The Wall Group Expands to Nashville, Morgan Feldman Joins as Managing Director

The Wall Group today announced it will open a Nashville office, with Morgan Feldman joining as Managing Director.
 
The agency will continue to identify and represent leading artists at the forefront of culture, while bringing forth unique opportunities for them to collaborate with the many diverse talents, musicians, and influential brands in Nashville.
 
“Nashville continues to grow as a leading destination for music, culture, and live entertainment, generating a demand for artists who can bring creative visions to life like never before,” said Kate Stirling, SVP and Co-Head of Fashion Representation at WME Fashion.
 
“Under Morgan’s leadership, we’re excited to expand our Nashville roster and collaborate with our WME colleagues to create new opportunities for clients across The Wall Group,” said Jeni Rose, SVP and Co-Head of Fashion Representation at WME Fashion.
 
Feldman joins The Wall Group with nearly 16 years of industry experience, having started her career at WME as an agent trainee. From there, she spent ten years in artist management at Vector Management before continuing her career at SB Projects, Scooter Braun’s artist management company, in Nashville. Feldman moved to Forward Artists in 2024, where she opened and launched their Nashville office as Director.
 
Clients joining The Wall Group roster in Nashville upon launch include Amber Cannon, Ashley Whaler, Cherie Kilchrist, Chris Bear, Jessica Candage, Jessica Miller, Kelly Henderson, Lindsey Dupuis, Mari Brown, Marz Collins, Oliva Rose, Stef Colvin, and Tarryn Feldman.
 
In addition to Nashville, The Wall Group has offices in Los Angeles, New York, and London. Since 2000, The Wall Group has driven the careers of fashion and beauty’s foremost artists including fashion stylists, makeup artists, hair stylists and groomers, manicurists, and content creators. Clients include Ash K Holm, Chris Appleton, Gucci Westman, Hung Vanngo, Karla Welch, Kate Young, Matt Rez, Naeemah Lafond, Shiona Turini, Taylor McNeill and Zola Ganzorigt to name a few.
 
The Wall Group is a part of WME Fashion, whose diverse and robust global portfolio includes Art + Commerce and IMG Models.
 
Congratulate Feldman at mfeldman@thewallgroup.com.

Morgan Feldman, Managing Director of The Wall Group Nashville | Photo Credit: Catherine Powell

Jamey and Brittney Johnson Create the Give It Away Fund to Help Those in Need

Award-winning country singer/songwriter Jamey Johnson and his wife, respected attorney Brittney Johnson, have launched the Give It Away fund to provide help to those in need by supporting well-managed charities. 

The fund focuses on charities that do work that is close to the couple’s hearts and assist communities experiencing natural disasters and other tragedies.

“We love helping people in need,” Jamey says. “This will allow us to direct money to certain places where there is considerable need.”

Adds Brittney, “Volunteer work has always been an important part of my life. One of the things I admired most about Jamey when we first met was his massive and generous heart. We share a love for helping people, and I think that has been an important part of our relationship from the beginning.” 

The fund’s name came from the 2006 George Strait No. 1 hit, “Give It Away,” which Jamey co-wrote with Bill Anderson and Buddy Cannon. The song won Song of the Year at both the Country Music Association Awards and the Academy of Country Music Awards.

“I laughed when we were talking about what the name of our foundation was going to be,” Jamey says. “At first, we thought it should be the In Color fund, and then I thought, ‘Wait a minute! I have a better song than that!’ Give It Away is the perfect name for any fund. It is exactly what we are doing with the money.”

Johnson will donate a dollar for every ticket sold at participating shows to his fund. In addition, he will donate all proceeds from the sale of a special T-shirt to his fund. It is available at his shows and online HERE.

Jamey is known for being among the first to help in times of need, whether it’s performing in a charity concert, making calls or donating money. For instance, he performed at George Strait’s “Strait To The Heart” benefit concert last month that raised more than $6 million for those affected by the flooding across Texas’ Hill Country. He will also perform at Robert Earl Keen's RFK and Friend's Applause for the Cause on Aug. 28 in New Braunfels, TX. More information on that event can be found HERE. 

He is also known for his support of the Nikki Mitchell Foundation, which he co-founded in 2013 to help those who have pancreatic cancer. The Marine also works with Toys for Tots and other organizations that help veterans, military members and their families. 

Brittney has been focused on helping others around the world years before she became an attorney. She taught in a school for women in Kenya, volunteered in an orphanage in Nairobi and participated in activism in a politically displaced persons camp in Kenya.

While attending the University of Mississippi School of Law, she was student coordinator of the school’s Pro Bono Initiative. While living in Mississippi, she was a member of the Junior League of Jackson. She also worked with therapy animals and helped provide hygiene services to the unhoused. 

Now married and living in Nashville, the couple have unified their philanthropic hearts into one generous effort to create Give It Away so that they may continue stronger what they began apart.

For more information on the Give It Away fund, please visit https://www.jameyjohnson.com/give-it-away.html.

About Jamey Johnson:
The 10-time GRAMMY nominee has been called “one of the greatest country singers of our time,” by The Washington Post. His music has garnered international acclaim and is embraced by fans of classic and contemporary country, as well as Americana and mainstream rock.

The Grand Ole Opry member is also widely regarded as one of the greatest country songwriters of his generation. He is one of only two people in the history of country music (along with Kris Kristofferson) to win two Song of the Year awards in the same year – for “Give It Away” and “In Color” – from the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association. 

A consummate storyteller, his songs have been recorded by George Strait, Trace Adkins, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, James Otto, Joe Nichols and others. He is “a first-rate preservationist of classic country songwriting…,” says The New York Times.

His 2024 album, Midnight Gasoline is a musical continuation of his last two solo studio albums, That Lonesome Song, which was certified double platinum for 2 million in sales, and the gold-certified 2010 album, The Guitar Song, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Album Chart. Rolling Stone and Spin named The Guitar Song to their all-genre Top 5 Best Albums of the Year. (He also released a 2012 duets project, the Grammy-nominated Living for a Song: A Tribute to Hank Cochran.)

“In Color” has received a 5X-Platinum certification for sales/streams of five million, and “High Cost of Living” was certified platinum. “Between Jennings and Jones” and “That Lonesome Song” have been certified gold for sales/streams of 500,000.

DREW BALDRIDGE ANNOUNCES NEW RELEASE “DESERVE HER”

Country artist Drew Baldridge has announced the upcoming release of his earnest new song, “Deserve Her,” available everywhere August 22. Written by Baldridge alongside Harper Grace and Kyle Schlienger, the track reflects the sensitivity and deep appreciation for the women in his life that have become hallmarks of his music. Pre-Save/Pre-Add HERE.

“When I wrote this song, I knew it would be such a great message for boys and girls to hear,” says Baldridge. “It talks about knowing a woman’s worth and that you can’t just ‘want her,’ but you gotta ‘deserve her.’ The second verse might be one of my favorite verses I’ve ever written. The words are so powerful, and it’s a message I look forward to sharing with my fans.”

“Deserve Her” follows Baldridge’s recent release, “Get Me Gone” featuring Emily Ann Roberts which the duo performed live for the first time together for a sold-out crowd at Red Rocks Amphitheater last month. It also comes on the heels of his second consecutive Top 10 country radio hit, “Tough People” (Lyric Ridge Records/Stoney Creek Records), further building on his momentum and ongoing partnership with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville.

In addition to a run of summer tour dates supporting Bailey Zimmerman and fall dates with Cody Johnson, Baldridge was recently announced as a performer at the NSAI Songwriter Awards, taking place at the Ryman Auditorium on September 23. Internationally, he will join Jelly Roll and Shaboozey on the Down Under Tour 2025 before launching his first overseas headlining trek, the Country Born Tour 2025, in the UK and Europe this winter.


KEEP UP WITH DREW BALDRIDGE
WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE | FACEBOOK

JASON ALDEAN PARTNERS WITH HOUSTON NATIVE, 13-YEAR-OLD DJ DANIEL, TO RAISE $200,000 FOR HEROES FOR CHILDREN

Grammy-nominated, award-winning entertainer Jason Aldean’s FULL THROTTLE Tour made its sold-out stop in Houston, TX Friday (8/15) at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, but not before making a very important local stop. Before taking to the stage, Aldean joined Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel, members of the Houston Astros baseball team, and families, staff and children from Texas-based non-profit Heroes for Childrenfor a full day of mini-golf at Puttshack and baseball fun before the Full Throttle show that evening. Aldean, in partnership with Full Throttle tour sponsor Patriot Mobile, also presented a surprise check for $200,000 to Heroes for Children, thanking them for all they do and thanking DJ for bringing his awareness to the organization.

Aldean with 13 year old Heroes For Children advocate DJ Daniel along with from L to R:
Patriot CMO Scott Coburn, (Aldean), Heroes for Children Co-Founders Jenny Lawson and Larissa Linton, Patriot Mobile COO Jenny Story, (DJ Daniel) and Patriot Mobile CEO Glenn Story at a Heroes for Children Puttshack event ahead of Aldean’s Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion’s Full Throttle Tour stop on August 15th in Houston, TX. 
Photo Credit: Courtney Reed.

The event was the culmination of initial outreach online by 13-year-old DJ Daniel, a cancer fighter and Houston native, who made a video plea earlier this year asking, “Hey, does anybody know Jason Aldean? Because we’re trying to do a country show down here to raise money for kids with cancer.” Jason saw the video while he happened to be with his friend and fellow artist Darius Rucker, so they responded here, with Jason promising to meet the teen and help his mission. 

In addition to hosting the event at Puttshack mini golf, Aldean also worked with the Houston Astros, who came to the table in a big way, offering kids a chance to attend batting practice including meet-and-greets on site with some of its players and free tickets to a future Astros game, ahead of Aldean’s sold-out show that evening. Hall of Famers Roger Clemens and Jeff Bagwell were in attendance, playing golf and taking pictures with families battling pediatric cancer. Later that evening at the Full Throttle Houston show, DJ made a surprise on-stage appearance to share his story of how Heroes for Children helped him, encouraging fans to also get involved, and also telling a few jokes that had the crowd roaring. 

DJ Daniel, who suffers from a rare form of brain and spinal cancer was told almost 8 years ago that he had about 5 months to live, and after battling cancer and undergoing more than a dozen surgeries, has since spent countless hours working to raise awareness and funds in the fight against childhood cancer and Texas non-profit Heroes for Children. Co-founded by Jenny Lawson and Larissa Linton, who both lost children to cancer, Heroes For Children helps to ensure no family faces childhood cancer alone. For more information and additional ways to donate, visit HERE.

Memphis May Fire Announce Fall 2025 Headline Tour

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

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

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

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

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

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

Listen to music from SHAPESHIFTER below.

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

Out Friday - Old Machines - The Cycles of Extinction

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

About OLD MACHINES:

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

OLD MACHINES is:

  • Gary Reavis - Vocals

  • Jason Stares - Keyboards

  • Brian Rush - Guitar

  • Devon Miller - Guitar

  • Joel Henigson - Bass  

  • Chris Craven - Drums


Artwork by Alexander Preuss

IRON SAVIOR - Reforged - Machine World: Out Friday!

IRON SAVIOR proudly presents their new album Reforged - Machine World, the third chapter in their acclaimed re-recording series that ignites fresh fire into timeless anthems from their legacy. This thunderous collection features reimagined classics drawn from the band’s prolific early 2000s era, along with a turbocharged cover of JUDAS PRIEST’s “Starbreaker,” all delivered through their signature fusion of futuristic power metal and classic heavy metal intensity.

IRON SAVIOR are:
Piet Sielck | vocals, guitars
Joachim Küstner | guitars
Patrick Opitz | bass
Patrick Klose | drums

Leslie Mandoki and his band, the Mandoki Soulmates, is returning to Budapest on August 21, 2025 and streaming live on Youtube

In a homecoming concert spectacular, Leslie Mandoki and his band of global musical luminaries, the Mandoki Soulmates, is returning to Budapest on August 21, 2025 at 7:00pm Central European Time to celebrate fifty years of Mandoki’s life and artistry in freedom on the national stage of his birthland. The 50 year anniversary concert will be live streamed directly from Budapest onto Youtube and can be watched from across the globe! The live stream will begin at 1:00pm Eastern Time. Here is the link for the livestream! https://www.youtube.com/live/t19CDG83nL0?si=n8Wjk2KRr8QKl6od

The performance will feature iconic Mandoki Soulmates songs, global hits made famous by members of his all-star band, and new material from their latest album, including We Stay Loud, Blood in the Water, and Devil’s Encyclopedia. Mandoki says “we invite everyone who believes in the power of music as both an act of profound artistic expression as well as a mode of liberation.”

The extraordinary venue is Budapest’s icon of icons, Szentháromság Tér atop the Buda Castle hill, a fitting crescendo in Mandoki’s performing life, which began in the then-notorious “Bem Club,” the locus of artistic rebels and rebellion in the oppressive 1970s Budapest. The concert promises surprises both evoking Mandoki and The Soulmates’ musical journey, as well as the band’s latest album, A Memory Of Our Future, a resounding international success, recently honored at The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.     

The Backstory
Over 50 years ago, the young Leslie Mandoki and his band, JAM, started making the scene at the infamous Bem Club, a so-called “cultural center” in communist-era Budapest that was quickly becoming a hotbed of the underground counter-culture for young people. After experiencing unrelenting artistic and personal repression, Leslie and two like-minded friends summoned the courage to make their way, by any means necessary, to the West. Compelled by this longing for freedom, his friends, the young animator Gábor Csupó (now known worldwide for The Simpsons, Rugrats, Duckman, and Aaahh!!! Real Monsters), and musical blood brother László made a dramatic escape through the Karawanken Tunnel to Germany in 1975—50 years ago!

Perhaps Leslie himself expressed the roots of his personal and artistic odyssey best: “The Bem Club was the place where music became the battlefield of inner revolution and the fight for freedom. It was there that I first understood that behind every sound, there are ideas—and that every melody rises from the depths of the soul. I learned that music is not just storytelling, but a kind of world-building: creating new realities from sounds, thoughts, and shared dreams. The stage is a space where there is both a mirror and a gateway, to ourselves and to one another. The friendships forged there were not fleeting moments, but encounters of destinies attuned to one another. All of this shaped not only my artistic path but also the way I’ve seen life, freedom, and human dignity ever since.”

This crucible of Leslie’s westward journey and new life eventually led to the founding of the Mandoki Soulmates band. The group shared an artistic creed based on the spiritual and musical foundations for what has become the broader Soulmates collective. Now more than just a band, this is a creative fellowship, a cultural atelier, a bridge connecting generations and civilizations, a cry for freedom echoing across the world’s grandest stages, and one that will be celebrated with this concert. 

Mandoki Soulmates Mega Concert—50 Years in Freedom
August 21, 2025, 7pm
Szentháromság Tér, Buda Castle, Budapest

A Memory Of Our Future - Album Order:
https://mandokisoulmates.lnk.to/Physical

Vianova Drop Heavy Curveball With "Obsolete"

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

Watch the video below.

Stream the single here.

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

Catch the band live at the dates below in Europe.

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

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

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

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

VICTIM OF FIRE deliver an engulfing sonic experience

Denver, Colorado's stadium crust act VICTIM OF FIRE deliver an engulfing sonic experience with a significant focus on twin guitar harmonies. Seeking to set the stage ablaze with their new album and forthcoming tour dates around North America and Canada this September, The Old Lie that is set for release on August 1, 2025 via Human Future Records/Return Trip Records.

The Old Lie is a continuation of the bands sound from where they left off with Disembrace in 2022. This album also sees a shift in the band's creative process, being the first to include contributions from every live member. The title track kicks off the release with a somewhat divergent sound. Steering into the melo-death territory, VICTIM OF FIRE showcase the genre fusion aspect of their sound while still retaining their roots as a d-beat crust band. "The Old Lie"’s lyrics come from a poem by the English Poet Wilfred Owens, lifting the curtain behind the bleak realities experienced by soldiers in World War One. 

Rife with harmonies, "Apocalyptic Inclination" exposes the 'warfare mindset' reinforced by politicians, especially in the US. "Wayward Light" continues the trajectory of the fast and melodic in a ferocious fury of riffs and harmonies. "Nightmares of Ceasefire" sees the fast and the furious endure, thematically exploring the perspectives of those who profit from war and death. "Soldiers Dream" is also influenced by Wilfred Owen's poem from which the song's title is taken. An enthralling combination of emotions, textures and tones, it's also the fastest track on the album.

A staple of the band's live shows "Discordance" was written from a more personal perspective about the process of adjusting to 'reality' following a period of touring. "Barren Path" sees VICTIM OF FIRE present an open and honest sharing of struggles with imposter syndrome. Shifting gears, "Front Towards enemy" embarks on a wild ride stylistically, deviating from the rest of the track list. Followed by "Disharmonist", the band's self proclaimed "magnum opus", the track original appeared as a single in 2021. For The Old Lie, it's been revamped with further harmonies and an increase in speed. VICTIM OF FIRE end with their own distinctive take on IRON MAIDEN's "Aces High". 

About VICTIM OF FIRE:
Initially formed in 2016, the Denver hailing blackened crust ensemble began as a side project filling in a creative gap and available studio time. Now, almost a decade later, the quartet are preparing to unearth their third studio album, The Old Lie, and bring their explosive sound to the masses around the US and Canada.

Inspired by the likes of TRAGEDY, DISFEAR, IN FLAMES, DISMEMBER and IRON MAIDEN, Austin reveals his creative influences, "harmonized guitars have always been my favorite part of music ever since I discovered IRON MAIDEN at the age of 16, and I’ve just been trying to recreate it in my bands wherever I can. Also not being afraid to take a risk with a song of musical style to see if it connects. We aren’t trying to be the crustiest crust band, we want to blend a bunch of styles together to make something fun and energetic to play live."

VICTIM OF FIRE is:
Austin (Guitar/Vocals)
Dustin (Bass)
Emily (Guitar)
Marc (Drums)

Album Credits:
Producer: Austin Minney
Recording Studio: All Aces Studios, Evergroove
Engineer: Austin Minney
Mastering: Brad Boatright (Audiosiege)
Mixing: Austin Minney
Album Cover Artist: Dan Bones

Tape Room Music Puts a Dozen+ Singles on the Country Charts at One Time

Building on its reputation for country-chart dominance, Tape Room Music continues to make waves this summer. The Nashville-based independent publisher celebrates back-to-back No. 1s, while more than a dozen of its songs climb the charts – simultaneously.
 
Founded by record-setting songwriter Ashley Gorley in 2011, Tape Room Music has celebrated over 50 No. 1s and counting. Its current tag-team of hits from Gorley and roster writers include this week's No. 1 on the Country Aircheck/Mediabase chart, Nate Smith's "Fix What You Didn't Break,” and last week's No. 1, Tyler Hubbard's "Park.”
 
"Fix What You Didn't Break" was written by Smith, Gorley, Taylor Phillips and Lindsay Rimes. It marks Taylor Phillips’ 10th career chart topper, and fourth No. 1 in the last 12 months, joining Jelly Roll’s “I Am Not Okay” and “Liar” and Dylan Scott’s “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us.” Phillips is  the fourth Tape Room writer to achieve the feat along with Ben Johnson, Hunter Phelps and Zach Crowell. “Fix What You Didn't Break” marks the sixth No. 1 shared between Phillips and Gorley. 
 
"Park" was written by Hubbard with Jesse Frasure, Gorley and Canaan Smith.

Meanwhile, 15 songs penned by Gorley and Tape Room writers are currently on airplay charts, including:

  • Nate Smith's "Fix What You Didn't Break" (co-written by Ashley Gorley, Taylor Phillips)

  • Tyler Hubbard’s “Park” (co-written by Ashley Gorley)

  • Jordan Davis's "Bar None" (co-written by Ben Johnson, Hunter Phelps)

  • Jelly Roll's "Heart Of Stone" (co-written by Zach Crowell)

  • Dierks Bentley's "She Hates Me" (co-written by Ashley Gorley)

  • BigXthaPlug & Bailey Zimmerman’s “All The Way” (co-written by Ben Johnson)

  • Zach Top's "Good Times And Tan Lines" (co-written by Wyatt McCubbin)

  • Megan Moroney & Kenny Chesney's "You Had To Be There" (co-written by Ben Williams)

  • HARDY's "Favorite Country Song" (co-written by Ashley Gorley, Beau Bailey)

  • Blake Shelton's "Stay Country Or Die Trying" (co-written by Beau Bailey)

  • Chris Janson's "Me & A Beer" (co-written by Ashley Gorley, Taylor Phillips, Andy Sheridan)

  • Dasha's "Not At This Party" (co-written by Ashley Gorley, Ben Johnson)

  • Megan Moroney's "6 Months Later" (co-written by Ben Williams)

  • Sam Barber & Avery Anna's "Indigo" (co-written by Andy Sheridan)

  • Dustin Lynch's "Easy To Love" (co-written by Ben Johnson, Hunter Phelps)

Past the charts, Tape Room writers across the roster have kept busy this summer. Ben Johnson, who co-wrote BigXthePlug and Bailey Zimmerman’s summer smash “All The Way,” is featured in Netflix’s brand new Hitmakers, which follows hit songwriters across genres writing for top artists. Wyatt McCubbin joined shows on Riley Green’s Damn Country Music tour alongside Green, Ella Langley and Vincent Mason. McCubbin was featured on Chase Rice’s “Two Tone Trippin’,” the lead release from the singer’s upcoming album that includes many songs co-written by McCubbin. Tape Room writers and producers have kept busy working on exciting new projects and collaborations to come. Earlier this summer, Gorley, Phillips, Ben Johnson and Hunter Phelps received CMA Triple Play Awards.
 
In related news, Gorley was inducted into the National Songwriters Hall of Fame in June, yet the Grammy, CMA and ACM Award winner is not slowing down.

Ashley Gorley | Photo Credit: Katie Kauss

Bask Bend the Law on New Single "The Traveler"

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

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

Watch the surreal video for "The Traveler" below.

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

Pre-order & Pre-save

https://orcd.co/basktheturning

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

Line-up:

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

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

Recording Studio 
Echo Mountain Recording

Producer 
Kenny Harrington

Engineer
Kenny Harrington

Mixing Studio
Acre AudioMixing

Mixing Engineer
Andrew Schneider

Mastering Studio
West West Side Music

Mastering Engineer
Alan Douches

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

Pre-order & Pre-save

https://orcd.co/basktheturning

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“BEYOND RECOGNITION” MUSIC VIDEO BELOW

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

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

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

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

About TRIBAL GAZE:

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

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

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

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

Follow TRIBAL GAZE:

Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

INFERNO FESTIVAL NORWAY 2026 Reveals First Wave of Bands; DEICIDE, OLD MAN'S CHILD

INFERNO FESTIVAL NORWAY 2026 is now proudly welcoming the first wave of bands to next year's edition, which will once again take place across several venues in Oslo (NO) during Easter from April 2 - 5! Deicide, Old Man’s Child, The Kovenant, Kanonenfieber, Incantation, Whoredom Rife, Darvaza, Perchta, and Myr are confirmed to conquer the festival!

Tickets and passes can be found HERE.

The full lineup is now as follows with more TBA:

Deicide

Old Man’s Child

The Kovenant

Kanonenfieber

Incantation

Whoredom Rife

Darvaza

Perchta

Myr

+ more TBA!

Adam Ezra Group - REVELATE IS OUT NOW

Revelate is out around the globe now!!

Revelate is live on all streaming platforms!!  Stream Revelate!

You all have been so incredible, sparking new fans and listeners from all over the world by streaming our last release, “Sweet Beautiful Thing.”  Revelate is the first song we’re releasing from the album we’ve been working so hard on for the last year and a half, and will be releasing in full over the next 10 months.  We can’t wait for you to hear it, and fingers crossed that more and more folks out there get excited about listening!! 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Watch it below.

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

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

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

PHOTO CREDIT: Ray Duker

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

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

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

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

Listen to "REDRUM" here or watch below.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BAMBIE THUG PRONOUNS: THEY/THEM/FAE

The Acacia Strain Drop Video for "HOLY MOONLIGHT"

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

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

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

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

Watch it below.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Keep up with Max Rael

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


Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
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Miltown's Debut "Tales of Never Letting Go" to be Released 9/5 After 28-Year Wait

Miltown's debut full-length, Tales Of Never Letting Go, is finally being released on September 5.

Limited edition vinyl is available from Man Alive Creative (Pitch Black, Glacier Blue) and RevHQ (Tangerine), while lossless, high-quality downloads can be purchased on Bandcamp.

Featuring Jonah Jenkins (Only Living Witness), Brian McTernan (Be Well, Battery, Ashes), Matt Squire (Ashes), Jay Cannava, and Rob Dulaney, these sessions were recorded at the legendary Long View Farm Studios (Bad Brains, Quicksand, Killswitch Engage) in December '97 and January '98. The band broke up before the songs were mixed and the master tapes have sat in Southern California warehouses ever since.

In 2024, Man Alive Records achieved an exclusive license to release the recordings after almost 30 years. The sessions were then mixed by guitarist McTernan (Turnstile, Thrice), and its packaging designed by Tom Bejgrowicz (Beastie Boys, Johnny Cash, Snapcase). The album was mastered by Nick Townsend (The Hold Steady, Nails, Dr. Dre) and features 13 songs, 10 of which debut here and three that appeared on the band's debut 7" for Hydra Head Records in '97.

Pre-sale begins August 15 here.

Miltown's Tales of Never Letting Go has a long history so here's a short version:

Brian McTernan and Matt Squire from Ashes form Miltown with Jonah Jenkins from Only Living Witness on vocals. They release an acclaimed 7" on Hydra Head Records in 1997, quickly sign to Giant/Warner Bros., record 13 songs at Long View Ranch studio (Bad Brains, Quicksand), and break up before the songs are mixed. In 2024, Man Alive Records secures the rights to release the recordings. Brian mixes the album at Salad Days Studio between sessions with Angel Du$t and End It. 28 years later, the album is seeing the light of day. Tales of Never Letting Go is as fresh and relevant in 2025 as it would have been in 1998.

MILTOWN ARE:
Jonah Jenkins — Vocals
Brian McTernan — Guitar
Matt Squire — Guitar
Jay Cannava — Bass
Rob Dulaney — Drums