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

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

Watch the video for "Lonesoul" Below.

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

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

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

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

Saturday July 12

The Escondite,

410 Boyd St

Los Angeles, CA

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

Guitar - Mark Pananides (Junkyard)

Bass - Troy Takaki (Boneless Ones)

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

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

https://www.infamousstiffs.com

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https://infamousstiffs.bandcamp.com/

Dirkschneider And The Old Gang announce Babylon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Limited Red, Gold & Black Marbled Gatefold Double Vinyl 

• Limited Red Opaque & Black Marbled Gatefold Double Vinyl 

• Gold Opaque Double Vinyl 

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

• Digipak CD featuring a 24-page booklet 

• Jewelcase CD featuring a 24-page booklet 

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

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

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

About the new single, Jona Tee stated:

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

Vocalist Alexander Strandell commented on the new record by saying:

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

Watch the Music Video for "Timing Is Right" Below

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

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

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

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

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

Pre-Order 'Wonderland' HERE

CROWNE are:

Alexander Strandell – Vocals

Love Magnusson – Guitars

Jona Tee – Keyboards

John Leven – Bass

Christian Lundqvist – Drums

Der Weg Einer Freiheit Announce Sixth Album

Since forming in 2009, Der Weg Einer Freiheit have carved out a singular place in modern black metal. While rooted in the genre’s foundations, the German band are constantly evolving. On their upcoming sixth album, they look inward with devastating clarity. Having mined the liminal space between wakefulness and dreams on their last critically-acclaimed album, on Innern, Der Weg Einer Freiheir are tunneling even further inward, into collapse, silence and ultimately, transformation.

Innern comes out September 12 on Season of Mist.

“Since writing the very first song in 2007, Der Weg einer Freiheit has been a journey defined by passion, intensity, and a deep commitment to exploring the fragile thresholds of the human psyche through music,” says the band’s frontman and principal songwriter Nikita Kamprad.

“Over the past years, we’ve grown, evolved, and created something we’re incredibly proud of — and now, we’re excited to share the next step with you. Innern, the new album's title, means ‘inward’ in German and perfectly captures the essence of this record: a meditation on suffering, transformation, and the intimate process of personal reckoning and renewal.”

Tethered by visceral aggression and atmospheric grandeur, Innernbalances Der Weg Einer Freiheit’s post-metal restraint with the rawness of black metal’s core. The album was composed and produced by Kamprad, who captured the band’s blistering live show while maintaining their brooding weight.  Pulled between  Kamprad’s guitar interplay with Nicolas Rausch, Alan Noruspur’s grounding bass presence and Tobias Schuler’s precision drumming, it is as much about restraint as it is about release. Traversing isolation, memory, and the fragile thresholds between dissolution and renewal, Innern urges listeners to confront what lies beneath.

With Innern, Der Weg Einer Freiheit  move even deeper into the abyss. Produced, mixed, and mastered by Kamprad in his own studio, the album is an intensely focused work."Eos," the album’s lead single, contrasts war and renewal, imagining a post-human earth fertilized by sacrifice and reclaimed by nature."Marter" follows as a searing portrayal of inner torment and emotional release—suffering not only as a source of agony, but as a path toward transcendence. "Xibalba" then confronts the machinery of fear—media,propaganda, and spiritual fragmentation—urging a return to our collective essence through introspection and clarity. And with "Forlorn," the band delivers their most vulnerable statement yet: a delicate plea for emotional refuge, sung in English to underscore its universality. The album also marks the studio debut of bassist Alan Noruspur, whose presence brings anew emotional and personal depth to the band’s sound.

Musically, Innern leans into contrast and contradiction. Kamprad and Rausch’s guitar interplay oscillates between searing aggression and elegiac restraint. Noruspur’s basslines pulse with warmth and gravity, while Schuler’s drumming remains as meticulous as ever-bridging technicality with emotional nuance. The album's production captures a sense of immediacy and live energy, yet remains rich in detail and atmosphere. It is not merely a refinement of past styles, but are invention—one that places the listener in direct confrontation with the void.

Der Weg Einer Freiheit stand now at the peak of a fifteen-year evolution.Their music is as concerned with silence as it is with sound, as shaped by introspection as by fury. As they prepare to bring Innern to European stages in autumn 2025, they do so not as provocateurs of extremity, but as artists navigating the fragile space between collapse and clarity. In a genre often defined by spectacle, Der Weg Einer Freiheit remain committed to vulnerability, transformation, and truth.

Lineup:

Nikita Kamprad – Vocals, Guitars

Nicolas Rausch – Guitars

Alan Noruspur – Bass

Tobias Schuler – Drums

Production Credits:
Recorded, mixed & mastered in Würzburg, Germany by Nikita Kamprad.
Drums recorded separately at Studio Weißmann, Würzburg, Germany.

Cover Art:
Design & layout by Max Löffler (https://maxloeffler.com/)

Follow Der Weg Einer Freiheit:

Official Website: https://derwegeinerfreiheit.de/

Bandcamp: https://derwegeinerfreiheit.bandcamp.com/

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/derwegeinerfreiheit

Instagram: http://instagram.com/derwegeinerfreiheit

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/derwegeinerfreiheit

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7e823b0KQoVtLG86Ui5xGD

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/artist/der-weg-einer-freiheit/363526020

Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/artist/1386896

Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/artist/4479035

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Keep up with The Awakening
Website | Store | Facebook | Instagram | Spotify | YouTube | Apple Music | Tidal |  Press contact

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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.