Kenny's Upping the New Songs for SPHERE 2026 Setlist

January 18, 2026

Having become the first solo artist and country act to create music in a deeper dimension at Vegas’ Sphere, Kenny Chesney came away from his high energy residency with a richer sense of his songs. Maybe it was the immersive visuals or the dialed-in sonics that really teased out the instruments and words. Perhaps it was the looks on the faces of No Shoes Nation as they took in the experience. Or maybe it was just the amount of engagement and singing along from a different place that struck the man sandwiched between Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band and Metallica on Pollstar’s Top 10 Touring Acts of the Millennium.

When it came time to think about his 2026 residency at Sphere, the East Tennessee songwriter and brand new Country Music Hall of Fame inductee realized Sphere’s configuration allowed him to perform songs he couldn’t necessarily do in his massive stadium shows. Even more than the freedom to cull from his massive catalogue of 36 Country Airplay No. 1s and 99 charting singles, he recognized the intimacy the venue’s configuration provided.

“Even though it’s a pretty big room and there are a lot of people in there,” Chesney explains, “with the way it’s constructed, everyone is so close, you can do things that are a lot slower, that really want to be listened to. We pulled out some songs last year we don’t do very often, and people really responded, so when the band and I got back together to start talking about what we might do this year, a lot of songs that we talked about, we haven’t done in a long time.

“We’re having a great time trying things out, finding our way inside them,” he continues. “We’re playing more things right now than we’ll actually be able to do, but I think we’re gonna surprise some people… because some of these songs we’ve never played, and a few we’ve not played in years. But I realized we can give people the space to really listen, and that makes all these songs so much better. I wouldn’t be surprised if we end up with 30, 40% new material; maybe more.”

Having planted No Shoes Nation’s flag under a giant technicolor dome last year, the Pollstar Awards Residency of the Year nominated event created new ways for people to experience the songs they’ve lived their lives inside. Whether an immersive “Welcome To The Fishbowl” with its all-consuming social media reality, or the sweeping, night skies over the ocean and tropical coast “One Lonely Island,” Chesney’s shows opened up what these songs contained – and created a space via the Guitars, Tiki Bars and A Whole Lotta Love Experience, pools across Vegas to meet up and beyond, to have a whole different way of coming together.

With Heart Life Music, the book chronicling his journey through music, topping the New York Times Bestseller Hardcover Nonfiction and Combined Print & E-Book Nonfiction lists, the time reflecting on the songs that brought him to this moment were very much front and center. As teased in the graphics at the end of his final weekend – “See You Next Summer” – Kenny Chesney’s taking his shake-off-your-troubles songs back to Sphere for one more round of very special shows.

Kenny Chesney Live at Sphere Las Vegas
Tickets on sale now via KennyChesney.com
June 19, 2026
June 20, 2026
June 24, 2026
June 26, 2026
June 27, 2026

Jamey Johnson and Megan Moroney Bring MOJO to Birmingham and Raise $315K for Charities

January 18, 2026

Alabama’s MOJO roared into the new year on Thursday night in Birmingham, Alabama, when Jamey Johnson and Megan Moroney performed an unforgettable one-night-only acoustic show at The Social at the Fennec that raised $315,000 for their respective charities.

The show’s name, MOJO, was derived from a blend of the first two letters of each artist’s last names. “If you like JOMO more, you can say that too!” Moroney told the crowd.

About 260 people gathered on a cold Birmingham night and enjoyed shrimp and grits, mac and cheese bites, prime rib sliders, Fennec chicken sliders, vegetable spring rolls, bang bang shrimp, and cake pops. Those in attendance included Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves and his wife, Elee, songwriters Rob Hatch and Jeremy Popoff and several state senators and representatives.

The girls in the crowd sang along with Moroney’s songs, while the men held up their phones to record Johnson. “We don’t really get a lot of little girls at my shows, but we sell a hell of a lot of beer,” Johnson said. Moroney quipped, “We have a lot of little girls, but we don’t sell a lot of beer!”

The event, which was hosted by radio personality Storme Warren of The Big 615, benefitted Jamey and Brittney Johnson’s Give It Away Foundation, which supports charities close to their hearts and those that help communities during times of crisis, as well as The Megan Moroney Foundation, which focuses on combating bullying and promoting mental health awareness.

Auction items included two alligator hunts, which sold for $9,000 each, three hog hunts, which went for a total of $21,000, and a pair of Moroney’s autographed personal boots, which garnered $4,500. A custom hand-tooled saddle by famed leather craftsman Cody Hixon was purchased for $14,000 by Jimmy John’s founder Jimmy John Liautaud, who immediately donated it back to be auctioned again, bringing in another $14,000.

“The Give It Away Foundation exists so that we can help people we see that are in need,” Johnson says, noting that the fund will also create scholarships. “Somebody’s house burns down and we need to find them a hotel to stay in for a few months, or someone has another hardship and they just need a helping hand. The reason for doing this was to raise money for the foundation.”

In addition, the evening celebrated a connection the duo has outside of the music business. Last year, Moroney’s father retired from a Birmingham company called O’Neal Steel, where Johnson worked before finding success in country music. “I worked for O’Neal Steel back in the nineties when I needed a second-shift job. I’ve kept up with the owner, Craft O’Neal, since then. It was a way for Megan and me to give back to Craft and O’Neal Steel as well.” (O’Neal also owns The Fennec, which hosted the event.)

They learned of the connection outside of the Grand Ole Opry, when Moroney’s father told Johnson about their common employer. “When we realized that connection, we thought it would be so fun to go down to Birmingham and do a show together,” Moroney adds. “Here we are!”

Johnson and Moroney have become good friends, sharing the stage at various venues, including the Grand Old Opry. Johnson and Deana Carter issued the official invitation for Moroney to make her Grand Ole Opry debut in 2023. Johnson was an early and enthusiastic supporter of Moroney, inviting her to join his tour in 2022. “She blew us off the stage every night,” he told the crowd.

“Jamey really took a chance on me when he took me out on the road,” said Moroney before sharing, “…it was my band’s and my first tour. We were driving around in a church van and U-Haul. I told Jamey that I really felt like I had made it when the U-Haul tire blew, and instead of waiting on AAA, I said, ‘Put it on the card.’

“This song came out while we were on tour with Jamey,” she said before performing her breakout hit, “Tennessee Orange.” (When the audience cheered, Johnson joked, “Cut that out! This is Roll Tide territory!”)

The show was a wonderful blend of humor and humility, with both songwriters sharing the stories behind their compositions. Johnson opened the show with the Trace Adkins’ hit “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk,” which Johnson co-wrote with Dallas Davidson and Randy Houser. “This is arguably one of the two worst songs in country music history,” he joked.

Moroney jokingly warned against the mistreatment of songwriters because the creators get the last word as she did in her songs “Sleep on My Side” and “Lucky.” “If you know anything about me, knowing I have questionable taste in men is one of the Top 5 things you know,” said the singer/songwriter, who was accompanied by her band mate, Alex Shernit, on guitar.

“I wrote this song because I have this ex I knew that I should not be answering, so I wrote a song called ‘Lucky.’” (She also performed “Beautiful Things,” “Am I Okay?” and her new song, “Wish I Didn’t,” which was released nationally about four hours later giving the charitable crowd the first live performance of the highly-anticipated release).

Two of the night’s most powerful moments occurred when the two united their voices on Don Williams’ hit “Till the Rivers All Run Dry,” which was co-written by Williams and Wayland Holyfield, and John Prine’s iconic song, “Angel from Montgomery,” which mentions Johnson’s hometown.

Johnson, who also performed “High Cost of Living,” “Women,” and “The Dollar” closed the show with “In Color,” his hit he wrote with Lee Thomas Miller and James Otto that was named Song of the Year by both the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music. “This song is heartfelt, to say the least. I miss my grandparents all the time, so here is one for the Greatest Generation.”

“We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support we received,” Brittney Johnson shared. “We were proud to team up with Megan for our first fundraising event and help support her mission of mental health awareness. It was a great night of music and fellowship in support of great causes.”

Out Today From Carrion Vael

January 17, 2026

Melodic death metal force of nature CARRION VAEL returns with a vengeance on their fifth album, Slay Utterly, to be released through Unique Leader Records on January 16, 2026. Though raw and ferocious at their core, the band weaves intricate technical nuances throughout the album. Punchy riffs and rhythms drive the intensity home, while memorable lead guitar lines and powerful vocal performances leave a lasting impact. Lyrically, Slay Utterly goes above and beyond to immerse the listener in CARRION VAEL's fascination for history and true crime.

CARRION VAEL's technical prowess may take the spotlight on this album, but they are storytellers at their core. Each song on Slay Utterly explores the story of a different serial killer. The perspective jumps between the killer themselves, and the experiences of the victims. On the whole, the album presents a collection of stories delving into the psyches of famous axe murderers, slashers, and other uniquely violent killers throughout history.

Slay Utterly opens with "19(fucking)78", which instantly sets the tone for the album's intensity and nuance. Featuring layers of technical guitar parts, slam riffs, and clean vocals, the band leaves no skill in their toolbox unused. Lyrically, the song is set in 1970s California; a particularly violent time in history, given the presence of the Hillside Stranglers. The lyrics contemplate issues of nature versus nurture, as well as an obsession with control by any means possible.

Opening with ominous Spanish guitar arpeggios, "Truth or Consequences" tells the story of David Parker Ray, best-known as the Toy Box Killer. Living in the remote deserts of New Mexico, Ray built a soundproof bunker on his land, where he would kidnap women who were passing through. His number of kills remains unknown, though estimates are high.

"1912" then presents itself as one of the more theatrical and progressive songs on the album. The lyrics tell of an unsolved axe murder that shook the small town of Villisca, Iowa on a hot June night in 1912. To this day, no one knows who really committed the strange and horrific murders of two adults and six children, but speculations abound. The lyrics explore each speculation, varying from train-hopping sociopaths, scorned business associates, or even evangelical madmen.

Fast, heavy, and catchy, "30 on 9" is a quintessential CARRION VAEL track. It delves into various aspects of the mystery of Jack the Ripper, ranging from his true identity, his victims, and the bloody details of his murders. He was believed to have murdered Elizabeth Stride and Catherine Eddowes on September 30th, with this date lending the song its title.

Guitarist Ryan Kuder shines on "40 Echoes Upon the Parlor", with rapid-fire riffs and blazing lead sections throughout. Clean vocals make a notable appearance in the choruses, wailing spectrally above a mass of blast beats and growls. The lyrics tell of numerous smaller axe murder cases, referencing Lizzie Borden most prominently.

"Lord of 74" opens almost innocently and uncharacteristically for the band, with delicate piano notes and the sound of water dripping in the background. Low, mournful clean vocals build an atmosphere of remorse and anguish until the song explodes into the fury that defines CARRION VAEL. The song tells the story of Joseph Kallinger, a schizophrenic shoe cobbler from Philadelphia who believed that God had sent him to murder every person on Earth... and that with the help of his children, he could complete this task.

"Bisection 47" embodies unrelenting rage from the first note to the last. The song explores the 1947 murder of Elizabeth Short, better known as the Black Dahlia. She was found cut in half (bisected) from the waist, and the identity of her killer remains unknown. The murder has left its mark on history as one of the biggest true crime mysteries to date.

The final track, "Black Chariot", was originally recorded for CARRION VAEL's album God Killer (2020). As a fan favorite, the band decided to update the song and re-record it for Slay Utterly. Despite the fact that it was recorded for a different album, "Black Chariot" picks up right where "Bisection 47" left off, with layers of vicious snarls and stunning lead guitar work.

About CARRION VALE:
In 2017, brutal melodic death metal storytellers CARRION VAEL set out on a mission to understand disturbing events that may baffle the sane. Each album and each song explores an aspect of true crime history, often focusing on the stories of individual serial killers and their victims. Though this conceptual focus underpins CARRION VAEL's songwriting, they seek to fully utilize all of their skills and talents to ensure that each song develops the sound it needs to tell its story. The band released their first album, Resurrection of the Doomed, independently in 2017, then signed with HPGD Records and released their 2020 follow-up, God Killer. Subsequently, the band signed with Unique Leader Records and released Abhorrent Obsessions (2022) and Cannibals Anonymous (2024).

With their fifth album, Slay Utterly, on the horizon, CARRION VAEL are set to continue this journey into the monstrous side of the human psyche. Vicious, but surprisingly poignant in just the right dose, Slay Utterly presents an anthology of serial killer stories from significant points in history. The album is certain to enthrall fans of horror, history, and true crime with its vivid portrayals of the minds of both murderers and victims.

CARRION VALE is:
Travis Lawson Purcell - Vocals
Alex Arford - Bass
Trenton Limburg - Guitar
Ryan Kurder - Guitar
Matt Behner - Drums

Instant karma hits hard as NYC's ECCE SHNAK re-envisions ‘Katy’s Wart’ in new supernatural video

January 17, 2026

Serving as a bridge towards their full-length album 'Dandy Variances' album, out later this year via Records, Man Records, genre-defying NYC outfit Ecce Shnakdeliberately revisit 'Katy's Wart', a hidden gem from their 2019 'Joke Oso' album (full name 'Dingleberry IV, Finale: Katy's Wart'). Telling a visceral tale of justice, the new video introduces a cruel madman, who finally meets his end at the hands of five purple goddesses of righteous vengeance.

A blistering indictment of bigotry and cruelty, this surreal narrative was brought to life through a collaboration with some of the industry’s most innovative creative minds. The project’s striking visual identity is the work of the production-direction team of Hollye Bynum and Sam Owens, as well as the band’s own David Roush. The eery and mind-boggling animation was crafted by the industry titans at Titmouse Productions.

The story is presented in two formats: as a three-minute 'Animated Music Feelm Version', and an immersive ten-minute 'Extended Feelm Version' with a dramatic backstory that builds tension and context, centered on a well-dressed maniac lacking basic human dignity, whose harmful acts finally trigger a cosmic intervention. The heroic twin sisters, played by Rachael Rae Robertson and Rebecca Robertson, ultimately fend him off with the help of otherworldly agents of chaotic justice. In a supernatural animated turning point, five spirits are conjured to deliver him a dose of instant karma

Based in New York City, Ecce Shnak (pronounced Eh-kay sh-knock) is made up of David Roush (composer, bassist and one of two singers), Bella Komodromos(vocals), Chris Krasnow (guitar), Gannon Ferrell (guitar), and Henry Buchanan-Vaughn (drums). With this high-fidelity animation, 'Katy’s Wart' is now a definitive piece of Ecce Shnak lore, bridging their historical catalogue with their ambitious future. In revisiting this slept-on art, they are clearing the path for new music and film works.

2025 was a massive year for Ecce Shnak that saw the spring release of their 'Shadows Grow Fangs' EP, which was recorded and produced by Jeff Lucci, mixed by Nicholas Vernhes (Animal Collective, Deerhunter, Wild Nothing, The War on Drugs) and mastered by Grammy award-winning engineer Joe LaPorta (David Bowie, The Weeknd, Foo Fighters, Vampire Weekend).

They also released their live 'Backroom Sessions' EP and two club anthems - the Bladerunner-esque 'Jeremy, Utilitarian Sadboy (Kill Em Mix)' with German DJ-producer Eskei83 and the buoyant 'Prayer On Love (Madison Mars Remix)', in collaboration with world-famous DJ-producer Madison Mars.

After touring the USA with platinum-selling legends Spacehog and EMF, Ecce Shnak also features on the EMF single 'LGBTQ+ Lover', an epic indie dance track that offers a safe space for the marginalized queer community, the video footage for which was filmed during their recent joint tour.

'Katy's Wart' can be found on digital music platforms, including Spotify, and Apple Music. Ecce Shnak's new album 'Dandy Variances' will be released later this year via Records, Man Records. New live dates will be announced soon.

CREDITS
Written / composed by David Roush
Performed by Ecce Shnak
Sound Engineer: Jeff Lucci at the Art Farm (NY)
Mixed by Bryce Goggin
Mastered by Fred Kevorkian
Released by Records Man, Records
Video produced & directed by Hollye Bynum, Sam Owens & David Roush
Video animation by Titmouse Productions
Artist photos by Tommy Krause
A&R: Beth Narducci for You + Me Entertainment
Publicity by Shauna McLarnon for Shameless Promotion PR

Bangalore Choir Release Live Video for Bullet Train from their New Album RAPID FIRE SUCCESSION: On Target Part II

January 17, 2026

Bangalore Choir have released their new album, Rapid Fire Succession: On Target Part II on BraveWords Records. The first single, 'Bullet Train’, recently hit #1 for six weeks on the 97Underground.com radio playlist as well as being in medium rotation on the legendary KNAC FM. Today, Bangalore Choir release a live video for 'Bullet Train', that was filmed on their recent European tour with Girlschool and label-mates Alcatrazz.

David Reece took a moment to talk about the response to the new album: “What can I say but thank you! The response from everyone has been incredible and it's hard to put into words the feeling to be honest. Also I would like to thank media and radio for embracing our record it's been truly incredible! Lastly I want to mention the tour Bangalore Choir was honored to be a part of with Alcatraz and Girlschool. Many of you know we perform classics from On Target, but this time around we were fortunate to be able to showcase many songs from Rapid Fire Succession: On Target Part II and amazingly seeing and hearing people singing along to 'Bullet Train', 'Driver's Seat' and many others was truly inspiring! We can't thank you all enough for raising the roof! I look forward to seeing and hearing you all again in 2026!”

Stream or purchase RAPID FIRE SUCCESSION: On Target Part II: https://smarturl.it/bangalorechoir

David Reece: Vocals

Diego Pires: Lead and Rhythm Guitars

Eric Juris: Lead and Rhythm Guitars

Andy Susemihl: Lead, Rhythm Guitars & Backing Vocals

Mario Percudani: Lead, Rhythm Guitars & Backing Vocals

Riccardo Demarosi: Bass and Backing Vocals

Nello Savinelli: Drums

Guest appearances:

Jimmy Waldo: Keyboards

Ferdy Doernberg: Keyboards

Engineered by Riccardo Demorossi

Mixed and Mastered by Thomas Mergler @Tom's Soundranch

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/share/1HwR7Kvq48/

https://www.instagram.com/david.reece.official

https://www.bandsintown.com/a/1505934

https://www.youtube.com/@davidreece7832

Rick Monroe and the Hitmen Drop New Single “Bad Thing”

January 17, 2026

Rick Monroe & The Hitmen unleash their brand-new single “Bad Thing” via Asylum 1212 Records /TLG/Virgin Music Group. Taken from the band’s forthcoming album Southern Tea Bags, the track is a shot of bourbon-soaked rebellion—gritty, honest, and unapologetically loud. Produced by Rick Monroe & The Hitmen alongside Brandon Britton, and mixed and mastered by Britton, the song captures the band at full throttle.

Rick Monroe & The Hitmen deliver a pulse-pounding song that’s equal parts danger and desire. It will resonates with anyone who has ever felt the weight of life’s choices. With raw, confessional lyrics like "I’m tired of breaking my back" and "Can’t get any lower, I’ve done a bad, bad, bad thing," the song captures the struggle of pushing through challenges while embracing a reckless spirit.

This track is perfect for fans looking for a song that embodies resilience and the thrill of living life unapologetically. “Bad Thing” is not just about mistakes—it's about owning them and moving forward with fierce determination. Add it to your playlist and let Rick Monroe and the Hitmen take you on a wild ride!

Musically, "Bad Thing" blends catchy hooks with a gritty rock edge, creating a sound that’s both infectious and unforgettable. Monroe’s distinctive vocals soar as he navigates themes of regret, defiance, and the desire to break free from the past. The chorus, with its driving rhythm and bold declaration of freedom, is sure to get stuck in your head.

“Bad Thing” is available on all major digital platforms. Add it to your playlist and get ready for Rick Monroe & The Hitmen to kick the door wide open on a new chapter with Southern Tea Bags.

The Band has also launched a new Exclusive VIP Fan List

https://fans.rickmonroe.com/vip-list

LISTEN TO "Bad Thing" Below;

The birth of the Hitmen. For years Rick Monroe has been a solo artist hiring players as needed and doing the Nashville shuffle of interchangeable bands, but during covid everything changed. In 2020, Rick and the band, with Bobby Perkins & Alan Beeler, were set to have an amazing year starting off with a West Coast tour when the world shut down. Instead of everyone going their own way, they all stuck together and started streaming live shows from their basements, garages and living rooms. At the same time Rick and Alan Beeler started a standing Tuesday writing meeting which eventually became the bulk of their current album. Through some mutual friends, Rick met Malcolm Springer and they decided to track a few songs and see how it went. Once in the studio it was obvious that this was quickly becoming more of a band situation and when Malcolm brought Jason Bohl in, the sound finally came together. Rick joked one night about how the band was killing it and bam- someone said “The Hitmen”- and that was that.

For More Information Please Visit:

Alt-Rock Riser Kami Kehoe Kicks Off 2026 With Long-Awaited “SEX ON FIRE” Cover

January 17, 2026

Alt-rock star on the rise, Kami Kehoe, has returned with a smoldering, slow-burn cover of, "SEX ON FIRE", arriving via Atlantic Records and Coup D'Etat Recordings. Channeling the ache of the Kings of Leon original, Kami transforms the rock anthem into a darker, more atmospheric version thats powerfully her own. Listen to "SEX ON FIRE", the fan-demanded cover born from live performances and teasers that drew in millions of views, HERE.

Coming off the back of her latest single, "FADE OUT," and a nationwide tour supporting Daughtry, Seether, and POD (which saw her regularly invited to join them on stage), Kami continues to cement her place as one of the genre's most magnetic rising voices. Named as one of Pandora's Artists to Watch in 2026 (The Pandora Ten) and continuing to rack up spins on Sirius XM's Octane, Kamiis entering the new year with undeniable momentum.

Standing at the start of a new year and reflecting on the "KANDY" era, "FADE OUT", the stages she's hit along the way, and this brand new cover, Kami Kehoe shares:

"Starting 2026 with this release feels really special to me. I actually started working on my cover of “SEX ON FIRE” 4 years ago, and the way fans connect with it has never left my mind. It feels really good to finally give it a proper release and let this version live in the world. I’ve been pouring everything into new music, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear what’s next."

Expanding her footprint across the rock world, Kami's breakout "KANDY" EP is also being celebrated with her very first vinyl pressing, limited to 500 copies as a Revolver-exclusive. Side A features the physical exclusive production masters sequenced as one long continuous track, pressed on Blue & Silver Sparkle vinyl with a silk-screened B-side. Fans can find more details and purchase the exclusive variant HERE.

Kami's growing profile extends beyond the music itself, with a feature in the winter issue of Revolver, spotlighting her rise at the intersection of heavy, alt, and modern rock. As she continues to build on the viral success of tracks like, "DOPAMINE" and "SLEEP WHEN I'M DEAD", Kami's "SEX ON FIRE" cover stands as a smoky, emotionally charged statement of where she's headed next.

On stage, Kami's 2026 is already packed with high moments, including a performance supporting Godsmack as a part of WMMR's MMRBQ and her set at Rock Fest (WI), placing her alongside some of rock's most established names.

To begin her 2026 live run, Kami will also return to Los Angeles for a special headlining show at the Roxy on February 19. Fans can find Kami's full touring schedule HERE.

With signature gritty guitars, atmospheric production, and Kami's evocative vocals, her latest single, "FADE OUT" closed out 2025 as one of her most emotionally charged releases to date. The track capped off her "KANDY" EP era that documented the full arc of heartbreak and healing, garnering millions of streams, 100 million views in short form content, and viral popularity worldwide. Her hit single, "DOPAMINE", earned over 30 million streams and hit #11 on Sirius XM Octane's "Big Uns" Countdown, spotlighting her growth in the modern rock landscape.

Carving out her own space in the alt-rock world, Kami Kehoe has impressively amassed over 105 million streams and more than 2 million social media followers by blending a sultry, velvety vocal with a hard-charged rock energy. Since breaking out with the viral hit “SLEEP WHEN I’M DEAD”, she has continued to evolve her sound—infusing shoegaze, metal, and hip-hop influences into her music while remaining unapologetically authentic.

Be sure to stay tuned for more Kami Kehoe news coming very soon.

ABOUT KAMI KEHOE

KAMI KEHOE has never been one to wait for permission. At just 22, the Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter and drummer has blazed a fearless musical path, most recently with her latest EP, “Kandy”, out now via Atlantic Records, Coup D’Etat Recordings, and 10K Projects. Since emerging, she’s spun a chameleonic, hard-charged rock sound into over a million Instagram followers, 10 million TikTok likes, and over 75 million streams in 2025 alone.

Unapologetic authenticity propelled her breakout hit “SLEEP WHEN I’M DEAD,” from her 2024 album REVIVED (Coup D'état/10K Projects), to audiences around the world in stratospheric fashion. Almost overnight, the garage-punk suckerpunch – the snarl of Joan Jett with the timeless melodicism of the Ramones – ripped through social media at lightning speed, netting Kami 100,000 new TikTok followers a day and further cementing her as a rising force in the underground.

Diving headfirst into the emotional rollercoaster of heartbreak, obsession, and self-discovery, her latest EP, “Kandy” blends dark melodic rock with pop, metal, and metaphor-rich songwriting. Using candy and drugs as symbols for dangerous pleasures, each of the five tracks explore the tangled interplay between allure and risk, offering a bittersweet reflection on the complexities of desire and the consequences that follow. It’s another bold step forward for Kami as she continues to kick down the guardrails of her sound, another entry in her omnipresent push to rewrite what’s possible for her musical future.

After making waves with a standout performance at Warped Tour and playing her very first headlining show, Kami has just wrapped her largest tour yet, joining forces with industry legends, Daughtry, Seether, and P.O.D. She’ll continue to evolve as an artist with the same freedom and fearlessness that’s led her here, another chapter in a career that’s continually defied expectations – not that she’s ever really cared about those in the first place.

Out today from Vesseles!

January 17, 2026

VESSELES returns with Home, a devastating and majestic sophomore release that delves deep into identity, belonging, and the mythos of a demon cast into the human world. Founded as a personal vessel for Valira, a demon entity discovering her truth through music, VESSELES fuses symphonic black metal with cinematic grandeur and emotional weight. This project is not just about sound; it's about survival, transformation, and reclaiming power in a world that was never built for her.

Home is the sound of returning to a place you've never truly known. It opens with “Flesh Throne,” a regal, thunderous anthem where Valira reclaims her sovereignty over humanity. From there, the album dives into the mythic rituals of The Beneath with “Eternally Within Us,” a ceremonial track complete with Latin mantras and sweeping symphonics that ground the demon realm’s ancient roots in flesh and blood.
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“The Beneath” stands out as a brutal, bombastic ode to her home world: violent, majestic, and unwavering in its hatred of mankind. The longing is palpable, yet there’s pride in the cruelty; it’s not just where Valira is from, it’s what shaped her. Then comes “Home,” the album’s namesake and emotional center. For the first time, Valira takes on lead vocals, questioning whether the place she fought so hard to return to was ever meant to comfort her. This track weaves in foreshadowing, referencing the next four songs, as a lyrical and thematic bridge that transforms the concept of home from destination to obstacle.

“They Wither…” provides a quiet, haunting pause. An instrumental piano piece that counters the despair of previous releases, this song leans into reflection, rooted not in shame, but in power. That strength explodes in “Until They Are Dust,” a sprawling composition that details the grotesque birth of The Beneath: a cursed sludge consuming humanity to give rise to the next generation of demons. The piano motifs from the previous track grow into a full, imperial force here, setting the stage for what follows.

“Scriptures Etched Into the Mind’s Pillars” shifts focus inward. A fierce, classic black metal track about building mental walls for survival, it marks the album’s lyrical turning point, from external reclamation to internal unraveling. This descent continues in “Perpetual Chasm of Black Mirrors,” a harrowing journey through isolation, suffocation, and the horror of being self-aware in a world that rejects you. The dissonant piano passages echo like thoughts in a collapsing mind.

Finally, “This Is Not Home” brings the album full circle. It is both a response to the title track and a fiery rebirth. Realizing she will never belong in the world she left behind, or the one she was cast into, Valira chooses to summon her own empire. Pain gives way to rage, sorrow to power. It’s a triumphant, wrathful finale that cements VESSELES not only as a voice of identity and resistance but as a sovereign presence in the black metal realm.

Home is the natural maturation of VESSELES' sound. More dynamic, more orchestral, more unflinchingly personal, it charts Valira’s journey from confident origin to tortured self-doubt and finally to righteous authority. During recording, a late inclusion of Valira’s own vocals unlocked new potential, revealing the expressive power of her voice in leading the story. While it arrived too late to be fully incorporated across the album, it points clearly to the project's future: bolder, deeper, more human, and more demonic, than ever.

For those drawn to the theatricality of CRADLE OF FILTH, the compositional complexity of SEPTICFLESH, or the grandeur of DIMMU BORGIR, VESSELES is both homage and evolution. It’s not just music. It’s a reckoning, and Home is the sound of a demon returning, not to find peace, but to claim it by force.

All live vocals are now done by Valira with contributions on the album by Joel Ferry.

HELLRIPPER Announces New Album, Launches New Single + Music Video

January 17, 2026

Scotland's ibex-obsessed blackened thrash bastard of Hades, otherwise known as HELLRIPPER, is pleased to announce that his fourth studio album, 'Coronach,' will be released worldwide on March 27, 2026 via Century Media Records, making it his debut to the label! To celebrate this upcoming offering, HELLRIPPER is now debuting a raucous new black thrash anthem, “Hunderprest,” along with a spirited performance video that was filmed at UK’s Damnation Festival 2025 by Sethpicturesmusic and edited by Jake Ten. The clip can be found below.

HELLRIPPER mastermind, guitarist/vocalist and songwriter James McBain comments on the new single,

"'Hunderprest' hits immediately with a chaotic deluge of dissonance, and is what I felt to be the perfect way to open the album — leaving the listener with no time to prepare. Based on the legend of 'Hunderprest,' or 'dog priest' - the vampire of Melrose Abbey. The sinful chaplain inherited his nickname because of his habit of hunting on horseback with his pack of hounds. After his death, legend says he was buried in the graveyard of Melrose Abbey; and because his spirit could not find peace, he would rise from his grave when night fell to harass the villagers and his former mistress to satisfy his bloodthirst. He was eventually defeated when a group of monks from Melrose Abbey exhumed Hunderprest’s blood-soaked body in broad daylight and set it on fire, throwing the ashes into the wind to be sure that the vampire would no longer be able to torment the town.

"Musically, the track primarily takes influence from a mixture of thrash (Kreator, Merciless, Metallica) and black (Watain, Rotting Christ, Tribulation) metal, with a healthy dose of some more 'atmospheric' d-beat elements from the likes of Oathbreaker and Fall of Efrafa.”

He adds about the album, "'Coronach’ is a personal exploration of Scottish Culture — its music, literature, history & folklore. From Pictish mysteries to Victorian Gothic literature, sinister lore, classic Scottish poetry and modern urban tales, the album tells stories of the country throughout the ages. Inspired by anything and everything from Venom and Mercyful Fate, to Watain and Opeth, to Manic Street Preachers, film scores and traditional Scottish music, the album is a good representation of myself all wrapped up in a nice speed metal package! Quite a bit of experimentation went into this album, and I wanted each track to contain something that I had never done previously. Whether it be the inclusion of a different instrument, or how a song begins, I aimed to offer some element of surprise in each track.

"The album, named after the vocal lament traditionally sung at funerals in the Scottish Highlands, encompasses everything the band is about: mixing modern and old-school influences, past and present storytelling, the dark side of Scottish history and my personal interpretation of it. As always, the writing and recording took place in my home studio, with various other people putting their stamp on a few of the tracks. The album was mixed by myself, and was mastered by Damian Herring at Subterranean Watchtower Studios, and the artwork was done by Adam Burke (Nightjar Illustration). Fàilte gu Alba - Welcome to Scotland!”

'Coronach' can be pre-ordered HERE.

In addition, Hellripper will be embarking on a European headliner with support from Schizophrenia and Sarcator, which will introduce the band’s upcoming studio album release (More details about that soon…!). The full itinerary can be found below while tickets can be found HERE.

Enter the GOAT KVLT HERE.

The brainchild of guitarist/vocalist/solitary force, James McBain, Hellripper has been running like a denim-vested, backpatch-encrusted William Wallace, bravehearting his way through metal's bloodiest battlefields since first coagulating his personal darkness in 2014. Taking armaments from “Kill 'Em All” era Hetfield and “Welcome to Hell” era Mantas, McBain has immersed his fascination with darkness and speed with Scottish history and come with bloody masterpieces like 2023's “Warlocks Grim & Withered Hags” that Metal Injection stated: "Bursts with growth and a mature exploration of darkness and eeriness while maintaining that original high-octane burning”. McBain is presently sharpening his blades and casting new spells that will transmogrify into Hellripper's Century Media debut “Coronach”.

Hellripper Lineup:

James McBain – All Instruments & Vocals

Hellripper live and video performance line-up:

James McBain – Guitar & Vocals

Joseph Quinlan – Guitar

Andy Milburn – Bass

Max Southall – Drums

Album credits:

Recorded and mixed by Hellripper’s James McBain at Coronach Studios in Scotland, UK

Mastered by Damien Herring at Subterranean Watchtower Studios in the USA.

Cover Artwork: Adam Burke / Nightjar Illustration

Formats:

Jewelcase CD

Digital Album

LP (formats below):

- “Black Cuillin” LP on black vinyl (Unlimited, available in Europe)

- “Wild Thistle” LP on transp. magenta vinyl (Ltd. to 400x copies, available from UK retailers and Hellripper)

- “Saltire” LP on blue vinyl (Ltd. to 300x copies, available from selected German & Austrian retailers and from Hellripper)

- “Highland Mist” LP on grey vinyl (Ltd. to 1000x copies, available from Hellripper)

- “Baobhan Sith” LP on transp. forest green vinyl (Unlimited, available in the USA)

- “Granite City” LP on electric smoke colored vinyl (Ltd. to 500x copies, available in the USA)

- “Bean Nighe” LP on ultra clear vinyl (Ltd. to 300x copies, available in the USA from Hellripper)

Pre-order // pre-save: https://hellripperband.lnk.to/Coronach-AlbumID

Links:

Season of Mist is Coming to Thunderflix

January 17, 2026

Metalheads can now watch their favorite Season of Mist artists on the world’s premiere on-demand video streaming service dedicated exclusively to heavy metal music. Leading the charge on this new venture is the one and only Mayhem with Live in Marseille 2000. More concert footage will follow closely behind from Heilung, Rotting Christ, Kylesa, Ne Obliviscaris and other fan favorites.

Watch Season of Mist on Thunderflix

“Thunderflix continues to bring the best films, concerts and documentaries for metal fans and there is no heavier label than Season of Mist”, says Thunderflix founder Samuel Douek. “We’re thrilled to not only partner with Season of Mist. Each concert received a 4K makeover. Fans will feel like they’re watching these iconic moments for the first time!"

“Personally, as a metal fan, I think Season of Mist has always provided some of the most brutal and powerful metal”, Douek continues. “It’s incredible to release some of the labels masterpieces on Thunderflix!”

Season of Mist x Thunderflix 2026 Release Schedule

January 16

Mayhem - Live in Marseille 2000

Agressor - Deathreat

Tsjuder - Norwegian Apocalyspe - Oslo vs. Sandnes

January 23

Confessor - Live in Norway

Arcturus - Shipwrecked in Oslo: Live at Rockefeller 2005

Blood Duster - The Shape of Death to Come

January 30

Rotting Christ - Theogonia, Aealo, 35 Years of Evil Existence: Live in Lycabettus

Red Harvest - Harvest Bloody Harvest

Psykup - We Love You All

February 6

Brutal Truth - For The Ugly and Unwanted, This Is Grindcore

Kylesa - Spiral Shadow

Chaostar - Anomima

February 13

Septicflesh - The Great Mass, Infernus Sinfonica MMXIX

Saint Vitus - Lillie: F-65 LTD Edition

Kells - Anachromie

February 20

Heilung - Life - Heilung Live at Castlefest

Benighted - Brutalive The Sick

Eths - Ankaa

February 27

Ne Obliviscaris - Exul

Der Weg Einer Freiheit- Noktvrn

Vreid - Wild North West

March 6

Voyager - A Voyage Through Time

Thy Catafalque - Mezolit - Live at Fekete Zaj

Imperium Dekadenz - Dis Manibvs

THE ETERNAL Celebrate Release of New EP Celestial with Music Video for “Celestial Veil” Out Now on Reigning Phoenix Music!

January 17, 2026

Australian-Finnish dark progressive gothic metal collective THE ETERNAL celebrates the release of their new, critically-acclaimed EP, entitled "Celestial", that is out now on powerhouse label Reigning Phoenix Music.

To mark the day, the band have unveiled an official music video for “Celestial Veil”, a track that highlights their talent for slow-burning heaviness and emotional depth. The EP is available digitally and as a limited, eco-friendly recycled vinyl LP edition (exclusively available through the band’s official store and the RPM shop). Order your favorite choice of format at this location: https://theeternal.rpm.link/celestialPR

Built on restrained weight and a drifting sense of atmosphere, the new single “Celestial Veil” unfolds like a moment suspended in time. The video mirrors this feeling through cosmic imagery, light meets vast darkness, visually reinforcing the song’s themes of loss, distance, and fragile connection.

Featuring celestial metaphors, “Celestial Veil” captures the longing and grief of separation. As stars fade and time stands still, the song reveals that love, though fragile and doomed, remains a luminous force: eternal in memory and dreams beyond the darkness.

Watch the video clip now premiering below:

Following the success of their acclaimed 2024 album Skinwalker, THE ETERNAL now return with their new EP Celestial. Continuing their signature fusion of melancholic atmospheres, doom-laden heaviness, and progressive depth, the band once again delivers an emotive and cinematic journey through sound and spirit, unafraid to embrace both beauty and bleakness while charting new creative horizons.

With Mark Kelson (vocals/guitars) and Richie Poate (guitars) in Melbourne, joined by Niclas Etelävuori (bass, ex-Amorphis/Flat Earth) and Jan Rechberger (drums, Amorphis) in Helsinki, THE ETERNAL have solidified themselves as a truly international collaboration. Their music resonates with fans of acts such as Katatonia, Swallow the Sun, and Anathema - dark yet luminous, heavy yet emotionally transcendent!

THE ETERNAL is:
Mark Kelson / Guitar & Vocals
Richie Poate / Guitar
Niclas Etelävuori / Bass
Jan Rechberger / Drums & Percussion

More on THE ETERNAL:
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/TheEternal
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/theeternalofficial/
X | https://www.twitter.com/theeternalband
TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@theeternalofficial
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4vJAnrZbwUesT_FlY03mdw

DONT YOU DARE Share "BLACK & BLUE" Video

January 17, 2026

Born from the raw concrete of Sacramento, California, DONT YOU DARE (styled without the apostrophe) are a modern rock duo fusing the intensity of nu-metal and metalcore with raw, unfiltered emotion.

Vocalist Noah Duarte, a poet-turned-frontman, joined forces with guitarist Matt English to create a sound that's both therapeutic and confrontational and the foundation of what would become DONT YOU DARE.

After dropping "S.O.S," their debut single with The Artery Foundation, last year, DYD return with "BLACK & BLUE," a banger that nods to the early '00s style of groove-centric hard rock of Linkin Park and Korn.

Watch the video below.

"'BLACK & BLUE' is about feeling used and drained by someone you love," DYD's Duarte says. "It's about finally accepting that feeling, and how sadness can slowly turn into anger. It was a hard song to write, but a beautiful experience seeing those raw, haunting emotions come to life."

Fans can catch the band live at the following shows.

DONT YOU DARE LIVE:
1/17 — Goldfield Trading Post — Roseville, CA (With Solely Veil)
2/6 — Brick by Brick — San Diego, CA (With Jamie's Elsewhere)
2/7 — The Parish Room House of Blues — Anaheim, CA (With Jamie's Elsewhere)

Expect even more from DONT YOU DARE in the coming weeks.

The Artery Foundation is a familiar name to hard rock fans. In 2025, the brand has rebooted and is a full service company. It's a label, artist management and producer management firm, among other things. During its 2010s heyday, the brand helped author the burgeoning metalcore scene, having been responsible for singing and breaking genre titans.

From the sweaty chaos of basements and VFW halls to the world's biggest festivals, Artery has helped guide talent from local notoriety to global recognition. The list of heavy music cornerstone acts that started with Artery speaks for itself" A Day To Remember, Motionless In White, Dance Gavin Dance, Beartooth, Sleeping With Sirens, The Amity Affliction, Asking Alexandria, The Devil Wears Prada, Our Last Night, Memphis May Fire, Fit For A King, The Plot In You, Attila, Attack Attack!, and more.

In 2010, the company launched Artery Recordings, a label imprint that gave rise to breakout acts like Chelsea Grin and Kublai Khan TX. As Artery continued to expand, founder Eric Rushing concurrently deepened his influence on Sacramento's music and nightlife culture. His handiwork is evident in various live venues, restaurants, and bars.

ØVI Releases New Single “Prometheon,” A Confrontation of Willpower and Envy

January 15, 2026

ØVI returns with “Prometheon,” a blistering new single that confronts the burden, and defiance, of personal will. Drawing inspiration from the myth of Prometheus, the bringer of fire, "Prometheon" stands as both a declaration of self-mastery and a provocation toward those who resent it.

The track celebrates the awakening of one’s own will: the discipline required to overcome internal battles and transmute adversity into strength. At the same time, it confronts those who diminish, judge, or dismiss another’s dreams and aspirations. Lyrics such as “self-righteous apostle, throw them to the fire, they will burn / dissolving divination, consuming for creation, solve et coagula” capture the act of reclaiming judgment itself, repurposing it as fuel for growth, power, and creation.

Sonically unrelenting and emotionally confrontational, "Prometheon" channels fury into focus, reframing anger not as a weakness, but as a catalyst. ØVI presents willpower as fire: dangerous, illuminating, and impossible to contain once claimed.

"Prometheon" is the latest release from ØVI’s forthcoming EP Hedera Helix, a four-track project named after the ivy plant, a species defined by relentless growth and tenacity. Like its namesake, the EP sprawls, consumes, and leaves a lasting mark. Across its tracks, Hedera Helix explores toxic relationships, parasitic dynamics, and the reclamation of personal will, not through despair, but through transformation.

With "Prometheon", ØVI asserts the core thesis of the project: survival is not passive, and intensity, when wielded with intent, becomes power.

About ØVI:

Influenced by NEOBLIVISCARIS, GOJIRA, DIMMU BORGIR, and NINE INCH NAILS, ØVI builds a sound that blends cinematic heaviness with electronic elements, evolving harmonic layers, and dynamic rhythmic structures. The result is an immersive, modern metal experience that balances aggression with emotion, density with clarity.

At its core, ØVI approaches metal as a narrative medium, using sound to explore power, guilt, and identity. Hedera Helix stands as both confrontation and metamorphosis, music that refuses to fade quietly, instead clawing toward self-definition and growth.

Connect With OVI:

Official Website: https://www.oviorder.com/
Bandcamp: https://oviorder.bandcamp.com/track/crucifixation
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554332926141
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oviorder/?hl=en
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OVIORDER
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5RjQGeAtl7pxJUmiEe7Qbe?si=HmcoaTnKTeGeXpEnRbmn3g
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/%C3%B8vi/1742286528
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@oviorder

OVI is:

Michael Nolasco - Vocals/Guitar
Zed Amarin - Drums
Kevin McCombs - Bass
Brendan Collins - Guitar

Thy Catafalque Release Live at Dürer Kert

January 15, 2026

From the very beginning, Thy Catafalque had a vision that extended beyond borders and boundaries. Over the past two decades, Hungarian mastermind Tamás Kátai has turned what was once just a studio project into a one-of-a-kind live act.

"XII: A gyönyörű álmok ezután jönnek is a feast for the ears", New Noise wrote in a 5 star review of Thy Catafalque's latest opus. "[it's] a celebration of the powers of music, bursting to express itself in whatever form it chooses to inhabit. An album to inexorably fall in love with".

Now, fresh off their debuts at Hellfest, Rockstadt Extreme, Alcatraz and other European festivals, Thy Catafalque are embarking on their second headlining tour of Europe. The tour starts in Hungary on March 14 with two special performances of their eighth album Geometria. It ends in August with appearances at Burn Fest Open Air and Brutal Assault Festival.

As Kátai and his ever-growing cast of collaborators prepare to capture the collective imagination of crowds from the United Kingdom and France to the Czech Republic and Slovakia alongside Bong-Ra and Toward The Throne, today, Thy Catafalque are releasing the full video of last year's sold-out performance at Hungary's legendary underground venue Dürer Kert.

"This is a massive step-up for Thy Catafalque", Kátai says. "We are very excited to play for our fans in places where we've never gone before".

Watch Thy Catafalque perform live at Dürer Kert below.

XII: A gyönyörű álmok ezután jönnek (The Beautiful Dreams Are Yet to Come) is out now on Season of Mist.

Order & Stream

https://orcd.co/thycatafalquexiiagyonyorualmokezutanjonnek

No matter the place and time, Thy Catafalque take their crowd on a journey into both the past and present. Their set at Dürer Kert opens with three songs off the recently reissued Rengeteg, which span the fiercely avant-garde ("Vashegyek"), hip-shaking prog ("Az eső, az eső, az eső") and headbanging blast beats ( "Minden test fű").

Out from those misty yet familiar shadows, A gyönyörű álmok ezután jönnek appears with two songs that are quick to charm fans of Thy Catafalque. Blackened chugger "Vasgyár" forges full speed ahead like the rusted-out iron works that once fueled the Hungarian economy, while the chilling "Ködkirály" brings the evening to a close somewhere between dreams and nightmares. Cosmic synths rise like fog beneath a sinking moon before a death metal riff comes thundering down from the blackened sky.

Along this introspective journey into the night, Kátai welcoms many familiar faces from across Thy Catafalque's varied discography. Martina Veronika Horváth, Bálint Bokodi, Zoltán Kónya and Ivett and Gábor Dudás accompany him with soothing cleans and fearsome growls, while his bass grooves are rounded out by drummer Árpád Szenti and guitarists Krisztián Varga and Zoltán Vigh.

Get tickets to see Thy Catafalque: https://thy-catafalque.hu/live.html

The video for "Live at Dürer Kert" was recorded on November 23, 2024 in Budapest, Hungary.

Additional video credits
Audio mixed and mastered by Gábor Vári at Miracle Sound Szeged.
Live sound and recording by Péter Csobánczi.
Video recorded by Carbon Head Production.
Video edited and post-production by Péter Lerch / Carbon Head Production.

Martina Veronika Horváth - vocals
Ivett Dudás - vocals
Bálint Bokodi - vocals, violin
Gábor Dudás - vocals
Zoltán Kónya - vocals
Krisztián Varga - guitar
Zoltán Vigh - guitar
Tamás Kátai - bass, vocals
Árpád Szenti - drums

New fans and long-time appreciators can now rediscover just how much Thy Catafalque has grown.

Season of Mist is repressing Thy Catafalque's ninth album. Naivventures across jazz, Western classical, Middle Eastern music and even contemporary pop, ending up with some of the group's most beloved songs, including "Tsitsushka" and "Embersólyom".

The third-pressing of Naiv comes out February 6, 2026 on Season of Mist.

Pre-order: https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/ThyCatafalqueReissues

Recording Lineup
Tamás Kátai – guitar, bass, vocals, keyboards, programming

Guest musicians
Martina Veronika Horváth – vocals on Track 1, 6
Ivett Dudás – vocals on Track 8
Helga Kreiter – vocals on Track 4, 10
Gábor Dudás – vocals on Track 2, 5, 6, 10
Bálint Bokodi – vocals on Track 2, 4, 9
Gábor Veres – vocals on Track 3, 8
Attila Bakos – vocals on Track 1
Zoltán Kónya – vocals on Track 3
András Vörös – vocals on Track 4
Breno Machado – lead guitar on Track 2
Zoltán Vigh – lead guitar on Track 3
Krisztián Varga – lead guitar on Track 4
Daniele Belli – acoustic guitar on Track 2
Miguel Velasquez Matija – fretless bass on Track 2, 6
Edu Giró – oud, bouzouki, baglama on Track 2,7
Grigoris Mitropoulos – bouzouki, mpaglamas on Track 7
Sanja Smileska – violin on Track 3
Jo Quail – electric cello on Track 8
Issar Shulman – contrabass on Track 2
Cal Rustad – French horn on Track 2, 8
Manuel Domenech – cor anglais on Track 8
Khachatrian Lernik – clarinet on Track 2
Gergő Bille – flugelhorn, trumpet on Track 7
Joakim Toftgaard – trombone, trumpet on Track 7
Fabian Hernandez – saxophone on Track 5
Viktória Varga – narration on Track 3
Annamari Sánta – narration on Track 7, 8

Recording
Recorded in various countries: Hungary, United Kingdom, Romania, Ukraine, Italy, Spain, Greece, North Macedonia, Israel, U.S.A., Colombia, Brazil.

Producer & Sound Engineer
Tamás Kátai, Gábor Vári

Mixing & Mastering
Miracle Sound Szeged, Hungary. Mixed and mastered by Gábor Vári.

Artwork
Front cover by Dániel Szécsényi and Tamás Kátai
Illustrations by Orsolya Pintér.

Follow Thy Catafalque
https://thy-catafalque.hu
https://www.facebook.com/thycatafalque
https://www.instagram.com/thy_catafalque
https://www.youtube.com/user/kataitamas
https://thycatafalque.bandcamp.com/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4sgTqbA7htxYkRRJBPZIom
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/thy-catafalque/372164196

Order & Stream
https://orcd.co/thycatafalquexiiagyonyorualmokezutanjonnek

FREAKS ON PARADE PRESENTS: ROB ZOMBIE & MARILYN MANSON 2026 SUMMER CO-HEADLINE TOUR

January 15, 2026

Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson today announced a co-headlining tour across North America, taking place this summer. The tour unites two of rock’s most recognizable icons and consummate showmen for what promises to be a blockbuster 21-date run. It kicks off on August 20 in West Palm Beach, FL at iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre, rolls through major markets such as Boston, Chicago, Detroit, and more before concluding on September 20 in Concord, CA at Toyota Pavilion at Concord. The tour will also feature Gold-certified Mongolian metal collective The Hu and Multiplatinum-selling Los Angeles industrial rock stalwarts Orgy as special guests on all dates.

TICKETS: Tickets will be available starting with a Citi presale (details below) beginning on Tuesday, January 20 at 10am local time. This will be followed by artists presales starting Wednesday, January 21 at 10am local time. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general onsale beginning on Friday, January 23 at 10am local time at livenation.com.

PRESALE: Citi is the official card of the Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson Tour. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Tuesday, January 20 at 10am local time until Thursday, January 22 at 10pm local time through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details visit www.citientertainment.com.

Check out the full confirmed itinerary below.

Of course, this isn’t the first time that these titans have canvased the country on tour together. Zombie and Manson have packed sold-out amphitheaters and arenas coast-to-coast with co-headlining runs in the past. Now, they’re hitting the road together once again this summer — and it’s not one to miss.

2026 TOUR DATES

8/20 - West Palm Beach, FL - iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre^+

8/21 - Tampa, FL - MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre^+

8/23 - Alpharetta, GA - Ameris Bank Amphitheatre^+

8/24 - Charlotte, NC - Truliant Amphitheater^+

8/26 - Holmdel, NJ - PNC Bank Arts Center^+

8/27 - Mansfield, MA - Xfinity Center^+

8/29 - Burgettstown, PA - The Pavilion at Star Lake^+

8/30 - Darien Center, NY - Darien Lake Amphitheater^+

9/01 - Toronto, ON - RBC Amphitheatre^+

9/02 - Cuyahoga Falls, OH - Blossom Music Center^+

9/04 - Clarkston, MI - Pine Knob Music Theatre^+

9/05 - Tinley Park, IL - Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre^+

9/06 - Noblesville, IN - Ruoff Music Center^+

9/09 - St. Louis, MO - Hollywood Casino Amphitheater^+

9/10 - Kansas City, MO - Morton Amphitheater^+

9/12 - Greenwood Village, CO - Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre*^+

9/14 - West Valley City, UT - Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre^+

9/16 - Airway Heights, WA - BECU Live at Northern Quest+

9/17 - Auburn, WA - White River Amphitheatre^+

9/18 - Ridgefield, WA - Cascades Amphitheater^+

9/20 - Concord, CA - Toyota Pavilion at Concord^+

*Not a Live Nation show

^With The Hu

+With Orgy

ABOUT ROB ZOMBIE:
As a rock icon and filmmaker with a unique vision, Rob Zombie has continuously challenged audiences as he stretches the boundaries of both music and film. He has sold over 15 million albums worldwide, and is the only artist to experience unprecedented success in both music and film as the writer/director of eight feature films with a worldwide gross totaling more than $150 million. Pushing forward at full speed once again, he ignites another era with his anxiously awaited eighth solo album, The Great Satan, on February 27, 2026. He channels the down-and-dirty grime and grit of old school CBGB punk coupled with hard-charging high-octane metal and the hyper-charged stadium-size hooks he’s known for. It’s unrestrained, unfiltered, and undeniably Rob Zombie. Each of Rob Zombie’s 7 solo studio albums have debuted in the top 10 on Billboard’s 200 chart. Zombie is an 8-time Grammy nominee, with his most recent nomination for Best Metal Performance at the 2022 awards. Rob Zombie has proved an undeniable box office success throughout his career, writing and directing horror favorites such as House of 1,000 Corpses, The Devil’s Rejects, The Lords of Salem and Three From Hell.

Follow Rob Zombie:

Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram  |  YouTube

ABOUT MARILYN MANSON:
Marilyn Manson is an iconoclast as a recording artist, songwriter, producer, actor, and author. To date, he has delivered nine Top 10 albums on the Billboard 200—including two #1 debuts. His paintings have adorned the walls of galleries worldwide. He has appeared on screen in numerous movies and TV shows and notably partnered with fashion houses such as Saint Laurent and Balenciaga. In 2024, Manson presented his thirteenth full-length LP, One Assassination Under God — Chapter 1 [Nuclear Blast], co-produced by guitarist and composer Tyler Bates[Guardians of the Galaxy, John Wick]. It’s as heavy and hypnotic as his most celebrated material, yet the songcraft proves to be his sharpest and leanest, cutting deep enough to draw blood. With more to come, his influence continues to grow stronger from one generation to the next, seeping into the fabric of culture.

Follow Marilyn Manson:

Website  | Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram|  YouTube

Avatar Announce Spring 2026 Headline Tour

January 15, 2026

The heavy metal visionaries collectively known as AVATAR — vocalist Johannes Eckerström, guitarists Jonas Jarlsby and Tim Öhrström, bassist Henrik Sandelin, and drummer John Alfredsson — unleashed their latest masterwork Don't Go in the Forest last year on Halloween — how fitting! Listen and get the album HERE.

Avatar then hit the road for their massive North American headline run.

And that was just the beginning of their Herculean international touring schedule.

Avatar will spend the foreseeable future (if not forever) on the road.

Today, the band announces a Spring 2026 headline tour of North America. It kicks off on April 16 in Sacramento and runs through May 20 in Hampton Beach, NH. It includes stops at Welcome to Rockville and Sonic Temple.

Fleshgod Apocalypse and Frozen Soul will serve as support.

Regarding their return to the States, Eckerström offers, "USA. It started off innocently enough. Hiking along on a trail. Sunny. Pleasant. Safe. Then night came, and the trail slowly faded. You can't go back, as you don't know where you came from. You don't even dare to turn around, as you can feel someone, or something, watching. What you were, all the way back in the warm embrace of civilization, doesn't matter. Here. it's just you and the trees."

He adds, "We will be seeing you."

Tickets go on sale on Friday, January 16 at 10am local time. Get tickets here.

AVATAR ON TOUR:
"DON’T GO IN THE FOREST '26":
WITH FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE + FROZEN SOUL:
4/16 — Sacramento, CA — Channel 24
4/17 — Los Angeles, CA — Novo
4/19 — Tucson, AZ — Rialto Theater
4/20 — Albuquerque, NM — Revel
4/22 — San Antonio, TX — Aztec
4/23 — Oklahoma City, OK — Criterion
4/25 — Omaha, NE — Steelhouse Omaha
4/26 — Des Moines, IA — Val Air
4/28 — Lawrence, KS — Liberty Hall
4/29 — Moline, IL — The Rust Belt
4/30 — Grand Rapids, MI — GLC Live at 20 Monroe
5/1 — Milwaukee, WI — Eagles Club Stage
5/2 — Fort Wayne, IN — The Clyde
5/4 — Huntsville, AL — VBC Mars Music Hall
5/5 — Atlanta, GA — Tabernacle
5/6 — Knoxville, TN — Mill & Mine
5/7 — Myrtle Beach, SC — House of Blues
5/9 — Daytona Beach, FL — Welcome to Rockville*
5/10 — Raleigh, NC — The Ritz
5/12 — Richmond, VA — The National
5/13 — Philadelphia, PA — Franklin Music Hall
5/15 — New York, NY — Palladium Times Square
5/16 — Buffalo, NY — Buffalo Riverworks
5/17 — Columbus, OH — Sonic Temple Weekend*
5/19 — Wallingford, CT — The Dome
5/20 — Hampton Beach, NH — Hampton Beach Casino
*= Festival

FESTIVAL DATES — 2026:
1/25—1/31 — ShipRocked
3/15 — Mexico City, MX — Vive Latino
5/9 — Daytona Beach, FL — Welcome to Rockville
5/17 — Columbus, OH — Sonic Temple
6/7 — Trondheim, NO — Trondheim Rocks
6/20 — Dessel, BE — Graspop Metal Meeting

For centuries the circus would come to town. Now, for the first time in history, the gravitational pull of Avatar is so strong that the town is coming to the circus. A circus deep in the forest. A forbidden place. A taboo you are destined to break.

AVATAR ARE
Johannes Eckerström — Vocalist
Jonas Jarlsby — Guitarist
Tim Öhrström — Guitarist
Henrik Sandelin — Bassist
John Alfredsson — Drummer

Behemoth Announce Spring 2026 Headline North American Tour

January 15, 2026

Kings of extreme metal BEHEMOTH will return to lay waste to American venues this spring.

The band has announced its North American Spring 2026 headline "The Godless IV Tour," kicking off April 14 in San Diego and running through May 21 in Los Angeles. It includes Welcome to Rockville and Sonic Temple festival appearances.

This trek marks the band's first tour of North America in support of the critically acclaimed new opus The Shit Ov God, out now via Nuclear Blast.

Joining Behemoth for this run is a trio of fellow extremists — Deicide, Rotting Christ, and Immolation.

Tickets go on sale on Friday, January 16 at 10am local time. Get tickets and information on VIP packages here.

"We announce this coming campaign alongside Deicide, Rotting Christ, and Immolation — a convergence of legends, a true communion of extreme metal's most resolute forces," the band declares. "This tour is not merely a series of performances; it is a rite, forged in decades of defiance, conviction, and sonic blasphemy. Each band carries its own altar of destruction, its own scripture written in blood, sound, and will. Together, we summon something greater—an unstoppable procession of darkness across the lands. This is the extreme metal underground standing tall, unbroken, and merciless. Prepare yourselves."

Purchase + stream the album The Shit Ov God here.

BEHEMOTH ON TOUR:
WITH DEICIDE, ROTTING CHRIST, + IMMOLATION:
4/14 — San Diego, CA — The Observatory North Park
4/15 — San Francisco, CA — The Regency Ballroom
4/17 — Boise, ID — Knitting Factory
4/18 — Portland, OR — Roseland Theater
4/19 — Seattle, WA — Showbox SoDo
4/21 — Salt Lake City, UT — Union Event Center
4/22 — Denver, Co — The Fillmore
4/24 — Milwaukee, WI — The Rave
4/25 — Chicago, IL — The Vic Theatre
4/26 — St. Louis, MO — The Pageant
4/28 — Norfolk, VA — The NorVa
4/30 — Silver Spring, MD — The Fillmore^
5/1 — Worcester, MA — Palladium&
5/2 — New York, NY — Palladium Times Square
5/4 — Buffalo, NY — Buffalo RiverWorks
5/5 — McKees Rocks, PA — The Roxian Theatre
5/7 — Daytona Beach, FL — Welcome To Rockville*
5/9 — Charlotte, NC — The Fillmore
5/11 — Toronto, ON — HISTORY
5/12 — Montreal, QC — L'Olympia
5/14 — Columbus, OH — Sonic Temple*
5/15 — Nashville, TN — Brooklyn Bowl
5/16 — Atlanta, GA — The Masquerade
5/18 — Dallas, TX — The Bomb Factory
5/20 — Phoenix, AZ — The Van Buren
5/21 — Los Angeles, CA — Hollywood Palladium
*Festival Date
^ = No Rotting Christ
& = No Deicide

INFERI Announces New Album, Takes on Battle-jacket Bigfoot in Music Video for First Single, "The Rapture of Dead Light"

January 15, 2026

Extreme death metal masters INFERI will be unleashing its latest studio album, 'Heaven Wept,' on April 10, 2026 via The Artisan Era! To celebrate the forthcoming record, the band is now pleased to share the pummeling first single, "The Rapture of Dead Light," along with a music video!

The clip sees INFERI vocalist Stevie Boiser, guitarist/vocalist Malcolm Pugh, guitarist Sanjay Kumar, and new drummer Nate Bigelow embark on an Indiana Jones style quest for the elusive Bigfoot. Watch the band square off with the battle-jacket wearing and headbanging entity to find out if their intricate riffs are a match for the enigmatic beast below.

INFERI comments, "We’re proud to announce our 2026 release, 'Heaven Wept,' marking the longest gap between albums since our return in 2014.

This album came together under challenging circumstances—after the departure of Mike Low (guitar), we had to completely rewrite material. We then brought Sanjay Kumar (Wormhole / Equipoise) into the fold and the process began anew. With Andrew Kim’s exit to join Brand of Sacrifice, Malcolm stepped in to perform bass duties.

Heaven Wept is also the final album with Spencer Moore (drums) before he moved on to Archspire. We decided to work with Mike Low again for recording, mixing, and mastering. His deep understanding of our approach made him the perfect partner to help us refine our sound with the new lineup.

The result is our most crushing and diverse material yet—an album that pushes INFERI to new extremes while staying true to the melodic and technical foundation we’ve always built upon."

'Heaven Wept' can be pre-order and pre-saved HERE.

In addition, INFERI is now embarking on the "All So Vile" trek through the UK and Europe as support for CRYPTOPSY along with 200Stabwounds and Corpse Pile. The tour kicks off today in Hanover (DE) and will lay waste to the continent until the final stop in Paris (FR) on February 15. The full itinerary can be found below while tickets are available HERE.

In addition, INFERI will be performing at producer Dave Otero's inaugural Flatline Festival, which takes place June 13 - 14 at the Oriental Theater in Denver, CO. More info and passes can be found HERE.

Since the explosive success of Inferi's critically-acclaimed and chart topping 2018 full-length, 'Revenant,' the death metal battalion has continued to relentlessly churn like a raging maelstrom, dominating everything in its wake with the band's melodic and virtuosic approach to the genre. 'Heaven Wept' picks up where 2021's 'Vile Genesis' left off, putting forth the same mind-bending compositions and other-worldly musicianship that has set the band apart from their contemporaries. Inferi has risen to become a dominant force among modern American death metal acts since their reunion in 2011. 'Heaven Wept' is a master class in progressive extremity and is certain to make its mark as one of the greatest death metal offerings of this decade.

Formed in 2006, INFERI is an American technical melodic death metal band forged from the depths of Nashville, Tennessee. After reforming in 2011, INFERI emerged onto the global stage with 'The Path of Apotheosis' in 2014. Followed by the acclaimed 2018 release 'Revenant,' which landed at #26 Hard Rock albums and #28 on the Billboard’s Heatseekers charts, solidifying them as a household name in the underground technical death metal scene. Touring across the world with bands such Rivers of Nihil, Archspire, Shadow of Intent, Cryptopsy, Signs of the Swarm, Brand of Sacrifice, Deicide and Revocation allowed INFERI to continue on their upward trajectory. Creeping their way up the charts, and into the minds of new fans with 'The End of an Era: Rebirth' in 2019, their 'Of Sunless Realms' EP in 2020, and 2021's 'Vile Genesis.' Now in 2026 INFERI stands ready to unleash their most devastating album to date, 'Heaven Wept'.

Recording Lineup:

Stevie Boiser - Vocals

Malcolm Pugh - Guitar, Bass, Orchestration, & Vocals

Sanjay Kumar - Guitar & Orchestration

Spencer Moore - Drums

Live Lineup:

Stevie Boiser - Vocals

Malcolm Pugh - Guitar / Vocals

Sanjay Kumar - Guitar

Nate Bigelow - Drums

Album Credits:

All songs written and performed by Inferi Bass performed by Malcolm Pugh Orchestration and synth arrangements by Malcolm Pugh

Mixed and mastered by Mike Low Drums engineered by Mike Low at Top Track Studios Additional engineering by Erik Johnson Guitar reamping by Phil Pluskota

Cover Artist: Helge C. Balzer

Album formats:

Digital

Vinyl

Pre-orders: https://ffm.to/inferi

Links:

MERCH STORE (USA)

MERCH STORE (EU)

SHEET HAPPENS

Season of Mist Signs Via Doloris

January 15, 2026

Season of Mist is proud to announce the signing of Via Doloris, the singular project of composer and multi-instrumentalist Gildas Le Pape. Conceived in solitude and shaped by discipline, Via Doloris traces a restrained and introspective path through black metal’s formal foundations, guided by melody, atmosphere and emotional clarity.

Via Doloris is rooted in an inward journey rather than orthodoxy. Across carefully structured compositions, Le Pape explores the architecture of the human psyche, moving through despair, inner rupture and fleeting moments of illumination. Melody stands at the center of the music, not as ornament but as its organizing force, leading expansive guitar lines through measured rhythms and subtle harmonic tension. Folk and pagan echoes surface quietly, lending the material a timeless, almost ritual quality without overt gestures or excess.

“I’m hugely excited by the signing with Season of Mist”, says le Pape. “Partnering with a label known for its professionalism and deep industry experience is a huge step forward for Via Doloris. With their support, VD will reach a much wider audience and gain the visibility I feel the project deserves. This is a major milestone in the project’s history, and I can’t wait to share what I've been crafting during the last years. Thanks to the team and everyone who has supported VD so far – this is just the beginning!”

The project’s first full-length work extends this vision into a unified and deliberately paced statement. Moving between languages and emotional registers, it traces a quiet passage through shadow and emergence, shaped by introspection rather than narrative clarity. Crafted in Norway under Le Pape’s sole direction, the material favors tension, texture and inner motion, allowing meaning to surface gradually, without resolution or insistence.

Follow Via Doloris

https://www.facebook.com/viadolorisofficial/

https://www.instagram.com/via.doloris/

Via Doloris is the vision of founder Gildas Le Pape. Through sound, he crafts a world where emotion, discipline, and atmosphere converge — a place to give shape to what cannot be spoken. Rooted in solitude and shaped by the interplay of darkness and beauty, the project confronts the gravity of existence: the quiet burdens we carry, the hidden wounds time buries deep, the road to death. This “Way of Suffering” unfolds as a passage through pain in search of meaning, and the distant, flickering promise of rebirth.

Via Doloris’ musical identity draws from the towering legacy of Nordic metal while forging a distinct path. At its core lies a commitment to detailed guitar work, high-level musicianship, and the art of songcraft. Rather than follow genre trends, Via Doloris returns melody to its rightful place: not as decoration, but as the driving force of the music. These strong, expressive lines guide the compositions with raw clarity, carving out a language that speaks directly to the listener's inner world.

Though the instrumentation nods to black metal’s formal foundations, the project resists confinement. It blends harmonic depth with subtle dissonance, creating tension and richness without sacrificing cohesion. Folk and pagan influences run like ancestral threads through the arrangements, lending them a sacral, mythic quality. The result is a sound built on contrasts: luminous and shadowed, forceful yet introspective, epic yet intimate. Layered into this sonic landscape are lyrics written in French, English, and Norwegian. Each language brings its own weight, rhythm, and tone, unlocking emotional registers that feel both ancient and immediate.

Based in Oslo, Gildas Le Pape first gained attention in 2007 when he joined the legendary Satyricon as a guitarist. Over the next six years, he toured the world and contributed to the band’s recorded legacy, before stepping away to explore a broad range of musical directions. In time, this path led him back to extreme music, this time with a renewed creative vision and sharpened intent. In 2023, he invited his long-time collaborator, Frost — arguably one of the most accomplished drummers in the genre — to join him in bringing the debut release to life.

VICTORIUS raise their banner with new video single “Kingdom Of The Strong”

January 15, 2026

With “Kingdom Of The Strong”, power metal torchbearers VICTORIUS charge forward once again, delivering a blazing high-speed anthem packed with melody, grit, and heroic bombast. Galloping riffs, towering vocals, and relentless momentum make it clear: this is classic VICTORIUS, built for festival stages and fists in the air.

The single paves the way for the band’s upcoming studio album World War Dinosaur, set for release on April 17, 2026 via PERCEPTION - A Division Of Reigning Phoenix Music. Visually and lyrically, the new song dives headfirst into the band’s cinematic fantasy universe, where medieval warriors, dinosaurs, and over-the-top battles collide. The video matches the track’s explosive spirit with colorful chaos and unapologetic excess: power metal with a grin and a sword raised high. Sharpen your swords and saddle your dinosaur - you now enter the "Kingdom of the Strong"!

Listen: https://victorius.rpm.link/kingdomPR
Watch the new video clip below:

“With Kingdom of the Strong, we wanted to explore a medieval world – not musically, but thematically," the band comments. "It’s the Middle Ages meeting dinosaurs! The result is a classic VICTORIUS high-speed anthem. We instantly felt how powerful it was, so releasing it as a single was an easy choice. And yes – we’ll play it live so all the noble knights can sing along!”

World War Dinosaur sees VICTORIUS unleash their most powerful and cinematic chapter yet. The holy war between dinosaurs and ninjas enters its next stage - louder, larger, and more explosive than ever before! Across twelve new tracks, forged in cosmic steel and powered by pure imagination, the band invites you into a universe where power metal meets Saturday-morning-cartoon chaos.

“With World War Dinosaur, we went deeper into the theme of the holy dino war and added a stronger military edge," the band adds. “It’s the most epic and hymn-like album we’ve ever written 100% Victorius, but bigger, tighter, and more intense. We’ve never worked this hard on an album before. ‘Only more is more’ and this time, we went all in!”

Pre-Order World War Dinosaur now at: https://victorius.rpm.link/wwdPR

About VICTORIUS:
VICTORIUS deliver the soundtrack for a world that never truly disappeared: A world of Saturday morning cartoons, action figures, and boundless imagination. What started as a childhood dream has long since evolved into its own universe, captivating audiences around the globe.

Germany, Europe, Japan, the USA - VICTORIUS tour across continents, bringing a show to the stage that takes sound, story, and attitude to a new level. Every song is part of a larger story - and you can feel it live: thoughtful show elements, a strong visual style, and a performance that excites rather than just functions. VICTORIUS live means: full energy, no facade. A show that stands out, and stays with you.

With each album, the band refines their very own genre: “Power Metal from Outer Space.” Whether it's cybernetic dinosaurs, galactic ninjas, or magical mammoths, VICTORIUS deliver power metal at maximum intensity - melodic, driving, unstoppable. Their discography reads like a cinematic adventure in multiple parts: from Dinosaur Warfare to Space Ninjas from Hell to The Great Ninja War.

With their upcoming studio album World War Dinosaur (out April 17, 2026), VICTORIUS open the next chapter in their ever-expanding universe. This time, the battlefield spans the entire globe, a full-scale military conflict between cybernetic dinosaurs and spacefaring ninja legions. It’s the most ambitious story the band has ever told: epic, explosive, and unapologetically over the top.

At the same time, the album marks a moment of transformation: a reinvention that is both bold and inevitable. VICTORIUS push their signature "Power Metal from Outer Space" to new heights; more cinematic, more intense, more fearless than ever before. With World War Dinosaur, the band doesn’t just continue their saga: they level up, redefining what power metal can be in sound, scope, and spirit.

VICTORIUS aren’t a retro show, but a nostalgic leap into the future. For everyone who still feels the fire of those old days, when heroes were immortal, adventures limitless, and imagination knew no bounds.

VICTORIUS are:
T-Rex - Vocals
Pteranodon - Drums
Velociraptor - Guitar
Sabre-Toothed Tiger - Guitar
Triceratops - Bass

For More Info Visit:
https://www.victoriusmetal.net
https://www.facebook.com/victoriusmetal
https://www.instagram.com/victorius_metal
https://bio.to/victorius

VICTORIUS on Tour: https://www.victoriusmetal.net/live/