Katerina Nicole Shares "Ladybug"Video

Katerina Nicole is the voice of a storm — a haunting presence where fragile whispers rise above crashing waves of sound and the thunderous weight of darkness. Her music exists in contrasts: delicate yet unrelenting, a dance of light and shadow, where beauty and brutality intertwine. Each song feels like a ritual, unraveling themes of transformation, resilience, and the quiet strength found in chaos With her 2025-issused debut EP, Serene in Violent Oceans, Katerina invited listeners into a world as turbulent as it is breathtaking, offering a glimpse of the beauty hidden within the storm.

Today, she returns with the video for the gorgeous and hauting new single "Ladybug."

Watch it below.


"'Ladybug' is for the ones who are still learning to carry the weight long after the goodbye," the artist says. "I really leaned into a punk-infused metalcore sound with this track — emotional and unapologetically raw. The song was fully written by me and brought to life alongside Jordan Chase in British Columbia, Canada. This release feels like a turning point creatively, and I'm excited to keep evolving my sound through the next push of music. I am currently looking to join a band full-time, grow my team, and push this energy even further — whatever form that takes."

Green Carnation Release New Video for Aching Ballad “Loneliness Untold, Loneliness Unfold”

Now, as they prepare to turn the page to the bold and resounding final chapter of A Dark Poem, Green Carnation are releasing a new video for the most raw and aching ballad from Part II. In a rare appearance, the band’s bassist and primary lyricist Stein Roger Sordal steps in front of the mic on “Loneliness Untold, Loneliness Unfold” with hopes of reaching a long-lost friend.  

“Obviously, this song is about loneliness, but more specifically, it’s about watching a very good and close friend gradually shut himself off from the rest of the world”, Sordal says. “It’s about sitting on the sidelines, watching it happen and not being able to do anything about it”.  

Watch the video for “Loneliness Untold, Loneliness Unfold” Below:

A Dark Poem, Part II: Sanguis is out now on Season of Mist.

Order & Stream

https://orcd.co/greencarnationsanguis

After reaching crushing new highs during its grand and gloomy opener, A Dark Poem, Part II: Sanguis reveals Green Carnation at their deepest, darkest and most vulnerable depths. Two decades have past since bassist and lyricist Stein Roger Sordal last took the lead on vocals, but he alone carries the burden of “Loneliness Untold, Loneliness Unfold”. Accompanied by little more than a somber guitar melody that unwinds like the slow passage of time, he delivers one of the most chilling ballads that the prog bards have ever penned. “Do you want to die?” he asks a reclusive friend. That his voice doesn’t waver in posing the question confirms his fear of already knowing the answer.

“The songs on Part II come as they are, with no filter”, Sordal says. “I needed to set these stories free and let them out”.

The video for “Loneliness Untold, Loneliness Unfold” was directed and edited by Rikard Amodei.

Additional video credits 

Camera - Stian Foss  

Green Carnation would like to extend a big thanks to Krafverk.    

Catch Green Carnation during their upcoming hometown shows and European summer festival dates.

Part II introduces more peaks and valleys into the overarching narrative of A Dark Poem, but nowhere does the album’s bleeding-heart core shine through more achingly than its closing ballad. Graced by Ingrid Ose’s soothing flute, “Lunar Tale” positively sparkles, even as it casts a rather grim beacon into the future. “The end justifies the means, you’ll see”, Nordhus sings with eerily quiet confidence. As the piano seeps beneath the moonlight, Sanguisleaves fans hanging in suspense over where this trilogy will end.  

Recording lineup
Kjetil Nordhus - Vocals
Stein Roger Sordal - Bass, Rhythm Guitars, Lead Guitars, Keyboards, Lead Vocals on "Loneliness Untold, Loneliness Unfold"
Bjørn Harstad - Lead Guitars, Effects
Endre Kirkesola - Keyboards, Synthesizers, Organs, Effects, Backing Vocals on "Lunar Tale"
Jonathan Alejandro Perez - Drums

Guest musicians
Ingrid Ose - Flute on "Lunar Tale"

Live lineup
Kjetil Nordhus - Vocals
Stein Roger Sordal - Bass
Tchort - Guitars
Bjørn Harstad - Guitars
Trond Breen - Guitars
Endre Kirkesola - Keyboards

Recording, Mixing & Mastering Studio
dUb Studio

Production Credits
Producers - Endre Kirkesola, Stein Roger Sordal, Kjetil Nordhus
Sound Engineers - Endre Kirkesola, Bjørn Harstad
Mixing engineer — Endre Kirkesola

Mixing assistant — Bjørn Harstad

Mastering Engineer — Lawrence Mackrory

Cover artist
Niklas Sundin

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

Available Formats
CD Digipack
12" Vinyl Gatefold (Black)
12" Vinyl Gatefold (Yellow and Red Marbled)
​12" Vinyl Gatefold (Orange and ​Coke Bottle Green)
12" Vinyl Gatefold (Gold Splatters)
12" Vinyl Gatefold (Silver, White and Black Marbled)
12" Vinyl Gatefold (Transparent Green and Purple Marbled)

Follow Green Carnation:
Bandcamp: https://greencarnationsom.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreenCarnationNorway
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/green2carnation/
Twitter (X): https://x.com/Green2Carnation
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2vfEaTADayEniT7xbG-XCA
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1ZaJhNBAhJ3HjPsWiB9sDc
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/artist/green-carnation/72866964
Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/artist/8192
Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/artist/23079

Legendary Heavy Metallers STRYPER Share New Single "I'm Alright (I'm Okay)" + Lyric Video

STRYPER returns with a powerful new single, 'I’m Alright (I’m Okay),' reaffirming why they remain one of the most influential and enduring bands in Christian metal. Decades into their career, the band continues to balance their unmistakable message with a sound that is every bit as commanding, melodic, and relevant as ever.

On the new single, Michael Sweet comments:

"This one is for the old school metal heads. It’s a little 1985 mixed with a little 1991, with a little 2026 sprinkled on top. It has all the qualities that you’ve come to expect from STRYPER, yet it also blends in perfectly with the times we live in. It’s a battle cry to stand strong and persevere no matter what, while believing that you will be alright, you will be okay!”

Watch the Lyric Video for "I'm Alright (I'm Okay)" Below:

Following the release of the new single, STRYPER is excited to be hitting the road beginning on June 5th in Anaheim, CA at the Grove of Anaheim. For a full list of dates, please see below.

STRYPER Live:

June 5th - Anaheim, CA @ Grove of Anaheim

June 6th - Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theatre

June 18th - Decatur, IL @ Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater

June 19th - St. Charles, IL @ Arcada Theatre

June 20th - Shipshewana, IN @ Blue Gate Performing Arts Center

July 17th - Arlington, TX @ Arlington Music Hall

July 18th - Houston, TX @ House of Blues

July 19th - San Antonio, TX @ Aztec Theatre

September 19th - Wissen, GER @ Loud and Proud Festival 2026

September 29th - Derry, NH @ Tupelo Music Hall

September 30th - Wantagh, NY @ Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall

October 3rd - Harrisburg, PA @ XL Live

October 4th - Warrendale, PA @ Jergel’s Rhythm Grille

October 6th - Marion, IL @ Marion Cultural and Civic Center

October 9th - Wisconsin Dells, WI @ Crystal Grand Music Theatre

October 10th - Green Bay, WI @ EPIC Event Center

October 12th - St. Louis, MO @ The Hawthorn

October 13th - Cincinnati, OH @ Bogart’s

October 15th - Nashville, TN @ The Cannery Mainstage

October 16th - Newton, NC @ Newton Performing Arts Center

October 19th - Jacksonville, FL @ FIVE

October 20th - Orlando, FL @ House of Blues

October 22nd - Atlanta, GA @ Center Stage

October 23rd - Liberty, SC @ Pickens County PAC

October 24th - Hopewell, VA @ Beacon Theatre

October 25th - Stroudsburg, PA @ Sherman Theater

December 5th - San Juan, PR @ Coca-Cola Music Hall

Stream / Listen to "I'm Alright (I'm Okay)" HERE

STRYPER are:

Michael Sweet - Lead Vocals/Lead & Rhythm Guitar

Robert Sweet - Drums & Percussion

Oz Fox - Vocals/Lead and Rhythm Guitar

Perry Richardson - Vocals/Bass

SWANWRITER Unveils Haunting And Heavy Single "the painted valley"

Inspired by the dark and gory historical figure, Blood Countess Elizabeth Bathory, SWANWRITER delivers a haunting and dynamic offering in the new single, "the painted valley". Hailing from Vancouver, BC, the progressive metal project is preparing to unveil the second full-length album, melodies of despair, on June 26, 2026.

In the late 16th and early 17th centuries, the Hungarian noblewoman was alleged to have killed hundreds of girls and women, and to have bathed in their blood. In "the painted valley", "The protagonist of the story is a young orphan girl who was taken in by a supposedly kind figure. At the end of the track, she found out that this was an evil witch who was secretly killing them to bathe in their blood", explains project founder Koda.

A solo piano arrangement opens "the painted valley". The music suddenly shifts into a waltz, the piano now joined by a pair of acoustic guitars. A heavy explosion manifests as drums and distorted electric guitars arrive, building the intensity of the sound. Powerful and atmospheric, the shadows descend as harsh vocals growl into life.   

The genre-fusion continues throughout the track's progressive compositional style. Falsetto vocals await in the chorus with a string trio creating an eerie layer beneath, before returning to the heavy onslaught. Followed by a minimalist arrangement of classical guitar and piano, "the painted valley" arrives at a foreboding end. SWANWRITER presents a thoroughly compelling display of light and shade through intricate, considered progressive instrumental arrangements. Across melodies of despair, SWANWRITER balances chaos and calm through explorations of dark and emotional narratives.  

melodies of despair was produced and mixed by Koda, mastered by Roland Rodas, and features cover artwork by 無た｡ / muta.

About SWANWRITER:
  SWANWRITER is a dark progressive metal project based in Vancouver, British Columbia, created and performed entirely by the anonymous multi-instrumentalist known as Koda. Formed in 2023, the project emerged from a desire to merge progressive metal songwriting with classical composition, atmospheric storytelling, and emotionally driven arrangements.

Having studied classical piano from an early age before later discovering extreme metal, Koda developed SWANWRITER as a space to explore long-form composition without stylistic limitation. The music draws influence from progressive and experimental metal alongside classical composers such as Bach, Beethoven, and Chopin, resulting in compositions that emphasize dynamics, texture, and narrative pacing.

SWANWRITER debuted with There is a darkness in June 2023, establishing a sound centered on extended song structures, melodic development, and cinematic atmosphere. Rather than focusing on technical exhibition, the project prioritizes mood, storytelling, and cohesion across full-length releases.

Themes throughout SWANWRITER’s work often intersect with psychological horror, melancholy, and introspection, shaped in part by inspiration from horror games, film soundtracks, and dark ambient music. Each release is approached as a complete artistic statement, with careful attention given to sequencing, emotional progression, and sonic detail.

Operating independently, SWANWRITER remains a studio-focused project, with future ambitions that include composing music for horror and narrative-driven media.

Connect with SWANWRITER:

Bandcamp: https://swanwriter.bandcamp.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swanwritermusic/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/swanwritermusic/
X / Twitter: https://x.com/swanwritermusic
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@swanwriter
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6unE9CWOXt5c4UIiaHD5RR
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/swanwriter/1686779640
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@swanwritermusic

THE NEAL AGENCY SIGNS LANDON WILKS

As Landon Wilks prepares to release his debut EP, Young and Restless,  on the heels of his breakthrough single “Leave Me Be,” the Mississippi native has signed with The Neal Agency (TNA) for booking.
 
"Joining the Neal Agency is something I'm really excited about. From their globally recognized artists, to the new up-and-comers, the attention to detail at every level is unmatched,” says Wilks. “That kind of care across the board doesn't happen everywhere, and it says a lot about who they are. I know they're going to be a huge factor in my career, especially when it comes to touring.”
 
Speaking on the signing, TNA Agent Juliette Edwards shares, “Landon brings a rare level of vulnerability and honesty to his songwriting. From the first listen, it’s clear he’s an artist carving out a lane entirely his own.”
 
“We are so excited to work with Landon. He has a uniquely raw sound, and the grit in his voice lets you know exactly who he is the moment he starts singing,” TNA Agent Evan Kantor adds. “We’re looking forward to helping him share his authentic storytelling with the masses throughout his touring career.”
 
Since releasing his debut single, Wilks has earned a reputation for his honest songwriting and emotionally driven sound. Rooted in real-life experiences, Wilks’s music blends heartfelt storytelling with a modern edge, creating songs that feel both personal and universally relatable. His ability to capture raw emotion with simplicity and authenticity has quickly built a loyal and growing fanbase.
 
Wilks has brought his music to audiences nationwide through touring, including dates with Waylon Wyatt, where he continued to sharpen his live performance and expand his reach. Known for his natural stage presence and genuine connection with fans, Wilks delivers performances that balance intimacy and energy—making him a strong fit for clubs, festivals and brand-aligned live events. 
 
With a sound that sits comfortably between modern country and contemporary pop, Wilks continues to carve out his own lane—driven by authenticity, strong melodies and stories that stay with listeners long after the show ends.
 
In addition to Wilks, TNA’s roster proudly represents ADHD, Palmer Anthony, Cameron Sacky Band, Aidan Canfield, Preston Cooper, Country Night, ERNEST, Riley Green, Jacob Hackworth, HARDY, Preston James, Zach John King, Rob Langdon, Ella Langley, Cody Lohden, McCoy Moore, Chase Rice, Josh Ross, Rhys Rutherford, Schmitty, Seaforth, Nate Smith, Will Terry, Morgan Wallen, Ole 60, Chandler Walters, Lauren Watkins, Matthew West, Kenny Whitmire, Anne Wilson, Scott Wolverton, Jake Worthington and Bailey Zimmerman, along with entertainment brand Whiskey Jam. 

Portland's Wooden Overcoat serves potent psych-pop on debut "Hello Sunbeam" EP

Portland dreampop outfit Wooden Overcoat presents their debut "Hello Sunbeam" EP, a sweet spot where lo-fi garage psych meets 90s shoegaze, all anchored by layered harmonies and an evocatively intimate vocal delivery. The focus track "Heaven Right Now" is a reverb-soaked desert psych-rock track about hidden emotional fractures, shared suffering, and how people quietly break under pressure.

Wooden Overcoat is the sonic brainchild of multi-instrumentalist Brant Hajek, having returned to music after a hiatus, recording songs he'd written in his late teens. What started as a practice in self-production transformed into a deep creative obsession with soundscapes and gear. Recording in a rented basement, Hajek built the foundation of the EP through spontaneous experimentation—often veering away from planned sessions to follow sudden bursts of inspiration.

"Recording this EP almost ruined my life, and I hope it sounds like it. Each song is its own little world, in which I lost myself. With childlike wonder, exploring concepts and sounds, I was inspired to make something new each time just to keep the wheel turning. I loved the feeling of momentum, knowing I was creating something out of thin air and maybe grabbing ahold of something slippery and evasive. There’s a feeling of satisfaction I can’t compare to anything else that I get when listening back to something fresh," says Brant Hajek.

"Over countless hours tinkering away with mics, pedals, amps, preamps, and the overall process of tracking and layering guitars, I wanted to make something that sounds old but fresh. I want something that sounds warm and dense, but somehow also airy. I think I achieved that. The curse of any recording artist is wishing you could go back and do it all differently. But instead of beating it to death, I want people to hear the rawness of the result of someone finally figuring out how to a make a record."

Hajek’s creative process is a deeply personal, layered journey towards the spark that turns an emotionally restless melodies into finished pieces. While he himself performed every instrument on thise EP, Wooden Overcoat is now a full band, bringing these tunes to the stage. With Hajek on guitar and lead vocals, he is joined by bassist Dillon Glusker, guitarist Mac and drummer Brian Levin.

The band debuted with the shimmering single "Home", enveloping the senses in a reverb-drenched sanctuary, blending in sun-drenched textures and a wash of tape echo and reverb, followed by "Finally Arrived" with its viscous guitars, slow thudding drums, rhythmic trance-like pulse and dreamy soundscape.  A tapestry of personal mourning and romantic friction, at its core, it examines the delicate nature of human connection, lamenting a cultural tendency to view individuals as replaceable assets.

The video for both singles were created by Italian multi-arts visionary Francesca Bonci, well known for her work with The Dandy Warhols, Pete International Airport and Slowdive's Rachel Goswell, LA's Tombstones In Their Eyes, Federale (The Brian Jonestown Massacre's Collin Hegna), post-rock outfit The Quality of Mercury, and iconic British bard Philip Parfitt.

"This EP was written at a dark time in my life. My mother was diagnosed with cancer, the world was flipped on its head and never really recovered, political turmoil and conflicts overseas dominated the collective conscious, and it profoundly affected me. My relationship was suffering from cumulative stress and I can now see how it came through in what I created. Themes of beauty that doesn’t last, self-sabotage, dissociation, cynicism, and desire for connection but feeling removed from it," says Hajek.

"To me this album is about romanticism vs. reality. “Hello Sunbeam” is something I might say to myself when I’m having a bad day, joking about how grumpy I’m being. But it’s also something I might say when I look outside to see the clouds are parting for a bit and maybe things don’t have to be so dreary."

The name Wooden Overcoat—an old Americana euphemism for a coffin—hints at the project’s core philosophy: a playful balance of moody, mystical imagery with light-hearted humor. Hajek’s creative process is personal, the rough versions eventually coalescing into vivid, emotionally resonant themes. In contrast, this music is vibrant, creating a fantastic dreamlike environment for lovers of life.

The "Hello Sunbeam" EP is available from digital platforms everywhere, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp.

CREDITS
Written, recorded, mixed and mastered by Brant Hajek
Performed by Brant Hajek
Recorded in a house in Portland, Oregon
Only humans made this art
Cover art + photo by Brant Hajek
Band photos by Brett Chauncey
Videos by Francesca Bonci 
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR


Keep up with Wooden Overcoat
Bandcamp | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | Booking contact | Press contact

Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
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THROWLIGHT Unveil Dark And Ruthless Video For Their Track, "Monster"

Modern, genre-fusing act THROWLIGHT delve into the realms of horror with a gory music video for their track "Monster". The single is taken from the band's 2024 full-length offering, Monster.

Juxtaposing clean tones and fierce distortion, THROWLIGHT deliver a thrilling dynamic offering in "monster". Heavy rhythms and pounding percussion unleash power alongside aggressive harsh vocal performances. With the track's verses situated in the realms of rap metal, the movement and intensity rises and falls throughout. Showcasing further musical styles, the chorus presents a softer and lighter touch bringing an even darker twist to the track's narrative. 

Granted exclusive permission to film at The 17th Door in Buena Park, CA., home to an extreme haunt experience, the video for "Monster" was shot in a single 13-hour session. 

"Monster" was directed by Matthew Hersh, with Lucas Pitassi as director of photography. Starring LeeAnna Vamp, Gigi Gustin, Chelsea Cook, and Michelle Dee, the video was filmed on location at The 17th Door in Buena Park, CA.

About THROWLIGHT:

Hailing from South Orange County, THROWLIGHT cultivate a dynamic, genre-fusing sound from the diverse musical backgrounds of its members. Drawing from across punk, metal, rap, and hardcore, this fusion results in a unique style that combines heavy grooves, catchy leads, and rap verses designed to keep listeners' heads swinging. 

Inspired by iconic acts, notably DEFTONES, RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, FAITH NO MORE, ICE CUBE, THE OFFSPRING, LINKIN PARK, the band's deep established bonds, having known each other since childhood, also infiltrate their stylistic sound. 

THROWLIGHT emerged through Kevin Betz and Chris Ellis joining to create a metal band, with underground rapper Rocom stepping up as lead vocalist. The addition of Rocom's longtime collaborator in rap, King of Somewhere, finalized the band's distinctive sound as he introduced his synth sounds leading to a blend of hip-hop with a heavy metal soundscape. THROWLIGHT unveiled their debut album Monster independently in 2024. 

VITHIAL Premieres Debut Album 'Awakened Ancient Spirits' At Black Metal Promotion

VITHIAL unleashes the shadows with the premiere of the forthcoming debut full length Awakened Ancient Spirits at Black Metal Promotion. Experience the divine darkness ahead of the album's official release on June 5, 2026.

VITHIAL shares, "Vithial awakens. It is an honor to be featured alongside so many great bands, and for that I am thankful. Thank you to anyone who has supported Vithial thus far, I’m stoked to share this with you all. Check it out on Black Metal Promotion."

Listen to Awakened Ancient Spirits Below:

Awakened Ancient Spirits is a collection of stories exploring the perils of existence, the evils of mankind, occult themes, spirituality, and the cycles of life, death, and creation. The album examines nature, consciousness, and mythological narratives involving spirits, gods, divine beings, and mortals within a dark fantasy framework.

The album pays tribute to the sound and atmosphere of 1990s black and death metal while presenting a personal interpretation shaped by modern songwriting sensibilities. Mystic guitar tones, forceful rhythms, fierce vocal delivery, and restrained symphonic elements define the sonic identity across the record.

METALITE Unveil Discovery Album Details and Release New Single “In Case Of Emergency”

Swedish melodic metal force METALITE returns with their most ambitious and cinematic chapter yet: Discovery! Set for release on September 25, 2026 via Perception – A Division Of Reigning Phoenix Music, the forthcoming album sees the band pushing their futuristic vision further than ever before. Following the success of their previously released singles “Our Time Has Come” and “Starchild”, METALITE now unveils full details of the new record alongside the release of their brand new single “In Case Of Emergency”.

Driven by powerful melodies, heavy rhythms, pounding guitar riffs and METALITE’s signature fusion of futuristic soundscapes and electrifying metal energy, “In Case Of Emergency” delivers another thrilling glimpse into the sonic universe of Discovery. Accompanied by a brand new visualizer video, the track combines dynamic riffing, cinematic synth layers and the unmistakable vocal performance of Erica Ohlsson into a modern melodic metal anthem packed with energy and emotion.

Guitarist, producer, songwriter and founder Edwin Premberg comments:

“In Case Of Emergency is a true banger driven by a heavy rhythm and crushing chugging guitars. But beneath the intensity, it carries a powerful message about always being there for someone, no matter the time or place. It’s a song that hits hard both musically and emotionally, raw, melodic, and made to be felt.”
 

Stream “In Case Of Emergency” Below:

Mixed and mastered by acclaimed Danish producer Jacob Hansen (Volbeat, Evergrey, Amaranthe), Discovery pushes METALITE’s futuristic vision further than ever before. Across twelve dynamic tracks, the album explores themes of human evolution, technology, survival, liberation and hope in a universe shaped by digital realities and cosmic exploration in the year of 2058, three years after humanity left a collapsing Earth in search of a new beginning.

Building upon the sonic worlds established on Heroes in Time (2017), Biomechanicals (2019), A Virtual World (2021) and Expedition One (2024), the band once again proves why they are regarded as pioneers of modern sci-fi-inspired melodic metal!

Pre-Order Discovery HERE:
https://metalite.rpm.link/discoveryPR

ABOUT METALITE
Formed in 2015 by guitarist Edwin Premberg and vocalist Emma Bensing, the band quickly gained recognition for its fresh and modern take on melodic metal and their 2017 debut album Heroes in Time set the stage for METALITE’s rise.

In 2019, the band entered a new era with Biomechanicals, marking the debut of vocalist Erica Ohlsson. With an even more refined sound, the album embraced electronic elements and pulsating rhythms, elevating METALITE’s futuristic vision, further solidifying the band’s reputation as innovators in the genre.

Their evolution continued with A Virtual World in 2021, an album that expanded on their sci-fi themes while delivering massive soundscapes and powerful melodies.

With Expedition One (2024), METALITE embarked on their most ambitious project to date. A visionary concept album set in the year 2055, it tells the story of a renegade team searching for a new world, exploring themes of human evolution, technology, and survival.

In 2024, the band welcomed drummer Erik Junttila to the lineup, bringing new energy and power to their sound. His premiere gig with the band took place in Linköping at the beginning of 2025, marking an exciting new chapter in METALITE’s journey. Since then, they completed several tours with bands like PAIN, LEAVES’ EYES and the NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA and played at several festivals, including Sweden Rock and Masters of Rock.

With millions of streams and a growing global fanbase, METALITE continues to redefine the future of melodic metal. Their fusion of cutting-edge sound design, anthemic choruses, and sci-fi-inspired storytelling has set them apart, proving that their journey is far from over. Stay tuned - a new discovery awaits!

More on METALITE:
Website
Instagram
Facebook
Spotify

Sueco + Jeris Johnson Want to Know: "Are You Entertained?"

After a little "Will they or won't they?" back-and-forth drama on social media, alt-rock disruptors Sueco and Jeris Johnson are officially joining forces for their explosive new single, "ARE YOU ENTERTAINED?" — a high-voltage collaboration years in the making from two of alternative music's most unpredictable and boundary-pushing voices. 

Watch the video below.

The release arrives during a major creative run for Sueco, who recently continued his momentum with "REARRANGING SCARS," featured in the latest installment of the iconic Scream franchise, further cementing his crossover appeal across music, film, and pop culture. He also recently teamed up with blackbear on the standout collaboration "ENEMY," showcasing yet another side of his rapidly evolving sound. Following the success of his independently released album era and multiple headlining runs, Sueco continues to establish himself as one of alternative music’s defining breakout stars.

Meanwhile, Johnson has been on a relentless rise of his own. Fresh off a successful North American headlining tour, Jeris has continued to dominate with a string of viral anthems including "Hell Yeah Brother," "All My Friends" with Hollywood Undead, and his latest release "BANGDYBANG." Known for fusing internet-breaking energy with arena-sized rock production, Jeris has become one of the loudest and most uncompromising voices in the modern rock space.

Alongside the release of "ARE YOU ENTERTAINED?," fans can expect a wave of additional announcements throughout 2026 as Sueco and Jeris Johnson prepare to unveil even more collaborative music, content, and live experiences together. With both artists entering massive new chapters in their careers, this release marks the beginning of what promises to be one of the most exciting partnerships in alternative music.
 
Platinum-certified singer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Sueco walks the line between musical styles fearlessly and without a net. Emerging from the first wave of digitally native breakout artists, he initially garnered widespread attention with a string of viral releases and RIAA-certified records, establishing himself as a versatile songwriter with cross-genre appeal. Since then, he has deliberately redefined his artistic direction, positioning himself at the forefront of a new generation of alternative artists bridging rock, punk, and metal influences with contemporary production.

With a new full-length project forthcoming, Sueco is entering a defining chapter of his career. He has global tour plans through 2027, which will be revealed in due course. As he continues to refine and scale his sound, Sueco stands poised to solidify his position within the modern rock landscape and extend his reach across both alternative and mainstream audiences. Outlets like Nylon, Billboard, and Rolling Stone have already taken note.

Chilean Guitarist And Composer BAXTY Unveils New Performance Film, 'BAXTY Live Session'

Chilean guitarist and composer BAXTY has released the new performance video, BAXTY Live Session. Joined by Jaime Pape on bass and drummer Martin Alvares, the new film showcases the technical prowess of BAXTY's independent 2024 EP release, Event Horizon. 

Performing the four-track EP in full, the BAXTY Live Session brings BAXTY's immersive, genre-fusion compositions to life with a complete band line-up. The highly textural instrumental offering traverses through dynamic, enthralling and turbulent passages of ferocious intensity and soaring melodies. 

The interplay of light and shade across BAXTY's songwriting sees cinematic atmospheres constructed with ethereal orchestral instruments and electrifying synths. The grounding, rhythmic aggression from metal arrangements injects a heaviness into the sound while progressive elements ensure a continuous sense of intrigue as to what awaits next. 

Watch the video Below:

About BAXTY:

Based out of Santiago, Chile, the solo project BAXTY emerged in 2022 driven by Bastian "Baxty" Martinez's need to find his own voice while seeking to connect the melodic and the aggressive. BAXTY draws heavily from cinematic sound design and immersive musical experiences, alongside an exploration of self-expression, artistic freedom and emotional storytelling. 

Blending intricate and progressive technical guitars with impressive soundscapes and emotive narratives, BAXTY takes inspiration from across a wealth of heavy music genres and styles into his distinctive compositions. Influences in BAXTY's sound derive from an array of bands notably, DREAM THEATER, THE CONTORTIONIST, ALICE IN CHAINS, PANTERA and PINK FLOYD. 

In 2024, BAXTY independently released the debut EP Event Horizon and collaborated with Jordan Rudess (DREAM THEATER) performing guitar solos on "Into the Lair" and "Embers" from his album Permission to Fly. In the same year, BAXTY took to the stage opening for BABYMETAL in Chile during their Knotfest sideshow and opened two nights for DREAM THEATER at Movistar Arena, the largest indoor venue in Chile. In 2025, BAXTY performed at Guitar Universe Camp on invite from John Petrucci, and BAXTY launched The Baxty Signature Guitar model with Kiesel Guitars.


BAXTY is:

Baxty — Guitar / Composition
Jaime Pape — Bass
Martin Alvares — Drums

MESHUGGAH Announce Remastered Anniversary Editions of Destroy Erase Improve and Catch Thirtythree

Swedish extreme metal architects MESHUGGAH announce the release of newly remastered anniversary editions of two of the band’s most important works: Destroy Erase Improve: 30th Anniversary Edition and Catch Thirtythree: 20th Anniversary Edition. Both titles will be available on vinyl, CD digipack, and digitally, featuring the original album artwork and newly remastered audio. Both editions will be released on July 24th, 2026 via Reigning Phoenix Music. 

The releases follow their limited Record Store Day editions, which arrived this April with alternate/reimagined cover art. For these wider anniversary editions, MESHUGGAH return both albums to their original visual identities while preserving the enhanced, remastered sound created for this milestone campaign.

Originally released in 1995, Destroy Erase Improve marked a decisive turning point not only for MESHUGGAH, but for the future of heavy music itself. The album introduced a sharpened and unmistakable version of the band’s evolving language: machine-like rhythmic precision, dissonant riff architecture, jazz-fusion flashes, and a level of technical control that would become foundational to progressive, extreme, math, and djent-adjacent metal in the decades that followed. Widely regarded as one of the defining metal albums of the 1990s, Destroy Erase Improve remains a blueprint for the sound MESHUGGAH would make entirely their own.

To accompany Destroy Erase Improve: 30th Anniversary Edition, the remastered single “Future Breed Machine” has been released, spotlighting one of the album’s most iconic and enduring tracks.

Pre-order the Destroy Erase Improve: 30th Anniversary Edition here: https://meshuggah.rpm.link/destroy30PR

A decade later, MESHUGGAH pushed their vision even further with Catch Thirtythree. Released in 2005, the album stands as one of the band’s most singular statements: a continuous 47-minute composition divided into 13 movements, built around hypnotic repetition, shifting rhythmic illusions, crushing eight-string guitar work, and an atmosphere that remains uniquely immersive within the band’s catalog. Self-produced by MESHUGGAH, Catch Thirtythree also marked the band’s only full-length album built with programmed drums, using Toontrack’s Drumkit From Hell technology as part of its stark, futuristic design.

In celebration of Catch Thirtythree: 20th Anniversary Edition, the remastered track “Shed” has been released on all streaming platforms. 

Pre-order the Catch Thirtythree: 20th Anniversary Edition here: https://meshuggah.rpm.link/catch20PR

Both anniversary editions reaffirm the lasting impact of MESHUGGAH’s work across generations of heavy music. From the genre-redefining force of Destroy Erase Improve to the monolithic conceptual scope of Catch Thirtythree, these remastered releases offer longtime followers and new listeners alike the chance to experience two essential chapters in the band’s history with renewed clarity and weight.

Destroy Erase Improve: 30th Anniversary Edition and Catch Thirtythree: 20th Anniversary Edition will be available on vinyl, CD digipack, and digital formats on July 24th. 

About MESHUGGAH:
 

Formed in Umeå, Sweden in 1987, MESHUGGAH have spent more than three decades redefining the outer limits of heavy music. Known for their groundbreaking use of complex polyrhythms, down-tuned guitars, dissonant atmospheres, and surgically precise execution, the band has become one of the most influential forces in extreme and progressive metal.

Across their catalog, MESHUGGAH have continually pushed their sound forward, from the technical thrash foundations of their earliest work to the genre-altering breakthroughs of Destroy Erase Improve, Chaosphere, Nothing, Catch Thirtythree, obZen, and beyond. Their music has had a profound impact on modern metal, inspiring generations of artists and helping shape the rhythmic vocabulary later associated with the djent movement, while remaining unmistakably singular in vision and execution.

Rather than following trends, MESHUGGAH have built an entire language of their own: mechanical yet human, cerebral yet crushing, and as hypnotic as it is devastating. With a reputation for uncompromising innovation and formidable live performances, MESHUGGAH continue to stand as one of the most original, challenging, and revered bands in heavy music.

Connect with MESHUGGAH:

Omen//Skye Release New Single + Video "Cry the White Lie"

Maryland Modern Metalcore Band Unleashes Cinematic New Anthem Exploring Self-Deception and Accountability

 

Maryland-based metalcore outfit Omen//Skye have released their powerful new single and music video, “Cry the White Lie.” Blending crushing heaviness, cinematic atmosphere, and emotionally driven songwriting, the track showcases the band’s signature balance of intricate riffs, melodic hooks, and raw intensity.

 

“Cry the White Lie” explores the tension between self-deception and accountability, diving into the quiet lies people tell themselves to justify who they’ve become, the reality of the world around them, and the inevitable breaking point where those illusions begin to collapse.

 

“Crying out against the lies we're told day after day. No longer will we remain complacent,” the band shares about the track.

 

Drawing influence from both classic and modern metalcore while maintaining a distinct identity of their own, Omen//Skye continue building momentum through high-impact live performances and a growing catalog of emotionally charged releases. “Cry the White Lie” further cements the band’s ability to fuse cinematic soundscapes with aggressive, hook-driven songwriting that resonates long after the song ends.

 

Mixed and mastered by Drew Licurgo and Six:Eight Audio, the single delivers a polished yet punishing sound that highlights the band’s dynamic approach to modern heavy music. The release is distributed via Arson Theory and managed by Core Collective Talent Agency.

 

STREAM "Cry the White Lie" HERE

WATCH "Cry The White Lie" (Official Lyric Video) Below:

OMEN/Skye:

Nick Troisi - Lead Vocals

Joshua Grzywacz - Vocals / Rhythm Guitar

Dillon Thatcher - Drums

Dominic Buie - Bass

Brian Baugus - Lead Guitar

 

UPCOMING TOUR DATES:

July 11th @ Peabody Brewing in Baltimore, MD (Beef & Beer & Beatdowns Wrestling Festival)

 

 For More Information Please Visit:

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

ZORNHEYM Unleash Epic Album Opener "Deus Rex"; "Descending Into Madness" Out October 2 via Noble Demon!

Swedish symphonic metal visionaries ZORNHEYM present their second single and music video "Deus Rex", taken from their upcoming studio album Descending Into Madness, set for release on October 2nd via Noble Demon.

Following the first glimpse into the new chapter with "Somewhere Far Beyond", the band now unveils a track that opens the album in a fast, heavy and cinematic way. "Deus Rex"serves as the prologue to the wider narrative of Descending Into Madness and dives deeper into the dark history of the Zornheim asylum universe.

 

Watch the video for "Deus Rex" Below:

Stream the single HERE

"We knew we wanted a fast, heavy-hitting epic as the opener for Descending Into Madness",says mastermind Zorn. "The first idea that came to mind was an unreleased Devian song that was originally written for the third album. So this track is co-written with Emil Dragutinovic (ex-Marduk, ex-Devian, ex-The Legion). It started from his original idea, blended with some of mine. We kept the core spirit of it but fully ‘Zornheymified’ the song - I wrote new parts, and Scucca added the choir break. The result absolutely rips."

He continues: "From a story perspective, this song serves as the prologue to the entire prequel. It takes us back to a time when the asylum functioned as a field hospital during the Thirty Years’ War, and to the dreadful night when a group of deserters were brutally executed by the shores of Sêlasee (the lake near the asylum) and hanged from the old oak. It also briefly touches on the period when the place served as a sanatorium for the dying."

With Descending Into Madness, ZORNHEYM continue to expand their elaborate narrative universe centered around the infamous Zornheim asylum. Each release adds new layers to a story that blurs the line between horror, history and madness - where it is never entirely clear who the real inmates are.

Formed in Stockholm by multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Zorn (ex-Dark Funeral), ZORNHEYM have built their identity on the fusion of symphonic metal, cinematic orchestration and melodic death metal influences. Their work is further enhanced by visual storytelling, graphic novels and short-film-style music videos, turning each release into a multi-dimensional experience.

 

Descending Into Madness will be coming out on October 2nd via Noble Demon and is available for pre-order at THIS LOCATION. The album will be available in a variety of exclusive formats, including colored marbled vinyl, a limited Collector's Edition CD, a Digipak, and an A5 book.

 

For More Information Please Visit:

Instagram

Facebook

Bandcamp

https://linktr.ee/nobledemon

Future Palace Announce New Album "Resurgence" + Share "Resurge" Video

Germany's FUTURE PALACE are thrilled to announce their forthcoming fourth album RESURGENCE. It arrives July 31 via Century Media. Pre-order it here. 

The album is a powerful exploration of isolation, inner conflict, and the struggle to rebuild oneself. Blending post-hardcore intensity with cinematic electronics, soaring melodies, and crushing breakdowns, the Berlin trio dives deep into themes of depression, doubt, and emotional transformation.

Ultimately, Resurgence captures the fragile moment where despair slowly turns into strength — and is proof of the redemptive power of music.

Alongside the album announcement, the band invites fans and listeners to dive deep into their world with the video for the new single "RESURGE." Watch it Below.

The track finds the band playing with nu metal textures and buzzsaw riffs, retaining their ear worm hooks and signature sonic swells.
Vocalist Maria Lessing displays her multi-layered vocals talents, effortlessly shifting from scaled-the-bowels-of-hell screams to stunningly sweet melodic bursts.

"Musically, 'Resurge' felt very nu metal right from the start when writing it," says guitarist Manuel Kohlert." So you can call it another experiment since we didn't do that kind of music yet. Sidenote: When writing the instrumental I had a Japanese video game in mind, which I really liked as a kid, the soundtrack was also phenomenal. It is called 'Solatorobo.'"

Lessing weighs in, saying, "This song is about doubting everything and every decision you’ve made so far in your life. Thinking about what it would be like if you would completely restart and be a totally different person — but also sacrifice everything and everyone you have in your life currently. It’s supposed to convey deep despair and self-doubt. What would life be like, if you were reborn today?"

She furthers, "It also picks up the music video story from our previous release 'Deep Blue.' At the end of the video, the crew of the submarine gets lost in the ocean, after the submarine sank. Their old friend, the siren, which attacked them because of a misunderstanding, welcomes them again in a new world, but the submarine crew has to sacrifice their human form to survive and become a new creature."

Lessing finishes, "Musically, this song a strong nu metal energy, which has a nostalgic, but also modern feeling to it. It's supposed to catch you but also portray the despair of the message, which I find the chorus represents best."

Future Palace will spend the bulk of 2026 touring, with festival appearances and a fall tour on deck. All dates are below, including a return to the U.S. to appear at the Louder Than Life Festival in Louisville in September.

FUTURE PALACE ON TOUR:
FESTIVALS + SPECIALS:
6/13 — Nickelsdorf, Austria — Nova Rock
6/21 — Dessel, Belgium — Graspop Metal Meeting
6/26 — Leipzig, Germany — Impericon Festival
6/27 — Münster, Germany — Vainstream Rockfest
7/29–8/1 — Wacken, Germany — Wacken Open Air
8/6 — Dortmund, Germany — Junkyard (w/ The Ghost Inside)
8/7 — Villena, Spain — Leyendas del Rock
8/8 — Cercoux, France — Festival 666
8/12–8/15 — Dinkelsbühl, Germany — Summer Breeze
8/13–8/15 — Sulingen, Germany — Reload Festival
8/16 — Cudrefin, Switzerland — Rock The Lakes
9/20 — Louisville, KY — Louder Than Life
 
DEEP BLUE TOUR 2026:
9/29 — Warsaw, Poland — Hydrozagadka
10/1 — Helsinki, Finland — Tavastia
10/2 — Jyväskylä, Finland — Tanssisali Lutakko
10/4 — Gothenburg, Sweden — Pustervik
10/5 — Oslo, Norway — John Dee
10/6 — Copenhagen, Denmark — Pumpehuset
10/8 — Hamburg, Germany — Markthalle
10/9 — Amsterdam, Netherlands — Melkweg
10/10 — Cologne, Germany — E-Werk
10/11 — Sint-Niklaas, Belgium — De Casino
10/13 — Stuttgart, Germany — Im Wizemann (Halle)
10/14 — Frankfurt, Germany — Batschkapp
10/16 — Hanover, Germany — Faust
10/17 — Berlin, Germany — Festsaal Kreuzberg
11/2 — Essen, Germany — Zeche Carl
11/4 — London, England — The Garage
11/5 — Manchester, England — Manchester Academy 3
11/6 — Glasgow, Scotland — Slay
11/7 — Leeds, England — The Key Club
11/9 — Paris, France — Backstage by the Mill
11/10 — Lyon, France — Le Marché Gare
11/12 — Milan, Italy — Legend Club
11/13 — Zurich, Switzerland — Jugendkulturhaus Dynamo (Saal)
11/14 — Budapest, Hungary — Barba Negra
11/18 — Prague, Czech Republic — Rock Café
11/19 — Munich, Germany — Backstage (Werk)
11/20 — Nuremberg, Germany — Z-Bau

FUTURE PALACE ARE:
Maria Lessing — Vocals
Manuel Kohlert — Guitar
Johannes  Früchtenicht — Drums

The Toxhards Return With A Funk Song About Depression "ALLIGATOR CROCODILE"

Theatrical alt-rock oddities, The Toxhards, have today released their latest track, "ALLIGATOR CROCODILE", a wickedly catchy single revolving around existential dread and funky basslines, out now via Hopeless Records. Arriving as their first track since the release of their ambitious concept record, "Your Neighborhood", this latest single is a joyful gut-punch that proves that The Toxhards can make you dance and devastate you at the same time. Fans can listen to "ALLIGATOR CROCODILE" HERE.

Filmed at their most recent sold-out Denver show, the music video for "ALLIGATOR CROCODILE" opens with the band tearing through the venue before the whole room becomes a collective fever dream. Gloriously unhinged and sing-along ready, this new video encapsulates The Toxhards live experience, a rare moment where a room full of strangers walk out as lifelong friends. Fans can watch the brand new video Below.

With the kind of disarming honesty that make The Toxhards so hard to look away from, Alan Powers pulls the curtain on how "ALLIGATOR CROCODILE" came to light:

"“ALLIGATOR CROCODILE” is a danceable suicide note. 

During a nasty battle with depression during our fall tour of 2025, I had this overwhelming feeling of phoniness; that every happy fan I met at our shows would actually hate me if they got to truly know me, that all my friends were just around me as a result of a sunk-cost fallacy. These feelings stemmed from unresolved traumatic events from several years ago. I wrote these confessions into a small notebook while on tour, and they somehow became the backbone of the song’s lyrics.

Coming off the ambitious concept album that was Your Neighborhood, we wanted to write something fun and upbeat, and this song went through a lot of iterations before we settled on the dancy, dare I say FUNKY (suburban, butter-and-salt-less funk?) Talking-Heads-inspired groove throughout the song. It’s an insane amalgamation of this joy we felt making the song, married with the most vulnerable lyrics I’ve ever written."

Armed with songs about hog gods, suburbia-induced panic, and love stories that fray at the edges, The Toxhards are continuing their Get Destructive Tour like a thirty-seven stop live wire experiment in how far they can push a rock show before it morphs into a full-blown cathartic meltdown with a mosh pit. Each night promises a slightly different strain of chaos, where the band will be swapping instruments, derailing songs into choreographed (and unchoreographed) bits, and crowd interaction that blurs the line between show and shared hallucination. Fans can purchase tickets on Friday HERE.

What started as a casual hobby project among college friends has since grown into one of alternative rock's most distinctive cult followings. The Toxhards built their audience in the modern way, a breakout TikTok moment behind their single, "How Lucky Am I?" that snowballed into a string of increasingly unhinged fan favorites. First, "Doombop", a genre-blending blast of existential noise that cemented the band's reputation for delightful chaos. Then, "Ængus, The Prize-Winning Hog", a song about a hog deity that somehow racked up over 7 million views across social media and even caught the attention of Hopeless Records, who signed the band in 2023.

Last year saw the release of their debut full-length concept album, "Your Neighborhood", a record that follows a young man's spiral through heartbreak, grief, isolation, and a brush with death that forces an uncomfortable reckoning. Earning widespread praise from Knotfest and The Needle Drop for the band's songwriting ambition, melodic instincts, and insane live presence, "Your Neighborhood" made it clear that The Toxhards are a band with something for everyone and everything for someone.

Stay tuned for more news from The Toxhards soon.

THE GET DESTRUCTIVE TOUR

June 12 - College Corner, OH - GeekOut Fest

June 14 - Cleveland, OH - Beachland Tavern

June 16 - Buffalo, NY - Rec Room

June 17 - Amherst, MA - The Drake

June 18 - Burlington, VT - Higher Ground

June 21 - New York, NY - Mercury Lounge

June 22 - Hamden, CT - Space Ballroom

June 24 - Wilmington, DE - The Queen

June 25 - Baltimore, MD - Metro Gallery

June 27 - Lexington, KY - The Burl

August 13 - Davenport, IA - Alternating Currents

August 14 - Omaha, NE - Reverb Lounge

August 15 - St Paul, MN - Amsterdam

August 16 - St Louis, MO - Golden Record

September 18 - London, UK - 02 Academy2 Islington

September 29 - Toronto, ON - The Baby G

October 2- Pittsburgh, PA - The Funhouse at Mr Smalls

October 3- Philadelphia, PA - Milkboy

October 4 - Washington, DC - DC9

October 6 - Richmond, VA - The Camel

October 7 - Raleigh, NC - Kings

October 9 - Atlanta, GA - Smith's Olde Bar

October 10 - Nashville, TN - Row One Stage

October 12 - Indianapolis, IN - Hoosier Dome

October 13 - Covington, KY - Madison Live

October 15 - Ann Arbor, MI - The Blind Pig

October 16 - Cudahy, WI - X-Ray Arcade

October 20 - Des Moines, IA - xBK Live

October 21 - Kansas City, MO - Sound Bite Social

October 23 - Dallas, TX - TX Tea Room

October 24 - San Antonio, TX - Paper Tiger

October 26 - Colorado Springs, CO - What's Left Records

October 27 - Salt Lake City, UT - Kilby Court

October 29 - Sacramento, CA - The Starlet Room @ Harlows

October 31 - Anaheim, CA - House of Blues

November 1 - Los Angeles, CA - The Moroccan Lounge

November 7 - Phoenix, AZ - Walter S

THE TOXHARDS

Alan Powers

Casey Donovan

Emerson Harris

V.B.O. Expose The Darker Side Of Modern Society In The New Single "Monsters!"

VICE BUSINESS ONLY (V.B.O.) look beyond the glamour and allure of the neon-lights in the new single release, "Monsters!". Beneath the luxury façade, something sinister awaits in V.B.O.'s fusion of retro-futuristic synths and heavy music. Comprised of Francesco Cavalieri (WIND ROSE) and Simone Giusti, a wizard of electronics and groove-laden basslines, Italy's V.B.O. is preparing to unveil the forthcoming full length, Vice Business Only, on July 24, 2026, via Reigning Phoenix Music.

Pre-order Vice Business Only HERE!

"'Monsters' dives into the darker side of modern society, exposing the vices we often choose to ignore or disguise." Reveals frontman Francesco Cavalieri. "In true VBO style, the video transforms these flaws into literal monsters, turning hidden truths into striking visual metaphors. Beneath the neon lights and cinematic aesthetic lies a deeper message; like a reflection of a world that often masks its imperfections behind glamour. Too excessive? No. It’s VBO baby."

V.B.O.'s characteristic catchy hooks and energized electronics are infused with a shadowy touch in "Monsters!". Explosive beats see "Monsters!" spark into life, before heavy rhythmic stabs and melodic guitar riffs emerge beneath an array of warm analogue synth textures. The memorable chorus lyric "we are monsters" injects an anthemic feel while the track's breakdown passage takes a darker turn. 

Filmed at Vacuum Club, Milan, V.B.O. lift the veil on the bloodthirsty monsters that hide in plain sight across the electric urban nightlife. 

Vice Business Only was recorded at LSD-Studios (Lübeck, Germany), produced, mixed and mastered by Lasse Lammert. Photography is by Onofrio Petronella and Tommaso Barletta, with the album cover artwork design by V.B.O. 

About V.B.O.:

VICE BUSINESS ONLY (V.B.O.) is a musical project founded in 2023 by Francesco Cavalieri, best known as the frontman of the power metal band WIND ROSE, together with electronic music producer Simone Giusti. The project marks a bold artistic shift for Cavalieri, moving from fantasy-driven metal into a modern, urban, and cinematic soundscape.

The band’s lineup is completed by Claudio Falconcini (guitar), Federico Meranda (keyboards), and Angelo Carmignani (drums), combining diverse musical backgrounds into a cohesive identity.

V.B.O. blends retro-futuristic synthwave with rock and metal, creating a sound that is both nostalgic and electrifyingly modern. Inspired by Depeche Mode, Tears for Fears, Daft Punk, and Justice, the band combines analog-style synths, driving rhythms, and powerful vocals into a polished, immersive experience.

At the core of V.B.O. lies a neon-drenched vision of excess, elegance, and cinematic nightlife—echoing the glamour and danger of cities like Miami. Themes of power, luxury, passion, and excess define the project, presenting the band almost as a stylized gang where image and attitude are as essential as the music.

The band made its live debut in January 2026 at the 70000 Tons of Metal festival in the United States, stepping onto one of the world’s most recognized international stages.

Since its inception, V.B.O. has positioned itself as a distinctive force in contemporary music, merging rock and metal energy with electronic groove and texture. More than a band, Vice Business Only delivers a complete audiovisual experience—a high-stakes journey through a retro-futuristic universe where the rhythm never slows and the attitude is larger than life.

V.B.O. Is:

Francesco Cavalieri - Vocals
Simone Giusti - Bass
Claudio Falconcini - Guitar
Federico Meranda - Keys
Angelo Carmignani - Drums


Connect With V.B.O.:

Website: https://www.vbomusic.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vicebusinessonly
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vbomusic/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vbomusic

Chicago's CURSED AWAKENING Descend Into The Abyss With "Engulfing Void"

Descend into CURSED AWAKENING's "Engulfing Void". This is the newest single offering to land ahead of the band's forthcoming concept album Path Of A Soul, set to release later this year. The album's narrative follows a fresh born soul as it navigates its new existence in a dystopian landscape. 

Over the course of the track list, the fresh born soul stumbles through self-discovery and self-destruction. In "Engulfing Void", the introspective lyrics reveal discontentment at the life that has been lived. Approaching the beginning of the end within the album's narrative, the theme of this track also explores wider notions of regret, remorse and despair at not having lived the life one wanted. 

"Engulfing Void" carries an emotional weight, heavy with melancholy and a gloomy atmosphere. A somber guitar lead introduces the track with a mournful tone before CURSED AWAKENING unleash their thunderous heavy assault. Fast riffs and anguish fueled lyrics bring power while the instrumental layers across the chorus build intensity. "Engulfing Void" draws to a close returning to the forlorn passage first heard in the song's opening. 

About CURSED AWAKENING

Formed in Chicago, Illinois in 2021, CURSED AWAKENING (formerly known as ARRHYTHMIA) delivers a thrashy death metal sound rooted in classic influences such as DEATH, BOLT THROWER, AT THE GATES, SLAYER, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, and SUFFOCATION. Their music combines old school riffing, melodic passages, neoclassical soloing, and introspective lyricism that goes beyond surface level extremity.

After reforming under the CURSED AWAKENING name in early 2026, the band solidified their creative identity and lineup. The current lineup consists of Abraham Verdin on rhythm guitar and lead vocals, Michael Nystrom Bala on lead guitar, Brady Dukart on bass and backing vocals, and Ronnie James Keough on drums.

With 2024 bringing notable live performances in Chicago and beyond, CURSED AWAKENING continues to sharpen their sound and vision. The band's latest release of singles including "Past Newtonium" and "The Rift", alongside the newest "Rest In Chains", are further testament to the band's continuation and escalation, marking a darker and heavier chapter as the band moves toward their upcoming 2026 album.

CURSED AWAKENING is:

Abraham Verdin – Rhythm Guitar, Lead Vocals
Michael Nystrom Bala – Lead Guitar
Brady Dukart – Bass, Backing Vocals
Ronnie James Keough – Drums

Connect with CURSED AWAKENING:

BLACK SITES Present New Single "Giving Up The Ghost"

Chicago's heavy ensemble BLACK SITES present their next single release, "Giving Up The Ghost". Written about losing one's belief in a higher power, the new track arrives ahead of the band's forthcoming full length, For Eternity, set to release independently on July 17, 2026.

On the musical influences behind "Giving Up The Ghost", BLACK SITES founder Mark Sugar shares, "I was very much trying to channel Tony Iommi and Jimmy Page on this track. The intro is total Iommi worship, specifically what he did on 'Die Young'. The guitar overdubs at the end were an idea borrowed from Depeche Mode’s 'Policy of Truth'." 

Across the album's track list, BLACK SITES deliver impactful catchy choruses and lyrical hooks alongside a powerful riff-driven sound. "Giving Up The Ghost" showcases this stylistic direction with a highly emotive element that manifests through touches of orchestral strings and somber guitar leads. 

For Eternity was produced by Mark Sugar & Chris Black, recorded at I Can’t Believe It’s Not Mace Street Studios, with mixing and mastering by Dan Swano. Drums on For Eternity were recorded by Vladimir Ružičić at Kebac Recording Studio.

About BLACK SITES:
Based out of Chicago, IL, USA, BLACK SITES was founded in 2016, initially as a studio project, by vocalist and guitarist Mark Sugar. Sugar was later joined by members John Picillo (bass), Ryan Bruchert (guitar) and Chris Avgerin (drums). BLACK SITES combines old school metal with guitar harmonies, melodic/clean vocals and progressive elements, primarily drawing inspiration from the likes of VOIVOD, BLACK SABBATH, and KING’S X.

BLACK SITES released their debut In Monochrome in 2017 (Mascot/Provogue Records), followed by Exile in 2019. 2021 saw the release of Untrue that was produced by Sanford Parker and awarded Record Of the Year by Dr. A.N. Grier at AngryMetalGuy.com. BLACK SITES ventured to The Promised Land? with their 2024 full-length that featured Tom Draper. (Ex-CARCASS/SPIRIT ADRIFT) on the track "Chasing Eternity".

Now, in 2026, Mark Sugar is joined by new members Jose Salazar (bass), Lee Smith (guitar) and Chris Black (drums). The forthcoming album For Eternity is set to release independently on July 17, 2026.

BLACK SITES Is:
Mark Sugar (vocals, guitar)
Jose Salazar (bass)
Lee Smith (guitar)
Chris Black (drums)

Connect With BLACK SITES:
Bandcamp: https://blacksites.bandcamp.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blacksites
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blacksitesmusic
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blacksitesmusic
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@blacksites
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0yY6r4UHQDv4BUOr5bKu1o

Blood Command Drop Summer Anthem "Flowers To A Knife Fight"

With "Flowers To A Knife Fight," Norwegian deathpop punks Blood Commandturn betrayal, disappointment and emotional exhaustion into a blazing modern punk anthem built for sweaty clubs and massive festival singalongs alike.

Fueled by explosive energy, razor sharp hooks and the band’s unmistakable blend of punk urgency, pop sensibility and chaotic heaviness, the track captures the moment where heartbreak transforms into defiance. Driven by the instantly memorable refrain "I'm never gonna be that dumb," "Flowers To A Knife Fight" channels the frustration of broken trust and fading idols into a massive shout along chorus impossible to shake.

Lyrics about stolen light, empty apologies and losing faith in the people once held closest give the song an emotional rawness beneath its infectious energy. Rather than sinking into bitterness, Blood Command turn personal disappointment into something empowering, loud and unapologetically alive. Bursting with punchy riffs, relentless momentum and the band's signature deathpop chaos, the single balances aggression and melody with effortless confidence.

The contrast between emotionally cutting lyrics and euphoric summer anthem energy gives "Flowers To A Knife Fight" its unique intensity, sounding equally cathartic and celebratory from start to finish. Since forming in 2008, Blood Command have built a cult following through their fearless genre bending sound, acclaimed live performances and relentless touring alongside artists such as Refused, Kvelertak ,and Biffy Clyro. With Kerrang! acclaim and multiple Spellemann nominations under their belt, the band continue to push punk into bold new territory. "Flowers To A Knife Fight" is another explosive reminder why Blood Command remain one of the most exciting and unpredictable forces in modern alternative music.
 
BLOOD COMMAND LIVE:
5/29 — Montaigu, FR—  Zinor (Collective ICROACOA
5/30 — Bordeaux, FR — Union Saint Bruno
7/29 — Wacken, DE — Wacken Open Ai