Anciients Release New Video for "Is It Your God"

After almost a decade of soul searching through the Canadian wilderness, Anciients are finally returning to the U.S. Starting next week, the heavy, heady and heartfelt Canucks will guide neighboring metal legions through the many peaks of their latest JUNO Award-winning album Beyond the Reach of the Sun. During this month-long trek, the band will blaze across both coasts and the Southwest with special stops down south around ProgPower USA.

"It's been a long time coming", frontman Kenny Cook says, "We look forward to seeing our American fans out on the road!"

As they prepare to hit the road hard, today, Anciients are releasing a new video for the one track off Beyond the Reach of the Sun that really tested their mettle. "Is It Your God" questions the existence of a higher power with grungy grooves and faith-shaking death growls. But its heavenly fusion of soulful leads, cosmic keys and mind-blowing riffs prove why this band are guiding lights for progressive metal.

"This song asks how someone can believe in a higher power when given a life full of despair and anguish", Cook says. "Do you continue to restrict your happiness while living this life, in hopes of joy for eternity? Or do you question whether it's all for nothing?"

Watch the video for "Is It Your God" below.

Get tickets for Anciients U.S. Tour
https://www.season-of-mist.com/bands/anciients/

Quest Beyond Our Minds 2025 U.S. Tour
with Dawn of Ouroboros, Armed for Apocalypse, Nott and Exist

August 27 - Seattle, WA @ Substation [TICKETS]*
August 28 - Portland, OR @ Dante's [TICKETS]*
August 29 - Boise, ID @ The Shredder [TICKETS]**
August 30 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Aces High Saloon [TICKETS]**
August 31 - Colorado Springs, CO @ What's Left Records [TICKETS]**
September 2 - Oklahoma City, OK @ 89th Street [TICKETS]**
September 4 - Atlanta, GA @ ProgPower USA [TICKETS]
September 5 - Gastonia, NC @ The Rooster [TICKETS]***
September 6 - New Orleans, LA @ No Dice [TICKETS]***
September 7 - Austin, TX @ Come And Take It [TICKETS]***
September 8 - Houston, TX @ Pub 529 [TICKETS]****
September 9 - Dallas, TX @ TX Tea Room [TICKETS]****
September 11 - Phoenix, AZ @ Nile Underground [TICKETS]*****
September 12 - San Diego, CA @ Brick By Brick [TICKETS]*****
September 13 - Los Angeles, CA @ Knucklehead [TICKETS]*****
September 14 - San Francisco, CA @ Thee Parkside [TICKETS]*****
September 16 - Sacramento, CA @ Cafe Colonel [TICKETS]*****
September 17 - Reno, NV @ The Cellar*****
September 18 - Eugene, OR @ John Henry's [TICKETS]******
September 19 - Richland, WA @ Ray's Golden Lion [TICKETS]******
September 20 - Bellingham, WA,@ The Shakedown [TICKETS]******
* w/ Dawn of Ouroboros + Nott
** w/ Dawn of Ouroboros
*** w/ Dawn of Ouroboros + Exist
**** w/ Armed for Apocalypse + Exist
***** w/ Armed for Apocalyspe
****** w/ Armed for Apocalyspe + Nott

Beyond the Reach of the Sun is available now on Season of Mist.

Order & Stream
https://orcd.co/anciientsbeyondthereachofthesun

With all being said and done, Anciients have returned! They stand ready to ascend the prog metal ladder and get back to doing what they do best with a weighty and dense, but wholly accessible, album. It’s a collection of ten songs that possesses the ability to have those furiously banging heads also tapping into their power of self-reflection and contemplation to ponder the finality of existence, the value of life and their place in the universe.  

“Totally! We’re going to take as many of the opportunities that come to us. The hiatus is over and I think with the new members and everyone being on the same page we’re ready to get out there as soon as possible. We missed out on a huge block after the last record, so we’ve got to make up for lost time. Now that everyone is happy and healthy, we plan to hit it hard.”


Lineup
Kenny Cook (vocals, guitar)
Mike Hannay (drums) 
Brock MacInnes (rhythm guitar)
Rory O'Brien (bass)

Guest musicians
Justin Hagberg plays keyboard on "Forbidden Sanctuary", "Is It Your God", "Melt the Crown", "Candescence", "In the Absence of Wisdom".

Jess Gander plays synths on "Candescence" and "Cloak of the Vast and Black".

Recording studio
Rain City Recorders

Producer / sound engineer
Jesse Gander
Assisted by Szymon Wojciech

Mastering studio and engineer
Stu McKillop @ Rain City Mastering

Mixing studio and engineer
Jesse Gander Rain City Recorders

Cover artwork artist 
Adam Burke @ Nightjar Illustrations

Bio
Kevin Stewart-Panko

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


Follow Anciients
https://anciientriffs.bandcamp.com/album/beyond-the-reach-of-the-sun
https://www.facebook.com/ANCIIENTSRIFFS
https://www.instagram.com/anciients/
https://twitter.com/ANCIIENTS
https://www.youtube.com/user/ANCIIENTS
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/anciients/603538280
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3YQOcYukzO6U1MjFcavDUE?si=4QWahfZxQjOmAI7nYrav6g&nd=1&dlsi=0142e5e62ae54105

PUSHING VERONICA Drop the Official Video For Their Single "WASTED"

Prepare to get obliterated in the best way possible—PUSHING VERONICA is back with a vengeance, dropping their blistering new single "WASTED", a riotous, no-holds-barred anthem drenched in fury, hooks, and unapologetic chaos. The track is now available on all major streaming platforms.

"WASTED," by PUSHING VERONICA

is a raw and raging punk anthem for anyone who's ever been ghosted after an interview, told they’re “not the right fit,” or handed a rejection email five minutes after applying. With razor-sharp guitars and lyrics that spit in the face of corporate nonsense, this song sets the tone for defiance, desperation, and dark humor.

BIO

SoCal alt-rock powerhouse

PUSHING VERONICA first emerged as the brainchild of then-16 year old frontman

Julien Silvås, a lifelong musician who’d already established himself on the scene via a

Warped Tour appearance with his previous band, The Local Rebellion. Fixated on a mission to herald a renaissance in the worlds of pop-punk and rock, Julien continued to grow the lineup — currently consisting of original founding member and bassist Noah Rozansky, guitarist Hunter Kubat, guitarist Daniel Flores and drummer Jason Maser.

Known for their uniquely catchy signature sound, PUSHING VERONICA build on the groundwork laid by legends from Queens of the Stone Ageand Rage Against the Machine to Foo Fighters, Nirvana, The Offspring and beyond with an uninhibitedly irreverent approach. Lauded by major outlets like Alternative Press for their “infectious and high-spirited Green Day-like stylings”, the band have continued to grow their diverse and loyal fanbase over 4 US tours and a slew of other electric live performances to date.

Following a string of achievements including collaborating with renowned directors Dean Karr and Brian Cox on music videos and working with Grammy-winning producer Dave Schiffman, PUSHING VERONICA'S momentum is now at an all-time high as they prepare for their most ambitious year yet.

CHAOSEUM RETURN WITH NEW HARD-HITTING ALBUM, 'LIFE 4 SALE'

The fast-rising Swiss nu-metal / metalcore band, Chaoseum, will soon be offering up their sixth release overall, 'Life 4 Sale.' Released on September 19, the ten-track LP shows the band further focusing and perfecting the sound laid down on such earlier albums as 2022's 'The Third Eye' and 2020's 'Second Life.'
 
Comprised of members  CK Smile – vocals, Loïc Duruz – guitars, bass, Valery Veings – guitars, and Greg Turini – drums, Chaoseum originally formed 2018 in Lausanne (Switzerland), and have created a buzz by sharing the stage with such renowned/respected metal acts as Soulfly, Tarja, Eluveitie, Five Finger Death Punch, Metallica and Sabaton.
 
And their latest album features some of the group's most revealing lyrics yet. Case in point, "Freakin' Head," which Smile recalls, "was written at a time when I was fed up with explaining, or even justifying, my depressive state." Additionally, the title track, which, "is about my religious past." And also, "The Failure," which is "about abandonment, about the extreme confusion it causes when a child is too young to understand what's happening to them." 
 
Presale for the album will begin in early September via this link: chaoseumstore.com
 
And two songs have already been issued as videos:
 
Freakin' Head:
 
https://youtu.be/bpOBfpZTUG4?si=Mk5uG_G0uB_A6RvU
 
Watch “Life 4 Sale” Below

Chaoseum's first album 'First Step To Hell' contained 11 songs and was released in September of 2018. In February 2019, Chaoseum joined Soulfly for a US tour. Upon their return, a limited-edition live album was recorded at a band's concert with Eluveitie. It was released under the name 'Live In Hell - Les Docks Lausanne 2019.' In September of 2019, the band joined Tarja (ex-Nightwish) for a tour in Russia: 'Raw Russian Tour 2019.'
 
Representing the Xvive wireless gear brand, Chaoseum went to Los Angeles to perform at the NAMM "the largest music trade show." There, the band also took the opportunity to play at the legendary Whisky a Go Go.  
 
On September 25, 2020, Chaoseum released its 2nd studio album 'Second Life,' with the standout track, "Smile Again," reaching over 13 million views on YouTube.  
 
In June 2021, during COVID-19, the band worked on an acoustic album, 'Second Skin,' as well as on two music videos which achieved great success.  
 
In June 2022, Chaoseum performed at the 'Out in the Green' festival in Frauenfeld (CH) together with Eluveitie, Five Finger Death Punch, Sabaton and Metallica. A few months after, in September, the band flew to the US headlining the "Arctic Chaos Tour", and their fourth studio album 'The Third Eye' was released in November 2022.
 
Their third studio album 'The Third Eye' was released in November 2022.    
 
In February 2024, the group welcomed Kevin Sink on guitar and Finn Broker on bass to complete the core lineup consisting of CK Smile on vocals, Valery Veings on guitar, and Greg Turini on drums. This lineup quickly performed on stage during the "The Eye On Tour" in May 2024.    
 
In September 2024, Chaoseum joined, once again, Tarja Turunen and for the first time Marko Hietala for the "Living The Dream Together" tour!  
 
And on September 19, 2025, the next chapter of Chaoseum will be unveiled, with the arrival of 'Life 4 Sale.'

Dirkschneider And The Old Gang "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

Celebrated NYC artist CHARLIE NIELAND unveils 'Win' (feat. spiritchild)', previewing new album

Following his latest masterpiece - 'The Ocean Understands' EP, acclaimed NYC songwriter-producer Charlie Nieland has announced that his forthcoming album'Stories From The Borderlines', set for release on October 24. The first offering from this atmospheric and imaginative collection is 'Win (feat. spiritchild)'. 

Defying expectations, 'Win' is a postpunk mini-epic that starts as a piano-led hymn, becomes an explosive jangling anthem and winds up with a spectacular turn by Staten Island-based activist / rapper spiritchild. This new music arrives on the trail of Nieland's recent 'The Ocean Understands' EP and videos for 'Redshift' and 'Drown', directed by multi-faceted NYC-based artist Hypnodoll.

"The material for 'Stories From The Borderlines' got its start in the NYC performance series The Bushwick Book Club in response to various literary sources. The lead single 'Win' is actually a song about surrender - “I just want you to win”,  written as part of Bushwick Book Club’s residency for Banned Book Week at the Kurt Vonnegut Library and Museum in Indianapolis, Indiana," says Charlie Nieland.

"I was struck by the fearful response to the coming-of-age YA novel "All Boys Aren’t Blue" by the young, gay, African-American author George M. Johnson, which was the second most banned book in 2023. Book banning ultimately backfires. The act of hiding something from ourselves forces discovery. It begs us to honor what we don’t yet understand. Our fragile self-created identities - especially those formed in opposition to our adversaries - dissolve in the bright light of our interdependence. Our shared divinity. In a flash, the chorus woke me up in the middle of the night. “Go ahead and take my place. Take a look at my face. This is how it begins”.

Nieland's backstory is extensive, having written, performed and produced music for decades. He has written for and produced such artists as Debbie Harry, Rufus Wainwright, Blondie and Scissor Sisters, as well as scoring the feature film 'The Safety of Objects' (with Glenn Close), Showtime's pilot episode of 'The L Word' and the VH-1documentary 'NY77: The Coolest Year in Hell'.

Charlie was awarded a Gold record (UK) for his production work on Blondie's 'Greatest Hits Sight & Sound' and achieved a Top 10 Billboard Dance Chart Position with Debbie Harry's single 'Two Times Blue', which he co-wrote and produced.

Presenting a visceral blend of post punk, glam, dream pop and progressive rock, the forthcoming album also involves an appearance by keyboardist Joe McGinty (The Psychedelic Furs, Ryan Adams, Nada Surf, Polyvox). Atmospheric, with sweeping melodies and restless rhythms, these unique soundscapes promise an immersive journey, showcasing Nieland's continued evolution as an artist and producer. 

After 20 years with dreampop band Her Vanished Grace, Nieland established himself as a solo artist rich on nuanced songwriting and sonic exploration, releasing 'Ice Age' (2014), followed by 'Hopeful Monsters' (2016) and ‘Divisions' album (2021). Half of the literature-inspired duo Lusterlit with Susan Hwang, he also produces and co-hosts the 'An Embarrassment of Prog' podcast.

'Win (feat. spiritchild)' is available from digital music platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp, where Nieland's latest EP 'The Ocean Understands' EP can also be found. The full 'Stories From The Borderlines' album, out on October 24, can now be pre-ordered.

SINGLE CREDITS 
'Win (feat. spiritchild)' written by Charlie Nieland and spiritchild



Recorded at Saturation Point Studios (Brooklyn, NY) from January 2023 to April 2025

Charlie Nieland - vocals, electric guitars, bass, piano, electric piano, virtual mellotrons and string machines, percussion
spiritchild - vocals
Billy Loose - drums

Produced, Recorded, Mixed and Mastered by Charlie Nieland
Cover Art by Hypnodoll™ 

© 2025 Athame Music, xspiritmentaleyez
Video for 'Win (feat. spiritchild) by Charlie Nieland
Videos for 'Redshift' and 'Drown' by Hypnodoll™
Photography by Alice Teeple
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Keep up with Charlie Nieland
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Soundcloud | Apple Music | Spotify | Press contact

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

Restraining Order Drop "Were You There" Visualizer

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 visualizer for new single "Were You There." Watch and listen below.

"A song about unconditional love, for the ones that are more than friends and more than interest, the people you are happy to have in your life," states Cozens about the song.

Restraining Order have a handful of local dates scheduled around the album release, as well as a tour supporting KOYO and Ben Quad this fall. All currently confirmed dates are below.

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

WITH KOYO, BEN QUAD, + LEAVING TIME:
10/23 — Toronto, ON — Velvet Underground
10/24 — Cleveland, OH — Mahall's
10/25 — Detroit, MI — The Sanctuary
10/26 — Chicago, IL — Reggie's
10/28 — Milwaukee, WI — X Ray Arcade
10/29 — Des Moines, IA — Wooly's
10/31 — Denver, CO — Marquis
11/2 — Boise, ID — The Shredder
11/3 — Portland, OR — Mission Theatre
11/4 — Seattle, WA — The Vera Project
11/6 — Berkeley, CA — Cornerstone
11/7 — Los Angeles, CA — Lodge Room
11/8 — San Diego, CA — Voodoo Room
11/9 — Mesa, AZ — Rosetta Room
11/11 — San Antonio, TX — Paper Tiger
11/12 — Dallas, TX — Club Dada
11/14 — Atlanta, GA — The Masquerade
11/15 — Orlando, FL — Vans Warped Tour
11/17 — Charlotte, NC — Amos Southend
11/18 — Richmond, VA — Canal Club
11/20 — Washington DC — Pearl Street
11/21 — Boston, MA — Arts at the Armory
11/22 — Philadelphia, PA — First Unitarian Church
11/23 — New York, NY — Racket

The album will be available in several exclusive vinyl variants as of September 26.

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. 

Memphis May Fire Announce Fall 2025 Headline Tour

MEMPHIS MAY FIRE — Matty Mullins (vocals), Kellen McGregor (guitar), Cory Elder (bass), and Jake Garland (drums) — will embark on a headline tour this fall. Memphis May Fire: THE SHAPESHIFTER TOUR LEG 2 kicks off on November 17 in Florida and runs through December 16 in Arkansas.

Rain City Drive will serve as direct support, with Nevertel and If Not For Mealso appearing.

Various pre-sals are currently active and run through 10pm local time on Thursday, August 14. Get details and VIP packages here.

Regular tickets go on sale on Friday, August 15 at 10am local time. All dates are below. Get tickets here. 

"The first leg of the Shapeshifter Tour was absolutely unforgettable, and we knew we had to keep it going," shares Mullins. "We’'e beyond excited to announce L2g 2, hitting more cities and bringing along our friends in Rain City Drive, Nevertel, and If Not For Me. We can't wait to see y'all out there and make this next chapter of the tour even bigger than the first."

MMF dropped their latest album SHAPESHIFTER on March 28 via longtime label Rise Records. Get it here. The album received critical acclaim and recognition from SPIN, New Noise, Idobi, and more.

Listen to music from SHAPESHIFTER below.

MEMPHIS MAY FIRE ON TOUR:
WITH RAIN CITY DRIVE, NEVERTEL, + IF NOT FOR ME:
11/17 — Pensacola, FL — Vinyl Music Hall
11/18 — Chattanooga, TN — The Signal 
11/20 — Greensboro, NC — Piedmont Hall 
11/21 — Myrtle Beach, SC — House Of Blues
11/22 — Richmond, VA — The National 
11/23 — Washington DC — The Howard
11/25 — Hartford, CT — The Webster
11/26 — Sayreville, NJ — Starland Ballroom 
11/28 — Buffalo, NY — Electric City 
11/29 — Detroit, MI — Majestic 
11/30 — Chicago, IL — House Of Blues
12/1 — Madison, WI — Sylvee 
12/3 — Boulder, CO — Boulder Theater 
12/5 — Boise, ID — Treefort Music Hall 
12/6 — Missoula, MT — Wilma
12/7 — Spokane, WA — Knitting Factory
12/9 — San Luis Obispo, CA — Fremont Theater 
12/10 — Riverside, CA — Riverside Municipal Auditorium 
12/11 — Las Vegas, NV — The Portal 
12/12 — Tucson, AZ — Encore
12/14 — Oklahoma City, OK — Tower Theatre
12/15 — Kansas City, MO — The Truman
12/16 — Fayetteville, AR — Ozark Music Hall  

Out Friday - Old Machines - The Cycles of Extinction

Astral warlords and celestial leviathans, OLD MACHINES emerge from the void to announce their cataclysmic debut, The Cycles of Extinction, arriving August 22, 2025. A monolithic fusion of bombastic brutality and cosmic dread, this album heralds a new chapter in extreme metal where ancient engines of annihilation awaken once more.

About OLD MACHINES:

From the darkest depths of the oceans of time and space comes a legend over two billion years old, which has spawned a multitude of harrowing galactic sagas. These stories arrive to us in the form of the debut album from OLD MACHINES titled The Cycles of Extinction, featuring eight songs regarding mysterious, malevolent horrors, which create the very extinction cycles all organic life forms are forever trapped in.  These are tales of horror, war, and genocide, spanning eight tracks for one hour of music which can be described as Extreme Cosmic Metal; combining elements of thrash, death, black, and power metal.  If any of this story sounds familiar, it may be because we have re-conceptualized plots from our favorite video games with a series of concept albums in chronological order, while musically, for now, being in the vein of bands such as BAL SAGOTH, EMPEROR, LIMBONIC ART, OBSIDIAN GATE, combined with the story-telling element of BLIND GUARDIAN. The Cycles of Extinction will be the first in a series of concept albums from OLD MACHINES, an ongoing project with current and former members of OXYGEN DESTROYER, SKELETAL REMAINS, SILVER TALON, THIRSTING ALTAR, and DOMINUS NOX. There will be more of such epics in this fashion because...extinction...is only the beginning....

OLD MACHINES is:

  • Gary Reavis - Vocals

  • Jason Stares - Keyboards

  • Brian Rush - Guitar

  • Devon Miller - Guitar

  • Joel Henigson - Bass  

  • Chris Craven - Drums


Artwork by Alexander Preuss

Vianova Drop Heavy Curveball With "Obsolete"

Vianova, Berlin's promising force in modern metalcore and rock, drop the video for the brand new banger "Obsolete," and it's a heavy curveball.

Watch the video below.

Stream the single here.

What begins smooth and mellow soon erupts into a powerful burst of energy, driven by Alexander Kerski's (known from The Voice of Germany) standout vocal performance and the band’s explosive instrumental work that demands headbanging. It's an existential reflection on human value in a world shaped by automation, societal pressure, and emotional detachment.

Catch the band live at the dates below in Europe.

10/4-10/6 — Köln, DE — Euroblast Festival
2/7 — Königsbrunn, DE — Matrix (Raptor Metalcore Festival) 

During the 2020 pandemic, Vianova reinvented their musical and visual identity, evolving their sound with the arrival of bassist Raoul Zillani. This new phase embraced a more technical, aggressive, and imaginative style, culminating in their EP Looking For... and the follow-up, ...A Way Out, released in 2023. These efforts garnered international attention and led to management by Lukas Magyar (Veil of Maya) in mid-2023. The band has since performed extensively across Germany, solidifying their position as a rising force in the metalcore genre.

Now back with fresh music, Vianova push their sound even further. This new chapter aims for a raw, fierce, and dynamic approach in both mixing and songwriting. Influences from genres outside metalcore — such as soul, jazz, R&B, and 80's synths — reflect their commitment to breaking genre boundaries. Accompanying this sonic evolution is a vibrant visual transformation, characterized by a focused and youthful energy that injects fun into a metalcore landscape often perceived as stagnant.

VIANOVA ARE:
Alexander Kerski — Vocals
Felix Vogelsang — Guitar
Raoul Zillani — Bass
Paul Vogelsang — Drums

Bask Bend the Law on New Single "The Traveler"

For as long as they've been together, Bask have called Asheville, North Carolina home. But ever since they came rumbling down from the Land of the Sky, it was clear that these Southern trailblazers were cut from a different neck of the woods. On their upcoming fourth album, the band take Heavy Americana to a whole new dimension. The latest single from The Turning revolves around "The Traveler", a mysteriously ageless gunslinger who refuses to go down amidst a mind-melting blaze of glory.

"This song introduces one of the main characters behind our new album", Bask says. "You're sure to be banging your head, just in 9/4".   

Watch the surreal video for "The Traveler" below.

The Turning comes out next Friday, August 22, 2025 on Season of Mist.

Pre-order & Pre-save

https://orcd.co/basktheturning

To kick off this heavy and heady new frontier, Bask are touring the East Coast next week. Hear them perform songs from The Turning during the album's first trip out on the road. 

The Turning 2025 East Coast Tour 
August 20 - Atlanta, GA @ 529 [TICKETS]
August 21 - Savannah, GA @ El Rocko [TICKETS]
August 22 - Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel [TICKETS]
August 23 - Raleigh, NC @ Chapel of Bones [TICKETS]
August 24 - Richmond, VA @ Fuzzy Cactus [TICKETS]
August 26 - Philadelphia, PA @ MilkBoy [TICKETS]
August 28 - Searsport, ME @ Starboard Lounge [TICKETS]
August 29 - Providence, RI @ Parlour [TICKETS]
August 30 - Wallingford, CT @ Cherry Street Station [TICKETS]
August 31 - Boston, MA @ O'Briens [TICKETS]

Whereas Bask's previous treks were inspired by tall tales, The Turningspools forth from the most fantastical corners of their imagination. "When we started writing this album, the songs were twangy, but also spacier and more psychedelic than anything we've done before", says vocalist and guitarist Zeb Wright, who is also the band's lyrical guide. "And so I asked myself, 'What does this feel like? What do all these things come together and make?". Following a retreat to Echo Mountain Recording with producer Kenny Harrington, they returned with the answer: a 40-odd minute, sci-fi opus that stretches not just across dimensions but generations in man's never-ending quest for immortality.

In keeping in line with its far-out concept, The Turning truly straddles the line between cosmic and country. Just as the video for "The Traveler" puts a surreal twist on the classic talk show format, the album's latest single also introduces a colorful wrinkle in the form of Bask's newest member Jed Willis. "These guys have become friends and brothers to me over the past decade or so", Willis says. His pedal steel glows with all the natural beauty of a Harvest Moon above the song's down-home melodies, though its dimension-hopping desperado needs help getting out of Dodge in order to avoid another run-in with the long, cold hand of fate.

"Don't be frightened of me". Wright belts with clean and clear conviction, though an organ-provoked premonition reveals that the intentions of "The Traveler" aren't so honorable. The doomy breakdown doesn't open the pit but an all-consuming black hole.

“We’ve been through so much together", bassist Jesse Van Note reflects. "We were robbed in Sweden. A tire literally fell off our van while we were driving. During COVID, we didn’t get together as much. We’re also older now and there are challenges and responsibilities that come with that. I have two kids. Some of us have bought houses. We’ve all been through marriages and different relationships. For things to snowball on top of the band one after another, it kind of had us feeling like maybe this was the end of our era”.  

While its story line is admittedly "out there", The Turning does hit close to home. The album's dwellings on family, aging, death and rebirth were cast in a deeper, darker light when Bask returned for mixing and mastering after Hurricane Helene reached Asheville. "The Traveler" ends with its boots one step closer to the grave. But the band still ascend amongst the stars with a shredding solo that defies the laws of physics.

"Seeing this album finally come to light is therapeutic for us", guitarist Ray Worth says. "The Turning is Bask at our finest. It's our most cohesive and heartfelt effort, an ode to our mountain home in the sky". 


The video for "The Traveler" was directed, filmed and edited by Eric Bader. It was produced and designed by Caroline Bader.

Additional video credits
Starring
Joshua Robbins as The Host
Andy the Doorbum as The Magician
Erik Button as The Fox
Caroline Bader as The Witch
Henry Bader as The Child
The Puppet as Himself

"Music is an emotional outlet, but at the end of the day, it's also a way for us to hang out with our best buds", the band says. "The Turning was a challenge, but we weathered the storm and came out the other side with a beautiful album that sounds like Bask".   

Line-up:

Jesse Van Note – Bass
Scott Middleton – Drums
Ray Worth – Guitar
Zeb Wright – Guitar/Vocals
Jed Willis - Pedal Steel

Guest musicians
Clay White - Trumpet
Franklin Keel - Cello
Alex Taub - Piano, Hammond B3 Organ

Recording Studio 
Echo Mountain Recording

Producer 
Kenny Harrington

Engineer
Kenny Harrington

Mixing Studio
Acre AudioMixing

Mixing Engineer
Andrew Schneider

Mastering Studio
West West Side Music

Mastering Engineer
Alan Douches

Available Formats
Digital Download
CD Digipack
12" Vinyl Gatefold (Black)
12" Vinyl Gatefold (Transparent Orange)

Pre-order & Pre-save

https://orcd.co/basktheturning

TRIBAL GAZE REVEAL NEW ALBUM, INVEIGHING BRILLIANCE, OUT OCT 17TH

Following their recent signing with Nuclear Blast Records, Texas death horde TRIBAL GAZE has announced their 2nd full-length album, Inveighing Brilliance, will be released on October 17th. Injecting a heavy dose of scorching old school death metal straight into the veins of the modern metal scene, TRIBAL GAZE hold nothing back on their massively anticipated followup to 2022’s highly praised The Nine Choirs.

The band has unleashed their furious first single, ‘Beyond Recognition,’ with an intense video directed by David Brodsky (CATTLE DECAPITATION, CANNIBAL CORPSE).

Commenting on the impending record and new single, guitarist Quintin Stauts says:

“I think this album, like our others, is us trying to create memorable parts in songs. Parts that make you have to rewind and hear it again. The aim is always to make songs that we love listening to. We’re just trying to add something of value to the death metal world. Our single Beyond Recognition is a good representation of where we’re at mentally. Pissed during the fast parts, pissed during the slow parts.”

TRIBAL GAZE will tour North America in support of Inveighing Brilliance this fall, sharing the stage with THE ACACIA STRAIN, CATTLE DECAPITATION, ABORTED, FROZEN SOUL and more. Tickets are available HERE.

Stream ‘Beyond Recognition’: https://tribalgaze.bfan.link/beyond-recognition

Pre-Order Inveighing Brilliance: https://tribalgaze.bfan.link/inveighing-brilliance

“BEYOND RECOGNITION” MUSIC VIDEO BELOW

TRIBAL GAZE Tour Dates with THE ACACIA STRAIN, BODYSNATCHER and INGROWN:

08.01 Lawrence, KS @ Granada Theater
08.02 Denver, CO @ Summit Music Hall
08.03 Salt Lake City, UT @ The Complex
08.05 Seattle, WA @ El Corazon
08.06 Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater
08.07 Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades
08.08 Los Angeles, CA @ 1720
08.09 San Diego, CA @ Soma
08.10 Mesa, AZ @ Nile Theater
08.12 Dallas, TX @ Granada Theater
08.13 Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall
08.15 Tampa, FL @ The Orpheum
08.16 Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade (Heaven)
08.17 Charlotte, NC @ The Underground
08.19 Richmond, VA @ Canal Club
08.20 Baltimore, MD @ Baltimore Soundstage
08.21 New York, NY @ Irving Plaza
08.22 Philadelphia, PA @ TLA
08.23 Worcester, MA @ The Palladium

TRIBAL GAZE Tour Dates with CATTLE DECAPITATION, ABORTED and FROZEN SOUL:

11.16 Mesa, AZ @ The Nile Theater
11.18 Oklahoma City, OK @ Diamond Ballroom
11.19 Dallas, TX @ Granada Theater
11.20 San Antonio, TX @ Vibes Event Center
11.21 Houston, TX @ Bad Astronaut Brewing Co
11.22 Baton Rouge, LA @ Chelsea's Live
11.24 Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
11.25 Tampa, FL @ The Orpheum
11.26 Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Revolution Live
11.28 Charlotte, NC @ The Underground
11.29 Richmond, VA @ The Canal Club
11.30 Baltimore, MD @ Baltimore Soundstage
12.02 Brooklyn, NY @ Warsaw
12.03 Worcester, MA @ The Palladium
12.05 Montreal, QC @ Club Soda
12.06 Toronto, ON @ Concert Hall
12.07 Detroit, MI @ Saint Andrew's Hall
12.09 Chicago, IL @ House of Blues
12.10 Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
12.12 Denver, CO @ Summit
12.13 Salt Lake City, UT @ Urban Lounge
12.15 Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater
12.16 Seattle, WA @ The Showbox
12.18 Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades
12.19 San Diego, CA @ Observatory North Park
12.20 Los Angeles, CA @ The Belasco

About TRIBAL GAZE:

Arising from the scorched earth of Texas, Tribal Gaze return with “Inveighing Brilliance”, a death metal monolith shaped by ancient violence and unforgiving truth. Recently signed to Nuclear Blast Records, the band conjures visions of primal wrath and nihilistic clarity—a sound rooted in the rawness of old-school death metal but sharpened with modern intent. From their name, inspired by unseen forces watching from deep forests, to the crushing weight of their riffs, Tribal Gaze channels something ancient, unknown, and violently present.

“Inveighing Brilliance” is a meditation on the illusion of beauty in nature and existence, and how it pertains to both Mother Nature, and our wretched, human society. Even in moments of light, brutality lurks—eggs are stolen from nests, flesh is torn for survival. This album dissects this duality, revealing the suffering embedded in every living moment. With digital artwork by Dom Pabon (Final Resting Place) that evokes sci-fi decay and meditations of ancient ruin, the album looks and sounds like a lost realm where reality fractures under the pressure of its own contradictions.

Tracks like “Beyond Recognition” and “To the Spoils of Faith” expand on these apocalyptic themes. The former imagines an outside force annihilating humanity in judgment of its arrogance, built on some of the band’s most punishing riffs to date—swinging between chaos, groove, and sheer obliteration. The latter churns with mechanized fury and contempt for blind belief, echoing Meshuggah-like timing with lyrics that drag faith to its own ironic hell. Across the record, Tribal Gaze capture the violence of thought and sound in equal measure—uncompromising and vividly self-aware.

Their ascent to Nuclear Blast was anything but formulaic. After leveling stages on tour with Frozen Soul, the band caught the attention of legendary A&R Monte Conner, who waited outside a venue in New York just to share his admiration. That moment solidified a new chapter for Tribal Gaze—a label that values creative freedom and pushes bands to expand without dilution. With “Inveighing Brilliance”, they’ve done just that: stripped away illusion, stared into the abyss, and made it echo.

Follow TRIBAL GAZE:

Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

Acres to Extend New Album "The Host" With More Material + Band Shares "Push Me Away" Video

UK band ACRES will release the continuation of The Host on September 26 via Solid State Records. Pre-order it here. 

What, exactly, is the continuation of the band's critically acclaimed album, which arrived earlier this year? We're glad you asked.

It's even more Acres music, which is always a good thing.

The expanded edition is a continuation and completion of the original, adding three new tracks.

The band shares the video for one of those new songs — "Push Me Away" (Feat. Landon Tewers).

Watch it below.

"'Push Me Away' is almost like a confession of self-doubt, a reflection on feeling like you're the weight holding someone back, and believing they'd be better off without you," the band says. "When we wrote this in the studio, we instantly knew this was the song we wanted to have a feature on and we honestly couldn't think of anyone better than Landon. We're so grateful he wanted to be part of this!"

Acres are touring with Like Moths to Flames this fall. All dates are below.

Audiences initially fell under Acres' spell in 2019 when they unveiled the fan favorite Lonely World. After grinding on the road, they made significant strides with 2023's Burning Throne. "My Everything" reeled in 2.6 million Spotify streams followed by "Hold On" with another 2 million Spotify streams. Kerrang! applauded how, "Acres display their potential with some big choruses to match," and When The Horn Blows hailed Burning Throne as "a classic metalcore album filled with swinging hooks, rough riffs, popping electronic elements and lovely vocals that turn into monster screams."
 
During October 2024, the band hopped the pond to record what would become The Host with none other than The Plot In You frontman Landon Tewers behind the board as producer. The musicians stayed at his Michigan studio. Beyond enjoying the onset of Halloween in America, they expanded their sonic palette by incorporating elements such as drop-tunings and leaning on the producer's perspective, acumen, and wisdom. The album was lauded by Kerrang! Rock Sound, HM, Idobi, New Noise, and more.

PHOTO CREDIT: Ray Duker

ACRES ARE:
Ben Lumber  // Alex Freeman // Ash Scott // Jack Rogers 

ACRES ON TOUR:
WITH LIKE MOTHS TO FLAMES:
10/24 — Cincinnati, OH — Bogarts
10/25 — Lakewood, OH — The Roxy
10/26 — Chicago, IL — The Bottom Lounge
10/28 — Milwaukee, WI — The Rave
10/29 — Minneapolis, MN — Varsity Theater
10/31 — Denver, CO — Gothic Theatre
11/01 — Salt Lake City, UT — Urban Lounge
11/03 — Seattle, WA — El Corazon
11/04 — Portland, OR — Hawthorne Theater
11/06 — Roseville, CA — Goldfield Trading Post
11/07 — Pomona, CA — Glasshouse
11/09 — Tucson, AZ — 191 Toole
11/11 — San Antonio, TX — The Rock Box
11/12 — Dallas, TX — Trees
11/13 — Houston, TX — Scout Bar
11/15 — Tampa, FL — The Orpheum
11/16 — Orlando, FL — Abbey
11/18 — Atlanta, GA — The Masquerade (Hell)
11/19 — Charlotte, NC — The Underground
11/21 — Philadelphia, PA — Brooklyn Bowl
11/22 — Baltimore, MD — The Recher
11/23 — New York, NY — Gramercy Theatre
11/25 — Boston, MA — Paradise Rock Club
11/26 — Montreal, QC — Fairmount Theater
11/27 — Toronto, ON — Opera House
11/29 — Pittsburgh, PA — Preserving Underground
11/30 —Detroit, MI — St. Andrews Hall

Bambie Thug Returns With New Single "REDRUM" + Signs With Spinefarm Worldwide + Universal Music Publishing Group

Cork-born alt-trailblazer Bambie Thug (they/them/fae) has released their brand-new single "REDRUM," out now via Spinefarm.

Listen to "REDRUM" here or watch below.

Fresh off a massive European arena tour with Babymetal and Poppy, and a sensational debut performance at Glastonbury earlier this year, Bambie Thug returns with a defiant new anthem "REDRUM." Produced by Shaun Lopez (††† & Deftones), "REDRUM" fuses sinister guitar riffs and crashing drums with Bambie's signature screams and politically charged lyrics into a powerful rebel cry. Lyrically locked in on the state of the world, the track is a fearless statement of who Bambie Thug is — an unwavering voice for the queer community and other marginalized groups — and an artist that refuses to be silenced.

On the new single, Bambie Thug said, "'REDRUM' nearly wasn't a thing, because Shaun wasn't going to show me the beat! But when he played it I immediately knew it needed to be mine! I took the instrumental back to my hotel on Sunset Blvd. and spent the night watching news, old protests, and screaming ideas into my headphone mic, probably disturbing the other guests. The next day, Shaun brought Scott Chesak in with us to add the middle section, which I think sounds like armed police banging on their shields. I was using the same old karaoke mic the Beastie Boys used on 'Sabotage' for the vocals! Working with Shaun is amazing, we just get on so well and he's crazy talented. I loved our time together and I’m excited to continue collaborating with him. 

"'REDRUM' is a masterclass, sonically and lyrically. Seeing the reaction it's had live just emphasizes to me how important the song is. It's political, it'a anti-war, it's a 'rebel cry' for the LGBTQIA community and for everyone who is fed up with living in this disconnected world. All I can offer to these turbulent times is my art and hope it wakes people up."

"REDRUM" marks Bambie Thug's first release under their global recording deal with Spinefarm, home to Bullet For My Valentine, Creeper, Dayseeker, and Black Veil Brides.

Talking about the signing, Jonas Nachsin, GM of Spinefarm worldwide said, "We are so excited to welcome Bambie Thug to the Spinefarm family. When we heard that a tarot card reading had resulted in the final decision to join forces with us, we realized that even the spirit world got to weigh in on our new partnership; we then collectively exclaimed 'Crown the Witch' with great exuberant celebration!! We can't wait to see what BT has in store for the world in this and in the coming years."

In addition to signing with Spinefarm, Bambie Thug has also signed with Universal Music Publishing.

UMPG's Claire Walters, A&R Creative Manager added, "We are extremely excited to be working with Bambie, they are an exceptional talent with great artistic vision, and we can’t wait to see what’s next!"

ABOUT BAMBIE THUG:
Cork-born alt disruptor Bambie Thug (they/them/fae) is smashing through gender and socio-political stereotypes to create an era-defining sound that borders on elements of pop, rock, electronic and more. Self-coining the term ‘Ouija-pop’ to describe their sound, Bambie Thug has made serious waves over the last few years with a series of genre-defying singles and a critically acclaimed EP CATHEXIS. Bambie represented Ireland at the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest with their spellbinding entry "Doomsday Blue," finishing at sixth place — the highest placement for an Irish act in 24 years. Following the contest, "Doomsday Blue" flooded the charts globally, reaching the top 40 in Ireland (#23), Lithuania (#9), Greece (#12), Finland (#40), as well as earning their first UK chart entry at #67. A strikingly visual artist, Bambie’s cinematic videos have seen them transform into a variety of otherworldly characters such as "HIM" from The Powerpuff Girls, a lethal arachnid creature and a vampire bride. No stranger to the big stage, Bambie has played festivals across the world including Glastonbury, Download and Electric Picnic to much critical acclaim. Their show-stopping performances have been described as "a genderqueer, occult-tinged, strikingly theatrical edge” (Evening Standard), and they have received ongoing global support from the likes of NME, Kerrang!, Rolling Stone UK, GAY TIMES, BBC Radio 1, Spotify, Amazon Music and more.

BAMBIE THUG PRONOUNS: THEY/THEM/FAE

The Acacia Strain Drop Video for "HOLY MOONLIGHT"

THE ACACIA STRAIN  — Vincent Bennett, vocals; Devin Shidaker, lead guitar; Griffin Landa, bass; Mike Mulholland, guitar; and Matt Guglielmo, drums — recently announced their upcoming album You Are Safe From God Here. It arrives on October 24 via Rise Records. Pre-order it here.

"This record unapologetically The Acacia Strain; take that however you want," the band declared upon announcement. "It's angry, it's sad, it's us. We made a record that made us feel uncomfortable. We hope it makes you feel the same way."

Uncomfortable isn't a bad thing. Discomfort challenges you to expand yourself and it can transform you. 

The Acacia Strain have today shared the video for new single "HOLY MOONLIGHT."

Watch it below.

For a new release from The Acacia Strain, expect an uncompromising sonic assault that further solidifies their reign as titans of extreme music. This latest offering delves deeper into the crushing territories of sludge, doom, and death metal, while retaining the raw, unbridled aggression of their hardcore punk roots.
 
Lyrically, frontman Vincent Bennett once again navigates the bleak landscapes of misanthropy, nihilism, and existential dread, delivering his venomous pronouncements with unflinching intensity. Fans can anticipate a relentless barrage of bone-shattering breakdowns, cavernous riffs, and a palpable sense of impending doom that has become synonymous with The Acacia Strain's destructive sound.
 
Following their innovative dual release of Step Into The Light and Failure Will Follow in 2023, which showcased both their traditional shorter, pulverizing tracks and their expansive, sludgier compositions, this new album promises to push the boundaries of their established ferocity while maintaining the unparalleled heaviness their dedicated fanbase craves. Prepare for an auditory experience that is as punishing as it is profound, a testament to The Acacia Strain's enduring legacy in the realm of extreme metal.

THE ACACIA STRAIN ON TOUR: 
8/15 — The Orpheum — Tampa, FL
8/16 — Altar @ The Masquerade — Atlanta, GA
8/17 — The Underground — Charlotte, NC
8/19 — Canal Club — Richmond, VA
8/20 — Baltimore Soundstage — Baltimore, MD
8/21 — Irving Plaza — New York, NY
8/22 — Theatre of Living Arts — Philadelphia, PA
8/23 — New England Sadness + Failure Fest — Worcester, MA

UK electronic whiz Max Rael shares 'Pressing Against The Glass', showcasing debut album

British electronic artist Max Rael presents 'Pressing Against The Glass', a danceable elegy for the unbelonging. Capturing the deep-seated ache of being on the outside, this is a soundtrack for those who feel eternally separated from the warmth and safety they can only observe.

Based in Hertfordshire, Max Rael is a key creative force in the UK underground through 1990s-2000s electro-goth trailblazers History Of Guns, frontrunners of the Wasp Factory / FuturePunk scene, and Decommissioned Forests. Here, he showcases his singular talents on this record, featuring unique twists on sound design and his acclaimed outsider lyrical perspectives. Musician, writer, actor, engineer and producer, Max Rael has collaborated with Fish (Marillion), Last July, Kommand + Kontrol, Freudstein and Bienheldenschafgegenstand. 

"I’ve always been taken by the image of someone being outside alone in the cold looking in through a window to warmth, comfort and safety that’s not for them. I was thinking of Heathcliff looking through the windows of Thrushcross Grange in "Wuthering Heights" or Frank Abagnale Jr in the film "Catch Me If You Can", outside in the snow at Christmas, unseen looking in through the window at his mother with her new family, happy and warm indoors and realising there is nowhere he belongs, and no one he belongs to,"  says Max Rael. 

This is the latest audio-visual offering from his debut solo album 'The Enemy Is Us', released via London imprint Liquid Len Media. Offering up a dark bouquet of minimalist synth, darkwave and spoken-word electronic pop, this album introduces Rael’s compelling ‘futuretroist’ sound: an alternative sonic universe built on a unique sound design that feels at once familiar and alien. 

Rael's powerful and thought-provoking spoken-word lyrics confronts a world in freefall—its corruption, alienation, and misery. The result seemingly effortlessly conflates a painfully personal portrait of an interior world, with an achingly universal depiction of society and the world outside. He still unearths a resilient core of hope and gallows humour that burns brightly through the darkness, offering a complex and compelling take on the human condition.

Earlier, Max Rael released the poignant shadow-streaked 'Slightly Less Than Human', a nervy electronic track with a great hooky synth melody and spoken word vocals. Partly inspired by Japanese author Osamu Dazai. Lyrically, Max Rael relays his feeling of being somehow different from the rest of the human race, while the non-album B-side 'When the Only Winning Move Is Not to Play' relates to the 1983 film "War Games" and the book 'The Games People Play' by Eric Berne.

In April, Max Rael shared his spoken-word electronic pop song 'Brighter Future', where he questions avoidant strategies of coping with life in a seemingly increasingly chaotic and unsafe world and queries how can we reverse course from an anticipated dystopian future. The B-side 'The People We Love Have Won (Persistence Is All)' is a darker beast, named after Coil's 2000 London performance at The Royal Festival Hall, which also happens to be tattooed on the inside of Rael's left wrist.

Spoken word, electronic music and loud drums feature strongly on the 12-track album, produced and mixed by Max Rael with additional mixing by Caden Clarkson and mastered by Pete Maher (U2, Nick Cave, Depeche Mode, Pixies. Nine Inch Nails).Fusing a range of electronic music styles with other genres, Max Rael is a master journeyman of existential exploration into humanity, self, society, reality, psychology, philosophy and the future.

'The Enemy Is Us' is out now, available from fine digital platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon, and Bandcamp.

CREDITS
Written by Max Rael
Max Rael - vocals, keyboards & programming
Caden Clarkson - guitars on 'My First Death'
Produced and mixed by Max Rael
Additional mixing by Caden Clarkson
Mastered by Pete Maher
Released by Liquid Len Recording Company
'Brighter Future' video by Abigail Clarkson
'Slightly Less Than Human' video by Max Rael
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR
Cover artwork & photographs by Filiz Photography 
Copyright @filizphotographyuk 2025 - must not be altered or sold without photographer's permission
UPC / EAN no. 199199781569

Keep up with Max Rael

Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Twitter | BlueSky | Apple Music | Spotify | Amazon | History of Guns website |  Press contact


Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
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From Fall to Spring Announce "Entry Wounds" Out 9/26 + Share "BLOOD"

FROM FALL TO SPRING are lead by twin vocalists Philip and Lukas Wilhelm. The German outfit forge a sound that's as unmistakable as it is uncompromising — a fusion of post-rock atmospheres, hip-hop-infused grooves, soaring hooks, and the sheer weight of metalcore's punch.

After their debut RISE racked up over 20 million Spotify streams, the band now steps into a darker, more introspective realm with their sophomore record, ENTRY WOUNDS, out September 26 via Arising Empire. Pre-order it here. 
 
Where RISE looked outward, ENTRY WOUNDS turns its gaze inward.

"Our debut record was all about our interactions with the world and different kinds of people," the band explains. "ENTRY WOUNDS, on the other hand, is an inward journey. It deals with personal struggles and self-development."

Each song on ENTRY WOUNDS is a fragment — a scar carved by memory, a flash of clarity amidst the static. Together, they weave a slow-burning narrative of letting go, reclaiming control, and finding the courage to heal. Before even announcing the album, the band dropped five singles in album order — "CAST AWAY," "CONTROL," "COME ALIVE," "TAKE THE PAIN AWAY," and "I WON'T BACK DOWN" — each capturing a distinct emotional phase of the story. Those tracks alone amassed over 5.5 million Spotify streams already, proving the resonance of FROM FALL TO SPRING’s message long before the full picture is revealed.
 
The newest single, "BLOOD," acts as a turning point — and the official start of the ENTRY WOUNDS era. It's a reminder that this is more than music; it's a coded transmission from within the system, a place where trauma collides with the digital and the personal bleeds into the synthetic.

The system is active. The cloud is open. The world is not ready.

Boston alt-rockers BURN KIT releases 'Looking Through The Window At You' single & 'Split' 7" vinyl with Turquoise -

Boston alt-rock outfit Burn Kit presents their new single 'Looking Through The Window At You', a grungewave tune that bonds together influences of alt-rock, post-punk and grunge rock.

Burn Kit is a five-piece band comprised of vocalist Valentino Valpa, guitarist Joshua Sawhill, guitarist Frank Nordaby, drummer Andrew Mattern with bass duties split between Padraic McGuire (touring) and Christopher Belmonte (studio recordings).

Formed in 2024, their music channels a hardcore energy with a sound that is both nostalgic and refreshing. They wasted no time, their first year seeing them complete five tours involving 138 shows in 38 different countries, not to mention the recording of 'Demo Tape', a handful of singles and their most recently-release - their debut 'Fallen Rose' EP.

Apart from being released digitally, 'Looking Through The Window At You' is one side of Burn Kit's new 'Split' 7", a double A-side single with Chicago band Turquoise. Each of these tracks is exclusive to this one-off limited edition black vinyl with 270 copies pressed. 

"The song 'Looking Through The Window At You' confronts the always-known locked door that exists within all human minds. The fact that no person truly fully knows one another. There are always things we are thinking, things we won’t say and appearances we keep up admist our automation of modern daily living," says Valentino Valpa.

Turquoise's contribution to this double A-side single is 'Oblivious', a driving indie-punk anthem that channels a 90s alt-rock vibe sprinkled with a Hüsker Dü influence. Effortlessly striking a balance between muscled-up hardcore indebted riffs and soothing, textured melodies, 'Oblivious' appears as the band gears up for an album release. With Burn Kit also approaching their sophomore EP, the stars aligned perfectly to offer these two one-off tracks to their growing audience.

The seed for this 7” release was planted when Turquoise played a Chicago hardcore basement show with Burn Kit vocalist Valentino’s previous project. The two stayed in touch and once Burn Kit formed, this idea could finally become reality. Recorded and mixed in March-April 2025 by Ryan Stack at The Electric Cave in Portsmouth, NH, 'Looking Through The Window At You' was engineered by Marc McElroy and mastered by Dan Coutant at Sunroom Audio in Cornwall, NY.

Burn Kit live shows are known for their intensity and unpredictability. Frontman Valentino Valpa has been known to frequently dive into the crowd, climb various structures (both inside and outside the venue) and even make his way to other buildings in the middle of a song. Whether it’s stretching a 100-foot mic cable to end up on the roof of an adjacent building while still singing, climbing the staging at a Mexican festival, or performing the song from a tree, Valpa's unpredictability has led to many to describe Burn Kit as “something you have to see live to fully experience”.

Accompanied by songs that invite both catharsis and chaos, this unique bond of energy and mutual understanding with the audience has led Burn Kit to unite a tight-knit group of friends and fans in DIY scenes across the world. Creating an experience that cannot be conveyed via the internet, they remind listeners of our true human nature and the importance of connecting with one another.

As of August 12, the 'Split' 7" can be ordered on vinyl via Bandcamp. 'Looking Through The Window At You' itself can also be found there digitally, as well as other music platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music. Burn Kit is touring the USA in September and touring Europe to the end of the year.

CREDITS
Music written by Joshua Sawhill & Valentino Valpa
Lyrics by Valentino Valpa
Valentino Valpa - Vocals
Joshua Sawhill - Guitar
Frank Nordaby - Guitar
Christopher Belmonte - Bass
Andrew Mattern - Drums
Recorded & mixed by Ryan Stack at the Electric Cave in Portsmouth, NH
Engineered by Marc McElroy
Mastered by Dan Coutant at Sunroom Audio in Cornwall, NY.
Artwork & design by Jen D’Amore.
Turquoise music by Nico LaCorcia. Lyrics by Ben Wilson
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

TOUR DATES
Sept. 12th – Salt Lake City, UT @ Aces High Saloon
Sept. 13th – Las Vegas, NV @ Dive Bar
Sept. 14th – Pomona, CA @ Glass House
Sept. 17th – San Diego, CA @ Voodoo Room at House Of Blues
Sept. 18th – Long Beach, CA @ Alex’s Bar
Sept. 19th – San Jose, CA @ The Ritz
Sept. 20th – San Francisco, CA @ DNA Lounge
Sept. 21st – Keizer, OR @ Radness Ensues **
Sept. 22nd – Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theatre
Sept. 23rd – Seattle, WA @ Funhouse at El Corazon
Sept. 24th – Medford, OR @ Rockafairy **
Sept. 25th – Fresno, CA @ Strummer’s
Sept. 26th – San Diego, CA @ The Print Shop **
Sept. 27th – Glendale, AZ @ The 44

Keep up with Burn Kit
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PARADISE LOST DELIVERS GOTH METAL MASTERPIECE 'TYRANTS SERENADE'

Legends of doom, PARADISE LOST have debuted their riveting 3rd single ‘Tyrants Serenade,’ a 4+ minute goth metal opus of epic proportions and bleak new staple in the band’s celebrated catalog. The standout track is found on their eagerly awaited album Ascension, out September 19th from Nuclear Blast Records.

Giving context to the song, vocalist Nick Holmes says:

"Observing the death of an individual, and subsequently, how the transition of seasons evokes fond memories. The God of Malevolence serves as an internal voice to dismantle those cherished memories and reintroduces the initial anguish of loss."

On one of their boldest singles to date, PARADISE LOST meld crunchy riffs and soaring guitar melodies with juxtaposing anthemic clean and harsh vocals. The memorable new track is accompanied by a stunning video directed by longtime collaborator Ash Pears (HOST, BLOODBATH, KATATONIA).

In celebration of the new album, PARADISE LOST has also announced a handful of intimate signing sessions and a record release show in Leeds, UK. Tickets are available now at https://tix.to/Ascension.

Sep 20 - Sheffield, UK @ Bear Tree (4PM BST) - Signing Session

Sep 21 - Birmingham, UK @ HMV (2PM BST) - Signing Session

Sep 22 - Leeds, UK @ Brudenell Social Club (7PM BST) - Record Release Show

Sep 24 - London, UK @ Rough Trade East (12PM BST) - Signing Session

Stream ‘Tyrants Serenade: https://paradiselost.bfan.link/tyrants-serenade

Pre-order Ascension: https://paradiselost.bfan.link/ascension

‘TYRANTS SERENADE’ MUSIC VIDEO BELOW.

PARADISE LOST’s first album in 5 years, following 2020’s critically acclaimed Obsidian, was produced by guitarist Gregor Mackintosh and mixed/mastered by Lawrence Mackrory. Ascension is a testament to the band’s longevity and relevance over their 35+ year career, encompassing their signature styles of gothic, death and doom fans have cherished along the way.

Ascension’s album cover fittingly features the painting The Court of Death (1870-1902) by renowned British artist George Frederic Watts, which hangs in the Tate Gallery in London. The painting depicts Death as an enthroned angel flanked by allegorical figures of Silence and Mystery guarding sunrise and the star of hope, while a warrior surrenders his sword and a duke his coronet, showing that worldly status offers no protection. The painting’s bleak, prophetic vision embodies Ascension’s dark, tormented soundscapes as mournful verses collide with dire, foreboding riffs.

Commenting on the record, Holmes states:

"Ascension is a cavalcade of molten misery, a vigorous sorrow filled stroll through a wicked world of glorious triumph and pitiful tragedy."  

PARADISE LOST will embark on the first leg of the “Ascension of Europe” tour this fall. Tickets are available at https://paradiselost.co.uk/tour-dates/.

About PARADISE LOST:

More than three decades into their career, and with over two million albums sold, PARADISE LOST remain the undisputed kings of metal’s dark side. Formed in Halifax in 1988, the band quickly became noted as the pioneers of gothic metal through their early groundbreaking albums like 1991’s aptly-titled Gothic, a mixture of heaviness intertwined with shadowy melody and atmosphere.  

Never a group to remain creatively static, across their career they’ve explored a myriad of avenues of dark music, from sludgy doom-death roots, to conquering the metal mainstream with the enormous, lush sounds of 1995’s Draconian Times, to more experimental, electronic leanings, leaving an influence on a trail of artists as varied as CRADLE OF FILTH, HIM, GATECREEPER and CHELSEA WOLFE.  

Now, in 2025, the Yorkshire quintet return with their staggering 17th album, Ascension, a record that sees their crown continue to gleam as it underlines just how they attained their position. Produced by guitarist Gregor Mackintosh at Black Planet studios in East Yorkshire, with drums and vocals captured at NBS and Wasteland studios in Sweden, its 10 tracks traverse the multitude of sounds in the band’s arsenal, from full-bore heavy metal to sky-high melody, all the while keeping a minor-key melancholy that remains irresistible.

Follow PARADISE LOST:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | X | Youtube | Spotify | Apple Music | Bandcamp

Blackened Death Metal act THE NOCTAMBULANT Unveil "Hell Ride - The Second Death"

Drawing from the raw bloodlines of blues, rockabilly, goth rock, and American country, Florida's THE NOCTAMBULANT throw open the doors to the void in their new single "Hell Ride - The Second Death". Following their 2021 release “Hellrazor” and European tour with HATE and VADER, THE NOCTAMBULANT return having solidified their distinctive approach.

Smoke and fire choke the air as an unnamed preacher leads his flock—not to redemption, but into the jaws of the abyss. In "Hell Ride - The Second Death" Hammond organs shriek like wounded spirits, sermons curdle into threats, and guitars hammer the final nails into coffins of false hope. Here, salvation is a lie and belief is a death sentence.

Watch the video Below.

About THE NOCTAMBULANT:
In 2013, THE NOCTAMBULANT formed in Jacksonville, Florida, with a mission to spread the culture of Southern Appalachia through their unique interpretation of black metal. Merging the genre’s primal aggression with the crushing weight of blackened death metal and the haunting atmospherics of Southern Gothic, they sought to honor the myths, spirits, and eerie folklore of the region.

Founded by E. Helvete (Guitars, Vocals) and D. Franseth (Drums) following the breakup of their psychobilly band, THE NOCTAMBULANT emerged as they delved into the darker realms of black metal. With the addition of Lars Goerschafft (Bass) and, later, Rev Beaumont (Guitar), the band fully embraced a sound that merges relentless intensity with ghostly Appalachian storytelling, crafting an auditory spell of sorrow, brutality, and mysticism.

Their music weaves a sonic tapestry of feral blackened riffs, ominous melodies, and immersive soundscapes steeped in spectral Appalachian lore. Drawing inspiration from metal legends such as VENOM, CELTIC FROST, BATHORY, and DARK FUNERAL, THE NOCTAMBULANT channels both ferocity and haunting atmosphere, merging the unrelenting force of extreme metal with the ghostly echoes of ancient myths and the desolation of the Southern Gothic landscape. Their next album is set to emerge in 2026.

THE NOCTAMBULANT is:
E. Helvete - Guitars/Vocals
D. Franseth - Drums
Lars G - Bass
Rev. Beaumont - Lead Guitar

Links: 
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/TheNoctambulant/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenoctambulant/
TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMeEM8R9y/

CORONER Announces New Album 'Dissonance Theory,' Unleashes Music Video for First Single, "Renewal"

After more than three decades, Swiss technical thrash pioneer CORONER will be releasing a long-anticipated studio album, 'Dissonance Theory,' on October 17, 2025 via Century Media Records! Pre-orders are now live HERE.

To celebrate the forthcoming opus, the band is now unleashing the ferocious first single, "Renewal," along with a music video! The clip was directed by Dariusz Szermanowicz and can be found below.

 

Coroner’s guitarist, songwriter, and producer Tommy Vetterli comments on the new music, “I thought a lot about what Coroner should sound like today, but I pretty quickly realized that looking backwards wouldn’t serve us. Of course, over time you develop a certain signature as a musician. So even if the material is new, it might still feel like a bridge to earlier phases - simply because it’s me writing it.

"That said, we didn’t set out to continue a legacy. We just wanted to create something honest and grounded in the present. ‘Renewal’ now opens the chapter for what became the first Coroner album I’m fully satisfied with, start to finish. So we’ll let the music speak for itself - you’ll know if it speaks to you.”

'Dissonance Theory' contains ten new songs across 47 minutes, recorded by Tommy Vetterli at New Sound Studios in Switzerland and mixed/mastered by Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios in Sweden (Opeth, Kreator, Amon Amarth, etc.).

The album cover artwork was created by Stefan Thanneur.

'Dissonance Theory,' in totality, is rich in sonic detail, a stereophile’s delight. Part of that can be attributed to the expert mixing/mastering by Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios in Sweden. But the production, arrangement and soundscape details are largely the work of Vetterli and a longtime creative partner at his own New Sound studio. Vetterli notes, “At some point, I felt something was missing — a kind of creative counterweight. Someone to reflect things back with a fresh, critical ear. That’s when I brought in a longtime collaborator I’ve worked with for years at my studio. He helped push things into new territory and gave me the clarity and momentum Dissonance Theory needed to move forward. We made a point throughout the production to record as many authentic, organic sounds as possible. The studio was packed with tube amps, analog synths, and vintage instruments — including a harmonium and a grand piano — and we put them all to good use. We've worked together on many other productions, so the trust was already there. We get into that whole collaboration — and how it evolved — more deeply in the CD mediabook edition.” 

Coroner are offering a work that proves they know themselves and what their band should sound like. No Coroner fan could possibly be disappointed in Dissonance Theory. It’s like a massive bonus from a band we all thought had spent their creative energies decades ago. “They don’t make albums like this anymore”. Ever heard that one? Coroner proves they were not only always in metal’s top tier, but that anything less than a ferocious return such as this would never have been the Coroner way. 

Lineup:

Ron Royce - Bass/vocals

Tommy T. Baron - Guitars

Diego Rappachietti - Drums

Recording: Tommy Vetterli at New Sound Studios in Switzerland

Mixing + Mastering: Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios in Sweden