"Cairn" OST Is A New Collaboration Between The Toxic Avenger, The Game Bakers, and G4F Records

CAIRN — GAME ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK 

ALREADY ONE OF THE MOST-ANTICIPATED INDIE GAMES OF 2026 WITH OVER 700,000 WISHLISTS!

This marks a new collaboration between The Toxic Avenger, The Game Bakers, and G4F Records, following the massive success of Furi and its soundtrack, which has surpassed 150 million streams worldwide.

About Cairn — Original Soundtrack — Release Date: January 29, 2026
 

The original soundtrack of Cairn is a sweeping, high-impact score that mirrors the enormity of Mount Kami and the intensity of the climb. From ethereal, immersive textures to surging, vertiginous themes, the music turns every ascent into a memorable experience, balancing awe, tension, and triumph.

The soundtrack is the result of a close collaboration between The Toxic Avenger,Martin Stig Andersen, and Gildaa.

Some of their compositions are woven together and re-arranged by Martin Stig Andersen into a cohesive musical journey for both the game and the official album. Together, they shape a dense, cinematic musical universe that is at once airy, hypnotic, and exhilarating.

Renowned for his emotionally powerful scores (LIMBO, INSIDE, Control), Martin Stig Andersen brings structure and cinematic scope to the soundtrack.

The Toxic Avenger, a key figure of the French electronic music scene, delivers soaring, visceral compositions that amplify the sense of scale and momentum of the ascent.

Alongside them, Franco-Brazilian artist Gildaa brings a singular emotional texture to the score, co-composing several tracks and enriching the music with organic layers, breath, and effort sounds that root the climb in something deeply human.

PRE-ORDER/PRE-SAVE HERE.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS:

MARTIN STIG ANDERSEN:
Martin Stig Andersen is a Danish composer and sound designer renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to video game audio.

Drawing from electroacoustic composition, he has created immersive soundscapes for titles such as LIMBO, INSIDE, Control, and Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus.

His work has earned major international recognition, including D.I.C.E. Awards and multiple BAFTA nominations.

Soundcloud | Spotify | Apple Music | Bluesky

GILDAA:
Franco-Brazilian artist Gildaa is a genre-defying singer and winner of the 2025 Inouïs Jury Prize.

After standout appearances at Trans Musicales 2024 and Club Avant Seine — Rock en Seine 2025, she blends chanson, baile funk, jazz, and RnB into a hauntingly original sound.

Her bilingual lyrics and surreal aesthetics explore memory and mysticism, ahead of her debut album.

As Talents | Facebook | Spotify | YouTube

THE TOXIC AVENGER:
Simon Delacroix, known as The Toxic Avenger, is a French DJ and electronic music producer acclaimed for his explosive blend of electro and cinematic soundscapes.

A major voice in video game music, he is known for his work on Furi, Road 96, The Crew and Rainbow Six Siege, earning multiple Best Music in Video Games awards.

He also won Best Film Score at the Gérardmer Fantastic Film Festival for Mutafukaz, and regularly composes for film, trailers and advertising.

Facebook | Instagram | Bluesky | Spotify | X

ABOUT THE GAME BAKERS:

The Game Bakers is an independent studio founded in 2010 and based in Montpellier, France, dedicated to creating games players remember. Self-funded and self-published, The Game Bakers collaborate with creators around the world.

Known for the million-selling hits Furi and Haven, as well as Squids Odyssey and Combo Crew, the studio has built a strong reputation for bold gameplay and striking artistic direction.

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Bluesky | Steam | YouTube | TikTok | X

ABOUT G4F RECORDS:
G4F Records is an independent French music label dedicated to producing and releasing original soundtracks for video games and visual media. Working with composers and studios worldwide, the label focuses on both digital and high-quality physical releases.

The label has built a strong reputation for showcasing incredible, diverse, artist-driven video game music for music lovers.

Website | Instagram | Bluesky | Spotify | Youtube | Soundcloud | X

MILWAUKEE METAL FESTIVAL 2026 Completes Sunday Lineup with NAPALM DEATH, PRIMITIVE MAN + FACE YOURSELF

GET TICKETS HERE

The complete Milwaukee Metal Fest lineup for Sunday, June 7 is in! Please welcome NAPALM DEATH, PRIMITIVE MAN and FACE YOURSELF. They bands join MINISTRY, JOHN BUSH PERFORMING HIS ANTHRAX ERA, ALL SHALL PERISH (Celebrating 20 years of 'The Price of Existence'), INTEGRITY, UADA, DEADGUY, WAKING THE CADAVER and many more!

Fans can get access to the Thursday pre-party on June 4 for FREE with the purchase of a 3-day festival pass to MILWAUKEE METAL FEST. Come see ACID BATH, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, OBITUARY, AGALLOCH + many more for the BEST WEEKEND EVER! Plus, more incredible bands are still TBA!

The festival will once again return to The Rave/Eagles Club from June 5 - 7, 2026, with the pre-party kicking off on June 4! Three-day passes, two-day passes, single-day tickets, and a limited number of reserved seats are on sale now. For the full lineup, ticket options, and festival updates can be found at THIS LOCATION.

The current lineup and day splits can be found below with more bands still TBA!

Milwaukee Metal Fest 2026 will once again showcase a wide range of metal styles, including death metal, doom, hardcore, metalcore, thrash, industrial, and underground extremity, with performances spread across multiple stages throughout the venue. In addition to live music, the festival will feature a dedicated floor for merchandise and collectibles, giving fans access to exclusive band merch, vinyl, rare items, and more throughout the weekend.

The current day splits are as follows with more TBA:

Friday, June 5:

Acid Bath

Obituary

Agalloch (Retrospective Set)

Iron Reagan

Pallbearer

Hirax

NunSlaughter

Master

Weekend Nachos

Morta Skuld

Polkadot Cadaver

Dusk

Jeffrey Nothing

Cardiac Arrest

Thanatotic Desire

Eyes of the Living

Misery

DIRT

+more TBA

 

Saturday, June 6:

Killswitch Engage

Suicidal Tendencies

Power Trip

Agalloch ('Ashes Against the Grain' Set)

After the Burial

NAILS

Armored Saint

Havok

Prong

Weekend Nachos

Internal Bleeding

Macabre

Belushi Speed Ball

Sworn Enemy

Castrator

Casket Robbery

Human Artifacts

Brick by Brick

Threnody

The Suffering

Striking 13

+ more TBA

 

Sunday, June 7:

Ministry

Napalm Death

John Bush Performing His Anthrax Era

All Shall Perish (Celebrating 20 years of 'The Price of Existence')

Cyco Miko

Integrity

UADA

Waking the Cadaver

Deadguy

Primitive Man

Face Yourself

Visceral Disgorge

Incite

The Crosses performs Die Kreuzen

9 Dead

Surefire

Frog Mallet

Gored Embrace

Lecherous Nocturne

The Crosses performs Die Kreuzen

Dead by Wednesday

Texas Toast Chainsaw Massacre

Trip to the Morgue

Dark Horse Prophet

Stay tuned for the next wave of bands - you don't wanna miss this!

ABOUT MILWAUKEE METAL FEST

Founded in 1987, Milwaukee Metal Fest is one of the longest-running and most influential metal festivals in the United States, with a rich history of showcasing groundbreaking artists across the heavy music spectrum. After establishing itself as a cornerstone of American metal through the late 1980s and 1990s, the festival was revived in 2023 under the direction of Hatebreed frontman Jamey Jasta, ushering in a new era while honoring its legacy. Today, Milwaukee Metal Fest continues to unite fans and artists for an uncompromising celebration of metal across the iconic stages of The Rave/Eagles Club.

Follow Milwaukee Metal Fest:

Website

Facebook

Instagram

X

Septicflesh Celebrate 15 Years of The Great Mass with Special Anniversary Reissue

Since the ‘90s, Septicflesh have elevated death metal to a fine art. Alongside their Athenian brothers-in-arms Rotting Christ and Nightfall, real-life flesh and blood Spiros and Christos Antoniou rose from the Greek underground alongside virtuoso shredder Sotiris Vayenas. After the trio re-communed with drummer Fotis Benardo at the Season of Mist table during the 2000s, the maestros set to work on composing their greatest masterpiece.    

Today, Season of Mist is celebrating 15 years of The Great Mass by announcing a special anniversary reissue. Fans can now own this classic album on transparent red-and-black marbled vinyl. This new edition also includes a color poster and embroidered patch.

“The Great Mass has passed the test of time”, says Septicflesh guitarist and vocalist Sotiris Vayenas. “Songs such as ‘The Vampire from Nazareth’ and ‘Pyramid God’ are among the most successful in our repertoire. Now, it’s time to celebrate the album with the 15th anniversary edition courtesy of Season of Mist”.  

The 15th anniversary edition of The Great Mass comes out March 20 on Season of Mist.

Pre-order

https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/septicflesh-the-great-mass-15th-anniversary

Listen Below.

The Great Mass Recording Lineup
Christos Antoniou - Guitars, Orchestrations

Seth “Spiros” Antoniou - Bass, Vocals (harsh)

Sotiris Anunnaki V - Guitars, Vocals (clean)

Fotis Benardo - Drums, Percussion

Production Credits
Produced and Mixed by Peter Tägtgren

Engineered by Fotis Benardo, George Emmanuel, Steve Venardo and Jan Holzner (orchestra)

Assistant engineering by Michael Hradisky

Mastered by Jonas Kjellgren

Cover Art
Seth “Spiros” Antoniuou



Follow Septicflesh
Official Website: http://www.septicflesh.com/
Bandcamp: http://septicflesh.bandcamp.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/septicflesh_band
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/septicfleshband
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/septicflesh/275730586
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5MlEt7qqXqNSReeX76xK6b
Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHI1zZYZhGL1pMBQWM-Zu0w

UADA Announces New Acoustic Album, 'Interwoven,' Unveils Haunting Nirvana Cover

Enigmatic black metal masters UADA are pleased to now reveal that their upcoming acoustic album, 'Interwoven,' will be released on April 10 via Eisenwald Records. The album represents an acoustic journey tracing one song from each chapter of UADA's discography as well as various covers from the bands who've inspired them. In celebration, the band is now sharing a haunting version of NIRVANA's "Something in the Way," which can be found along with a video below.

The video was filmed and edited by Karl Whinnery and directed by Jake Superchi, with Evan Gandy serving as the co-director of photography.

UADA comments, "When UADA was formed, a rule was set: no covers, in pursuit of carving a wholly independent voice. With 'Interwoven,' we allowed ourselves to bend that rule. Recruiting a cellist for this project created a rare alignment—a moment to pay homage to one of the most formative and regional influences of my youth. While staying close to the original arrangement, we allowed our interpretation to take on its own bleak, glacial weight—one that echoes through the song’s timeless sorrow."

'Interwoven' is now available for pre-orders HERE.

In addition, UADA has joined forces with industrial metal artist MORTIIS for a very special co-headliner, featuring exclusive anniversary sets and supporting performances by Jerome Reuter’s ROME and WRAITH KNIGHT. UADA will be performing their seminal 2016 debut album 'Devoid of Light' in its entirety + a special CERMONIAL CASTINGS 30-year anniversary set featuring Wraith Knight. In addition, MORTIIS shall be performing songs from his groundbreaking 2001 full-length, 'The Smell Of Rain,' along with other volumes of dystopian despair. The full itinerary can be found below while tickets are now available HERE.

Moreover, after much demand from fans, UADA will be returning to Milwaukee Metal Fest for the second time since leaving their mark during the 2024 edition. The festival will take place at The Rave/Eagle's Club from June 4 - 7, with UADA performing on the 7th. More info and tickets can be found HERE.

GET TICKETS HERE

THE WITCHES OF DYSTOPIA TOUR MMXXVI

(UADA + MORTIIS w/ Jerome Reuter’s ROME + WRAITH KNIGHT):

04/10/26: Portland, OR @ Dante's

04/11/26: Vancouver, BC @ Rickshaw

04/13/26: Calgary, AB @ Dickens

04/14/26: Edmonton, AB @ Starlite

04/16/26: Winnipeg, MB @ Sidestage

04/17/26: Minneapolis, MN @ Skyway at Studio B

04/18/26: Madison, WI @ Annex

04/19/26: Chicago, IL @ Reggies

04/20/26: Detroit, MI @ Sanctuary

04/21/26: Indianapolis, IN @ Black Circle

04/22/26: Covington, KY @ Madison Live

04/23/26: Pittsburgh, PA @ Preserving Underground

04/24/26: Toronto, ON @ Lee's Palace

04/25/26: Montreal, QC @ Cafe Campus

04/26/26: Quebec City, QC @ La Source

04/27/26: Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall

04/28/26: Brooklyn, NY @ Meadows

04/29/26: Bensalem, PA @ Broken Goblet

04/30/26: Baltimore, MD @ Metro

05/01/26: Raleigh, NC @ Chapel Of Bones

05/02/26: Atlanta, GA @ 529 EAV

05/03/26: Orlando, FL @ Conduit

05/05/26: Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live

05/06/26: Austin, TX @ Come And Take It Live

05/07/26: Dallas, TX @ Club Dada

05/08/26: Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad

05/09/26: Denver, CO @ HQ

05/10/26: Salt Lake City, UT @ Urban Lounge

05/11/26: Las Vegas, NV @ Swan Dive

05/12/26: San Diego, CA @ Brick By Brick

05/13/26: Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo

05/14/26: San Jose, CA @ The Ritz

05/15/26: Eugene, OR @ John Henry's

05/16/26: Seattle, WA @ El Corazon

Additional UADA Tour Dates:

06/07: Milwaukee, WI @ Milwaukee Metal Fest

"More than a sonic experiment, this album was a deliberate act of vulnerability. It was a personal and collective trial - a chance to step outside the acquainted shadows and embrace the uncertain light. The earliest intent was to craft something primitive and ritualistic, echoing the ancestral tones of ancient Pagan folk. Vocally, we anticipated a palette of whispers, chants, and throat singing. There was never a plan to explore clean, melodic singing - until an improvised vocal passage in “Djinn” revealed something unexpected. That unscripted moment sparked the foundation of what would become this album. With the band’s enthusiastic support, the recording process began - without a script, without rehearsal, and with full commitment to spontaneity and truth."

Recording lineup: 

Jake Superchi - All Vocals, Guitars, and Percussion

Nate Verschoor - Bass

Special Guest:

C.E. Brown - Cello 

Cover Art: Peter Beste

Album Credits:

Engineered and mixed at Obsidian Spells between Summer 2023 and Spring 2024 by Jake Superchi 

Mastered by Arthur Rizk

Stream // Download: https://uada.lnk.to/interwoven

Formats:

Digital

Deluxe CD Artbook

Deluxe 180g Slipcase LP Shadow Black Vinyl

Deluxe 180g Slipcase LP Raven Smoke Vinyl

Deluxe 180g Slipcase LP Wolf's Blood Vinyl

Deluxe 180g Slipcase LP Elder Earth Vinyl

Follow/Stream UADA:

BANDCAMP

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

SPOTIFY

APPLE MUSIC

YOUTUBE

WEBSTORE

Cryptopsy Headlining 2026 Decibel Magazine Tour

After nearly three and a half decades of brutal technical supremacy, Cryptopsy are still insatiable. The most vile band in death metal finished off last year by cracking year-end lists at  Decibel, Metal Injection, BangerTV, No Clean Singing and other outlets with their latest Billboard-shaking album An Insatiable Violence. Now, as they continue to bang heads on their current European tour, the Canadian legends are proud to announce another new milestone in their Hall of Fame career.  

Today, Cryptopsy are announcing that they are headlining The Decibel Magazine Tour in 2026. The band’s set during the tour’s deadly 13th run will celebrate both the coronation of An Insatiable Violence and the 30th anniversary of their Decibel Hall of Fame-inducted album None So Vile. Joining them for all 21 dates are Necrot, Fulci and Blood Monolith.    

“Between the strength of the material on their latest release, An Insatiable Violence, and the anniversary celebration of their landmark, None So Vile, 2026 is clearly the year of Peak Cryptopsy”, Decibel Magazine’s Editor-In-Chief Albert Mudrian says. “We couldn’t be more honored to bring the band’s paramount present and potent past together to headline this year’s Decibel Magazine Tour”.

“We are honored to headline the 13th expedition of The Decibel Magazine Tour”, Cryptopsy’s vocalist Matt McGachy says. “Headlining the Decibel Tour while celebrating the 30th anniversary of None So Vile is surreal for us. That record changed everything, and getting to rip through our favorite songs from it every night - alongside a bunch of newer Cryptopsy tracks from An Insatiable Violence - feels like honoring where we came from while showing exactly where we are now. These shows alongside our friends in Necrot, Fulci and Blood Monolith are going to be violent, cathartic and unforgettable”.

Tickets for The Decibel Magazine Tour 2026 go on sale this Friday, January 30 at 10 am local time.  

Get tickets: https://www.decibelmagazine.com/events/tour/

The Decibel Magazine Tour 2026

with Cryptopsy, Necrot, Fulci and Blood Monolith

April 30 - Worcester, MA @ Palladium (Upstairs)

May 1 - Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Monarch

May 2 - Baltimore, MD @ Baltimore Soundstage

May 3 - Philadelphia, PA @ Decibel Metal & Beer Philly (The Fillmore)

May 5 - Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade (Hell)

May 7 - Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall

May 8 - Dallas, TX @ The Studio

May 9 - Austin, TX @ Come And Take It Live

May 12 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Regent

May 13 - San Diego, CA @ Brick By Brick

May 14 - Berkeley, CA @ Cornerstone

May 16 - Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theater

May 17 - Seattle, WA @ El Corazon

May 20 - Denver, CO @ Oriental Theater

May 22 - Minneapolis, MN @ Fine Line Music Cafe

May 23 - Chicago, IL @ Bottom Lounge

May 24 - Detroit, MI @ Crofoot Ballroom

May 25 - Cleveland, OH @ The Grog Shop

May 26 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Preserving Underground

May 27 - Toronto, ON @ Lee’s Palace

May 28 - Montreal, QC @ Fairmount Theatre

The 2026 Decibel Magazine Tour is sponsored  by Season of Mist, EMG Pickups, Night Shift Merch, Tankcrimes, 20 Buck Spin, Profound Lore and Rhythm & Revive.

Cryptopsy’s new album An Insatiable Violence, plus Blasphemy Made Flesh, None So Vile and other albums from their fearsome discography are now available through Season of Mist

Order

https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/cryptopsyall

Cryptopsy recognize that not every death metal band sticks around long enough to win a Canadian Grammy 30 years into their career. The cover art for An Insatiable Violence was created by the late, great vocalist Martin Lacroix.  "The album artwork has got to be one of the most important things to us!”, the band says. “Martin Lacroix was one of our vocalists, one of our great friends and one of the nicest people that anyone could have the privilege to meet. We really wish he was here with us to share this moment. His perfect smile would say it all! Rest in peace brother".

With Cryptopsy’s latest career renaissance showing no signs of slowing down, the recent accolades are only the beginning. An Insatiable Violence reaches a new peak in a career loaded with them.

Lineup

Flo Mounier - Drums

Matt McGachy - Vocals

Christian Donaldson - Guitar

Oli Pinard - Bass

Guest Musicians

Mike DiSalvo performs vocals on "Embrace the Nihility"

Recording, Mixing & Mastering Studio

Christian Donaldson’s Studio

Production, Sound & Mixing Engineer

Christian Donaldson

Cover Art

Martin Lacroix

Photography

Maciej Pieloch

Biography

Adrien Begrand

Pre-order & Pre-save

https://orcd.co/cryptopsyaninsatiableviolence

Witch Club Satan Announce First-Ever North American Tour

Witch Club Satan will make their North American live debut this spring with a 16-date headline tour across the U.S. and Canada, running May 27 through June 16, 2026.

Following a breakout year across Europe, the Norwegian black metal provocateurs have announced their inaugural North American headline run, Founding of the North American Coven, spanning 16 dates across the U.S. and Canada from May 27 through June 16. The tour marks a historic moment for the band and for the growing global coven surrounding one of the most innovative, provocative, and disruptive new acts in heavy music.

Support across the tour will come from Penelope Trappes (AU) and Patriarchy (U.S.), two boundary-pushing artists whose sonic and visual intensity perfectly complement Witch Club Satan's ritualistic live experience.

The general on-sale begins at 10am local time on Friday, January 30. Get tickets here.

The Founding of the North American Coven tour invites fans, press, and industry alike to witness something singular, a first chapter that will only ever happen once. Witch Club Satan's live shows are not just concerts, but communal rituals: confrontational, cathartic, and impossible to ignore.

FOUNDING OF THE NORTH AMERICAN COVEN TOUR DATES:
5/27—Philadelphia, PA—Underground Arts *
5/29 —Toronto, ON—Prepare The Ground (Festival)
5/30—Montreal, QC—Fairmount Theatre *
5/31—Cambridge, MA—Sonia *
6/2—Baltimore, MD—Baltimore Soundstage *
6/3 —New York, NY—Bowery Ballroom *
6/5– Pittsburgh, PA—Preserving Underground *
6/6—Detroit, MI—El Club *
6/7—Chicago, IL—Reggie's ^
6/8 —St. Paul, MN—Amsterdam Bar & Music Hall ^
6/10 —Denver, CO—Bluebird Theater ^
6/12—Los Angeles, CA—Lodge Room ^
6/13—Berkeley, CA—Cornerstone ^
6/15 —Portland, OR—Hawthorne Theatre ^
6/16 —Seattle, WA—Substation ^

* Support from Penelope Trappes
^ Support from Patriarchy

 

Full tour information and tickets, go here.

ABOUT WITCH CLUB SATAN:
Witch Club Satan are a Norwegian black metal trio whose work transcends genre boundaries, merging extreme music with ritual, performance art, and radical expression. Celebrated for their uncompromising vision and visceral live shows, the band has rapidly cultivated a devoted international following — a coven drawn to intensity, confrontation, and collective release.

SCREAM AT THE SKY Have Officially Announced Their Midwest In"SIN"eration 2026 Tour

SCREAM AT THE SKY are turning temptation into gasoline as they announce their upcoming In“SIN”eration Tour, setting stages ablaze across February and March with a run that promises heat, sweat, and pure rock ‘n’ roll danger.

This isn’t just a tour — it’s an invitation. An invitation to step into the shadows, turn the volume past reason, and surrender to a band that thrives on tension, release, and raw connection. Night after night, SCREAM AT THE SKY bring a sound that’s equal parts seductive and savage, blending crushing riffs, soaring vocals, and a pulse you feel long after the lights

go down.

The in“SIN”eration Tour is built for packed rooms, locked eyes, and moments where the crowd and the band blur into one. It’s loud. It’s intimate. It’s unapologetically sinful. Every song hits like a slow burn that explodes without warning — the kind of live experience you don’t scroll past, you live inside.

With new fire behind them and a reputation for commanding the stage, SCREAM AT THE SKYare ready to leave their mark city by city. Fans should expect heavy grooves, dangerous hooks, and performances that feel more like a confession than a concert.

Info on MMF Gathering 

Michigan Metal Fest Metal Family

Gathering 2026

Once a year you get to go to a family gathering that you actually want to go to. It's this. 

Q106 & Michigan Metal Fest Present:

Metal Family Gathering 2026

We will be giving away prizes throughout the night and highlighting some of your favorite bands and happy to bring some new bands to the family this year too!

There will be delicious food available by Hoggs Nest BBQ and merch from all of the acts!

ACTS:

SCREAM AT THE SKY

Errors of Humanity

Hyporium

Fleeting Life

Brugada



SPONSORS:

Q106 WJXQ

Darksyde Acres Haunted house

My Merch Guy

BMF SECURITY

Pixel Paige Photography

Wayward Tattoo

WHEN?

February 21st, 2026

WHERE?

The Music Factory

191 Angell St

Battle Creek Michigan

-Tickets are available at

Michiganmetalfest.net

-$15 advance/ $20 ATD

*ALL AGES / UNDER 18 WITH ADULT

Bodysnatcher Announces New Album 'Hell Is Here, Hell Is Home' out April 10 (via MNRK Heavy)

South Florida deathcore mainstays Bodysnatcher have today announced their upcoming new album 'Hell Is Here, Hell Is Home' out on Friday, April 10 (via MNRK Heavy). The full-length will be the band's latest body of new music since 2024's acclaimed EP, 'Vile Conduct'. In celebration of the announcement, the quartet released their new rager "The Maker" and the official music video. When asked about today's news, the band commented:

"We’re extremely excited to finally start sharing this album with everyone. We think it’s the bands strongest work. We finally accomplished the sound we’ve been aiming for from the start.”

'Hell Is Here, Hell Is Home' is available now for pre-order at the link here. Watch the official music video for "The Maker" below, and stream the track here.

After wrapping up a triumphant Australian tour this past weekend with Fit For An Autopsy, Bodysnatcher will next kick off their 'Hell Is Here, Hell Is Home' EU/UK headliner in March with PSYCHO-FRAME, Ingested and Big Ass Truck as support. The band will then bring the heat to the Chaos & Carnage 2026 tour across North America alongside Thy Art Is Murder, Carnifex, 200 Stab Wounds, Ingested, Gates To Hell, and Bodybox starting Saturday, May 2. For ticket information, please click here.

Chaos & Carnage 2026 Dates:

May 2 - Phoenix, AZ @ The Van Buren

May 3 - Albuquerque, NM @ The Historic El Rey Theater

May 5 - San Antonio, TX @ Vibes Event Center

May 6 - Houston, TX @ House of Blues Houston

May 8 - Nashville, TN @ Brooklyn Bowl

May 10 - Daytona Beach, FL @ Welcome To Rockville 2026

May 12 - Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore

May 13 - Baltimore, MD @ Nevermore Hall

May 14 - Columbus, OH @ Sonic Temple 2026

May 15 - Reading, PA @ Reverb

May 16 - Worcester, MA @ Palladium

May 17 - Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Monarch

May 19 - Chicago, IL @ Ramova Theater

May 20 - West Des Moines, IA @ Val Air Ballroom

May 22 - Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre

May 23 - Salt Lake City, UT @ The Complex

May 24 - Boise, ID @ Treefort Music Hall

May 26 - Seattle, WA @ Showbox

May 27 - Portland, OR @ Roseland Theatre

May 29 - Berkeley, CA @ The UC Theatre

May 30 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Wiltern

May 31 - Las Vegas, NV @ House of Blues Las Vegas

ABOUT BODYSNATCHER:

There are many clichés about battling adversity. That if you fall down, you get back up again. That what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. That it’s the journey that’s important, not the end result. That the struggle is worth it, that you need to suffer to make great art. It’s not always true, of course, but Hell Is Here, Hell Is Home (via MNRK Heavy) certainly makes a strong case for that argument. The fourth full-length from Melbourne, FL deathcore outfit Bodysnatcher, it follows 2024’s brutal Will Putney-produced EP, Vile Conduct and serves up another powerful barrage of uncompromising deathcore across 10 incredible tracks that see the four-piece—Kyle Medina (vocals), Kyle Carter (guitar), Kyle Shope (bass) and Chris Whited (drums)—turn the catharsis up as loud and as visceral as it will go.

Of course, that’s nothing new for the band. If you’ve heard Vile Conduct, or any of the three albums that preceded it—2017’s Death of Me, 2020’s The Heavy Void or 2022’s Bleed-Abide—you’ll know this is a band who have always pitted themselves against personal tragedy, who have fought on individual levels against the dark depths of a despair (often inspired by their own experiences of death). Hell Is Here, Hell Is Home is no less harrowing.

UK Death Metal Outfit UNBURIER Present “Abyssal Uncertainty” From As Time Awaits

UNBURIER share “Abyssal Uncertainty,” a defining track from their upcoming EP As Time Awaits. The song represents the band at their most focused and expansive, combining technical ferocity with a darker, more introspective narrative edge.

Beginning with a surge of torrential, arpeggiated dissonance, “Abyssal Uncertainty” immediately establishes its intensity before dropping into rapid, NECROPHAGIST-inspired riffing. Frantic guitars and exacting drumming are bound together by a restless fretless bass, weaving between voices and acting as the connective tissue that gives the chaos clarity. Despite frequent shifts in meter and tempo, the track maintains a consistent feel and raw momentum, reinforcing its oppressive atmosphere.

The song features the standout solo of As Time Awaits, using sheer brutality as propulsion before breaking into a soaring, expressive passage. The contrast highlights both technical command and a playful virtuosity, evoking the confidence of a guitarist operating at full creative freedom.

Lyrically, “Abyssal Uncertainty” is the most ambitious piece on the EP. Drawing influence from existential and cosmic literature, with nods to Albert Camus and H. P. Lovecraft, the track follows a trapped labourer’s descent into madness as he confronts the absurdity of his life and death. The narrative reflects the experience of anyone forced to surrender their nature in service of another’s greed, and the longing for a world where life can be lived on one’s own terms.

The songwriting is concise and deliberate. Every instrument occupies its intended space, supported by production that is polished without excess. Performances are tight, honest, and fully locked in, underscoring the band’s commitment to precision without sacrificing edge.

About UNBURIER:
Hailing from the south of England, UNBURIER stormed onto the death metal scene in the summer of 2022 with their debut EP Twisted Existence. The EP showcased the band's undeniable technical abilities, in addition to their raw and harrowing sound. In 2024, UNBURIER returned with their follow-up EP, Nebulous, on which the band refined their songwriting and technical prowess. On this release, the band ventured even deeper into the realms of their death metal influences, among which they count DEATH, NECROPHAGIST, and REVOCATION.

Having conquered stages alongside the likes of SANGUISUGABOGG, CRYPTA, and PARTY CANNON, as well as making notable appearances at Bloodstock Open Air and Incineration Festival, UNBURIER continues to carve a path alongside giants of the death metal genre. Their upcoming third EP, As Time Awaits, sees UNBURIER blending old- and new-school death metal styles with technicality, hooks, and razor-sharp songwriting. Carrying the torch of the classic death metal sound into a new age, As Time Awaits is certain to enthrall longtime fans of the genre.
 

UNBURIER lineup:
Ben Champion - Vocals/Guitar
Blake Hibberd - Guitar/Vocals
Stan Mitchell - Bass
Kim Hughes - Drums

Take Me To Texas: George Strait Adds In-The-Round Austin, Texas Performances

With stadium shows set for Clemson, SC and Lubbock, TX this year George Strait announces two additional shows at Moody Center in Austin, TX, in-the-round on Thursday, April 9, and Saturday, April 11, 2026 (tickets on sale on Friday, January 30 at 10 a.m. local time at georgestrait.com).

Fans can expect an intimate evening of timeless hits along with new favorites off Cowboys and Dreamers performed center stage, in the round. Opening both shows is fellow Texas native, newcomer William Beckmann. 

With fewer shows a year, Strait’s one-off stadium shows in 2024 included A&M’s Kyle Field playing one of the largest single ticketed concerts in U.S. history with 110,905 fans in attendance for George Strait: The King at Kyle Field. He followed that record-breaking performance with only five live shows in 2025 with stops in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Foxboro and Inglewood’s SoFi Stadium.

Of his stop at SoFi Stadium last summer Variety noted, “fans would maintain that the privilege of still having him kicking around is all theirs” while reflecting on what Strait does best, “pick great songs, sing even better and exude a quiet, uncocky confidence that would make anyone feel patriotic about country as a genre.”

The Boston Globe said of his stop at Foxborough’s Gillette Stadium last year, “Strait skipped the pyrotechnics and let his voice do the heavy lifting,” making it easy to see why Pollstar once opined, “Strait remains the most worthy inheritor of Merle Haggard or Willie Nelson’s mantle of country icon through the meaningful fluidity with which he moves through country’s various sub-strains with the same ease and enjoyment that marked both men’s Country Music Hall of Fame careers.” 

In addition to his upcoming live performances at Austin, TX, Clemson, SC and Lubbock, TX, Strait was celebrated at the 47th Annual Kennedy Center Honors in December, recognizing his lifetime of contributions to American culture through the performing arts and next month he will be inducted into the Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame this February, paying tribute to his enduring impact as both a performer and songwriter whose influence has shaped generations of country music.

It’s been 15 years since The New York Times praised Strait as “a country superstar in complete command of his gift,” and with the arrival of his 31st studio album for MCA last year, Cowboys And Dreamers, that statement rings just as true. Filled with classic country honky-tonkers about drinkin’ and not thinkin’ as well as sad songs and ballads about loss and cheatin’, listen to the album Cowboys & Indians Magazine notes is “​​a cornucopia of trad-country-arrangement beauty,” HERE.

The follow-up to Honky Tonk Time Machine, Strait’s 27th No. 1 Billboard Country album, Cowboys And Dreamers was named “album of the week” by Associated Press, and features 13 new songs, including “Three Drinks Behind,” “MIA Down in MIA,” “The Little Things,” the 2026 GRAMMY-nominated “Honky Tonk Hall Of Fame” featuring Chris Stapleton and Strait’s rendition of Waylon Jennings’ “Waymore’s Blues,” which all have made appearances in his live set.

About George Strait:
George Strait is the unambiguous "King of Country Music," with over 100 million RIAA certifications while earning more than 60 major entertainment industry awards as well as countless nominations and becoming the only act in history to have a Top 10 hit every year for over three decades. The Texas troubadour released his 31st career studio album Cowboys And Dreamers last year, following 2019’s best-selling Country album, Honky Tonk Time Machine, on MCA Nashville. The latter produced by Strait and Chuck Ainlay, the album quickly became Strait’s record-extending 27th No. 1 Billboard Country album. The Country Music Hall of Fame member earned his 100th entry on the Billboard Country Airplay chart with his single “The Weight of the Badge” from the project. Having already set an indoor ticketed attendance record in 2014 at AT&T Stadium on his Cowboy Rides Away Tour, in June 2024 with 104,793 fans in attendance, he bested his own attendance record with over 110,905 fans in attendance at his “King at Kyle Field” show in College Station. And Strait has proven himself as deft with a pen as he is commanding a stadium of thousands, co-writing some of his biggest hits such as fan favorites, “Here for a Good Time” and “Living for the Night,” as well as the powerful, heartfelt ballad “I Believe.” As generous as he is talented, Strait’s Vaqueros del Mar golf tournament and benefit concert has raised over $17 million for the Feherty’s Troops First Foundation and most recently his Strait To The Heart benefit raised over $7 million for those affected by the flooding in Texas. He and wife Norma also established the Jenifer Strait Foundation to preserve the memory of their daughter and have raised millions for children’s organizations. In addition, every time Strait takes the stage he is joined by Retired Lt. General Leroy Sisco to present a new home to a wounded hero, delivering his 127th home presentation last July in Los Angeles via Military Warriors Support Foundation’s Homes 4 Wounded Heroes Program.

More at GeorgeStrait.com and online @georgestrait. 

About William Beckmann:
Making modern country music with a refined edge, emerging artist William Beckmann embodies timeless, sophisticated swagger, with songs built for the mainstream, but also built to last. With his album, Whiskey Lies & Alibis, the young Texas native joins a retro revival in the modern format’s core, and pushes it further down the road. A student of the classics – from classic country to classic pop, classic rock, and even classic mariachi – Beckmann grew up in the border town of Del Rio, Texas, enamored with the classic cool of Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, and Frank Sinatra, plus the Eagles, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, George Strait, and the traditional Mexican music of his bilingual roots. Developing a deep, dark-honey baritone with natural vibrato, he first found a foothold on the Texas tour circuit, dressed to kill and with a timeless sound to match. After catching the attention of hometown hero Radney Foster (who helped dial in his classically-charged songwriting), and Randy Rogers (who took the young artist on tour, helping craft a stately stage magnetism), two self-styled EPs and a 2023 Opry debut built Beckmann’s buzz, along with tours with Parker McCollum, Charley Crockett, and more. Co-writing eight of 12 songs with elite hit makers such as Jessie Jo Dillion, Jesse Frasure, and Rhett Akins, Beckmann’s neo-classic signature is clear on Whiskey Lies & Alibis. With an organic sound defined by dusky baritone guitars and pedal steel, plus a rumbling, resonate vocal, it captures the vast loneliness of a windblown desert landscape, and the throbbing pulse of a honky tonk with equal power. And central to each track, lies the bitter sting of lost love. After playing more than 100 shows a year in 2022 and 2023, Beckmann now returns to the road with a bold mission in mind: Not just to cosplay the classic country style, but to bring its values back, with head held high.

THE JOTUNN announce new single “The Departure” from physical release of Summoner

Melodic deathcore band THE JOTUNN have released their newest single, “The Departure,” the final track on the upcoming physical edition of their album Summoner, out this Friday. The song serves as both a closing statement for this chapter of the band and a powerful step toward what comes next.

Originally introduced as a three-song release, Summoner Part I established the foundation of the band’s current era. The physical edition expands the album with Part II, which includes “Blood Flower,” the band’s cover of “Suicide Nation,” and now the intense and cinematic closer, “The Departure.”

The track was recorded in Michigan with producer Josh Wickman, known for his work with WITHIN THE RUINS, KING 810 and WAKING THE CADAVER. The result is a sharpened and fully realized version of THE JOTUNN’s sound, combining punishing heaviness with dark melody and atmosphere. The song highlights a band that has refined its identity and emerged stronger than ever.

An official video for “The Departure” was filmed by Tom Stumpf, who also worked on the band’s previous two records. The visual continues THE JOTUNN’s tradition of pairing their music with unsettling and cinematic imagery that deepens the emotional impact of their work.

Lyrically, “The Departure” explores the disturbed mind of Ed Gein, focusing on psychological horror and mental unraveling rather than glorification. The band uses the story as a narrative lens to examine darkness, instability, and inner torment, matching the song’s intense and oppressive atmosphere.

With this release, THE JOTUNN bring the Summoner era to a powerful close while signaling a new beginning. “The Departure” represents the band at its most focused and evolved, offering a glimpse of an even heavier and more ambitious future.

About THE JOTUNN:
Based out of Cleveland and Columbus Ohio, THE JOTUNN formed in 2021 after guitarist and songwriter Shawn Kahan presented a number of demos to Paul Kahan. Soon producer Cole Martinez (ABIGAIL WILLIAMS, WHITECHAPEL, ABORTED) was on board taking up the role of bassist and producer of their music. Nick Amato (ATOMIC WITCH) performed drums on the band's debut album Graveworshipper (2022), prior to Adam Biats joining the line-up. The outfit was awarded the Columbus Artist Grant in 2023, and subsequently in 2025. THE JOTUNN's EP Summoner arrived in 2024, and is set to be followed in 2025 by two cover releases and a new original track. Cole left the band in June 2025 on good terms, leading to the arrival of Leo Debevc on guitar and Londyn Hager on bass. 

THE JOTUNN is:
Paul Kahan - Vocals
Shawn Kahan - Guitar
Leo Debevc - Guitar
Londyn Snow - Bass
Adam Biats - Drums

Links:
Streaming links: www.thejotunn.com
Bandcamp: https://jotunn.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheJotunnBand/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejotunnband/

Credits: 
Recording Studio: Dreadcore Productions
Produced, Engineered, Mixed and Mastered: Josh Wickman
Drum Pre-Production: Nick Hawkins
Lyrics, Song and Performance by The Jötunn

Alice Cooper Announces Spring 2026 Headline Tour

Rock 'N' Roll Hall of Fame and music icon ALICE COOPER has been bringing his thrilling theatrics to audiences of all ages for decades, drawing equally from horror movies, vaudeville, and garage rock. He will return to stages this spring on his headline "Alice's Attic" tour, which kicks off on April 14 in San Antonio, Texas and runs through May 9 at the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden, NJ. The new production was introduced last fall during Cooper's co-headline trek with Judas Priest and will now be witnessed by fans in a swath of new cities!

Various pre-sales kick off on Tuesday, January 27 at 10am local time and run through Thursday, January 29 at 10pm local time. The general on-sale is set for Friday, January 30 at 10am local time.

All confirmed dates are below, including his appearance at Welcome to Rockville.

Tickets are available here.

Alice Cooper's latest album The Revenge of Alice Cooper arrived last July via earMUSIC.

ALICE COOPER ON TOUR:
4/14 — San Antonio, TX — Majestic Theatre
4/15 — Irving, TX — The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
4/17 — Topeka, KS — Topeka Performing Arts Center
4/18 — Cedar Rapids, IA — Alliant Energy PowerHouse
4/19 — Terre Haute, IN — The Mill
4/21 — Toledo, OH — Stranahan Theater
4/23 — Columbus, OH — Mershon Auditorium
4/24 — Pikeville, KY — Appalachian Wireless Arena
4/25 — Huber Heights, OH — Rose Music Center at The Heights
4/27 — Virginia Beach, VA — The Dome
4/28 — Durham, NC — Durham Performing Arts Center
4/29 — Spartanburg, SC — Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium
5/1 — Albertville, AL — Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater
5/2 — Albany, GA — Albany Civic Center
5/3 — Pensacola, FL — Pensacola Bay Center
5/5 — Fort Myers, FL — Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall
5/6 — Ft. Lauderdale, FL — Broward Center – Au-Rene Theater
5/7 — Daytona Beach, FL — Welcome to Rockville*
5/9 — Camden, NJ — Freedom Mortgage Pavilion
*Festival Date

Black Metal Punks FINAL DOSE Stream New EP via Decibel Magazine

London's FINAL DOSE returns with 'Endless Woe,' an EP of vicious, and unrelenting hostile blackened punk violence. The five song offering is now being exclusively streamed via Decibel Magazine and can be heard at THIS LOCATION.

'Endless Woe' will be available in vinyl, cassette, and digital formats via Wolves of Hades on January 28 and will made available on Wednesday HERE.

In addition, Final Dose will be embarking on a European headlining tour with support from Prayer Position. The trek will kick off in London (UK) on February 4 and will hit twelve different countries until the final stop in Brussels (BE) on February 18. The full itinerary can be found below!

The cover artwork for Endless Woe was created by Final Dose vocalist BF and can be found below along with the tracklist and running times.

Forged in the aftermath of relentless movement and creative unrest, London's Final Dose returns with Endless Woe, an EP of vicious, and unrelenting hostile blackened punk violence. 

Endless Woe follows up the debauchery of Under the Eternal Shadow, with five tracks that strip their blackened punk assault to its rawest core, distilling the band’s ethos into a harsher, more confrontational form. Short, vicious, and devoid of excess, Endless Woe sharpens aggression into purpose, pushing ferality and despair to the forefront.

Yet beneath the surface violence, Endless Woe carries a suffocating emotional weight. Subtle melodic fractures, desolate pacing shifts, and moments of stark bleakness inject a sense of hopeless repetition, mirroring the EP’s title in both sound and spirit; no catharsis, no escape, only the grinding continuation of inner collapse and inner turmoil

To be released by Wolves of Hades on January 28 on LP and MC, Endless Woe stands as a concentrated statement of fury and misery.

Lineup:

BF – Vocals

JT – Bass/Vocals

ST – Guitar

GL – Guitar

FS – Drums

Album Credits:

Music written by Final Dose

Recorded, mixed and mastered by Stanley Gravett at Holy Mountain Studios

Album Formats:

- 12” Vinyl (Blood & Smoke, B-Side is a Live Recording of their concert in Regensburg)

- Cassette

Cover Artist: BF

Links:

Bandcamp

Instagram

Apple Music

Spotify

EVERFELT RELEASE DEBUT ALBUM STIRRING TO WAKE

American psychedelic groove metal upstarts EverFelt are preparing to unleash their most immersive statement yet with the release of their new album, Stirring to Wake, which was released on December 15, 2025. Thick with hypnotic riffs, swirling atmospheres, and a dark melodic pull, the album channels the spirit of rock’s ancestors while carving a bold, modern path forward.

Drawing influence from the brooding weight of Tool, the haunting harmonies of Alice In Chains, the doom-laced swagger of Black Sabbath, and the mind-expanding mystique of The Doors, EverFelt deliver a sound that feels both familiar and dangerously fresh. Stirring to Wake doesn’t simply nod to these influences—it absorbs them, reshapes them, and pushes them into deeper, heavier territory.

Formed in the summer of 2022, EverFelt is driven by the haunting vocals and introspective lyricism of Adam Steglich, the expressive and textured guitar work of Corey Robinson, the powerful low-end foundation of Ryan Moore on bass, and the dynamic pulse and color of Danny Furlong on percussion. While their roots span everything from Audioslave and Pink Floyd to Slayer, the band’s identity stands firmly on its own—an intoxicating mix of psychedelic textures, groove-driven heaviness, and melodies that linger long after the final note fades.

With Stirring to Wake, EverFelt deepen their commitment to music that resonates beyond the surface. These are songs meant to sink in slowly, blur the edges, and stay with you. It’s an album built not just to be heard, but to be felt—music that crawls under the skin and refuses to let go.

“Music is the cornerstone of our existence,” the band shares. “With Stirring to Wake, we wanted to capture the haze, the heaviness, and the emotion that lives at the core of who we are—and leave a mark on anyone willing to take the journey with us.”

The album was engineered by Shelby Preklas of Loud and Clear Studio, who helped bring clarity, weight, and atmosphere to EverFelt’s evolving sonic vision, striking a balance between raw power and expansive depth.

EverFelt are ready to rise, ready to shake the dust off the underground, and ready to pull listeners fully into the world they’ve been building since day one. Stirring to Wake is not just the next chapter—it’s the moment the band fully comes alive.

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

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 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

ETERNAL RECURRENCE Unveils New Single “Precious Stones,” A Chamber-Driven Take on Modern Symphonic Metal

ETERNAL RECURRENCE has released “Precious Stones,” a new single from the band’s upcoming self-titled debut EP, Eternal Recurrence, due later this year.

Blending modern metal with a chamber music approach to orchestration, ETERNAL RECURRENCE offers an alternative take on symphonic metal. Rather than relying on large orchestras or fully sampled arrangements, the project emphasizes the sound of real musicians performing real orchestral instruments, preserving nuance, texture, and human imperfection in an increasingly digital landscape.

Faced with the financial realities of independent production, ETERNAL RECURRENCE draws inspiration from the chamber music tradition. Unlike large symphonic ensembles, chamber music is written for smaller groups capable of performing in more intimate settings. This philosophy forms the foundation of the project’s sound.

All material on Eternal Recurrence was composed around a chamber ensemble led by German Dmitriev on violins, Steven Schumann on cellos, Maciek Szczyciński on double bass, and C. Alex Luke on piano. These elements are combined with aggressive guitars, lead work, and drumming rooted firmly in modern metal.

“Precious Stones” was the first song written for the EP, dating back to the COVID pandemic. Originally conceived as a straightforward metal track with no symphonic elements, early versions featured keyboards, rock organ, and a synth solo. After the project’s creative direction shifted toward a chamber string ensemble, the song was reworked with newly composed string arrangements. As a result, the orchestration plays a more supportive role on this track compared to other songs on the EP.

The single features two guest vocalists. Mordian of DIAMORTE and SHIELD OF WINGS delivers a powerful alto performance during the chorus and bridge, while James Dorton of BLACK CROWN INITIATE, DIAMORTE and NE OBLIVISCARIS contributes harsh vocals to the heavier sections of the song.

Lyrically, “Precious Stones” stands apart from the rest of Eternal Recurrence. It is the only song on the EP not written by C. Alex Luke. The lyrics were written by Jake Thiele, Luke’s former bandmate from UNTIL EXTINCTION.

Thiele reflects on the song’s themes below:

“My memory is a little hazy on the exact timeline, but I know that ‘Precious Stones’ was written at a time when the COVID pandemic and everything surrounding it was very much affecting everyday life.

I don’t think I need to list all the ways the pandemic messed with people’s minds and disrupted every facet of our existence, but one of the most frustrating parts of it was how political it became.

Anyone with something to gain from it weaponized it to try and take advantage in any way they could. It seemed like everyone, politically inclined or not, was divided into two teams, both of which were less interested in the general welfare of humankind and more interested in either profiting from the pandemic somehow, discrediting and defeating the other team, or both.

Combine this with other various contentious issues that were going on at the time, and people like myself who loathe politics and seek to avoid it as much as possible felt like we were being dragged into it against our will and forced to unequivocally choose one of the two sides, both of which were deeply flawed. Disagreement and compromise weren’t really on the table.

Even with COVID mostly in the rearview, all the various forms of media, social media especially, still seem intent on making sure everyone is sorted neatly into one of two boxes and reminding them that everyone in the other box is their enemy.

In short, ‘Precious Stones’ is about the futility and stupidity of the things that divide us and how we let them suck the enjoyment out of life.”

Progressive Rock Group RAIBARD Releases New Single "Path of Day"

Progressive rock group RAIBARD presents their new single “Path of Day,” a workers-inspired protest song that critiques the modern 9-to-5 grind with acoustic urgency and a hopeful undercurrent. Taken from their upcoming album Postscript, which is out March 6th. 

Built around a driving acoustic guitar, “Path of Day” reflects the mental fatigue and quiet frustration experienced by those working within rigid systems of labor and expectation. The opening lyric, “Walking off the pier of endless views, working for the whims of the endless few,” sets the tone for a song rooted in shared experience and social awareness.

Drawing inspiration from Bob Dylan’s “Maggie’s Farm,” the lyrics suggest the possibility of meaningful change without defining its shape. Lines such as “whispers in my heart of another way, willing my own steps turning night to day” point toward transformation as an internal shift that precedes outward action.

Midway through the song, the arrangement expands as electric, effected guitar enters alongside mixed meter. This structural shift mirrors the song’s thematic arc, moving from straightforward rhythms into more complex territory. The contrast between acoustic simplicity and layered experimentation reflects the qualitative change that can occur when perspective shifts.

“Path of Day” ultimately centers on humility and openness, recognizing the limits of control while embracing the idea that new possibilities emerge when rigid narratives are released. Through its evolving sound and reflective lyrics, RAIBARD offers a resonant statement for anyone questioning the path laid out before them.

Arriving on March 6th, RAIBARD’s new album Postscript builds on the band’s progressive foundations with a wide range of stylistic influences. Despite this variety, the album remains cohesive. Each track shares a common musical DNA, rooted in melodically centered writing in which implied harmonies elevate even simple progressions and heighten their emotional impact.

The rhythmic identity of Postscript also reflects RAIBARD’s established sound. Melodies and harmonies routinely anticipate the downbeat, giving drummer Phil MacKay a dynamic canvas for inventive performance. On bass, Greg Dellaria provides a central layer of connective energy. His lines bridge harmonic, rhythmic, and melodic roles with subtle but unmistakable mastery.

Postscript was recorded across three locations. MacKay and Dellaria contributed their parts remotely, sending material to Daniel for editing, mixing, and mastering. Daniel’s own performances were captured in either his living room or an isolation booth, creating a blend of immediacy and precision that underscores the album’s emotional and musical depth.

RAIBARD writes for people who still crave direct sound and real ideas. The music asks you to set the news cycle down, to loosen the grip on strict computation, to listen with immediate human awareness. These songs are built for rooms where strangers become an audience and an audience becomes a choir. Not machines. Not algorithms. Just three players and a shared current, inviting you to rise.

RAIBARD is:
Daniel Gil – Guitar and vocals
Greg Dellaria – Bass
Phil MacKay – Drums and percussion

Connect with RAIBARD:
Website: https://raibard.com
Bandcamp: https://raibard.bandcamp.com
Store: https://raibard.com/collections/all
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raibard
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raibard
X (Twitter): https://x.com/raibardband
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@raibard8886

Iodine Announces First Standalone Book About... HxCx Stickers!

IODINE RECORDINGS is thrilled to announce the release of its first standalone book!

Free Stickers with Every Order: A History of Hardcore Stickers is the first book dedicated entirely to the visual and cultural legacy of hardcore punk stickers. Fleeting, affordable, and deeply expressive, stickers helped define the DIY ethos of the scene.

The deluxe hard cover edition of the book, authored by Thomas Rackow, will arrive on April 17. The first edition is limited to 1,000 copies and contains over 250 pages of visuals and in-depth interviews.

Pre-order it here.

Spanning North America from the early 1980s to now, this deluxe hardcover volume presents a carefully curated archive of rare and often long-lost hardcore stickers, preserved from a medium never intended to survive. Stickers were cheap to produce and easy to distribute. They were powerful in their immediacy, functioning as both promotion and protest, identity and community. Pasted on lampposts, venue walls, record bins, and street signs, they carried the values of hardcore far beyond the shows themselves. 

Collected over decades and contextualized through firsthand interviews, the book pairs full-color visual documentation with oral histories from key figures in the scene, including members of 7 Seconds, Quicksand, Earth Crisis, Have Heart, American Nightmare, Hot Water Music, Bane, Integrity, and Agnostic Front, among others.

Rather than aiming for encyclopedic completeness, Free Stickers with Every Orderfollows a selective and thoughtful approach. Many sticker artifacts have been lost over time and cannot be recovered. The book stands as a focused time capsule of hardcore's visual language, values, and community, told by those who were there.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Thomas Rackow is a longtime hardcore punk collector and documentarian whose work focuses on the visual culture of the DIY scene. He has spent decades preserving ephemeral materials — particularly stickers — that were never meant to last, assembling one of the most comprehensive archives of hardcore punk stickers in existence. Free Stickers with Every Order is his first book.

Poison the Well Announce Spring 2026 Headline Tour + New Album "Peace In Place" Arrives 3/20

POISON THE WELL released the definitive album The Opposite of December... A Season of Separation in December 1999 and it went on to become a benchmark of the genre that has inspired a generation of bands. The album was chosen as one of the "15 '90s Metalcore Albums That Still Resonate Today" by Brooklyn Vegan; as one of the "21 Best U.S. Metalcore Albums of All Time" by Kerrang!; as one of the "25 Best Metalcore Albums of All Time" by Loudwire; and as one of the "Top 60 Best Hard Rock Albums of All Time" by Revolver. Its influence is indisputable.

But the band is not content to rest on the laurels of its past achievements, as mighty as those achievements are.

PTW are thrilled to announce their Spring 2026 headline tour. Converge will support with Balmora, SPY, The Armed, and The Barbarians of California appearing on different segments. Artist pre-sale tickets went live Wednesday, January 21 at 10am local time. General onsale began Friday, Janauary 23 at 10am local time.
 
Tickets and more information is available here. 

PEACE IN PLACE, their first album in 16 years, will arrive via SharpTone Records on March 20. Pre-order it here. 

POISON THE WELL ON TOUR:
4/2 — Cleveland, OH — House of Blues*
4/3 — Chicago, IL — Concord Music Hall*
4/4 — Pontiac, MI — The Crofoot*
4/6 — Pittsburgh, PA — Preserving Underground*
4/7 — Toronto, ON — HISTORY*
4/9 — Worcester, MA — The Palladium*
4/10 — Queens, NY — Knockdown Center*
4/11 — Philadelphia, PA — Fillmore*
4/12 — Baltimore, MD — Nevermore Hall*
4/25 — Las Vegas, NV — Sick New World%
5/7 — Denver, CO — Summit&
5/9 — Austin, TX — Stubb’s Outdoors&
5/10 — Houston, TX — House of Blues&
5/12 — Phoenix, AZ — Nile Theater&
5/13 — Los Angeles, CA — The Belasco&
5/15 — Anaheim, CA — House of Blues&
5/16 — San Diego, CA — The Observatory North Park&
5/17 — San Francisco, CA — The Regency Ballroom&
%Festival Date
*SPY and Balmora
&The Armed and The Barbarians of California
 
POISON THE WELL ARE:
Jeffrey Moriera — Vocals 
Ryan Primack — Guitar
Vadim Taver — Guitar 
Christopher Hornbrook — Drums 
Noah Harmon — Bass