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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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S.O.R.M Unleashes Intense Heavy Rock Offering 'The Sacrifice'! ​

Swedish hard rock outfit S.O.R.M has officially unleashed their brand new track, 'The Sacrifice', which offers another powerful statement from the Lidköping-based four-piece. The stand-alone single is out now via Noble Demon and available for streaming. 

The band offers insight into the single’s core message: "The new single is a song that speaks to everyone. It’s about all the sacrifices we do just so we can keep on living. At the end we all turn to the lord and ask for a hero that can help lead the way. My problems in life are different from yours but we all sometimes need to do sacrifices to keep on moving forward. The hardest work is to sacrifice something without regrets. But in the end we always wonder if he hears you calling out."

Formed in 2017, S.O.R.M quickly made a name for themselves with the release of their outstanding "Hellraiser" EP (2020), which introduced the band to the world and captivated audiences with their infectious hooks right from the start. The band's 2023 debut album, "Under My Skin" (Noble Demon), further solidified their position in the hard rock scene, featuring guest appearances by legendary guitarists Doug Blair of W.A.S.P. and Nick Petrino of Dee Snider.

Get the album HERE

HMF - Hellraiser Metal Festival - Arranged by S.O.R.M*
Viking Line Birka Cruise **
Konsert & Kongress with Mikkey Dee & Friends +

For more info visit:

https://www.facebook.com/sormsweden

https://www.sormsweden.com


https://www.instagram.com/sormsweden 

https://linktr.ee/nobledemon  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEPTICFLESH | LIVE AT THE ACROPOLIS II PROMETHEUS UNCHAINED SOLD OUT IN LESS THAN 48 HOURS!

Last week, Symphonic death metallers SEPTICFLESH announced they were returning to Odeon of Herodes Atticus at the Acropolis of Athens. Following a sold out performance in 2024, the band are beyond grateful to announce the tickets for this year's Live At The Acropolis sold out in less than 48 hours.

On September 27, SEPTICFLESH will reunite on stage with the Athens State Orchestraincluding the Adult and Children’s Choir under the baton of Koen Schoots. This ceremony will be extra special as the venue will be closing for maintenance and restoration that is scheduled to be closed for at least 3 years.

SEPTICFLESH comments, "SOLD OUT in less than 48 hours! Thank you for your overwhelming support! Once again, history is written in ancient stone. Stay tuned…"

Formed as “Septic Flesh” in Greece in the early '90s, SEPTICFLESH has carved an indelible mark on the metal scene. With a rich history spanning decades, the band has continuously evolved their sound, incorporating symphonic elements to create a truly unique sonic experience. From their debut EP Temple of The Lost Race to their latest masterpiece SEPTICFLESH has captivated audiences with their dynamic compositions and haunting melodies. With each album, they push the boundaries of symphonic metal, weaving together intricate orchestrations with crushing riffs and powerful vocals. Don't miss your chance to witness their monumental live performances, where the thunderous sound of SEPTICFLESH will engulf you in a whirlwind of emotion and intensity.

SEPTICFLESH is:
Seth Siro Anton | Vocals, Bass
Christos Antoniou | Guitar, Orchestra
Sotiris Anunnaki V | Clean Vocals, Guitar, 12 String Guitar
Psychon | Guitar
Kerim 'Krimh' Lechner | Drums

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bassist/Vocalist Tombs comments on the single:

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

Watch the Music Video for "Cold"

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

Listen to "Parasite (Vampiric Mix)" HERE

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

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

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

HIGH PARASITE are:

Vocals - Aaron Stainthorpe

Bass - Tombs

Rhythm guitar - Sam Hill

Lead guitar - Jonny Hunter

Drums - Dan Brown

Bloodletter- Leave The Light Behind

Chicago thrashers BLOODLETTER have shredded stages across the USA for over twelve years. Their new album Leave the Light Behind is a vicious culmination of over a decade’s worth of sweaty moshpits, broken bones, and riffs sharp as guillotine blades.

 After releasing A Different Kind of Hell in 2023, BLOODLETTER headlined the third volume of Wise Blood’s black thrash split series Faster Than the Devil last year. Those three new songs revealed an even more sinister version of Bloodletter’s sound. Their melodies are still polished atop relentless battering ram rhythms while invoking classic thrash and modern melodeath. But Leave the Light Behind creates an atmosphere of otherworldly dread, introducing a world of darker shadows and lurking horror. 

“This time around we wanted to take the melodic riffing from our Funeral Hymns record and the brute force and speed of 'A Different Kind of Hell' and really blend the two more,” explains vocalist/guitarist Pete Carparelli. “We wanted to shoot for more grandiose and dramatic arrangements, while still keeping the elements of the core BLOODLETTER sound; speed, harmonized riffs and themes that can get stuck in your head. We pushed ourselves performance-wise, tried new vocal techniques and really tried our hardest to go further than we have before musically.” 

The song lyrics are rife with supernatural threats, cosmic beasts, and the specters of depression and mental illness. It is an ominous, dynamic thrash record that strikes with lethal power and leaves the listener with whiplash and a skull full of evil spirits. Leave the Light Behind will be available on Vinyl, CD, Cassette, and Digital from Wise Blood Records and Morbid & Miserable Records on June 25, 2025.

BLOODLETTER  is: 
Pete Carparelli - Vocals/Guitar 
Tanner Hudson - Bass 
Pat Armamentos - Guitar 
Zach Sutton - Drums Recorded & Mixed by 
Pete Carparelli at Haunted Hill Recordings 
Mastered by Matt Engstrom at Reel Sounds Studios
 Produced by Pete Carparelli & Matt Engstrom Artwork by 
Jon Self Layout by David Jaggar Band 
Photography by Cosmo Sutton 
Guest Solo on “Night Terrors” by Nate Madden of Immortal Bird

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PRE-ORDER "AXIOMS" HERE

More info about Wucan's European shows is here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Order 'Stand And Deliver' HERE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GIANT are:

Kent Hilli - Lead Vocals

Jimmy Westerlund - Lead Guitar

Mike Brignardello - Bass

David Huff - Drums

Scorpions to Celebrate 60th Anniversary with Hometown Show 7/5 To Be Recorded + Released As Live Album "Coming Home Live"🦂

Throughout their phenomenal career, the Scorpions have played in countless stadiums around the world. 

To mark their 60th anniversary, the band will, for the first time, perform at the stadium in their hometown of Hanover, where it all began. The show is set for July 5, 2025, at the Hanover Stadium Arena/Heinz von Heiden Arena. It's no surprise that the arena sold out 45,000 tickets in mere moments.

"Coming Home" will be the motto of this concert, and Coming Home Live will be the title of the accompanying live album, which will give fans worldwide the opportunity to experience this moment in Hanover. 

Spinefarm/Vertigo/Universal will release this extraordinary concert, featuring all of the band's biggest hits and many musical surprises, as a live album on vinyl and CD on November 14.

Pre-orders are now available here.

Photo Credit: Frank C. Duennhaupt

"Back then, we just wanted to be part of the global rock family — that was our dream," says Rudolf Schenker, the man who founded the band six decades ago. "Since then, we've shared the stage with Aerosmith and KISS, with Metallica, AC/DC, and I don't even remember who else we're fascinated by — to the Berlin Philharmonic."

The band has always felt at home when performing at the world's major arenas. But even more so, over the years, the Scorpions have also influenced generations of rock fans, undoubtedly shaping the style and music of younger artists and fellow legends.

"They are the best thing that could have happened to hard rock or heavy metal," says Jon Bon Jovi about the Scorpions, while Metallica's Kirk Hammettconfesses, "I still remember being so smitten by the cover of Tokyo Tapes. From then on, I was the biggest Scorpions fan and searched everywhere for all possible information about this band."

Members of Smashing Pumpkins, Mötley Crüe, and Green Day, to Guns N' Roses and KISS have all said that the Scorpions' songs had a huge influence on their music. 

The resources of their career years have now become an overflowing treasure trove, bridging the gap from yesterday to tomorrow, from 1965 to the iconic concert in the Hanover Stadium Arena on July 5. The fuel that spurs the Scorpions is the adrenaline that comes with performing live.

 "It's the most important element," says lead singer Klaus Meine. "And the strongest: The Scorpions are a band that, from the very beginning, has seen its place on stage and on some of the biggest stages in the world, in the biggest stadiums and arenas. It was always a challenge to win over fans and play a great show live."

But Scorpions constantly rose to the occasion and surpassed that challenge every time.

Lead guitarist Matthias Jabs says, "I don't like to think about the past. I prefer to think about what we're doing now or will do. And that's why, for me, the stadium concert in Hanover is the most important thing right now."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TICKETS

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

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

09/19: Phoenix, AZ @ Last Exit Live

09/20: Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad

09/22: Dallas, TX @ Trees

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

09/25: Greensboro, NC @ Hangar 1819

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

09/27: Brooklyn, NY @ The Meadows

09/28: Albany, NY @ Empire Live

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

10/01: Montreal, QC @ Café Campus *

10/02: Toronto, ON @ Velvet Underground *

10/03: Lakewood, OH @ Mercury Music Lounge

10/04: Chicago, IL @ Reggies

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

10/07: Denver, CO @ HQ

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

10/10: Oakland, CA @ Thee Stork Club

10/11: Los Angeles, CA @ 1720

*w/ Gudsforladt, no LoM

BLACKBRAID Upcoming Festivals:

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

08/23: Eisfeld (DE) @ Wolfszeit Festival

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

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

Creator of Blackbraid: Sgah’gahsowáh

'Blackbraid III' Album Credits:

Composed & performed by Sgah'gahsowáh

Drums, recording, mixing & mastering by Neil Schneider 

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

“Fleshbound" originally composed by Lord Belial

Painting by Adam Burke

Illustration by Adrian Baxter

Visual development & graphic design by Wolf Mountain Productions 

Follow // Listen:

Bandcamp

Spotify

Apple Music

YouTube

Instagram

Shop/Pre-order:

Official Merch Store (USA)

Official Merch Store (EU) 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Line-up:

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

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

LIGHTNING STRIKES Announce Guest Guitar Armada For 'The King Is Victorious'

Los Angeles CA based heavy metal outfit LIGHTNING STRIKES have announced a guest guitar armada of world class axe slingers to fortify their upcoming sophomore effort, 'The King Is Victorious', set for release later this year.

The album's monumental title cut, which features the 45-piece Moscow Symphony Orchestra, will include lead spots from Roy Z (BRUCE DICKINSON, HALFORD), Rowan Robertson (DIO, BANG TANGO), Rob Math (LEATHERWOLF, SOUL SIGN), Dario Mollo (VOODOO HILL, Tony Martin), Mark Zavon (KILL DEVIL HILL, 40 CYCLE HUM), and Takehiko 'Shake' Kogure (RED WARRIORS, REBECCA). In addition, Michael T. Ross whose credits include Aldo Nova, Lita Ford and ANGEL will contribute keyboards. Says drummer/producer/mastermind Karpis Maksudian: "Once 'The King Is Victorious' started taking shape and its epic scope became clear, I knew I wanted tons of guitar to reflect the vibe of the song. And there is nothing better to manifest a battle scene than having guitar players chopping heads!  I couldn't be more stoked that my old friends Z, Rob and Dario said yes immediately and I was able to get Rowan, Mark, Shake and Mike as well. These guys are all awesome!"

The bulk of the album was recorded by Maksudian, Japanese guitar virtuoso, Norifumi Shima (CONCERTO MOON), American bassist extraordinaire, Barry Sparks (MSG, Yngwie Malmsteen), and up-and-coming Argentinian vocalist, Mariano Gardella, with keyboardist maestro, Derek Sherinian (BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION, SONS OF APOLLO), who guested on the group's debut album, also making an appearance.

Originally formed in 1984, LIGHTNING STRIKES were the first metal band to feature an all Armenian-American line-up, well over a decade before the arrival of SYSTEM OF A DOWN. Co-founder Maksudian revived the name with new personnel a quarter century after the initial breakup recording the group's self-titled 2016 full-length debut with Brazilian vocalist Nando Fernandes (SINISTRA, HANGAR), the aforementioned Rob Math and Derek Sherinian, and former BLACK SABBATH vocalist, Tony Martin, who sang on and wrote the lyrics to 'Death Valley' and '301 AD Sins of Our Fathers'. Mixed by Roy Z, the album was well received and peaked on the Japanese Burrn! Magazine import charts at number 6.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lightningstrikesrocks/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lightningstrikesrocks/

X: x.com/lsrocksofficial

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@lightningstrikesofficial387

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

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

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

Vocalist/Guitarist Steve Overland shares on the new single:

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

Overland comments on the new album:

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

Watch the Lyric Video for "Living On The Run"

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

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

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

Pre-Order 'Brotherhood' HERE

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

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

FM are:

Steve Overland – Vocals, guitar

Merv Goldsworthy – Bass

Pete Jupp – Drums

Jem Davis – Keyboards

Jim Kirkpatrick – Guitars

Vianova Drop New Groove-Filled Single "Uh Yaya"

Berlin-based act Vianova are back with their explosive new single "Uh Yaya" — a chaotic, groove-laden anthem packed with raw energy, tongue-in-cheek swagger, and live show vibes.
 

Following the viral momentum of their recent singles, which were praised and reacted to by top tier influencers like Nik Nocturnal and several prominent YouTube channels, Vianova have quickly emerged as one of Germany's most exciting new heavy acts.
 

"Uh Yaya" doesn't just push the envelope — it tears it up and sets it on fire.

Armed with razor-sharp riffs, pounding grooves, and a visual aesthetic that's totally unforgettable, Vianova embrace the absurd and the aggressive in equal measure. It's chaotic, it's catchy, and it hits like a steel chair to the face.

Watch "Uh Yaya" music video below. 

Stream the single here. 
 

Blending the bounce of nu-metal, the punch of metalcore, and a no-f**ks-given crossover energy, Vianova aren't just knocking on the door — they're kicking it down. "Uh Yaya" is their loudest, wildest statement yet — and it demands your full attention.

Chase Rice Soundtracks Summer with "Two Tone Trippin'" Feat. Wyatt McCubbin Out Now

Just in time for Independence Day cookouts and back-road getaways, Chase Rice delivers “Two Tone Trippin’”– a jangly, guitar-picking joyride that captures the heart of summer and the spirit of a classic American truck. Featuring fellow singer-songwriter Wyatt McCubbin, the nostalgic new single is available everywhere today as the first preview of new music to come later this year. Listen Below.
 
A feel-good celebration of freedom, young love and the timeless charm of a two-tone pickup, “Two Tone Trippin’” takes a well-worn symbol of Country storytelling and revs it up with fresh detail and classic Country flair. Rice and McCubbin – who cowrote the song with producer Oscar Charles – trade verses like old friends swapping stories on the tailgate, with a toe-tapping arrangement and vivid, boots-on-the-dash imagery:

“Wyatt, Oscar and I were driving around Rollinsville, Colorado, and we kept noticing two-tone trucks everywhere. Oscar finally said, ‘Man, this must be where two-tones go to die.’ Then out of nowhere, he goes, ‘We should write a song called ‘Two Tone Trippin’,’” recalls Rice. “I had just bought a ‘72 two-tone Chevy, so I was all about it. I think we wrote the whole thing in about 45 minutes – no rules, not even a chorus. We just straight up had fun on this one. And everything you hear in the recording – the playing and the singing – was all one take.”
 
McCubbin – known for penning songs for artists including Lainey Wilson, Luke Combs, Zach Top, Cody Johnson and more in addition to his own solo career – adds a soulful layer to the track introducing the next chapter in Rice’s career, which promises to further expand his evolution as an artist. More new music is expected later this year, as Rice continues to lean into his roots and the unfiltered storytelling that earned 2024’s independent release Go Down Singin’ widespread critical praise. 
 
American Songwriter celebrated the “introspective authenticity and Rice‘s dedication to change his career narrative from backward ball cap party guy to serious songwriter,” noting that much of the new music “walks the line between traditional Country and Bluegrass,” while Billboard notes it “leans toward rootsier, raw-rock driven sounds, trading party anthems for introspective lyrical themes…. as his voice conveys a crackling warmth of self-reflection and an easy-going comfortableness.”
 
“Rice’s knack for a good melody is still well intact,” adds Rolling Stone, “but this time it’s used to tell a good story, not fit into a radio algorithm… [Rice] has stopped worrying about where the songs will land, and realized that the best art exists not by trying to get a bloated Number One, nor by trying to adhere to some purist outlaw notion, either. It’s the organic sweet spot in the middle.”
 
For more information on all things Chase Rice, visit ChaseRice.com and follow on Facebook, Twitter/X and TikTok@ChaseRiceMusic and on Instagram @ChaseRice.

LOVE IS NOISE Releases Two Brand-New Tracks “Hole In Me” And “All Eyes Shut” — Out Now via Century Media

Following widespread acclaim for their February 2025 debut album 'To Live in a Different Way' released via Century Media Records, UK powerhouse LOVE IS NOISE returns with new music much sooner than fans might have expected. The band is dropping two brand-new tracks, “Hole In Me” and “All Eyes Shut,” along with an electrifying new music video for the lead single “Hole In Me,” available below.

Alongside the dual single release, LOVE IS NOISE is also unveiling what might be their strongest music video to date and officially introducing a new chapter in the band’s evolution. The updated lineup now includes Sam Clark (Bass), Alex Ioannou (Guitar), and Joe Pink(Drums), joining founding vocalist Cameron Humphrey to form the newly solidified quintet.

Cam shares about the new line-up:

“It’s an absolute pleasure to welcome Sam, Joe and Alex into the fold. They’ve been touring with LOVE IS NOISE over the past year and the chemistry we had between us all was unmatched. This made the decision to offer them full time roles very easy. We’re brothers and I can’t wait to tour the world over and over with them.”

He adds about the new singles:

“'Hole In Me' begins a new chapter in the life of LOVE IS NOISE. 1 becomes 4. This song is heartbreak at its finest, accompanied by the heaviest instrumentation from ourselves to date. This is the future! On the other hand, 'All Eyes Shut,' alongside a guitar solo from our friend Erik, leans more into our alternative rock influences. This song sounds like if 'Everlong' era Foo Fighters was created today. To us, this is a perfect combo and a great addition alongside 'Hole In Me.'”

Watch the Music Video for "Hole In Me" Below

Watch the Visualizer for "All Eyes Shut" HERE

LOVE IS NOISE began its journey in 2021 as a collaboration between Humphrey and former guitarist Tom Mellon (who recently left the band to explore other musical endeavours) balancing the ethereal and intense. While sonic signposts include modern-day shoegaze as well as the likes of Glassjaw and Deftones, the band’s 2022 EP, 'Euphoria, Where Were You?' (released on FEVER 333 frontman Jason Aalon Butler’s 333 WRECKORDS CREW) pointed towards a soul-crushing sonic heartache all their own.

A string of singles led to the band inking with Century Media and beginning work on their debut album. LOVE IS NOISE released the first taste of new music with the acclaimed singles“Soft Glow,” “Jawbreaker” “To live in a different way, “take.one.minute,” and “It Hurts To Know You're There,” which appeared on numerous playlists across the streaming platforms and were featured on BBC Radio One, Kerrang! Radio and Total Rock. The band’s Century Media debut, ‘To live in a different way,’ straddles the roughshod riffing and volume of their DIY origins while embracing shoegaze-facing melodiousness, hints of Brit-pop, and a beating (and bleeding) heart erupting from Cam Humphrey’s plaintive vocals. Co-produced by the band with engineer Kel Pinchin and mixed by John Markson (Drug Church, Drain, The Story So Far), ‘To live in a different way’ is a startling debut album.

Order 'To live in a different way' HERE

LOVE IS NOISE is:

Cameron Humphrey - Vocals

Sam Clark - Bass

Alex Ioannou - Guitar

Joe Pink - Drums

Gridiron Drop "Heavy Metal Money (Seen It All Before)" Feat. Big Body Bes Video

GRIDIRON — Matthew Karll, vocals; Will Kaelin, guitar and vocals; Xavier Wilson, guitar; Lennon Livesay, bass; and Tyler Mullen, drums —dropped new album Poetry From Pain earlier this year via Blue Grape Music. Get it here. 

The band has shared the video for the bouncy banger "Heavy Metal Money (Seen It All Before)" feat. Big Body Bes.

Watch it Below.

Gridiron, fresh off a plate-shifting performance at Rough Trade in NYC, will bringPoetry From Pain to fans and will bring venues to their knees all summer long. All upcoming confirmed tour dates with Summer Slaughter are below.

Gridiron, which originally formed as a pandemic project and have since grown into a full-fledged entity, features members of Never Ending Game, Simulakra, and Scarab, and connects the Philadelphia, Delaware, and Michigan areas.

Pushing every boundary to a breaking point, Gridiron will go to any extreme and then some. They follow quite possibly the most unpredictable playbook in the game. The band might flood the zone with a corpsepaint-smearing death metal barrage only to double back around for a victory lap narrated by blinged-out and braggadocios bars. Their hybridization of metal, hardcore, and hip-hop wouldn’t be out of place at either OZZfest 1997 or Rolling Loud 2027.

It's why the quintet have bulldozed their own path as a phenomenon with millions of streams and acclaim from Stereogum, Brooklyn Vegan, NO ECHO, and more.

Gridiron were born out of a series of COVID-era marathon Call of Duty sessions, which led to writing and recording together. Their musical pedigree spoke for itself with Will also in Never Ending Game, Xavier in Simulakra, and Tyler and Lennon in Scarab. Given their individual experiences, the guys instantly locked into a creative groove. Following the Loyalty At All Costs EP [2020] and Worldwide Brotherhood EP [2021], they dropped their first full-length, No Good At Goodbyes [2022]. Along the way, they also shared stages with everyone from Missing Link to Trapped Under Ice and have plenty of upcoming touring planned for 2025.

And now, Poetry From Pain is here and it slays.

GRIDIRON ON TOUR:
SUMMER SLAUGHTER 2025:
WITH HATEBREED, FUGITIVE, MALEVOLENCE, ESCUELA GRIND, + INCITE:
7/8 — St Petersburg, FL — Jannus Landing
7/9 — Atlanta, GA  —The Eastern
7/10 — Baton Rouge, LA — Mid City Ballroom*
7/11 —  San Antonio, TX — Vibes
7/12 — Oklahoma City, OK — Diamond Ballroom
7/13 — Dallas, TX — Bomb Factory
7/14 — Memphis, TN — Growlers*
7/15 — Indianapolis, IN — Egyptian Room
7/16 — Pittsburgh, PA — Stage AE
7/17 — Huntington, NY — The Paramount
7/18 — Troy, NY —  No Fun*
*Gridiron Headline Show 

WITH HATEBREED, FUGITIVE, MALEVOLENCE, SNUFFED ON SIGHT, + INCITE:
7/18 — Springfield, MA — MassMutual Center 
7/19 —  Sayreville, NJ —  Starland Ballroom
7/20 — Philadelphia, PA — Franklin Music Hall
7/22 —  Charleston, SC — Music Hall
7/23 — Charlotte, NC — The Fillmore
 
WITH HATEBREED, BLEEDING THROUGH, MALEVOLENCE, SNUFFED ON SIGHT, + INCITE:
7/25 —  Rochester, NY — Water Street Music Hall
7/26 — Detroit, MI — Harpo;
7/27 — Milwaukee, WI  — The Rave
7/28 — Grand Rapids, MI — Intersection

False Gods - Lost in Darkness and Distance

FALSE GODS are not here to comfort you. Since forming on Long Island, NY in 2015, the band has carved a sonic identity rooted in disillusionment, despair, and the bitter truths of existence. On their new album, Lost in Darkness and Distance, the band reaches into deeper shadows, sonically, emotionally, and philosophically, than ever before. It's not just their heaviest record, it's their most human.

Emerging from the ashes of SKELETONDEALER, longtime collaborators Mike Stack (vocals) and Greg March (guitar) formed FALSE GODS with a vision of creating music that defied genre confines. Early releases like Wasteland (2016) and Reports From Oblivion (2017) hinted at what was to come, a collision of NYHC energy, NOLA sludge, and post-punk anxiety. But it was 2020’s No Symmetry…Only Disillusion and 2022’s Neurotopia, both released on Seeing Red Records, that solidified their reputation as a band unafraid to confront musical and existential extremes. Neurotopia earned critical acclaim from Decibel and Metal Hammer UK, each praising its suffocating atmosphere and refusal to adhere to genre conventions.

While on tour supporting Neurotopia, one word kept surfacing in press and fan conversations: "hardcore." It’s not a word Mike Stack rejects, but it is one he resists being boxed in by. “While we all met in our local hardcore scene, that's not where we wanted to stay,” Stack explains. “A song like 'Imposter' shows that we’re not afraid to write with actual melody. There are still brutally heavy moments here, like 'Worldless,' but there’s also psychedelic, YOB-inspired haze in 'Death Is Listening' and industrial or noise textures across 'Straw Dog' and 'Voice of Treason.' We wanted to push ourselves and see how far FALSE GODS could stretch while still sounding like us.”

Lost in Darkness and Distance is the result of that creative reach and of personal tragedy. The record was written and recorded during a time marked by death, addiction, and emotional collapse in the lives of several members. That rawness bleeds into every second of the album. There are no metaphors to hide behind here. Stack’s vocals are not just screams, they are confessions. Each track feels like a page torn from a journal written under duress.

"Enemy That Never Was" explores the emotional wreckage left by the unresolved death of a close family member. "Imposter" spirals through identity confusion, self-hatred, and alienation, with Stack describing it as “almost like I’m playing a character of a human.” In "Straw Dog," he screams into the void of a meaningless existence, confronting failure with brutal honesty. "Worldless" exposes the empty promises of substance abuse, while "Suffering in a Strange Land" captures the haunting sense of being entirely alone, even among others. The final track, "Death Is Listening," reflects on mortality with crushing vulnerability: “I still can't decide if I'm anxiously awaiting death or deathly afraid of it. It depends on the second.”

It’s this emotional clarity that makes Lost in Darkness and Distance so powerful. It’s a record that stares unblinking into the abyss, but never feels forced or performative. The lyrics feel lived-in, exhausted, and scarred. The title, taken from the final line of Frankenstein, reflects the central theme, the sense of being exiled not from society, but from reality itself.

Musically, the band continues to refine its unique voice. Their influences range from CROWBAR, YOB, and GODFLESH to KILLING JOKE, SWANS, BLACK FLAG, and CARNIVORE. But these are not pastiches. FALSE GODS wield these sounds like weapons, twisting sludge riffs into industrial grind and blending bleak psychedelia with punishing hardcore rhythms. The result is an album that sounds like no one else.

With a revamped lineup featuring Mike Stack – Vocals, Greg March – Guitar, Devin Stracuzza – Bass, and Josh Harrison – Drums, the band has never sounded tighter or more dangerous. Their live résumé includes sets with CROWBAR, ABIGAIL WILLIAMS, WILL HAVEN, GHOST BATH, FISTULA, 16, BONGZILLA, ILSA, CONAN, FROM AUTUMN TO ASHES, and more. They've crushed stages at Maryland Doomfest (2019, 2023), Grim Reefer Fest (2023), and Ohio Doomed & Stoned Fest (2023). In July 2025, they’ll join EYEHATEGOD on tour, a fitting pairing of two bands that find beauty in the broken.

FALSE GODS are not here to sell you hope. They are here to make something real. Lost in Darkness and Distance will be released July 25th, 2025.

About FALSE GODS:

Formed in 2015 on Long Island, New York, FALSE GODS are a genre-defying force in modern heavy music. Blending sludge metal’s crushing weight with post-metal atmosphere, NYHC aggression, and the bleak intensity of industrial and post-punk, the band carves out a sound that is both emotionally raw and sonically brutal. Their music shifts seamlessly between towering heaviness, haunting melody, and punishing noise, always grounded in lyrical themes of isolation, grief, and existential dread.

With a lineup featuring Mike Stack – Vocals, Greg March – Guitar, Devin Stracuzza – Bass, and Josh Harrison – Drums, FALSE GODS have built a reputation for cathartic live performances and uncompromising songwriting. They’ve shared the stage with heavyweights like CROWBAR, EYEHATEGOD, CONAN, and FROM AUTUMN TO ASHES, and have appeared at festivals including Maryland Doomfest, Grim Reefer Fest, and Ohio Doomed & Stoned.

Their upcoming album, Lost in Darkness and Distance, marks their most dynamic and personal work to date, pushing beyond genre lines into something darker, deeper, and more vulnerable.

FALSE GODS do not offer escapism. They reflect reality—unfiltered and unrelenting.

FALSE GODS is:

Mike Stack – Vocals
Greg March – Guitar
Devin Stracuzza – Bass
Josh Harrison – Drums

Connect with FALSE GODS:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/falsegods
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/falsegods1
Twitter/X: https://x.com/FalseGods2
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5GghNJPvhdvhYQlgCkylR1
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/false-gods/1101513664
Bandcamp: https://falsegods1.bandcamp.com/album/false-gods-abiuro-split
Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/album/156301589

MALPHAS Reawakens Early Darkness With New Single “The Conjuring”

Epic blackened melodeath conjurers MALPHAS unveil their latest offering, “The Conjuring”, out now via M-Theory Audio. A reimagining of one of the first songs the band ever wrote, the single fuses their raw early energy with the refined intensity of their modern sound.

Following the acclaim of their 2024 sophomore album Portal (M-Theory Audio), MALPHAS now look both forward and backward with “The Conjuring”, a track that serves as a creative bridge between their origins and the mythos of their upcoming third album.

“The Conjuring is one of the early tracks we recorded as a band - our songwriting was still in an embryonic state, so we decided to revisit it for the 10 year mark of our first release. We rewrote and rearranged parts of it in the vein of our modern sound and were pleasantly surprised by the result. The role of the Conjuror is central to the story of The 39th Spirit and will be linked to the events in our third album.” — Paul DeSanctis

With cinematic orchestration, blistering guitars, and a deep-rooted narrative core, “The Conjuring” reinforces Malphas’s position as a defining force in the evolving landscape of extreme metal.

To build momentum for their forthcoming third full-length, MALPHAS will hit the road this July on the Steel and Sorcery Tour in support of ICE GIANT, alongside CELESTIAL WIZARD, with special guests TROLLWAR on select dates. Presented by M-Theory Audio and Witches Brew, this spellbinding run will bring myth, metal, and mayhem across North America.

Steel and Sorcery Tour:

• 7/9 – Madison, WI – Gamma Ray Bar

• 7/10 – Chicago, IL – Live Wire Lounge

• 7/11 – Toronto, ON – Duffy’s Tavern

• 7/12 – Ottawa, ON – Dominion Tavern

• 7/13 – Quebec City, QC – La Source de la Martinière*

• 7/15 – Pawtucket, RI – The News Cafe

• 7/16 – Boston, MA – The Silhouette Lounge

• 7/17 – Philadelphia, PA – The Nail

• 7/18 – Dayton, OH – Cosmo Joe’s

• 7/19 – Salisbury, MD – Lucky’s Glass Skate Shop

• 7/20 – Raleigh, NC – Chapel of Bones

*Trollwar appears as special guest on select dates.

About MALPHAS:
Originally formed in 2012 by Paul DeSanctis and Eric Dunleavy, and joined by Damian DiFrancesco in 2014 and Joshua DeJesus in 2019, MALPHAS has established a fierce presence in the underground metal scene. Known for their dynamic blend of symphonic blackened melodic death metal, the band has toured extensively across North America and Europe alongside acts such as Tengger Cavalry, Felix Martin, Helsott, Keep of Kalessin, Shade Empire, Nordheim, and more.

For more information:
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