound & Mixing Engineer
Pancho Arenas

Mastering Studio
West West Side Music

Mastering Engineer
Alan Douches

Cover Art
Kata Ulloa
 

Booking information
 Europe: juan@thatmusicagency.com
 Rest of the World: unai@cowboymusic.agency

Pre-order & Pre-save
https://orcd.co/mawizaul
 
Follow Mawiza
Bandcamp: https://mawizakvlt.bandcamp.com
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/mawizakvlt
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/mawizakvlt
TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@mawizakvlt
Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/artist/4oJP24bXA2fbdVmNGNmCtt
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mawizakvlt
Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/mawiza/1653435953

Follow Season Of Mist:
Online: http://www.season-of-mist.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/seasonofmistofficial
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seasonofmistofficial
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SeasonofMist

INFAMOUS STIFFS Release Their Six Song EP "The Ornery Six" Announce a Free Show in Los Angeles July 12th

OAKLAND, CA - Southern California punk rockers INFAMOUS STIFFS have released their EP "The Ornery Six" on Golden Robot Records. "The Ornery Six" is a six-song EP that punches hard and fast, clocking in at around 15 minutes — pure punk adrenaline distilled into a compact, no-nonsense format. The name “ornery” isn’t just clever wordplay; it speaks to the EP’s defiant, snarling, and rebellious energy. It’s not polished radio punk — this is raw, blue-collar, Southern California punk rock with roots in skate culture, garage grit, and East Coast snarl. Infamous Stiffs aren’t trying to reinvent punk — they’re reaffirming it. This EP is a reminder of what punk sounds like when it's not concerned with being cool or commercial. Just six dirty, loud, unfiltered punches to the gut.

Watch the video for "Lonesoul" Below.

Stream or purchase "The Ornery Six": https://smarturl.it/infamousstiffs

The track "Lonesoul” is the most moody track on "The Ornery Six", slowing things down a bit to focus on feelings of mortality and struggles with it. Instead of fast punk energy, it has a heavy, steady beat and dark guitar riffs that create an intense, gritty sound. The vocals are rough but honest, with lyrics that feel personal and real. It’s a powerful break from the louder songs on the EP—a moment that can show the band’s raw, human side.

With the release of the EP Nathan Cox steps in to do the visual part. Known for his work with hard rock and metal acts, Cox brings a moody, cinematic edge - think dim lighting, stark shadows, and slow, deliberate jump cuts that mirror the song’s slower pace and somber feel. See all this and hear all this with the release of “The Ornery Six” Infamous Stiffs.

The Infamous Stiffs celebrate the release of "The Ornery Six" with a free show in Los Angeles, CA on July 12th.

Saturday July 12

The Escondite,

410 Boyd St

Los Angeles, CA

Doors 8:30
 
Band Members: 
Vocals - Scott Wilkins (Verbal Abuse, Electric Frankenstein)

Guitar - Mark Pananides (Junkyard)

Bass - Troy Takaki (Boneless Ones)

Drums - David Bach (House of Wheels, Adam Sandler's band and a current member of The Avengers)

All songs by Scott Wilkins, Mark Pananides, Troy Takaki and David Bach
 
Production Details
Engineered, mixed and produced by David Irish at Pot of Gold Studios 

https://www.infamousstiffs.com

https://linktr.ee/Infamous_Stiffs

https://www.facebook.com/infamousstiffs/

https://www.instagram.com/infamousstiffs

https://youtube.com/@infamousstiffs3385

https://www.bandsintown.com/a/15468330

https://www.tiktok.com/@infamous_stiffs

https://infamousstiffs.bandcamp.com/

Dirkschneider And The Old Gang announce Babylon

Comprised of a dynamic collective of vocalists and musicians, DIRKSCHNEIDER & THE OLD GANG (DATOG) embark on a thrilling voyage across rock and metal realms in Babylon. The new album is set to make waves on October 3, 2025, released via Reigning Phoenix Music.

The high energy and catchy chorus hook of "It Takes Two To Tango" kicks off the album with a rock 'n' roll party atmosphere. Babylon's title track is a dramatic journey through entwining guitar leads, powerful vocals with a seductive undertone. Heavy distortion announces the arrival of "Hellbreaker". Brutal, dark and rhythmic, DATOG well and truly put the pedal to the metal. Picking up the pace with "Time To Listen", the increased intensity of the guitar driven sound is certain to be a fan favourite. 

"Strangers In Paradise" is the first of Babylon's haunting rock ballads. Manuela’s soulful voice and delicate piano melodies lead the track, joined by Peter and Udo, before returning to rock realms. "Strangers In Paradise" attains further dimensions with the inclusion of a flamenco-style guitar performance. "Dead Man's Head" makes a swift return to traditional metal realms with 70s-esque organ harking back to metal's early era. Explosive riffs and thunderous chugging mark "The Law Of A Madman". It's a compelling song with an anthemic chorus hook and lashings of Mathias’ guitar solo goodness. "Metal Sons" remains in the heavier side of DATOG's creativity unveiling a bombastic display of heavy fury. 

The theatrical powerhouse performance that is "Propaganda" sees an onslaught of soaring vocals, driving instrumentation and riffs galore. Manuela’s ethereal vocals are accompanied by captivating acoustic guitar melodies in the album's second ballad, "Blindfold". The song ebbs and flows between light and shade ultimately combining to the two styles into a dreamy offering. DATOG unleash the beast with "Batter The Power", through a ferocious groove-laden display. Babylon reaches its end with the impressive "Beyond The End Of Time". Just under 8 minutes in length, this track travels through an alluring array of stylistic influences, and allows each member's distinctive character to shine through. 

Anything but strangers to the rock and metal world, Udo Dirkschneider, Peter Baltes, Stefan Kaufmann, Mathias Dieth, Sven Dirkschneider and Manuela Bibert deliver a tight, dynamic, and passionately crafted performance throughout the album Babylon, that was superbly captured within the walls of the legendary Dierks Studios. 

About DATOG
DIRKSCHNEIDER & THE OLD GANG (DATOG) was originally launched in 2020 as a one-off charity project, but quickly developed a momentum of its own and formed into a band consisting of Udo Dirkschneider (vocals; ACCEPT/U.D.O./DIRKSCHNEIDER), Peter Baltes (bass, vocals; ACCEPT/U.D.O./DIRKSCHNEIDER), Stefan Kaufmann (guitar; ACCEPT/U.D.O.), Mathias “Don” Dieth (guitar; SINNER/U.D.O.), Sven Dirkschneider (drums; U.D.O./DIRKSCHNEIDER) and Manuela “Ella” Bibert (vocals). Between 2020 and 2021 their first three singles attracted a lot of attention, whereupon the band wrote more songs and recorded their debut album. With a unique vocal concept of three voices, powerful riffs and stylistic complexity, DATOG combine classic heavy metal with a modern, powerful production.
 
DATOG are:
Udo Dirkschneider | lead vocals
Peter Baltes | bass, lead & backing vocals
Manuela “Ella” Bibert | lead & backing vocals, keys
Stefan Kaufmann | guitars, backing vocals
Mathias “Don” Dieth | guitars, backing vocals
Sven Dirkschneider | drums, backing vocals

Set for release on October 3, 2025 via Reigning Phoenix Music, Babylon is now available for pre-order in a variety of stunning formats:

• Limited Red, Gold & Black Marbled Gatefold Double Vinyl 

• Limited Red Opaque & Black Marbled Gatefold Double Vinyl 

• Gold Opaque Double Vinyl 

• Deluxe Earbook Edition with CD and enhanced 36-page booklet 

• Digipak CD featuring a 24-page booklet 

• Jewelcase CD featuring a 24-page booklet 

Pre-orders are available now - secure your copy of this powerful statement from one of metal’s most iconic voices and this extraordinary band: https://datog.rpm.link/babylonPR

Swedish Supergroup CROWNE Shares New Single “Timing Is Right” + Video

Swedish supergroup CROWNE is excited to share “Timing Is Right," the second single taken from their upcoming studio album 'Wonderland,' set for release on August 22, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl.

About the new single, Jona Tee stated:

"'Timing Is Right' is about keeping moving forward and rolling with the punches life throws at you."

Vocalist Alexander Strandell commented on the new record by saying:

“It feels incredible to share this third chapter with all of you. Working alongside the amazing team at Frontiers and my brothers Jona, Kicken, John, and Love has been an absolute honour. If you’re a fan of Art Nation, The Poodles, H.E.A.T., Dynazty, or Europe - this one’s for you."

Watch the Music Video for "Timing Is Right" Below

Swedish-based supergroup CROWNE are back with their highly anticipated third studio album, ‘Wonderland.’ Continuing their musical evolution, the band builds on their signature blend of melodic rock infused with powerful, metal-tinged soundscapes.

‘Wonderland’ delivers an unforgettable listening experience filled with epic atmospheres, anthemic choruses, and technical brilliance that showcase the band’s top-tier musicianship.

At the helm is Alexander Strandell, renowned for his soaring vocals with Art Nation, Lionville, and Nitrate. His impassioned delivery adds intensity and depth throughout the album. Guitarist Love Magnusson (Dynazty) provides electrifying riffs and solos, while Jona Tee (H.E.A.T) crafts lush keyboard textures that elevate the album’s cinematic feel. Legendary bassist John Leven (Europe) offers a thunderous low end, and drummer Christian Lundqvist (ex-The Poodles) drives each track with precision and force.

One of the standout moments on the record is “Warlords Of The North,” a powerful anthem featuring a songwriting contribution from Biff Byford, the iconic frontman of Saxon. This collaboration adds majesty and weight to an already monumental track.

With ‘Wonderland,’ CROWNE continues to push the boundaries of melodic heavy rock, delivering a collection of songs that are as emotionally compelling as they are technically impressive. It’s an essential release for fans of melodic metal and arena-ready anthems.

Pre-Order 'Wonderland' HERE

CROWNE are:

Alexander Strandell – Vocals

Love Magnusson – Guitars

Jona Tee – Keyboards

John Leven – Bass

Christian Lundqvist – Drums

Beauty in Chaos unveils striking rendition of 'Made of Rain' ft. Ashton Nyte & Whitney Tai New BIC album ‘Signs In The Heavens Reality Upside Down’ is out now

The ever-evolving, always revolving, world-wide entity known as Beauty In Chaos presents the latest offering from their latest album ‘Signs In The Heavens Reality Upside Down’, recently released via 33.3 Music Collective. 'Made Of Rain (Almost Acoustic)' features BIC alumni Ashton Nyte and Whitney Tai.

Based in Los Angeles, Beauty In Chaos formed in 2018 by guitarist Michael Ciravolo(formerly of Human Drama and Gene Loves Jezebel and current President of Schecter Guitars) with Grammy-nominated producer Michael Rozon (Ministry, Jarboe, Wayne Hussey, The Melvins), who also mixed and co-produced Ministry’s new ‘Squirrelly Years Revisited’ album.

In following with BIC's modus operandi, ‘Signs In The Heavens Reality Upside Down’is a supersized 29-track Limited Edition double-CD, featuring re-envisioned versions of tracks from their fourth studio release, 'Dancing With Angels', in addition to two bonus tracks ('Children Of The Revolution' featuring Ministry’s Al Jourgensen and 'Open Your Eyes', paying homage to T.Rex / Marc Bolan and The Lords of the New Church, respectively).

“I absolutely love that we are able to create these ‘stripped-down’ versions of some of our songs, and more so, just how well these are received by our loyal BIC Family!  The original version is very special and is probably my favorite song on ‘Dancing With Angels’, but there is also something really beautiful about this ‘almost acoustic’ version," says BIC curator Michael Ciravolo.

"Ashton and Whitney’s ‘duet’ is simply stunning, their voices totally complimenting each other.  I love the track’s minimalistic approach, highlighted by Michael Rozon’s haunting pedal steel and BIC newcomer Heather Lockie’s tasteful violin. Tish’s rock-solid acoustic bass and my quasi ‘pink floyd’ inspired guitar lines support, without distracting, letting Ashton’s words and melody take the starring role!”

This new stunning rendition offers a delicate and emotional take on the song’s original version (the closing track on 'Dancing With Angels'). Directed by Vicente Cordero (Industrialism Films), the warm endearing video was filmed by Fernando Cordero and edited by Ryan Conlon.  Michael Ciravolo shares “As always, we strive to make the new video drastically different from its predecessor, and the simple ‘lounge’ setting seemed fitting for this intimate track, certainly a polar opposite to the bombastic sonic and visual overload of “Hollow”, and as usual, Vicente helped bring this vision to life!”

"'Made Of Rain' is a song of hope. It is about getting up and trying again despite the scars life can leave. This "almost acoustic version" is very dear to me. I love the organic elements present: the pedal steel, violin, and, of course, Whitney Tai's beautiful, ethereal voice elevate this piece, making it something transcendental. Similarly, the video shoot was an almost spiritual experience. A celebration of friends and art. What more can you ask for?” asks Ashton Nyte of The Awakening, who will soon tour Europe in support of the band's self-titled album.

“Made Of Rain” is a warm amber glow in a velveteen speakeasy where tales of folk and longing send a message from the beyond. There’s a wisdom and a patience in Ashton’s voice. His lyrics swarmed in the magic of Beauty In Chaos’ production for the acoustic version hits different. Doing this duet with Ashton is a dream, as he is someone with the vocal tenacity of the wisest tree in the forest. Together, it felt like we planted wildflowers in a gentle field. What made this collab special for me apart from the music is the friendship that Michael, Ashton and I share. We are family and making art with feeling is at the forefront of our passions," says Whitney Tai, who appears on many BIC tracks. Her latest single 'Slumber Party' is out now, previewing her third full-length album 'American Wasteland' (out in September).

Beauty In Chaos also recently shared ‘Hollow’ (Crimson Cupid Mix)’ featuring Cynthia Isabella (of Silence In The Snow and Lost Gems). Past BIC releases involve members of The Cure, Ministry, Cheap Trick, The Offspring, Gene Loves Jezebel, Marilyn Manson, Human Drama, Bauhaus, Nine Inch Nails, Van Halen, A Flock of Seagulls, dUg Pinnick, ICE-T, Rolan Bolan, and Zakk Wylde.

'Signs In The Heavens Reality Upside Down' is out now, available as a Limited Edition Double CD from the Beauty In Chaos store, on CD and and also digitally – get it from the Beauty In Chaos store or on Bandcamp.

CREDITS
‘Made Of Rain’ written by Ashton Nyte, Michael Rozon and Michael Ciravolo
Mixed & produced by Michael Rozon at SAINTinLA
Video directed by Vicente Cordero (Industrialism Films)
Filmed by Fernando Cordero (Industrialism Films)
Edited by Ryan Conlon
Lighting by Skum Love
Makeup by Dania Ridgway
"Signs In The Heavens Reality Upside Down" cover and guitar art by Maren Platzhoff
Thumbnail by GABB
Video features Ashton Nyte  (voice & acoustic guitar), Whitney Tai (voice), Michael Ciravolo (electric  guitar), Tish Ciravolo (acoustic bass), Michael Rozon (pedal steel), Heather Lockie (violin), Dirk Doucette (percussion) and Taylor Vlasaty (flower girl)
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR 


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South African goth-rock /darkwave legends THE AWAKENING launch 'Haunting Tour 2025'

South African gothic-darkwave act The Awakening is touring again for the first time in nearly a decade, kicking things off this week. This time around, it's in support of their eponymous 12th album, released via Intervention Arts on vinyl, CD, digitally and various limited-edition formats.  

The 'Haunting Tour 2025' includes headline shows in Germany, France, Canada, the UK and the USA, as well as co-headline performances at the legendary Castle Party in Poland and Brainstorm Fest in the Netherlands. They will also headline the first edition of Glōm Fest, a new pop-up festival, which will take six international acts up the west coast of the US from Los Angeles to Vancouver, Canada. The band is also set to tour Mexico and Portugal this year (dates to be announced).

Joining Ashton Nyte on stage for The Awakening’s tour is long-term guitarist Jeremy Kohnmann (also of London After Midnight), bassist Diego “Ashes” Ibarra(previously Static-X, DevilDriver, currently Wednesday 13) and long-term South African drummer Sevven. At various points, the band will be joined by Germany's The Last Decade and Britain's The Royal Ritual.

Now US-based, The Awakening was formed in Johannesburg in the late ’90s as the creative expression of vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Ashton Nyte, who was anointed as "Johannesburg's Bowie" for his widely varying musical styles and theatrical performances. Having morphed over the years, The Awakening's sound incorporates numerous genres, including gothic rock, darkwave, post-punk, electronic rock, folk noir, new wave and more.

The Awakening recently shared the video for 'Through The Veil', following dark creations for 'Mirror Midnight' and 'Haunting', each of which has amassed over one million views. Once again, we can indulge in his preferred black-and-white Film Noir format.

"'Through The Veil' tells the story of someone who has left this world but still wants to be near the one they love. I think it is beautifully romantic and relatable in any setting where we are separated from the person we need to be close to," says frontman Ashton Nyte.

"After the uptempo adventures in the last two videos, I enjoyed approaching this one from a more atmospheric story-teller perspective".

Ashton Nyte is a core contributor to LA-based supergroup Beauty In Chaos, involved with every album released to date, including the latest 'Dancing With Angels' and 'Signs in the Heavens Reality Upside Down'. Nyte has also collaborated with members of The Cure, The Mission, Tricky, Peter Murphy's band and All About Eve.

'The Awakening' album is out now and can be ordered directly from the artist on vinyl, CD, digitally and limited-edition formats. It can also be found on Spotify and other fine digital platforms.  Tickets for live dates are available at  www.theawakening.com/live

CREDITS
All music and lyrics by Ashton Nyte
Published by Intervention Arts / ASCAP (2024)
Recorded, mixed & produced by Ashton Nyte at Intervention Studios (USA)
Cover artwork & artist photos by Ashton Nyte
Video created by Ashton Nyte
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

TOUR DATES - 'HAUNTING TOUR 2025'
July 8 - Bielefeld, Germany - Movie *
July 9 - Berlin, Germany - Maschinenhaus [Kesselhaus in der Kulturbrauerei] *
July 10 - Leipzig, Germany - Naumann's Tanzlokal [Felsenkeller] *
July 11 - Bolków, Poland - Castle Party Festival (co-headline main stage)
Sep 12 - Los Angeles, CA, USA - Lodge Room (headline Glōm Fest)
Sep 13 - San Francisco, CA, USA - DNA Lounge (headline Glōm Fest)
Sep 19 - Portland, OR, USA - Star Theater (headline Glōm Fest)
Sep 20 - Vancouver, BC, Canada - The Cobalt (headline Glōm Fest)
Oct 24  - Leeds, UK - Belgrave Music Hall **
Oct 26 - London, UK - Bush Hall **
Oct 29 - Angers, France - Joker's (Ashton Nyte solo acoustic)
Oct 30 - Angers, France - Le Chabada
Nov 01 - Stuttgart (DE) - MS Wilhelma *
Nov 02 - Karlsruhe (DE) - KOHI! Kulturraum *
Nov 03 - Hannover (DE) - Café Glocksee *
Nov 04 - Hamburg (DE) - Nochtspeicher *
Nov 05 - Cologne, Germany - Yard Club [Die Kantine] *
Nov 06 - Dortmund, Germany - Pauluskirche (full band acoustic)
Nov 07 - Apeldoorn, The Netherlands - Brainstorm Festival (full band co-headline main stage)
Nov 08 - Apeldoorn, The Netherlands - Brainstorm Festival (full band acoustic headline theater stage)

Special Guests: * The Last Decade (DE) ** The Royal Ritual (UK)


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GAUPA - release music video for ‘Lion’s Thorn’ + new mini album FYR is out NOW

Acclaimed progressive stoner rock powerhouse GAUPA have released a video for their song, 'Lion's Thorn', the blistering opening track of their brand new 4-track mini-album FYR, out today via Nuclear Blast Records (digital) and Magnetic Eye Records (physical).

FYR is the follow-up to the Swede's highly acclaimed sophomore album MYRIAD, and features some of GAUPA's heaviest and most absorbing work to date. 

Vinyl and CD editions of FYR contain the physical-formats-only track 'Sömnen / Febersvan (Live at Monkey Moon Studios, 2023)'.

PURCHASE OR STREAM THE NEW MINI ALBUM FYR:
https://gaupa.bfan.link/fyr

WATCH THE MUSIC VIDEO FOR 'LION'S THORN' Below

Since the release of their self-titled EP in 2018, Sweden’s GAUPA - which translates as ‘lynx’ in English - have continued to pave new ground within the stoner and psychedelic scene, building their own unique cosmos defined by enchanting lyrical surrealism and mind-altering sound.

In 2020, their debut album Feberdröm pushed them into the international spotlight with its outstanding blend of progressive metal, doom, stoner and folk, steered by the entrancing vocal of frontwoman Emma Näslund. Just one year later, they found their label home at Nuclear Blast Records.

Following the arrival of 2022’s Myriad, with the track 'Exoskeleton' reaching over a million streams on Spotify (the EP’s Febersvan now has over 4 million), GAUPA went on to deliver countless unforgettable performances with appearances at festivals including Sweden Rock, Hellfest, Wacken, Mystic and Desertfest, as well as on tours with  heavyweights such as Uncle Acid And The Deadbeats, Blood Ceremony and Graveyard.

Now, they’ve reached a turning point in their journey. After former co- guitarist Daniel Nygren left in 2024 to focus on family life, GAUPA found themselves at a standstill, having to relearn how to orchestrate the band without one of its core members. In the summer, they began writing their first full offering in three years, a four-track mini album titled FYR, a play on words with multiple translations meaning “lighthouse”, “to set something on fire” as well as the number “four” in Swedish.

The four-track mini album marks GAUPA’s fourth release, as well as the start of their next chapter as a four-piece band. However, despite their newly slimmed-down line-up, FYR is anything but slight; with the help of new mixing engineer Karl Daniel Lidén, it serves as their heaviest material to date. Recorded in the autumn of 2024 in Svenska Grammofonstudion, Göteborg and Estethuset studios, Falun, FYR is a genre-bending journey through enthralling psychedelia, groove-laden stoner rock and heavy prog metal.

Showcasing more of Näslund’s playfully perplexing and surreal lyricism, FYR loosely explores the concept of time, “what is real, what is not, and what is a dream”, additionally inspired by science fiction novels, nature and animals.

Later this year, Gaupa will continue to cement themselves as live extraordinaires, playing festivals such as Stoomfest in the UK, Krach Am Bach in Germany and Motocultor in France.

GRAILKNIGHTS Reach Transcendental Fitness Level At "Grail Gym" Music Video For New Single Premieres On YouTube

While defeating Cthulhu in "Necronomicon," GRAILKNIGHTS have collected all armoury to unleash their empowering new opus titled Forever, their first full-length release through PERCEPTION - A Division of Reigning Phoenix Music. Crafted at Sascha Paeth’s Pathway Studios, their sidekick Sebastian Khayat delivered maximally heroic cover artwork for the album, which fans can finally hold their hands on at the beginning of the quintet’s forthcoming “Battle Of Metal” co-headline tour with ALL FOR METAL.
 
After kicking off the mentioned adventure in Hanover aka Grailham City, the complete Battlechoir shall storm their local stores of confidence from Friday, October 17, 2025 in order to save all Forever copies before Dr. Skull claims the victory and commissions their ultimate destruction. The twelve new hymns featured in the seventh chapter of GRAILKNIGHTS’ glorious history (incl. "Necronomicon" and a bold "Super Trouper" cover version) will of course also appear at the digital listening camps of your choice. Put it on endless loop once released that the world can be sure that the group’s smelly arch enemy goes straight to the afterlife on his own. Are you ready for GRAILKNIGHTS’ seventh adventure? -  “Yes Sire!”
 
Secure your copy (excl. ticket & merch bundles etc.) & pre-save Forever: https://grailknights.rpm.link/foreverPR

To make sure that their cape-wearing followers will be able to manage the needed sprints to the record shops of the universe, GRAILKNIGHTS lead them down into their legendary catacombs where their "Grail Gym" is located. It’s the strengthening site where the enormously musical superhero five-piece backs down regularly to recharge their batteries for new challenges. Who wouldn’t easily turn up the heat at a place like that? Here you have the choice of drill: intergalactic spinning, tough battle ropes and power chains or the supreme discipline - bench press! Additional motivation for Sir Optimus Prime, Sovereign Storm, Count Cranium, Duncan MacLoud and Lord Drumcules is provided by four not minorly energising ladies (Anni Quinn, Fuxi, Lady Kikki and Sarah Sparklz) who compete with the GRAILKNIGHTS especially on their bikes. What a sight! But as usual, a well-known guest is just about to make an unpleasant appearance...
 
“Every inch of skin is aching, iron muscles in the making: our new single is here to turn your sweat into steel. Heavy riffs. Hard reps. Heroic gains. Stream it now and enter the ‘Grail Gym’,” state the power metal heroes.
 
Enter GRAILKNIGHTS’ muscle factory @ 8PM CEST:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GswDrdmt5IQ
Join the official warm-up session and experience the video premiere with the band from 7.30PM CEST: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_CcBB438eg
 
Stream "Grail Gym": https://grailknights.rpm.link/grailgymPR

About GRAILKNIGHTS
 
If it’s on their 2004 debut album Across The Galaxy, its follow-ups Return To Castle Grailskull and Alliance or their tales of the past 15 years ( Calling The Choir,  Knightfall & Muscle Bound For Glory), GRAILKNIGHTS’ goal has remained the same - the Holy Grail must be returned to Grailham City! Their mission also led their flight path to stages around the globe, which they boldly dominated as headlining act and shared with acts such as SABATON, FEUERSCHWANZ, BROTHERS OF METAL and TWILIGHT FORCE among others, always supported by their brave fan base aka the Battlechoir.
 
During the years, some of these equally brave musicians have also lent their additional vocal support to the Hanover, Germany based squad: Tracks like "Turbo Boost [feat. FEUERSCHWANZ]" but especially "Pumping Iron Power," which was graced by SABATON’s Joakim Brodén, crafted additional intergalactic bondings between the band and metalheads worldwide, and saw GRAILKNIGHTS’ success numbers go through the roof with ‘Pumping Iron Power’ recently hitting 15 million Spotify streams only.
 
Highly experienced in both studio and live battles, the superheroic metal group have faced and overcome several evil powers over time, and now they are set to oppose Dr. Skull in full length once again with their 7th adventure, followed by yet another journey across Europe. Joining forces with label family members ALL FOR METAL in autumn 2025, the Battle Of Metal can actually only end in another victory against all evil.
 
GRAILKNIGHTS are:
Sir Optimus Prime | vocals
Sovereign Storm | guitars, vocals
Count Cranium | guitars, vocals
Duncan MacLoud | bass, vocals
Lord Drumcules | drums
 
More on GRAILKNIGHTS:
grailknights.de | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music

HIGH PARASITE - Featuring Aaron Stainthorpe of My Dying Bride - Releases New Single "Cold" + Music Video

Today, UK outfit HIGH PARASITE, led by Aaron Stainthorpe of My Dying Bride, unveil their brand-new single, “Cold.” Though previously unreleased, the track has become a staple of the band’s live set and arrives alongside a music video, available below.

Bassist/Vocalist Tombs comments on the single:

“'Cold' was lyrically inspired by Plato's analogy of the cave, an allegory used to illustrate the relationship between reality and illusion, the journey from ignorance to knowledge. The idea of a person realising too late in life that there is no God, no heaven, no hell, no divine retribution, no absolution, and the panic and anger they would feel when it dawns on them that they are truly alone and can only hold themselves responsible for their actions.”

Watch the Music Video for "Cold"

In addition, “Parasite,” taken from their debut studio album 'Forever We Burn,' has been newly remixed by acclaimed producer Lewis Johns (Employed To Serve, Earthtone9, Loathe). This updated version is now available on all major streaming platforms, having previously only been accessible via YouTube.

Listen to "Parasite (Vampiric Mix)" HERE

Produced by Gregor Mackintosh (Paradise Lost), 'Forever We Burn' was released on September 27th, 2024 via Spinefarm, supported by a series of singles and videos.

Having completed a successful UK tour with Cradle of Filth last year, and more recently a short stint with Unto Others, HIGH PARASITE play a one-off show with Cradle of Filth on July 6th at Epic Studios in Norwich; they then continue their run of European festivals, including first-ever appearances at the UK’s Bloodstock event in August and the Eindhoven Metal Meeting in December.

Additionally, High Parasite are confirmed to join Paradise Lost on their October 2025 UK tour,

HIGH PARASITE are:

Vocals - Aaron Stainthorpe

Bass - Tombs

Rhythm guitar - Sam Hill

Lead guitar - Jonny Hunter

Drums - Dan Brown

Wucan Share "Holz auf Holz," An East German x Krautrock Blend Backed By Potent Social Commentary

WUCAN recently announced their new album Axioms, releasing on August 29 via Long Branch Records. The new longplayer showcases the band's  artistic ingenuity while continuing the transformation first hinted at on the previous album Heretic Tongues and ultimately pushing that shift even further.

Today, the band releases "Holz auf Holz," the third single from Axioms. 

"I wrote 'Holz auf Holz' on a cold March evening in 2024, during one of my little candle rituals at home," shares singer Francis Tobolsky. "Suddenly, my incense caught fire without even touching the flame — and right in that moment, the melody came to me out of nowhere. It was immediately clear that this had to become a song. We call it 'Holz' for short, and it came together quite quickly, since the guys immediately understood what kind of track it was meant to be. To me, this song strongly reflects our East German rock and krautrock influences. And in true Wucan fashion, this German-language song serves as a commentary on the current political and social situation in Germany."

Stream the single and pre-order the new album here.

As is well known, true art is characterized above all by its constant renewal — a combination of the tried and tested with the innovative.

Like nearly all influential acts in music history who have followed this golden rule, Wucan demonstrate their capacity for artistic evolution with Axioms. On Axioms, the four-piece heavy rock outfit led by frontwoman Francis Tobolsky blends the distinctive elements of their previous studio records — Sow The Wind (2015), Reap The Storm (2017), and Heretic Tongues (2022) — with fresh ideas, resulting in a broader stylistic range and a more clearly defined conceptual approach. In other words: While the band continues to reference hard rock, krautrock, East German rock, and metal, the eight new tracks are also infused with touches of progressive rock, isolated electronic elements, and a playful jazz attitude.

Or Tobolsky aptly puts it, "The foundation of our music is international '70s hard rock enriched by contemporary influences — this time with even more bombast, brutality, and complexity."

PRE-ORDER "AXIOMS" HERE

More info about Wucan's European shows is here.

WUCAN ARE:
Francis Tobolsky — Vocals, Guitar, Flute, Theremin
Tim George — Guitar, Keyboards
Philip Knöfel — Drums
Alexander Karlisch — Bass

Melodic Rockers GIANT Share New Single "It's Not Right" + Lyric Video

Today, melodic rockers GIANT are excited to share their new single, "It's Not Right," taken from their recently released album 'Stand And Deliver,' out now via Frontiers Music Srl. The new single comes accompanied by a lyric video, available to view below.

GIANT is entering a powerful new chapter in their storied career, featuring a fresh lineup that propels the band's signature sound to exhilarating new heights.

Drummer and founder David Huff expressed his excitement for the new album:

“Making GIANT records has always been our passion! Thanks to everyone at Frontiers, we can make our dreams happen. I know it’s a bit of a different lineup, but whoever is in the lineup, the legacy of GIANT lives on."

'Stand And Deliver' showcases once again the talents of David Huff on drums, Mike Brignardello on bass, Kent Hilli (of Perfect Plan) as the commanding lead vocalist, with the addition of Jimmy Westerlund (One Desire) on guitars. Westerlund also takes on mixing duties alongside Alessandro Del Vecchio, who adds his touch on keyboards as a featured guest.

Watch the Lyric Video for “It's Not Right"

As if this dynamic combination of talent was not enough, the album also includes some gems penned by the original guitarist and singer Dann Huff including “Time To Call It Love” (a collaboration with the late Mark Spiro), “Holdin’ On For Dear Life” and “Paradise Found”, coming both from his sessions with Van Stephenson, which strongly link the new album with the sound of the classic album 'Time To Burn'.

However, with this new album, GIANT delivers the hard-hitting rock and melodic hooks that fans have come to expect while pushing the boundaries of the genre with a state-of-the-art production. 

Order 'Stand And Deliver' HERE

Originally formed in the late '80s by brothers Dann and David Huff, together with the experienced jazz and rock keyboardist Alan Pasqua and Nashville session bass player Mike Brignardello, GIANT would soon become one of the most respected bands of the melodic hard rock scene, with the release of their debut album 'Last Of The Runaways' (A&M Records, 1989).

Following countless live performances in support of their debut, the band released the follow-up 'Time To Burn' (Epic, 1991), an album still regarded as a main source of influence for many melodic and hard rock bands who came after. With the sudden change of musical climate in the early '90s, GIANT disbanded with their members becoming involved in different projects, with both Dann and David Huff becoming well respected producers.

In 2001, Frontiers prompted GIANT to release 'III', an album that would prove to be a landmark in the growth of the new era Melodic Rock scene, particularly in Europe. Unfortunately, Dann's busy schedule along with the other members' commitments made the reunion impossible to carry on as had originally been planned; however, the vision of bringing GIANT back as a band with a recording and touring line-up was something that the band was still open to exploring, even if Dann had to step away.

Thus, original members, drummer David Huff and bassist Mike Brignardello, with the blessing of Dann started endless research for the right musicians that could be part of a renewed GIANT line-up. In the end, the choice fell on vocalist Terry Brock (ex-Strangeways) and guitarist John Roth (Winger, Starship).

The resulting album, 'Promise Land' soon became a fan favorite, showcasing top quality songwriting and performances. GIANT, however, went into hibernation again, with the exception of a one-off show in 2017, where the original band members reunited on a Nashville club stage for a charity event.

That event piqued fan interest and Frontiers and David Huff started talking again to see if they could manage to find the right formula for a new album from GIANT. When the Swedish bandPerfect Plan released a cover version of the GIANT’s original hit “Stay” in 2019, all the pieces of the puzzle started to fall into place.

Huff and Brignardello were keen on the idea of Kent handling lead vocals for the next GIANTrelease. Dann Huff gave his seal of approval, appearing on lead guitar on the single “Never Die Young”, which anticipated the successful release in 2022 of the 'Shifting Time' album.

GIANT are:

Kent Hilli - Lead Vocals

Jimmy Westerlund - Lead Guitar

Mike Brignardello - Bass

David Huff - Drums

BLACKBRAID Unveils Music Video for New Single, "The Dying Breath of a Sacred Stag

Solo black metal project BLACKBRAID is now unveiling a new single, "The Dying Breath of a Sacred Stag," along with a music video via Black Metal Promotions! The clip was created by Wolf Mountain Productions (The Anti-label) and can be found at THIS LOCATION.

The song is taken from 'Blackbraid III,'  will be released on August 8, 2025 independently! Vinyl and cassette formats, as well as new merch designs, can now be pre-ordered via Blackbraid.US & Blackbraid.EU while the album can be pre-saved across all streaming services HERE.

ICYMI: Blackbraid's new single "Wardrums at Dawn on the Day of my Death" is now streaming along with a music video at Black Metal Promotions! The video was created by Moshmallows and captures the haunting and primal nature of Blackbraid's live shows. Watch the clip below.

BLACKBRAID will also be embarking on a North American headliner later this year with support from Lamp of Murmuur and Dödsrit, with Gudsforladt replacing LoM as support for two Canadian dates. The trek will kick off on September 19 in San Diego, CA and will make its way around the U.S. + Canada until the final stop on October 11 in Los Angeles, CA. The full itinerary can be found below while tickets are available HERE.

In addition, BLACKBRAID has partnered with Fire in the Mountains Festival to curate a special pre-release event where festival attendees will get to hear 'Blackbraid III' ahead of its August 8 release date! During the event, there will also be a special live Q&A that will take place during the listening session with Metal Injection's Frank Godla.

Fire in the Mountains will take place in Montana from July 25-27, 2025 at the Red Eagle Campground on the Blackfeet Nation Reserve. BLACKBRAID joins an esteemed lineup of artists including Wardruna, Old Man's Child, Chelsea Wolfe, Converge, Blood Incantation, and more! Tickets are available HERE while the full lineup and all pertinent festival information can be found HERE.

Blackbraid is a solo indigenous black metal project from from the depths of the Adirondack wilderness creating music as raw and powerful as the mountains from whence it came… 

The captivating album artwork for 'Blackbraid III,' was created in collaboration with Adam Burke, who handled the painting, and mainstay Blackbraid album artist Adrian Baxter, who did the illustration. The artwork can be found below.

TICKETS

BLACKBRAID North American Tour w/ Lamp of Murmuur + Dödsrit,:

09/18: San Diego, CA @ Brick By Brick

09/19: Phoenix, AZ @ Last Exit Live

09/20: Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad

09/22: Dallas, TX @ Trees

09/24: Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade (Purgatory)

09/25: Greensboro, NC @ Hangar 1819

09/26: Baltimore, MD @ Metro Gallery [SOLD OUT]

09/27: Brooklyn, NY @ The Meadows

09/28: Albany, NY @ Empire Live

09/30: Boston, MA @ Middle East (Downstairs)

10/01: Montreal, QC @ Café Campus *

10/02: Toronto, ON @ Velvet Underground *

10/03: Lakewood, OH @ Mercury Music Lounge

10/04: Chicago, IL @ Reggies

10/05: St. Paul, MN @ The Turf Club

10/07: Denver, CO @ HQ

10/08: Salt Lake City, UT @ Urban Lounge

10/10: Oakland, CA @ Thee Stork Club

10/11: Los Angeles, CA @ 1720

*w/ Gudsforladt, no LoM

BLACKBRAID Upcoming Festivals:

07/27: Red Eagle Campground, MT @ Fire in the Mountains Fest

08/23: Eisfeld (DE) @ Wolfszeit Festival

12/19: Leipzig (DE) @ Black Hole Fest Germania III - Frost Edition

04/05/26: Munich (DE) @ Dark Easter Metal Meeting

Creator of Blackbraid: Sgah’gahsowáh

'Blackbraid III' Album Credits:

Composed & performed by Sgah'gahsowáh

Drums, recording, mixing & mastering by Neil Schneider 

Guitar solo in “God of Black Blood" performed by Randy Moore

“Fleshbound" originally composed by Lord Belial

Painting by Adam Burke

Illustration by Adrian Baxter

Visual development & graphic design by Wolf Mountain Productions 

Follow // Listen:

Bandcamp

Spotify

Apple Music

YouTube

Instagram

Shop/Pre-order:

Official Merch Store (USA)

Official Merch Store (EU) 

Blackbraid is an independent artist and is not contracted to or owned by any music label. 

AURI - Releases Vibrant New Single & Video For 'Museum of Childhood'

Music has the power to open inner worlds—crafted from voices, sounds, and emotions that resonate deep within the soul. Today, AURI invites listeners into their ethereal soundscape with the release of 'Museum Of Childhood,' the second single from their highly anticipated upcoming album, III – Candles & Beginnings, out August 15, 2025.

'Museum Of Childhood' is a vibrantly beautiful composition, stirring emotion and sending shivers down the spine. It is a shining example of AURI’s ability to transport listeners away from the noise of reality into a dreamlike realm of serenity and wonder.

Accompanying the single is a stunning music video that immerses viewers in AURI’s enchanted world—where light and shadow dance with emotion and imagination.

Open your heart and ears. Let AURI be the beacon of light that guides you through the dreamscape.

Johanna Kurkela comments: “ As we venture deeper into the enchanting realm of our new album 'Candles & Beginnings', we take flight on the wings of imagination, across the safe havens of our hearts, into the ‘Museum of Childhood’. "

Watch the video for 'Museum Of Childhood' below.
Listen to 'Museum Of Childhood' here: https://auri.bfan.link/museum-of-childhood
Pre-order the album here: https://auri.bfan.link/iii-candles-beginnings

Line-up:

Johanna Kurkela | voices, violin, viola, keys
Tuomas Holopainen | keys & backing voices
Troy Donockley | guitars, bouzouki, mandola, uilleann pipes, low whistles, aerophone, bodhran, keys, voices

AURI online:
https://linktr.ee/auri.band
https://www.backstagerockshop.com/collections/auri

British Melodic Rock Legends FM Announce New Album 'Brotherhood' Out September 5, 2025 via Frontiers Music Srl

Today, British melodic rock legends FM are proud to announce the release of their 15th studio album, 'Brotherhood,' due out September 5, 2025 via Frontiers Music Srl. To celebrate the announce, FM has released the lead single "Living On The Run" alongside a music video, available to view below.

Once again delivering their signature blend of hook-laden AOR and blues-tinged hard rock on'Brotherhood,' FM reaffirms their status as masters of the genre.

Vocalist/Guitarist Steve Overland shares on the new single:

“First single, 'Living On The Run,' is a great hard-hitting melodic fast-moving track. The song is about what the title suggests, a real Bonnie and Clyde storyline. A very instant big chorus, which makes for a good first single choice.”

Overland comments on the new album:

“I am proud of the new album. It is one of our strongest song albums to date. It is another milestone, as it’s FM’s 15th album. It’s very well paced and has great variation in song styles throughout. The album’s big ballad, 'Just Walk Away,' is one of our best. I hope our fans feel the same way as we do about 'Brotherhood.'”

Watch the Lyric Video for "Living On The Run"

‘Brotherhood’ showcases a band still at the top of their game, with highlights including the infectious anthem "Living on the Run," the unforgettable anthemic rocker “Don’t Call It Love,” the punchy and powerful "Coming For You," and the emotionally charged "Time Waits For No One" – all tracks that echo the spirit and melodic strength of FM’s early classics yet are unmistakably fresh and vibrant.

The opening track, "Do You Mean It," brings a bluesy, soulful vibe that echoes the Doobie Brothers’ classic “Takin’ It To The Streets” sound, setting the tone for the album. 'Brotherhood' also features one of FM’s most powerful ballads to date, "Just Walk Away" – a beautifully emotional song that highlights the band's mastery of melodic rock. Wrapping up the album is "The Enemy Within," a track that introduces exciting new sonic ideas while retaining the powerful and melodic qualities FM fans love.

Supporting vocals from a female guest choir add warmth and dynamic depth to "Do You Mean It" and "Just Walk Away," perfectly complementing Steve Overland’s consistently exceptional lead vocals.

Pre-Order 'Brotherhood' HERE

Formed in the 80's by the Overland brothers, FM are one of the UK's seminal and respected rock bands. The new album was recorded by FM’s long-standing and beloved line-up including founding members Steve Overland, Merv Goldsworthy, and Pete Jupp, alongside keyboard player Jem Davis and guitarist Jim Kirkpatrick.

To promote 'Brotherhood,' FM will embark on a major UK headline tour in September 2025 with 14 confirmed shows, followed by European dates in early 2026. Visit FM’s official websitefor tickets.

FM are:

Steve Overland – Vocals, guitar

Merv Goldsworthy – Bass

Pete Jupp – Drums

Jem Davis – Keyboards

Jim Kirkpatrick – Guitars