The Song You Need To Hear This Mental Health Awareness Month: Of Virtue Release "What's It Like To Be Happy?"

Michigan metalcore outfit, Of Virtue, are giving voice to one of the quietest, most common struggles in their brand new single, "What's It Like To Be Happy?", out now via Arising Empire. Released in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the track arrives as the third and most intimate chapter in an already commanding 2026, following the explosive reception to previous singles, "Death Of The Altar" and "The Art Of Love". Fans can listen to the new single below.



Holding a mirror to the part of depression that is the hardest to admit, Of Virtue tackle articulating the gap between who you are and who you want to be, and how insurmountable that gap can feel on the worst days. Rooted in the debilitating effects of depression and all that follows, "What's It Like To Be Happy?" leans into the disconnect of watching life carry on around you while you stay perfectly, painfully still.

In doing so, the track continues the band's ongoing focus on the emotional and relational toll that addiction, mental health, and the stigma surrounding both leave in their wake. The brand new track, co-written alongside Lee Albrecht (Bilmuri, The Devil Wears Prada, etc) and Evan McKeever(Starset, Koe Wetzel, etc), adds another chapter to the story they began on their 2023 record, "OMEN", which has amassed an impressive 65 million streams since its release.

True to the band's unflinching commitment to honesty and their longstanding advocacy for mental health awareness, vocalist Tyler Ennis reflects:

"When we were writing this song, the title itself was a question that was asked out loud in a somewhat joking way - but hit me in all the ways I didn't think it could. 

A lot of the experiences that I’ve had to go through in my adult life flashed through my mind in the blink of an eye. The loss of family members, revolving door toxic relationships, body dysmorphia/health issues were the tip of the iceberg. I was diagnosed with ADHD, my dopamine levels have been nonexistent or been overloaded constantly. Imposter syndrome and identity issues have put me in some of the worst depressive states I have ever experienced and there were times where I wondered out loud if this is the way my life would be forever. 

In some of my darker moments as well, I turned to the wrong things to try and make myself feel better. Being a people pleaser and putting others before myself, self medication and not holding myself accountable was on full display. Posting only the "happy" moments on social media for validation, looking at other people and wishing I could feel the way that they did - not realizing in real time that a lot of them are also doing the same thing. It creates this weird feedback loop where everyone is pretending for everyone else and no one is truly happy at all. 

I’m still searching within every moment in my life to find out what happiness looks like for me. I’m not saying I haven’t smiled or laughed, but that one question still haunts me to this day."

Harnessing the potent fusion of powerful melodies and emotionally charged lyrics, Of Virtue maintain a steadfast commitment to authenticity, consistently redefining the genre while staying true to their artistic essence. Beloved across 35 countries and having performed at multiple Danny Wimmer festivals, Upheaval, Full Force, Summer Breeze, and Pulp Summer Slamamongst many others, it's no surprise that they've shared stages with bands such as Slipknot, Bad Omens, Nothing More, and Three Days Grace. Beyond their musical prowess, the metal powerhouse also serve as passionate mental health advocates on and off stage. Often seen using their platform to raise awareness and openly discuss these vital issues, Of Virtue have become a source of hope and inspiration for countless fans facing similar challenges.

Carrying forward the spirit of their 2023 record, "Omen", Of Virtue continue to champion vulnerability, community, and the belief that no one is defined solely by their worst decisions. With "Death Of The Altar" and "The Art Of Love" standing as the next chapter, the band further their evolution with a fearless, unflinching look at what it means to reclaim your life, even when it means burning down everything that once felt familiar.

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

THE ART OF LOVE & POWER TOUR

OF VIRTUE & SAVAGE HANDS

July 16 - Greensboro, NC - Hangar 1819

July 17 - Orlando, FL - Conduit

July 18 - Atlanta, GA - The Masquerade

July 20 - Dallas, TX - Three Links

July 21 - San Antonio, TX - Paper Tiger

July 23 - Phoenix, AZ - Rebel Lounge

July 24 - Anaheim, CA - Parish @ House of Blues

July 25 - Sacramento, CA - Starlet Room

July 27 - Seattle, WA - El Corazon

July 28 - Portland, OR - Hawthorne

July 30 - Salt Lake City, UT - Urban Lounge

August 1 - Denver, CO - Marquis

August 2 - Colorado Springs, CO - Black Sheep

August 4 - St Louis, MO - The Duck Room

August 5 - Minneapolis, MN - Amsterdam

August 6 - Milwaukee, WI - X-Ray Arcade

August 7 - Chicago, IL - Reggie's

August 8 - Detroit, MI - Sanctuary

August 9 - Columbus, OH - Ace of Cups

August 11 - Buffalo, NY - Rec Room

August 13 - Hartford, CT - Webster Underground

August 14 - Worcester, MA - Palladium Upstairs

August 15 - Philadelphia, PA - The Foundry

August 16 - Richmond, VA - Canal Club

August 18 - Baltimore, MD - Ottobar

August 19 - Pittsburgh, PA - Preserving Underground

August 21 - Nashville, TN - The End

“What’s It Like To Be Happy?” is a reminder that healing isn’t linear, and you deserve support every step of the way. It’s okay to ask for help.”

1 in 5 people in the US experience mental illness every year. The #1 most effective protection against mental health decline is social prevention. Take care of yourself and the people around you. It's okay to rest. It's okay to not be okay.

Of Virtue have always believed that no one should have to face these battles alone. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that help is available. You are not alone.

NAMI Helpline): call +1 (800) 950-6264

SAMHSA National Helpline: call +1 (800) 662-4357

Open Path Collective (low-cost therapy): openpathcollective.org

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988

Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741

The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ youth): +1 (866) 488-7386

Teen Lines: text TEEN to 839863

STORMHAMMER Reveal Music Video for Title Track of Upcoming Studio Album Wrath Of The Hammer

German power metal force STORMHAMMER have released the official music video for their brand-new single “Wrath Of The Hammer”, the title track of the band’s upcoming studio offering. 

The album will be released on July 17 via ROAR – A Division of Reigning Phoenix Music. Pre-orders have just started at: https://stormhammer.rpm.link/wrathalbumPR 

With “Wrath Of The Hammer”, STORMHAMMER deliver a powerful first glimpse of their forthcoming album and once again prove why they remain one of the most consistent and exciting acts in the European power metal scene. The title track combines massive riffs, epic melodies and the band’s unmistakable energy into a modern metal anthem rooted in classic heavy metal spirit.

Phil Meyer (guitar, backing vocals) comments:
“Tracks like Wrath of the Hammer perfectly represent the album’s direction — aggressive downstrokes, fast power chords and epic melodic moments coming together in a very classic yet modern Heavy Metal way.”

Drummer Ashley Guest confirms: “Wrath of the Hammer maintains the spirit of classic StormHammer while pushing the sound forward with a sharper and more aggressive edge.” 

Stream “Wrath Of The Hammer” below :

Following the acclaimed album Seven Seals, STORMHAMMER open a new chapter with Wrath Of The Hammer. The album combines traditional heavy metal roots with thrash-driven guitars, epic melodies and progressive elements while staying true to the band’s unmistakable identity.

“Wrath of the Hammer reflects all generations of Heavy Metal," Phil Meyer says."The old school, the melodic, the anthemic and the modern. That’s exactly who StormHammer are as a band today. We didn’t want the album to be purely melodic power metal. StormHammer has always had a more raw side, and we wanted to push that further by bringing in thrash elements, modern metal and even some ’90s punk roots without losing the band’s heavy metal identity.”

Vocalist M.Nox adds: “We went into this album with the idea that we didn’t want to play it safe. We mixed in elements of Thrash, Symphonic and Classic Metal while keeping it true to StormHammer’s Power Metal roots. With this album, you will hear StormHammer in a way you have not heard before.”

Recorded at Mastersound Studio with producer Alexander Krull, the album delivers a massive production, atmospheric arrangements and renewed creative energy throughout, showcasing a band that continues to evolve while remaining a vital force in modern power metal! 

Horst Tessmann (bass, backing vocals) reveals:
“Recording with Alex Krull was fantastic because we shared the same vision for how these songs should sound. He delivered a powerful and outstanding production. Wrath of the Hammer combines traditional Power Metal with Thrash Metal elements in a way that feels natural and energetic. The older I get, the faster and heavier I want the music to be.”

“This album feels honest and alive," guitarist Christos Efstathiou states. "We challenged ourselves creatively while staying true to what StormHammer is about. There’s power, emotion and adventure in these songs.”

About STORMHAMMER:
German power metal band STORMHAMMER have established themselves as a powerful force within the European metal scene for many years. Combining traditional heavy metal intensity with melodic power metal energy and epic songwriting, the band has created a distinctive sound that continues to resonate with fans worldwide.

Throughout their career, STORMHAMMER have continuously evolved their sound while remaining true to their roots. Their music blends aggressive guitar work, soaring melodies and powerful rhythms with atmospheric songwriting and modern production. With “Wrath Of The Hammer”, the band once again underlines their status as one of Germany’s most important and enduring power metal acts.


STORMHAMMER is:
M.Nox - Vocals
Phil Meyer - Guitar, Backing Vocals
Christos Efstathiou - Guitar
Ashley Guest - Drums
Horst Tessmann - Bass, Backing Vocals


Connect With STORMHAMMER:
Website: https://www.stormhammer.de/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stormhammerband/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stormhammer_official/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCse2QaL9LqKOo2DMAEyUBCw
TikTok: tiktok.com/@stormhammer_band

DONT YOU DARE Drop "S.O.S" EP + Share "Burning Out"

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

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

They just released their S.O.S EP via The Artery Foundation.

They also dropped the single "BURNING OUT."

Listen to below + get the EP here. 

"'BURNING OUT' is about the emotional burnout turned anger and resentment of trying to save a toxic relationship that keeps taking pieces of you until there's nothing left to give," says English. "The line ,'Everything I love has left me now, everything I love is burning down,' is the realization that fantasy and reality can no longer co-exist, when you realize how much of your worth and identity has been attached to that person that you're falling away from. The helplessness of being stuck in a cycle where you feel like you're always the one who has to change, always the one taking blame, and no matter what you do, nothing can save it."

Regarding the EP as a whole, Duarte states, "S.O.S is a call for help, every song is a different situation I went through emotionally or literally. Late nights, days that didn't seem to end, staring at the ceiling with questions running through my head and no answers in sight. S.O.S as a whole was three years of hard work, long headache-induced sessions, screaming until my voice gave out, generated into five songs that show the world who DONT YOU DARE is and what we will continue to be!"

He continues, "I could go on and on about this EP and how much I am thankful to everyone who worked on it, including my brother and best friend, Matt English, my manager and RIDE OR DIE, Matt Scarpelli, or the person who went out on a limb and gave us a chance, Eric Rushing. But I will give it to the fans to listen to and love as much as we do; to sing along with us every night, because without people to listen to these songs, DONT YOU DARE would be nothing. So here's to our debut EP, S.O.S, and to the beginning of DONT YOU DARE. Thank you to everyone who helped along the way and pushed me and Matt to our breaking point, to be the best version of ourselves day in and day out. This EP is everyone's to enjoy and cherish. I hope it means as much to everyone listening as it does to me."

DONT YOU DARE LIVE:

5/29 — Anaheim, CA — Parish Room at House of Blues (Supporting Arankai)
6/5 — Los Angeles, CA — Moroccan Lounge (With Carry the Day + Silent Vice)

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

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

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

UK Rocker DAN BYRNE Releases Debut Album 'This Is Where The Show Begins' — Out Now via Frontiers Music Srl

Hotly-tipped UK rocker DAN BYRNE has unveiled his anticipated debut album, ‘This Is Where the Show Begins,’ out now via Frontiers Music Srl. To celebrate the release, DAN has also unveiled the new track “Pulling Me Under,” alongside an official visualizer, available below.

DAN comments:

"'Pulling Me Under' dives into the darker depths of the album. This is a dark, atmospheric alternative rock track built on tension, emotion, and contrast. It’s haunting and anthemic, with verses that feel suffocatingly close before breaking into a huge chorus that hits like a breath of air after the plunge.

He continues, "The song explores the internal chaos of reaching out for help from the very person who’s dragging you down and the feeling of emotionally drowning when the one you trust most becomes the source of your pain. It’s a confrontation of that paradox: needing saving from the person who’s breaking you.

"It’s about that mental struggle, when you’re asking someone to pull you up, but they’re the reason you’re sinking in the first place. I wanted the music to reflect that push and pull; the verses are tight and claustrophobic, and then the chorus opens up like coming up for air. It’s dark, emotional, and one of the most cinematic moments on the record."

"With its weighty production, layered guitars, and emotional scope, it embodies that recurring theme throughout the record: the beauty and release that come from surviving your own storms," DAN concludes.

Watch the Official Visualizer for "Pulling Me Under" Below:

‘This Is Where The Show Begins,’ DAN’s debut album, is full of joy and confidence. There is swagger alongside sensitivity, a widening musical horizon that feels both fresh and bold. At the center of it all is that voice, as powerful as it is vulnerable, as emotive as it is commanding.

The lead single, “Saviour,” is a perfect opener. It bursts to life with attention-grabbing hard-rock stabs and pile-driving riffs, its verses simmering with quiet drama before exploding into a chorus that promises we are in for one hell of a ride. It struts, it shimmies, and it absolutely rocks. “Light ’em up,” indeed. There is no letup as we are thrown headlong into “She’s the Devil,” DAN delivering a colossal vocal punctuated by gonzo guitar gymnastics, the euphoria here is undeniable.

Elsewhere, we are taken to church with “Praise Hell,” and “Sober” is steeped in regret. We may even get a glimpse of where DAN is headed next with album closer “Home,” a sprawling, shapeshifting piece of alt-rock that never loses its soul. It feels like Glenn Hughes and 30 Seconds to Mars combining their superpowers.

‘This Is Where The Show Begins’ feels like the culmination of an incredible journey so far and the launching point for what comes next. It is a testament to backing yourself, trusting your instincts, and letting ambition, honesty and musical diversity lead the way. This is where it may truly begin for DAN. The exciting question now is where he will take us next.

Order 'This Is Where The Show Begins' HERE

The release follows DAN's triumphant headline tour, with nearly every date sold out. He follows this with an acoustic record store tour. A full list of dates is below.  

Dan's Acoustic Record Store Tour 

May 22 @ Glasgow Assai Records (Matinee)

May 22 @ Edinburgh Assai Records (Evening)

May 23 @ Newcastle Beyond Vinyl (Matinee)

May 23 @ Bury Wax & Beans (Evening)

May 24 @ Sheffield Arundel Emporium (Matinee)

May 24 @ Oxford Truck (Evening)

May 25 @ Portsmouth Pie & Vinyl (Matinee)

May 25 @ Swansea Derricks (Evening)

May 26 @ London Fighting Cocks (Evening)

May 27 @ Nantwich Applestump Records (Matinee)

May 27 @ Leeds Crash Records (Evening)

May 28 @ Liverpool Jacaranda - full electric show, playing album in full

Dan will also be performing at Steelhouse Festival on July 25th.

DAN BYRNE swept in off the Mersey, announcing himself as a solo artist in 2023 with his debut EP, ‘Beginnings.’ His powerhouse, soul-inflected vocal and deftly-executed, yet hugely accessible songcraft has quickly marked him out as an artist on the rise. Blending contemporary edge with classic influence, BYRNE’s music is powerful, honest, and deeply emotive - widescreen in scope yet intimate at its core. It rocks, without question, but what truly sets him apart is the courage to weave sensitivity and vulnerability through the intensity. This isn’t just rock music - it has the heart and authenticity to connect with an audience beyond any one genre.

In just two years DAN has toured the UK three times, delivered standout performances at multiple festivals and found overwhelming support from Planet Rock - the UK’s leading rock station - where his first four singles amassed an impressive 25 weeks on the playlist. With that foundation firmly in place, BYRNE now turns his focus to the release of his long-awaited debut solo album, marking the next powerful step in his evolution as an artist.

Japanese Horror Inspired USBM Duo SAIDAN Unleashes New Single, "Ethereal Blood," Announces U.S. Tour

Japanese horror-inspired USBM outfit SAIDAN will be releasing its highly anticipated fourth LP, 'FANGDRILLER: Scars Beneath Memory's Wrist,' on June 19 via Avantgarde Music! The band is now unveiling the cinematic new single, "Ethereal Blood," along with a music video, which can be found below.

A prequel to 2023's 'Visual Kill,' 'FANGDRILLER' follows The Student (Junko) as she tries to heal her fractured heart. Haunted by wistful solitude, her isolation makes her the perfect victim for a mysterious cult known as Ethereal Blood.

SAIDAN vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Splatterpvnk comments, "'Ethereal Blood' is an essential part of the conceptual identity of 'Fangdriller.' Whereas many of the other songs on the album use metaphorical imagery to explain where I was emotionally at the time, 'Ethereal Blood' is a perverse initiation into something seemingly pure, yet shrouded in violent isolation."

While lyrically dealing with topics of depression, heartbreak, loss, and loneliness, the album is musically inspired by the lo-fi nature of classic Visual Kei and gothic black metal. Saidan strives to deliver an album that sounds nostalgic for an era of music that doesn’t exist. Blistering solos, deranged vocals, anthemic-riffage, and diabolical drumming are slammed together with doses of modern breakcore and wrapped in a black metal bow, garnering a feeling of familiarity while offering something that’s boldly unique.

Pre-orders can be found HERE.

Moreover, SAIDAN will be embarking on a U.S. tour in support of prolific atmospheric black metal band Trhä along with Barbelith. The trek will kick off on July 23 in Indianapolis, IN and will lay waste through the East Coast and parts of the midwest until the final stop on August 8 in Charlotte, NC. The full itinerary can be found below while tickets can be found HERE.

SAIDAN U.S. Tour Dates (Supporting Trhä w/ Barbelith):

07/23: Indianapolis, IN @ State Street Pub

07/24: Detroit, MI @ Sanctuary

07/25: Milwaukee, WI @Club Garabaldi

07/26: Minneapolis, MN @ Zhora Darling

07/27: Des Moines, IA @ Locals

07/28: Kansas City, MO @ Mini Bar

07/29: Tulsa, OK @ Whittier Bar

07/30: Denton, TX @ Dan's SilverLeaf

07/31: Austin, TX @ The Lost Well

08/01: San Antonio, TX @ Paper Tiger

08/02: Houston, TX @ Black Magic Social Club

08/03: New Orleans, LA @ Siberia

08/04: Pensacola, FL @ The Handlebar

08/05: Tampa, FL @ Deviant Libation

08/06: Miami, FL @ Churchill’s Pub

08/07: Jacksonville, FL @ The Albatross

08/08: Charlotte, NC @ The Milestone

In the neverending quest of supporting young and boundary-pushing bands from the underground around the world, Avantgarde Music is proud to announce their collaboration with Saidan, a Japanese horror-themed black metal band from Nashville, TN.

Spawning from tragedy in 2020, Saidan rapidly released a string of demos and splits that caused a stir in the underground Black Metal scene. With their anthem-like riffage, violent imagery, deranged vocal delivery, and heavy metal flair, Saidan has risen above their contemporaries and stood out in a bustling USBM scene. In five short years, Saidan has gone on to release three LPs: 'Jigoku: Spiraling Chasms of the Blackest Hell' (2021), 'Onryō II: Her Spirit Eternal' (2022), and 'Visual Kill: The Blossoming of Psychotic Depravity' (2024), all to critical success. The band's latest offering, 'FANGDRILLER: Scars Beneath Memory's Wrist,' will be arriving on June 19, 2026 exclusively through Avantgarde Music.

'Fangdriller' is the fourth studio album born from the minds of multi-instrumentalist Splatterpvnk and drummer Hundosai, a new chapter in the narrative concept that links together all Saidan releases. A prequel to 2023's 'Visual Kill,' 'FANGDRILLER' follows The Student (Junko) as she tries to heal her fractured heart. Haunted by wistful solitude, her isolation makes her the perfect victim for a mysterious cult known as Ethereal Blood. 

While lyrically dealing with topics of depression, heartbreak, loss, and loneliness, the album is musically inspired by the lo-fi nature of classic Visual Kei and gothic black metal. Saidan strives to deliver an album that sounds nostalgic for an era of music that doesn’t exist. Blistering solos, deranged vocals, anthemic-riffage, and diabolical drumming are slammed together with doses of modern breakcore and wrapped in a black metal bow, garnering a feeling of familiarity while offering something that’s boldly unique.

'Fangdriller' was mixed and mastered by Splatterpvnk and once again comes with a cover art by Japanese visual artist Seiyak17.

Lineup:

Splatterpvnk - Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Keyboards

Hundosai - Drums

Live Members:

Ravenna - Bass

Luthious - Guitar

All songs written and performed by Splatterpvnk & Hundosai

All songs mixed and mastered by Splatterpvnk
Recorded at The Booth / Glowing Moon Studios (Nashville, TN, USA)

Artwork by Seiyak17

For Fans Of: Spectral Wound, X Japan, Cradle Of Filth, Malice Mizer

Formats:
Gatefold Vinyl Color Variants: Red (Standard), Bloodshot (Limited Edition), Onyx (Limited Edition)

CD (Digipak)

Digital

Pre-order links:

https://avantgardemusic.bandcamp.com/(Physical copies)

https://www.sound-cave.com/ (Physical copies)

https://saidan.bandcamp.com (Digital Only)

Links:

BANDCAMP

INSTAGRAM

FACEBOOK

APPLE MUSIC

SPOTIFY

X

YOUTUBE

TIKTOK

Violet Breed featuring Brian Wheat (Tesla) Releases Fifth Single "SING"

Violet Breed return with their fifth single “SING,” an electrifying rock anthem with music and lyrics written by Alex Gonzato & Brian Wheat, that blends alternative and classic rock influences with a bold modern edge. From the very first note, the track commands the attention of the listener. Driven by an anthemic chorus- layered in melodic vocal harmonies, soaring gritty guitars and thunderous drums that create an undeniable sense of urgency. It’s clear that with this latest release the band have explored a heavier and rebellious rock sound.

With its chant-like hook and high-energy delivery, “SING” is an uplifting rock song about using your voice as a rallying cry. Standing up for yourself and others around you urging listeners to break free from the routine and restrictions of everyday life and spreading a message of hope.

With bassist and founding member Brian Wheat at the helm of the track’s production and engineering, Violet Breed’s sound is pushed to its maximum potential- establishing a polished authentic sound that highlights the raw emotion and vocal performance of lead singer AleX.

Violet Breed continue to carve out their place within the alternative rock scene. “SING” showcases a sound that is both refreshingly urgent and unapologetically bold, marking an exciting new chapter for the band as they push their creative boundaries.

The release follows the band’s strong momentum, building on the success of their first four singles:

Violet Breed represents a powerful collaboration between Wheat, a seasoned rock icon, and AleX, a fresh and dynamic voice in the music industry. The pair have spent the last five years meticulously crafting an album that draws from their own life experiences, creating music that resonates with listeners of all ages. With honest and emotive lyrics, Violet Breed’s sound blends rich rock and pop influences, promising a unique and compelling listening experience.

The debut album showcases the musical prowess of the duo. Fans of both Teslaand AleX will be eager to hear the new material, as Violet Breed looks to make a significant impact on the global music scene.

Brian and AleX are able to tap into experiences from these diverse generations, which add to the depth of the music they produce. Their passion and inspiration for music is born from a shared love for records by The Beatles, Paul McCartney, Queen, and My Chemical Romance. Influences from these bands is subtly interwoven into their music.

For More Information Please Visit:

Official Website

Facebook

Instagram

X

Linktree

Reece Young Evolves On Achingly Honest New Single "Lights Out"

Fresh off the momentum of signing to Oxide Music, the alt-pop upstart, Reece Young, returns with his latest single, "Lights Out". A deceptively fun, devastatingly honest, and quietly courageous account of the panic when things go dark. Fans can listen to "Lights Out" HERE.

Bright enough to soundtrack a good night and honest enough to admit what happened after, "Lights Out" sits in the tension between the two. It's a familiar territory for Reece Young, who has always written from the parts of himself that most people keep private. For an artist who built his name on heavier ground, the move to alt-pop feels less like a reinvention and more like a natural exhale. "Lights Out" serves as another remarkable pivot, landing with the ease of an artist who has stopped second-guessing himself.

On putting something this personal into a song this infectious, Reece Young shares:

"I wrote Lights Out after having the worst panic attack of my life. I woke up in the middle of the night in complete darkness and had to stare at what I thought was death in the face. I got so frustrated that something like that happened so far along in my healing process, so I wrote a song about a coward that attacks when I can’t see. That’s what Lights Out is about, and I hope it helps anyone that needs it."

In this new lane, Reece Young draws from the emotional energy of VOILA and the anthemic instincts of Twenty One Pilots, carving out a sound that makes alt-pop feel urgent again. As an artist finding his footing in a new sound, he's taking it straight to the stage where every performance leaves the room wondering how they had not heard of him sooner. London is first in line, with a debut headline show on August 29th at YungBlud's B.R.A.T. Cave to kick off a festival weekend that sees Reece supporting Twenty One Pilots at All Points East on August 30th.

With "Nothing At All" and "Lights Out" marking his first two releases on Oxide Music and a run of live dates on the horizon, Reece Young is laying the groundwork for a new era built on sharp songwriting, restless energy, and a willingness to sit in the discomfort instead of looking away.

Be sure to stay tuned for more Reece Young news coming soon.

ABOUT REECE YOUNG

Reece Young knows how to turn trouble into triumph. Bred in New Jersey and based in Nashville, he pours out his deepest personal experiences to cement his place in the music world. From playing big stages at Bludfest and Riot Fest, touring with industry hallmarks (Underoath, Zero 9:36, Palisades, and Avoid), to rolling burritos in the back of a Nashville coffee shop. Reece is no stranger to doing whatever it takes to achieve his goals. Beginning his career in the new metal genre, Young has experienced a sonic metamorphosis. Through his dedication and commitment to following his heart, Reece’s production style has radically transformed, leading to the realization of his true artistic identity. Inspired by the likes of Twenty One Pilots, Bring Me The Horizon, Jon Bellion, and his cat, Socks: Young takes honest storytelling and turns it into an unforgettable live show, commanding the stage and captivating fans with his explosive energy. The proof is in the progress: Reece Young is just getting warmed up.

HELL & HIGH WATER TOUR SET TO IGNITE STAGES NATIONWIDE Presented by Venom & Vixen

Prepare for impact. Prepare for chaos. Prepare for a tour that refuses to play it safe.

Venom & Vixen proudly present the Hell & High Water Tour, a relentless, high voltage run featuring two rising forces in heavy music: Hellheart and Seaside Massacre. This isn’t just a tour, it’s a collision of intensity, energy, and unfiltered aggression that’s set to leave venues shaken and audiences wanting more.

From the first note to the final breakdown, the Hell & High Water Tour delivers a fullthrottle experience built for fans who crave raw power, crushing riffs, and a live show that hits like a freight train.

TICKET INFO

5/30/2026* Sacramento, CA The Boardwalk - TICKETS

6/5/2026* Modesto, CA Sidelines Whiskeyjacks - DOOR COVER

6/11/2026* San Diego, CA McGuffie's - DOOR COVER

6/12/2026 Phoenix, AZ The Blooze Bar - DOOR COVER

6/13/2026 Farmington, NM Four Corners Metal Fest - TICKETS

6/14/2026 El Paso, TX RoseWood Bar - TICKETS

6/16/2026 Haltom City, TX Haltom Theater

6/17/2026 Lafayette, LA Feed & Seed - TICKETS

6/18/2026 Atlanta, GA 529 EAV - TICKETS

6/19/2026 Savannah, GA Coastal Empire Beer Co. - TICKETS

6/20/2026 Raleigh, NC Cannonball Music Hall - TICKETS

6/21/2026 Lynchburg, VA Super Rad Arcade Bar - TICKETS

6/23/2026 Akron, OH Afterlife Nightclub - TICKETS

6/24/2026 Louisville, KY Magbar - TICKETS

6/25/2026 Cincinnati, OH Oddfellow's - TICKETS

6/26/2026 Morenci, MI The Rex Theatre - TICKETS

6/27/2026 Chicago, IL Q Bar (Darien, IL) - TICKETS

6/28/2026 Kansas City, MO Sk8bar - DOOR COVER

Formed in 2017 in the heart of California's Central Valley, HellHeart is a relentless force in the realms of metal. They quickly become a driving presence in the local music scene, captivating audiences with their powerful and emotive sound. ​With roots firmly planted in the rich soil of melodic metal and hardcore influences, HellHeart's music weaves a tapestry of intricate melodies and unbridled aggression. Since their establishment, the band has consistently pushed the boundaries of their genre, crafting a sound that is both ferocious and emotionally charged. As they continue to evolve and refine their sound, HellHeart remains dedicated to making their mark on the metal scene, both regionally and nationally. With each riff, beat, and lyric, they forge a path

that resonates with fans who appreciate the depth and power of metal and hardcore music. Keep an ear to the ground for HellHeart as they roar from California's Central Valley, leaving an unmistakable imprint on the world

of heavy music.

CONNECT WITH HELLHEART

DREW BALDRIDGE HIGHLIGHTS THE HEART OF “REBEL” WITH NEW ACOUSTIC VERSION

Country star Drew Baldridge releases an acoustic version of his current radio hit “Rebel” via Lyric Ridge Records/Stoney Creek Records. Fans can get it HERE. 

Written by Baldridge and Adam Sanders and produced by Zach Crowell and Nick Schwarz, “Rebel” delivers a powerful message about flipping the traditional idea of rebellion on its head. The song serves as an anthem for standing firm in your convictions, celebrating integrity, faith, and family as the ultimate acts of defiance. With its soaring chorus and driving production, “Rebel” captures the strength it takes to stay true to yourself in a world that often rewards compromise.

“I wrote this song after noticing how often the wrong things get glorified,” said Baldridge. “Doing the right thing can feel rebellious, and I hope fans - and one day my sons - see that being a rebel here is actually a good thing. The song celebrates doing the right thing even when it’s not the ‘cool’ or easy choice.”

Baldridge recently released an acoustic performance video for the track, filmed at Ocean Way Studios in Nashville. The stripped-down rendition highlights the heart and emotion behind the song. Watch Below. 

He will bring his FARM FAITH FAMILY Tour + additional support dates across the country through the end of the year, where fans can catch him performing “Rebel” live. For tour dates and more information, visit DrewBaldridgeMusic.com. 

About Drew Baldridge: 
Baldridge continues to deliver exactly what fans have been asking for: a steady stream of new music rooted in his signature themes of farm, faith, and family. His new release, “Love Needs You,” arrives as a heartfelt summer anthem, ushering in his next chapter. It follows “Deserve Her” and “Get Me Gone” featuring Emily Ann Roberts via Lyric Ridge Records/BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. His current single, “Rebel,” continues to climb the charts following “Tough People,” which became his second consecutive Top 10 hit at country radio.

This new chapter builds on the massive success of Baldridge’s RIAA Platinum-certified breakout “She’s Somebody’s Daughter,” which reached No. 1 on Country Aircheck/Mediabase and No. 3 on Billboard Country Airplay, making him the only self-funded artist to score a No. 1 debut on Mediabase and the highest-charting independent artist in Billboard Country Airplay history. With more than 2 billion streams and impressions to date, the song also earned a spot on NSAI’s “10 Songs I Wish I Would Have Written.”

This year, Baldridge will headline his FARM FAITH FAMILY Tour, bringing his music directly to fans across the country, while also joining Luke Bryan on tour and continuing to perform internationally following recent runs across Australia, the UK, and Europe. He has earned multiple accolades, including CRS New Faces 2025 and MusicRow’s 2025 Independent Artist of the Year.

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

gracie Shares New Single "Hot Air Balloon

Tooth & Nail Records recently welcomed gracie to the roster! She will release her new album Miss Misfortunately on June 26. Pre-order it here. 

She now shares the visualizer for new single "Hot Air Balloon." Watch the visualizer below.

The song boasts a gorgeous and strolling, '50s-style waltz, all wrapped in gracie's shimmering vocals. 

 "'Hot Air Ballon' is my big finale — it's the bow on the present," says gracie. "It's my 'finally happy' song, amidst a sea of depression. I made it out on the other side."

gracie pens songs out of deep necessity. Her music holds the kind of truth usually only reserved for late-night conversations between lifelong friends. No subject is off the table. Instead, songwriting turns the key to unlock her heart, letting unfiltered feelings and raw recollections spill out on tape. She projects these emotions against a backdrop of artful alternative pop spiked with rock grit and indie intentionality. Embracing her most formative inspirations and pulling no punches, gracie steps into who she always endeavored to be as an artist.

"I'm not making music because I want to be successful; I'm making music because I have to," she affirms. "I need to tell an authentic story. Sonically, it's a collection of everything that’s influenced me. I'm ready to express so many thoughts I hadn’t been given permission to express before. The record is about being human, laughing at yourself, telling scary stories, and holding nothing back. It's who I am as an artist."

As a kid, music surrounded gracie. At five-years-old, she regularly performed home concerts for her family. She graduated from listening to Camp Rock and High School Musical to Céline Dion, Barbra Streisand, Whitney Houston and the likes. Along the way, she honed her voice through vocal lessons and filled journals with original songs. Watching a Taylor Swift thanksgiving special marked a pivotal turning point though. Within 15 minutes afterwards, she had crafted a song "Be Mine"—impressing her parents so much they burned it to CDs and she sold it to family and friends. By middle school, she had found herself on regular writing trips to Los Angeles, gaining invaluable experience. Simultaneously, her palette diversified and she obsessed over favorite bands, including Paramore, My Chemical Romance, Sleeping with Sirens, Pierce the Veil, and State Champs. 

Not long after getting married, the music told her where to go next. She had always wanted to address the aftershocks of a past brutal breakup, but she never had the forum to properly do so until now.

"This breakup was monumental in my life, and I held onto these ideas for years," she admits. "I had gotten with a new team in 2025, and everybody backed my vision. I decided to go back to how I felt and close the chapter of the story."

Throughout 2025, gracie collaborated closely with producer Austin Davis at his Nashville studio. Bonding over a mutual passion for early 2000's rock bands, they built a solid musical foundation and began working on Gracie's forthcoming album together.

Ultimately, though, gracie's songs might just mirror how you feel.

"Music has gotten me out of so many dark places in my life," she states.  "No matter the situation you're in, I hope to give you whatever you need, whether it’s healing, growth, or self-reflection...Maybe you'll see a part of yourself in it and feel less alone."

Out Now From Dead Register!

DEAD REGISTER returns to the place where everything began, reopening a document that never really closed. Fiber (10th Anniversary Deluxe Remaster) arrives on May 22, 2026 via AVR as both excavation and resurrection, a restored transmission from a moment when the band first locked into the sound that would define its gravitational pull for the next decade. The album exists as memory made physical again, preserved with clarity while retaining the suffocating atmosphere and immediacy that made the original recordings feel dangerously alive.

Recorded in 2016 with M. Chvasta, Avril Che, and Chad Williams performing together in near real time, Fiber (10th Anniversary Deluxe Remaster) captures DEAD REGISTER operating on instinct rather than revision. Minimal overdubs, live execution, and a deliberate refusal of excess leave the record breathing heavily in the room with the listener. Every low frequency feels intentional. Every silence carries weight. The remaster sharpens the emotional architecture without polishing away the human strain embedded in the performances.

Across its runtime, Fiber (10th Anniversary Deluxe Remaster) unfolds as a continuous narrative shaped by longing, humor, exhaustion, desire, and survival. Sequenced deliberately from a larger body of material, the album moves like a psychological journey through attachment and decay, ending where it began, suspended between bliss and extinction. The remaster restores the pressure, intimacy, and density that made the original recordings endure.

Ten years later, DEAD REGISTER revisits Fiber (10th Anniversary Deluxe Remaster)with the understanding that certain works refuse to age quietly. The album remains a defining statement of intent, a document of musicians chasing emotional honesty at maximum volume, and a reminder that heaviness can live equally in sound, memory, and human connection.

FOUNDING MEMBER OF BLUE ÖYSTER CULT ALBERT BOUCHARD TO RELEASE SECOND INTERACTIVE GRAPHIC NOVEL

Albert Bouchard is best known as a founding member of Blue Öyster Cult. The original lineup sold millions of albums for Columbia Records, with such classic songs as “(Don’t Fear) the Reaper” and the number one hit on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart “Burning for You.” Bouchard contributed to songwriting and lead vocals on some of its greatest songs, such as “Cites on Flame With Rock and Roll.”

Albert Bouchard completed the first Imaginos trilogy and has shepherded the concept of Imaginos through its many incarnations over the years, translating Sandy Pearlman’s feverish visions into sonic resonance and into print form with the release of the Imaginos I graphic novel. Now, he is back with the release ofImaginos II, an immersive interactive graphic novel experience that brings the legend to life like never before. The Imaginos II graphic novel recounts the second third of the Imaginos story as it weaves through the 14 songs from Albert Bouchard’s Imaginos II Bombs Over Germany album. This interactive graphic novel connects you to all 14 songs along with never-before-seen videos and includes a download card for the digital version, so you can immerse yourself in this interactive experience on your computer, phone, or tablet.

Watch the full video for “Three Sisters” featuring Buck Dharma below:

As Bouchard states, “These graphic novels expand on the saga of Imaginos, which is itself an extremely expandable story. The videos expand upon both the comic and the songs, making this the most complete version of the Imaginos story to date.”  The song Three Sisters was written during the Fire of Unknown Origin album sessions and was slated for release on a subsequent BOC release. When I approached Buck to contribute to the track, he told me he was delighted because he always loved the song.”

All the Imaginos albums are available now and feature reworks of classic Blue Öyster Cult tracks like “Astronomy,” “E.T.I.,” “Godzilla,” “Cites on Flame With Rock and Roll,” and many more. Order your copy of ReImaginos, Imaginos II – Bombs Over Germany, and Imaginos III – Mutant Reformation and stay tuned for Imaginos IV coming soon.

Order here: https://www.dekoentertainment.com/albertbouchard
 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT: 

www.albertbouchard.net

www.dekoentertainment.com

FRONTIERS RECORDS Release 30th Anniversary Compilation

FRONTIERS MUSIC SRL is proud to announce the release of the ‘XXX Anniversary Compilation,’ a special project celebrating 30 years of passion, creativity, and unforgettable music. The record is out now, and only available on CD, on the label’s webstore.

Order the ‘XXX Anniversary Compilation’ HERE

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.

SCAR OF THE SUN STARTS EUROPEAN TOUR

Greek modern metal force SCAR OF THE SUN are starting their European tour today. Joining Japanese samurai metal pioneers WHISPERED as direct support, SCAR OF THE SUN will also share the stage with TORCHIA and CEREMONY for a relentless run of shows across Germany, Denmark, Switzerland, Belgium, the Czech Republic, and Poland.

Known for their crushing blend of atmospheric heaviness, metalcore intensity, and djent-driven precision, SCAR OF THE SUN continue to push the boundaries of modern metal with a sound that is both cinematic and devastatingly aggressive. Formed in London in the late ‘00s and now based in Athens, Greece, the band has steadily evolved into one of Europe’s most distinctive heavy acts.

The Return of the Shogunate tour will see SCAR OF THE SUN bring their explosive live performance to audiences across ten cities, delivering material from across their acclaimed catalog alongside WHISPERED, TORCHIA, and CEREMONY.

"Return of the Shogunate" European Tour 2026

23.05.2026 - DE - Hamburg - Stellwerk
24.05.2026 - DK - Copenhagen - Stengade
25.05.2026 - DE - Oberhausen - Helvete
26.05.2026 - CH - Aarburg - Musigburg
27.05.2026 - CH - Yverdon - Les Citrons Mosque
28.05.2026 - BE - Kortrijk - Club DVG
29.05.2026 - DE - Leipzig - Hellraiser
30.05.2026 - CZ - Prague - Subzero
31.05.2026 - PL - Krakow - Club Gwarek

Tickets are available HERE. 

About SCAR OF THE SUN

SCAR OF THE SUN is a Modern Metal band from Athens, Greece. Formed in London in the late ‘00s as a Modern Atmospheric Metal outfit, they progressively evolved and distilled their sound into an eclectic mix of Metalcore and Djent.

DIMMU BORGIR - Unleash New Single/Video 'As Seen In The Unseen'

Norwegian extreme metal titans Dimmu Borgir unleash Grand Serpent Rising, their long-awaited new studio album and first full-length release in eight years since Eonian.

Formed in 1993 by guitarist Sven “Silenoz” Kopperud and vocalist Stian “Shagrath” Thoresen during the height of Norway’s second-wave black metal movement, Dimmu Borgirhave never rushed the creative process - and the crushing weight and cinematic scope of Grand Serpent Rising proves the wait was worthwhile.

Recorded in Gothenburg with acclaimed producer Fredrik Nordström - the architect behind landmark Dimmu Borgir albums Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia and Death Cult Armageddon - the new record delivers thirteen punishing yet remarkably diverse tracks that push the band’s symphonic extremity to towering new heights.

To celebrate the release, the band has also unveiled a stunning new cinematic video for the track 'As Seen In The Unseen', further cementing Grand Serpent Rising as one of the year’s most anticipated extreme metal releases.

Watch the video for 'As Seen In The Unseen' below:

Listen to Grand Serpent Rising:
https://dimmuborgir.bfan.link/grandserpentrising

The Grand Serpent Rising North America 2026 tour marks the legendary return of Dimmu Borgir to North American soil for their first headlining trek since 2018, featuring special guests Hypocrisy, Suffocation, and Hulder.

Grand Serpent Rising North America 2026:
07 Aug 2026 New York, NY - The Palladium
08 Aug 2026 Worcester, MA - The Palladium
10 Aug 2026 Toronto, ON - HISTORY
11 Aug 2026 Montreal, QC - M Telus 
13 Aug 2026 Cleveland, OH - The Agora Theatre
14 Aug 2026 Chicago, IL - The Vic
15 Aug 2026 Minneapolis, MN - The Fillmore
18 Aug 2026 Denver, CO - The Mission Ballroom
21 Aug 2026 San Francisco, CA - The Warfield
23 Aug 2026 Los Angeles, CA - The Novo

LINE UP:
Shagrath - vocals
Silenoz - guitars
Damage - guitars
Victor - bass
Gerlioz - keyboards
Daray - drums

DIMMU BORGIR ONLINE:
https://facebook.com/dimmuborgir
http://instagram.com/dimmuborgir
https://youtube.com/user/dimmuborgir
https://x.com/dimmuborgir
https://dimmu-borgir.com/

BLACKLIST UNION Ignites Hollywood with the Explosive New Single “JACKSON” FEATURING Lorraine Lewis from Femme Fatale Unveil Official Music Video Today

Dirty rock n’ roll is alive and kicking, and Blacklist Union is about to light the fuse.

Blacklist Union unleashed their blistering new version of “Jackson,” the legendary June Carter & Johnny Cash classic, featuring none other than rock icon Lorraine Lewis of Femme Fatale. The track is already being hailed as a full-throttle “barn burner” destined to set radio stations ablaze worldwide.

The release arrives with the world premiere of the official music video directed by Paul Crosby (formerly of SALIVA) and produced by Chris Johnson, known for his work with Evanescence, Hans Zimmer, and more.

Watch "Jackson" Below:

Hollywood rock n’ roll just found its next anthem.

Keep your eyes locked on BLACKLIST UNION and FEMME FATALE — because this is only the beginning.

For info about Blacklist Union, contact:

Shauna O’Donnell, sobandpromos@gmail.com

For info about Lorraine Lewis, contact:

Mitch Schneider, mschneider@sropr.com

Cupid Theory Welcomes Artist Manager Shelby Short

Cupid Theory, the Los Angeles-based storytelling and artist services company, today announced the addition of Shelby Short to its expanding arsenal of industry professionals. Shelby Short joins as Artist Manager, alongside his roster of Not Enough Space, Pretty Pity, Summer Hoop, and VCTMS.

Shelby Short brings over 15 years of multifaceted music industry experience to Cupid Theory, having built a career spanning live event production, tour management, regional promotions, and artist development. Throughout his career, Shelby Short has taken on touring roles alongside some of the most respected names in heavy music, including The Used, Falling In Reverse, PVRIS, among many others, and is bolstered by his work as a regional promoter operating across Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville markets.

Arriving with momentum behind them, Shelby Short's roster of Not Enough Space, Pretty Pity, Summer Hoop, and VCTMS join Cupid Theory as formidable forces in their respective rights. Not Enough Space surpassed 25 million streams on their debut record within four months and earned multiple festival slots at Louder Than Life, Welcome To Rockville, and Sonic Temple. Pretty Pity hit over 60 shows across a full US run in support of their debut EP, and will be performing at Summer School and Summerfest this year. Summer Hoop closed out 2025 with her highest-streaming song to date and is currently supporting Arankai on a handful of sold out shows. VCTMS hit one million streams in two weeks with the release of their latest EP and are currently direct support on a nearly sold out tour with Jiluka.

Founded by Kyle Hulett in 2021, Cupid Theory has grown into a powerhouse force within the music and entertainment industries, offering services spanning paid social advertising, CRM and e-commerce marketing, digital publicity, music distribution, and artist management. With Shelby Short's addition marking a significant expansion, Cupid Theory's management roster now proudly includes Attack Attack!, Colorblind, Kami Kehoe, Not Enough Space, Pretty Pity, Savage Hands, Summer Hoop, and VCTMS.

For Shelby Short, the move represents a natural next step in a career defined by versatility and a relentless drive to elevate the artists around him. Cupid Theory's newest addition, Shelby Short (Artist Manager) shares his excitement about what lies ahead:

"I’m excited to be a part of expanding an already incredible team at Cupid Theory. Can’t wait to see where our combined knowledge and resources will push the team as we continue to grow together!"

Speaking to the culture that has quietly become one of Cupid Theory's greatest strengths, Kyle Hulett, Founder of Cupid Theory, shares what makes Shelby Short's addition feel like such a defining moment for the company:

"Shelby is cut from the same cloth that all of us at Cupid Theory embody. Self-started empowerment of others, experience in many positions and unyielding dedication to his craft. I am deeply excited to welcome another one of our own to the table."

Shelby Short's appointment reflects Cupid Theory's continued momentum heading into 2026, as the company expands its focus on meaningful artist development and culturally resonant storytelling on a global scale.

LIGHTNING STRIKES Releases The King Is Victorious on Vinyl and Debut a Video for the Track Voices In My Head

The Los Angeles, CA based heavy metal outfit LIGHTNING STRIKES have released their sophomore album ‘The King Is Victorious’. 

Due to strong global CD sales, The King Is Victorious by Lightning Strikes will be released on vinyl on May 23, exclusively through eBay. The release will be accompanied by an official lyric video for “Voices in My Head.”

Beginning May 23, the original 1986 Lightning Strikes single featuring “Lottery Tickets” and “Lightning Strikes” will also become available worldwide across all major digital streaming and download platforms. A companion video for “Lottery Tickets” will premiere on YouTube.

Ebay Site: www.ebay.com/usr/lightningstrikesband

Voices In My Head (Video) Below:

Lottery Tickets (Video): youtu.be/34lQKWhl3lo

The original 1986 recording features:

Karpis Maksudian – Drums
Harout Khatchoyan – Vocals
Levon Zeytounzian – Lead Guitar
Cat Tate – Bass
John Harjo – Keyboards (Guest Musician)

In addition, the 2016 self-titled debut album, Lightning Strikes, will be released worldwide on all major digital platforms for streaming and purchase.

Featuring:
Karpis Maksudian – Drums
Rob Math – Lead Guitar
Cat Tate – Bass
Nando Fernandes – Vocals
Derek Sherinian – Keyboards (Guest Musician)

Stream the album: https://open.spotify.com/album/4De9sAG42xeTYm2Zxz2Hpt?si=JTiH1jZcRd-RRr_-SpRM6w

Originally formed in 1984, LIGHTNING STRIKES were the first metal band to feature an all Armenian-American line-up, well over a decade before the arrival of SYSTEM OF A DOWN. Co-founder Maksudian revived the name with new personnel a quarter century after the initial breakup recording the group's self-titled 2016 full-length debut with Brazilian vocalist Nando Fernandes (SINISTRA, HANGAR), the aforementioned Rob Math and Derek Sherinian, and former BLACK SABBATH vocalist, Tony Martin, who sang on and wrote the lyrics to 'Death Valley' and '301 AD Sins of Our Fathers'. Mixed by Roy Z, the album was well received and peaked on the Japanese Burrn! Magazine import charts at number 6.

Track Listing:

Fear Of Unknown

Voices In My Head

Clash Of Battalions

The King Is Victorious

Aim and Shoot

Lucid Dreams

New Beginning

Masquerade Suite (Instrumental)

Musicians:

Karpis Maksudian - Drums/USA

Shima Norifumi - Lead Guitar/Japan

Barry Sparks - Bass/USA

Mariano Gardella - Vocals/Germany

Derek Sherinian - Keyboards/USA

Producer: Karpis Maksudian

Engineer: Dario Mollo

Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lightningstrikesrocks/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lightningstrikesrocks/

X: x.com/lsrocksofficial

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@lightningstrikesofficial387

Power Metal Warriors WARKINGS Release Cover of "Live is Life" — WATCH + LISTEN

Power metal warriors WARKINGS celebrate their energetic shows with a new single: Their cover of "Live is Life" honors fellow Austrians Opus. Originally released in 1984, the song became an international hit. Similarly, WARKINGS stormed the top 10 of the German and Austrian charts with their latest album, Armageddon, released in the summer of 2025. Now, the quintet turns "Live is Life" into a power metal anthem with a charming '80s vibe — headbanging to this will leave you with a melody stuck in your head.

Of course, WARKINGS are using their new live anthem to expand their legions this summer. Their latest campaign will lead them to various European festival grounds—among them, Copenhell, Alcatraz, and Elbriot. Find the full list of dates below!

The Tribune about "Live is Life":
"When we forged our own WARKINGS version of 'Live is Life,' we never expected it to become such a massive anthem. But once we played it live on tour, our warriors and shield maidens in the crowd sang every word with us—and from that moment, we knew this song had become part of our battle hymn arsenal. The energy and the unity—it was impossible to ignore. This song belongs to our legion as much as to us."

Watch the Official Video for "Live is Life" Below:

Since their formation in 2018, WARKINGS have cemented their place in the power metal scene. They have conquered festival stages, played alongside legends like Powerwolf, Hammerfall, and Subway To Sally, and built a devoted fanbase that has chanted their anthems at Europe's biggest stages, including Wacken Open Air.

The five warriors in WARKINGS have once again taken up their weapons to bring the legends of their past to life with mighty power metal anthems. Each of them carries the memories of great battles within, and now, the time has come to unleash these stories upon the world alongside the indomitable sorceress Morgana le Fay. The band's fifth album, Armageddon, is a journey through some of history's most pivotal conquests—moments where warriors stood firm, empires crumbled, and the world was forever changed.

WARKINGS comment:
"Armageddon is not just the end — it's the moments in history that changed the world forever. This album is a tribute to the warriors and shieldmaidens who faced the battles that shaped their world."

Get Your Copy Of Armageddon NOW!

WARKINGS are:
The Tribune – Vocals
The Crusader – Guitar 
The Viking – Bass
The Spartan – Drums
Morgana le Fay – Vocals

HEY NOW Announces Marketing Team: McGreevy, Kane and Brown

After Closing Out Radio Panel in First Week with “Carry On” 
HEY NOW RECORDS ANNOUNCES MARKETING TEAM
Melissa McGreevy as Sr. Director, Digital Marketing
Samantha Kane as Director, Marketing
Aidan Brown Serves as Digital Marketing Coordinator
“Person-by-person, we are building HEY NOW with intentionality.
We’re trying to create a dream team who super-serves each aspect of our artist needs
…and in this rapidly evolving business, this is a team who understands artists first.”
-- Kris Lamb, HEY NOW President + Co-Founder

Photo Credit: David Bradley , Photo Credit: Zach Wesner  , Photo Courtesy of HEY NOW Records

About HEY NOW Records
HEY NOW is an independent record label founded by Clint Higham, Kenny Chesney, John Esposito and Kris Lamb. With an artist forward focus, the boutique label stresses individuality, development and creating a bridge between people seeking music that reflects their lives and artists seeking to connect from the inside out. Based in Nashville, HEY NOW deploys a team across all disciplines, including a promotion staff who work from passion and super serve the hand selected roster at radio, a streaming and digital marketing team focused on driving discovery and audience growth across platforms, and A&R executives who operate from their strengths and bring a diverse spectrum of musical influence. www.heynowrecords.com

About Melissa McGreevy, Sr. Director/Digital Marketing
Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, McGreevy’s digital marketing excellence at the CLEVER Influencer Marketing Agency, where she worked on key campaigns for global brands, including Amazon, Dove and the NFL Shop. Joining Warner Records in 2018, she created and executed data-driven campaigns across social media, fan engagement platforms, and direct email to expand artist connection; GRAMMY winner Ashley McBryde, Country Music Hall of Famer Randy Travis and Academy of Country Music New Female Artist of the Year Avery Anna are all beneficiaries of her work. She has been named a HITS Magazine Noisemaker and selected for MusicRow’s Next Big Thing Class of 2026.
 
About Samantha Kane, Director/Marketing
Kane began her career in 2019 at the Country Music Association. She joined Big Machine Label Group as Promotions Coordinator, rising through the organization to become their Marketing & Events Manager. Her ability to create marketing initiatives and events for the label’s artists attracted the attention of the Opry, who hired the Florida State graduate for their high-profile Artist and Industry Relations Manager role. At the Opry, Kane was tasked with driving and maximizing partnerships and engagement as well as creating new opportunities for the historic institution, its members and artists who play there.
 
About Aidan Brown, Coordinator/Digital Marketing
Aidan is a native of Philadelphia, Pa. He graduated summa cum laude from the University of Miami in December 2025 with a degree in Communication Studies and minors in Music Business and Cinematic Arts. Prior to graduation he interned with Big Machine Label Group (in Streaming) and PLAYDATE Management (with an emphasis on digital marketing).