ATAVISTIA Release Deluxe Edition Of 'Old Gods Awaken' Alongside Focus Track, "Beneath The Elder Stone"

October 10, 2026

ATAVISTIA delves further into folk-inspired realms with the release of the deluxe edition of Old Gods Awaken via Blood Blast Distribution. The melodic death metal force is currently on tour around Canada, supported by TROLLWAR on their remaining dates.

Founder Mattias Sippola comments on "Beneath The Elder Stone":

"'Beneath The Elder Stone' was originally going to be on the main release of Old Gods Awaken but unfortunately didn’t make the cut at the time. This track was written back in 2022 and went through drastic changes. Almost 100% rewritten.

However, it’s a blessing in disguise that we waited to release it on the Deluxe Edition because it sounds unrecognizably better than it did during the Old Gods Awaken release cycle."

On the release of the Deluxe Edition, Sippola adds: "Releases like this Deluxe Edition will become more common with our future albums, etc. We currently have 5 albums worth of upcoming music written + bonus material."

ATAVISTIA — CANADIAN TOUR 2026

Bringing Old Gods Awaken to the live stage, ATAVISTIA's Canadian tour begins on home soil at Vancouver’s Wise Hall on September 25, where ATAVISTIA will join Finnish folk metal veterans ENSIFERUM and Greek power metal heavyweights FIREWIND. From there, ATAVISTIA will head east through British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec.

BC technical melodic death metal outfit OMNIESIA will accompany ATAVISTIA for shows in Kamloops, Calgary and Edmonton, while Quebec folk/melodic death metal band TROLLWAR joins the tour beginning October 3 in Sarnia and remains on the bill through the October 11 finale in Montreal.

Purchase tickets here: https://www.atavistiaofficial.com/

Oct. 10 — Oshawa, ON — The Atria — with Trollwar
Oct. 11 — Montreal, QC — Piranha Bar — with Trollwar

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

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

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

ATAVISTIA Lineup:

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

GRAVEYARD - Release Lyric Video For 'Back From The Grave', The Opening Track Of Their New Album "Fever" Which Is Out Now!

October 10, 2026

Rock titans GRAVEYARD have officially released their highly anticipated seventh studio album, Fever, out now worldwide via Nuclear Blast Records. Coinciding with the album’s arrival, the band has premiered an official lyric video for the album’s energetic opening track, ‘Back From The Grave’.

Right from the needle drop, the captivating groove of ‘Back From The Grave’ makes it unmistakably clear where the band is headed this time around: a triumphant return to GRAVEYARD’s heavy psych and heavy blues roots. Channeling the electrifying, vintage power of legendary albums like their much-loved classic Hisingen Blues, the track sets an explosive tone for the entire record—drenched in thick fuzz and fueled by a relentless rhythm section while still maintaining their soul-soaked grit.

The accompanying lyric video perfectly mirrors the hypnotic drive of ‘Back From The Grave’, pairing the track's infectious momentum with vintage visual styling that highlights the raw, bluesy swagger of the opening anthem.

Mixed by Pelle Gunnerfeldt—widely renowned for capturing the ferocious live energy of bands like The Hives, Refused, and Viagra Boys—and mastered by Robin Schmidt at 24-96 Mastering, Fever captures the unvarnished, high-voltage power of the Swedish quartet at full tilt.

Complemented by the record's bold visual identity created by Dutch artist Maarten Donders, Fever marks a celebrated return to form for the two-time Swedish chart-toppers. To mark today's release, GRAVEYARD will launch a co-headlining Scandinavian tour alongside BLUES PILLS, ahead of extensive European and UK tours throughout 2027.

As of today you can (and should!) stream Fever in full or puchase a physical copy via the link below.

PURCHASE / STREAM FEVER:
https://graveyard.bfan.link/fever

WATCH THE LYRIC VIDEO FOR 'BACK FROM THE GRAVE' BELOW:

GRAVEYARD LIVE:

02.10. SE Stavanger Rockfest

w/ BLUES PILLS & SKRAECKÖDLAN
31.10. SE Eskilstuna, Lokomotivet *
06.11. SE Mejeriet, Lund *
07.11. DK Århus, Voxhall *
13.11. SE Örebro, Club 700 *
14.11. SE Karlstad, Nöjesfabriken *
20.11. SE Falun, Magasinet *
21.11. SE Norrköping Arbis *
27.11. SE Göteborg, Gothenburg Film Studios **
28.11. SE Stockholm, Fållan **
04.12. FI Tampere, Tavara-Asema **
05.12. FI Helsinki, Tavastia **

* with Skraecködlan
** with Blues Pills

EUROPEAN TOUR 2027
w/ BLUES PILLS & SPIDERS

04.03.2027   DK   Copenhagen, Amager Bio
05.03.2027   DE   Hamburg, Große Freiheit 36
06.03.2027   DE   Wiesbaden, Schlachthof
07.03.2027   NL   Utrecht, Tivoli Vredenburg Ronda
09.03.2027   FR   Paris, Élysée Montmartre
10.03.2027   CH   Zurich, Volkshaus
12.03.2027   DE   Stuttgart, Im Wizemann
13.03.2027   DE   Munich, Muffathalle
14.03.2027   DE   Leipzig, Täubchenthal
16.03.2027   AT   Vienna, Arena
17.03.2027   PL   Warsaw, Klub Stodoła
19.03.2027   DE   Berlin, Metropol
20.03.2027   DE   Cologne, Kantine
21.03.2027   BE   Brussels, Ancienne Belgique
22.03.2027   DE   Saarbrücken, Garage
24.03.2027   UK   Bristol, O2 Academy
25.03.2027   UK   Nottingham, Nottingham Palais
26.03.2027   UK   Manchester, Manchester Academy 2
27.03.2027   UK   London, Electric Ballroom

GRAVEYARD ONLINE:
https://www.instagram.com/graveyardmusic
https://www.facebook.com/graveyardofficial
http://www.youtube.com/@graveyard

Symphonic Metal Band ZORNHEYM Releases New Album "Descending Into Madness" Out Now on Noble Demon!

October 3, 2026

Symphonic metal visionaries ZORNHEYM have released their brand new studio album Descending Into Madness, which is out now via Noble Demon.

Stream the album HERE

Founded in Stockholm, Sweden, as an ambitious vision by its creator, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Zorn (ex-DARK FUNERAL), with the goal of realizing his interpretation of the ultimate concept band - a complete fusion of music, narrative, and visual storytelling. Since its inception, the band has set out to redefine the traditional "metal meets symphony" approach, developing a sound that blends cinematic orchestration with a powerful heavy metal backbone and strong influences from melodic death metal, all driven by a distinct sense for epic, memorable melodies.

At the core of ZORNHEYM lies a dark and expanding narrative universe. Each album unfolds within the walls of the mental asylum Zornheim - a place shrouded in mystery, madness, and horror - where the institution itself becomes the central character. Across releases, the band explores different eras of its sinister history through layered storytelling, recurring themes, and hidden connections. This concept was introduced on their debut album Where Hatred Dwells and Darkness Reigns (2017) and further expanded on the critically acclaimed The Zornheim Sleep Experiment (2021), followed by the acoustic EP The Forgotten Inmates (2023), which completed the first chapter of the asylum’s story.

ZORNHEYM’s artistic vision extends far beyond music. Their albums are accompanied by detailed visual concepts and graphic novels, bringing the asylum and its inmates to life in another dimension, while their music videos are produced as short films that further immerse the audience in the band’s universe.

On stage, ZORNHEYM transforms into a theatrical experience led by frontman Bendler, whose commanding presence draws the audience deep into the asylum’s grip. On special occasions, actors become part of the performance, elevating the show beyond a traditional concert into a dark and immersive spectacle.

With Descending Into Madness, ZORNHEYM mark the impressive next evolution of their dark universe, pulling listeners deeper than ever into the madness of Zornheim.

The album is out NOW via Noble Demon and available for purchase at THIS LOCATION. 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

Ferret Music's Wounded Touch Release New EP, Share “Scarlet Psalm” Video

October 3, 2026

Wounded Touch have released their brand new EP, "They Promised Eden, Vol. 2", alongside a brand new video for "Scarlet Psalm" via Ferret Music, the influential independent label known for shaping the landscape of 2000's metalcore, born of a love for punk, hardcore and metal. A scorched meditation on complicity, grief, and the violence of looking away, the track finds the band confronting the distance between witnessing suffering and taking responsibility for what comes next.

At once prayer, confession, and indictment, "Scarlet Psalm" traces the wreckage of a world conditioned to consume violence at a distance. While the lyrics give the track a ritualistic weight, the focus remains painfully human, confronting the shame of what can't be undone, the things forgiven behind a screen, and the peace that becomes intolerable once it is recognized as silence. Watch the brand new video for "Scarlet Psalm" BELOW.

Offering a closer look at "Scarlet Psalm" and speaking to how the Vol. 2 EP came together, vocalist Nick Holland of Wounded Touch shares:

"Volume 2, in contrast to its counterpart that released earlier in the year, maintains its cynical nature but with an aggressive optimism in both sound and subject. We admittedly hadn’t had the full thing mapped out or written when volume 1 dropped but the response to it had us in the studio almost immediately with a frenetic energy we hadn’t experienced since we were teens. Scarlet Psalm is the bridge between the band’s sound we started with and where we’ve arrived today, carried by lyrics about the righteousness of martyrdom. All our mistakes we’ve made in the past and up to this point, and the chance we were still given by Ferret coalesces with the song’s final redemptive line. “Let me make this right."

With both volumes now released, vocalist Nick Holland of Wounded Touch speaks to the evolution connecting the two chapters of "They Promised Eden":

"The marriage of “They Promised Eden” Volume 1 and 2 as a singular release is like looking at a single photo of a living thing mid metamorphosis. The first half is where the band took its sharp turn and swung for the fences with an angry, violent recklessness in sound and design. And the second half is a sonic reflection of that choice and of our trajectory. We’d only had a portion of a song and a half written when we signed to Ferret following Volume 1 and we didn’t know if we should continue on our path or deviate, but we ultimately chose to maintain with the confidence of our writing and as a nod to the earlier years as a band, include a re-recording of Sleep a Cicada Would Envy which seemed to still match the overall bleak, machine like tone. Though it’s a collection of ultimately two separate releases, it still feels like a singular release in concept and the pieces had always been intended to fit together that way."

Wounded Touch's arrival on Ferret Music continues the label's renewed commitment to artists operating with intent, conviction, and an appetite for pushing heavy music forward. Founded by Carl Severson, vocalist of NORA, Ferret Music has long been synonymous with legendary artists across metal, hardcore, and adjacent scenes, including Converge, Disembodied, Killswitch Engage, ZAO, and Every Time I Die, followed by Poison the Well, In Flames, The Devil Wears Prada, and more. Built from within the DIY community, the label earned trust through a hands-on, artist-first approach that prioritized long term development over short term momentum.

Now operating with that same ethos, Ferret Music returns at a time when heavy music is once again thriving at a grassroots level that is driven by community, discovery, and a renewed appetite for authenticity. With Severson back at the helm, the label is focused on cultivating a new generation of artists who push boundaries while staying rooted in the spirit that defined Ferret Music's early years.

Stay tuned for more news from Wounded Touch and Ferret Music coming soon.

Coinciding with the release of "They Promised Eden, Vol 2" and the new "Scarlet Psalm" video, Wounded Touch have launched pre-orders for the vinyl edition of "They Promised Eden", marking their first physical release via Ferret Music. Bringing both EPs together as one complete body of work, the limited one-sided 12" features all six tracks, with an etching on Side B. Available in three color variants: Orange Smoke (limited to 100 and exclusive to Ferret Music), Lemon, Light Blue & Black (limited to 150), and Light Blue, White, & Black (limited to 250, with retail availability beginning November 20). The release is available to pre-order now through Ferret Music's US and EU stores.

US Store can be found HERE.

EU store can be found HERE.

WOUNDED TOUCH

Live

October 24 - Detroit, MI - Sanctuary - Tickets HERE

October 30 - Pontiac, MI - The Crofoot - Tickets HERE

RELEASE SHOW (limited to 100 tickets):

November 6 - Detroit, MI - Sanctuary

EPICA - Releases 'Live at The Symphonic Synergy' Digital Album

October 3, 2026

Dutch symphonic metal giants EPICA have announced that their monumental live spectacle, Live at The Symphonic Synergy, is now available worldwide as a digital album.

Live at The Symphonic Synergy was recorded during their sold-out show at AFAS Amsterdam, The Netherlands, on September 20th 2024, marking a monumental milestone in EPICA’s 20-plus-year career. The release features the band performing alongside a full orchestra and choir, seamlessly blending heavy metal riffs, intricate progressive arrangements, and grand orchestral compositions. This digital album edition allows fans to experience the full, immersive audio of this landmark performance, anywhere.

The band have also revealed a live video of 'Consign To Oblivion' taken from the show, watch below:

Stream Live at The Symphonic Synergy here: https://epica.bfan.link/symphonic-synergy

EPICA - UPCOMING TOUR DATES

About EPICA:

EPICA’s 25-year journey is a masterclass in conceptual depth, technical brilliance, and unyielding sonic evolution.

The world of symphonic metal thrives on grand concepts and uncompromising standards, but few bands have elevated this genre to such momentous creative heights as EPICA. Formed in the Netherlands in 2002, these perennially dynamic masters of sonic opulence swiftly grabbed the world’s attention with their 2003 debut album The Phantom Agony.Right from the start, EPICA struck a sublime balance between sweeping orchestral grandeur and progressive heavy metal grit.

Now for a quarter of a century, the Dutch luminaries have continually refined their signature sound. The core dynamic remains anchored by Simone Simons’ soaring, versatile lead vocals, with contrast from Mark Jansen’s guttural growls. Guitars from Isaac Delahayedeliver a barrage of scything, technical riffs, while keyboard maestro Coen Janssen weaves intricate, cinematic symphonic arrangements around them. Driving the music forward is the powerhouse rhythm section of drummer Ariën van Weesenbeek - known for his relentless precision - and bassist Rob van der Loo, who grounds the band's complexity with a deep, authoritative low end.

Rather than resting on their laurels, EPICA continue to push sonic boundaries, delivering grand storytelling and relentless energy. Celebrating 25 years of music, memory, and monumental sound, the band stands proudly at the peak of their craft - honouring their past while stepping boldly into the future.

Follow Epica:

MIRANDA LAMBERT IS COOKING WITH CRISCO ON NEW ALBUM OUT NOW VIA MCA

October 2, 2026

Miranda Lambert has never been interested in making the same record twice. For more than two decades, Lambert has followed her instincts wherever they lead, whether that’s hard-driving honky-tonk, stripped-down acoustic storytelling, rock influences or Texas singer-songwriter traditions. Today, the three-time GRAMMY winner releases Crisco, a new album via MCA that explores country music’s rich sonic history while embracing the freedom to follow the music wherever it leads. Listen BELOW.

“Crisco started with a conversation,” Lambert explains. “Jesse Frasure and I were talking about all these records we love and wondering why country music doesn’t reflect back into its history more often, especially when we’ve got this incredible archive of music to inspire us – from artists like Patsy Cline, Glen Campbell, Conway & Loretta, to Kenny & Dolly and so many others.”

What began as a plan to write only a handful of songs quickly grew into something much bigger. Together, Lambert and co-producer Jesse Frasure immersed themselves in the sounds and spirit of an era that had long inspired them, creating an album that embraces sweeping strings, lush harmonies and countrypolitan production while allowing the musical traditions of country to stretch in unexpected directions.

“We weren’t trying to make a retro record,” Lambert notes. “We were channeling a feeling.”

That intention shaped more than the music. It inspired an entire creative world. The pair traded playlists, collected visual references and carefully crafted the atmosphere before recording a note. By the time they walked into Nashville’s Blackbird Studio – complete with disco balls overhead, intentional lighting, a handpicked band and a nine-piece string section – they weren’t simply recording songs. They were stepping into a world fully imagined.

“In twenty-five years of making records in Nashville, it was easily the most magical and moving project I’ve ever been part of,” Frasure says. “Everybody walked into the studio believing in the same vision, and you can hear that on every track.”

The title track captures that vision in a single word. “Crisco” is country and disco. Billy Bob’s and Studio 54. Rhinestones and roller skates. Playful, at times a little tongue-in-cheek, yet completely unapologetic about finding joy wherever the music leads.

“I’ve made a lot of records with a lot of heavy subjects over the years,” Lambert reflects of her journey as a writer, performer, label founder and record producer. “This album feels mostly lighthearted. It’s refreshing to get up on stage and sing something fun. Making this record also unlocked a ‘time to do whatever I want’ feeling. Being able to create freely without putting parameters around my art has been really, really fun. I don't think I've ever smiled that much in the studio.”

That spirit runs through the entire album. Yet whether she’s writing about complicated love, restless spirits, resilience, regret or redemption, Lambert’s songs have never settled for easy answers. The women at the center of these stories are funny, fearless, flawed and fiercely human. They fall in love, make mistakes, keep moving forward and occasionally dance through the heartache because that’s what life asks of them.

Across Crisco, Lambert explores every corner of that emotional landscape. There’s the timeless heartbreak of “Cowgirl Curtsy” and “Two Things Can Be True,” the sly confidence of “Cuttin’ Onions” and the wanderlust of “Till The Going’s Gone.” There’s comforting familiarity in “Right Where We Left It,” hopeful resilience in “To Everything,” the effortless chemistry of “Whiskey Business” and the dreamy escape of “Sunset Marquis.”

Along the way, Lambert reunites with longtime friend Chris Stapleton on the GRAMMY-nominated “A Song To Sing,” teams with “Choosin’ Texas” cowriter Ella Langley on cinematic “Snakeskin Boots” and honors one of her songwriting heroes with a new interpretation of Jim Croce’s “I’ll Have To Say I Love You In A Song.”

Rather than looking backward for nostalgia’s sake, Crisco celebrates one of country music’s richest creative eras while proving the genre has always been bigger than any one sound. Built on curiosity, joy and fearless musicianship, the album honors tradition without standing still.

“I hope when people listen to Crisco, it feels familiar while also feeling fresh,” says Lambert. “They can grab onto something that feels nostalgic, put their roller skates on and go on the journey with us.”

Tune in HERE on Oct. 7 to watch the Amazon Music Songline Live stream of Lambert’s The Truth performance.

Watch her episode of The New York Times’ Popcast HERE.

GAVIN ADCOCK RELEASES 3RD ALBUM IN 3 YEARS: THE DAY I HANG IT UP

October 2, 2026

Gavin Adcock had an instinct to turn others’ doubt into motivation ever since he was a kid on a cattle farm in Watkinsville, Georgia. That drive serves as the inspiration behind his latest album, The Day I Hang It Up, available now via Thrivin Here Records/Warner Records Nashville. Listen HERE.

“As much as people might want to cut me down, as much as they want to make me an outcast or make me smaller in their head, I’m not going anywhere,” Adcock promises. “When I quit, it’s going to be because I want to—not because someone made me, or tried to run me out. That’s the whole premise of The Day I Hang it Up.”

A co-writer on all but four songs, the project also includes collaborations with Treaty Oak Revival, ERNEST, and his previously released fan favorite, “Cheap Thrills” with Hudson Westbrook.

The official music video for “Us Again” featuring Treaty Oak Revival premiered simultaneously with the album release. Directed by Jack Owens and produced by Sydney Hampton, the video builds a narrative around the push-and-pull of a toxic relationship, with the narrator assured that despite the relationship ending, “I know we’ll wind up us again.” Watch BELOW.

Adcock has steadily released new music since announcing the album, with 11 of the 26 tracks available before the official release. Offering a mix of heartbreak, love, and his signature “outlaw-country edge” (Parade), The Day I Hang It Up also adds a layer of depth to the country star’s repertoire. Songs including “Shoes” and “Rockstar Life” delve deeper into the cost of rising fame, while “Holes In The Boat” offers an honest look at trying to balance masculinity and vulnerability concerning mental health.

Adcock previewed the album to fans and industry insiders at Nashville’s Exit/In on Tuesday, Sep. 29. With a 14 song setlist, Adcock sang nine songs off the album while also playing fan favorites, “A Cigarette,” “Ain’t No Cure,” “Need To,” “Last One To Know” and “Run Your Mouth.”

Adcock invited fans to vote on which city they wanted to see host his album release shows. The overwhelming response led the singer to choose and quickly sell out two cities: Studio at The Bomb Factory in Dallas, TX on Oct. 5 and The Eastern in Atlanta, GA on Oct. 8.

The Day I Hang It Up is Adcock’s third album release in three years, and follows the success of his previous album, Own Worst Enemy, which arrived as the top new Country album on the Billboard Top 200 Country Chart AND the top streaming new album on the Billboard 200 All-Genre Chart week of release (Aug 15, 2025). Before that, his major-label debut album Actin’ Up Again became the highest streaming major-label Country debut from a solo male artist in 2024, with more than 15 million on-demand U.S. streams the week of release, and was 2024’s top streaming major-label debut across the entire genre.

About Gavin Adcock:
Gavin Adcock, dubbed by Billboard as "one of country music’s most buzzed-about artists” is a Georgia native, born and raised in Watkinsville. Former Georgia Southern University football player, Gavin grew up working on his family’s cattle farm and dreamt of riding bulls in the PBR. He started writing songs in high school, but it wasn’t until the spring of 2021, when Adcock tore his knee playing football, that he used his healing time to record and release his first original single. Since then, Gavin has collectively amassed more than 2 BILLION global streams across singles including the fan-favorite, RIAA PLATINUM-certified, “A Cigarette,” GOLD-certified songs “Run Your Mouth,” “Deep End,” “Four Leaf Clover” and more. His album, Actin’ Up Again, was crowned the largest major-label country debut from a solo male artist released in 2024 and was the year’s top streaming major-label debut across the genre. Within less than a year, Adcock more than doubled his previous streaming record with over 25 MILLION first week US streams on new album Own Worst Enemy, released August 15, 2025. Own Worst Enemy debuted as the top new Country album on the Billboard 200 Country Chart (No. 4) and top streaming new album on the Billboard 200 All-Genre Chart (No. 14) week of release. In the Spring of 2026 Gavin was able to add Executive Producer to his achievements, with the release of Adcock’s brainchild, Country Never Dies, enlisting the help of nine artist peers to join him on the special, timeless, project. The MusicRow Awards’ “Discovery Artist of the Year” nominee has also won over the hearts of both Country music fans and music industry alike, leading to his New Artist of the Year nominations at both the 60th & 61st ACM Awards. Taking his music to the fans, Adcock is currently underway on The Day I Hang It Up Tour 2026, marking the fourth extensive headlining tour since 2024.

OUT NOW: Of Virtue's "Death Of The Altar" + New Video For "Too Late"

October 2, 2026

Michigan metalcore outfit, Of Virtue, unleash their highly-anticipated new album, "Death Of The Altar", today via Arising Empire. Expanding on the emotional depth that propelled their 2023 hit record, "Omen" to over 65 million streams, the band return sharper and more deliberate than ever, leaning into their charismatic balance of melody, intensity, and unflinching honesty. Watch the brand new video for "Too Late" below, and stream the new record HERE.

Built on crushing guitar riffs, industrial electronics, atmospheric production, and the striking contrast between Tyler Ennis and Damon Tate's vocals, "Death Of The Altar", moves effortlessly between claustrophobic heaviness and enormous, soaring choruses. Across the record, Of Virtue explore what happens when devotion becomes destructive, when love turns into dependency, and when the things we give ourselves begin taking more than they give back.

That idea runs through the album in different forms. Relationships collapse under the weight of obsession, guilt and resentment, while elsewhere the band confront isolation, grief, mortality, mental turmoil and the consequences of self-destructive behavior. Religious imagery repeatedly collides with deeply human experiences of love and suffering, turning the altar into a symbol for everything we worship, sacrifice for and eventually may have to leave behind.

At its core, "Death Of The Altar" is about reaching that breaking point and finally confronting it. Songs such as "Death Of The Altar", "Enemy State", "What's It Like To Be Happy?", "Flatline", and "Devotion" approach that struggle from different angles, while the defiance of "Can't Keep Knockin' Me Down" offers another side of the record: refusing to remain trapped by the people and forces that have caused the damage.

Arriving alongside the album is "Too Late", a massive, emotionally driven metalcore track that captures Of Virtue at their most visceral. Urgent rhythms and punishing riffs collide with soaring melodies as screams and clean vocals trade places throughout one of the record's most immediate choruses. Beneath its intensity lies an unflinching confrontation with regret, selfishness, and the realization that sometimes the damage has already been done. The track's repeated acknowledgement that there may no longer be a way back perfectly reflects the wider emotional weight running throughout "Death Of The Altar".

Facing his mistakes without making excuses on "Too Late", co-vocalist and guitarist Damon Tate shares:

"When this song was being written, I was at a lower point in my life, reflecting on past mistakes, moments where I was not my best self and realizing that I had hurt people in ways that I didn't (or refused to) acknowledge. My emotional maturity was being tested like never before, and by bringing all of these issues forward, I forced myself to swallow the proverbial bitter pill and accept those circumstances. My view of intimate relationships, as well as those with platonic friends and family, was skewed. I have had a hard time communicating my feelings over the course of my life and I don't want those who love and support me to feel like I am shutting them out. I want to be able to feel comfortable asking questions and connecting on a meaningful level before their time on this Earth is up."

On what it took for the band to tear themselves down and rebuild on "Death Of The Altar", co-vocalist and guitarist Damon Tate continues:

"Words can't properly describe how this record feels for all of us! In many ways, this was the hardest record we have ever made emotionally, spiritually and mentally. There were arguments, tense moments and many long conversations peeling back the layers of who we are as a band and what we want to convey with this record. DEATH OF THE ALTAR for us collectively is an ego death experience. The things we thought were the most important were, in time, the things holding us back from the best version of ourselves. It took all of us getting into a room and challenging each other as best friends/brothers to get to where we are at and we couldn't be more proud of the record we made and the mark we hope to leave when everyone has a chance to hear it!"

On the live front, Of Virtue recently completed a summer run alongside Savage Hands and shared the stage with In This Moment in Pittsburgh, before they traveled overseas for their current European tour supporting Unprocessed. All tour details can be found HERE.

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 Slam amongst 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", the band refine and expand their sound, one marked by confrontation, growth, and the difficult process of letting go. Unafraid to sit in discomfort, Of Virtue deliver a fearless exploration of what it takes to dismantle the parts of yourself that no longer serve you, even if it means tearing down everything that once felt like home.

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

OF VIRTUE

Supporting Unprocessed

October 3 - Paris, France - Maroquinerie

October 4 - Tilburg, Netherlands - 013 Next Stage

October 5 - Nijmegen, Netherlands - Doornroosje

October 6 - Cologne, Germany - Gebäude 9

October 7 - Hamburg, Germany - Kent Club

October 8 - Berlin, Germany - Hole 44

October 9 - Munich, Germany - Strom

October 10 - Frankfurt, Germany - Batschkapp

ABOUT OF VIRTUE

In the face of omnipresent change, OF VIRTUE has never wavered, forging a legacy that stands as a testament to the power of reinvention and a refusal to surrender. Since the band’s inception, their music – a punishing-yet-melodic mix of hard rock, metal, and alternative – has mirrored that ambition: unexpected and ever-shifting, always rooted in raw emotion.

That restless spirit is fully realized on “DEATH OF THE ALTAR,” their record following their 2023 record Omen. Built on jackhammer riffs, skittering industrial electronics, and ethereal production, the band’s fourth studio album surges from claustrophobic tension into a widescreen, soaring set of choruses showcasing contrasting vocal styles of Tyler Ennis and Damon Tate – equal parts soulful and caustic. The shifts land like the split second before impact, amplifying the record’s central theme: confronting the moment when devotion turns into self-destruction.

“DEATH OF THE ALTAR,” the band’s fourth album, follows a period of rapid ascent: 2023’s Omen propelled the Michigan-based act to more than 65M streams, 4M YouTube views, and tours and festival appearances alongside Slipknot, Gojira, Bad Omens, The Used, and Three Days Grace, yet their momentum has always been fueled by more than accolades. Drawing inspiration from their diverse ethnic backgrounds (Chinese, Vietnamese, Mexican, Black, and Irish heritage), Of Virtue finds strength from these distinct perspectives, shaping their chemistry, songwriting and shared sense of purpose.

THROWLIGHT Confront A Fractured American Dream On New Single “Welcome To America”

October 2, 2026

Southern California genre-defiers THROWLIGHT return with “Welcome To America,” a confrontational new single that turns the band’s collision of rap, metal, hardcore and punk toward the state of the country they call home. The single can be ordered as a limited edition cassette HERE: https://rocomtoys.com/products/welcome-to-america-cassette-single

Driven by frustration with racism, oppression, greed and the erosion of freedoms, “Welcome To America” questions whether the American Dream was ever truly attainable for the generation that inherited it. The track does not simply catalog what the band sees as broken within the country. At its core, it is also a call for change and a reflection of the belief that music should speak directly to the moment in which it is created.The band shares: “The promises that come with living as a citizen of the United States of America have been dismantled and threatened over the past few years. We’ve reached a breaking point where, if change doesn’t come soon, the very freedoms we’ve fought for will be lost. Our song highlights the corrupt systems of racism, oppression and greed that are deeply rooted in our country’s foundations. It all leaves us wondering if the American Dream was ever going to be real for our generation.

“We have hope in change, though. Music should reflect the times, and that’s exactly what our song sets out to do.”

Musically, “Welcome To America” mirrors that urgency. Driving vocals collide with metallic riffs, hardcore aggression and the raw directness of punk, creating a track that feels intentionally restless and confrontational.

Rather than offering easy answers, THROWLIGHT use “Welcome To America” to capture the anger, exhaustion and uncertainty surrounding a country whose promises increasingly feel at odds with reality. Still, the song refuses to surrender completely to cynicism. Beneath its criticism is the belief that change remains possible, and that speaking openly about what is broken is part of getting there.

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 BEASTIE BOYS, 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.

THROWLIGHT Is:

Rocom - Vocals
Chris Ellis - Guitar
Kevin Betz - Bass
Andrew Bogert - Drums
King of Somewhere - Synth

Connect With THROWLIGHT:

Official Website: https://throwlightmusic.com/
Bandcamp: https://throwlight.bandcamp.com/music
E-Shop: https://rocomtoys.com/collections/throwlight
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/throwlightmusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/throwlightofficial
Twitter/X: https://x.com/throwlightmusic
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@throwlight
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3wNptBLA2tvZk8NsxwwklA
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/throwlight/1762475208
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@throwlight

Aussie Deathcore Titans TO THE GRAVE Release New Album 'LIBERATION FRONT' — Out Now via BLKIIBLK

October 2, 2026

Today, TO THE GRAVE, the world's preeminent vegan deathcore band, proudly unleash their new album, 'LIBERATION FRONT,' out now via BLKIIBLK. Celebrating the release, the band also launches their new single, "LIMB FROM LAMB," alongside a music video.

On the new single, bassist Matt Clarke comments:

“'LIMB FROM LAMB' was the song that probably changed the most in the recording process. Until it was done, I wasn’t sure it would even make the cut for the album. It really took Dane’s lyric arrangement and vocal delivery to make it shine. It's a bit of a change of pace from the previous singles, this one is slow (for us), brooding and heavy”

“For the video we leaned heavily into the horror movie imagery. Our music and visuals have always been inspired by horror and this was a chance to be really obvious with one of our favorites. It’s always made sense for us to connect this kind of inspiration to the real-life horror we address in the lyrics."

Watch the Official Music Video for "LIMB FROM LAMB" BELOW:

Since forming in 2010, TO THE GRAVE have become one of Australia's most uncompromising heavy exports, earning acclaim for crushing releases including 'Global Warning,' 'Epilogue,' 'Director's Cuts,' and 2024's 'Everyone's a Murderer.' Armed with a singular mission to confront animal cruelty and environmental destruction through some of modern metal's most punishing deathcore, the Sydney outfit have forged a reputation for pairing unrelenting heaviness with fearless activism. Their live assault has taken them around the globe alongside Lorna Shore, Thy Art Is Murder, Shadow of Intent, Carnifex, Oceano, and more, with Revolver hailing them as "one of the country's heaviest exports" and Distorted Sound calling them "one of the most intense, enthralling bands the genre can offer."

Now, the band returns with 'LIBERATION FRONT,' their fifth album and BLKIIBLK debut, a statement of pure intent. Brutal and uncompromising in both sound and message, TO THE GRAVE transform their death metal-infused assault into a vehicle for activism, raging against animal cruelty and environmental destruction while delivering their most direct and fully realized work to date. From the breakdown-laden opener "MEAT THE HUMANS,"'Liberation Front' marks a ferocious return to the band's deathcore roots. While recent releases leaned further into hardcore, the new album embraces deathcore at its most savage and relentless.

Evans comments about the album:

"'LIBERATION FRONT' was born as a concept on tour last year in Australia after we decided we wanted to make the sequel to 'Director’s Cuts.' What came out was something between that and a more pissed off brother to 'Everyone’s A Murderer.' It’s got so many things I love about the band and a bit of everything pushed to 100 with a really bleak kind of aggression that’s just reaching for your throat the entire time. Very keen to play some of these songs live and it’s an exciting chapter to add.”

Order 'LIBERATION FRONT' HERE

TO THE GRAVE is currently on "The Sawed Off Suffering Tour" with co-headlinerCrown Magnetar. The entire run is supported by Face Yourself and on select dates by the likes of I Declare War, Tracheotomy, Backbiter, Squelching and Ameonna (the new band featuring former Chelsea Grin members Alex Koehler, Jake Harmond and Pablo Viveros, making their live debut). For a full list of remaining dates, please see below.

Bassist Matt Clarke exclaims:

“These are the heaviest lineups we’ve ever put together, and we can’t wait for these shows across North America and at home in Aus. For North America, all these bands have a different approach, but the one thing that brings it all together is intensity! We’re stoked to be teaming up with Crown Magnetar for this run, and having Face Yourself on the package just makes it more crushing. We’re very excited that we get to play with OG Chelsea Grin members back on-stage for the first time in Ameonna, and I Declare Warhopping on for some shows is awesome! Backbiter, Tracheotomy, and Squelching will all bring their own brands of brutality to the tour. No matter what show you’re hitting, you’re in for a treat.”

TO THE GRAVE Live:

North America w/ Crown Magnetar, Face Yourself

Oct 2 - Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade (Purgatory) ^

Oct 3 - Jacksonville, FL @ The Albatross ^

Oct 4 - West Palm Beach, FL @ The Banyan Live ^

Oct 6 - Dallas, TX @ Club Dada $

Oct 7 - Austin, TX @ Come and Take It Live $

Oct 9 - Mesa, AZ @ Rosetta Room

Oct 10 - Los Angeles, CA @ Echoplex +

Oct 11 - Roseville, CA @ Goldfield Trading Post +

Oct 13 - Portland, OR @ The Hawthorne Theatre +

Oct 14 - Seattle, WA @ El Corazon +

Oct 16 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Soundwell ~

Oct 17 - Denver, CO @ HQ ~

* w/ Backbiter

^ w/ Tracheotomy

$ w/ Squelching

+ w/ I Declare War

~ w/ Ameonna

More Dates TBA!

'LIBERATION FRONT' is more than an album; it is a musical and lyrical call to arms, designed not only to rage against the machine but to educate, provoke, and challenge listeners on every level. Combining their most savage deathcore material to date with an unwavering commitment to animal liberation and environmental activism, 'LIBERATION FRONT' stands as TO THE GRAVE's definitive statement: fierce, unapologetic, and impossible to ignore.

As Evans puts it, “this is our way of establishing order. The band is built around our way of doing things and to me this title is just waving that flag. These songs are about direct action, open rescue, abolition and liberation by any means necessary.”

TO THE GRAVE are:

Dane Evans - Vocals

Jack Simioni - Guitar

Nic Webb - Guitar

Matt Clarke - Bass

Connor Kingdom - Drums

Band Bio HERE

TRUTH the New Album from STORM FORCE is Out Now

September 29, 2026

Storm Force have released their new album Truth. The entire album is available to stream or as a 24 bit hi res digital download on Bandcamp. CDs are available from Eonian Records.

24 Bit Hi Res Digital for the album Truth:

https://bravewordsrecords.bandcamp.com/album/truth

CD: https://www.eonianrecords.com/new-products/storm-force-truth

Storm Force delivers powerful melodic hard rock fueled by soaring vocals, massive hooks, and the timeless energy of classic arena rock. Founded by guitarist and songwriter Greg Fraser, best known for his work with Canadian hard rock veterans Brighton Rock, the band blends classic influences with a modern edge, creating a sound that feels both familiar and refreshingly current.

The band first made its mark with the release of its debut album, Age Of Fear, in 2020 through Escape Music. The album earned praise from melodic rock fans and media alike, showcasing a powerful mix of driving guitars, memorable choruses, and emotionally charged songwriting.

Drawing inspiration from Whitesnake, Dokken, Scorpions, and Bon Jovi, Storm Force delivers music built for loud speakers, live stages, and fans who still believe in authentic, guitar-driven rock!

Age Of Fear the debut Storm Force album, along with both Fraze Gang albums are now available for a budget friendly download of $5,99 each at bravewordsrecords.bandcamp.com

Band Members:

• Patrick Gagliardi – Lead Vocals

• Greg Fraser – Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals

• Mike Berardelli – Bass Guitar

• Roger Banks – Drums

Production:

• Produced and Mixed by Darius Szczepaniak

• Strada XR Atmos Studio, Mississauga, ON

• Recorded at Storce Recording, Niagara Falls, ON

Additional Musicians:

• All keyboards by Mike “Benny” Bedrosian, except on “Between The Lines,” performed by Ray Coburn.

• Margaret Maria – Cello on “I Wasn’t Finished Loving You”

Songwriting:

• All songs written by Patrick Gagliardi and Greg Fraser, except “Saviour,” written by Greg Fraser.

Links:

https://stormforce.ca/

https://www.facebook.com/officialstormforce

https://x.com/stormforceband

https://youtube.com/@stormforce6368

https://www.instagram.com/stormforceband

https://www.tiktok.com/@stormforceband

SILL CROW Revisits it's Musical Legacy with the Re-Release of Four Essential Albums

September 29, 2026

Some music deserves a second life.

SILL CROW is giving fans exactly that with the re-release of four albums from the band's catalog: Sill Crow, Live From Charleston, Live From Charleston II and New Way.

The re-releases bring the band's music back into the spotlight, offering longtime listeners an opportunity to revisit four important releases while giving new fans a chance to discover the sound, energy and evolution of SILL CROW.

From the band's self-titled SILL CROW to the raw live energy captured across Live From Charleston and Live From Charleston II, and ultimately the musical journey represented by New Way, the collection provides a look at different chapters of the band's story.

FOUR ALBUMS. ONE BAND. A NEW CHANCE TO HEAR IT ALL.

Re-releasing a catalog isn't simply about looking backward.

It's about recognizing that great music can find an entirely new audience years after it was originally released.

For existing SILL CROW fans, these albums offer a chance to return to familiar songs and memories. For listeners discovering the band for the first time, the re-releases provide an opportunity to experience the catalog as a complete body of work.

Live From Charleston and Live From Charleston II capture another side of SILL CROW, the live experience while Sill Crow and New Way showcase the band's recorded work across different points in its musical journey.

Together, the four releases tell a bigger story.

Where the band came from. Where it went. And the music that remains.

A CATALOG WORTH REDISCOVERING

In an era where music is constantly moving forward, revisiting a band's catalog can reveal something that sometimes gets lost in the endless stream of new releases:

The music doesn't have an expiration date.

SILL CROW'S four re-releases give fans an opportunity to press play, turn up the volume and rediscover the songs on their own terms.

Whether you've been with Sill Crow from the beginning or you're hearing the band for the first time, there's never been a better reason to dive into the catalog.

Sill Crow

Live From Charleston

Live From Charleston II

New Way

Four albums. Four chapters. One SILL CROW.

SPOTIFY

APPLE MUSIC

BANDCAMP

SILL CROW BIO:

Sounds like gravel in your veins, mud in your heart, and pain in your soul. SILL CROW has returned from the crossroads, having stared down the devil himself, to bring you their very own brand of blues based alternative rock.

Led by Chris Roberts, and formed in 2015, they've unleashed a string of releases, notably their debut album in 2020, all of which showcase their unique blend of thoughtful songwriting, craftsmanship, and unbridled rock fury.

Kenny's Double No. 1: "Carry On" Is His 37th; "Remember Me" Is #1 Most Added

September 28, 2026

Never one to miss an opportunity to sling positive vibes and good energy, Kenny Chesney dropped Silver Sands Marina – and threw an album release party that saw an intimate crowd pack the Pinnacle for a full-band show that showcased six of the album’s 11 songs. Broadcast live on No Shoes Radio, the night celebrated his 21st album, but also the community of people who find their inspiration, joy and clarity in his songs.

“Three years in the making,” Chesney offered, “a lot of songs listened to, even recorded, to get to this moment, these stories and emotions, and I wanted to give it all directly to the people who’ve loved and lived this music with me. There is so much good happening, we should all experience it together. Man, did we! And it’s awesome to hear the reactions people are having…”

As “Carry On” goes to the top of the Country Aircheck/Mediabase Country chart for his 37th No. 1, the East Tennessee songwriter-superstar lands yet another first. “Remember Me That Way,” the surging song of deciding to own the thrills and magic of a relationship instead of the raging final moments, crowned the No. 1 as the No. 1 Most Added Song this week. Beyond the airplay No. 1, Chesney’s latest marks the first time Chesney had both distinctions at the same time.

“Carry On,” Chesney’s 100th charting single, became the first indie and only the third single to close the entire radio panel in its first week. As Chesney’s 62nd Top 10 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, it set a second record for the most country Top 10s.

“When they tell me this stuff, it’s a lot to take in,” Chesney says. “It gets harder the more you do this to find songs that stand out from what you’ve done, that say things you want to say – and you think other people will find themselves in, too. That’s really the point: the connection. Like my tours, I want this music to bring people together, to lift them up.”

With the move to HEY NOW Records, Chesney is finding new ways to connect with people – and expand how people explore and understand his music. With his first Talk Shop Live conversation viewed over 366,000 times and his new one topping 100,000, independent records stores across the country, including Austin’s Waterloo Records, Raleigh’s Schoolkids Records, Chicago’s Reckless Records, Minneapolis’ Electric Fetus, Oakland’s 1-2-3-4 Go!, Phoenix’s Stinkweeds and Nashville’s Grimey’s are hosting listening parties this week.

With another pair of No. 1s, the Pinnacle pop-up show served as a witness to Chesney’s enduring power. As Billboard reported, the show served as “a potent reminder that he’s an unyielding seeker of impactful songs in all their forms, not just breezy anthems.”

Less than 40 hours after releasing “Remember Me That Way,” the packed floor and wrap-around balconies were screaming along to the chorus. Whether releasing the past or just loving redirecting the angst, “Remember Me” seems to be the best of both worlds. By summer’s stadium-only Original Vibe Room Tour, the song should be a full-blown catharsis.

SILVER SANDS MARINA Debuts with a Beyond-Packed Pinnacle Pop-Up Show

September 28, 2026

Kenny Chesney hit Nashville’s The Pinnacle with new music blazing. To celebrate the release of Silver Sands Marina, the eclectic 11-song record that embraces the nuances that define life, the East Tennessee songwriter/superstar threw an impossibly small pop-up show at Nashville Yards' venue to showcase the project, but also create an opportunity for No Shoes Nation to come together through the music. Beyond the few thousand who were able to get tickets to the gone-in-seconds performance, Chesney broadcast the concert live on his No Shoes Radio, Ch. 59 on SiriusXM.

Opening with the jubilant “Summertime,” Chesney ran straight into the surging “Here and Now” and “Beer In Mexico” before downshifting a little for the three-week No. 1 “Save It For A Rainy Day.” That momentum set up a three-song Silver Sands Marina mini-set that included the sweeping “Burn My Boat,” the euphoric heartbreak song “Goldfish” and the low slung, small town gossip swagger “Talkin’ Dirt.”

“Having listened to some of these tracks for two, three years,” Chesney says, “it was time for them to live out in the open. Playing those three songs back-to-back reminds me that it’s when the song meets the band and the people who love this music, we create a whole new relationship with the songs. There’s how we feel it, how people listening experience it – and what happens when we’re together.”

For an audience filled with college kids, people in t-shirts from various tours, Dolly Parton doubles celebrating 9/2-5, athletes, a section of industry VIPs, local fans, people who came in from Florida, South Carolina and Vermont, it was being part of a moment of arrival for an album the Associated Press proclaimed is “full-throated stadium country, with big hooks and bigger heart,” while Billboard raved is, “placing a premium on top-shelf songwriting that balances lyrical wit and emotional resonance.”

The 22-song set delivered a powerful take on “Silver Sands Marina,” a sing-along “Carry On” and the fullness of time “Remember Me That Way,” as well as “Ain’t Back Yet,” last played in 2015, the smoky, “Somewhere With You” or the life-recapping “I Go Back,” it was a night that focused on how you choose to view the moments.

On the plaza outside, HEY NOW Records replicated the massive Silver Sands Marina. Not only the pink building that graces the album cover, but a giant postcard, a massive plexiglass fishbowl with two larger than life goldfish, pier carnival games and photo booths, food trucks, a limited edition vinyl store and places to visit with old friends, people you just met and take pictures to remember the moment.

“One of the things I’ve learned from talking to people about this record, the songs they’ve leaned into is how hungry we all are to be together, that human connection – and the desire to turn down all the things that divide us. I put ‘Get Along’ and ‘Everything’s Gonna Be Alright’ into the set, too, because it hit me, that’s what people are seeking – and all the interviews I’ve done feel like the songs on Silver Sands Marina fill that void.”

Joining Chesney as a surprise walk-on was fellow East Tennessee dreamer/songwriter/guitarist Greylan James, who will open next year’s Original Vibe Room Tour. They shared the stage for “Born,” the bluegrass-harmonied life-defining celebration that the Academy of Country Music Song of the Year winner co-wrote, which became the title track of Chesney’s 2024 album.

“Country music runs on dreams,” Chesney said after the show. “And life runs on music. Over the years, it’s about how do you put the positivity, the philosophy, the hard stuff and the sheer joy into the world without preaching. Wherever people are, whatever people need – whether it’s a good time, a postcard to remember or somebody laughing about the gossip – I hope that’s what we’re putting out there. It’s what drew me to town, and it’s what keeps me seeking songs and taking this pirate ship out on the road.”

Kenny Chesney at his pop-up show at The Pinnacle in Nashville Yards on Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, celebrating the release of *Silver Sands Marina*. | Photo Credit: Allister Ann

coldrain's Highly-Anticipated New Album 'OPTIMIZE = OPTDEMISE' Out Now via Century Media Records

September 28, 2026

A long time in the making: After dropping their digital EP “OPTIMIZE” October 25th, 2025, Japanese rock quintet coldrain have released their long-anticipated 8th full length album “OPTIMIZE = OPTDEMISE”. Spanning 12 tracks, the album sees the band seamlessly navigate the line between rock and metal, powered by their trademark sound and electrifying energy. Guest features from Bert McCracken (The Used) and Kenta Koie (Crossfaith, Aftervoid) add further depth, resulting in a record that feels fresh, ambitious, and captivating throughout. The album includes the band’s prior single releases “INCOMPLETE”, “CHASING SHADOWS”, and “FREE FALL”, and “EX-HUMANITY”, and “POISON”.

BUY/STREAM THE NEW ALBUM HERE

WATCH THE ALBUM TRAILER Below:

coldrain announced their “OPTIMIZE = OPTDEMISE JAPAN TOUR”, which will be happening from October to December 2026. All dates and further info here: https://coldrain.jp/blogs/live

____

- OPTIMIZE = OPTDEMISE JAPAN TOUR 2026 -

06.10.2026 - Japan, Kawasaki: CLUB CITTA'

10.10.2026 - Japan, Hiroshima: BLUE LIVE HIROSHIMA

17.10.2026 - Japan, Fukuoka: UNITED LAB

21.10.2026 - Japan, Sapporo: PENNY LANE24

22.10.2026 - Japan, Sapporo: PENNY LANE24

01.11.2026 - Japan, Kanazawa: EIGHT HALL

03.11.2026 - Japan, Niigata: NIIGATA LOTS

29.11.2026 - Japan, Sendai: SENDAI GIGS

01.12.2026 - Japan, Osaka: NAMBA HATCH

02.12.2026 - Japan, Nagoya: COMTEC PORTBASE

08.12.2026 - Japan, Tokyo: TOYOSU PIT

09.12.2026 - Japan, Tokyo: TOYOSU PIT

ABOUT COLDRAIN:

The title OPTIMIZE = OPTDEMISE is itself a warning: a caution against a world in which the rise of AI has come to symbolize humanity’s growing confusion over what it means to be human. More than a framework of “against AI” or “against technology,” this album calls for the liberation of the soul in response to a world that is steadily being bleached of color, and to the brutality of people who, having stopped thinking for themselves, continue to hurt one another. That is the reason coldrain continues to fight. And OPTIMIZE = OPTDEMISE is the album where that essence appears more youthful, pure, and unfiltered than ever before - a human fuse burning toward ignition.

Coldrain, the quintet that is about to release their 8th album, first emerged in Japan in 2007, proudly identifying themselves as a “loud rock” band. Their songwriting, heavily influenced by the nu-metal and emo/screamo movements of the 2000s, resonated directly with the youth culture of America at the time. Yet in the Japanese rock scene of that era, “loud music” was still largely associated with melodic punk and pop-punk. As a result of that advance, coldrain absorbed musical elements far beyond nu-metal and screamo alone. While maintaining melodies that carried a distinctly Japanese sense of emotion, they transformed into a chimera capable of crossing through every subgenre of rock. Their ability to be both heavy and endlessly pop became their greatest weapon.

Now, especially since joining forces with Century Media Records, the very fact that their music cannot be defined by a single attribute - and the very “in-between” quality of their style - has become a musical identity unconstrained by borders or genres, radiating an originality that stands among the strongest in the world.

coldrain are a band whose lives were changed by music that could never have been born in Japan, and yet they themselves are a hybrid that could only have emerged from the Galápagos-like environment of Japan. That is coldrain. Rather than needing to acquire a new place, coldrain were able to turn simply “being themselves” into music in its most unfiltered form. As a result, OPTIMIZE = OPTDEMISE is pierced throughout by a youthful rawness that feels almost impossible for a band nearing twenty years since its formation.

BEAUTY IN CHAOS unveils fifth album ‘Quiet Place’, marking milestone anniversary of their debut

September 28, 2026

Iconic alt-rock / post-punk supergroup Beauty In Chaos returns to where it all began with ‘Quiet Place', - the band’s fifth studio album, arriving exactly eight years after releasing their debut record ‘Finding Beauty In Chaos’. More than an anniversary, the timing marks a remarkable full-circle moment for the LA-based project, bringing together the spirit of its beginnings with eight years of musical exploration, unlikely collaborations, and an ever-expanding family of artists.

Produced by Grammy-nominated producer Michael Rozon (Ministry, Jarboe, Wayne Hussey, The Melvins), ‘Quiet Place’ is a ten-track collection showcasing the latest from Beauty In Chaos. Released September 28th via LA-based 33.3 Music Collective, the album brings together familiar voices and new collaborators while continuing the project's distinctive blend of dark rock, atmospheric textures, powerful guitars, and richly layered songwriting.

The lead single 'Home' featuring Ashton Nyte of famed South African goth rockers The Awakening also marked eight years since BIC's first single 'Storm'. As vocalist and co-writer of that debut offering, this is a fitting reunion for a song about connection and finally finding where you belong. The 'Home' video was filmed by Nyte and longtime BIC collaborator Vicente Cordero (Industrialism Films). For the album release, the focus / highlight track is 'You Made Me A Weapon ft. Julian Shah-Tayler'.

BIC curator Michael Ciravolo describes 'Quiet Place' as “quite possibly our most diverse album, with a collection of songs that just work together”. This double vinyl release also includes many other returning BIC alumni, including Cinthya Hussey(with a bit of help from her Mission main-man husband Wayne Hussey), Whitney Tai, Julian Shah-Tayler, Betsy Martin, Leo Luganskiy, and Kommunity FK’s Patrik Mata.

Two new voices join the BIC family on this album - Nick Schultz, formerly with The Faces Of Sarah, and Strangelove’s Brent Meyer. The Deluxe CD also includes three cover song renditions, with Michael Ciravolo himself contributing vocals.

“Since I had several additional new singers in mind, Michael Rozan and I just kept writing songs, but the idea of releasing this album on the same date as our debut was important to me… so I had to make the call to stop at these ten tracks," says Michael Ciravolo.

"I am very aware that ten songs is indeed a ‘big’ listen in today’s chaotic world, but I believe in my heart that our audience is more discerning and open to a true deep-dive listen.”

Beauty In Chaos has come a long way since LA-based guitarist Michael Ciravolo(formerly of Human Drama and Gene Loves Jezebel and current President of Schecter Guitars) launched this project in 2018. Over the years, BIC has involved members of The Mission, The Cure, Ministry, Cheap Trick, The Offspring, Gene Loves Jezebel, Marilyn Manson, Human Drama, Bauhaus, Nine Inch Nails, Van Halen, A Flock of Seagulls and dUg Pinnick, ICE-T, Rolan Bolan and Zakk Wylde, among other luminaries.

‘Quiet Place’ is available in a 100-copy Limited Edition package, which includes a beautiful 180g double vinyl pressed on Ocean Blue Glitter. Each of the 100 copies are hand-numbered and include an eight-page lyric booklet, a Special CD, and a set of three BIC guitar picks. As with all BIC albums, the full digital version is included and sent for immediate download!

A ‘Goth Black’ double vinyl, a Deluxe 13 song CD, and a digital version are also available at the BIC Store. While all of the artists that are part of the growing BIC Family believe in enjoying music in a physical format, ‘Quiet Place’ can also be heard on all streaming platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp.

CREDITS
Curated by Michael Ciravolo
Recorded, Mixed & Produced by Michael Rozon at SAINTinLA Studio
Executive Producer: Tim Perry (33.3 Music Collective)
Mastered by Dale Becker
Cover paintings by Maren Platzhoff
All songs copyright 2026 Beauty In Chaos Music (ASCAP)
'Home' Video filmed by Vicente Cordero & Ashton Nyte
Directed & Edited by Ashton Nyte
Featuring Ashton Nyte (vocals), Michael Ciravolo (guitar) & Tish Ciravolo (bass)
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

New Heavy Music From Plume — LISTEN + WATCH

September 27, 2026

With their brand new album Saferooms & Healing Frequencies, PLUME step fully into a world of their own. Blurring the boundaries between modern metal, hyper-pop, alternative rock, and electronic music, the band delivers a record that feels as emotionally exposed as it is sonically ambitious. Glittering electronics collide with crushing guitars, fractured rhythms and huge melodies, creating a sound that constantly shifts between vulnerability and impact.

At the heart of Saferooms & Healing Frequencies lies the search for safety in a world that rarely stands still. Across the album, PLUME explore anxiety, emotional overload, pain, and the need to find somewhere to breathe, process and heal. Rather than separating heaviness from beauty, the band allow both to exist side-by-side, turning moments of fragility into explosive releases and intimate thoughts into towering choruses.

Arriving alongside the album, "Frankincense" captures that contrast perfectly. Airy, melodic cleans drift through glitching electronics before sharp screams and crushing guitars tear through the atmosphere. Moving between quiet vulnerability and full-force intensity, the track deals with processing pain and searching for a safe place to finally put it down. In many ways, "Frankincense" serves as a perfect gateway into the album, showcasing PLUME at both their most intimate and their most intense.

That constant tension is essential to PLUME. Their songs are built as multilayered sonic sculptures, distorted and driven by synthesizers, unpredictable rhythms and an urge to push beyond conventional genre boundaries. Pop remains at the core, but comfort and predictability rarely do.
The same uncompromising approach extends far beyond the music. PLUME have developed a distinctive visual universe in which glam rock-inspired styling meets a contemporary digital aesthetic. Describing themselves as a "New Generation of Rockstars," the band treats every element as part of the same creative vision. Their live performances follow that philosophy, transforming concerts into relentless, atmospheric and meticulously constructed experiences where music, movement and aesthetics become one.

With their creative ideas, explosive live presence and unmistakable aesthetic, PLUME are rapidly establishing themselves as one of the most exciting rising names in the modern heavy scene. Rather than simply revisiting the language of rock music, they pull it apart and rebuild it through the lens of a generation raised equally on heavy guitars, digital culture and pop.

Saferooms & Healing Frequencies is the clearest expression of that identity yet: Bold, vulnerable, chaotic and deeply melodic. It is a record about finding shelter without hiding from what hurts, and about turning those emotions into something loud enough to be shared. PLUME are not interested in becoming an echo of what rock once was. They are shaping what it could become next.

New Heavy Music From Banks Arcade — LISTEN + WATCH

September 27, 2026

Banks Arcade unleash their new album SECOND PLACE SUPERSTAR, a bold and emotionally charged statement from a band that has never been interested in fitting neatly into one genre. Blurring the boundaries between modern metal, alternative electronic music and hip-hop, the record captures Banks Arcade at their most ambitious, unpredictable and personal yet.

Built on contrast, SECOND PLACE SUPERSTAR moves effortlessly between crushing heaviness, infectious melodies, electronic experimentation and moments of striking vulnerability. Rather than settling into a single sound, Banks Arcade use the album to push their identity further, bringing together the raw physicality of metal with the maximalist energy of contemporary alternative music. It is an approach deeply rooted in the band’s history, drawing inspiration from underground electronic artists, modern hip hop and classic metalcore while constantly searching for something unmistakably their own.

Arriving alongside the album is "Last Time," a track that perfectly captures its more vulnerable and melodic side. Trading sheer aggression for emotional weight, the song explores the desperate final moments of a relationship that already feels like it is slipping away. Love, regret, and self-sabotage collide with the hope that maybe this time things could end differently.

Brooding production gives way to soaring, confessional hooks as the lyrics turn heartbreak into something visceral. Images of spilling blood like red wine, stitching a broken heart back together and being pushed to the point of flatlining underline the song’s tension between devotion and destruction. At its core, "Last Time" is about wanting to become enough for someone while knowing that your own patterns may ultimately drive them away. That push and pull between hope and resignation makes it a powerful representation of the emotional world surrounding SECOND PLACE SUPERSTAR.

That sense of reinvention has defined Banks Arcade from the beginning. Forged through the partnership of two best friends whose backgrounds stretch from jazz degrees to professional MMA fighting, the band emerged from New Zealand through constant relocation, struggle and an uncompromising drive to create something different. Those experiences became the foundation for a musical identity built around evolution rather than convention.

In recent years, Banks Arcade have transformed from New Zealand underdogs into an internationally established name in modern heavy music. The band have sold out headline shows across the Southern Hemisphere, taken their uncompromising live show to international stages including Download Festival, and shared stages with the likes of The Plot In You, Northlane, and Thornhill.

With SECOND PLACE SUPERSTAR, Banks Arcade continue exactly what has driven them from the start: dismantling expectations of what a modern heavy band should sound like. Heavy without being confined by heaviness, melodic without sacrificing intensity and experimental without losing its emotional core, the album brings together the many sides of Banks Arcade into their most expansive statement yet.

SECOND PLACE SUPERSTAR is out now via Arising Empire

BANKS ARCADE ON TOUR:

10/9 — Marrickville, AUS — From Ashes To New
10/11 — Melbourne, AUS — From Ashes To New
10/13 — Adelaide, AUS — From Ashes To New
10/15 — Newstead, AUS — From Ashes To New
1/17 — Sydney, AUS — Hellbound 2027

Rising Singer/Songwriter Kinsley Unveils Debut EP Learn To Live

September 26, 2026

Long before she began writing songs, MCA artist and Sony Music Nashville writer Kinsley turned to poetry as a way to process her feelings, experiences and the world around her. That love found its way into songwriting, where she discovered a place to tell stories with the honesty and emotion that have become central to her artistry. The 22-year-old singer/songwriter unveils her debut EP Learn To Live, available now via MCA.

“I hope people hear these songs and feel like they can find a piece of their own story in them,” shares Kinsley. “I’ve been in places where I didn’t have the words for what I was feeling, and music gave me somewhere to put all of that. I want to make music that gives people a place to feel seen, understood and a little less alone, the same way music has done that for me.”

Written with David DeVaul and Jack Hummel, Kinsley sets the tone for the project with “Pieces of Me,” a deeply personal introduction to her songwriting and the questions of identity that run through the project, set against an increasingly expansive production.

On “Someone Prayed For Me” and “Waiting Room,” she delves into darker territory, pulling from personal experiences and the stories of those around her to examine moments of struggle, uncertainty and the search for something to hold onto.

Featuring critically-acclaimed songstress Caitlyn Smith, who also serves as a co-writer on the track, “Cold July” reflects on the aftermath of a relationship that unraveled in spite of promises that seemed certain.

“Collaborating with Caitlyn Smith challenged me,” Kinsley reveals. “She pushed me both vocally and lyrically, and I am forever grateful and honored to have her on this song. She truly brings this track to life.”

“Whiplash” taps into Kinsley’s lifelong love of rock music, while title track “Learn To Live (Louder)” closes out the project. As the first original song she posted, "Learn To Live” resonated with people both online and at writers rounds, marking the beginning of the path that led to this collection and one of the first milestones in her evolution as an artist.

About Kinsley
MCA singer-songwriter Kinsley creates music rooted in honesty, healing, and human connection. With her debut six-song EP Learn To Live, available now, the 22-year-old blends vivid storytelling, poetic lyricism, and raw, soulful vocals to establish herself as a songwriter with a clear voice and perspective. Having grown up across California, Texas and Tennessee, the Nashville-based artist writes the kinds of songs that make listeners feel seen and understood. An “old soul” with a lifelong passion for poetry and songwriting, Kinsley approaches music as both emotional refuge and personal expression — creating deeply human songs that live at the intersection of vulnerability and healing. Online at officialkinsleymusic.com.

SICKSENSE Release New EP Funerals, Alongside Official Music Video For "Seller's Remorse"

September 26, 2026

Reinvigorated and reinvented, modern metal act SICKSENSE return with the new EP release Funerals. Comprised of a ferocious collection of tracks that demonstrate a fresh sonic direction, SICKSENSE present a nu-metalcore dynamic with hints of melodic prog and djent. Alongside the arrive of Funeralsis a new official music video for the aggressive and unapologetic "Seller's Remorse."

"'Seller's Remorse' calls out hypocritical backstabbers." The band explain.

"Without giving away any spoilers, we had a fun day of laughs out in the sun filming the music video for this one!

The lyrics take a dig at the ones who are too lazy to build up anything meaningful themselves. So they decide to tear down harder working people instead, as a cope for their own shortcomings.

Sicksense is never shy to tell it like it is through sarcasm and blunt honesty."

Order Funerals HERE: http://funerals.sicksense.com/

Watch "Seller's Remorse" Below:

Nu-metalcore quintet SICKSENSE are preparing to bring Funerals to live stages across North America beginning this November. With eight headline dates in the Midwest and Eastern Canada, SICKSENSE will also be appearing as support for MUSHROOMHEAD & FEAR FACTORY, HEAL THE HURT, PRIMER 55, 40 BELOW SUMMER and EYES SET TO KILL.

Tour Dates:

NOV 05 — DAVENPORT, IA @ REDSTONE ROOM
[COMING SOON]
NOV 08 — TOLEDO, OH @ FRANKIE’S
NOV 09 — CHICAGO, IL @ THE WC SOCIAL CLUB
NOV 10 — SAUGET, IL @ POP’S ^
NOV 11 — NASHVILLE, TN @ THE BASEMENT EAST ^
NOV 12 — GREENVILLE, SC @ THE RADIO ROOM +
NOV 13 — RALEIGH, NC @ CHAPEL OF BONES #
NOV 15 — RICHMOND, VA @ THE CANAL CLUB #
NOV 17 — HAMDEN, CT @ SPACE BALLROOM #
NOV 18 — QUEBEC CITY, QC @ L’ANTI BAR & SPECTACLES
NOV 19 — MONTREAL, QC @ PIRANHA BAR
NOV 20 — OTTAWA, ON @ DOMINION TAVERN
NOV 21 — MILLERSVILLE, PA @ PHANTOM POWER ~#
NOV 22 — LAKEWOOD, OH @ THE FOUNDRY
NOV 24 — LINCOLN, NE @ BOURBON THEATRE
DEC 03 — LUBBOCK, TX @ JAKE’S BACKROOM *
DEC 04 — AUSTIN, TX @ COME AND TAKE IT LIVE *
DEC 05 — HOUSTON, TX @ SCOUT BAR *
DEC 06 — DALLAS, TX @ THREE LINKS DEEP ELLUM *
DEC 08 — DENVER, CO @ HQ *
DEC 11 — SEATTLE, WA @ EL CORAZON *
DEC 12 — PORTLAND, OR @ HAWTHORNE THEATRE *
DEC 13 — BOISE, ID @ SHRINE SOCIAL CLUB *
DEC 15 — LAS VEGAS, NV @ GREY WITCH *
DEC 16 — WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA @ WHISKY A GO GO *
DEC 17 — ANAHEIM, CA @ HOUSE OF BLUES (THE PARISH) *
DEC 18 — TUCSON, AZ @ THE ROCK *
DEC 19 — PHOENIX, AZ @ CRESCENT BALLROOM *

SUPPORTING:
^ MUSHROOMHEAD & FEAR FACTORY
+ HEAL THE HURT
# PRIMER 55
~ 40 BELOW SUMMER
* EYES SET TO KILL

Purchase tickets HERE: https://sicksense.com/pages/tour-dates

At their core, SICKSENSE represent resilience, individuality, and fearless self-expression. Whether through brutally honest lyrics, high-energy live performances, or their hands-on approach to every aspect of the band’s creative vision, SICKSENSE continue to prove that heavy music has no boundaries when authenticity leads the way.

SICKSENSE is:

Vicky Psarakis — vocals, lyrics, keys
Robby J. Fonts — vocals, lyrics
Jackson Snowden — guitars
Richard Regier — bass, violin
Sam Neumann — drums

Connect with SICKSENSE:

Website: www.sicksense.com
Bandcamp: https://sickxsense.bandcamp.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sickxsense
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sickxsense
X/Twitter: https://x.com/sickxsense
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sicksenseofficial
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/vickypsarakis
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7bVyQW5pkc3aF5Rq03ZQxc
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sicksense/1579360754
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sickxsense
Discord: https://discord.gg/uAtNhq5H6W
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/sicksense