The Artery Foundation Welcomes KVDE to the Roster

KVDE is a Dallas-based hard rock artist blending metalcore intensity, electronic atmosphere, and hook-driven songwriting into a sound distinctly his own. Independently, he has amassed 2.5M+ streams across seven releases since May 2025, bringing his total career streams to 3.6M+. 

The Artery Foundation is thrilled to welcome KVDE to its expanding roster. 

KVDE shares the earworm single "Damage." Listen Below:

"This song explores the idea of creating your own destruction while convincing yourself it's everyone else's fault," KVDE offers. "It came from watching people in my life repeat those patterns while I was trying to grow out of them myself. You reach a point where you want to help them do the same, but you realize they’re the only ones capable of changing themselves, and that frustration is what this song is built on."

He continues, "It draws from my earlier work in dark alt-pop and R&B, specifically my song 'Rain,' which influenced the pre-chorus through its synth chords, vocal cadence, and layered octaves. I carried over the same vocal stacking approach, using doubles and high-octave layers to build depth. The production was also inspired by modern alt-pop with subtle deep house elements. The song that comes to mind is 'Tinted Eyes' by DVBBS featuring blackbear and 24kGoldn, where the bass pluck sound helped shape the foundation of the verses, and then I built the rest of the song around that."

Raised in small-town Cumby, Texas, KVDE grew up around music, spending his childhood at band practices with his father before teaching himself to write, produce, and complete full projects as a teenager. After years of playing cover gigs, he made a defining decision: Talent alone doesn't build a career. Relentless work does. That mindset pushed him beyond being just a musician and into building something of his own. 

Outside of his artist project, KVDE co-produced a triple platinum record for Pecos & The Rooftops and later toured nationally as the band's drummer, performing for crowds of over 10,000. But even at that level, he knew he wasn’t finished building something of his own.

After hitting a financial low, he refused to walk away. Instead, he built and sold his own company to fund a fresh start. In May 2025, he relaunched his solo project with "Image," the first release of a new era. Since then, he has independently written, performed, and produced every element of his music from his home in Texas. 

Organically, he grew from 400 to over 90,000 Spotify monthly listeners in under eight months, establishing a distinct hard rock identity that defines KVDE. 

He is not chasing a moment. He is building a foundation. And he's done it DIY every step of the way!

ELI YOUNG BAND HEADLINES SIRIUSXM AND PANDORA SALUTES THE UNIFORM STUDIO SESSION AIRING TODAY, MAY 15

Eli Young Band headlines SiriusXM and Pandora Salutes the Uniform Session, a special full-band performance and conversation with SiriusXM host Ashley Till. The special, recorded live at SiriusXM’s Nashville studios, is airing across SiriusXM’s Y2Kountry channel and Pandora’s Music City station starting today, May 15 at 11am ET with replays throughout the weekend. Presented by Navy Federal Credit Union and part of Military Appreciation Month, 30 active-duty servicemembers joined the special taping earlier this month at SiriusXM studios in Nashville.
 
Life At Best, the band’s third studio album, also celebrates its 15th anniversary today with a limited edition vinyl, available for purchase now, alongside a digital release on all streaming platforms. Life At Best (15 Years Deluxe) is available HERE.
 
Featuring No. 1 singles such as 5x Platinum and CMA Song of the Year “Crazy Girl” and 3x Platinum “Even If It Breaks Your Heart,” Life At Best was a career-defining album that cemented the band’s longevity in country music. The new release expands on the original album, adding demos and alternate versions that have never before been released in physical format.
 
The Texas country-rockers also recently celebrated 25+ years of being a band, releasing a short-form documentary titled “This Is Eli Young Band.” Watch the 26-minute YouTube film Below.

Eli Young Band launched a new era with their latest album Strange Hours, available now. As the band’s first independently released album via UnLevel Records, Strange Hours comprises 13 songs, all co-written as a band or with long-trusted collaborators, and introduces a new chapter driven by experience and a million miles of wisdom, from a band of brothers who grew from hometown heroes into globe-trotting, chart-topping pioneers still very much in their prime. Eric Arjes and Jimmy Robbins produced 12 of the 13 tracks, while “Bad Luck” was produced by Julian Raymond and Scott Borchetta.
 
Seeking both a fresh start and a return to their roots with this project, the never-changing lineup of Mike Eli, James Young, Jon Jones and Chris Thompson sought out Panhandle House Studio in their hometown of Denton, Texas – the birthplace of the college friends-turned-bandmates’ 2005 debut album Level, which spawned fan-favorites such as “Small Town Kid” and set the stage for the numerous hits that have followed in the 20 years since.
 
With their Strange Hours Tour underway, the band has tour dates through the fall on sale now. For tickets and additional information, visit EliYoungBand.com.

Eli Young Band Upcoming Tour Dates
 
May 15            Brewster Street Ice House || Corpus Christi, TX
May 16            Mo’s Place || Katy, TX
May 21            Kansas City Live! || Kansas City, MO
May 22            Lazy Gators || Lake Ozark, MO
May 23            Castle Ridge Event Center || Centralia, IL
May 24            Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel || Murphy, NC
May 29            The Refinery || Charleston, SC
May 30            The Coves Amphitheater || Union Hall, VA
June 5              Surf Ballroom || Clear Lake, IA
June 6              Chingawassa Days || Marion, KS
June 10            The Pub Station || Billings, MT
June 12            Roadhouse at the Mill || Emmett, ID
June 13            The Old Saloon || Emigrant, MT
June 19            Enable Utah || Ogden, UT
June 20            Gruner Brothers Brewing || Casper, WY
June 24            Robins Theatre || Warren, OH
June 26            Westfield River Brewing Company || Southwick, MA
June 27            The Stephen Talkhouse || Amagansett, NY
June 28            The Cabot || Beverly, MA
June 30            Main Street Crossing (Mike Eli Acoustic) || Tomball, TX
July 25            Nashville Nights (Mike Eli Acoustic) || Lahaina, HI
Aug. 14           Umatilla County Fair || Hermiston, OR
Aug. 15           Red Truck Brewery || Vancouver, CAN
Aug. 27           Latitude 39 || Truckee, CA
Oct. 1              Quarry Park Amphitheater || Rocklin, CA
Oct. 10            Nite Lite || Alva, OK
Feb. 7-Feb. 11 Boots On The Water || Miami, FL

Jenna Paulette Releases “High Noon” Following ACM Whiskey Jam Performance

After releasing her 20-track Horseback (Deluxe) album earlier this year,  Leo33 rising singer/songwriter Jenna Paulette continues to tee up new music with the release of “High Noon,” available now. Paulette debuted the song at “The Academy of Country Music Presents: Whiskey Jam Welcome Party” last night ahead of the 61st ACM Awards. Listen Below.
 
“‘High Noon’ is a two-stepper that I’ve had, tucked away,” Paulette recalls. “When it was played recently for a small circle of people I trust, it became clear how special it was by the way they rallied around it, which tells me it’s time to share it.”
 
Written by Paulette alongside Jordan Reynolds, Jordan Minton and Mark Trussell, and produced by Will Bundy, “High Noon” underscores the state of peace and contentment that comes with a stable relationship. 

“High Noon” arrives on the heels of Paulette earning her first No. 1 at Texas radio with “Steady” – which she credits her husband, Ross, for inspiring. Together, when she’s not on tour, they ranch in south west Texas. 
 
In 2025, Paulette launched her Sunrise and Sunset Boots collection with Justin Boots, and continued to expand her women’s rangewear line with Ely Cattleman, CowboyGirl. To learn more, visit JennaPaulette.com.

Miranda Lambert Slathers “Crisco” – ACM Awards Get Country & Disco’d

When it comes to music, Miranda Lambert isn’t playing. The fierce songwriter from Lindale, Texas has always leaned hard into Lone Star traditions, while moving what country music can be forward with a strong set of roots. Leave it to the woman who co-wrote and co-produced Ella Langley’s tsunami of a song “Choosin’ Texas” to return with music that takes a whole new spin on what dance hall cowboys can embrace with a strong sense of retro and a whole lot of fun.
 
Expanding on “A Song To Sing,” one of her two ACM Music Event of the Year nominations, Lambert takes the Chris Stapleton duet’s roller rink innocence – and deep dives into a pair of distinctive retro dancefloor sounds. Drawing on the good timing two steppery of “Urban Cowboy” and the sleek, disco urbanity of “Saturday Night Fever,” Lambert pioneers of a whole new sound with her first release with MCA, “Crisco.” 
 
Literally, country and disco twisted together by luxurious strings and a melody that twirls around listeners. With lyrics that invoke in a real life way Starland Vocal Band’s “Afternoon Delight,” Glen Campbell’s “Southern Nights” and Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton’s “Islands in the Stream,” as well as outright name-checking Conway (Twitty), Loretta (Lynn) and the Seventies, one can’t help but feel brighter, lighter and ready to kick up their heels. 
 
“We wanted something that feels familiar but also fresh, which is really hard to do,” Lambert enthuses. “We leaned into all the things I grew up loving about country music – Glen Campbell, Kenny and Dolly; very ’70s and ’80s. It’s a fun mix of all these sides of country music that I’ve never fully explored before, even down to using strings in a bigger way. I almost can’t believe I’ve made this many records without really going there, but it was magical to hear how much strings can transform a song.” 

To really bring that recipe home, the song co-written with Aaron Raitiere, Jesse Frasure and Chill Fellacheck boasts a chorus that breaks it down: 
        Baby, we’ve been cooking with Crisco
        Ain’t we mixin’ country and disco
        Stir it around, give it a spin
        And it’s a rhinestone world we’re livin’ in…

 
Further paying homage to the era and the influences, Lambert will debut the ebullient confection at the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards this Sunday, May 17, streaming live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Prime Video at 8 p.m. ET.
 
Beyond her pair of Music Event nods – the second for “Trailblazer” with Lainey Wilson and Reba McEntire – plus both Song and Visual Media of the Year with Stapleton, Lambert is nominated for Female Artist of the Year and for Song and Single as co-writer and co-producer of Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas.” As a strong advocate for females, new artists and Texas, the 2022 Entertainer of the Year rides into the 2026 ACM Awards strong.
 
“There’s nothing that makes me happy like music,” Lambert says. “Going to Vegas, nominated with old friends, new friends and on my own, as an artist, but also a producer and writer, that makes me feel like we’re just getting started. With ‘Crisco,’ it’s gonna be a great time seeing where it’s all gonna go.”

Photo Credit: Robert Ascroft

ENVYYOU Keep You Up At Night With New Single "bad dreams"

Moody, rock-driven, and impossible to look away from, the Swedish four-piece, ENVYYOU, are back with their newest single, "bad dreams", out now via Warner Records Sweden. Amassing over 9 million streams, over 6 million social media views, and 1.2 million TikTok likes, ENVYYOU are cinematic in the way that only dangerous things are. Fans can listen to "bad dreams" Below.

Shadowy and consuming, "bad dreams" circles the themes of betrayal and emotional exhaustion and finds ENVYYOU at their most vulnerable. Unfolding like a sleepless night spent replaying every moment you wish you could forget, ENVYYOU deliver their second single following "chrome butterflies", their debut release in their new lineup after signing to Warner Records Sweden.

Still fresh off signing to Warner Records Sweden and with "bad dreams" as their second offering, vocalist Oliver Narbe pulls the curtain back:

"’bad dreams’ just felt like a great gateway song for this new more metal leaning sound we are heading towards with the band. It embodies the essence of our earlier stuff while still being put in a this new packaging. 

It is also really exciting to be able to put out this track that only came about a couple months ago, which is very rare for us. Usually our tracks sit on a harddrive for at least a year before they see the light of day. I think finally being signed and having a team helping to move things along has been a great help to us. We’re super happy about the signing this far and the collaboration has felt very natural, even though we have gotten so used to doing it all ourselves over the years.”

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

ABOUT ENVYYOU

ENVYYOU is an alternative rock band from southern Sweden, known for combining heavy guitars with ear-catching production and emotional melodies. Formed from pop-punk and metalcore roots, they began building momentum through independant releases in 2020, blending the 2000s rock sound they grew up on with contemporary pop to create their genre-bending signature sound.

The band has since released several singles and EPs, with songs like ”Stick Around”, ”New Friends” and ”violet”, helping define their style. Known for high energy live shows and a very hands-on creative approach, ENVYYOU has become a rising name in Sweden’s modern rock scene.

Zahna Announces New Album 'Break Or Breakthrough'; Drops New Single 'The Archer'

Heavy rock artist Zahna has announced her new album, Break or Breakthrough, set for release on September 4 via XOVR Records, the label founded by Brian “Head” Welch of Korn. The announcement arrives alongside her new single “The Archer,” which premiered on May 14 on SiriusXM Octane.

Stream “The ArcherHERE

Watch the visualizer Below

Pre-order Break or Breakthrough HERE

Pre-Save Break or Breakthrough HERE

Built on cinematic tension, sharpened melodic hooks and Zahna’s ferocious vocal command, “The Archer” introduces the next chapter of an artist who has turned profound personal trial into hard-won resilience and purpose. It is heavy, devotional and deeply human, pulling from the same world of spiritual warfare, freedom and deliverance that sits at the heart of Break or Breakthrough.

“The Archer” is an anthem to the taunting Goliath in your way! It’s a song about evil being unable to hide anymore, and the reckoning that unfolds afterwards."

The new album finds Zahna stepping into her most fully realised creative era to date, expanding the visual world, symbolism and emotional stakes that have become central to her work. Across her songs and videos, Zahna builds with the intensity of someone treating rock music as a vessel for survival, confrontation and release, where every hook lands with purpose and every heavier moment feels earned.

For Zahna, signing with XOVR Records marks both a milestone and a mission. Having long hoped to work with someone likeBrian “Head” Welch, the partnership has given her the space to build an album rooted in trust, detail produced the record.

Zahna’s recent momentum has already carried into active rock. Her previous single Defiler” has been spinning across a growing list of active rock stations across the country including SiriusXM Octane, Music Choice, HardDrive Radio, explodingonto the chart after just a few weeks at the active rock format where it remained for over a month whilst also hitting Top 20 on the SiriusXM Octane chart.

With “The Archer” now out in the world and Break or Breakthrough arriving September 4, Zahna is entering a chapter built on purpose, survival and resilience. The arrow has been fired from the bow.

ABOUT ZAHNA

Zahna is a heavy rock artist, vocalist, guitarist, songwriter and vocal coach whose music combines hard-hitting rock, metalcore intensity, dark pop atmosphere and deeply personal storytelling. First emerging as the vocalist of alt-rock band ILIA, she launched her solo career with Red For War and later released 2023’s Stronger Than Death, an album shaped by her experience surviving a near-terminal battle with kidney failure.

Her new album, Break or Breakthrough, will be released September 4 via XOVR Records, the label founded by Brian “Head” Welch of Korn. Produced and mixed by Kellen McGregor of Memphis May Fire, with co-writing and associate production from Cory Brunnemann of Through Arteries, the album explores spiritual warfare, endurance, freedom and the possibility of life after crisis.

Zahna has amassed over 20 million streams and continues to build growing support across SiriusXM Octane, Music Choice, HardDrive Radio and active rock radio. Beyond music, she is a vocal coach, a passionate advocate for those living with chronic illness, and an artist whose work pulls from faith, anime, literature, gaming and visual storytelling. Across every chapter,Zahna’s mission remains clear: to create songs with substance, honesty and enough fire to help people keep going.

Out Now: CREMATORY Releases Greatest Hits Album 'English Hymns & Deutsche Hymnen'

German gothic metal pioneers CREMATORY release their much-awaited Greatest Hits album, English Hymns & Deutsche Hymnen, today via ROAR - A Division Of Reigning Phoenix Music. The compilation celebrates 35 years of the band’s career and brings together CREMATORY’s most iconic tracks and milestones, offering a retrospective journey through decades of their impressive history. At the same time, the band is currently on tour, performing fan favorites and new highlights live across Europe. 

English Hymns & Deutsche Hymnen is available as an expansive three-CD edition as well as limited double-vinyl formats. The 3-CD set includes “English Hymns,” “Deutsche Hymnen,” and “Engulfed in Darkness Demo.” The vinyl editions come as a Neon Green double vinyl (English Hymns) and a Turquoise double vinyl (Deutsche Hymnen). Order your copy of this must-have gem, one that belongs into every well-sorted dark metal record collection, here: https://crematory.rpm.link/greatesthitsPR

Formed in 1991 in Mannheim, Germany, CREMATORY have become one of the most enduring and influential acts in European gothic metal. Over more than three decades, the band evolved from their early death metal roots into a distinctive style combining heavy riffs, melodic keyboards, industrial textures, and contrasting vocal approaches.

Throughout their career, CREMATORY have explored themes of life, pain, introspection, and atmosphere, often blending deep growls with clean vocals to create a sound both powerful and haunting. Their growth in the 1990s brought them recognition across Europe through relentless touring and festival appearances.

The Greatest Hits album reflects the band’s bilingual legacy. English Hymns & Deutsche Hymnen gathers key tracks from across their catalogue in both languages and also includes the band’s earliest demo recordings, offering fans a comprehensive retrospective of CREMATORY’s long and influential journey. With 35 years of history, countless tours, and a legacy that helped shape European gothic, death and industrial metal, Greatest Hits stands as both a celebration of CREMATORY’s past and a powerful reminder that the band remains as vital as ever! 

In support of the release, the band is currently on tour.

CREMATORY is:
Felix Stass - Vocals
Rolf Munkes - Guitar
Oliver Revilo - Bass
Katrin Jüllich - Keyboards, Samples
Markus Jüllich - Drums, Programming
 
Visit CREMATORY online:
Website | https://www.crematory.de 
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/crematory.de 
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/crematory.de 
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@crematory-de 

SIERRA LEVESQUE RELEASES AGGRESSIVE NEW SINGLE + MUSIC VIDEO "UNDERMINED"

Today, 21-year-old rock singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Sierra Levesque releases her hard-hitting new single “UNDERMINED”,
available now on all streaming platforms. Fueled by aggressive lyrics, powerful guitars, and dynamic vocals, the track delivers a fierce anthem of defiance, exposing deception, and reclaiming power. Alongside the release, Sierra also premiered a high-energy music video showcasing the intensity behind the song.

 

WATCH Sierra Levesque - "UNDERMINED" Official Music Video Below:

Written, performed, recorded, and co-produced entirely by Sierra - including vocals, guitar, bass, and drums - “UNDERMINED” highlights this fast-rising artist’s signature blend of raw emotion, modern hard rock energy, and unapologetic intensity. Co-produced, mixed, and mastered with
legendary guitarist and producer Ron 'Bumblefoot' Thal, the single combines gritty riffs, massive hooks, and polished production that bridge classic hard rock influence with Gen Z attitude.


“This is the song to scream along to when you’re angry! I wrote it for anyone who’s ever been lied to, underestimated, or pushed aside, and to remind them they have the strength to rise above it,” says Sierra.

 

The release follows a major wave of momentum for the Canadian-born artist, including the release of her debut album NEW GENERATION in 2025, more than 3 million Spotify streams, over 400,000 social media followers, and performances at a range of venues across the U.S. and Canada. Known for her energetic solo live performances featuring fully self-produced backing tracks, Sierra continues pushing boundaries as one of modern rock’s most ambitious
emerging artists.

 

Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Songwriting degree through Berklee College of Music, Sierra is not only mastering her craft, but also inspiring a new generation of music fans through both her sound and story.

 

Upcoming Tour Dates:

May 15, 2026 7:00-7:30pm at Valley Rox in Reseda, CA

May 17, 2026 7:40-8:10pm at Universal Bar and Grill in Studio City, CA

May 31, 2026 Rock To Cure Parkinson’s Event at The Cat's Crawl in Hollywood, CA

For More Information Please Visit:

Official Website

Facebook

Instagram

TikTok

YouTube

X

ATAVISTIA Releases New Album Old Gods Awaken With Lyric Video For "Ride The White Storm"

ATAVISTIA immerse themselves in enthralling realms inspired by folk textures and arrangements in the new full length, Old Gods Awaken, released via Blood Blast Distribution. The album arrives alongside a lyric video for their track, "Ride The White Storm". 

"Ride The White Storm" delivers ATAVISTIA's signature style. It appears later in the track list on Old Gods Awaken to allow the band's more experimental compositions to take the lead. "Ride The White Storm" makes it clear that ATAVISTIA have not abandoned their established sound so many long-time listeners connect with, instead it sits alongside their creative evolution. 

A dramatic flurry of orchestral layers, highly melodic and intricate guitar leads, ferocious blast beats and monstrous harsh vocals collide in "Ride The White Storm". Clean vocal harmonies and technical guitars intertwine and soar across the intense textural arrangement that progresses beneath. 

The new album Old Gods Awaken showcases ATAVISTIA’s most folk-inspired material to date. Featuring shorter, catchier, and more direct compositions, the record reflects the band’s evolving creative direction while staying rooted in their signature sound. Drawing influence from folk metal, black metal, and a wide spectrum of styles in between, the album captures the band’s commitment to following inspiration wherever it leads.

Known for their fluid approach to genre and songwriting, ATAVISTIA continues to push boundaries while maintaining the essence that defines them.

Old Gods Awaken was produced, mixed and mastered by Mattias Sippola. The album was recorded at Atavistic Studios by Mattias Sippola and Max Sepulveda. Cover artwork for the release was created by Costin Chioreanu. 

ATAVISTIA Lineup:

Mattias Sippola - Guitar, Vocals, Composition, Production
Max Sepulveda - Drums, Engineering
Elia Baghbaniyan - Guitar
Spencer Budworth - Bass, Vocals

Melodic Metal Pioneers NARNIA Release New Single "Jerusalem" + Official Music Video

Today, Swedish melodic metal pioneers NARNIA proudly release their new single, “Jerusalem,” taken from their upcoming tenth studio album 'X,' set for release on May 29th via Sound Pollution. The new track arrives alongside an official music video.

 

“Jerusalem” is one of the standout tracks on ‘X,’ bringing a slightly different flavor while still resting firmly on NARNIA’s melodic foundation. With its refined sense of grandeur, strong harmonies, and subtle progressive elements, the song adds a distinct shade to the album while remaining deeply rooted in the band’s identity.

 

The video was animated and edited by bassist Jonatan “Jono” Samuelsson, adding a visual dimension that reflects the song’s themes of faith, perseverance, and the hope of eternity.

 

Vocally, the track adds further depth to the album, with CJ Grimmark and Jonatan Samuelsson contributing lead lines in the verses, while Christian Liljegren continues to carry the song with his unmistakable voice and presence.

Watch the Music Video for "Jerusalem" Below:

NARNIA's upcoming album, 'X,' marks the band's 30th anniversary and nearly three decades of unwavering presence on the international metal scene.

While their previous release ‘Ghost Town’ (2023) reaffirmed the band’s melodic metal foundation, ‘X’ expands NARNIA’s sonic landscape. The album moves confidently between soaring, arena-ready choruses and more adventurous, progressive passages, without ever losing the band’s unmistakable identity.

Songs like “Oceanwide,” “Every Breath,” and “Heaven’s Calling” showcase NARNIA’s gift for strong hooks and uplifting melodies. At the other end of the spectrum, the high-energy “Remedy (SOS)” pushes the tempo to new heights, while tracks such as “God Under Fire”and “Jerusalem” explore more intricate arrangements and progressive textures.

Multiple lead vocalists share the spotlight throughout the album. Guitarist CJ Grimmark and bassist Jonatan “Jono” Samuelsson step forward on selected tracks, adding new tonal colors, while Christian Liljegren’s unmistakable voice continues to anchor the sound.

The album also reconnects with the band’s legacy. “The Man from Nazareth Pt. II” serves as a continuation of a fan-favorite from the 2006 album ‘Enter the Gate,’ while “The War that Tore the Land (Reprise)” offers a reflective callback to 2019’s ‘From Darkness to Light.’

Guitarist CJ Grimmark comments:

“This album represents both where we come from and where we’re heading. It’s heavier, broader, and more dynamic, but still unmistakably NARNIA.” 

Pre-Order 'X' HERE

NARNIA are:

Christian Liljegren: Vocals

CJ Grimmark: Guitars, backing vocals

Jonatan Samuelsson: Bass, backing vocals

Martin Härenstam: Keyboards

Anders Köllerfors: Drums

Five Finger Death Punch Share New Track "Eye Of The Storm" — LISTEN // 20th Anniversary Tour Kicks Off In July!

Multi-platinum hard rock powerhouse Five Finger Death Punch announced today the release of their brand new single "Eye Of The Storm," the first new song from their forthcoming 10th studio album, currently being recorded in Los Angeles. Following last week's announcement of their 2027 Europe dates —  the third leg of their 2026–2028 World Tour — the band posted various snippets of new music on social media, which detonated amongst fans and industry alike, sparking worldwide speculation and excitement. Twenty years in, the band shows no signs of slowing down — they are entering a new era, simultaneously embracing the best of their past while reinventing themselves. After an astonishing 30 Top 10 hit singles, "Eye Of The Storm" is poised to be the next — with even the pre-release snippets going viral and earning immediate embrace from fans and industry alike. The band’s forthcoming 10th studio album is expected to be released this year.

Listen to the new single "Eye Of The Storm" HERE and watch the lyric video Below:

Zoltan Bathory, Founder + Guitarist, Five Finger Death Punch: "The new music has been turning out heavier than anything we've done in years, with a cinematic undertone running beneath it. We had three years to write this record and really live with it. We started with nearly 30 songs and carved it down to 14 or 15, we even considered a double album at one point. This is our 10th studio album and our 20th anniversary as a band, we knew we had to hit it hard. What excites me most is that I'm hearing the early era again, that grit, that bite, that aggression, while simultaneously exploring completely new territories. I wrote the music for the entire first album and most of the second, so that energy isn't nostalgia for me, it's where I come from. Those are my roots. It feels like coming home at full speed, while my brother Ivan is bringing some incredible lyrics and melodies, and his voice sounds absolutely huge on this record. I am really looking forward to the next decade."

This summer, Five Finger Death Punch will embark on the first leg of the 20th Anniversary World Tour, which will take them all across North America with special guest Cody Jinks and Eva Under Fire before hitting arenas in the UK/EU with Lamb Of God and Bleed From Within in early 2027.

The 20th Anniversary World Tour is both a celebration and a statement, honoring the band's journey from their 2005 formation and release of their debut album, The Way Of The Fist, in 2007 to global arena headliners. The tour will showcase material from the new album, alongside classic anthems and #1 hits that defined the past two decades. 

Produced by Live Nation, the 48-city North American tour kicks off on Monday, July 20 at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden, NJ, and wraps up in Bristow, VA at Jiffy Lube Live on Friday, October 23. The North American tour lineup will be rounded out by Eva Under Fire, whose current single "Villainous" (featuringMaria Brink of In This Moment) from the forthcoming album of the same name, is currently climbing the Rock Charts, sitting at #15 this week.    

In addition to celebrating two decades of music, the band is once again using its platform to give back. Long recognized as one of the most charitable bands in rock, Five Finger Death Punch has spent decades giving back to various causes, including U.S. military veterans and first responders and their families. In 2026, the band is continuing that tradition by supporting Team USA and aligning with the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games being held on American soil in Los Angeles in 2028. As part of the tour’s commitment to championing America’s next generation of athletes, a portion of the ticket sales from the 2026 North American Tour will benefit high-performance programs for U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes as they prepare for international competition  

5FDP's 2027 UK/EUROPEAN tour leg with Lamb Of God and Bleed From Withinwill kick off in the UK in Manchester on Saturday, January 16, 2027 and will see the band perform in 21 cities across the continent, ending in Helsinki on February 22.

For more information on Five Finger Death Punch, all 2026 North America and 2027 European tour dates, and VIP offerings visit here

The band's most current albums, Best Of – Volume 1 and Best Of – Volume 2, feature newly re-recorded versions of Five Finger Death Punch's biggest hits and are available HERE.

20TH ANNIVERSARY WORLD TOUR:
NORTH AMERICAN DATES:

6/18 – Mescalero, NM – Inn Of The Mountain Gods Resort ^*
7/20 – Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion
7/22 – Bangor, ME – Maine Savings Amphitheater
7/23 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center
7/25 – Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium
7/26 – Syracuse, NY – Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview
7/28 – Gilford, NH – BankNH Pavilion
7/30 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center
8/1 – Montreal, QC – Centre Bell
8/2 – Toronto, ON – RBC Amphitheatre
8/4 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell at Jones Beach Theater
8/5 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
8/7 – Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake
8/8 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center
8/10 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
8/11 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center
8/13 – Milwaukee, WI – American Family Insurance Amphitheater
8/15 – Grand Rapids, MI – Acrisure Amphitheater
8/16 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre
8/18 – Shakopee, MN – Mystic Lake Amphitheater
8/19 – Tinley Park, IL – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre
8/21 – Saint Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
9/8 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre
9/11 – Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheatre
9/12 – Ridgefield, WA – Cascades Amphitheater
9/14 – Wheatland, CA – Toyota Amphitheatre
9/16 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
9/18 – Long Beach, CA – Long Beach Amphitheater
9/19 – Las Vegas, NV – Michelob ULTRA Arena
9/22 – Salt Lake City, UT – Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre
9/24 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre*
9/25 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater*
9/27 – Houston, TX – Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
9/28 – Austin, TX – Germania Insurance Amphitheater
9/30 – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena
10/2 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP
10/3 – Kansas City, MO – Morton Amphitheater
10/5 – Biloxi, MS – Mississippi Coast Coliseum
10/7 – Huntsville, AL – Orion Amphitheater
10/8 – Franklin, TN – FirstBank Amphitheater
10/10 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
10/11 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
10/13 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
10/14 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
10/16 – Charlotte, NC – Truliant Amphitheater
10/17 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach
10/19 – Greenville, SC – Bon Secours Wellness Arena
10/21 – Columbus, OH – Nationwide Arena
10/23 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
^Casino Date / *Without Cody Jinks

Holding Absence Announce New Album 'Modern Life Is Lonely' Out August 28 via Sumerian Records

South Wales trio Holding Absence have today announced the release of their third album, ‘Modern Life Is Lonely’, on August 28th via new label partner Sumerian Records. To mark the announcement, the band have also released a brand new single, "Reflection", a bruised, deeply introspective anthem about confronting self-destruction, distorted self-image and the painful process of learning to heal, evolve and finally accept your own reflection. 

Speaking of the track and today’s announcement, frontman Lucas Woodland shares, “We are ecstatic to release our new single "Reflection", taken from our upcoming album ‘Modern Life Is Lonely’. This album is our boldest and most creative body of work to date, so we can't wait for you to hear the whole thing in August! In the meantime, we hope you enjoy "Reflection. 

'Modern Life Is Lonely' is a deeply human exploration of grief, love, identity and emotional survival in an overstimulated world, tracing the fragile line between despair and rebirth through imagery of broken mirrors, fading memories, fractured bodies and ghost-like connections. Across the record, Holding Absence wrestle with loneliness, trauma, mortality and the search for meaning, balancing crushing vulnerability with moments of transcendence and hope as the album’s characters attempt to reconnect with themselves and each other before time, distance and modern existence pull them apart completely. Pre-save the album at the link here.

After bringing the heat at last week's Welcome To Rockville, Holding Absence will next be setting their sight on Sonic Temple this weekend, Louder Than Life in September, and Aftershock in October. For ticket info, please click here.

HOLDING ABSENCE is: 

Lucas Woodland - Vocals 

Scott Carey - Guitar/Vocals 

Benjamin Elliott - Bass

Darkwave-shoegaze pioneers LOWSUNDAY unveil ‘Black EP’, new offering after 25-year hiatus

US darkwave-shoegaze pioneers Lowsunday is back with new music via Projekt Records - the 'Low Sunday Ghost Machine - Black EP', the second release of all-new material released since 1999. The album released focus track 'Shattered', the band has also shared a darkly fascinating video for 'This Is Not Heaven', produced by Jer Herring.

Lowsunday (initially Low Sunday Ghost Machine) emerged as a "retro-futurist" pioneer, blending darkwave and shoegaze long before the genres saw their modern revival. Their legacy was cemented with their debut album 'Low Sunday Ghost Machine' and the 1999 masterpiece 'Elesgiem', both re-released via Projekt Records in the past 18 months (for their 30th and 25th anniversaries, respectively).

When they dissolved, they left behind a cult reputation for mercurial sounds and blistering guitar work that set the stage for subsequent generations of alternative artists. Following a nearly 25-year period of inactivity, the band resurfaced as a duo in 2025—consisting of original members Shane Sahene (vocals, guitar, synth, bass, drums) and Bobby Spell (bass, guitar, drums).

Earlier, the Pittsburgh-based duo released their ‘Low Sunday Ghost Machine - White EP', ranked second among Post-Punk.com's Best EPs of 2025, and showcased by the singles 'Love Language''Soft Capture' and 'Nevver'. Both a reflection and a resurgence, Lowsunday's two new EPs usher in a welcome return, marked by superb production and a renewed creative clarity, bridging three decades of distinct sonic legacy with balanced doses of escapism, dreamlike sounds, drones and feedback.

With a sound defined by atmosphere, precision, and heartfelt shadow and depths since 1994, Lowsunday is now asserting their presence with a new force. While the 'White EP' explored light and texture, the 'Black EP' is the darker counterpart and definitive statement. Shadow and intensity, layered guitars, tight rhythms, and austere synths, this new EP' distills the duo's vision into a sharper, more potent form — a bold declaration of their enduring artistic power. 

"The 'Black EP' was an exciting record to make — it just flowed through us, as did the White EP. We have many moments on the record where we don’t understand how the songs got to where they did. We recognize that the songs are somehow more than us — that’s the magic that keeps us coming back for more. I can’t help but view this new EP like the Jungian shadow. We let ourselves indulge in some of the darkest emotions we experience -- there is a confessional nature to it," says Shane Sahene.

"Musically, it’s a natural extension of the 'White EP'. We dreamed of releasing the two EPs back to back - one white, one black -- like a big, heavy record that looks like an Oreo. The cover art makes a completed 12 x 24 image when placed one above the other. This EP series will go down as a very pivotal moment for the band in that it has cleared our emotions and let out many creative impulses."

Their crystalline shimmer, classic song structures and melodic hooks makes for and atmospheric sound that is timeless and as relevant as ever, elevating the elements that defined their earlier work. A bold evolution into more cavernous soundscapes, oscillating between walls of chaotic feedback and fragile, ethereal passages, their resurgence delves into shadowy and vast acoustic realms, shifting from abrasive ripples of distortion to brittle, shoegaze-infused moments of intense longing.

Bobby Spell shares, "For me, this EP is deceptive, opening with energetic and wistful 'You’re So Wired' but followed by songs that are melancholy and introspective. These are the strongest songs we’ve yet done. With strong and memorable melodies, they invoke feelings of isolation (not a new theme for us) and sadness, but in a way that feels familiar instead of depressing, leaving a sense of hope".

As of May 15th, the 'Low Sunday Ghost Machine - Black EP' is available across digital platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp, where the limited edition 7" of 'Static / Besides', can also be ordered. The vinyl edition of the album (limited to 200 copies), released on May 29th, can be pre-ordered via Bandcamp and the Projekt Records website. 

CREDITS
Lyrics by Shane Sahene
Music written by Shane Sahene & Bobby Spell
Shane Sahene - vocals, guitar, synth, bass, drums
Bobby Spell - bass, guitar, drums
Recorded, Mixed, Mastered & Produced by Shane Sahene & Bobby Spell
EP cover photo by Shane Sahene. Layout by Christina Sahene
Digital Cover edit by Sam Rosenthal
Band photos by Christina Sahene
Videos by Jer Herring
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR 

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WARLORD Head Out on a European Tour End of May, Performing their Entire DELIVER US Album Live

Legendary U.S. Metal band Warlord are heading out for a run of shows end of this month, starting May 22nd in the Netherlands. The band will be performing the entire Deliver Us album as well as many other signature songs from the bands 45 year career.

Vocalist Giles Lavery comments: "We just got back from the bands first ever USA tour... so while we wait for the U.S booking agent's check to clear we thought we'd go for a short spin around Europe, see some good friends, play some good music and spread the Warlord gospel!"

Warlord's back catalog, is now available digitally via BraveWords Records, and is available in lossless audio right here! https://bravewordsrecords.bandcamp.com

Warlord - Child Of The Damned - Official Video below:

Tour dates:

May 22 Sound Dog, Breda, Netherlands
May 24 Musigburg, Aarburg, Switzerland
May 26 DVG Club, Kortrijk, Belgium
May 27 Musicon, The Hague, Netherlands
May 29 Rampa Kultura, Goleniów, Poland
May 30 Muskel Rock Festival, Alvesta, Sweden
May 31 The Abyss, Gothenburg, Sweden

About WARLORD

Warlord was born in 1981 as the brainchild of guitarist/songwriter William J Tsamis and drummer Mark Zonder. Widely celebrated as one of the pioneers of epic metal and despite being unable to have a constant presence as a live act (due to Tsamis’ personal ongoing health issues), over the years Warlord has amassed a massive following in the metal world. Bill Tsamis sadly passed away on May 2021. Now reborn with a lineup including founding member Mark Zonder, longtime member Giles Lavery… plus Jimmy Waldo, Eric Juris, Diego Pires and Stefano Pascolino… Warlord rises out of the ashes once again, ready to embark on their first ever North American tour.

 
Links to Website and All Socials 

https://www.warlordband.com/tour

MADBALL RETURN WITH NEW ALBUM NOT YOUR KINGDOM; LEAD SINGLE 'REBEL KIDS' OUT NOW!

NYHC kings Madball remain one of the few legacy acts capable of seamlessly bridging the gap between the old-school era and the modern heavy music landscape. To say hardcore is in the band’s DNA is an understatement—it is their lifeblood. On their tenth studio album, Not Your Kingdom which will be released on July 24th via Nuclear Blast, the band delivers their trademark tales of survival, but with a deeper, more introspective edge. The lyrics offer a raw look into Freddy Cricien’s perspective on the current state of the world and the human condition, marking their most personal release to date.

The first glimpse into the album arrives with 'Rebel Kids.' An anthemic track at its core, it leans into the band’s classic groove and unrelenting energy while striking a chord with the new generation of hardcore fans. The accompanying music video was co-directed by Freddy Cricien and Dave Causa, with Causa also handling filming and editing duties.

MADBALL's Freddy Cricien comments, "Funny enough, Rebel Kids was the first track written for this album and actually was completely put together probably 2 years ago … or so. The sentiment, vibe and message of the song really became the catalyst for what came after. We all loved the song immediately but I couldn’t have known it would be the first single. We have several songs that we feel could be first “out of the gate”.  But in the end Rebel Kids made the most sense musically, lyrically etc. We look forward to releasing this song and album. It’s a special one for us and we’re hoping the rest of the world feels the same once they hear it!"

Stream ‘Rebel Kids’: 
https://madball.bfan.link/rebel-kids

Pre-order/pre-save Not Your Kingdom
https://madball.bfan.link/not-your-kingdom

Watch: 'Rebel Kids' Music Video below:

Not Your Kingdom was tracked at The Boneyard Studios in Nashville, TN, with additional interludes recorded by Jeff "Stress" Davis and Chuck Treece at Chop Shop Studios. The album was produced and engineered by the team of Andrew BaylisAiden Thompson, and Grady Saxman, with final mixing and mastering handled by Lee Rouse. The striking cover art features photography by the legendary Cornell Capa, courtesy of Magnum Photos and the Cornell Capa Estate.


WORLDWIDE DATES
05.07  FR  Saint Nolff @ Plein Air
05.22  US  Brooklyn, NY @ BNB Bowl (The Brooklyn Monarch)
05.29  MX  Monterrey, Nuevo Leon @ Venue867
05.30  MX  Guadalajara @ Foro Boletomovil
05.31  MX  Mexico City @ El Foro 1869

European Dates
06.18  DE  Potsdam @ Waschhaus Potsdam gGmbH - Arena
06.19  PO  Zdunska Wola @ Alternative Day
06.20  PO  Chojnice @ Intertony Festical
06.21  DE  Rostock @ Peter-Weiss-Haus
06.22  PO  Poznan @ Klub B17
06.23  DE  Schneverdingen @ Alte Schlachterei
06.24  DE  Leer (Ostfriesland) @ Zollhaus Gastro
06.25  NL. Ysselsteyn @ Jera On Air
06.26  FR. Rouen @ Furn Defendu
06.27  FR  Rennes @ Superbowl of Hardcore
07.25  DE  Badbergen @ Pistole HC Food
07.26  DE Hünxe @ Ruhrpott Rodeo
07.26  DE  Insming @MozHelll Open Air
07.27  DE  Karlsruhe @ Alte Hackerei
07.28  DE  Cologne @ Gebäude 9
07.29  DE  Kaseel @ Goldgrube
07.30  DE. Löbnitz@ Full Rewind
07.31  CH  Gränichen @ Open Air
08.01  FR  St. Maurice de Gourdans @ Sylak

North American Dates
08.21-22  CA  Montreal, QC @ Vans Warped Tour Montreal(Parc Jean Drapeau)
09.19  US Louisville, KY @ Louder Than Life (Kentucky Expo Center)

Decades in, MADBALL remains the gold standard of New York Hardcore—proving they are not just survivors, but masters of the craft. Their live performances are a masterclass in controlled chaos, dripping with a ferocity and raw integrity that most bands can only hope to emulate. They’ve stayed sincere, stayed dangerous, and stayed at the top. Ain’t nothing changed.

MADBALL is:
Vocals | Freddy Cricien
Guitar | Mike Gurnari
Drums | Mike Justian
Bass | Paul Delaney

Stream MADBALL:
Apple Music | Spotify

Follow MADBALL:
Facebook | Instagram X | Youtube

REPENTANCE Announce New Album Retaliate Unleash Crushing Title Track as First Single!

Chicago metal outfit REPENTANCE has announced their upcoming third full-length album Retaliate, set for release on July 17th, 2026 via Noble Demon. Alongside the announcement, the band has unleashed the record’s title track as the first single, offering an intense glimpse into what promises to be their most hard-hitting and focused release to date.

"'Retaliate' is a straight punch to the teeth. Coming out swinging", vocalist Adam Gilley comments about the track. "This song has that take no prisoners intensity and hooks. So tune in and turn that sh** up!!!!"

 

Stream the single below:

Formed in 2018 by guitarist Shaun Glass (ex-Soil, Dirge Within), REPENTANCE have steadily carved out a name for themselves in the modern metal landscape with a sound built on groove, heavy riffs, technical precision, and unrelenting intensity. Emerging from the Chicago scene, the band quickly gained traction on the live circuit, sharing stages with acts such as Trivium, DevilDriver, Jinjer, Sacred Reich, and Toxic Holocaust, among others. 

Their debut album God For A Day (2020) received strong critical attention, leading to a worldwide signing with German label Noble Demon in 2021. This partnership marked a new chapter for the band, beginning with the EP Volume I - Reborn (2021), which introduced vocalist Adam Gilley and featured a guest appearance from Trivium guitarist Corey Beaulieu.

In 2023, REPENTANCE followed up with their sophomore album The Process of Human Demise, a record that further solidified their reputation for blending groove metal intensity with modern thrash precision. Produced by Alex Lackner and mixed/mastered by Chris Collier, the album also featured guest contributions from Corey Beaulieu and Milo Silvestro (Fear Factory), drawing comparisons to genre heavyweights such as Pantera and Lamb of God.

Now, with "Retaliate", the band push their sound even further. Once again produced by Alex Lackner at Accelerated Sound, the record was mixed by Ari Mihalopoulos at Inner Light Studio - a pairing that brings both familiarity and a fresh sonic perspective to the band's most aggressive material yet. The album arrives with punishing groove and nonstop aggressive hooks, pushing the band's sound forward while staying rooted in the intensity that has defined them since day one. 


"Retaliate" will be released digitally on July 17 via Noble Demon and is available for pre-save at THIS LOCATION.

 

REPENTANCE are:
Adam Gilley – Vocals

Shaun Glass – Guitar

Eric Burns – Guitar

Eric Karol – Bass

Brandon White – Drums

 

For More Information Please Visit:

Official Website

Facebook

X

https://linktr.ee/nobledemon

A COLD PARADISE Release Music Video For Brand-New Single “Here I Rise”!

Modern metal act A COLD PARADISE have released a new music video for their latest single “Here I Rise”. The project is led by Antonio Calanna, known to many metal fans as the former vocalist of ALL FOR METAL. Marking a bold new chapter, the track combines modern heaviness, emotional intensity and soaring energy into a powerful statement of intent.

Driven by massive riffs, cinematic atmosphere and an uncompromising performance, “Here I Rise” perfectly captures the core identity of A COLD PARADISE. The song reflects themes of growth, resilience and transformation while channeling raw emotion into an explosive and deeply personal listening experience.

Calanna comments: “‘Here I Rise’ is a statement. After our first live shows, we felt the connection with the audience and knew this was just the beginning. This song captures exactly what A Cold Paradise stands for: the will to grow, to rise, and to turn emotion into something powerful. It’s raw, energetic, and unapologetically intense.”

Stream / Download “Here I Rise”: https://acp.rpm.link/risePR 

Watch the video clip below:

A COLD PARADISE is a modern alternative metal band founded in 2025 by Antonio Calanna, signed to Perception – A Division of Reigning Phoenix Music. The project was born from a desire to emphasize atmosphere, melody, and emotional depth within heavy music, without compromising its force.

Rooted in genuine feeling, A COLD PARADISE builds its sound from the inside out, letting emotion guide both songwriting and production. Heavy riffs collide with expressive melodies, cinematic atmospheres, and carefully woven electronic elements that shape the emotional arc of each song. The band works with a defined collective identity: music, lyrics, and visuals all feed into the same artistic world, where storytelling, contrast, and emotional weight matter as much as the breakdowns. Living in the tension between vulnerability and force, A COLD PARADISE blends modern metal and rock with immersive textures to create a dynamic, evocative, and unmistakably human sound.

A COLD PARADISE Artist Line-Up:
Antonio Calanna | vocals
Paolo Avanzini | guitars, vocals
Luca Birocco | guitars
Fortunato De Negri | bass
Daniele Motta | drums
 

More on A COLD PARADISE:
Facebook |Instagram | Tik Tok | Youtube

Ray Hawthorne Has Had The Worst Week On New Single "Head Spin"

Pop punk's most lovable liability, Ray Hawthorne, returns with yet again, another new single for people who are holding it together using only spite and a good chorus. Fresh off the hometown wreckage of "Burn New Jersey Down" ft Pete Zen and his sophomore album, "Ray Hawthorne Isn't Real", the Los Angeles-based renegade has today delivered "Head Spin", a dizzy, bruising portrait of being broke, exhausted, and tethered to someone who keeps holding you back. Fans can listen to the new single Below.

Guitars up front and a chant that hits like a mantra you didn't mean to memorize, "Head Spin" finds Ray Hawthorne unraveled and running on nothing. Serving as the fifth single of his latest era, "Head Spin" is a reminder that someone should probably check on him, but not before the album is announced.

In lieu of talking about the music, Ray Hawthorne would like to discuss his career goals:

"I like to solve mysteries. If I wasn’t a full time world famous rock star, I’d most likely be a detective. Or a bounty hunter. Or both. I’m always solving mysteries, so recently I looked into what qualifications are necessary to be a private investigator in the state of California. It’s easier than you might think, but still somewhat complicated. First off, you have to be at least 18 years old. I’ve got that. Then you have to pass a criminal background check. I’ve most likely got that. But to cap it all off, you need to have at least three years (or 6,000 hours) of PAID qualifying investigative experience. What the fuck? I’m sorry, here I am trying to be a legitimately licensed private investigator and you’re telling me I should have and COULD have ALREADY been taking money for my services??? Do you have any idea how many mysteries I solve on a weekly basis for fucking free?? Shit goes missing around the house, I’ve got suspects and a clue board set up in under five minutes. Let a motherfucker try to cheat on my best friend, I’ll have everybody’s headshots and last three addresses in a spreadsheet that night. Some asshole quits my friend’s band and screws everyone over in the process, I’ve already plotted where the fire exits are around their apartment building in case of any “accidents.” These are just a few examples of my determination and mystery solving acumen. So with all this in mind, I need your help. Let’s say my new song, Head Spin, is actually a coded message I’m putting out into the world. And let’s say you receive that message. Let’s say this message resonates with you and helps you on a level that only a private investigator could. Almost like I’ve investigated your music taste and supplied you with something you’d enjoy. It would make sense to me that, in that specific scenario, the proceeds I make from such a song could arguably count as paid investigative work. And the amount of time spent listening to such a song could arguably count toward the mandatory 6,000 hours of paid investigative work. YOU could be the reason that I’m finally able to become a full time mystery solving punk rock private investigator.

That’s it. That’s all I have to say.”

Renowned for his work in North Kingsley, the acclaimed project alongside Shavo Odadjian of System of a Down, Hawthorne initially captured hearts as the Heartbreak Hero with his inaugural solo release "Heartbreak Feels Good in a Place Like This". Building on his solo work, his debut record "Ray Hawthorne Sucks" further cemented his status as a bold new voice in pop punk, quickly amassing a devoted following and over 20 million streams across all streaming platforms for his magnetic charm and razor-sharp wit.

Blending heartbreak, sarcasm, and just the right amount of emotional stability, Ray Hawthorne leads with a messy kind of hope, turning emotional freefall into something you can scream along to. Where debut album and his firstborn, "Ray Hawthorne Sucks", leaned into an earnest DIY vulnerability, his latest record, "Ray Hawthorne Isn't Real", took a turn and tapped into the restless defiance of a secondborn. The 15 tracks helped embrace the chaos, laugh at the pain, and maybe, just maybe, allow us all to find a little redemption along the way.

Starting from the very real possibility that Ray Hawthorne is just a guy screaming into the ether (and somehow making it sound catchy), his catalog has become a refuge for anyone who's ever felt too loud, too sensitive, or too much. Loud, petty, and deeply cathartic, Ray Hawthorne is proudly one of the most unapologetically honest voices modern pop-punk.

Be sure to stay tuned for more Ray Hawthorne news coming very soon.

The Ghoulstars Premiere The Dark Overlords of the Universe

Flying saucers, a pet werewolf, Ghostbustin’ proton streams,  joyrides in the Cadillac that once belonged to Children of Bodom vocalist and guitarist Alexi “Wildchild” Laiho. Meet The Ghoulstars, a fresh - and frightening blast from pop-culture’s past. Since beaming down onto their native haunt of Finland, these horror punks have tantalized crowds and captured the attention of CNN, Metal Hammer and other international press with their monstrously catchy mash-up of metal, punk and cult classics. Their blockbuster debut album, The Dark Overlords of the Universe, hits shelves tomorrow, Friday, May 15.

“It’s like a delicious kid’s cereal that has a shockingly healthy nutritional label and way more fiber than you remember: it’s good shit”, New Noise attests in an interview with The Ghoulstars guitarist Markus “Daddy Ghoul” Laakso.

Lucky ghouls can hear all of The Dark Overlords of the Universebefore the album comes out tomorrow by listening to the full album stream today on the Season of Mist YouTube channel.

The Dark Overlords of the Universe is a love letter to our fifteen-year-old selves”, Laakso says. “It’s crammed with headbanging metal riffs, shout-along punk rock choruses, B-movie Easter eggs, ‘80s aesthetics, surprising curveballs and the sheer joy of all the pieces falling into the right places. Move over, Rover, and let the ghouls take over!”.

Listen to The Dark Overlords of the Universe Below:

Pre-order & Pre-save

https://orcd.co/theghoulstarsdarkoverlords

Despite their ghostly appearance, The Ghoulstars are a collection of real talent. Axeman Daddy Ghoul and goose-bumping drummer Toni “Ghoulio” Ronkainen shared a past life together in Kuolemanlaakso. Bassist Markus “Hella Ghoul” Makkonen formerly haunted the low end for Hooded Menace while moonhowler Arthur “LL Ghoul A” Thure croons for the stoner rockers Thermate.

While the initial inspiration for The Ghoulstars came after burning rubber to Venom, The Dark Overlords of the Universe is possessed by a love for everything that blew the band’s minds as kids. The title track crosses surf beats, heavy riffing and a hair-raising transition into a chorus that’s absolutely to die for. With Mötley Crüe’s pomp and the can’t-do attitude of Twisted Sister roaming its halls, lead single “Too Ghoul for School” is jam-packed with more fun-filled ‘80s antics than Saturday afternoon detention.  

“The record is unique, catchy and a really fun listen”, says Triptykon guitarist and vocalist V. Santura, who mixed and mastered The Dark Overlords of the Universe.

The Misfits, White Zombie and other cultishly beloved touchstones like The Wolfman jump out during the album’s crisp 34-minute runtime. “Graverobbers from Outer Space” pays homage to an Ed Wood B-horror classic with a headbanging chorus, though not many straight-up punk rippers are enlivened by a doomy C-part and güiro. The Ghoulstars also enter original plots into horror’s hallowed crypt. Set amidst the cruel unfeeling world of the Wild West, “The Dead in Purgatory” rides a galloping melody after Morricone’s heart into a sunset that’s colored by the fifty shades of Volbeat.

The Ghoulstars may be undead, but there’s nothing pale or lifeless about The Dark Overlords of the Universe. Thanks to the rapid anticipation around the album, the band have signed to Nem Agency, which is one of the largest music promoters in Finland. Keep your eyes peeled for more live dates coming soon!

Lineup
Markus "Daddy Ghoul" Laakso - Guitars
Toni "Ghoulio" Ronkainen - Drums
Arthur "LL Ghoul A" Thure - Vocals
Markus "Hella Ghoul" Makkonen - Bass

Guest musicians
Mathias "Vreth" Lillmåns (...and Oceans, Finntrol) - Backing Growls
Tommi "Tuple" Salmela (Tarot, Raskasta Joulua, Lazy Bones) - Backing Vocals on "The Dark Overlords of the Universe")

Production credits
Produced by Markus Laakso
Guitars recorded by Markus Laakso and Erkka Närhi
Vocals recorded by Markus Laakso and Mathias "Vreth" Lillmåns
Drums recorded by Erkka Närhi
Bass recorded by Samu Männikkö and Markus Laakso
Percussion recorded by Markus Laakso
Mixed & Mastered by V. Santura at Woodshed Studio in Germany

Cover art

Niko Anttila


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

Booking info

Finland

Rowan Rafferty at Nem Agency - rowan@nem.fi

Rest of the world

info@theghoulstars.com


Follow The Ghoulstars
Official website: http://www.theghoulstars.com
Bandcamp: https://theghoulstars.bandcamp.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2Pr3ThFZK0tnUDqDSlMuBX

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/the-ghoulstars/1872811142

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGhoulstars

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theghoulstars/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theghoulstars/

FRONTIERS RECORDS Unleashes New Single “Hypocrisy” Featuring Stina Girs + New Visualizer

Today, FRONTIERS RECORDS unleashes the cover of Nordic Union’s “Hypocrisy,”featuring Stina Girs, vocalist of the Finnish metal band Unén. The track was originally released in 2016 by the group formed by Ronnie Atkins (Pretty Maids) and Erik Martensson(Eclipse, W.E.T.).

 

“Hypocrisy” is part of the upcoming ‘XXX Anniversary Compilation,’ a special project celebrating 30 years of passion, creativity, and unforgettable music. The record is set for release on May 22, 2026, and will be only available on CD, on the label’s webstore.

 

Stina Girs shares:

“I found 'Hypocrisy' during a painful breakup six years ago, and it became my power song - the thing that got me through. Covering it now feels personal. It’s a reminder that I survived, and came out stronger.”

Watch the Visualizer for “Hypocrisy”

Starting from an idea of Serafino Perugino, the ‘XXX Anniversary Compilation’ brings together some of the greatest melodies and voices from the world of melodic rock. This special release celebrates the label’s rich legacy by revisiting iconic tracks from the FRONTIERScatalogue, reimagined with dynamic new performances from an extraordinary lineup of guest vocalists.

Each track has been recorded exclusively for this anniversary project and showcases the powerful reinterpretation of beloved FRONTIERS classics through the voices of today’s standout rock artists.

Aldo Lonobile, Head of A&R Europe at FRONTIERS LABEL GROUP and producer of the record, comments:

“Producing the 30th anniversary record for FRONTIERS RECORDS has been both an honor and a responsibility. This label has built a legacy on passion and vision, and, with this album, we wanted to celebrate that history in a meaningful way. Having a mix of established and new generation of FRONTIERS artists reinterpret the iconic tracks that shaped our identity is more than a tribute - it’s a bridge between eras.

“With a tracklist discussed together with the FRONTIERS President Serafino Perugino, this record is a celebration of where we come from, and a powerful statement of where we’re headed”, he continued.

Under the expert production of Lonobile – who also performs part of the guitars on the album - the performances are backed by a stellar lineup of musicians: Alessandro Mammola (guitar), Andrea Arcangeli (bass), Cristian Timpanaro (bass), the keyboards team – Alessio Lucatti& Antonio Agate, Alfonso Mocerino, and Fortunato Grillo on drums, delivering powerful new arrangements that bring renewed energy to these fan-favorite tracks.

‘XXX Anniversary Compilation’ isn’t just a compilation - it’s a tribute to 30 years of rock excellence, a heartfelt thank you to the artists, fans, and collaborators who have been part of the FRONTIERS RECORDS story.

Whether you’re a lifelong supporter or discovering these songs for the first time, this album delivers powerful performances, soaring melodies, and the unmistakable spirit of FRONTIERS.

Pre-Order ‘XXX Anniversary Compilation’ HERE

“Hypocrisy” Line Up:

Stina Girs – vocals

Alessandro Mammola – guitar

Andrea Arcangeli – bass

Alessio Lucatti – keyboards

Alfonso Mocerino – drums