Swedish Punk Rock Supergroup MIDLIFE CRISIS Shares New Album '45 Turns 33'

MIDLIFE CRISIS, the Swedish "Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young of Punk Rock", are excited to release their latest album '45 Turns 33' via Sound Pollution.

It all started in 2004 as bassist Urrke T's "solo project". He and three of his friends met in the studio and recorded some of his personal Punk Rock favorites. 

On the first EP, the band even called themselves Urrke T & the Midlife Crisis. An eclectic bunch, gathered from bands like not only Maryslim, but also Backyard Babies, The Hellacopters, Crimson Shadows, etc., with the only goal in mind being to play some old school Punk Rock and have some real fun. 

So, they went into the studio, and soon after, their debut EP was released on the small label Bootleg Booze Records where success was inevitable. Over the next 14 years, they recorded and released three more vinyl EPs on BB Records. The second EP still featured exclusively well-chosen covers of old '70s bands from England, Sweden, and the USA. By the third and fourth EPs, a few of Urrke's original works were included, as well as a Swedish translation of the U.K. Subs classic "The Same Thing" ("Samma sak").

Fast forward to 2024, and Urrke and Dregen are meeting with Wild Kingdom Records at the headquarters in Stockholm. During the meeting, they agreed on a deal to release everything MIDLIFE CRISIS had recorded between 2004 and 2018 on an excellent compilation album—on CD, vinyl, and digital platforms.

Dregen suggested the clever title '45 turns 33', and here we are, with the whole package ready to launch today.

The MIDLIFE CRISIS has never been more palpable or relevant than it is now!

Order '45 Turns 33' HERE

MIDLIFE CRISIS are:

Urrke Thunman - Lead Vocals, Bass Guitar

Dregen - Guitars, Backing vocals, Percussion

Mans P Mansson - Guitars, Backing vocals

Robert Eriksson - Drums, Backing vocals

Gemini Syndrome Releases Powerful New Single “Suffer in Silence” – A Bold Anthem for Overcoming Struggle Within

GEMINI SYNDROME

Origin: From Nothingness to Everything The Prequel to the LUX Trilogy

Before the LUX trilogy, there was nothing. Now, Gemini Syndrome unveils the origin story—

Origin: From Nothingness to Everything—a prequel that explores the space where

transformation begins. More than just an album, it is a ritual, a sonic initiation into the unknown.

While the full experience will arrive later this year, the band is releasing one single at a time,

allowing each piece of the puzzle to be absorbed before the full revelation.

Produced by Matt Good, this album is an alchemical process—raw, unfiltered, and designed to transmute chaos into clarity, destruction into rebirth. It is both their heaviest and most beautiful work to date, unconcerned with expectation and dedicated solely to truth.

“This album is about the space before everything,”says drummer

-Brian Steele Medina.

“It’s the chaos, the void—where transformation begins. We stopped worrying about what people expected and just made something real, a ritual of transmutation that we want to take our listeners through, step by step. We’re releasing this album one song one at a time because each piece is part of a bigger picture, and we want each one to have a chance to breathe. It’s a journey,” adds guitarist

-Meegs Rascón.

Vocalist Aaron Nordstrom continues, “This album is a departure from the norm. We didn’t want to just be loud for the sake of it; we wanted to be true. This is us, unapologetically.”

Brian Steele Medina concludes, “That’s why we’re giving ‘ORIGIN’ to the world in pieces,

because each song is part of the story we’re telling—a story of authenticity, chaos, and rebirth. Each one is a piece of the puzzle.”

The album’s sound is forged by the unique contributions of each band member. Meegs Rascón delivers dark, atmospheric guitar work, blending heavy riffs with brooding melodies that push the music’s intensity. AP Paveri’s intricate basslines provide a deep, pulsing foundation, amplifying the album’s relentless energy. Brian Steele Medina commands the rhythm section with thunderous drumming—dynamic, primal, and explosive. At the forefront, Aaron Nordstrom’svocals shift between haunting vulnerability and searing power, carving a direct emotional connection with the listener. Together, these four forces create a sonic landscape that is both primal and transcendent—a fusion of aggression, introspection, and raw authenticity.

With Origin: From Nothingness to Everything, Gemini Syndrome extends an invitation— step into the unknown, embrace the process, and undergo the initiation. Each song serves as a catalyst for personal alchemy, revealing deeper truths along the way.

GEMINI SYNDROME

Aaron Nordstrom | Messanger

Brian Steele Medina | Drums + Programming

Meegs Rascón | Guitars

AP Paveri | Bass

Doobie Drops New Single "Worth A Shot"

Columbus native DOOBIE has quickly become one of the most prominent independent artists in the underground hip-hop scene, earning the reputation of "hip-hop's Kurt Cobain." His breakout single "When the Drugs Don't Work" surpassed 115 million views on YouTube and has earned a platinum certification, marking a major milestone for the independent artist. Doobie's rise has been steadfastly built from the ground up. His music has always been influenced by rock, drawing inspiration from bands like Alice In Chains, Nirvana, and Metallica.

In late 2024, he dropped his first proper rock single: "Early Bird Gets the Whiskey." 

Now, Doobie is kicking the door to 2025 open with another rock anthem — this time it's "Worth a Shot." The song is currently added to Test Drive on SiriusXM's Octane.

Watch the lyric video below:

The track kicks off with an undulating riff and escalates to a full-on rager ... quickly. It's also home to a monster breakdown. If you're looking for ALL the hooks, you'll find 'em in "Worth a Shot." Doobie and his crew approached the song with one goal in mind — to make something badass. 

Mission accomplished.

"I walked in the studio, told my producer [Andrew Baylis] and co-writer [Conor Matthews] that I wanted to make some 'badass shit' today and that's what we did," Doobie shares about the song's origin story. "I pulled up an old drinking quote to use for a song title and we wrote, recorded and produced the whole record in about 3-4 hours."

 Doobie's debut rock release is slated for 2025 and more details will be available soon.

He describes the project as some of the best music he's created, and is excited to bring his own twist to the rock genre.

Throughout his career, Doobie has stayed true to his own experiences, using his music to tell his story. His battle with addiction and life struggles have shaped his lyrics, making his songs deeply personal. Avoiding typical industry collaborations, Doobie has produced most of his music himself, keeping his work as raw and reflective as possible. With his upcoming rock release and continued momentum as an independent artist, Doobie is ready to expand his legacy. Proud of how far he’s come, he sees his success as the payoff for taking the harder path and putting in the work. As the first independent artist from his city to go platinum, Doobie's journey is just getting started.

MARKO HIETALA - New Album 'Roses From The Deep' Out Today

Renowned Finnish musician Marko Hietala, celebrated for his legendary career in metal and rock, has released his highly anticipated solo album, Roses from the Deep, today.
The multi-faceted record showcases Hietala’s exceptional songwriting and bold artistic vision, blending rich musicality with poignant lyricism.

One of the album’s standout qualities lies in its organic and authentic soundscape. Eschewing the modern trend of digital perfection, the Marko Hietala band recorded the tracks live in the studio, preserving the raw energy and groove of their performance. With no digital drum samples in sight, the album features real piano, analog synths, a Hammond organ, and the lush textures of a full-string orchestra. This "dinosaur" approach results in a deeply resonant and timeless sound that captures the heart of every note.

Lyrically, Roses from the Deep delves into a spectrum of emotions, weaving narratives that are as layered and evocative as the music itself.
To celebrate the release, Hietala has unveiled a stunning music video for the album’s title track,Roses from the Deep. The ballad’s haunting beauty is matched by the picturesque visuals of the video, further highlighting the album’s emotive depth.

Watch the video below:

Stream Roses From The Deep on all platforms: 
https://markohietala.bfan.link/roses-from-the-deep

Marko Hietala comments: “Roses From The Deep is the second album to come under my name and I’m proud to be the main author, face, and the name for this piece of musical work. Here it is. But the band that comes under my name deserves to be included here. I have a musically versatile, open-minded, and experienced group in my bandmates and they are very much responsible for how Roses From The Deep sounds and feels like. And there’s a lot to listen to, experience, and from there on to feel also.
The video and the single of the title song RFTD is out at the same time. The song itself is a romantic ghost story. The dead may be longing for what’s lost just as much as the living. Maybe more. Even if the lines like 'I’d come for you' might sound a bit sinister coming from a ghost. 
So there it is! Thank you all for having patience and faith in your Nordic weirdo and his bunch of weirdos. Check out the album and head on to the shows, if we tickle your fancy."

Follow Marko Hietala on social media:
https://www.facebook.com/markohietalaofficial
https://www.instagram.com/marko_hietala_official

Line-Up:
Marko Hietala | Bass, Vocals
Tuomas Wäinölä | Guitar
Vili Ollila / Bob Engstrand | Keyboards
Anssi Nykänen | Drums

CLASSIC ROCKERS THE SWEET RETURN WITH NEW SINGLE/VIDEO, "INSANE” OUT TODAY

Coming off a banner year in terms of taking their live performances to the maximum of limits, rock greats Sweet still possess exceptional chemistry, which recently brought the house down throughout venues across North America.  At the same time, the band released a new song/video, “Little Miracle,” which was received with rave reviews.  Today, Darkstar Records is releasing the bands next single release “INSANE,” which can be heard below.

Last year while cutting “Little Miracle,” the group jammed in the studio which exemplified a fresh new approach which utilized instant spontaneity in creating and producing this hard rock masterpiece “INSANE.” Bassist/producer Stevie Stewart commented, “'Insane' is a song that we are very proud of! We all poured our hearts into the creation of it. Everyone brought their 'A' game to 'Insane'!"

Drummer/composer Richie Onori also added, "As we started to blast into the high-power groove, singer Patrick Alan Stone directed the band with his hands flailing about, you could see he heard in his head which eventually took shape in the final heavy metal rendition The comic strip lyric video really illustrates the well-crafted storyline that Stone created. Guitarist Jimmy Burkard blistering solo section rivals hands down the who’s who of guitar heroes of yesteryear. Stevie Stewart’s incredible vocal arrangements and overall production in my own opinion.”

"I wanted to write a rocker that hits you in many ways," added Burkard. "It’s tough, it makes you tap your feet, it makes you sing along. Aggressive but with catchy harmony vocals, killer guitar and swinging drums. It felt good to be in a rehearsal room and write organically as a band."

“'Insane' flew into my head like a bat out of hell," said Stone. "I went into the shower without it, came out and in my head it was done. I sent Jimmy a voice memo humming the song and he sent back the sick riff on guitar the way we hear it in the recording. We shared it with the band while recording 'Little Miracle' and got so into it, Richie hammered the drums down on the spot. Working the track with Stevie in post really brought that 'sweet sound”' that only working with Steve Priest for almost two decades can bring. The lyric 'Insane' popped out during that recording session, as well. The hook was there. After watching the movies 'X' and 'Maxxxine,' a character in my head came to life and I wrote the lyrics to this half imaginary, half true love, heroine. 'Insane' really takes Sweet back to its roots of dirty rock n' roll, crazy chord changes and larger than life harmonies. This is The Sweet we’ve been waiting for and this band is proving that the integrity of Brian, Mick, Andy and Stevie lives on in us.”

Merging the “Sweet” recognizable sound into what the legendary group always stood for: exploration into all genres without losing the integrity by stitching together the groups special formula, “Insane” does all of the above. The rhythm section of Stewart and Onori lay it down as this rock n' roll work of art glides along fast and furious towards a wild roller coaster ride into a cascade of vocal and guitar harmonies. 

The group is now tracking a song that has been in the group archives which Steve Priest wrote and played bass and sang, "Sweet Dream." Sweet's reformation started in 2007, and 'Sweet Dream' was something he was proud of. 

This new song demonstrates the same driving force and unpredictable musical quality that has always been the hallmark and essence of The Sweet’s iconic sound. And will always be.

Band Line-up:

Patrick Stone - Lead Vocals
Jimmy Burkard - Guitars Vocals
Stevie Stewart - Bass Vocals
Richie Onori - Drums Percussion
Dave Schulz - Keyboards Vocals

Tour Dates:

Feb 14        Medina Ballroom - Medina MN
Feb 15        Arcada Theater - St. Charles IL
Feb 28        River Cree Casino Event Center - Enoch AB Canada
Mar 14        Golden Nugget Casino Showroom Las Vegas NV
Jul 25          TBA - Taber AB Canada  
Jul 31.         Jergel's - Warrendale, PA
Aug 2          The Rose Music Center - Huber Heights, OH
Aug 10        TBA - Cranbrook BC  
Aug 15        TBA - Halifax Nova Scotia Canada

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:

thesweetband.com
Linktree

Finnish Powerhouse Vocalists LAURENNE/LOUHIMO Announce New Album 'Falling Through Stars' Out April 18th via Frontiers Music Srl

Today, LAURENNE/LOUHIMO - the collaboration between powerhouse Finnish vocalists Noora Louhimo (Battle Beast) and Netta Laurenne (Smackbound) – announce the release of their sophomore album 'Falling Through Stars', set for release on April 18, 2025 via Frontiers Music Srl. The first single and accompanying video, “Damned”, are also available now.

On the single, LAURENNE comments:

“'Damned' is our first single release, and it represents the most classic style of melodic metal and hard rock on the album. Full of energy and attitude, we wanted to create a video that shows us performing alongside the musicians who played on the album. The song explores the struggles of battling inner demons, depression and self-doubt - while also capturing the determination to rise above them.”

Watch the Music Video for “Damned” below:

LAURENNE/LOUHIMO is one of the most exciting projects on Frontiers Music Srl and, in this second chapter, deliver a full force metal assaults with the power to blow you away. 

LAURENNE/LOUHIMO offers listeners a mix of heavy metal and hard rock tracks that explores the variety of the genre, while maintaining a straightforward, easy-to-enjoy appeal.

'Falling Through Stars' has shades of all eras of Rainbow here and there, as well as Judas Priest and many other 80s icons of the style. All of these influences are expertly filtered into Netta and Noora's way of composing music. 

The idea of a possible collaboration between Netta and Noora became a reality once the pandemic started and cleared out calendars for both artists. It felt like a perfect time to start the project and share all the things they have in common, from the same original town to similar idols and influences.

The main highlights of the album are, naturally, the vocal melodies created and shared by Netta Laurenne and Noora Louhimo.

'Falling Through Stars' has been once again produced at the Sonic Pump studio under the guidance of Nino Laurenne (who also played the guitars and contributed to the songwriting). The production is clear and powerful and gives the deserved value to the two stars here.

Songs like “Falling Through Stars”, “Damned”, “Loud And Clear” or “Wait” are just a few of the highlights of a great album that will please all melodic metal fans!

Commenting on the album, LAURENNE states:

“'Falling Through Stars' is the second collaborative album with Noora, and it gave us the opportunity to step in and out of our comfort zones to meet halfway. We had a great time writing and recording the album, which I co-produced with my husband, Nino Laurenne. This album takes us on a journey through both the past and future of metal. We’ve aimed to incorporate styles, instruments, and emotions spanning from the ’70s to the present day. It’s a dynamic album that showcases both raw power and delicate moments, and we’re excited to share it with everyone”

Pre-Order 'Falling Through Stars' HERE

LAURENNE/LOUHIMO are:

Netta Laurenne - Lead & Backing Vocals

Noora Louhimo - Lead & Backing Vocals

Sampo Haapaniemi - Drums

Pasi Heikkilä - Bass

Vili Itäpelto - Keyboards & Programming

Mikko Kosonen - Solo/Acoustic/Lead & Additional Guitars

Nino Laurenne - Rhythm & Solo Guitars

GILLSAW DROPS SECOND SINGLE "SIREN COMES"

The industrial rock scene is about to get louder and darker with the release of

“SIREN COMES,” the highly anticipated second single from GILLSAW. Following the success of their debut single "RIZEN" just a few weeks back, "SIREN COMES" takes listeners deeper into the heart of their gritty, aggressive sound—a relentless blend of metal, electronic, and industrial elements that define GILLSAW'S unique style.

"SIREN COMES" plunges into the terrifying experience of a man tormented nightly by a seductive Siren. The song captures the push and pull of this encounter, highlighting both the allure and the deadly intent of the Siren. Lyrics like "Her soft barefoot approach / Night prowl capable" and "Silky dominatrix / Smooth with tongue" paint a vivid picture of the Siren's seductive nature, while lines like "Demonic / Kills for thrills / She'll quickly she'll drain your soul" reveal her true, malevolent purpose. The repeated refrain "Thunderous Siren Comes" acts as a chilling reminder of the nightly terror. The story accompanying the song reveals the larger context: Ian, isolated and vulnerable, is the target of these nightly attacks.

RIZEN, a mysterious figure, warns Ian of the Sirens and their soul-stealing intentions. Each night, the Siren's seductive whispers almost break Ian's will, but Rizen's booming cry, "Get up boy, time to run!" jolts him back to reality, sending him fleeing into the night. This nightly ritual of terror and escape leaves Ian broken and on the brink, a mere shell of his former self, trapped in a cruel game orchestrated by Rizen. The song and story work together to create a haunting atmosphere, exploring themes of temptation, vulnerability, and the psychological torment of a seemingly endless nightmare.

Band Bio:

GILLSAW is the brainchild of Bay Area musician Jole Gills, a drummer and sonic experimenter with a lifelong passion for music. His eclectic influences range from industrial pioneers like Ministry and Nine Inch Nails to progressive metal giants like Devin Townsend and Tool, with detours into the experimental realms of Sleepytime Gorilla Museum and the cinematic soundscapes of Danny Elfman. Even the ambient textures of new age artists like Steve Roach find their way into the mix. All these elements converge to create Gillsaw's unique and captivating sound.

Deadlands Share Video for The Pretty Wild Collab Track "Kundalini"

New York-based band DEADLANDS, who joined the Spinefarm roster in 2024, are kicking off 2025 with a vicious new track. Today, the band has shared the video for new single "KUNDALINI," which is a complete collaboration with The Pretty Wild.

Watch it below.

"When we started writing 'Kundalini,' everything just felt so natural. CJ [Arey] and I walked into the studio and instantly clicked with The Pretty Wild girls (Jyl and Jules), and of course, Andrew the producer. From the very start, there was an incredible synergy, and we got right down to business. In just two days, we had created something truly special. The experience was infused with divine, feminine energy, and it was nothing short of inspiring," says Deadlands singer Kasey Karlsen.

She continues, "I'm beyond thankful to have worked alongside such brilliant and badass women. Jyl and Jules brought their unique artistry and creativity to the table, elevating the song to a whole new level. CJ and I were also blown away by Andrew's immense talent — his contribution was extraordinary, and we'd love to collaborate with him again in the future."

Karlsen finishes, "'Kundalini' is Deadlands' first-ever collaboration, and it's an honor to have teamed up with The Pretty Wild."
 
Jules from The Pretty Wild also offers a look into the song, saying, "'Kundalini' represents the primal, divine energy waiting to awaken, and that untamed force became the heartbeat of this song, a surge of calling out toxic femininity, empowerment, and transformation. We loved channeling that metal-physical edge, stitching together the spiritual and the brutal. Collaborating with Deadlands was an unforgettable journey, and we all poured everything into this beast, we can't wait to unleash it live."

"Kundalini" follows the Fall 2024 release of the video for "VILLAIN." Watch it here.

DEADLANDS are a New York-based band infusing fresh and unexpected energy into traditional post-hardcore. Founding member and frontwoman Kasey Karlsen is used to laying her cards face up on the table, as she has been writing about her toxic relationships, friendships, hardships, and current events  basically all topics that are near and dear to her heart — since she was in high school. She also draws over million followers across platforms, thanks to her compelling content. CJ Arey, professionally known as "NO SHADE," creates melodies for the guitar and bass while simultaneously inputting his own flare of trap and cinematic references into the production of the music. In 2024, the band headlined shows across the United States while making stops to perform at Louder Than Life, Aftershock, and Blue Ridge Festivals. Deadlands are working on more music for 2025, with tour plans on the horizon. Fans of bands like Asking Alexandria, Motionless In White, Escape the Fate, Falling in Reverse, Wage War, and Bring Me The Horizon will be magnetically drawn to DEADLANDS.

HEART*LIFE*MUSIC: Kenny Chesney's 1st True Book Arrives Nov. 4

Kenny Chesney, one of American music’s most iconic songwriter/stadium fillers, will release his first book, HEART*LIFE*MUSIC, with William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, on Nov. 4, 2025. The freewheeling take on the superstar’s journey from small town East Tennessee dreamer to commanding the largest stages across the nation will capture the sparks of creativity, venture to places long gone, make unexpected music in Jamaica, the Kremlin, New England and Cabo San Lucas, drift across the waters of the Caribbean, Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, encounter and collaborate with heroes, engage with a coterie of singular folks, friends and inspirations, and always find the joy of being unabashedly alive.
 
Raised largely by a single mother and extended family, Chesney’s life was built on sports, church, community – and the music he found everywhere. A gift of a guitar his freshman year and the resonance of East Tennessee State University’s Old Time Music and Bluegrass program sparked a passion no one saw coming. From playing for tips to trying to get a foot in the door, HEART*LIFE*MUSIC is a postcard from a Nashville that no longer exists: where songwriters define life, characters encourage young dreamers and a tenacious 20-something faced impossible odds and obstacles before starting to find a glimmer of success.
 
“This is not my memoir,” Chesney cautions, “but something far better. It is almost a love letter to people who shaped and inspired me, the fans who’ve been there from tiny bars, radio stations who believed when nobody else did, a team who just kept coming back, legends who gave me wisdom and opportunities and all the friends who’ve been there along the way. To me, that’s where the music came from – and this is the story of how it turned into the soundtrack for the way No Shoes Nation lives their lives, too.”
 
Whether playing for the homeless and hookers on a very different Lower Broadway in Nashville, a rickety Silver Eagle bus deemed “the Iron Lung,” seeing other young artists zoom by him, or sharing a renowned rock record label with Widespread Panic, Col. Bruce Hampton & the Aquarium Rescue Unit and Gov’t Mule that had no country department, Chesney’s ability to lean in, believe and keep working forged a determination to withstand whatever happened. With an almost triple-Platinum Greatest Hits, it was the decision to make music for himself and the people like him that blew his creativity and career wide open.
 
Nine No. 1 all-genre Billboard Top 200 Album debuts, 17 No. 1 Country Album debuts, 8.6 billion on-demand audio streams and over 1 billion on-demand video streams is a lot of music made, played and ingested by a fan-base that Variety proclaims “a concertgoing community rivaled perhaps only by Parrotheads and Deadheads.” Moving at what seemed faster than the speed of sound, Chesney for the most part eschewed celebrity to keep his focus on the people; with songs that would resonate with them and a show that would not only give every bit of energy he and his band had, but provide a space for No Shoes Nation to converge, have fun, make new friends and revel in the glory of being who they were.
 
“I always said I’d never write a book,” he marvels. “Too many things happened almost to be believed, let alone lived, but I realized with the world moving in such fast forward motion, too much of what made Nashville, the music business and our lives great would be lost to the churn of the next click. To have been in a room as a kid writing with Dean Dillon, have Sean Payton call an NFL press conference to announce he’s drafting me to the Saints, be in Tuff Gong Studios with Aston “Family Man” Barrett and Alvin “Seeco” Patterson or on a private plane with George Jones after opening for him defies logic. So, for everyone in No Shoes Nation, I realized: you deserved to share the magic.”
 
Written with longtime friend and collaborator Holly Gleason, HEART*LIFE*MUSIC celebrates the life and rise of a man whose songs have set the tone and whose shows have anchored a world without borders for the last quarter century. From the road, stage, quiet moments and unthinkable thrills, it’s a book for anyone who’s ever wondered what the trip to No Shoes Nation might be like.

About The Authors
One of contemporary American music's biggest names, Kenny Chesney has been selling out major stadiums across the nation for two decades; playing to over a million fans every summer since 2002, prompting Variety to pronounce him “country music’s only true long-term stadium act.” He’s sold over 31 million albums and won the prestigious Entertainer of the Year title eight times, as well as holding Billboard's record for the most Country Airplay No. 1s with 33 chart-topping songs that defined coming of age in the flyover in the 21st Century. This year, the game-changing superstar becomes the first country artist to perform at the groundbreaking Sphere, again taking No Shoes Nation into a whole new dimension. Creating a space to work hard, play hard, love hard and come together in the spirit of celebrating all the moment offers, his popularity continues to grow year after year. HEART*LIFE*MUSIC is his first book.
 
Holly Gleason’s work has appeared in Rolling Stone, Los Angeles Times, New York Times and the Library of Congress’ National Registry of Sound Recordings, among other outlets. She was the LA Press Club’s Entertainment Journalist of the Year and the National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Association’s Independent Journalist of the Year. A former Rock & Roll Hall of Fame/Case Western Reserve Fellow, she’s the creator of Belmont Book Award-winning Woman Walk The Line and co-authored Miranda Lambert’s New York Times best-seller Y’all Eat Yet? as well as Prine on Prine: Interviews & Encounters.
 
About the Book
HEART*LIFE*MUSIC
by Kenny Chesney
with Holly Gleason
On Sale: Nov. 4, 2025 | William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers
Hardcover ISBN: 9780063423107 | $32.50
E-book ISBN: 9780063423114 | $14.99
Digital Audio ISBN: 9780063423121 | $27.99
Preorder HERE

Blake Shelton Launches Residency At The Colosseum At Caesars Palace

Last night, country music superstar Blake Shelton launched his first Las Vegas residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace to a sold-out crowd. Blake Shelton: Live in Las Vegas has limited tickets available for the remaining five shows, Feb. 7, 8, 12, 14 and 15, and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com/BlakeSheltonVegas.

“This is a big deal for me,” said Shelton, dressed in a custom-made black corduroy shirt, BSxLE jeans, and Tony Lama grand caiman boots. “This is the opening night of my first residency ever. I’ve been coming to Las Vegas for a long time, so I know what my job is here tonight. We’re here to make memories.”

Fans in attendance for opening night were treated to a 20-plus song set featuring some of Shelton’s biggest hits, including “Sangria,” “Honey Bee,” “Ol’ Red,” “God’s Country” and “Boys ‘Round Here.” Shelton kicked off the show with his 29th and most recent No. 1 single, “Pour Me A Drink.”

“I am excited to finally be in Vegas, bringing the honky tonk to Sin City!” Shelton said. “We have a lot of fun ahead of us here at The Colosseum the next two weeks.”

Shelton also performed his brand new single “Texas.” Already Top 10, the song gives a nod to the King of Country Music, George Strait. Appropriately enough,  Shelton followed the song with Strait’s classic, “All My Ex’s Live In Texas.”

He brought more classic country to the stage with Alabama’s No. 1 hit, “Mountain Music.” Shelton recently honored the iconic group with a performance at CMT Giants: Alabama and on stage at the BMI Awards in Nashville in November.

Shelton closed out the extraordinary night with his signature hit, “God Gave Me You.” Blake Shelton: Live In Las Vegasreturns Friday and Saturday night and then closes with a three-night stand Feb 12, 14 and 15. 

Credit: Jamie Wendt

About Blake Shelton
As country music’s unapologetic ambassador, Blake Shelton has spent two decades pouring out boot-stomping bangers, heartbreak anthems and endearing odes to love gone wrong and right.

Shelton takes that same spirit to work on everything he does, from sold-out tours to instantly identifiable chart-topping songs or national television shows.

Over the span of his career, he has earned 29 No. 1 country singles, including his most recent chart-topping song, "Pour Me A Drink,” his duet with multi-genre hitmaker Post Malone.

With 52 million singles and 13 million albums sold, and nearly 11 Billion Global Streams, Shelton has received numerous awards, including six ACMs, three AMAs, 10 CMAs, 11 CMTs, and six People’s Choice, among many others.

He is currently climbing the radio and streaming charts with “Texas,” his new single with BMG Nashville. The song will lead to a new album in May.

On February 27 Shelton kicks off his “Friends & Hero’s” Tour on February 27 in Lexington, KY and features country icons Criag Morgan, Deana Carter and Trace Adkins plus special guest Emily Ann Roberts.

The Grand Ole Opry member will help celebrate the Opry’s 100th anniversary in March when he hosts a three-hour, star-studded special that will air on NBC. He also remains focused on his Ole Red partnership with Ryman Hospitality, with locations currently in Tishomingo, Nashville, Gatlinburg, Orlando, and most recently, Las Vegas, with a stand-alone venue complete with a roof-top stage and bar on the Las Vegas strip.

A noted humanitarian, Shelton has helped raise millions of dollars for children’s hospitals, disaster relief organizations, food banks, and the OK POP Museum, and he wrapped the “Back To The Honky Tonk” Tour in March with a special show in Tulsa titled Blake Shelton & Friends: Oklahoma Is All For The Hall. It featured fellow Oklahomans Ronnie Dunn, Kristin Chenoweth, Vice Gill, and others and raised more than $750,000 for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

About Live Nation Las Vegas 
Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Sponsorship. Live Nation Las Vegas produces residency shows from Kelly Clarkson, Blake Shelton, Garth Brooks and Rod Stewart at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace; Lenny Kravitz, Sammy Hagar, Mötley Crüe, New Kids On The Block, Mariah Carey, Maroon 5, Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars at Dolby Live at Park MGM; The B-52s, Earth, Wind & Fire, FOREIGNER, STYX and Chicago at The Venetian Theatre at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas; Scorpions and Shania Twain at PH Live at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino; and Santana at House of Blues. Live Nation Las Vegas also brings other world-famous artists to many of the city’s other premier concert venues including Allegiant Stadium, T-Mobile Arena, MGM Grand Garden Arena, Michelob ULTRA Arena, the Pearl at Palms Casino Resort, Downtown Las Vegas Events Center and more. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com. Find Live Nation Las Vegas on Facebook, Instagram and follow us on Twitter.
 
About Caesars Palace
Caesars Palace, the iconic Las Vegas Strip resort where every guest is treated like a Caesar, features 3,980 hotel guest rooms and suites, including the redesigned 182-room Nobu Hotel Caesars Palace, the renovated Colosseum Tower and THE VILLAS Caesars Palace. Caesars Palace and Nobu Hotel Caesars Palace have also received AAA Four Diamond designations. The 85-acre resort offers diverse dining options from the award-winning Bacchanal Buffet to celebrity chef-branded restaurants, including Gordon Ramsay HELL’S KITCHEN, Pronto by Giada, Amalfi by Bobby Flay, Vanderpump Cocktail Garden by restaurateur and television star Lisa Vanderpump, one of Nobu Matsuhisa’s largest Nobu restaurants, Restaurant Guy Savoy, MR CHOW, award-winning pastry chef Dominique Ansel’s first Las Vegas bakery, Stanton Social Prime – a new dining concept in partnership with Tao Group Hospitality, legendary New York Steak House Peter Luger and Brasserie B by Bobby Flay. The Celebrity Food Hall features Guy Fieri’s Chicken Guy!, Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay, Tortazo by Rick Bayless, Buddy V’s Pizzeria and Mokbar by Esther Choi. For the best in cocktails, destination lounges include Montecristo Cigar Bar, VISTA Cocktail Lounge, Stadia Bar and Caspian’s – a cocktail and caviar bar with Clique Hospitality. The resort also features nearly 130,000 square feet of casino space, the Caesars Race & Sportsbook at Caesars Palace with a 143-foot HD LED screen and state-of-the-art sound, a five-acre Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis, the luxurious Qua Baths & Spa, Hairdreams by Michael Boychuck, five wedding chapels and gardens, and the 75,000-square-foot OMNIA Nightclub with the top DJs such as Steve Aoki. The 4,300-seat Colosseum, Billboard Magazine’s “Venue of the Decade: 2000 – 2009” and the top venue of its size 2010 - 2020,” spotlights world-class entertainers including Kelly Clarkson, Garth Brooks, Josh Groban, Blake Shelton, Jerry Seinfeld and Rod Stewart. Also, the Green Fairy Garden in front of Caesars Palace hosts ABSINTHE by Spiegelworld, an adults-only circus variety show featuring a cocktail of wild and outlandish acts. The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace showcases more than 160 boutiques and restaurants. Caesars Palace is operated by a subsidiary of Caesars Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: CZR). For more information, please visit caesarspalace.com or the Caesars Entertainment media room. Find Caesars Palace on Facebook and follow on X and Instagram. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling or texting 1-800-GAMBLER, Caesars License Company, LLC.

BRKN LOVE Announces Third Full-Length LP 'The Program' out via Spinefarm on March 28th!

Modern Canadian rockers BRKN LOVE are pleased to announce the forthcoming release of their third full-length album, 'The Program,' due out March 28th via Spinefarm.

Exuding bravado, mystique, and a whole lot of heart, BRKN LOVE sets the rulebook on fire by plugging in, turning up, and churning out the kind of rock ‘n’ roll that makes you feel a little freer. Their gritty riffs pack enough punch to shake any stage while the grooves quake with just the right amount of hip-swinging gusto. Led by vocalist and guitarist Justin Benlolo, the music drips swagger, soul, and spirit amplified by arena-sized hooks and intriguingly inventive musicality.

To mark the album's announcement, BRKN LOVE has shared its first single "Pulling Leeches" along with a new music video, available below.

About the single Justin had this to say:

"We’re so excited to share our brand-new single, 'Pulling Leeches,' with you! This song came from a deeply raw place, and we poured everything into making it as gritty and unapologetic as possible. For us, it’s all about shedding your skin, breaking free from the tethers that hold you back, and confronting the feeling of a parasitic lover feeding off you—just like a leech. We drew heavy inspiration from bands like The White Stripes and The Black Keys, recording this track in a single take at Foo Fighters’ Studio 606 to capture its organic energy.

"We had so much fun making this one, and we hope you feel that, too. Turn it up and enjoy. Thank you!"

Watch the New Music Video for "Pulling Leeches" Below:

An impromptu 2023 trip to visit a friend in Charleston, SC gave rise to their third studio album, 'The Program.' Justin initially planned on spending a weekend in town. That weekend turned into nine weeks, and he returned to Toronto with the bulk of the album’s material.

“I didn’t have anything else to do, so I brought all of my gear and studio equipment,” he recalls. “I was so inspired by the environment and the friends I made. It’s a big city, but it’s not huge. It’s just beautiful though. The experience inspired the whole record. Instead of being so picturesque and metaphorical, I told stories.”

The album title even referenced the name of the text group for his new friends in Charleston, embedding the experience and the city in the fabric of the music. The vision had already crystallized before he left for Los Angeles where he recorded with longtime producer Anton DeLost (Cleopatrick, The Warning, State Champs, Dead Poet Society). These friends, and a variety of other characters he met, ultimately inspired the concept at the heart of "The Program."

“It was a collective of 10 people I’d never met before, and we kept using the term ‘The Program’ repeatedly like, ‘Let’s go here, because it would be good for The Program’,” he goes on. “It was cool to be surrounded by near-complete strangers, invite them to our place, and play demos. Their opinions were unfiltered and blunt—which was awesome. I was actively searching for inspiration, and I put myself out there in different situations. I was free and unchained to do anything.”

BRKN LOVE fulfilled a clear destiny to be as free as possible on their third full-length LP, 'The Program.'

“In the past, I put parameters on what BRKN LOVE is supposed to be,” Justin mentions. “I’ve been hesitant to put out certain songs because I was unsure if they were us. I’m older and wiser. I have more experience doing this. I know if I’m singing and writing a song, it’s going to be BRKN LOVE. I’m the filter the music passes through.”

Pre-Order 'The Program' HERE

BRKN LOVE emerged with their self-titled debut in 2020. The group quietly generated over a quarter of a billion total streams. They notched a Top 15 entry on Active Rock radio with “Shot Down,” while their cover of “River” by Bishop Briggs hit critical mass. It inspired over 2 billion-plus views on TikTok. It piled up 28 million Spotify streams. 2022’s 'Black Box' only maintained this momentum. “Like A Drug” notched north of 8.5 million Spotify streams, made waves at Active Rock, and emerged as their third Top 5 at Canadian radio.

About Spinefarm:

Spinefarm represents some of the biggest and most important rock acts in the world. Founded in Finland in 1990, the label established itself as an independent powerhouse for successful European metal acts from Nightwish to Children Of Bodom. Acquired by UMG in 2002, Spinefarm Music Group is now home to a host of artists that reach millions of fans across the globe and showcases the very best in rock, punk, and metal. From massive metal names such as Bullet For My Valentine (with over 3 billion streams to their name) to alt-rock legends Killing Joke and genre-benders Sleep Token, Spinefarm’s artists are – and always have been - true leaders in their chosen field. The roster also includes renowned names like Atreyu, Airbourne, Saint Asonia, and While She Sleeps as well as fast-rising young artists like Dayseeker, Dead Poet Society, Kid Kapichi, BRKN LOVE, and Creeper. Spinefarm, now flanked by associated SMG labels Candlelight (Emperor, Ihsahn, Urne) and Snakefarm (Marty Stuart, Austin Meade, The White Buffalo), has grown from its independent origins into a true global rock powerhouse.

Comeback Kid Release Video for 20th Anniversary Version of Classic Song "Wake the Dead"

Winnipeg hardcore band COMEBACK KID are celebrating the 20th anniversary of their seminal album WAKE THE DEAD.

The band is releasing a re-recorded version of the title track of the record.

"The title track of our album Wake The Dead, which that we released two decades ago, provided us with more opportunities and brought us to more places around the world than we could have ever imagined," remembers singer Andrew Neufeld with fondness for how the album impacted the band's life and that of fans. "The song lands as the biggest moment in every single set that we've played — from Asia through South America to Europe, Africa, and North America."

He continues, "We wrote and recorded the song while I was still playing guitar in the band. After 19 years of being the vocalist, and singing the song every night, we would like to celebrate and commemorate a song that gave us wings that we never knew existed by re-recording it with our current lineup and with a fresh mix provided by Will Putney."

Watch the video for the re-done version of the song Below:

Neufeld finishes, "We will be releasing the single alongside an unreleased B-side from the original 2005 Wake The Dead recording sessions on 7", along with a number of variations of the full length re-pressed with new packaging!"

The 20th anniversary edition of the song was recorded by John Paul Peters and mixed and mastered by the aforementioned Putney.

Comeback Kid are also embarking on the album's 20th anniversary tour later this month. They will of course play the album in its entirety. It's no coincidence that the first show is in the band's hometown on the date of the original's release — February 22.

All dates are below, featuring support acts. Get tickets here. 

COMEBACK KID ON TOUR: 
2/22 — Winnipeg, MAN — The Burton Cummings Theatre
2/24 — Minneapolis, MN — Turf Club *
2/25 — Chicago, IL — Bottom Lounge *
2/26 — Cleveland, OH — Mahall’s *
2/27 — Boston, MA — Middle East Downstairs ^
2/28 — Hamden, CT — Space Ballroom ^
3/1 — Brooklyn, NY — Warsaw ^
3/2 — Philadelphia, PA — Underground Arts ^
3/4 — Nashville, TN — Eastside Bowl %
3/5 — Jacksonville, FL — Underbelly %
3/7 — Austin, Tx — Come And Take It Live %
3/8 — Fort Worth, TX — He Rail Club %
3/10 — Denver, CO — Summit #
3/11 — Las Vegas, NV — Swan Dive #
3/12 — San Diego, CA — Brick By Brick #
3/13 — Los Angeles, CA — 1720 Warehouse #
3/14 — Berkeley, CA — 724 Gilman Street #
3/15 — Portland, OR — Dante’s #
3/16 — Seattle, WA — El Corazon #
*Cancer Bats & Orthodox
^ Defeater & Orthodox
% Koyo, Orthodox, Desmadre
# Koyo & Desmadre

Alternative rock duo THE YETS release debut 'Pinup Girl' album & wistful video for title track

South Carolina alternative rock duo The Yets present their much-anticipated debut album 'Pinup Girl', released on February 7.  Picking up where their 2022 eponymous debut EP left off, this is a stunning collection of songs that dives deep into life and all the things that make us who and what we are.  

Based in Myrtle Beach, The Yets features the creative synergy of guitarist-producer Craig Anderson Snook and vocalist Robin Wilson. Fusing Craig’s dynamic guitar work and production expertise with Robin’s rich, emotive vocals, their music sound is both powerful and distinctive.

Showcasing their evolution as artists, this album blends modern and classic rock elements to create a sound that is fresh and timeless.  Marked by lush, atmospheric instrumentation, soulful melodies, The Yets now have a distinctive presence in the alternative rock scene.

"Our 'Pinup Girl' album is a sonic journey from youth into adulthood and beyond, tracking thought and emotion all along the way.  Relationships are no accidental traveling companion to the music since, after all, that’s what life is really all about. Not just our relationships with each other, but our relationships with matters spiritual and universal in nature," says Robin Wilson.

"Although there is a special meaning in each song for us, broad inclusion awaits all who listen carefully.  We believe there’s a little something here for everyone and we hope you catch a glimpse of your reality in our 'Pinup Girl'."

The Yets recently shared 'Enemy', revolving around internal conflict, one’s own darker impulses and the paradox of freedom and destruction towards a path towards self-realization. Earlier, they shared the reverie-laden singles 'Define The Man' and '3's', blending modern and classic rock elements to create music that feels both fresh and timeless. 

The duo also present a fresh video for the title track, evoking a deep sense of nostalgia and longing for a past love, beautifully captured in the imagery of a weathered photograph.  The mention of a “watermarked” photo suggests the passage of time and the fragility of memories having survived the elements, as the narrator recalls a moment where they can almost hear their loved one laughing behind the camera.  This vivid scene transports us to a time and place filled with joy, warmth and connection.

References to “Seabrook salt and the wind in your hair” paint a picturesque setting, emphasizing the carefree nature of their relationship.  The narrator holds this memory close, expressing how much they truly care. The lines about a “forties pinup” and a personal “Vargas girl” highlight the beauty and idealization of the girls in the photo, representing not just a romantic interest but an ideal that meant the world to the narrator.

Reflecting on the bittersweet nature of these memories, the narrator recognizes that while they were once perfect, things ultimately came undone. Grappling with the fading of such a meaningful moment from the minds eye, the lyrics express a deep affection for the memory itself while feeling the pain of loss and the desire to “rewind the film to the very start” to relive those cherished times. There is a yearning to return to moments of happiness and love that now feel out of reach.

Ultimately, reminiscing about a perfect love that now exists as memories underlines the fleeting beauty of a relationship, capable of evoking both a sense of joy and a poignant ache for what has been lost.

In 2022, The Yets' critically acclaimed eponymous EP was praised for its melodic sophistication and emotional resonance. Craig Anderson Snook, who played guitar for several popular bands in the 1980s, including Gross Negligence, brings decades of musical experience to the duo.  Robin, well known for her extensive touring with rock groups Skirt and  Bachelors of Art (B.O.A.), adds depth and passion to their music. Craig’s intricate compositions provide the perfect backdrop for Robin’s voice to soar, creating immersive and atmospheric landscapes that push the boundaries of alternative rock.

As of February 7, 'Pinup Girl' is available on CD via Bandcamp and digitally from fine online music platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music.

CREDITS
Written and performed by Craig Anderson Snook & Robin Wilson
© 2024 Craig Anderson Snook/Robin Wilson Snook (BMI)
Robin Wilson - vocals, other instruments
Craig Anderson Snook - guitars, other instruments
Recorded, mixed and produced by Craig Anderson Snook at 3’s in Myrtle Beach, SC
Mastered by Jay Matheson 
Videos created and produced by The Yets
Album and website art by Robin Wilson
Website design by The Yets
Band photos by Gordon & Jill Backman
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Keep up with The Yets
Website | Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram | Twitter | Soundcloud | YouTube | Apple Music | Spotify | Amazon | Press contact

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

SENNA Announce New Album "Stranger To Love" + Share Video For New Single "High Note"

German metalcore band SENNA are proud to announce the release of their debut album, Stranger To Love, on May 23. Ahead of the full-length project, the band unveiled its lead single, "High Note," available to stream everywhere.

Watch the official video below:

With Stranger To Love, SENNA present an intimate and deeply reflective collection of songs that explore the subtleties of human connection and personal growth.

Marcel, speaking on the album's themes, shares: "Stranger To Love is a collection of anecdotes from our own personal lives. These stories are not special in the sense that they are not extraordinary or unique to just us. They are not these once-in-a-lifetime experiences that change everything. They're the kinds of experiences that happen quietly, in everyday moments. A conversation that didn't go as planned. Feelings that linger longer than they should. Slowly realizing that things have changed in a relationship.

"What makes these stories meaningful is not that they are special, but that they are real. They happen to us, they happen to people everywhere, every day. Sometimes they happen in obvious ways, sometimes in ways that barely get noticed. They're part of what it means to figure things out. In the end, these moments connect us, even if we experience them in our own way."

The first taste of the album comes with "High Note," a track that dives deep into the emotional struggle of moving forward while wrestling with the past.

Simon describes the song, saying, "In a world that demands constant motion, there’s an undeniable tension between the pull of escape and the weight of what’s left behind. Our latest track 'High Note' captures that struggle—a raw exploration of navigating life’s harsh realities and the fleeting comfort found in temporary highs. It's a reflection on vulnerability, the search for refuge, and the relentless push to keep moving forward, even when the path feels uncertain."

SENNA have been steadily carving out their space in the alternative music scene with their raw lyricism and dynamic sound. With Stranger To Love, the band expands their sonic landscape, delivering a record that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.

Adding to the excitement, SENNA will join The Devil Wears Prada as support on their highly anticipated EU/UK tour next month sharing the stage with SeeYouSpaceCowboy and Kingdom of Giants. 

Pop Evil Announce Spring 2025 Headline Tour + New Album "What Remains" Out 3/21

Modern rock powerhouse POP EVIL — vocalist Leigh Kakaty, guitarists Dave Grahs and Nick Fuelling, bassist Joey "Chicago" Walser, and drummer Blake Allison — recently announced their forthcoming eighth album WHAT REMAINS. It arrives March 21 via MNRK. Pre-save it here. The vinyl pre-order lives on the band official store.

Today, the band has announced its Spring 2025 headline tour. The "What Remains" Tour begins on April 8 in Tulsa, OK and the trek runs through May 18 in Bloomington, IN. Devour the Day (which features members of Pop Evil, Joey and Blake), Return to Dust, and Oni will serve as support.

All dates are below. Get tickets and VIP packages here. 

Additionally, Pop Evil have announced details of a private "Album Release Even"t with SiriusXM Octane on March 20. The event will be held at Cult of Individuality in NYC and the band will do an acoustic performance along with a Q&A hosted by Jose Mangin. Details to enter to win this experience with SiriusXM Octane to come. 

"The 'What Remains North America Tour' is coming, and we're bringing the chaos with us," the band says. "This isn't just a lineup, it's a sonic onslaught. But this tour isn't just another run of shows, it's a statement. A reckoning. A test of endurance for those who crave something more. Are you ready?"

POP EVIL ON TOUR:
3/20 — New York NY — SiriusXM Octane Album Release at Cult of Individuality^
4/8 — Tulsa, OK — Cains Ballroom
4/10 — Dallas, TX — Echo Soundstage
4/11 — Little Rock, AR — The Hall
4/12 — Colombia, MO — The Blue Note
4/13 — Lincoln, NE — Bourbon Theatre
4/14 — Denver, CO — Oriental
4/15 — Colorado Springs, CO — The Black Sheep
4/17 — Los Angeles, CA — Regent Theater
4/19 — Phoenix, AZ — Marquee Theatre
4/22 — Boise, ID — Knitting Factory
4/23 — Seattle, WA — The Neptune
4/24 — Spokane, WA — Knitting Factory
4/25 — Salem, OR — Elsinore Theatre
4/26 — Reno, NV — Cargo
4/29 — Vancouver, BC — Rickshaw Theatre
5/1 — Calgary, AB — The Palace Theatre
5/2 — Edmonton, AB — Century Show Room+
5/3 — Saskatoon, SK — Louis
5/4 — Winnipeg, MB — Park Theatre
5/6 — Chicago, IL — Bottom Lounge
5/7 — Green Bay, WI — EPIC
5/8 — Des Moines, IA — Wooly's*
5/9 — Grand Rapids, MI — 20 Monroe*
5/10 — Detroit, MI — The Fillmore*
5/12 — Lititz, PA — Mickey's*
5/15 — Charlotte, NC — The Underground*
5/16 — Myrtle Beach, SC — House of Blues*
5/17 — Louisville, KY — Mercury Ballroom*
5/18 — Bloomington, IL — The Castle Theatre*
^Pop Evil Only
*No Return To Dust
+No Devour The Day

For two decades, Pop Evil frontman Leigh Kataky has needed to mine the deepest of reserves in order to drag the band up from the blue-collar grassroots of his local Michigan scene to stand proud at the top of the modern rock game. Soaring successes, bitter defeats… Leigh Kakaty has survived it all.

What Remains is the culmination and story of this journey with Pop Evil, laid bare like never before. Continuing in the recent vein of 2023's acclaimed Skeletons, the new opus is both sonically and thematically Pop Evil's heaviest ever offering; a thundering collection of arena-ready modern rock and metal hits in which Kakaty opens heart, mind, and soul.

"There are a lot of issues and things that I've dealt with in this journey of Pop Evil that I've buried for a long time," the frontman explains of this document of resilience, perseverance, and accountability.

Pop Evil were born in North Muskegon, Michigan in 2001, Kakaty drawing on the lessons of a youth first shaped not by music, but by high school basketball — leadership, team work, the drive to improve in the lonely hours put in at the gym at 5am, the will to win suppressing any fear — in order to fight tooth and nail for their break-out moment.

"I was hustling and learning every day to make my dreams come true," Kakaty recalls of his time playing local bars and slinging early EPs out of the back of his truck. "Studying never interested me. Neither did getting a regular job. A knee injury wrecked my shot at playing sports. Music was all I wanted to do from that moment, and I didn't give myself a backup plan. Pop Evil gave me a purpose, and a reason to get up every day. It became a crusade."

Lipstick on the Mirror, their 2008 debut, and its follow-up, War of Angels, brought acclaim and global attention; 2013's Onyx delivered the first of the band's nine No.1 singles and six RIAA-certified gold and platinum plaques, but also a period of darkness brought on by the grief of Kakaty losing his father. "I was completely lost … I had just missed the last five years with my dad, chasing this dream when I could have been with him. I didn’t know if I wanted or could do Pop Evil any more," he says. The band’'s 2017 self-titled album, opened by the smash-hit "Waking Lions" was written "pretty much to save my life" – but in turn “reminded me of the fire I have inside, and that God put me here to make music that could help people."

It's a mission statement enshrined in Pop Evil to this day — and which provided the spark for the genesis of What Remains.

“You're always chasing that one song that can connect with that one person," Kakaty says. "And that process has to start with yourself. There's a lot of personal healing on this record, a lot of things I wanted to get out for my own mental well-being. I'm finally
at a place where I can confront my demons."

Sonically, the album is a riotous explosion of life-affirming noise; a vortex of scything riffs and gut-punch drum beats that regularly give way to Pop Evil's hallmark anthemic choruses.

"We set out to push boundaries," nods Kakaty. "Metal has always been a part of our DNA, but we've never made it such a focal point before. A lot of writing on this record has been about listening to what my soul is saying and letting the songs find their own path, rather than chasing a sound that might fit in on the radio. I think you can really hear the mood and emotion of the album's themes in the music."

ABOUT MNRK MUSIC GROUP:
MNRK Music Group is one of the largest independent music companies in the world, operating in every major music market. MNRK is committed to discovering and guiding top music creators and artists plus distributing premier music companies Dualtone Music Group and Last Gang. Its catalog across divisions consists of 65,000 music tracks, including multiple GRAMMY winners and platinum-selling hits.

Rotting Christ Announce New Live Album

ROTTING CHRIST have stood the test of time. Over the past 35 years, Sakis Tolis, his brother Themis and their brothers-in-arms have risen from Greece's blackened catacombs to become one of metal's most formidably reliable forces.

Backed by a legacy that has both defined and defied black metal, last year, the Greek legends carved out a new set of dark, melodic scriptures with fresh rebellion on the unbreakable Pro Xristou. 

"...this is the most arena-worthy Rotting Christ have been in some time", No Clean Singing wrote about their latest album.  

Now, Rotting Christ are celebrating 35 years of evil existence with a new live album. This two-hour set was recorded at the Lycabettus Hill Theater in the band's hometown of Athens. Like a Greek pantheon, it spans the band's entire career, from early evil classics to the pillars of their Hellenic legacy, including the stadium-shaking title track from their spirited eleventh album.     

Watch Rotting Christ perform "Κατά τον Δαίμονα Εαυτού" Live in Lycabettus below:

35 Years of Evil Existence - Live in Lycabettus comes out April 4th on Season of Mist.
 

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

Pro Xristou is bound to hold a revered place in the Rotting Christ’s heretical history. Always true to their name, the band’s fourteenth album – which, in English, means “Before Christ” –  pays tribute to the last of the Pagan kings by offering up more towering, gothic, melodic black metal.

“Our new album was inspired by the might of ancient pagan wisdom”, says frontman Sakis Tolis. “It’s a tribute to those who resisted the coming of Christianity, which destroyed all the values, traditions and knowledge of the ancient world”.

Later this spring, Rotting Christ are blessing Europe on The Unholy Trinity Tour with Behemoth and Satyricon. Then this summer, the band will return stateside for an exclusive performance at Milwaukee Metalfest.

Pro Xristou (‘Before Christ’ in Greek), serves as a fervent tribute to the last Pagan kings who resisted the onslaught of Christianity, guarding their ancient values and knowledge. In this thematic odyssey, intricately woven through tracks such as ‘The Apostate’ and ‘Ygdrassil’, Rotting Christ delves into the legacies of historical figures such as Flavius Claudius Julianus and Nordic mythological kings, embodying the might of Pagan wisdom in the face of Christian adversity. The album encapsulates the essence of Rotting Christ’s signature style – melodic, yet harsh at times – reinventing themselves yet again, while remaining rooted in their 35-year legacy.

Line-up:
Sakis Tolis - Guitar, Vocals
Themis Tolis - Drums
Kostas "Spades" Heliotis - Bass
Kostis Fouk - Guitar

Biography:
Sébastien J. Gamez

Follow Rotting Christ:
Official Website: https://www.rotting-christ.com/en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rottingchristofficial/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/rottingchristofficial/
Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/athanatoieste
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/RottingChristOfficia
Bandcamp: https://rottingchristofficial.bandcamp.com/
Apple Music: http://itunes.apple.com/artist/rotting-christ/id28441629
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7FhkwcO8Jd7BRWdllBpXBJ

Available Formats:
Digital Download
2CD Digipak
3x12" Vinyl Gatefold - Black
3x12" Coloured Vinyl Gatefold - Gold w/ Linen Lamination & Gold Foil
3x12" Coloured Vinyl Gatefold - Gold & Black Marbled
3x12" Coloured Vinyl Gatefold - Orange & Black Marbled
3x12" Coloured Vinyl Gatefold - Red & Black Marbled

NOBLE DEMON Unleashes "Noble Demonic Metal – Chapter 5" Sampler to Celebrate Fifth Anniversary! ​

German independent label NOBLE DEMON is marking its fifth anniversary with the release of a brand new label sampler, "Noble Demonic Metal – Chapter 5". Founded by former Nuclear Blast veteran Patrick Walch, in cooperation with Berlin-based media group UCM.ONE, NOBLE DEMON has quickly become a force in the metal scene, building a diverse roster of international artists and cultivating a dedicated following.

"Noble Demonic Metal – Chapter 5" features the label's latest releases and other tracks that have not yet appeared on previous compilations, making it a must-have for collectors and dedicated fans. The 25-track compilation delivers a potent dose of heavy music, spanning a variety of styles. From established acts to exciting newcomers, the sampler highlights the strength and depth of the NOBLE DEMON family.

Listen to "Noble Demonic Metal – Chapter 5" HERE

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Sleep Theory Announce Debut Album + Share "Static" Video

Breakout four-piece Sleep Theory — vocalist Cullen Moore, guitarist Daniel Pruitt, bassist Paolo Vergara, and drummer Ben Pruitt — were one of the biggest success stories of both 2023 and 2024. The band dominated the radio airwaves and charts; were one of the most buzzed about bands on the festival circuit; won over fans at every show they played; and turns heads at press, with everyone from Revolver to Loudwire to Alternative Press to Forbes to Ones to Watch unable to deny the band's DNA-distinct blend of hard rock. 

Today, Sleep Theory storm headlong into 2025 by announcing their eagerly awaited debut album, Afterglow, which arrives on May 16 via Epitaph Records. 

The album, which offers a stunning display of diverse rock flavors, was produced by David Cowell and mixed by Zakk Cervini (Bring Me The Horizon, Bad Omens, Architects).

Pre-order it here. 

Sleep Theory are also thrilled to share the video for the new single "Static," which serves as the album's opener. It starts with a ferocious roar before launching into their signature dynamic, heavy bounce and massive vocal hooks.

Watch the video Below:

Sleep Theory combine energetic hard rock and metalcore, alongside the powerhouse vocalist Cullen Moore. Praised by Jelly Roll and David Draiman, they've toured with Shinedown, Falling In Reverse, and Beartooth. In under two years, they became the fifth most-played artist on Active Rock radio. Afterglow and the Paper Hearts EP merge heavy rock with pop and R&B, producing anthemic bangers and emotional ballads. Saluted by Revolver, Loudwire, and Amazon Music as an Artist to Watch in 2025, they've become one of heavy music's biggest breakouts.

With Afterglow, the quartet proves ready to ascend to the next level. 

Stray From the Path Drop Video for New Single "Kubrick Stare" — WATCH // Band Signs to SharpTone

STRAY FROM THE PATH — Drew Dijorio, vocals; Tom Williams, guitar; Anthony Altamura, bass; and Craig Reynolds, drums — have fired off the video for the ferocious new single "Kubrick Stare."

Watch it below. 

In conjunction with the new song and visual, the band is pleased to announce that it has signed with SharpTone Records.

For "Kubrick Stare," Stray From the Path returned to the studio with longtime producer and frequent collaborator Will Putney [Body Count, Knocked Loose, Vein.fm]. They tapped into a groove almost immediately. Backed by a jarring beat, a stomping guitar riff punctuated by eerie squeals sets the tone for the track. It gives way to a vitriolic verse from Dijorio who wonders: "How much can we fucking bare?" Finally, the hard-hitting hook takes hold: "Oh you traumatized, just walk it off?"

About the track, which is somewhat of a commentary on our digitally driven society, Williams states, "It felt like we were capturing lightning in a bottle. We built the song around those scary chords. Every day, people on the Internet see the craziest things they've ever seen in their lives. Sometimes, it's hard to feel seriously about these atrocities because we see them all day. You're so numb to it that you're just staring blankly."

He continues "It's unfortunately become normal, and it's driving us crazy. Hence, the 'Kubrick Stare' reference — which was a tactic Stanley Kubrick used to show a character losing his mind. We're locked into our phones, and we probably look like Jack looking out of the window in The Shining."

Expect even more from Stray From the Path in 2025.

But for now, it's all about that "Kubrick Stare."

The band will hit the road later this month for a European tour supporting Spiritbox. All dates are here.

Since the turn of the century, the New York quartet has infused hardcore with metallic precision, hip-hop attitude, punk spirit, and unapologetic politically-charged songwriting unafraid to point out injustice. As such, they've engendered obsession among a diehard fanbase, selling out shows worldwide.  In 2025, an unbreakable creative and personal bond continues to drive the band as they prepare more music for release.

Renowned Rock Singer RUSS BALLARD Returns with Revisited Version of "New York Groove" + Music Video

Renowned rock singer RUSS BALLARD is pleased to announce the release of a revisited version of his famous hit “New York Groove”, along with a new music video, both out now via Frontiers Music Srl.

Russ Ballard comments on the track:

“I wrote the song in 1975 and it was a very quick process, written and recorded in about three hours. I had down time in the studio, no song - just a title, 'New York Groove' and an idea to play it to a Bo Diddley rhythm.”

Watch the Music Video for “New York Groove” Below:

RUSS BALLARD is simply one of the most renowned and gifted songwriters in pop and rock music. His music career started when he was only 14 years old and he wrote a tune, which was recorded by The Shadows, appearing on their album 'The Sound Of The Shadows' in 1964.

During the 70’s and 80’s, his songs ruled the airwaves and the list of hits is pretty much endless. From “Since You Been Gone” (Rainbow), “God Gave Rock'n'Roll To You” (Argent and Kiss), “So You Win Again” (Hot Chocolate), “New York Groove” (Hello and Ace Frehley), “You Can Do Magic” (America), “Winning” (Santana) or “I Don’t Believe In Miracles” (Colin Blunstone) – just to name a few – everyone who needed a great song knew that with RUSS BALLARD they could not go wrong.

Numerous records/artists were also produced by him, like Roger Daltrey, America, Elkie Brooks, Skindred or Sada Vidoo. In 1974, he started a solo career (after his stint with the band Argent in early 70’s), which had its highest momentum with the 'S/t' album in 1984 (which included the hit single “Voices”) and the follow up “The Fire Still Burns”.

Since then, BALLARD has released 10 studio albums and is still writing and producing hits. Three songs from his 1984 and 1985 albums were featured in the TV show “Miami Vice” and were extensively played on dance floors around Europe.