THE HALO EFFECT - release 'Lest We Fall' feat. Brian Eschbach (The Black Dahlia Murder) & Marcus Bischoff (Heaven Shall Burn)

Swedish melodic metal force THE HALO EFFECT have officially launched their highly anticipated European tour alongside HEAVEN SHALL BURN and THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, which kicked off on February 27th. To mark the tour’s opening night, the bands treated fans to a special gift: the release of a brand-new single, 'Lest We Fall'. The track is a powerful collaboration featuring all three vocalists, blending soaring melodies, crushing riffs, and anthemic intensity into a modern melodic metal standout. 'Lest We Fall' captures the spirit of the tour itself - unity, energy, and a shared passion for heavy music - while showcasing the distinct strengths that have made each band a pillar of the scene. Following the single’s release on February 27th, the bands now present a captivating live video filmed during the first days of the tour, bringing the raw on-stage energy of the collaboration to life. With the tour underway and a new visual companion to the track, fans can expect unforgettable nights across Europe as these three heavyweights bring their combined fire to the stage.

Watch the video for 'Lest We Fall'Below :
Listen to 'Lest We Fall' on all platforms: https://thehaloeffect.bfan.link/lwfsg

Mikael Stanne comments on the collaboration:"In order to kick this tour off properly we have a treat of epic proportions for you guys. As we are in full production for our next album we decided to take a bit of a detour and create something specifically for this tour throughout Europe. So here it is! "LEST WE FALL" featuring none others than Marcus Bischoff from Heaven Shall Burn and Brian Eschbach from The Black Dahlia Murder. Enjoy and see you out on the road!"

And Maik Weichert from Heaven Shall Burn adds:"Without the musical contributions of each and every member of The Halo Effect, the sound of Heaven Shall Burn simply wouldn't exist in this form. It's a huge honor for us to finally join forces with our friends and present this song to you! We're also incredibly excited to have the guys on tour with us; this is going to be the best school trip ever! Be there!" 

And Brian Eschbach from The Black Dahlia Murder says:“Very honored to have been asked to join in on this one with these melodic death metal legends”

THE HALO EFFECT is:
Niclas Engelin | guitar
Jesper Strömblad | guitar
Mikael Stanne | vocals
Peter Iwers | bass
Daniel Svensson | drums

THE NARRATOR - Release Video For New Single 'Two Lives'

Modern Metalcore powerhouse THE NARRATOR have released a video for their brand new single 'Two Lives' from their upcoming sophomore album, Phosphor.

'Two Lives' kicks off with melodic hooks and a captivating chorus, building up to a hulk-like metalcore finale. The song captures the emotional turmoil of a generation that feels caught between two worlds, and the pressure and conflict that come with it. Alongside the single, a music video for 'Two Lives' has been released, which you can check out below.

THE NARRATOR's highly anticipated new album, Phosphor, will be released on May 8th, 2026 via Nuclear Blast Records. The follow-up to their acclaimed debut album Lore offers ten smashing songs that respond to the global crisis with inner exhaustion and shows how close hope and self-destruction are to each other. 

THE NARRATOR navigate the weight of time & the haunting awareness of life’s impermanence. A masterclass in modern metal!

STREAM 'TWO LIVES':
https://thenarrator.bfan.link/two-lives

PRE-ORDER / PRE-SAVE PHOSPHOR:
https://thenarrator.bfan.link/phosphor

WATCH THE MUSIC VIDEO FOR 'TWO LIVES' BELOW:

About THE NARRATOR:

THE NARRATOR were founded in 2017 in the Ruhr area of Germany and have been captivating audiences with their energetic songwriting and electrifying live performances from the very beginning. After successful tours and festival appearances, THE NARRATOR steadily made a name for themselves in the global metalcore scene.

In September 2024, THE NARRATOR released their highly anticipated debut album Lore – 10 tracks that speak volumes, boasting an impressive 12 million streams across all platforms to this day. Their latest singles, 'Aurora' and 'Pills From The Start' mastered by Ted Jensen (STERLING SOUND – BRING ME THE HORIZON, GREEN DAY, KORN, and many more), proved once again that THE NARRATOR is essential for every modern metal playlist. With their sophomore album 'Phosphor' due out on May 8th and a European headline tour as well as festival appearances later this year, one thing is certain: the best is yet to come!

Diamante Releases New Track and Official Video "Bite of the Beast" via Sumerian Records

Charismatic chanteuse Diamante has today released her new single "Bite of the Beast", a cinematic rock anthem about the addictive yet self-destructive embrace of romantic obsession, and the accompanying official video (via Sumerian Records). When asked about the inspiration behind the song, Diamante shared:

“‘Bite of the Beast’ was inspired by the dark romance novels I’ve been reading and the song is set in a twisted fairytale world. It’s about a kind of all-consuming infatuation that changes you forever — the kind where, once it’s over, nothing else can ever compare. I wanted the song to feel visceral and dangerous, like falling under a spell you know will ruin you. It’s the kind of heartbreak that you don't want cured.”

After being featured as a Stowaway earlier this year on ShipRocked 2026, fans now have the chance to see her electric energy live on the SPIN THE WHEEL US TOUR alongside labelmates I See Stars and special guests Mothica and Until I Wake. Diamante will also be performing at the recently announced Louder Than Life 2026 festival on Saturday, September 19 (ticket information here). Stream "Bite of the Beast" here, and watch the official video below.

SPIN THE WHEEL TOUR US Dates with I See Stars, Mothica and Until I Wake:

Mar 6 - Worcester, MA - Palladium (Upstairs)

Mar 7 - Baltimore, MD - The Recher

Mar 8 - Charlotte, NC - The Underground

Mar 10 - Atlanta, GA - Center Stage (The Loft)

Mar 12 - Fort Lauderdale, FL - Culture Room

Mar 13 - Orlando, FL - The Beacham

Mar 14 - Destin, FL - Club LA

Mar 16 - Houston, TX - Scout Bar

Mar 17 - Austin, TX - Come and Take It Live

Mar 18 - Dallas, TX - Trees

Mar 20 - Mesa, AZ - Nile Theater

Mar 21 - Las Vegas, NV - 24 Oxford

Mar 22 - Los Angeles, CA - El Rey Theatre

Mar 23 - Roseville, CA - Goldfield Trading Post

Mar 25 - Portland, OR - Hawthorne Theatre

Mar 26 - Seattle, WA - El Corazón

Mar 28 - Billings, MT - The Pub Station

Mar 29 - Denver, CO - Oriental Theater

Mar 30 - Colorado Springs, CO - The Black Sheep

Apr 1 - Kansas City, MO - Warehouse on Broadway

Apr 2 - St. Louis, MO - Delmar Hall

Apr 3 - Indianapolis, IN - Deluxe At Old National Centre

Apr 4 - Detroit, MI - Saint Andrew's Hall

Louder Than Life 2026:

Sept 19 - Louisville, KY - Kentucky Expo Center

ABOUT DIAMANTE

With her iconic 80s glamour and undeniably powerful vocals, Diamante has become a beacon in today's music scene, seamlessly weaving the vibrant energy and bold aesthetics of the era while forging her own distinct identity with contemporary flair. She first turned heads with her debut album 'Coming In Hot' in 2018 soon after followed by her sophomore full-length 'American Dream' including her smash-hit reimagination of Goo Goo Dolls classic "Iris" featuring Ben Burnley (Breaking Benjamin), earning widespread acclaim and further propelling her into the spotlight. Diamante has toured alongside prominent acts such as Nita Strauss, Shinedown, The Pretty Reckless, Breaking Benjamin, and Three Days Grace while performing at major national festivals including Sonic Temple, Louder Than Life, and Welcome To Rockville. The alt-pop powerhouse has begun a new era after signing with her new label home Sumerian Records, and released the irresistibly catchy "1987" and "All For The Glory". She then contributed to the American Psycho Comic Series Soundtrack with her spin on Pat Benatar's classic "Love Is A Battlefield", and collaborated with labelmates Kittie and The Pretty Wild for an emotional cover of Metallica's "The Unforgiven" for the Queen Of The Ring Soundtrack. With her empowering anthems and rebellious spirit, the sky is the limit as Diamante continues to prove she is a force to be reckoned with, both in the studio and on stage.

LUNGBURNER Unleash New Single "Adamu" From Upcoming Album Dogma, Out April 17

Atlanta-based metal collective LUNGBURNER have announced the release of their new single "Adamu", the opening track from their forthcoming third full-length album Dogma, due out April 17. The single serves as the first glimpse into the band’s most expansive and conceptually driven work to date.

Listen to the track below:

Based out of Atlanta, GA, LUNGBURNER present their third release in the form of Dogma. Heavily schooled in the southern sludge methodology and intermixing industrial atmospheres with progressive melodic sensibility, Dogma sees the band stretch their creative legs as they slowly evolve into their own unique footprint within the metal and underground scenes. Dripping with spiritual, social, and human context, Dogma is LUNGBURNER’s thesis on the modern trappings of entrenched thinking, and the horror blind obedience lays upon mankind.

Opening the album, "Adamu" begins with a haunting invocation to the Fallen Angel Lucifer layered over tribal drum samples, immediately establishing the ritualistic tone of the record. The track quickly unfolds into a melodic statement before landing in a driving rhythmic pulse that propels the song forward. Anchored by the thunderous low end of Joshua on bass and Jens’ aggressive vocal delivery, the rest of LUNGBURNER drives the song relentlessly forward, claiming the sonic moment as their own.

Notably, "Adamu" was the first song LUNGBURNER wrote for Dogma following the addition of bassist Joshua in early 2025, marking the beginning of a new creative chapter for the band and setting the tone for the album’s thematic and sonic direction.

With Dogma, LUNGBURNER push deeper into their blend of southern sludge weight, industrial atmosphere, and progressive melody, delivering a record that is as philosophically provocative as it is sonically punishing.

"Adamu" is available now, with Dogma arriving in full on April 17.

Outside of music, all members work professionally in various engineering fields, and none of them originally came from traditional doom or stoner rock backgrounds. Their approach to the genre grew organically from a shared appreciation for heavy music and experimentation, which continues to shape the band's evolving sound as they move toward a more progressive direction while maintaining their doom foundation.

LUNGBURNER is:

Jens Anderberg — guitar, lead vocals
Joseph Mills — guitar, backup vocals
Joshua Broughton — bass

CONNECT WITH LUNGBURNER:

Bandcamp: https://lungburner.bandcamp.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lungburneratl
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lungburneratl
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lungburneratl
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0WRBgLDbYMfLSrbb3tjNzK
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/lungburner/1724598173

RYAN AND RORY LEAN INTO LAST-CALL HONKY-TONK CHAOS WITH “WASN’T THINKIN’” – OUT NOW

BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville’s Ryan and Rory turn up the neon-soaked mischief with their new track “Wasn’t Thinkin’,” available everywhere now. Listen Below.

Produced by Kevin Bard and written by Joey Hyde, Ryan Follesé, and Emma-Lee, “Wasn’t Thinkin’” is a high-energy honky-tonk rocker built for last call and the stories that come with it. Driven by cranked-up guitars, a boot-stomping groove, and a head-bobbing rhythm that feels tailor-made for crowded dance floors and late-night singalongs, the track that they premiered earlier this week when they returned to the Grand Ole Opry captures the reckless fun of a night where good decisions take a back seat to good times.

“Yep, the song is about ‘one of those nights,’” says Ryan Follesé. “‘Wasn’t Thinkin’’ is exactly the point. Sometimes, you don’t need to overthink a good time. Just roll with it!”

“Even in the fog of a morning-after hangover,” adds Rory John Zak. “Once you piece together what happened the night before, this song makes you want to run it back again in real life as soon as possible.”

Packed with vivid snapshots of karaoke bars, double pours, and questionable rides home, the track leans into the duo’s signature mix of humor, relatability, and rowdy charm, turning small regrets into big memories and reminding listeners that sometimes the best nights are the ones you never planned. 

With music that is connecting with audiences globally, the duo will make their C2C debut with a three-show run in London starting on March 14. More information and tickets are available HERE. 

Following a string of fan-favorite releases that showcase both their heart and their high-energy live spirit, Ryan and Rory continue to build momentum with a sound that blends modern country polish with throwback honky-tonk attitude. With “Wasn’t Thinkin’,” the SiriusXM Highway Find duo deliver another crowd-ready anthem built for neon lights, raised glasses, and stories worth laughing about the next morning.

KEEP UP WITH RYAN AND RORY

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE | FACEBOOK

HUNTERGIRL SERVES UP A NO-NONSENSE ANTHEM WITH “COME AND GET YOUR BOY” — OUT NOW

With “Come and Get Your Boy,” out today via 19 Recordings/BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville, HunterGirl leans into her sharpest instincts yet, delivering a mid-tempo, barroom-ready anthem built on truth-telling, solidarity, and a little well-earned side-eye. Written by HunterGirl alongside Brock Berryhill, Jessie Jo Dillon, Jesse Frasure, Jaxson Free, and Taylor Phillips, and produced by Trent Willmon, the track plays like a knowing nod across the room between two women who’ve seen this story before. Listen Below. Fans can catch a premiere performance of the new release when HunterGirl makes her return to the Grand Ole Opry tonight, tickets are available HERE. 

Driven by a steady groove and a hook that lands like a warning bell, “Come and Get Your Boy” unfolds with the kind of sly confidence that only comes from hard-won experience. HunterGirl’s vocal carries equal parts grit and charm, turning the chorus into both a call-out and a call-in, where honesty hits harder than any heartbreak and the truth is poured straight, no chaser.

“I performed for years on Broadway in downtown Nashville and I have seen firsthand this story behind ‘Come and Get Your Boy’ play out in real life. This was such a fun song to write. As women, we all need to look out for one another, and most of the women I know have some fierce private detective skills. We have all witnessed that guy with the red flag waving,” says HunterGirl.

“Come and Get Your Boy” follows “Somewhere Wild,” which opened HunterGirl’s 2026 with a windswept, introspective turn, and continues a steady run of releases that showcase the full range of her voice as a storyteller. With nearly 80 million global streams, a Grand Ole Opry debut to a standing ovation, and praise from outlets like People, CMT, and MusicRow, who called her “a major, major new talent,” she continues to build momentum on her own terms. After touring with Luke Bryan and Kimberly Perry, HunterGirl steps into this next chapter with a song that proves honesty, humor, and heart can still own the room.

KEEP UP WITH HUNTERGIRL

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | FACEBOOK | X | YOUTUBE

ANGUS McSIX Share New Single & Video "Dig Down" Featuring Van Canto

ANGUS McSIX teams up with Van Canto for the new single, "Dig Down", an out-of-the-box harbinger from their sophomore album, Angus McSix and the All-Seeing Astral Eye, out March 13, 2026 via Napalm Records. Mixing their epicness with the German acappella troupe's signature style, the power metal supergroup crafts an undeniably entertaining and inciting hymn. Led by their new hero, Adam McSix, the band is ready to face the perils of the universe on the follow-up to their chart-storming debut, Angus McSix and the Sword of Power, which reached #10 in Germany, #16 in Switzerland, and #26 in Austria, and with its lead single amassing over three million Spotify streams. Angus McSix and the All-Seeing Astral Eye is an exciting passing of the torch, and "Dig Down" invites you to pick up a sword!

ANGUS McSIX on "Dig Down" (feat. Van Canto): 
"Our three heroes Adam McSix, Orz Zero, and The Dwarf are taking a break in a cave in the mountain "Ironpick Peak" when Adam suddenly notices that The Dwarf might have set her eyes on the Orc. At least, that's what he assumes. Throughout the song, he makes fun of The Dwarf. Finally, she’s had enough and quickly orders barbarians from "Only Heroes" to teach Adam a lesson. Unfortunately, she misspells the order and the bards of Van Canto arrive. They initially reprimand Adam for bullying, which is not appropriate for a prince, but then quickly realize that the song is "really catchy" and end up joining in..."

Watch the Official Music Video for "Dig Down"(feat. Van Canto) Below:

ANGUS MCSIX rise from the aftermath of previous historic battles with Angus McSix and the All-Seeing Astral Eye, out March 13, 2026 via Napalm Records. Following the chart-storming debut (Angus McSix and the Sword of Powerinstantly rose to the top 10 of the German Album charts in 2023), Angus’ brother, Adam McSix (Sam Nyman, Manimal), now steps forth as the main character and lead singer. Also adding the brute force of new guitarist, The Dwarf (Jasmin Pabst) besides guitar Amazon Thalestris (Thalia Belazecca, Primal Fear), the power metal supergroup is thrilled for new adventures, one being to save the legendary hero Angus from his cruel fate of being frozen in an ice block prison in which his nemesis, the Archdemon Seebulon (Sebastian "Seeb" Levermann, Orden Ogan), trapped him. ANGUS McSIX embark on their absurd journey wielding the power of metal and a tongue-in-cheek attitude as their mighty weapons!

Pre-Order Angus McSix and the All-Seeing Astral Eye — NOW!

The eleven tracks of Angus McSix and the All-Seeing Astral Eye feature the band’s one-of-a-kind storytelling, proving even more epic, absurd, and magnificent than ever. Previously released "6666" still features their now-imprisoned frontman Angus McSix (Thomas Winkler) on vocals, passing the torch to Adam McSix and placing nothing less than the fate of the universe on his shoulders. "The Fire Of Yore" bridges the gap between Manowar, Modern Talking, and Electric Callboy and fully opens up the new chapter – Angus, after all, possesses no memory of his previous adventures, leaving all the more room for more lore to be introduced through Adam! ANGUS McSIX gain further help on their quest from a cappella group Van Canto on "Dig Down" and Finnish Turmion Kätilöt on "Techno Men". "Ork Zero", referencing their monstrous drummer (Gerit Lamm, ex-Xandria), and "Starlight Stronghold" are electrifying disco bangers, while "Let The Search Begin" – following instrumental break "Aetheriyja" – is another true metal hymn. "The Power Of Metal" adds Freedom Call to the party before the mighty heroes take their final stand in "Into Battle".

Charmingly quizzical and undeniably entertaining, Angus McSix and the All-Seeing Astral Eye crafts one catchy anthem after another. With rich storytelling and over-the-top pathos, ANGUS McSIX invite you to pick up a sword and fight side by side with them against ancient powers to fulfill Adam’s destiny!

ANGUS McSIX are:
Adam McSix (Samuel Nyman) – Vocals
The Dwarf (Jasmin Pabst) – Guitars
Thalestris (Thalia Bellazecca) – Guitars
Archdemon Seebulon (Sebastian "Seeb" Levermann / Rafael Dobbs Roa) – Guitars
Ork Zero (Gerit Lamm) – Drums

LOST SOCIETY Release New Album "Hell Is A State Of Mind" Today

Four years after the critical triumph of If the Sky Came Down, Finland’s most fearless modern metal force, LOST SOCIETY, return today with their explosive new studio album, Hell Is A State Of Mind, available worldwide via Nuclear Blast Records.

With this release, vocalist–guitarist Samy Elbanna, guitarist Arttu Lesonen, bassist Mirko Lehtinen, and drummer Tapani Fagerström step fully into the metallic identity they were destined to claim. Unrestrained. Unmistakable. Unapologetically their own.

From the opening moments, Hell Is A State Of Mind makes a bold declaration: this is modern metal without compromise. Where If the Sky Came Down and its predecessor No Absolutiondocumented a band exploring new creative ground after shedding their early thrash roots, the new album captures the sound of a band that has stopped searching—and started defining.

This is LOST SOCIETY distilled to their purest and most defiant form. The album asks no permission, bows to no trend, and refuses to echo anything but its own voice. Massive hooks collide with punishing heaviness, cinematic atmosphere meets raw aggression, and every track pushes the boundaries of what contemporary metal can be.

To celebrate the release, the band have unveiled a brand-new music video for the crushing single 'Kill The Light,' a blistering showcase of their raw, high-voltage stage energy that has earned them a reputation as one of the most electrifying live acts in heavy music.

Watch the video for 'Kill The Light' Below:

Listen to Hell Is A State Of Mind on all platforms: https://lostsociety.bfan.link/hell-is-a-state-of-mind

Kicking off on March 7th, right after the album release, LOST SOCIETY embark on a European tour, hitting cities throughout the UK, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland and Scandinavia. Fans can expect a high-voltage set packed with fan favourites, ferocious riffs, and the band’s unmistakable adrenaline-charged energy.
Supporting the run is the Finnish alternative metal outfit AWAKE AGAIN.

TOUR IS A STATE OF MIND
07.03.26 DE Cologne - Gebäude 9 
09.03.26 UK Bristol – Exchange 
10.03.26 UK Manchester – The Star & Garter 
11.03.26 UK London – Underworld 
13.03.26 NL Hoofdoorp – Cpunt 
15.03.26 CH Aarau – Kiff 
16.03.26 DE Wiesbaden – Schlachthof 
17.03.26 DE Munich – Backstage 
18.03.26 DE Berlin – Cassiopeia 
19.03.26 DE Hamburg – Betty 
21.03.26 NO Oslo - Sub Scene
22.03.26 SE Gothenburg - Monument
23.03.26 SE Stockholm - Debaser Nova

Ticketlink: https://lostsociety.fi/tour/

Line up:
Samy Elbanna | Vocals, Guitar
Arttu Lesonen | Guitar
Mirko Lehtinen | Bass
Taz Fagerström | Drums

For more information visit:
https://lostsocietyfinland.com
https://www.facebook.com/lostsocietyfinland/
https://twitter.com/LostSocietyFI
https://www.instagram.com/lostsocietyfi/

LA Pop Punk Newcomers: Lake Rana Debut With "Funeral For A Fish"

Crashing head first into existential dread with a smile, Los Angeles-based pop punk quartet, Lake Rana, have today released their debut record, "Funeral For A Fish" alongside focus track, "Grasshopper". This brand new release sees Lake Rana twist dark humor, anxiety, and everyday emotional whiplash into jagged, sing-along choruses that somehow make falling apart feel euphoric. Fans can listen to the brand new album HERE.

Instead of dwelling on doom, Lake Rana lean into the absurdity of it all on "Funeral For A Fish", using their sharpest hooks to ask what it means to matter at all and find a moment of joy in the idea that we're all just here for a brief, ridiculous swim.

Peeling back the record's offbeat, goldfish-shaped core, vocalist Josh Rana shares:

"Funeral For A Fish started as a dark joke about my passion for the aquarium hobby and the number of fish I accidentally killed learning how to keep them alive, but it became something more personal. The album is about realizing your own mortality: that one day you or I will be just as insignificant as a pet goldfish, flushed out of this world and into the next. It sounds bleak, but it helped me accept that none of us are as important as we think — and there’s something freeing about that.”

On "Funeral For A Fish", Lake Rana specialize in making existential dread feel strangely hopeful. Swinging from gut-punch confessionals to full throttle catharsis in the span of a verse and using deadpan one liners and wide screen melodies, they've carved out a debut that feels like cracking jokes at the end of the world with your best friends.

Drawing loose comparison to bands like The Dirty Nil, Fall Out Boy, and Origami Angel, the band balance sardonic wit with an almost uncomfortable sincerity, turning emotional chaos into something you can shout back in a basement at 1AM.

Be sure to stay tuned for more Lake Rana news coming very soon.

ABOUT LAKE RANA

Lake Rana is an independent Los Angeles–based pop punk and emo project led by songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist Josh Rana. Blending the guitar-driven hooks of 2000s pop punk with the darker emotional currents of emo and touches of post-hardcore, Lake Rana leans into introspective storytelling and underdog perspective rather than the bravado that dominates much of modern pop punk.

Though presented as a band, Lake Rana is primarily Josh’s creative outlet. After launching in 2023, Rana wiped the slate clean in early 2025 and began rebuilding the project with a more focused vision and budget. The songs for his debut album Funeral For A Fish were already written and demoed when he brought in producer Pete Zen, who recorded the album at a studio house in Burbank, California. Zen helped shape the sonic identity of the record, steering production and mixing the album, while Austin Coupe handled mastering.

Beginning in July 2025, Lake Rana rolled out the album one single at a time, building momentum ahead of the full release.

Drawing influence from bands like Fall Out Boy, Boys Night Out, Origami Angel, and The Dirty Nil, Funeral For A Fish pairs clever guitar riffs with deeply personal lyricism. Much of the album reflects a turbulent period in Rana’s life — including a devastating ankle injury during his senior year of college that left him bedridden for months while his parents went through a difficult divorce. The isolation and reflection from that period shaped songs like “Bad Year” and “Sink,” while tracks like “Covers” and “Basket Case For Loving You” dissect complicated relationships and emotional dependency.

The album’s title comes from Rana’s longtime aquarium hobby and a darkly humorous realization about mortality: the idea that, in the grand scheme of things, our lives may be as fleeting and unceremonious as a flushed pet goldfish.

Released March 6, 2026, Funeral For A Fish is a debut that balances self-awareness, emotional honesty, and guitar-driven hooks.

Ryan Perdz Confronts Self-Sabotage On New Single "Sour"

Buffalo, NY singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Ryan Perdz releases his new single “Sour” today via Big Machine Rock, a raw and unfiltered meditation on self-hatred, stubbornness, and the quiet desperation of wanting to change but not knowing where to begin. Stream “Sour” HERE and watch the accompanying visualizer Below.

Built on brooding, distortion-soaked guitars and a vocal performance that moves from restraint to rupture, “Sour” captures the internal push and pull of someone caught inside their own patterns. The track does not offer tidy resolution. Instead, it leans into the discomfort of self-awareness, tracing the space between yearning for growth and resisting it. Speaking on today's release, Ryan Perdz shares

“‘Sour’ is a song about self hatred. Not wanting to bring anyone into your life, being so stuck in your own ways. It’s a stubborn way of yearning for change but not knowing where to begin.”

At 24, Perdz has built a formidable independent foundation. Self-taught across guitar, bass, violin, and mandolin, he amassed more than one million followers across social platforms and drew 60 million views to his cover of Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” His original catalogue has now surpassed 5.6 million Spotify streams, with 67,000 monthly listeners. Recent single “Temporary” has earned more than 500,000 Spotify streams and 142,000 YouTube views, while “Paradise” has grown to 2.3 million Spotify streams and 250,000 YouTube views.

In early 2025, Perdz signed with Big Machine Rock and began recording his debut full-length album. “Sour” arrives as the latest release from those sessions, sharpening the emotional edge of an artist intent on defining his own lane.

Raised on his grandparents’ dairy farm in Buffalo, Perdz grew up surrounded by the voices of 90s rock and grunge, studying guitar obsessively after receiving his first instrument at ten years old. That fixation still drives his approach. His guitar work remains central to his identity, and his lyrics land with plainspoken intensity whilst still allowing listeners space to see their own experiences reflected back at them.

With “Sour,” Ryan Perdz continues to move beyond the viral moments that first introduced him to millions, grounding his career in original work that reflects both impactful emotional resonance and a unique and undeniable talent.

About Ryan Perdz

Ryan Perdz is a 24-year-old singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist from Buffalo, NY. Raised on his grandparents’ family farm, he began teaching himself guitar at age ten and expanded into bass, violin, and mandolin, developing a hands-on approach to songwriting and arrangement.

Influenced by artists such as Nirvana, Chris Cornell, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Led Zeppelin, Perdz channels the emotional weight of 90s rock through a modern lens, balancing grit with melody. His music often explores isolation, self-doubt, and perseverance, delivered with a clarity that feels lived-in rather than ornamental.

After independently releasing multiple singles and his First Sight EP an racking up tens of millions of views across social media, Perdz cultivated a loyal audience through consistent self-directed output. In 2025, he signed with Big Machine Rock and began recording his debut full-length album. His growing catalogue of original music has generated millions of streams, and his audience continues to expand across digital platforms.

As he prepares to unveil his debut album, Ryan Perdz stands positioned at the forefront of a new generation of rock artists shaped by both digital culture and classic influences.

Upper Lip Unleash Powerful Second Album, Devil’s Ride Produced By David Vella

Rising hard rock force Upper Lip returns with their explosive second studio album, Devil’s Ride – an eight-track powerhouse that marks a bold and darker evolution from their debut record, Deep Within.

Following the success of their first release, Upper Lip ventures deeper into the shadows with Devil’s Ride, an album that explores betrayal from those meant to stand by us, the weight of internal struggles, and the eternal duality between good and evil. While the themes cut deep, the record ultimately carries a powerful message of hope – a call for unity and resilience in the face of pain, hardship, and forces that seek to divide and destroy.

Drawing inspiration from the raw blues fire of Rory Gallagher, the intricate acoustic textures of Bert Jansch, and the riff-driven mastery of Jimmy Page, Upper Lip fuse classic rock authenticity with unapologetic power. The swagger and grit of Guns N’ Roses and the explosive, anthemic energy of The Who echo throughout the record, shaping an album that honors rock’s golden era while forging its own commanding identity.

Notably, the track “The Castle” ventures boldly into heavier territory, with verses embracing classic heavy metal textures and dark tonal weight reminiscent of Black Sabbath, adding a brooding, ominous edge to the album’s sonic landscape.

Devil’s Ride was recorded at the iconic Temple Studios in Mistra under the guidance of producer David Vella, who also produced the band’s debut album. The record captures Upper Lip’s raw energy while elevating their sound into darker, more intense territory.

All the music and lyrics on the album were written by Joseph Azzopardi, showcasing his uncompromising creative vision and songwriting depth.

Speaking about the new release, songwriter Joseph Azzopardi reflected on the journey behind the album: “I love this record so much. It took a lot of work to get it where it is, but I think it really shows how much we’ve matured as a band. My favourite track on the album is Won’t You Listen because it’s a very personal song for me. What I really love about Devil’s Ride is how varied it is  it merges different styles and influences, and that’s something I’ve always loved in a record.”

On vocals, Christopher Portelli, often hailed as the band’s very own Bon Scott, delivers a commanding and electrifying performance that channels pure rock ‘n’ roll spirit. Reflecting on the album, Portelli highlights one track in particular: “One of the songs I love the most on the album is Goddess of the Sun. I’m a massive old-school rock fan, and that song really captures that classic vibe that I grew up loving. Recording this album was also a big step for me personally as a singer I feel like I improved a lot throughout the process and pushed myself further vocally.”

Reflecting on the album, bassist Marcel Paul Grima shared his personal highlights: “My favorite riff on the album is from 'The Duel,' it really gives me that old western movie standoff vibe. The song I connect with most is 'Won’t You Listen,' because it’s about how stubbornness can create barriers between people, but also about not giving up. It was actually the most challenging song for me to get right, as it needed a very specific feel, but I ended up loving the vibe and melody it became. Looking back at our first album, Deep Within, I feel we’ve grown a lot as a band, both in songwriting and musicianship, and now we really know what we want.”

The rhythm section brings thunder and groove, with Marcel Paul Grima on bass and seasoned Finnish drummer Sami Karpinnen behind the kit. Karpinnen, known for his work with Therion and his collaborations and touring with Opeth, injects the album with dynamic power and precision.

The album’s striking artwork was created by local artist Peter Magro. The cover depicts an intense and symbolic scene: the devil behind the wheel, with two figures riding in the back — a powerful representation of the choices we make and the paths we choose. The imagery perfectly encapsulates the album’s title and underlying message: life itself can feel like a ride steered by temptation, but the direction remains ours to confront.

Devil’s Ride is available now for purchase via Upper Lip’s official website at www.upperlipmusic.com and is also streaming on all major digital music platforms here: https://album.link/s/1lMLCvv7Pj8kJE236j4oNG

With this second release, Upper Lip proves they are not just riding the wave of rock ‘n’ roll, they are steering it straight through fire.

NITE Announce First-Ever Show in South America

Since 2018, NITE have proudly carried the torch for Bay Area metal, but the blackened heavy metal band are catching fire behind their white-hot new album. Cult of the Serpent Sun was named one of the best albums of 2025 by Decibel, New Noise, Invisible Oranges and other major publications, as well as Nate Garrett from Spirit Adrift.Bandcamp recently selected the album for the February edition of The Hard Stuff, a heavy metal record of the month club hosted by long-time metal writer J. Bennett. Now, the San Francisco natives are setting the skies ablaze once more by announcing their first-ever show in South America.

This September, NITE are bringing Cult of the Serpent Sun to Mexico during Candelabrum Metal Fest V. The band will perform the hit song “Crow (Fear the Night)” and other fist-pumping triumphs from their critically-acclaimed new album, plus other fan favorites from their discography.

Get tickets

https://candelabrumfest.com/

NITE @ Candelabrum Fest V

September 12 - 13 - León, Mexico

NITE’s full discography, including Cult of the Serpent Sun, is available now on  Season of Mist.  


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

On Cult of the Serpent Sun, NITE guards the altar of blackened heavy metal with sharpened blades and axes raised.  

Lineup:
Van Labrakis: Guitar / Vocals
Scott Hoffman: Guitar
Avinash Mittur: Bass
Patrick Crawford: Drums

Recording studio
210 Studios San Francisco and The Hoagie Container

Production credits
Recorded by Van Labrakis
Produced by Van Labrakis and Nite
Mixed and mastered by Van Labrakis at 210 Studios San Francisco

Cover artist
Adam Vick

Available formats
Digital download
CD Digipack
12" Vinyl Gatefold (Black)
12" Vinyl Gatefold (Red with black splatters)
12" Vinyl Gatefold (Red and black marbled)

Pre-order & Pre-save
https://orcd.co/nitecultoftheserpentsun


Follow NITE
​​​Apple Music: ​​https://music.apple.com/us/artist/nite/1499573755
Bandcamp: https://nitemetal.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nitemetal
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nitemetal
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6MjCnAA9RF0vy3j6QYyLG0
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nitemetal
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo7-UhuJNohvsMB2DP05LAQ

THE WHO ANNOUNCE LIVE AT EDEN PROJECT: A HISTORIC PERFORMANCE WITH THE HEART OF ENGLAND PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

IN STORE MAY 29 — PRE-ORDER

FIRST SINGLE "PINBALL WIZARD" OUT NOW — LISTEN

Few bands have shaped the landscape of rock music with the force and longevity of The Who.

For nearly six decades, their sound, spirit, and unmistakable energy have echoed across generations, influencing artists and audiences around the world. In 2026, the band adds a remarkable new chapter to their legacy with Live at Eden Project — a landmark live recording that captures the raw power, emotional depth, and artistic ambition of their unforgettable July 2023 performance at Cornwall's iconic Eden Project.

Set within one of the UK's most sustainable and visually striking venues — a breathtaking network of biomes nestled in the Cornish countryside — the concert stands as a testament not only to The Who's musical evolution but also to their enduring cultural relevance. Backed by the Heart of England Philharmonic Orchestra, founding members Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey delivered a performance that fused classic rock intensity with orchestral grandeur. The Eden Project's natural acoustics and enclosed structures created a warm, detailed sonic environment that offered a clarity and intimacy unmatched by traditional stadium settings.

The recording reflects this unique atmosphere. Fans have long cherished The Who's "special location" shows, and Eden stands among the most memorable — a once-in-a-lifetime convergence of music, environment, and artistic vision. The smaller capacity fostered a deeper connection between the band and audience, allowing for heightened interaction, greater emotional resonance, and a sense of being inside the performance rather than observing it from afar. This intimacy, combined with the band's refined orchestral approach, captures The Who at a defining moment in their modern era.

Live at Eden Project also presents one of the strongest and most focused setlists of The Who’s orchestral period. Alongside beloved anthems such as "Baba O'Riley" and "Pinball Wizard," the album includes rarely performed gems like "Cry If You Want," "Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere," and "The Rock," creating a career-spanning journey that balances hits, deep cuts, and orchestral showpieces with remarkable fluidity.

Today's announcement coincides with the launch of the first single, "Pinball Wizard," which is available for streaming and download immediately. The track offers a powerful first glimpse into the atmosphere and artistry of the Eden performance, capturing the heightened clarity, emotional nuance, and orchestral depth that define the full release.

Scheduled for release on May 29th, Live at Eden Project will be available as a 2CD Digipak, a limited 3LP Gatefold edition pressed on recycled vinyl with no plastic shrink wrap and packed in a separate paper wallet, a standard 3LP Gatefold, and across all major digital platforms. Every format showcases the full emotional and sonic range of a night that stands among the most compelling in The Who's recent history.

Vibrant, immersive, and uniquely alive, Live at Eden Project is the definitive document of The Who's orchestral era — a recording that captures not only a legendary band in peak form but also the spirit of a venue whose environmental ethos and natural beauty mirror the band's own commitment to evolution and innovation.

Pre-Order Live at Eden Project  HERE

POWER PALADIN Release New Single “Aegis Of Eternity”

Icelandic heavy metal torchbearers POWER PALADIN have released their new single “Aegis Of Eternity.” The track is taken from the band’s upcoming album Beyond The Reach Of Enchantment, set for a release on March 27th via ROAR - A Division Of Reigning Phoenix Music, and offers another glimpse at what’s to come.

Guitarist Atli Guðlaugsson says about the song:
"A high tempo thrashy power metal song with some influences from JPM, Aegis of Eternity tells a spooky story of some sinister dealings with witchcraft and sorcery."

Witchcraft, sorcery, metal - “Aegis Of Eternity” conjures it all!

With their forthcoming offering Beyond The Reach Of Enchantment, POWER PALADIN take the next step in their musical journey. The album features eight epic tracks, each unfolding like a chapter in a sweeping saga of power, mystery and adventure. 

Building on the success of their debut With the Magic of Windfyre Steel, the band delivers a more mature and refined sound while fully retaining the energy and spirit that defined their early days. The album was mixed by Haukur Hannes (AUÐN, DYNFARI) and mastered by Frank de Jong (BLEEDING GODS), resulting in a production that is both powerful and crystal clear.

Once again, POWER PALADIN pay homage to their influences - IRON MAIDEN, DIO and HELLOWEEN - while confidently carving out their own place in the modern power metal landscape. The album artwork, created by James Child (Astral Clock Tower Studios), perfectly captures the adventurous and fantastical essence of the record, that promises to be a bold and immersive next chapter for POWER PALADIN!
 

Pre-Save / Pre-Order Beyond The Reach Of Enchantment here:
https://powerpaladin.rpm.link/enchantmentPR

About POWER PALADIN:
Formed in Iceland, POWER PALADIN emerged from a shared passion for classic heavy metal, soaring melodies and fantasy-driven storytelling. Since their inception, the band has blended the spirit of traditional power metal with the raw edge of NWOBHM influences, forging a sound that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

Their debut album With the Magic of Windfyre Steel quickly established POWER PALADIN as a rising force in the international power metal scene. With Beyond The Reach Of Enchantment, the band further expands their musical and lyrical universe, proving their dedication to epic songwriting, strong hooks and timeless metal values.
 

POWER PALADIN is:
Atli Guðlaugsson (vocals)
Bjarni Þór Jóhannsson (guitars)
Ingi Þórisson (guitars)
Einar Karl Júlíusson (drums) 
Bjarni Egill Ögmundsson (keyboards) 
Kristleifur Þorsteinsson (bass)

More on POWER PALADIN:
Website: https://www.powerpaladin.is/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/powerpaladinice 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/powerpaladinice/ 
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@powerpaladin 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/PowerPaladinOfficial

THE NEAL AGENCY SIGNS WILL TERRY FOR BOOKING

Boutique agency, The Neal Agency (TNA), is expanding their roster with the signing of country singer/songwriter Will Terry for booking. The news comes as the 21 year old from Rome, Georgia prepares to enter the studio to record new music with producer Will Bundy.
 
"I couldn’t be more grateful to be working with The Neal Agency,” Terry shares. “Brian and Haley felt like my people from the first time we met. I can’t wait to get to work with them by my side.” 
 
"Will brings a big vibe to any room he’s in, and an even bigger vibe to the stage,” remarks TNA Agent, Brian Carothers. “He’s sitting on a mountain of great songs yet to be heard. Haley, the entire TNA team and I are thrilled to be on board and are excited for what’s ahead.” 
 
Terry has opened for artists including Tyler Farr, Jon Langston and Chayce Beckham at his hometown venue, Peaches, and most recently performed at Whiskey Jam. His recent single “Hell and This Point” was featured on Spotify’s Coming Up Country and Fresh Finds Country, and earned the cover of the Fresh Finds Country playlist. 
 
Terry is managed by TRACK mgmt, represented by TNA, and published by RX Songs / 7 Hills Music.
 
In addition to Terry, TNA’s roster proudly represents ADHD, Palmer Anthony, Cameron Sacky Band, Aidan Canfield, Preston Cooper, Country Night, ERNEST, Riley Green, HARDY, Preston James, Zach John King, Rob Langdon, Ella Langley, Cody Lohden, McCoy Moore, Chase Rice, Josh Ross, Rhys Rutherford, Schmitty, Seaforth, Nate Smith, Morgan Wallen, Ole 60, Chandler Walters, Lauren Watkins, Kenny Matthew West, Whitmire, Landon Wilks, Anne Wilson, Scott Wolverton, Jake Worthington and Bailey Zimmerman, along with entertainment brand Whiskey Jam. 

Photos IDs L to R: Ryan Beuschel (TNA, General Manager), Haley Teske (TNA, Agent), Drew Magid (TRACK mgmt), Brian Carothers (TNA, Agent), Will Terry, Tracker (TRACK mgmt), Kelly Carrazzone (TRACK mgmt), Adi Sharma (TNA, Co-Head & Agent) | Photo Credit: Jess Hood

FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE Announce North American Headline Dates

Italy's FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE are preparing to shroud stages across North America in their haunting, symphonic-infused death metal and have unveiled a series of headline dates for this spring. This follows the announcement that the band will be joining AVATAR on their "Don't Go in the Forest 2026" tour with guests FROZEN SOUL. 

The band comments, "Could we come to North America and completely forget Dallas (TX), St. Louis (MO), Albany (NY), or let our Canadian friends in Montreal (QC) down? Of course we could not! That’s why we have added four exclusive headlining shows alongside the massive spring trek supporting Avatar this April and May. Expect a longer setlist, a bigger production, and some extra surprises! Our Texan friends FROZEN SOUL will be joining us for these dates, so you know exactly what to do. See you there folks!"

2026 Headline Dates:
4/21 - Dallas, TX - Granada*
4/27 - St. Louis, MO - Red Flag
5/17 - Albany, NY - Empire Live
5/18 - Montreal, QC - Beanfield Theatre

* no FROZEN SOUL

Purchase tickets HERE.

2026 Tour Dates with AVATAR and 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
5/8 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
5/14 Columbus, OH Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival 2026
5/15 New York, NY Palladium Times Square
5/16 Buffalo, NY Buffalo Riverworks
5/19 Wallingford, CT The Dome
5/20 Hampton Beach, NH Hampton Beach Casino

NYC's Nevaris presents 'SoundSession' EP, co-written with Bill Laswell Watch performances for ‘Remedy’ & 'Ninth Sun', filmed at Laswell's studio

Manhattan-based percussionist, composer and multimedia artist Nevaris presents his 'SoundSession' EP, released via Nolej Records. Co-written with legendary bassist-producer Bill Laswell, who was unable to participate due to health reasons, the four-track collection was recorded live at Laswell’s professional recording space, Orange Sound in West Orange, New Jersey.

The session captures nine musicians performing together in real time, without overdubs or edits, preserving the full depth and spontaneity of the moment. Originally conceived as a virtual performance, 'SoundSession' evolved into something more immediate and organic. Multiple cameras documented the ensemble's studio performance, the focus remaining fully on the music and shared energy in the room.

The EP features four tracks, including two fan favorites ('Ninth Sun-Live' and 'Remedy - Live') and two never-before-released tracks ('Document' and 'Dub Orchestra'). Across its runtime, SoundSession blends Afro-Latin rhythms, deep dub architecture, jazz improvisation, cinematic soundscapes and turntablism into an expansive, immersive listening experience. The Big Takeover Magazine described Nevaris’ sound as “the timeless and the forward-thinking all subsumed into a dub sound.”

This is the fourth collaboration between Agustín Nevaris, Bill Laswell, and this particular lineup of musicians, including DJ Logic, Jonathan Maron, Angel Rodriguez, Will Bernard, Peter Apfelbaum,  Jojo Kuo, Lockatron and Matt Dickey. Laswell’s original basslines form a central foundation of the EP and are performed in this session by Jonathan Maron, bringing depth and clarity to the compositions.

“SoundSession is about playing together live without being stressed by ticket sales or venues... Bill Laswell’s studio has always been an inspiring place with so much history. From the first notes, we could tell there was something good happening. The recording documents it exactly as it was," says Nevaris.

Recorded and mixed by James Dellatacoma and mastered by Michael Fossenkember at Turtletone Studios, this recording features interpretations of music previously written by Nevaris and Bill Laswell, including specific basslines that were written by Laswell, which bassist Jonathan Maron learned and performed when Bill was unable to participate in the recording for health reasons.

As an artist, Agustín Nevaris is a visual and multimedia artist with a vast array of creative projects across mediums.. Of European and Mexican descent with multi-generational roots in NYC and LA, Nevaris also performs under the name Loud Apartment with an evolving lineup of musicians, most notably Bernie Worrell of P-Funk and Talking Heads. He also co-founded Nolej Records, Nolej Studios and the Uncomun Festival. 

The EP follows Nevaris’ 2023 debut  'Reverberations', releas ed in 2023 via Bill Laswell's label M.O.D. Reloaded, and praised by Carlos Santana as “a work of supreme creativity”. With SoundSession, Nevaris continues to explore the intersection of dub, funk, Afro-Latin expression and improvisational freedom—grounded in live performance and collective musical dialogue.

The 'SoundSession' EP is out now via Bandcamp. As of March 12, it is available on all major digital platforms, including Apple Music and Spotify. Already in the works is a second studio album involving some truly exciting special guests, to be released  later in 2026.

CREDITS
Written by Agustín Nevaris, Bill Lasswell, DJ Logic, Peter Apfelbaum, Jojo Kuo, Will Bernard, Lockatron, Angel Rodriguez, Jonathan Maron & Matt Dickey
Agustín Nevaris - timbales, bongos, Hammond Organ
Angel Rodriguez - bata drums, shekere, congas, darbuka
Jojo Kuo - bata drums, shekere, misc. percussion
DJ Logic - turntables
Peter Apfelbaum - sax, flute, melodica, reed organ
Will Bernard - guitar
Lockatron - drumset
Matt Dickey - guitar
Jonathan Maron - bass
Produced by Agustín Nevaris
Recorded at Orange Sound in West Orange, New Jersey
Recorded & mixed by James Dellatacoma
Mastering by Michael Fossenkember at Turtletone Studios
Artwork by Realize
Artist photos by Michael Black
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR 


Keep up with Nevaris

Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagra m | Twitter | Soundcloud | You Tube | Apple Music | Spotify | Press contact


Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
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Mexico City's RED SANDS Unveil Powerful Video For "System"

Evocatively charged, RED SANDS present a powerful offering in their new music video for "System". The band sought to be bold in their approach to "System", not only through their criticism of political corruption but also through the track's musicality. Deviating from RED SANDS' typical sound, this offering presents the fierce edge of thrash metal with dynamic melodic and progressive components. The single is taken from the quintet's recently released EP, Evocations.

"Lyrically, 'System' is a protest song to condemn the destruction of our world". RED SANDS shares. "A song to denounce the corruption of our politicians, the hypocrisy of the clergy, and the environmental catastrophe caused by rapacious corporations. Pestilence, War, Famine, and Death, the Four Horsemen, morphed into evil political, religious, and economic powers that have shaped our lives in recent years."

Commenting on the sonic quality of the track, the band reveals, "'System' is probably the most intricate song on the list. Unlike 'My Beloved Ghost' or 'The Hunt', this track demands multiple listens to really grasp all its musical convolutions. Throughout five minutes of heavy riffs, bass scales, double kicks, guitar tremolos, and synth atmospheres, the song illustrates all the chaos of a real-life dystopia".

Independent melodic metal band RED SANDS have unveiled their highly anticipated EP Evocations. The record captures the group’s evolution into a symphonic, emotionally charged sound that merges power, melody, and atmosphere into a single vision.

Evocations presents six tracks that explore mortality, memory, and transformation. From the ominous opening “Mors Vincit Omnia” to the commanding presence of “The Coven,” the ferocity of “The Hunt” featuring Stu Block, and the reflective melancholy of “My Beloved Ghost,” the EP traces a cycle of creation and decay. A new song, “System,” stands at the heart of the release, confronting the corruption and chaos of modern existence with sharp lyrical force and complex musicianship.

Produced by Daniel Novelo and featuring contributions from acclaimed engineers and guest artists, Evocations embodies the precision and emotion that define RED SANDS. The band’s sound draws from the intensity of ICED EARTH and IRON MAIDEN, the symphonic depth of NIGHTWISH and THERION, and the introspection of OPETH and DRACONIAN, forming a unique expression of melodic and symphonic metal rooted in Mexico City’s creative scene.

The artwork, created by vocalist and visual artist Jonathan Corral, mirrors the album’s lyrical themes through surreal imagery: a creature made of memories and relics, carrying a dying bird on a blank musical score. It serves as both a metaphor for unfinished creation and a meditation on impermanence.

About RED SANDS:

RED SANDS formed in Mexico City in 2012 when brothers Daniel and Eric Novelo joined forces with their cousin Juan Carlos León. What began as a family project soon developed into one of Mexico’s most distinctive melodic metal acts. Over the years, the group shaped its identity through precise musicianship, layered compositions, and a deep sense of atmosphere. After a brief hiatus, the band returned in 2022 with a renewed focus and a new vocalist, Jonathan Corral, whose operatic range and theatrical presence expanded the band’s sound into symphonic territory. Drummer Ángel Asiain completed the current lineup, bringing power and control to the rhythm section.

The members of RED SANDS draw from contrasting musical backgrounds that converge in their songwriting. Daniel’s passion for classic heavy and power metal, influenced by ICED EARTH, IRON MAIDEN, and OPETH, intertwines with Jonathan’s symphonic and gothic inspirations from acts such as NIGHTWISH, THERION, and DRACONIAN. Together they create songs that blend melody, intensity, and emotional storytelling. Their lyrics often explore death, spirituality, and the human condition, while the arrangements combine soaring vocal lines, intricate riffs, and cinematic keyboards.

Since regrouping, RED SANDS have released a series of acclaimed singles, “My Beloved Ghost,” “The Hunt” featuring Stu Block, and “The Coven,” each of which expanded their audience and earned praise from critics and metal outlets across Latin America and Europe. Their work has been featured in the Top 100 Mexican Metal list, nominated for the Kalani Metal Awards, and included in international compilations such as Hell Spawn Vol. 8.

Beyond the stage, members of the band remain active in Mexico’s metal culture. Eric and Daniel host the podcast Metalópolis, dedicated to promoting the national scene and connecting audiences with emerging artists. This sense of community and independence continues to define RED SANDS, whose music stands as both a personal statement and a contribution to the evolution of Latin American metal.

RED SANDS is:

  • Jonathan “Jona” Corral – Vocals

  • Daniel Novelo – Rhythm & Lead Guitar

  • Eric Novelo – Bass

  • Juan Carlos “CJ” León – Piano & Keyboards

  • Ángel Asiain – Drums


Connect with RED SANDS:

Crippled Black Phoenix Release New Single “Colder and Colder”

CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX return with “Colder and Colder”, the second advanced single off their upcoming album Sceaduhelm. The new single stands as one of the album’s starkest meditations on emotional finality, articulating the quiet shock of love slipping irretrievably away. The band are premiering the song today via Decibel Magazine.

Listen to Colder and Colder  Below:

Sceaduhelm comes out April 17th via Season of Mist.

Pre-order & pre-save: https://orcd.co/cbpsceaduhelm

Pre-save on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/prerelease/6jvoEOyJQXUQmdI1WlVXrK

Composed by Justin Greaves, with lyrics & vocals by Justin Storms of Wailin Storms, “Colder and Colder” unfolds with restrained intensity.

“I received this song from Greaves along with the title and immediately was drawn to the melancholic sound”, Justin Storms reflects. “I remember when I first put on my headphones and listened to ‘Colder and Colder’. I started to hum a few melodies while listening to the song.”

Those early fragments quickly solidified into the song’s core lyrical motif. “It didn’t take long to write down some of the phrases that became the song’s verses,” Storms continues, “‘colder and colder, see your hand on my shoulder, colder and colder, see your eyes looking over’. I wanted to create a rhythmic sort of pattern with the song title and the vocal elements.”

Justin Greaves positions “Colder and Colder” as a bridge within Sceaduhelm. “Musically, ‘Colder And Colder’ is one of my favorites on Sceaduhelm. It’s the link between classic CBP style and the more austere dark pop aspect of how I write.”

The song’s title, which was selected from an existing list of ideas, crystallizes the mood. “Working with Storms on this song was a total victory”, Greaves says. “He’s an awesome vocalist and his lyrics really give it a chilling tragic story.”

Recorded between 2023 and 2025 across Chapel Studios in Lincolnshire, Kapsylen Studio in Stockholm, and House Of Foto in Louisville, Sceaduhelm was produced by Justin Greaves, mixed by Iver Sandøy at Solslottet Studio in Bergen, and mastered by Magnus Lindberg in Stockholm.

Within Crippled Black Phoenix’s wider catalogue, Sceaduhelm does not seek to resolve previous narratives or replicate past high points. Instead, it documents a moment of exposure and endurance, listening closely to what remains when spectacle fades and outrage exhausts itself. It stands as a severe, human record, concerned less with declaration than with persistence, and affirms once more the band’s refusal to stand still, soften its gaze, or offer easy answers.

Biography:

Sébastien Gamez

Pre-save & Pre-order: https://orcd.co/cbpsceaduhelm

Publicists:

EU/World:

Sébastien Gamez

sebastien.gamez@season-of-mist.com

US/South America:

Will Yarbrough

will.yarbrough@season-of-mist.com

Follow Crippled Black Phoenix:
Bandcamp: https://riseupandfight.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CBP444/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbp_444/
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/artist/crippled-black-phoenix/251718934
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6WEyPcf9ezhNLm1xOBjbwH
Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/artist/3607159
Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/artist/391823

EPICA - Reveal Live Video 'Eye of the Storm (Live at the Ziggo Dome)'

Symphonic metal titans EPICA are delighted to unveil an electrifying live version of their track 'Eye Of The Storm', taken from their critically acclaimed, latest studio record Aspiral. This powerful version, titled 'Eye Of The Storm (Live At The Ziggo Dome)', was recorded last month at the band's biggest headline show to date - a sold-out night at Amsterdam’s Ziggo Dome in front of 10,000 fans.

The track arrives just as EPICA kick-off the second leg of 'The Arcane Dimensions Tour' with Amaranthe and Charlotte Wessels.

Stream 'Eye Of The Storm (Live At The Ziggo Dome)' here: 
https://epica.bfan.link/eye-of-the-storm

Watch the video for 'Eye Of The Storm (Live At The Ziggo Dome)' Below:

'The Arcane Dimensions' European Tour with Amaranthe and Charlotte Wessels’ The Obsession, brings three of the genre’s most dynamic forces together for an unforgettable live experience.

Tickets and VIP upgrades are available from epica.nl/tour

About EPICA:

The journey of growth follows a spiral, continuously widening and deepening with every cycle. 

By sticking to this spiritual principle, symphonic metal innovators EPICA have reinvented themselves on their ninth effort Aspiral, releasing a studio album that shows a band brimming with a newfound joy in their own skin – standing united as a team, where every band member brought inspiration, ideas and years of songwriting experience to the table. 

Aspiral bears testimony to this unity, but the band’s steep ascent within the past years was far from coincidental and required lots of hard work and combination of things happening after the release of their latest album Omega in the midst of a raging pandemic. After walking several steps off their usual path with their EP The Alchemy Project which saw them collaborating with artists such as Myrkur, Fleshgod Apocalypse or Uriah Heep, the band played a massive world tour and got invited by a certain band called Metallica for several dates, and played 4 sold out “Symphonic Synergy” shows with a massive orchestra and choir. 

After diving deep into hypothetical theories, metaphysical mysticism and themes that were touching the fabric of our existence in the infinity of the universe, EPICA ’s 9th studio effort Aspiral centres on the work of sculptor Stanisław Szukalski. During the first Covid lockdown, bassist Rob van der Loo saw the documentary ‘Struggle – The Life And Lost Art Of Stanislav Szukalski’ and felt so inspired by his work that he wanted to write soundtracks for some of his sculptures, simply because each and every detail in his works are artworks on their own and their stories go very deep. And this is where the path started. Aspiral was born as an instrumental soundtrack to this world, an initially separate project that over time metamorphosed into the new EPICA record.  

The title comes from a bronze statue Szukalski did in 1965. If you take a close look, you can see snails rebuilding elements out of the mud in cycles and this eventually leads to civilization and a woman reaching out to the sun. It stands for renewal and inspiration – keywords that define EPICA now.

For more than 20 years now, EPICA  have been standing tall. And while already their last efforts clearly showcased their commitment to the game, it is Aspiral that truly distils the very heart of their trademark sound.  

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