Chase Rice Featured in Original 'Hook & Barrel' Video Series: "The Chase"

One of Country music’s few Diamond-certified songwriters, Chase Rice, is profiled in a brand-new Hook & Barrel original video series titled “The Chase,” out now. The captivating feature from the outdoor lifestyle publication offers an intimate look into Rice’s life and passions away from the stage as he reflects on his artistry and musical journey. Watch Below.
 
Armed with a rifle and guitar, Rice sets out on an epic elk hunt in the rugged high desert of Utah, where he finds a much-needed respite from touring life and a deep connection to nature. This short film, the first of its kind from Hook & Barrel, takes place in the breathtaking Utah mountains and follows Rice as, together with editor-in-chief John Radzwilla, he scouts and chases the perfect bull before celebrating the day’s success with a fireside acoustic set of songs from his latest album, Go Down Singin’, plus a preview of unreleased new music. 
 
The feature highlights Rice’s passion for storytelling as he opens up through candid conversations about his career evolution and personal growth, giving viewers a rare glimpse into the man behind the music – including his decision to leave a major label deal to release Go Down Singin’ independently, a bold move that has redefined his career. The album has been heralded by fans and critics alike as an authentic statement of his artistic evolution.  As Billboard declares, “his new music leans toward rootsier, raw-rock driven sounds, trading party anthems for introspective lyrical themes,” while “his voice conveys a crackling warmth of self-reflection and an easy-going comfortableness with his new sound.” Rolling Stone highlights the album as “an excellent collection of poignant, often anthemic country,” noting that it finds Rice “trying to do what creative people are supposed to: grow and change,” while Cowboys & Indians proclaims that “maturity and clarity are the reality on Chase Rice’s new album…one of 2024’s most well-received country albums of the year.”
 
With new music already in the works as anticipation builds for the next chapter in Rice’s career, fans can also see him live on the upcoming Go Down Singin’ International Tour, kicking off in March and visiting cities across the United States, Canada and Australia, with Rice also appearing on several major festival lineups throughout the year.
 
For more information on all things Chase Rice, visit ChaseRice.com and follow on Facebook, Twitter and TikTok @ChaseRiceMusic and on Instagram @ChaseRice.

About Chase Rice
With more than 2.6 million albums sold and over 2.8 billion total streams, plus a legion of passionate fans at his high-energy concerts across the globe, Chase Rice has established himself as a powerful force in Nashville and beyond. With independent album Go Down Singin’ available everywhere now as the follow-up to the critically acclaimed I Hate Cowboys & All Dogs Go To Hell, and both brought together on brand new offering Fireside Sessions, Rice’s sound continues to evolve to reflect the realities of his life; from emotional reckoning to an admiration of the American West. The new music serves as a follow up to his three-part project, The Album, which featured his latest Platinum-certified No. 1 hit, “Drinkin’ Beer. Talkin’ God. Amen.” and the Platinum-certified Top 10 hit “Lonely If You Are.”
 
This is the same gravelly-voiced Chase Rice fans first fell in love with years ago – but better, freer; unbeholden and uninhibited. The new music builds upon the success of his sophomore album, Lambs & Lions, which featured the 3x Platinum, two-week chart topper “Eyes On You” – Rice’s first No. 1 as an artist and the most-streamed song of his career. Lambs & Lions followed Platinum-certified Ignite the Night, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums and No. 3 on the all-genre chart, producing a pair of Top 5 hits; Platinum-certified “Gonna Wanna Tonight” and Double Platinum “Ready Set Roll.” In addition to guesting on sold-out stadium shows with Kenny Chesney and Garth Brooks, Rice served as direct support on Dierks Bentley’s 2024 Gravel & Gold Tour and consistently sells out venues on his own headlining tours across the U.S. and beyond, with the Go Down Singin’ International Tour set to kick off in early 2025.

Morgan Wallen Sets 2025 Tour, Reveals Title of 4th Studio Album

On the heels of One Night At A Time becoming the highest-selling country tour in history – receiving two 36th Annual Pollstar Awards nominations for Major Tour of the Year and Country Tour of the Year, playing to over 3 million fans across 87 shows in 10 countries – Morgan Wallen is rewriting his setlist as he unveils the title of his 4th studio album: I’m The Problem. The highly-anticipated project sparks the coinciding 10 city, 19-stadium-dates 2025 I’m The Problem Tour, produced by Live Nation.
 
A rotating lineup of guests including Brooks & Dunn, Miranda Lambert, Thomas Rhett and Koe Wetzel join in direct support with Gavin Adcock, Corey Kent, Ella Langley and Anne Wilson as first-of-three across select dates. 
 
“We made so many lifelong memories on the One Night at A Time World Tour, and I cannot begin to express how grateful I am for my fans and the way they showed up each night,” reflects Wallen. “As I’ve been working on new music, it has inspired me to get back on the road and share these new songs with each of you on the I’m The Problem Tour. See y’all there.”
 
Fans can sign up for the Artist Presale HERE now until Tuesday, January 28 at 10pm PST. The Artist Presale will begin Thursday, January 30. Presale start times vary by market, check your local listings for more information. The general on-sale will begin Friday, January 31 at 10 a.m. local time at MorganWallen.com.
 
The title track is available Friday, January 31 on all streaming platforms, and was written by Wallen, Ernest Keith Smith, Ryan Vojtesak, Grady Block and Jamie McLaughlin, and produced by Joey Moi and Charlie Handsome. Pre-save HERE.
 
Kicking off June 20 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, Wallen’s 19-show run will include stops in Seattle, Washington; Foxborough, Massachusetts; Toronto, Ontario and more. Coupled with his much buzzed about inaugural Sand In My Boots Festival taking place in Gulf Shores, Alabama May 16-18, these 20 shows are the only place to see the superstar in 2025. 
 
A portion of every ticket sold benefits the Morgan Wallen Foundation (MWF) which supports programs for youth with a focus on sports and music. During the span of One Night At A Time, MWF partnered with Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation to donate $500,000 worth of musical instruments to schools in need across 14 U.S. 2024 stadium touring cities. For more information, please visit www.morganwallenfoundation.org.
 
I’m The Problem comes as Wallen’s preceding projects, Dangerous: The Double Album and One Thing At A Time, landed No. 1 and No. 6 on Billboard’s Top 200 Albums of the 21st Century, respectively, following their blockbuster success. His third studio album, One Thing At A Time, sat atop the Billboard 200 Albums chart for 19 non-consecutive weeks – the most at No. 1 by a Country album – and yielded seven No. 1 singles at Country radio.
 
“I’m The Problem” follows Wallen’s latest, “Smile,” which reached No. 4 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart and was lauded by Good Morning America as “a moody heartbreak number.” Previous release “Lies Lies Lies” became Wallen’s 16th No. 1 at Country radio, while “Love Somebody” became Wallen’s first solo song to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. “Love Somebody” debuted on 11 charts globally upon release and led Wallen to become the first artist to have three singles each sit atop the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot Country Songs charts simultaneously.
 
In addition to headlining I’m The Problem in 2025, Wallen will also host his inaugural Sand In My Boots Festival on the beaches of Gulf Shores, AL in May. The festival, which sold out in less than two hours of on-sale, will feature headlining sets by Wallen, Post Malone, Brooks & Dunn and HARDY across three days and three nights, with additional guests including Riley Green, Bailey Zimmerman, T-Pain, Diplo, Wiz Khalifa, The War on Drugs, 2 Chainz, Chase Rice, Three 6 Mafia, 3 Doors Down, Ella Langley, ERNEST, Morgan Wade, Moneybagg Yo and more. For full details, visit sandinmybootsfest.com.

About Morgan Wallen
Dubbed Country’s “dominant superstar” by Stereogum with more than 3.1 million fans attending his One Night At A Time World Tour, the genre’s highest-selling tour ever, two-time 2025 GRAMMY nominee Morgan Wallen is entering 2025 with a refreshed setlist at hand, releasing new music, and preparing to headline his I'm The Problem Tour beginning June 20 in Houston, Texas. Before the tour kicks off, Wallen’s all-genre Sand In My Boots Music Festival, which sold out in less than 2 hours, hits Gulf Shores, Alabama in May.
 
With both Dangerous: The Double Album and One Thing At A Time checking in at No. 1 and 6 on Billboard’s Top 200 Albums of the 21st Century, respectively, Wallen’s reign atop the charts has landed him 19 Billboard Music Awards to-date in just four years. The instant success of One Thing At A Time left The New York Times proclaiming Wallen as “one of the biggest stars in pop, period.” Recent release “Love Somebody” debuted at No. 1 globally across five countries and 11 charts, leading Wallen to become the first artist to have three singles sit atop the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot Country Songs charts simultaneously.
 
Wallen donates a portion from every ticket sold to his Morgan Wallen Foundation. More at MorganWallen.com.

JOHN MORGAN’S DEBUT ALBUM, CAROLINA BLUE, AVAILABLE APRIL 25

Prolific #1 hit songwriter John Morgan’s highly anticipated debut album, Carolina Blue, will release Friday, April 25, as his debut radio single “Friends Like That (feat. Jason Aldean)” soars toward Top 10. Pre-order/pre-save/pre-add HERE and listen now to “Crickets.” 

“With Carolina Blue, I hope there’s relatability in the songs we chose and that the lyrics within them strike a chord,” John shares of his excitement of the debut. “I’m a dad and married and in a different stage of life than I was when I first moved from North Carolina to Nashville. I don’t try to be anything I’m not. I’ve never been good at that and know folks can snuff that out pretty quick. I hope these songs give people a message that there’s value in whatever they are doing. Most of the people that hear this are working the blue collar jobs I’d be doing if this wasn’t working, and I want them to hear their stories and feel their worth in this album.”

Having “already established his bonafides in the songwriting realm” (Billboard), being lauded as an “accomplished songwriter” by People and “Music City Songwriting Star” by the Tennessean, the boldly gritty North Carolina native will deliver a tantalizing robust 12-track debut. A brilliantly curated collection of songs, the authentically humble and tenaciously driven powerhouse artist - who has “stadium-ready written all over him” (All Country News) - not only co-wrote every track on the project but also co-produced it alongside Brent Anderson. 

Exploring the complex layers of relationships a man can have with women throughout his life - whether he’s yearning for momma’s cooking and a Smoky Mountain porch or going on-and-on about the one who caught his eye - the record includes the previously released “I Know Better,” the blue-collar, 18-wheeler anthem “Long Ride Home,” and today’s jaunty new track "Crickets” that boasts a tempo-ready groove proving that sometimes Mother Nature is the only soundtrack needed. 

Heading out with Chase Matthew along with making his 2025 Stagecoach Festival debut, the tactful artist that Saving Country Music advised to “keep on your radar” just dropped the official music video for his rowdy party starter “Friends Like That.” Featuring Jason Aldean, the skillfully clever song is currently surging into the Top 10 at country radio and has received critical acclaim from Billboard, MusicRow, Tennessean and more.

About John Morgan: 

With a style that’s defined by melodic grit and a craftsman’s approach to songwriting, John Morgan brings a blue-collar toughness to country that’s pulled straight from the only life he knows. Hailing from a tiny town called Sylva, deep in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina, John grew up immersed in bluegrass tradition and even toured the festival circuit each summer in a family band, before diving into songwriting, inspired by six-string legends from Tony Rice to John Mayer. Now, “a Music City songwriting star” (Tennessean), he has earned cuts with Jon Pardi, Dustin Lynch, Thomas Rhett and an outstanding 16 for Jason Aldean, including the superstar’s #1 songs - “Trouble With A Heartbreak” and the GRAMMY® nominated, ACM Single of the Year “If I Didn’t Love You” with Carrie Underwood, along with Aldean’s latest single at country radio “Whiskey Drink” currently climbing the charts. Praised by People as an “accomplished songwriter,” Aldean signed the sought-after, powerhouse artist “with guitar skills that will knock your cowboy boots off" (Nash News) to Night Train Records, his imprint with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. Having made his Grand Ole Opry debut and logging hours on the road opening for Aldean, ERNEST, Riley Green, Nate Smith and Jameson Rodgers, his party starter smash "Friends Like That" - featuring Jason Aldean - is currently surging into the Top 10 at country radio. With the Tennessean praising the “live concert favorite whose banjo and steel underpinnings still allow room for a hard-rocking core,” John's breakout radio single has Billboard applauding, “Broken hearts aren’t typically pleasurable, although the breezy melody and pulsing guitars on ‘Friends Like That’ make loneliness sound attractive.” Giving fans a taste of new music with the jaunty “Crickets,” confident “I Know Better” and heartrendingly smooth “Long Ride Home,” John Morgan’s highly anticipated debut album, Carolina Blue, drops April 25. 

KEEP UP WITH JOHN MORGAN
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Koe Wetzel Graces POLLSTAR Cover, Celebrating His Rise as a Modern-Day Rebel

Koe Wetzel, the chart-topping renegade whose electrifying blend of Red Dirt country, grunge rock and outlaw spirit has earned him a loyal following across the globe, kicks off 2025 as this week’s POLLSTAR cover artist. Highlighting Wetzel’s meteoric rise and his unparalleled connection with fans, the profile explores how the Texas-born artist has reshaped the boundaries of country music with his unapologetic authenticity and relentless touring schedule.
 
From headlining sold-out shows at iconic venues like Red Rocks and throughout Europe to making history with his latest album 9 Lives and five-week No. 1 lead single “High Road (feat. Jessie Murph),” Wetzel has proven that his unique “hillbilly punk rock” sound resonates far beyond the genre’s traditional limits.
 
“This tour, we had a lot of new fans who weren’t used to how hard we go. I could see it on their faces,” Wetzel shares in the cover story celebrating the “under-the-radar superstar.” “People leave going, ‘That was a lot.’ But they love everything about it.”
 
“Koe doesn’t hold back onstage,” added manager Jeb Hurt. “He says outlandish things. He cusses. He tells wild stories. Fans respect that and have come to expect it from him. They look forward to Koe’s shows, because it’s an opportunity to be yourself and not worry about who’s watching or listening.”
 
AEG’s Adam Weisser echoed Wetzel’s fan-first mentality, recounting a time when his drummer missed a flight to a show – something that would push most artists to postpone or cancel. “Koe had the best idea,” he shared with POLLSTAR. “He said ‘Refreshments are on me. Go get beers. Go get whatever. I’m buying the concessions. I’m coming back in 15 minutes, and I’m gonna play.”
 
“Koe didn’t build it from TikTok or one radio hit,” noted Chicago-based promoter Ed Warm, who has booked him multiple times on progressively larger stages, from Joe’s on Weed St. and Joe’s Rosemont to now headlining the 2025 Windy City Smokeout. “It was one fan at a time, one city at a time, but everywhere he played, they came back with three or four friends. That first time he played (for us), I was energized. I thought, ‘This is different. This isn’t your dad’s Red Dirt music, it’s a seismic shift in how the music’s going. But it fits how raw and real and genuine Red Dirt is.’” 
 
His music has resonated overseas, too, with BBC Radio 2’s “Country Show” producer Mark Hagen adding, “What Koe does very well is not be any one thing – not a straight up country player, not a Southern rocker, not a metalhead, but a bit of all those at once. Historically, that really appeals to the UK audience accustomed to the idea that genre is not as important as the quality of your songs… We have a fondness for acts who have a distinct character to them. Koe certainly has that. You can’t mistake him for anyone else.”
 
Following the landmark success of 2024, Wetzel is already gearing up for another high-throttle year on the road, with upcoming headlining shows at the San Antonio Rodeo, Windy City Smokeout, Tailgate N’ Tallboys and more, plus prominent sets at Stagecoach and CMC Rocks (Australia) and more exciting tour news coming soon.
 
For more information, visit KoeWetzelMusic.com and follow on Instagram and Facebook @KoeWetzelMusic, TikTok @Koe_Wetzel and Twitter/X @KoeWetzel. 

About Koe Wetzel
Koe Wetzel never met a genre wall he couldn’t tear down. The Texas singer-songwriter has earned a rabid audience for his songs that mix country, rock, hip-hop, and even Nineties grunge. With his defining fifth studio album, 9 Lives, released in 2025 via Columbia Records, Wetzel earned recognition on several major year-end best-of lists, including Rolling Stone, Billboard, the Tennessean and more, with the Los Angeles Times naming lead single “High Road” (feat. Jessie Murph) as the No. 8 best song of 2024 across all genres. The single not only marked Wetzel’s debut at Country radio, it also held the No. 1 spot for five weeks and became his fastest song to reach the RIAA Platinum milestone to date. Previously, his 2016 album Noise Complaint endeared him to fans with its no-holds-barred lyrics about drunken nights, broken hearts and stints in jail, and included the Gold-certified hits “Love” (feat. Parker McCollum), “Something to Talk About” plus the infamous “February 28, 2016.” Wetzel’s 2020 major label debut, Sellout, only furthered his legend with the Platinum-certified “Drunk Driving” and “Good Die Young” plus the Gold-certified “Kuntry & Wistern.” The 2022 follow-up, Hell Paso, hit No. 3 on Billboard’s Country Albums and spawned hits on both the country and rock charts, including the Gold-certified “Creeps” and “Cabo.” To date, Wetzel has amassed 3.7 billion total streams and has created a genuine experience with his live concerts, which he describes as “total chaos.” In 2023 alone, he sold more than 275,000 tickets, appearing for a third time on POLLSTAR’s Top Worldwide Tours. Wetzel again performed for well over 200,000 fans across the U.S. in Europe in 2024, with over 96% of all headline tickets sold, in addition to playing prominent festival sets and opening for Morgan Wallen on the superstar’s One Night at a Time Stadium Tour.

KVRMA Unleash their Self Titled Debut EP along with Fiery NEW Track "Pendulum"

Get ready for a masterful musical journey as the ground breaking band KVRMA unleashes their highly anticipated debut EP, "=" out now!

In "=" KVRMA blends various rock and metal influences along with cutting edge symphonics and melodic vocals, creating a futuristic sound that showcases KVRMA full talents. Each track delivers a potent dose of adrenaline, offering a perfect mix of guitars, anthemic choruses and ambiance, and the type of attitude that defines KVRMA at its finest.

ABOUT PENDULUM

"Pendulum" is about the inescapable journey into the future, as seen through the horrified eye of someone who wants nothing more than to hold onto the past; A panicked soul watching helplessly as their identity and sense of self is swept away by the unstoppable forward current of time...

"Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player / That struts and frets his hour upon the stage / And then is heard no more." 

- William Shakespeare (Macbeth)

ABOUT KVRMA

KVRMA is a high energy rock and metal band hailing from Central Pennsylvania. The band consists of musicians with years of experience. Secretly beginning in August of 2023, the band quickly began writing music and recording at Atrium Audio with Carson Slovak and Grant McFarland. The band released their first single “SILENCE” in April of 2024 and subsequently announced the forming of the band to the public.

KVRMA is honored to be nominated for Best New Band and Best Hard Rock band at this year's Central Pennsylvania Music Hall of Fame

In under a year of being an official band, KVRMAhave recorded and released an entire EP, they have done three music videos acquiring thousands of views, and are looking to get more under their belt. Their debut performance was opening for New Years Day. This is only the beginning.

KVRMA IS:

Jackson Gurecki | Vocals

Michael Nelson | Vocals/Guitar

AJ Lopez | Guitar

Tyler Travis | Bass

Dane Lowell | Drums

Kyle Wilkinson | former drummer special shout out 

Alexander Cardinale Spreads Hope & Unity Through Timeless Anthem “Peace Train”

In late 2019, singer-songwriter Alexander Cardinale and his wife Daphna welcomed their second daughter into the world. At exactly that time, his single “Simple Things” featuring Christina Perri started charting at radio, Cardinale’s family was hit with an unimaginable revelation: A few months after their new baby girl’s birth, the family discovered a life-altering IVF mix-up: the baby wasn’t biologically either of theirs. Their embryo had been accidentally switched, and another had been transferred into Daphna. This meant their birth daughter belonged genetically to another family, and as fate had it, the Cardinale’s biological daughter had been born to their birth daughter’s genetic parents. 

Faced with the impossible, both families naturally found themselves blending together, ensuring the two babies would stay in everyone’s lives and could grow up together as sisters. The experience shifted Cardinale’s entire focus. He stepped away from his rising music career, redirecting all his energy into his family and their healing journey.

Now, years later and in a period of reflection, Cardinale returns to music with renewed purpose. His latest release, a modernized cover of Cat Stevens’ timeless anthem “Peace Train,” is a heartfelt expression of his truth. The single channels his hopes for unity, healing, and resilience—not only for his family but for listeners everywhere.

I reflect on what got me through the darkest period of my life: choosing love,” Cardinale shares. “When faced with an unimaginable situation that could have quickly taken us down, my wife and I made a conscious decision—to embrace love instead of fear, to lean into unity rather than division. It wasn’t an easy choice; the pain, confusion, and uncertainty could have completely overwhelmed us. But in the midst of it all, we found strength in coming together—not just with each other, but with another family who was experiencing the same profoundly unique upheaval.”

He continues “Through that choice—through the power of togetherness—we discovered that love is not just a feeling but an active, courageous commitment. It required us to let go of resentment, extend empathy beyond our own pain, and recognize that healing is a shared journey. Love, not fear, became our guiding force, and in choosing it, we found a sense of peace that transcended the chaos of our circumstances. This lesson directly inspired me to release this song. Through love and unity, we were able to rewrite our story—not as one of loss but of resilience and newfound family. This isn’t just a cover song to me - it’s an ideological mantra.”  

The video for “Peace Train” was directed by Zac Poor and was filmed in a dark, rundown loft just south of downtown Los Angeles. Xander says “Despite the stark and gritty environment, the video’s message is clear: unity and togetherness can transcend differences. It aims to highlight the idea that, regardless of one’s political, cultural, religious, or economic background, there is a shared human connection that binds us all. Through its raw and intimate visuals, the video encourages viewers to look beyond ideological divides and embrace a common sense of humanity and belonging.”

With “Peace Train,” Alexander Cardinale invites fans, old and new, to ride along on a journey of healing, hope, and unity.

About Alexander Cardinale:

Emerging in 2009 with the EP Sick of Dreaming, Cardinale spent nearly a decade honing his skills and building a fan base before diving into the mainstream with the Warner Bros. Records - issued 2016 single "Made for You."  Tenacious and prolific, he spent the early part of his career touring alongside artists like Pentatonix and Melissa Etheridge and landing songs in popular television shows like One Tree Hill, Castle, and Ghost Whisperer. 

He went widescreen in 2016 after the release of the driving folk-pop hit "Made for You,” which was selected to be the global anthem for the Coca-Cola ad campaign “Share a Coke and a Song.” The song garnered billions of impressions worldwide and was featured on 250 million bottles of Coke. 

Subsequently, Cardinale inked a deal with Atlantic Records and teamed up with Christina Perri in 2019 to issue the duet "Simple Things,” which ultimately reached Top 10 at Pop and AC radio. 

Smile Empty Soul Release New Single "Violence" via TLG|ZOID ​

Alt-rock veterans Smile Empty Soul have unveiled the fifth single, "Violence" from their upcoming EP, Swan Song, which is scheduled for release digitally on  2/28/25 and on vinyl/CD 4/11/25 through TLG|ZOID distributed by Virgin Music Group. The band’s previous four singles have been met with an overwhelmingly positive response, building excitement for the upcoming release.

"'Violence' is a song about the many toxic relationships that occur in our society. They seem to be everywhere, be it in the home, the streets, or even the relationship between the people and the government. It’s inescapable," says Sean Danielsen.

The song was written and produced by Sean Danielsen, engineered by Brian Scheffer, mixed and mastered by Eddie Wohl.

Stream "Violence"

https://ffm.to/smileemptysoul-violence

WATCH "Violence" (official lyric video):below

SMILE EMPTY SOUL is a hard rock band that originated in Los Angeles, CA in the late 1990’s and has stayed true to their brand of “no bullshit”, “real as it gets” hard rock to this day. The band signed a major label record deal in 2003 to release their self-titled debut album in May of that year. They realized huge success at alternative radio, rock radio, and the music video channels that have since fallen by the wayside or turned into reality show networks.

After 3 very successful singles/videos and a gold record from the debut release, the band ran into trouble with their record company (which was in the midst of turmoil at the top levels) and found themselves working extra hard in the trenches, and signed to indie labels or no label at all from then on.

This would become SMILE EMPTY SOUL’s destiny, as they have gone on to release many more albums and EP’s on various labels, as well as their own company “smile empty music inc”. The band released their 9th full length record Black Pilled on October 12th of 2021 completely on their own.

“Smile” has become known for its constant touring and never wavering honest sound/lyrics. They’ve never changed for anybody, and turned down many opportunities to “sell out” because it’s not who they are.

With a new album, and just as much drive as they had starting out 20 years ago, this band looks to continue to build on the legacy they’ve created as one of the hardest working, and most underrated bands in rock and roll.

The band has recently partnered with TLG|ZOID distributed by Virgin Music Groupto release new music. Denny Sanders (The Label Group) and Sean Danielsenpreviously partnered on the successful release of Consciousness. Released in 2009 the record has become second only to the band's debut release in popularity.

For More Information Please Visit:

Official Website

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

BraveWords Records Announce the New Jack Starr Solo Album,"Out of the Darkness Part II" will be Released April 25, 2025

BraveWords Records is excited to announce the new Jack Starr solo album,"Out of the Darkness Part II" will be released April 25, 2025.

Jack Starr talking about the new album, “This is the album I always hoped I would make, one that would be filled with power and glory but also melodic and passionate at the same time. This is the sequel to my 1984 album Out of the Darkness, and it truly is a worthy successor that I believe will be embraced with the same affection that greeted the original. So yes, Out of the Darkness Part 2 is here, and I urge everyone to listen to it. Keep the metal burning.”

Video for "Rise Up" from the album Out of the Darkness Part II: Below

Giles Lavery - Vocals (Warlord / Alcatrazz)
Jack Starr - Lead Guitar
Eric Juris - Lead Guitar (Warlord)
Gene Cooper - Bass
Rhino - Drums (Ex Manowar)

Guests Mark Zonder - Drums (Warlord ex Fates Warning)
Jimmy Waldo - Keyboards (Alcatrazz / Warlord / New England)

Produced and mixed by Thomas Mergler
Co-Produced by Giles Lavery & Jack Starr
 
https://www.facebook.com/jackstarrofficialpage/
https://www.youtube.com/@stratluvr
https://www.instagram.com/jackstarrofficial/
https://www.bandsintown.com/a/184296

About Jack Starr:
Starr emerged on the rock and metal scene in 1981, forming, together with Joey Ayvazian, David DeFeis and Joe O’Rielly, the first incarnation of the heavy metal band Virgin Steele. The new band was selected in 1982 by Mike Varney of Shrapnel Records to appear on the label's compilation album U.S. Metal Volume 2. After only two albums, Virgin Steele of 1981 and Guardians of the Flame of 1982, Starr left Virgin Steele in 1983.
 
In 1984, Starr started his solo recording career with the album Out of the Darkness, featuring former Riot vocalist Rhett Forrester, members of The Rods and former Rainbow drummer Gary Driscoll. It was released in Europe by Music for Nations and was picked as one of the best albums of the year by the music magazines Kerrang! and Metal Forces.
 
Starr changed the name of his band to Jack Starr's Burning Starr and between 1984 and 1989 he produced albums, both solo and with the band. The music of those albums was classic American eighties heavy metal, a style between Poison and Metallica. In 1989 the band dissolved and Starr joined short-lived bands like Strider and Smoke Stack Lightning.
 
In the following years, Starr once again assembled a group of musicians for a new incarnation of Burning Starr, which performed at the Magic Circle Festival 2008 and released the album Defiance on Manowar's label Magic Circle Music in 2009. In 2011 they released Land of the Dead with Limb Music. The albums includes ex-Manowar guest musicians Ross the Boss and David Shankle. The band played at the 2013 Keep It True festival and recorded a DVD.
 
About BraveWords Records:
BraveWords Records has released albums by Paul Di'Anno's Warhorse, The Chris Slade Timeline, Rhett Forrester and Rob Robbins, Prophets of Addiction and future releases from Lillian Axe, Crimson Glory and ASKA.

There is a serious void which desperately needs to be filled, hard-working and creative bands that have yet to find a partnership and a mutual vision with a professional team. The music-fuelled minds behind BraveWords Records, Brian Adams, Giles Lavery, Tim Henderson and Michael Brandvold, have built the ultimate home for an artist that will take you where you want to be. Collectively, with nearly 100 years of music industry experience under our belts, the BraveWords Records team will take care of all the crucial aspects of your project from global distribution (digital and physical), publicity and media coverage (web, radio, visual), social media blanketing and streaming opportunities (such as Streaming For Vengeance). Where most labels have forgotten the concept of actually marketing a release sensibly, BraveWords Records will construct a viable and comprehensive marketing plan, including visibility at BraveWords.com, which attracts a million visitors monthly. BraveWords Records has all senses on high alert as the music industry continues its never-ending transitioning, so the artist will always be aware of new opportunities to build their brand and strive for world domination. BraveWords will also have a focus on licensing film and TV content, both contemporary and retrospective across many genres. As artists and labels transition to the many new mediums available today for their work, BraveWords intends to stay ahead of the curve in providing and actively seeking opportunities for our roster of clients.

With the rapid spread of the world wide web, BraveWords.com was born in 2000 and quickly became the CNN of heavy metal. With its team of global writers and photographers, the site flourished with 24/7 updated news, features, reviews, audio and video steams.

For nearly 30 years, BraveWords wears their metal heart loudly on their sleeve, as they celebrate the greatest genre of music with the most dedicated and passionate fans on the planet!
 

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THE HUNNA Officially Sign With FLG, The Newly Launched Imprint of Frontiers Label Group

FLG, the newly launched imprint of Frontiers Label Group, is excited to announce its signing of THE HUNNA, the powerhouse alternative rock trio from Watford, Hertfordshire. With over 750 million streams across their discography, sold-out tours around the globe, and a decade-long career filled with successful albums and high-profile collaborations, THE HUNNA has solidified their reputation as one of the most dynamic forces in modern rock.

Known for their explosive live performances and raw authenticity, THE HUNNA first made waves in 2015 with breakout tracks "Bonfire" and "She’s Casual". Their debut album, '100', reached #12 on the Official UK Album Chart and became a streaming sensation, amassing over 250 million streams to date. Subsequent albums, including 'Dare' (2018) and 'I’d Rather Die Than Let You In' (2020), continued to build their strong reputation, featuring collaborations with icons such as Travis Barker (Blink-182) and Pete Wentz (Fall Out Boy).

THE HUNNA shared their excitement about joining FLG:

“After navigating many ups and downs with representation in our career and carefully evaluating our next steps, we feel confident we’ve found the right home with FLG. Their belief in what this band has built and their shared drive to take it even further makes us incredibly excited for this next chapter.”

Leo Nicholas, Head of A&R at FLG, expressed his enthusiasm:

“We’re beyond thrilled to welcome THE HUNNA to the FLG family. Their raw energy, powerful songwriting, and deep connection with their fans align perfectly with our vision. We can’t wait to help propel their sound to even greater heights and continue to build on their incredible legacy.”

In 2024, THE HUNNA embraced independence by stepping away from traditional management and label structures. That year proved to be a career highlight, featuring a main stage debut at Download Festival, sold-out UK tours, and a standout Wembley Arenaperformance supporting Palaye Royale.

As they gear up for new music and tours in 2025, THE HUNNA’s partnership with FLG marks the beginning of an exciting new era, ensuring their signature energy and anthemic sound will continue to captivate audiences worldwide.

📸: Michael Francis

DESTRUCTION Release Second Single "A.N.G.S.T." + Official Music Video Out Now

German Thrash-Teutons DESTRUCTION strike again with their second single, "A.N.G.S.T." As one of the biggest names in thrash metal with a 40+ year career, they unleash raw paranoia, shredding guitar solos, and Schmier's intense vocals while criticizing evil forces who prey on the weaknesses of others. Tackling fear, the song urges fans to confront their inner demons and break free from mental chains.

Taken from their 16th studio album, Birth Of Malice, out March 7, 2025 via Napalm Records, "A.N.G.S.T." proves fear is no match for thrash! The single is accompanied by an incredible music video that honors the horror genre and its iconic special FX – images taken from your deepest nightmares creeping in your head to stay.

Fans all over the world worship DESTRUCTION alongside fellow German thrash icons Sodom and Kreator, celebrating their influence on generations of bands worldwide. On Birth Of Malice, scene-legend and original member Schmier once again combines his dual vocal/bass attack with crashing riffs from battle axe masters Martin Furia and Damir Eskić, while Randy Black blasts pummeling drums to new heights. As witnessed on their previous thrash-fest Diabolical (2022), DESTRUCTION return with their uniquely raw and brutal sound, delivering merciless songs with a touch more variety and groove this time. All twelve songs from the butchers hit with a direct, clean sound – resulting in addictive metal anthems for a new generation of thrashers! 

DESTRUCTION on "A.N.G.S.T.":

"Our very first German song title is one of two very different tracks on this new album. I wanted to write a groovin' live track with staccato riffs, evil bloodcurdling vocals and dark atmosphere."

Watch the Official Music Video for "A.N.G.S.T." HERE.

Pre-Order Your Copy Of Birth Of Malice NOW!

German thrash metal legends strike again – get ready for DESTRUCTION's 16th face-smashing attack!

The band's newest onslaught is opened by the brutal "Destruction," with a luring intro transforming into a true thrashing hymn with razor sharp guitars honoring the band's 40+ year legacy, where mastermind Schmier reflects on the old days. Like the title Birth Of Malice suggests, lyrically, Schmier delves deep in human errors ” like selfish behavior on "Greed" and "Evil Never Sleeps." A clear statement is made with carnage on "Scumbag Human Race," exploring the mistakes mankind makes and pushing authorities in its memorable chorus "I will count your days!." The same rebellious attitude can be witnessed on the banging "No Kings – No Masters." DESTRUCTION also shifts to futuristic topics on the album, like the unconscious influence of technology and new forms of war on "Cyber Warfare." To close this brutal tour de force on a positive note, the thrashing legends celebrate their strong allyship with metal colleagues Accept by presenting their own version of classic neck breaker "Fast As A Shark." 

All of these heavy topics are combined in the brutal cover artwork, designed by talented Hungarian artist Gyula Havancsák, known for his works for bands like Accept, Kreator and Blind Guardian. Birth Of Malice was recorded at Switzerland’s Little Creek Studio by V.O.Pulver, and guitarist Martin Furia mixed and mastered the masterpiece at The Black Mancave in Hannover, Germany. DESTRUCTION mark themselves once again as a tight metal-machine, switching between ruthless thrash and pounding melodic moments, proving they are more than ready to slaughter again on this new album, and at their upcoming shows all over the world!

DESTRUCTION IS:
Schmier — Bass, Vocals
Martin Furia — Guitars
Randy Black — Drums
Damir Eskić — Guitars

Alan Robert, Musician + Illustrator, Releasing "Beauty of Horror 7: Backwards Records"

At the crossroads of striking illustration, imaginative storytelling, and heavy music, you'll find ALAN ROBERT — bassist for Life of Agony and the mastermind behind the hit coloring book series The Beauty of Horror.

A Brooklyn native, Robert honed his artistic skills in the early '90s under the guidance of legendary Thor artist Walt Simonson at New York's School of Visual Arts. Since then, his talent has expanded to designing for legendary bands such as Black Sabbath, Pantera, Type O Negative, and Shinedown, illustrating books for iconic franchises like Beetlejuice and Universal Monsters, to crafting his own horror-inspired graphic novels and coloring books.

Now, Robert is back with his latest creation: The Beauty of Horror 7: Backwards Records, the 7th volume in his chart-topping series.

This newest release takes fans on a twisted journey through horror-themed parodies of some of the most iconic album covers in music history. Backwards Records features devilish reimaginings of LPs from world-renowned artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Alice In Chains, N.W.A., Cyndi Lauper, Blink-182, Nirvana, KISS, Beastie Boys, and more.

With over 80 pages of eerie yet hilarious designs, music enthusiasts and horror fans alike can unleash their creativity like never before.

Set to release on February 11, the coloring book is available for pre-order here.

"The Beauty of Horror 7 combines my three favorite things: art, music, and horror movies," explains Robert. "Fans have been asking me to put my spin on album covers for years, and there's never been a coloring book quite like this one. It's equally twisted and hilarious."

Drawing inspiration from the eerie mythos of spinning vinyl records backward, Backwards Records blends the playful and the macabre, making it the perfect gift for music lovers and horror aficionados. It's a chance to unwind, get creative, and revisit the moments that defined music history — with a terrifying twist.

Dubbed by Revolver Magazine as “the King of Horror Coloring Books,” Alan Robert shows no signs of slowing down. Among his 2025 projects is the highly anticipated The Beauty of Horror: Ghouliana's Sanctuary for Monsters — a one-of-a-kind storybook coloring experience, set for release in August. Pre-order it here.

In a world filled with chaos, Alan Robert’s Beauty of Horror series offers a unique escape — where creativity meets the haunting allure of horror. Whether through music or art, Robert continues to redefine his craft and captivate audiences. Keep an eye out for his next nightmarish masterpiece!

Facing Serious Demand, Kenny Chesney Adds 3 Sphere Dates

Kenny Chesney promised No Shoes Nation something very different when he began teasing his touring plans for 2025. Hailed as “The King of the Road” by Wall Street Journal, the high-impact live performer knew he was ready for another challenge, one that deepened the connection between the music, his band and the people who have come to live their lives in his songs over the last 20 stadium summers.
 
Trying to create something truly new is the greatest challenge of all. Taking the music to No Shoes Nation has always been his mandate, which is why every so many years he will go back to the amphitheaters and arenas to honor his touring history, and the idea of making people come to him is the reason he’d eschewed things like a Vegas residency.

Presented with the opportunity to take his music into Sphere, where the video wall engulfs fans with over 171 million pixels in 16K clarity – and the sound is delivered via 167,000 individual speakers that can be mixed specifically for the smallest areas, the East Tennessee songwriter/superstar knew that was an experience he wanted to give his fans. So did No Shoes Nation, whose overwhelming response has already mandated three shows being added.
 
“I know the rush we feel onstage in those football stadiums – with very little production, just this amazing band, the songs and truly, the people who come to see us,” Chesney says. “To put all of that in a building capable of what Sphere delivers? Wraparound sound, a roof, the fact it’s only 17,600 people. There was no way we weren’t going to do it.”
 
After toasting the announcement on “TODAY” with hosts Craig Melvin and Carson Daly (with Boat Captain Bens), the media went into overdrive. Rolling Stone offered, “No Shoes Nation fandom will descend upon Las Vegas in May… The shows will be a rare chance to see Chesney outside of the massive football stadiums he usually hits on tour,” while USA Today shared, “Kenny Chesney has broken many records in his 30-year career, from record-setting concert attendance to music chart milestones, and now the country superstar will add another accolade to his list when he becomes the first country artist to perform at the Las Vegas Sphere.”
 
Even before the tickets were available, registrations for presale codes went through the roof, demonstrating an overwhelming demand for what will be the smallest number of people Chesney’s played to this century. Working with the people at Sphere, three more adjacent dates were located. Tickets to all 15 dates go on sale to the general public on Friday, Jan. 31 starting at 10 a.m. PT via KennyChesney.com, with presales for the newly added shows beginning this Friday, Jan. 24 at 10 a.m PT for the June 18 show, 12 p.m. PT for the June 20 show and 2 p.m. PT for the June 21 show.

Having extended his record on Billboard’s Country Airplay Chart with “Take Her Home,” his 33rd No. 1, Chesney wants to create an experience unlike anything No Shoes Nation has ever dreamed. Some deep cuts, some surprises are being added to the line-up, which will also leave room for guests, song swaps and a whole new way to consume the songs NSN has lived, loved and watermarked their lives with.
 
“We have been shooting all new footage, learning new technology, thinking about the songs in a whole new way. I’m glad No Shoes Nation is as excited as we are. And because this is such a beyond the imagination experience, we’re all going there together for the very first time.”
 
Early access to tickets to the 12 initially announced shows is also available now via Vibee, the music-forward destination experience company serving as the official VIP Concert & Hotel Package partner for Kenny Chesney’s Live at Sphere residency, with early access to the three new shows beginning tomorrow, Jan. 23, at 9 a.m. PT. All Vibee packages offer guests a choice of premium tickets including Sandbar (general admission floor) or reserved seating, a collectable laminate and lanyard and access to an immersive fan experience curated in partnership with Kenny Chesney himself. Vibee Hotel Packages include a two-night stay at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas (The Venetian or The Palazzo) or Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. For more information, visit KennyChesney.Vibee.com.
 
Kenny Chesney Live at Sphere Las Vegas is presented by Blue Chair Bay® Rum.

Kenny Chesney Live at Sphere Las Vegas
Thursday, May 22
Saturday, May 24
Sunday, May 25
Wednesday, May 28
Friday, May 30
Saturday, May 31
Wednesday, June 4
Friday, June 6
Saturday, June 7
Wednesday, June 11
Friday, June 13
Saturday, June 14
Wednesday, June 18
Friday, June 20
Saturday, June 21

Iconic Guitarist MARTY FRIEDMAN Shares New Single "A Prayer" from Solo Album 'Drama' Out Now on Frontiers Music Srl

Today, innovative guitar visionary MARTY FRIEDMAN shares a new single, "A Prayer," from his latest solo album 'Drama.' The new track is being released as a digital single that includes a “Guitar Karaoke” version of the track as a B-Side. "A Prayer" is accompanied by a visualizer, available below.

MARTY comments on the new single:

"'A Prayer' was one of the first songs I wrote for 'DRAMA,' It is an unapologetic tearjerker, and it set the melancholy tone for the entire album. I always wanted to do a full album of wistful songs like this, but only recently have I developed the ability to put together elaborate arrangements like this that sound deceivingly simple and uplifting."

MARTY is excited to commence his "LIVE DRAMA 2025" US Tour supporting his most recent studio album 'Drama' out now on Frontiers Music. The tour begins this week on January 24th in Santa Ana and wraps up on February 22nd in Los Angeles. Tickets are available now. A full list of tour dates is below.

In addition, MARTY has a brand-new full autobiography, Dreaming Japanese, out now worldwide by Simon and Schuster. It is available at the following vendors: amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, and dreamingjapanesebook.com

Watch the Visualizer for "A Prayer" Below

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

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

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

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

Order 'Drama' HERE

Produced By: Marty Friedman 

Studios: Newsin Audio Design, Italy

Woodcliff Studios, USA

NK Sound & Sunshine Studios, Japan

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

Atsuo Akabae, Kenjiro Naka

Mixed By: Alexander Backlund and Jay Ruston

Mastered By: Koji Tanaka at Victor Creative Media, Tokyo

Guitar Technician & Sonic Guru: Franco Piona

Commenting on the upcoming tour, MARTY shared this:

"My three band members from Japan, Chargeeeeee, Wakazaemon, and Naoki have created the ultimate setting to perform music from all stages of my career. If you`ve seen us live before, you know what to expect. If not, you are in for a unique treat. You will remember my band`s performances on this 'Drama' tour for a long time. Our last two USA tours have left an unforgettable impact on them. We are all beyond excited to cross the pond and play for my home country again!"

The dynamic acoustic duo of Nikki Stringfield & Patrick Kennison will perform as special guests for these dates.

MARTY FRIEDMAN 'Live Drama 2025'

Jan 24 - Santa Ana, CA @ The Observatory

Jan 25 - Las Vegas, NV @ Count’s Vamp’d

Jan 27 - Denver, CO @ HQ Live

Jan 29 - St. Louis, MO @ Off Broadway

Jan 30 - St. Charles, IL @ Arcada Theater

Jan 31 - Westland, MI @ Token Lounge

Feb 1 - Columbus, OH @ The King of Clubs

Feb 2 - Cleveland, OH @ The Winchester

Feb 4 - New York, NY @ The Loft at City Winery

Feb 5 - Boston, MA @ City Winery

Feb 6 - Derry, NH @ Tupelo Music Hall

Feb 7 - Annapolis, MD @ Ram’s Head on Stage

Feb 8 - Pawling, NY @ Daryl’s House

Feb 10 - Philadelphia, PA @ City Winery

Feb 11 - Leesburg, VA @ Tally Ho Theater

Feb 13 - Greenville, SC @ Radio Room

Feb 14 - Nashville, TN @ The Basement

Feb 16 - Houston, TX @ Bronze Peacock at House of Blues

Feb 17 - Austin, TX @ Antone’s

Feb 18 - Dallas, TX @ Granada Theater

Feb 20 - Albuquerque, NM @ Launch Pad

Feb 21 - Phoenix, AZ @ Rhythm Room

Feb 22 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Whisky

Tickets, Exclusive Meet and Greet VIP Packages,

Stage Played Guitars, and more are available HERE

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

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

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

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

Band Members: 

Marty Friedman - Guitar

Wakazaemon - Bass

Gregg Bissonette - Drums

Mika Maruki - Piano, Keyboard & Synth

Hiyori Okuda - Cello

Miho Chigyo - Violin

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

Vocals on “2 Rebeldes”: Steven Baquero Vargas

Bass on “Mirage”: Or Lubianiker

Rhythm Guitar on “Thrill City”: Naoki Morioka

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

Drums  on “Thrill City”: Chargeeeeee

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

The Great Old Ones Premiere 'Kadath'

It's been six long years since The Great Old Ones released their last cosmic chapter of Lovecraftian lore. Finally, the French band has returned with another batch of dark tales, though now with a new twist. On Kadath, the post-black scribes climb out of Cthulhu only to descend into the dark heart of the Dreamlands. 

"Great stuff for metalheads who like their fiction the same way they like their metal - dark, heavy, and highly disturbing" Metal Trenches wrote in their 9/10 review of Kadath.

Kadath comes out tomorrow, Friday, January 24, but you can hear all seven transcendant songs today by listening to the full album stream on the Season of Mist YouTube channel.

Listen to Kadath. below.

Pre-save & Pre-order

https://orcd.co/tgookadath

On Kadath, The Great Old Ones draws the listener deeper into the dream-haunted world of Lovecraft's strapping young hero. Always one to keep his head in the clouds, Randolph Carter embarks on a mind quest through the treacherous Dreamlands. But as the divine gods of old would have it, his nocturnal journey springs to life with otherworldly perils that push him to the brink of insanity.

The two-part epic "Me, The Dreamer" opens the album like an accursed bout with insomnia, tossing and turning amidst raging riffs. Just as Carter glimpses the stoned visage of the Gods on Mount Ngranek, "In the Mouth of Madness" sucks him into the grip of the nightgaunts with unflinching blast beats. 

"Climbing the huge stone steps, seeing yellowish-red eyes, I’m running under, under the sign of Koth" vocalist Benjamin Guerry wails on "Under the Sigh of Koth" as the band tear through the very fabric that dreams are made of.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cover Art:
Jakub Rebelka

Photographer:
Daphnea Doto & Solweig Wood


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

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

Killswitch Engage Drop "I Believe" Video

Three-time Grammy-nominated hard rock heavyweights and platinum-selling band Killswitch Engage — Jesse Leach, vocals; Adam Dutkiewicz, guitar; Joel Stroetzel, guitar; Mike D'Antonio, bass; and Justin Foley, drums — are gearing up for the release of their new album THIS CONSEQUENCE out February 21 via Metal Blade. Pre-order it here.

Today, they have shared the video for the new single "I Believe." Watch it below.

"'I Believe' is about undying hope," shares Leach. "During difficult times perspective is everything. Knowing deep down that 'this too shall pass' has been a beacon of light for me. I do believe there is meaning behind suffering. If we are able to push through difficult times and come out the other side, there is a renewed sense of purpose."

He continues, "I know there are much more commonalities between all of us as humans than there are differences. The good far outweighs the bad. This is my message to anyone who's listening — things will get better! However, you have to believe that they will!. There is power in faith, there is power in manifestation and prayer! Keep the faith and push forward with the confidence of better days ahead. Do not let this world pull you down into despair. Tomorrow is a new day and a new possibility for change!"

Their upcoming winter headline tour features support from Kublai Khan TX, Fit For a King and Frozen Soul, and kicks off on March 5 in Nashville and runs through April 12 in Portland, Maine. The band has also announced dates for May, which will feature support from Shadows Fall, Fit for a King, and Boundaries. Tickets and VIP packages are available here.

KILLSWITCH ENGAGE ON TOUR:
WITH KUBLAI KHAN TX, FIT FOR A KING, + FROZEN SOUL: 
3/5 — Nashville, TN — The Pinnacle  
3/6 — Chesterfield, MO — The Factory         
3/8 — Fayetteville, AR — JJ's Live       
3/9 — Oklahoma City, OK — The Criterion    
3/11 — El Paso, TX — Don Haskins Center Arena      
3/13 — Las Vegas, NV — The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas      
3/14 — Reno, NV — Grand Theatre at The Grand Sierra Resort        
3/15 — Wheatland, CA — Hard Rock Live      
3/17 — Garden City, ID — Revolution Concert House           
3/18 — Seattle, WA — The Paramount          
3/19 — Vancouver, BC — PNE Forum
3/21 — Penticton, BC — South Okanagan Events Centre      
3/22 — Tsuut'ina, AB — Grey Eagle Resort & Casino       
3/24 — Winnipeg, MB — Burton Cummings Theatre            
3/27 — Peoria, IL — Peoria Civic Center        
3/28 — Waukee, IA— Vibrant Music Hall      
3/29 — La Vista, NE — The Astro       
3/30 — Kansas City, MO — The Midland Theatre
4/1 — Grand Rapids, MI — GLC Live 20 Monroe       
4/3 — Corbin, KY — The Corbin Arena           
4/4 — Pittsburgh, PA  — Stage AE     
4/5 — Philadelphia, PA — Franklin Music Hall           
4/6 — Greensboro, NC — Greensboro Special Events Center           
4/8 — New Haven, CT — College Street Music Hall   
4/9 — Buffalo, NY — Buffalo RiverWorks      
4/11 — Laval, QC —Place Bell
4/12 — Portland, ME — Cross Insurance Arena    

WITH SHADOWS FALL, FIT FOR A KING, + BOUNDARIES:
5/8 — Columbus, OH— Sonic Temple*
5/10 — Indianapolis, IN — Egyptian Room @ Old National Centre
5/11 — Memphis, TN — Minglewood Hall
5/13 — New Orleans, LA — The Fillmore New Orleans
5/14 —  Birmingham, AL — Avondale Brewing Company
5/16 — Daytona Beach. FL — Welcome To Rockville*
5/17 —  Myrtle Beach, SC — House of Blues
5/18 — Virginia Beach, VA — The Dome
*Festival Date

ABOUT KILLSWITCH ENGAGE:
Killswitch Engage first shook the structure of heavy music upon climbing out of snowy industrialized Western Massachusetts in 2000. A musical outlier, the band pioneered a union of thrashed-out European guitar pyrotechnics, East Coast hardcore spirit, on-stage hijinks, and enlightened lyricism that set the pace for what the turn-of-the-century deemed heavy. 2002's Alive Or Just Breathing became avowed as a definitive album, being named among "The Top 100 Greatest Metal Albums of the Decade" by Decibel and celebrated by everyone from Metal Hammer to Revolver. Not only did they bust open the floodgates for dozens to follow, but they also garnered three GRAMMY® Award nominations in the category of "Best Metal Performance" in 2005, 2014, and 2019, respectively, a gold certification for The End of Heartache [2004], and a platinum certification for As Daylight Dies [2006]. The group landed three consecutive Top 10 debuts on the Billboard Top 200 with Killswitch Engage [2009], Disarm The Descent [2013], and their career high best bow at #6 with Incarnate [2016]. The latter two releases, along with 2019's Atonement, would also both capture #1 on the Top Rock Albums and Top Hard Rock Albums charts. The band's total streams are nearing 3 billion to date, while they've remained consummate road warriors who've sold out countless headline tours and have shared stages with everyone from Iron Maiden to Slipknot to Slayer to My Chemical Romance to Mastodon to Parkway Drive, which is a testament to their ability to cross genres and appeal to all fans of hard rock. KsE have remained a featured attraction at every major North American and European festival through the years. The band is celebrating an astonishing, 25-year career as one of the most vital and genre-defining bands of the '00s and continues its incredible legacy.

Paradise Slaves (Ex-36 Crazyfists, Diecast) Announce Debut Album "With Hell In His Eyes" + Share "Dreamer" Video

PARADISE SLAVES, the brand new band featuring former members of 36 CRAZYFISTS and DIECAST, will release their debut album With Hell In His Eyes on May 2 via Spinefarm.

Pre-order it here.

"To me, the overall concept of With Hell In His Eyes is to never surrender, continue to fight, and continue to be grateful for life," states singer Brock Lindow. "Those were my thoughts. I'm a 49-year-old man who has lived and learned a lot. No one is perfect. Coming to this realization, trying to be better each day is a definitely goal."

Today, the band has also shared the video for "Dreamers."

Watch the video, comprised of footage of the band in performance mode, here. 

A chugging palm-muted riff slips into an airy verse punctuated a breathy melody. The rush climaxes on a chantable chorus "I would've traded everything, but it kept running from me."
 
"My wife is from South Africa, and we battled immigration for five years," Lindow explains, offering a deep look at the highly personal subject matter. "She couldn't leave the entire time, and her parents had gotten sick. It was really rough. It's about our situation, the personal struggle, the hardships we dealt with."

The Boston-by-way-of-Anchorage quartet cements an uncanny union between aforementioned vocal powerhouse Lindow (36 Crazyfists), solo artist and guitarist Tyler Stroetzel, guitarist Jon Kita (Diecast), bassist Brad Horion (Diecast), and drummer Ryan Manning (Pentagram, Blitzkid). 
 
Mutual admiration and respect sparked the initial flame for Paradise Slaves, yet their newly forged friendship lit up their chemistry as brightly as a pyre. That same energy surges through their full-length debut album.
 
As the story goes, Killswitch Engage guitarist Joel Stroetzel shot a text over to Lindow mid-pandemic. As it turned out, his younger brother Tyler was putting together a solo album, Dark Verses, Vol. 1, and wanted Lindow to sing on a track. Right away, the duo hit it off as collaborators and buddies. 
 
Following the first song, they continued to write and record. Given his longstanding friendship with Brock, Kita naturally fit in and joined the fold followed by Horion and Manning. Jamming away, they nodded to formative inspirations such as Soundgarden and Alice In Chains twisted up with just the right amount of hardcore grit and heavy metal eloquence. In between, they performed alongside the likes of Killswitch Engage, Fit For An Autopsy, and more. Eventually, the group congregated at Tin Bridge Studios in Massachusetts in order to record.

"This band is something I didn't expect," admits Lindow. "After it fell in my lap, I was making new music with new people and we became brothers, and for that, I'm so grateful. When you get a gift like this, you need to put your best foot forward and have some fire. I definitely still have the same fire and love for making music as I always had and it manifests in Paradise Slaves."

EMPLOYED TO SERVE Share New Single "Atonement" (Feat. Will Ramos of Lorna Shore) + Music Video Out Now!

Leading lights of British metal, EMPLOYED TO SERVE, take pride in their place on the heavy metal world stage as they return with a brand new single "Atonement" feat. Will Ramos of Lorna Shore. The band also shares the release date of April 25th for their long-awaited new studio album, ‘Fallen Star.’

“We want to fly the flag for heavy metal and the traditions that it holds,” offers guitarist and songwriter Sammy Urwin, “But at the same time we want to play our part in taking things forward.”

The track features Lorna Shore’s Will Ramos, who in addition to his guttural growls, offers clean vocals for the first time ever on an album feature. The song is built around distorted guitars, battering-ram rhythms, and a Judas Priest-style solo, before shooting into what vocalist Justine Jones describes as “an arena rock chorus!”

“'Atonement' takes aim at those who try to lord their power over you. The only way to defeat these people is by rising above their behaviour and pushing forward on your own path,”explains Sammy. “We wanted to lead with this single because it is the track that encompasses the ethos of EMPLOYED TO SERVE as a whole. We're strong believers of working hard and not letting life and the negative people in it affect your goals and aspirations.”

The music video was largely filmed in Scranton, PA, home of the American mockumentary sitcom, The Office (US). 

Justine adds, "The studio was a shrine to the show, and Dwight, which was fun to explore in between filming! We wanted to portray someone in power/authority trying to wear down their captive through aggression. I found it very hard to keep a straight face while choking out Sammy, by take 15 or so I got more into it as the jetlag and hot weather made me feel more unhinged...”

Watch the video for "Atonement" feat. Will Ramos below.

Since meeting in their teens on the outskirts of London, vocalist Justine Jones and guitarist / co-vocalist Sammy Urwin have had their sights fixed on the road ahead. At first, it was all about standing with the local scene bands they admired, but before long they were forging a path of their own, lifers with a mission, evolving from the feral mathcore of their early EPs to detonating a full-throttle career high with 2021 album, ‘Conquering’.

And now there’s ‘Fallen Star’, an 11-track tour-de-force that sees the collective EMPLOYED TO SERVE vision refined to an even sharper degree.



Produced and mixed by Lewis Johns, a longstanding presence behind the desk, it features a number of special guests, including Killswitch Engage’s Jesse Leach on "Whose Side Are You On?" and Svalbard’s Serena Cherry on "Last Laugh". 

‘Fallen Star’, the band’s third album via Spinefarm, is a record of dizzying diversity, yet also one that is utterly uncompromising. Taking a deliberately different path to the cathartic anger of fan favourite release, 'The Warmth of a Dying Sun' (2017), ‘Fallen Star’ focuses on positive themes, such as finding inner confidence, sticking fearlessly to beliefs and embracing the power that flows within a tight-knit group.

Pre-Order 'Fallen Star' HERE

Today marks the start of the pre-order for ‘Fallen Star’, which will be available in various formats including a limited run of ‘black sunburst’ and ‘orange w/ black splatter’ vinyl. Pre-order'Fallen Star' HERE.

EMPLOYED TO SERVE have played every type of big show imaginable, from Bloodstockthrough to Glastonbury in the UK, and Hellfest, Wacken and Roskilde across Europe. On previous the album, ‘Conquering’, they pulverised arenas all over the UK and Europe in support of metal behemoths, Gojira.

In support of ‘Fallen Star’, EMPLOYED TO SERVE kick-off what is shaping up to be a mammoth touring schedule for 2025 with an April UK headline run, taking Celestial Sanctuaryand Burner along as special guests. The 5-date stint finishes with their biggest London appearance yet, at 02 Academy Islington.

Tickets go on sale @10am UK time on Friday, January 24th.

EMPLOYED TO SERVE will appear at a plethora of European summer festivals, including Graspop (Belgium), Jera On Air (The Netherlands) & 2000 Trees (UK). Details of further worldwide touring will be revealed in due time. 

EMPLOYED TO SERVE have come, have seen, have conquered, and now reign supreme as one of Britain’s brightest stars, hell bent on forging their legacy of Heavy Metal Unity. Long may it continue. 

EMPLOYED TO SERVE are:

Justine Jones – vocals

Sammy Urwin – guitar/vocals

David Porter – guitar

Nathan Pryor – bass

Casey McHale – drums

Extreme Metal Icons CRADLE OF FILTH Announce New Album "The Screaming Of The Valkyries" + Reveal New Single

GRAMMY Award-nominated extreme metal institution CRADLE OF FILTH is thrilled to unveil their upcoming 14th studio album, The Screaming Of The Valkyries, out March 21, 2025 via Napalm Records. Available for pre-order now, the album excels as a succinct summation of the ghosts of Cradle's past, while taking bold new steps into the future.

CRADLE OF FILTH reigns supreme as one of the most revered, formative and notorious names in music – from the depths of the extreme metal underground to the peaks of mainstream pop culture itself, and are responsible for breaking ground for many of today's top metal artists with their trademark mixture of blackened heaviness, macabre theatricality, and scintillating gothic style. Now, following the release of 2021's Existence Is Futile (#20 Billboard 200 with Hard Rock Genre), iconic frontman Dani Filth & Co. emerge again with a legacy-cementing opus.

Entrance yourself with a brand new CRADLE OF FILTH anthem for a new era – "To Live Deliciously" – out today. The track hits with rhythmic, menacing urgency built around a Libertine lyrical hook that twists and writhes with aggression, atmosphere and melody.

CRADLE OF FILTH master of ceremonies Dani Filth says about the new track:

"The song is about the celebration of life. Of indulging in everything unfettered from the conformities of religion, fashion or state. Free from guilt or constraint. As nature intended.

It could be read as a hedonistic life code. And a positive one if not done at the expense or the suffering of others.

To delight in simply 'being.' Being alive and free in the here and now."

Be one of the first to hear "To Live Deliciously"

On The Screaming Of The Valkyries, frontman Dani Filth's recognizable scream and equally identifiable growl stand mightily alongside twin guitar attacks, symphonic flourishes and explosive rhythm section, implemented by drummer Martin "Marthus" Skaroupka, bassist Daniel Firth, guitarists Marek "Ashok" Smerdaand Donny Burbage, and keyboardist/vocalist Zoe Federoff.

After album opener "To Live Deliciously" hits immediately, second track "Demagoguery" blends dark beauty, blast beats and slaytanic groove as only Cradle can combine. Across the album’s blunt and unforgiving yet inviting expanse, Cradle summons the succulent flavors of classic albums like Dusk And Her Embrace and Cruelty And The Beast with the galloping (but no less fierce) thunder of recent entries Hammer Of The Witches and Existence Is Futile. Flashes of early metal influences coalesce with carnivorous glee into unapologetic death 'n' roll. "White Hellebore" is CRADLE OF FILTH at its most devilishly straightforward, juxtaposing traditional heavy metal with blasts of thrashing fury, spinning back to operatic goth without sounding disjointed. Anchored by arguably the most mournful melody in their catalog, "Non Omnis Moriar" ("I shall not wholly die") could be a cousin to Paradise Lost or Anathema, inverted through Cradle's thorny prism. "You Are My Nautilus" is the darkest song Iron Maiden never wrote, spinning an epic tale with dueling guitars, while "Ex Sanguine Draculae" conjures Dusk-era atmosphere with imaginative new colors. 

Produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered by Scott Atkins at Grindstone Studios in Suffolk, England, The Screaming of the Valkyries beckons the brave into a new era of CRADLE OF FILTH misadventure, celebrating massive melancholic melody, blackened thrash, and apocalyptic existential dread with a grinning smattering of unbridled revelry. The Screaming of the Valkyries is a bloody dark love letter to the longtime legion of CRADLE OF FILTH faithful and a stunning entryway for fresh lambs to the sonic slaughter.

Pre-Order The Screaming of the Valkyries HERE.

CRADLE OF FILTH will co-headline the 2025 edition of the North American Chaos & Carnage tour, featuring fellow co-headliners Dying Fetus, as well as Fleshgod Apocalypse, Ne Obliviscaris, Undeath, Vomit Forth, and Corpse Pile. See below for all confirmed performance dates.

CHAOS & CARNAGE TOUR DATES: 
4/17 — Berkeley, CA — UC Theatre
4/19 — Los Angeles, CA — The Wiltern
4/20 — Phoenix, AZ — The Van Buren
4/22 — Albuquerque, NM — El Rey Theater
4/24 — Dallas, TX — Granada Theater
4/26 — San Antonio, TX — Vibes Event Center
4/27 — Houston, TX — House of Blues
4/29 — Nashville, TN — Brooklyn Bowl
5/01 — New York, NY — Palladium Times Square
5/02 — Richmond, VA — The National
5/03 — Reading, PA — Reverb
5/04 — Worcester, MA — The Palladium
5/06 — Montreal, QC, CAN — L'Olympia
5/07 — Toronto, ON, CAN — Rebel
5/08 — Pontiac, MI — The Crofoot
5/09 — Chicago, IL — Radius
5/10 — Des Moines, IA — Val Air Ballroom
5/12 — Wichita, KS — TempleLive
5/14 — Denver, CO — Fillmore Auditorium 

CRADLE OF FILTH IS:
Dani Filth — Vocals
Marek "Ashok" Smerda — Guitars
Martin "Marthus" Skaroupka — Drums
Daniel Firth — Bass
Donny Burbage — Guitars
Zoe Federoff — Vocals, Keys

Introducing DAMN! (Disrupt Artist Management Network) + Debut Event "Breaking Into Music"

Disrupt Artist Management Network (DAMN!) is the brainchild of music industry powerhouses John L. Reese and Craig Duswalt, a revolutionary new venture dedicated to transforming artist management and event production. DAMN! combines decades of experience with a bold vision: to prioritize creative freedom, create and produce boldly immersive live events and unlock groundbreaking monetization strategies that empower artists and their representatives.
 

With their extensive backgrounds in artist management, large-scale event production, global sponsorships, and brand development, Reese and Duswalt are redefining the traditional artist management model. DAMN! puts artists' creative visions at the forefront while utilizing inventive strategies to amplify their success and financial independence.

BREAKING INTO THE MUSIC INDUSTRY: A GROUNDBREAKING, 2-DAY EVENT:

DAMN! will host its first live event, Breaking Into the Music Industry, a one-of-a-kind, 2-day experience designed to inspire and educate aspiring artists, entrepreneurs, college students, and industry professionals. Taking place May 1 through 3, 2025, in Palm Springs, CA, this event will feature top music executives and industry leaders offering mentorship, actionable strategies, and insider knowledge to attendees.

Tickets and event details are available now at this location.

LEADERSHIP ROOTED IN EXPERTISE + VISION:

Craig Duswalt, renowned for his work with legendary bands like Guns N' Roses and Air Supply, brings unparalleled expertise in artist management and marketing innovation. As a keynote speaker and producer of marketing seminars, Duswalt's fresh, unconventional approaches have inspired countless entrepreneurs and creatives to achieve success without compromising their artistic vision.

John L. Reese has earned his place as a trusted name in live music production and artist management. Recognized twice among the Orange County Register's "100 Most Influential People" and named a Pollstar Magazine Impact 50 recipient, Reese has produced over 50 global music festivals and worked with iconic artists such as Slipknot, Korn, The Offspring, The Cure, and Rob Zombie. His proven track record as a visionary makes him a driving force in reshaping the future of the music industry.

FIRST SIGNINGS:

Thredge, Chained Saint, and Of That Nature

DAMN! proudly announces the signing of its first three artists:

•Thredge (Los Angeles-based alternative metal)

•Chained Saint (Florida-based metal)

•Of That Nature (Los Angeles-based alternative rock)

"We are thrilled to launch Disrupt Artist Management Network with such talented and inspiring bands," said Duswalt. "Our mission is to elevate artist management with a holistic, artist-focused approach. These artists represent the bold, innovative spirit we aim to amplify."

Reese added, "Music has the power to inspire, connect, and transform lives. Through DAMN!, we’'e committed to helping artists realize their full potential by providing the support and strategic guidance needed to thrive in today's evolving music landscape."

REDEFINING ARTIST MANAGEMENT FOR A NEW ERA:

Disrupt Artist Management Network is more than a management company — it's a movement. With Reese and Duswalt at the helm, DAMN! is poised to lead a new era in artist management and live events, providing artists with the tools, strategies, and opportunities to succeed on their own terms.

ABOUT DISRUPT ARTIST MANAGEMENT NETWORK: (DAMN!):

Disrupt Artist Management Network (DAMN!) is a forward-thinking artist management company founded by John L. Reese and Craig Duswalt. Based in Los Angeles, DAMN! focuses on empowering artists by offering innovative management strategies that prioritize creative vision and long-term success. DAMN's mission is to disrupt the traditional management model by providing artists with the tools and support they need to thrive, monetize and create value in a rapidly evolving music industry.

ABOUT THREDGE:

Thredge is a Los Angeles-based alternative metal band known for their high-energy performances and genre-blending sound. With a commitment to pushing the boundaries of heavy metal, Thredge is quickly becoming one of the most exciting new acts on the music scene. @ThredgeBand

ABOUT CHAINED SAINT:

Chained Saint is a Florida-based metal band that combines the raw, organic riffery of the best old-school '80s thrash metal with a dash of modern-day brutality befitting the many challenges confronting the youth of 2024. The past and present collide, resulting in modern, metallic maelstrom made by a bunch of kids who play with fire in their veins — and their hands! They were recently tipped as a band you WILL know in 2025 by Loudwire.

ABOUT OF THAT NATURE:

Of That Nature is a three-piece, band of brothers that push each other's threshold of craftsmanship with their music. Consisting of influences from nu-metal, prog-rock, and hardcore, OTN tries to stay away from repeating what has been done while simultaneously letting their individual influence and experience as a musician translate into their instrument. With open minds. Their nature is left undefined, so what comes through them in content has no limit, (in other words they are limitless), opened to interpretation and self-reflection. In the creation of frequencies and vibrations we make amongst ourselves, they are…Of That Nature.

ABOUT BREAKING INTO MUSIC:

The inaugural Breaking Into the Music Industry event, hosted by industry veterans John Reese and Craig Duswalt, is a transformative 2½-day conference designed for entrepreneurs, aspiring musicians, artists, and professionals looking to establish or elevate their presence in the competitive and dynamic music industry. Taking place from May 1-3, 2025, at the stunning CACHE Estate in Indio, CA, adjacent to the iconic Empire Polo Grounds (home to the world’s most prestigious music festivals), this event promises an immersive experience in the heart of music culture.

Featuring top executives, celebrated artists, influential mentors, and seasoned insiders from across the music industry, the conference offers invaluable insights, proven strategies, and actionable advice to help attendees succeed. Highlights include dynamic panel discussions, inspiring keynote presentations, hands-on workshops, and exclusive networking opportunities designed to foster meaningful connections and career growth.

Proudly sponsored by DAMN (Disrupt Artist Management Network), this premier event is a must-attend for anyone serious about breaking into the music industry, advancing their creative career, or building impactful relationships with industry leaders.

Don’t miss this unparalleled opportunity to learn, connect, and thrive in one of the world’s most exciting and dynamic industries.

ABOUT THAT DAMN! PODCAST:

That DAMN! Podcast, hosted by Craig Duswalt and John Reese, will bring together rockstars and business leaders for engaging, in-depth interviews that explore their journeys to success, the challenges they've overcome, and the lessons they've learned along the way. With a unique blend of music and entrepreneurial insights, each episode will offer listeners a backstage pass to the worlds of both entertainment and business, revealing untold stories, breakthrough moments, and the mindset needed to thrive in highly competitive industries. Whether you're a fan of rock 'n' roll or a budding entrepreneur, That DAMN! Podcast will inspire, entertain, and motivate. But mostly entertain.

PERFECT PLAN Unveils New Single "Heart Of A Lion" + Music Video!

PERFECT PLAN unveils their new single and accompanying video “Heart Of A Lion”, the title track from the upcoming studio album, 'Heart Of A Lion', set for release on February 28th, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl.

Lead singer Kent Hilli describes the title track by saying:

“'Heart Of A Lion' is inspired by our Swedish football hero Zlatan Ibrahimovic and his story and career. A magnificent football player with a very inspiring story. I can relate to the struggles he had as a youth growing up in Sweden turning his setbacks and people talking him down to fuel for development and reaching higher. The passion, ambition and drive he has is truly one of a kind. He also has the Lion as his “spirit animal” which - together with his unique drive - inspired me for the lyrics and theme of the song”.

Talking about the album, he states:

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

“With 'Brace For Impact' we wanted to discover a new heavier and “in your face” sound but on this album we are back to the sound of the first 2 albums, with more keyboards and bigger sound taking you back to the 80’s with a modern touch and feel. On this album we once again teamed up with Mårten Eriksson, whom we worked with on 'Time For A Miracle'”, Hilli adds. 

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

Watch the New Video for "Heart Of A Lion"

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

Kent Hilli is a one of a kind singer that gained world reputation almost from the start. His class, range, tone and heartfelt expression caught the attention of his heroes Giant, who picked him to sing on their latest album 'Shifting Time', and saw Kent releasing 2 solo albums in 2021 ('The Rumble') and 2023 ('Nothing Left To Lose').

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

'Heart Of A Lion' is a powerful statement from the band offering the absolute best songwriting and production ever: a strong offering, with roots very well planted in the 80’s AOR sound. Produced by the band in collaboration with Mårten Eriksson, the band was determined to top the musical results they reached until now and took a few months – from the end of 2024 – to come out with the right musical material.

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

Pre-Order 'Heart of A Lion' HERE 

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

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

PERFECT PLAN are:

Kent Hilli – Lead Vocals

Leif Ehlin – Keyboards

Rolf Nordström – Guitar

Mats Byström – Bass

Fredrik Forsberg – Drums