New Jersey's QUIZ SHOW present 'XONO' on Love, Letdown & Loud Guitars -- New EP for the boys of From Shudder To Think, out Sept. 28

New Jersey-based indie rock trio Quiz Show presents their new single 'XONO', which explores the painful gap between idealized romantic aspirations and the harsh truth that a promising bond is ultimately doomed to fail. This is the first taste of their forthcoming 3-song 'XONO' EP, released via New Jersey's Magic Door Record Label.

An original tune on the high hopes of friendship and love, and the difficulties that lie therein, the 'XONO' EP was produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by award-winning producer Ray Ketchem (Guided By Voices, Luna, Elk City, Gramercy Arms, The Dambuilders) at Magic Door Recording Studio in Montclair, NJ.

'XONO' starts with a surprise encounter and overture, the chorus moving through the process of acknowledgement and let-down. The bridge resolves that this relationship is not going to work before the song concludes with a final “I’m not it” to drive home the point. The story arc progresses from noisy start and rising progression via the chorus, allowing the author’s thoughts to break through, ending with a high-energy music and vocal piece and a resonant final lingering echo.    

"I really love 'XONO' for being a tight, quick, and complex song. There is some great simplicity and pleasant dissonance in the music. That it tells a story about difficult relationships is something I am proud to have found a way to spell out," says Chris Matthews.

"As for the 'XONO' EP, it captures the life of Quiz Show over the last year. For me, singing is coming more naturally these days. I still can’t believe this whole thing is happening!"

Quiz Show is made up of Chris Matthews, a founding member of of legendary DC hardcore band Shudder To Thinkand bassist Jesse Krakow, together with drummer Joe Billy III, who replaced the original drummer Kevin March (Guided By Voices, The Dambuilders, Shudder To Think).

You could say Quiz Show is a continuation of unfinished business. After a quarter-century break, Chris Matthews picked-up his guitar and again began to write songs, triggered by a chance meeting with his former Shudder To Think bandmate Kevin March. Now both living in Montclair, Kevin and Chris ended up forming Quiz Show with Frank Gibbons on bass. 

Quiz Show makes music that is still squarely within the punk and alternative rock spectrum with elements of Hüsker Dü, Pixies, Ramones, Joy Division, Fugazi, Sonic Youth, and Girls Against Boys. Blending the musicality of alternative pop with the energy and noise of punk rock, vocal hooks overlay heavy drums and bass and layered guitars, creating a rich field of sounds.

'XONO' follows Quiz Show's 'Flotsam' EP, released in 2024 and engineered by Ketchem and Brian Robbins (Blondie, Bring Me The Horizon, Papa Roach), which explores the shattered, lost stories of people’s lives, and their 2023 eponymous debut album, an electrifying collection full of protest, friendship and frustration, both released to wide acclaim.

As of September 1, 'XONO' is available everywhere digitally, including Apple MusicSpotify and Bandcamp. The full 'XONO' EP will be released on September 28. Quiz Show will be performing on October 2 at Crossroads in Garwood, NJ, along with The Van Pelt.

EP CREDITS
Chris Matthews - guitars and vocals
Jesse Krakow - bass, organ, and backing vocals
Joe Billy III - drums, backing vocals, acoustic guitar
Produced by Ray Ketchem
Recorded, Mixed and Mastered by Ray Ketchem
at Magic Door Recording, Montclair NJ
Recording at Magic Door Recording, Montclair NJ
Songs by Chris Matthews and Quiz Show
© 2024 Shake at the Thought (BMI)
Cover photo by Mike Roller
Design by Ray Ketchem
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Keep up with Quiz Show
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ONE WORLD (R)EVOLUTION Release New Album Reflections Of Resilience, Alongside Tracks "Complacency" & "Today Is The Day"

Reflections Of Resilience is the ferocious and empowering new full-length offering from ONE WORLD (R)EVOLUTION. The project, devised by songwriter and vocalist Astrum Lux Lucis, explores resilience, self-examination and personal transformation in the new album. Released via AstraLux Records, Reflections Of Resilience is accompanied by focus tracks "Complacency" & "Today Is The Day".

On "Complacency" Astrum shares, "We can become so consumed by what isn't happening, what we haven't accomplished or what we wish were different that we stop participating in the life that's already here."

"Today Is The Day" is about action. "I've spent enormous amounts of time living inside my own head—analyzing, questioning, second-guessing and wondering whether I should still be doing this at all", Astrum shares. "You can become so consumed with figuring out why you're not where you think you should be that you fail to notice something much more frightening:

Your actual life is happening while you're thinking about it.

Both songs recognize the same danger from slightly different perspectives. 'Today Is The Day' focuses on postponement—the endless belief that life will begin at some future moment.

'Complacency' looks at what happens when that postponement becomes a lifestyle."

Musically, ONE WORLD (R)EVOLUTION fuses alternative metal and modern hard rock with elements of metalcore delivered through heavy, contemporary production. Across Reflections Of Resilience, Astrum's melodic vocals meet moments of visceral aggression as ONE WORLD (R)EVOLUTION present a truly honest and vulnerable sonic offering.

Reflections Of Resilience was created through a collaboration between Astrum Lux Lucis and producer/songwriter Dusten "Dusty" Boles. Reflections Of Resilience was mixed by Dusten Boles and Frank Smith, with mastering also by Dusten Boles. Additionally, Dusten Boles provides guitars, bass, drums-programming, sound design to Reflections Of Resilience. The cover album artwork is created by Angelo Sanfilippo. 

ONE WORLD (R)EVOLUTION isn't built around rebellion simply for the sake of rebellion. Its larger philosophy is that meaningful change in the world begins with transformation within the individual.


ONE WORLD (R)EVOLUTION Online: 

Official Website: https://oneworldrevolution.us
Bandcamp: https://oneworldrevolution.bandcamp.com/
E-Shop: https://fans.oneworldrevolution.us/#section-NucDpVEORJ
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OneWorldRevolution
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oneworldrevolution_
Twitter/X: https://x.com/owrofficial
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OneWorldRevolution
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/oneworldrevolution
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1TQP9EWsbL7XxksqHdy1Ry?si=jjNc9uHyRo-OCAgLtVhU0g
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/one-world-r-evolution/376582415
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@oneworldrevolution

BAD WOLVES HONOR DOLLY PARTON + RELEASE "JOLENE" COVER IN HER MEMORY

Dolly Parton was planning to contribute her signature vocals to Bad Wolves' heavy metal cover of "Jolene" before her sudden passing this week. On Monday, August 31, the band releases their version of the song in her memory, with proceeds going to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.

"Our singer is a big fan of Dolly and had posted a bunch of videos of her covering 'Jolene.' So, we decided to make a rock cover version for our next album," says Bad Wolves founder, drummer, and songwriter John Boecklin. "On hearing our version, our label CEO Dan Waite sent the finished record to Dolly's manager, Danny Nozell, with a request for Dolly to guest feature on our version. We heard back that Danny had played the track to Dolly, and that Dolly loved our version, and that Dolly was going to go into the studio and add her vocals very soon. We then sent over the stems for Dolly's studio engineers to work with. Like everyone, we were devastated by last week's news of Dolly's passing."

Danny Nozell, Dolly Parton's longtime manager, confirmed that she had been eager to record her vocals for the track before her passing, while explicitly clearing up recent online misinformation surrounding the tribute, stating. "Dolly was a champion of artists pushing musical boundaries. She listened to the Bad Wolves arrangement of 'Jolene' weeks ago, gave it her full blessing, and was incredibly excited to collaborate on it. Releasing this track on Monday as a tribute—with proceeds directly supporting her beloved Imagination Library—is exactly what Dolly and her team wanted."

"Jolene" is available now via Better Noise Music. Listen Below:

Don Burton, manager and husband of the late Dolores O’Riordan (The Cranberries), offered his perspective on the band's integrity. 

"When Dolores died, prior to recording with Bad Wolves on Zombie, Better Noise Music’s Allen Kovac and Dan Waite reached out say that with our blessing they would like to continue with their plans to release 'Zombie,' but wanted to donate the proceeds to Dolores' children. 

"As a parent, I was touched, and also very surprised when the label and band were true to their word and presented our kids (aged 12, 16, 20, 27 at the time) with hundreds of thousands of dollars. A very gracious gesture, which helped with their college costs, and we will always remember the band's kindness in honouring their pledge and Dolores' memory. 

"The similarities here with Dolly Parton loving Bad Wolves version of Jolene, and sadly passing before recording, is tragic, but once again the Bad Wolves have agreed to donate their proceeds to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, and based on the 'Zombie' track record, this could provide a lot of books for young children around the world."

Boecklin continued: "We will honor Dolly's incredible legacy by donating proceeds from 'Jolene' to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. We know that we can contribute to Dolly's vision of giving access to books and improving literacy."

ABOUT BAD WOLVES:
BAD WOLVES continue to break all of the rules, merging mind-numbing riffs and rhythms with massive, stadium-size melodies. This uncanny fusion of finesse and fire has quietly cemented the Nashville-based band as a multi-platinum powerhouse. Founded by John Boecklin in 2018, the quartet show sno signs of stopping or slowing down, either. Thus far, they have garnered a 3x-Platinum single and two Gold singles in addition to scoring 6 No. 1 entries at radio and gathering billions of streams. Beyond acclaim from Billboard, Outburn, Loudwire, and more, the group has stood out as a presence versatile enough to collaborate with either Daughtry or Ice Nine Kills. Beyond touring with Papa Roach, Volbeat, Hollywood Undead, and more, they have sold out successive headline tours. Welcoming KILLBOY on the microphone in 2026, they blow the hinges off on their next era with the new single "Paint It Red" — with much more to come.

A SHORELINE DREAM's new single 'Legacy' marks 20 years of music, sacrifice & roads traveled

Twenty years after forming, A Shoreline Dream enters its anniversary year with ‘Legacy’, the new single released via Latenight Weeknight Records, which finds the band reflecting on the time, choices, and sacrifices behind one of Colorado’s longest-running independent music projects.

A sludging, bass pumping song that explodes with a huge chorus of cascading guitars and vocals that match that reflection, its shoegaze chant reflects on all the time that has passed. Here, "Legacy, your legacy instead of it" lyrically reflecting the thoughts that which has been sacrificed - so many of the normal everyday life milestones - to instead fine tune the nearly 120 tracks the band has now released throughout their history. A tragic yet rewarding legacy to leave behind.

Formed in 2005 and based in Barnum, Colorado, A Shoreline Dream is a duo of multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Ryan Policky and guitarist Erik Jeffries. For just over two decades, Policky and Jeffries have built a catalog approaching 120 released tracks while developing a sound rooted in shoegaze, psychedelia, post-punk, and expansive guitar-driven experimentation.

Approaching the 20th anniversary of their debut album ‘Avoiding the Consequences’,they look at that history from a deeply personal perspective. Years spent writing, recording, producing, and refining A Shoreline Dream's music have often meant choosing the demands of the creative process over many of the conventional milestones of everyday life. The song considers what remains when so much of a life has been devoted to making music, and whether the work itself ultimately becomes the legacy.

The release comes during one of the band's most prolific periods. Rather than treating 2026 as a year of reflection, A Shoreline Dream committed to releasing singles every month, while developing new material towards ‘Waiting’, the band's second full-length album of 2026, which will include nine tracks.

Their current creative roll follows a significant period of collaboration with Ride frontman Mark Gardener. Through A Shoreline Dream's partnership with Shameless Promotion PR, Policky and Gardener connected for a series of recordings that resulted in five co-produced and performed songs, the most recent of these appearing on the album ‘To Where They Have Gone’, released in February.

That relationship is part of A Shoreline Dream's love affair with the UK music community. The band has worked extensively with Ulrich Schnauss and has also collaborated with members of Engineers, Chapterhouse, Rocket Girl Records, and mastering engineer Mark Kramer (Urge Overkill, Bongwater, Shimmy Records).

“2026 has been the year of true sonic inspiration, and the first time I’ve found myself in a constant music writing mode. After working with Mark Gardener, my mind has been humming melodies to me daily," says Ryan Policky.

That renewed creative momentum has also been shaped by the world outside the studio. The response has been to make music that provides an alternative to that noise: music that is melodic, heavy, expansive, and immersive.

“It’s been a brutal human climate, and the distractions are so overwhelming in the media / toxic social media world. I’m f’ing over it. I just want explosive and melodic tunes to distract from this insane world, and these songs are exactly that," says Ryan Policky.

“The tales of dealing with a world in chaos I hope resonate with all those out there looking for new musical vibes and explosive soundscapes. We have come back to the original feeling of A Shoreline Dream creating melodipsych shoegaze to celebrate this massively long journey.”

‘Legacy’ arrives not as a retrospective statement, but as a marker of where A Shoreline Dream stands now. Policky and Jeffries have maintained their creative partnership through changing musical landscapes and an evolving industry. Their response to reaching the 20-year milestone has been to keep creating at an increasingly intense pace.

The result is a band looking back without standing still. ‘Legacy’ acknowledges the cost of the journey while ‘Waiting’ and the continuing 2026 release campaign point firmly toward what comes next.

'Legacy'is now available from digital music platforms, including SpotifyApple Music and Bandcamp.The band's second album of 2026, ‘Waiting’, will be released on October 16th.

CREDITS

Written & produced by Ryan Policky
Recorded, mixed & mastered by Ryan Policky
Distributed by The Orchard
Copyright Latenight Weeknight Records, LLC
Cover art and photography by Ryan Policky
Publicity by Shauna McLarnon for Shameless Promotion PR


Keep up with A Shoreline Dream
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We Came As Romans Unveil "red smoke ○ " Feat. HEAVENSGATE

We Came As Romans have released "red smoke ○," a reimagined version of the track from their 2025 album ALL IS BEAUTIFUL… BECAUSE WE'RE DOOMED, this time featuring HEAVENSGATE.

Watch the visualiser for the new single Below and find the song on streaming platforms HERE

 

CIRCULARITY will present four brand new songs alongside six rewritten versions of tracks from All Is Beautiful… Because We're Doomed, each reworked in partnership with artists the band has shared stages with across years of touring — including Dayseeker, Bury Tomorrow, Currents, After The Burial, Headwreck, HEAVENSGATE, and Ladrones.

 

Of the project, We Came As Romans shared:

"ALL IS BEAUTIFUL… BECAUSE WE'RE DOOMED: CIRCULARITY is the culmination of this cycle for WCAR. We are happy to have been able to sit in a place of deep collaboration with so many artists we have toured with over the years & build strong friendships with. The new songs represent a new era for the band as we continue to write & carve out what is next."

 

Head to circularity.wcar.band to guess which band is on which song & unlock a clip of each when guessed correctly. 

ABOUT WE CAME AS ROMANS

We Came As Romans continue to progress and evolve at lightspeed, maintaining a place at the forefront of heavy music and culture. Never content to follow, they seamlessly alchemize crushing groove-driven catharsis, spacey electronics, and arena-size singalongs into a sound that refuses to sit still, effortlessly moving between metal, alternative, metalcore, and rock.

The Michigan-born five-piece - Dave Stephens, Joshua Moore, Lou Cotton, Andy Glass, and David Puckett - first broke through with Tracing Back Roots (2013), which cracked the Billboard 200 Top 10 and hit #1 on both the Independent Albums and Top Hard Rock Albums charts. Their self-titled 2015 album followed, debuting at #11 on the Billboard 200, cementing their status as modern metalcore royalty.

Following the tragic loss of original vocalist Kyle Pavone in 2018, the band has continued to honor his legacy with their 2022 album, Darkbloom, their highest-praised record to date. Kerrang! awarded it 4 out of 5 stars, calling it "a carrier for a knot of emotion, and a tribute to their friend." It featured career-defining tracks like "Black Hole" (ft. Caleb Shomo), now over 102 million Spotify streams, and "Daggers" (ft. Zero 9:36), which surpassed 32 million streams. Media outlets including Loudwire and Consequence praised the album for its emotional range, sonic heft, and unapologetic vulnerability.

With the release of their 2025 album, ALL IS BEAUTIFUL...BECAUSE WE'RE DOOMED, the band entered their most ambitious chapter yet, now further punctuated by forthcoming release ALL IS BEAUTIFUL...BECAUSE WE'RE DOOMED: CIRCULARITY. Scarred, sharpened, and more fearless than ever, We Came As Romans continue to prove why they have remained one of the most dominant and consistent forces in heavy music.

We Came As Romans Are



Dave Stephens - Vocals

Joshua Moore - Guitar

Lou Cotton - Guitar

Andy Glass - Bass

David Puckett - Drums

Ray Hawthorne Announces New Record + Screams Through Tough Love On New Single!

Pop punk's most lovable liability, Ray Hawthorne, returns today with the announcement of his new record, "Ray Hawthorne Can't Be Trusted" (set for release on October 15) alongside a heart-on-sleeve anthem, "Tough As Nails", about inheritance, masculinity, and the messy ways love gets passed down. Pre-save the upcoming record, "Ray Hawthorne Can't Be Trusted", HERE.

As a grounding moment on "Ray Hawthorne Can't Be Trusted", "Tough As Nails" confronts the space between being taught to be tough and learning that vulnerability can be a strength in its own right. Through a heavy, but heartfelt tribute to the person who raised him, Ray Hawthorne reflects on the strength, sacrifice, and complicated love that shaped him.

Where "Ray Hawthorne Sucks" was earnest and "Ray Hawthorne Isn't Real" was chaotic, "Ray Hawthorne Can't Be Trusted" continues a catalog that treats humor, self-awareness, and self-destruction as adjacent concepts. As a whole, Ray Hawthorne leans into emotional whiplash and damage control on his earlier records, while "Ray Hawthorne Can't Be Trusted" (produced by Pete Zen) is aimed at the part of the cycle where the damage has already become too familiar.

Digging into the heart behind "Tough As Nails", Ray Hawthorne proves he is capable of emotional availability.

As he gears up to release "Ray Hawthorne Can't Be Trusted", Ray Hawthorne is once again sharing how a few bad decisions, too much self-awareness, and an inability to leave well enough alone somehow became a full-length record:

"If you or someone you know has been personally effected by the lyrics of Ray Hawthorne Can’t Be Trusted, don’t @ me. This is the first of my albums that was made intentionally. Prior to this I would release a lot of singles, see what people liked the best, then try to retroactively fit the top performers and some unreleased material into a functional album with coherent themes. NOT THIS TIME MOTHERFUCKERS. THIS IS 13 TRACKS OF UNADULTERATED RAGE MEANT TO RIP YOUR HEART OUT WITH NO REGARD FOR YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY. (I read that in the voice of a monster truck rally commercial by the way.) But on a serious note, it was fun getting together with Pete and really thinking through the album as a whole. How it should ebb and flow, where we should push heavier or pull back, things like that. So I hope that level of cohesion is more present than my previous albums when you listen through the record.”

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

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

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

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

ABOUT RAY HAWTHORNE

Do you remember that episode of Degrassi where Ashley really wants Craig to tell her he loves her, but Craig gets all panicked and can’t tell her that he does? It causes so much drama in their relationship. She begins to question her feelings for him and because of that, he becomes seemingly unsure of his feelings for her. So, in an effort to quell the bad vibes, Craig writes a song that includes lyrics IMPLICITLY AND EXPLICITLY stating that he loves her. (Total banger by the way, the only song of his I like better is the one he sings at the battle of the bands after the two inevitably break up, it’s also about Ashley. I believe it’s called ‘What I Know’) Anyway, Craig was only able to admit he loved Ashley in song form, but you as the viewer are left wondering ‘Does he really love her, or was this just his solution to end the drama?’ Or, ’Is this truly the only way he can express himself because he’s kind of nervous about speaking his true feelings outside of the structured environment of a song?’. I tend to believe it’s a mixture of both. So what I’m trying to say is, this collection of songs is kind of like that. I always feel like I have so much to say but often feel a bit too vulnerable when discussing my actual feelings. So for the majority of my life, I’ve just written them into songs instead. These songs can be quite vulnerable even if they seem silly at times. So now you’re left to wonder... am I telling the truth or just trying to get rid of Ashley’s bad vibes?

DYSTOPIA AD Announce Forthcoming Album 'Wasteland Empire,' Unveil New Single "Breath of Decay"

Progressive death metal act DYSTOPIA A.D. announce the upcoming studio album Wasteland Empire, alongside the unveiling of the new single "Breath of Decay." Wasteland Empire is scheduled for independent release on January 15, 2027.

With "Breath of Decay" DYSTOPIA A.D. demonstrate their appreciation of genres both within and beyond metal. Musically, "'Breath of Decay' begins with frenetic Latin percussion in a nod to 'Chasin’ the Voodoo' by jazz fusion legend Al Di Meola before making way for dissonant mid-paced black metal riffage accompanied by ferociously snarled vocals," the band explain. 

The single conjures imagery of a natural landscape awash with waterways contrasted against a shadowy darkness of negative emotions. "Lyrically, 'Breath of Decay' transports the listener to the backwaters of the Louisiana bayou while exploring themes of guilt, fear, and helplessness, invoking an unshakeable feeling of panic".

Wasteland Empire was produced, mixed and mastered by DYSTOPIA A.D.. Additional percussion on "Breath of Decay" was performed by Gabriel R. The band's logo is by Luciferium War Graphics, with the album cover artwork by Hans Trasid of Dis-Art Design. 

About DYSTOPIA A.D.:
Formed in 2018 by Aki Shishido (ASH & ELM, STRAINS OF BELLUM) and Chris Whitby (HELLBORE, BLACK NEGATIVE DOMINATION)., the progressive death metal act from New Jersey, USA, incorporate an array of musical influences notably technical/melodic death metal with elements of progressive rock and power metal. DYSTOPIA A.D. draw inspiration from the likes of SEPULTURA, BLIND GUARDIAN, TESTAMENT, REVOCATION, and SHADOWS FALL. The genre fusion across the band's sound heightens the impact of their music with relentless power and attack, emotion and understanding. 

DYSTOPIA A.D.'s first release Designing Ruin arrived in 2018, followed by Rise of the Merciless (2020) and the critically acclaimed Imperial Dawn in 2022. Now moving into their next chapter with the forthcoming full-length, Wasteland Empire,DYSTOPIA A.D. are joined by UK based Charlie Munro (HELLBORE), a longtime friend, collaborator, and producer. Wasteland Empire is set to arrive independently on January 15, 2027.


DYSTOPIA A.D. Is:
Aki Shishido – Lead guitar
Charlie Munro - Lead guitar
Chris Whitby – Vocals, rhythm and lead guitars, bass, keyboards, drum programming


DYSTOPIA A.D. Online:
Bandcamp: https://dystopiaad.bandcamp.com/
E-Shop: https://dystopiaad.bandcamp.com/merch
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DystopiaAD
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dystopiaad/
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@dystopiaad8476
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6cl9TYbCxaL2O9UcaeHtGY
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/in/artist/dystopia-a-d/1436807145

PLAIINS Step on the Gas With "Cookie Jar"

British x German alt-punks PLAIINS invite us to tear the roof off with their hard-hitting new single "Cookie Jar."

Building on the massive momentum of over 3 million streams and rave reviews from Visions and Kerrang! (who famously dubbed them "cartoonishly gobby"), the track tackles the millennial grind — capturing the frustration of working endlessly only to realize that the promised reward of a secure, comfortable life is out of reach.

Drawing inspiration from Kid Kapichi, Bad Nerves, The Hives, IDLES, and PUP, the song blends a gritty British punk feel in the verses with a swaggering, Kid Kapichi-style groove in the pre-chorus. The chorus hits with full force—massive, anthemic, and built around PUP-inspired vocals, Hives-esque guitars, and roaring gang vocals, all capped off by a guitar solo with a clear nod to My Chemical Romance.

Listen to "Cookie Jar" Below:

Hot on the heels of their highly praised debut album Happy Faces (2025) and their recent teaser "Look Ma, I'm A Don," new single "Cookie Jar" kicks off an exciting new chapter for the band. PLAIINS are set to light up the festival circuit across Europe this summer, followed by a UK run in autumn and a major winter tour through Germany's top cities alongside Smile and Burn and The Pill. 

PLAIINS about the new single:
"'Cookie Jar' is written from a millennial perspective about growing up being promised a very specific version of adulthood: Work hard, go to university, get a good job and you'll be rewarded with financial security, a house and a holiday once a year. But the economic landscape changed, the goalposts moved, and yet our generation is still often blamed for being lazy or entitled. The song comes from the frustration of working 60 hours a week and still feeling like it's almost impossible to get ahead. The 'cookie jar' is the modest, normal life we were told hard work would guarantee us."

PLAIINS ARE:
Chris Reardon — Vocals, Guitars
Florian Kaninck — Guitars
Adrian Boog — Bass

Dutch Black Metal Project BLACK DOOR Streams New Album in Full via Lambgoat

Dutch black metal solo artist BLACK DOOR is now streaming its upcoming sophomore full-length, 'In the Shadows of a Funerary Gleam,' in its entirety via Lambgoat! The album can be heard ahead of its official release this Friday, August 28, below.

Pre-orders for 'In the Shadows of a Funerary Gleam' are now live via Wolves of Hades! The USA shop can be found HERE while the EU shop is available HERE.

BLACK DOOR mastermind and multi-instrumentalist Vestibulum comments, "The wait is over. I am elated to share that In the Shadows of a Funerary Gleam is unleashed in its full glory. Ranging from lamenting wails and dissonant discordance to triumphant hymns, the album is bound to stir the senses of those willing to open themselves to it. The journey commences as melancholic, entering the mind of lamented decay, continuing in the slow descent in 'The Stale Humid Mist.' Wrestlings of a troubled soul will be dissected in its spiritual heights, hubris and downfalls, to conclude with the open invitation to the fervour of self-creation in Promethean Fire. From its blessing and curse, we forge desire!"

Following the spectral path unveiled on its debut album, BLACK DOOR returns more fierce and haunting than ever before. 'In the Shadows of a Funerary Gleam,' a work steeped in nocturnal mysticism, sepulchral grandeur, and the lingering echoes of eons.

Following the spectral path unveiled on its debut album, Black Door returns more fierce and 

haunting than ever before. 'In the Shadows of a Funerary Gleam,' a work steeped in nocturnal mysticism, sepulchral grandeur, and the lingering echoes of eons.

In the 'Shadows of a Funerary Gleam' delves further into the dimensions between life and death, nostalgia and oblivion. From the spectral procession of it’s haunting introduction to the Promethean revelations that conclude the album, these compositions unfold as chapters of a singular journey through the funerary mist of forgotten kingdoms inhabited by restless specters

Drawing inspiration from the black legions and vampiric romanticism, Black Door refuses to be confined by simple nostalgia. Beneath its veil of blackened melancholy lies a flame that illuminates both as a beacon and warning; a fading light that guides the listener through stale humid mists, crepuscular awakenings, lamentations of dying ages, and confrontations with powers older than mankind itself. Whether invoking liches wrested from mortality, ancient celestial names whispered from the abyss, or the tragic gift of Promethean fire, Black Door weaves together a mythology of spiritual yearning and cosmic resignation.

To be released by Wolves of Hades on August 28 on LP, CD, MC & Digital, 'In the Shadows of a Funerary Gleam' stands as a fully realized expression of the project's evolving vision, one that balances haunting melody, strife, nocturnal atmosphere, and triumphant darkness with a reverence for the mysterious and the eternal.

Lineup:

Vestibulum – All instrumentation & Vocals

Live Lineup:

Vestibulum – Vocals, Guitar

N. – Guitar

M. – Bass

B. or I. - Drums

Album Credits:

All music, lyrics and performance by Vestibulum

Logo by Viral Designs

Mixing, photography and layout design by G.M.

Mastered by William Killingsworth at Dead Air Studios

Cover art by Grave Bastard

USA Pre-Order Link: https://www.usa-wolvesofhades.com/collections/black-door

EU Pre-Order Link: https://www.wolvesofhades.com/collections/black-door

Links:

BANDCAMP

EU SHOP

US SHOP

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

BLUESKY

YOUTUBE

The cover art was created by Grave Bastard

Ecuador's Deathcore Act SARCOMA Premiere New Album Ponzoña

Ecuador's extreme metal act SARCOMA have unveiled their brutal new full length offering, Ponzoña via Valley of the Death. Ponzoña marks the latest ferocious chapter from the Ecuador-based ensemble, whose career began two decades ago, as they continue to evolve their distinctive sound. 

"This album is a sample of what Sarcoma has always sought to be. This time the emphasis lies on simple structures centered around well-developed riffs." The band explain. 

"The new album is characterized by the search for the perfect balance between old school and modern metal trends, seeking its own sound and voice within the global metal scene.

Sarcoma is not afraid to use elements from different genres of underground music, flirting with death metal, deathcore, and metallic hardcore. A union of the elements that we consider to be the strongest of what we like to hear, but consider have never been fused together in our particular way."


On the album's title, the band reveal,"The album's name Ponzoña, is a Spanish word used for deadly poisons or really poisonous insects. There are a couple of reasons behind us choosing this name: the main one is obviously the specific feeling we wanted to evoke when listening to the final product.

The second, and less known one is that Ponzoña was also one of the many nicknames we jokingly gave the band among us many, many years ago. Unexpectedly we then realized that the word had a cool ring to it, and accurately described the band’s sonic identity".

Recorded at Valley of the Death Studios in Quito, Ponzoña was mixed and mastered by Juan Pablo Rivas and produced by Juan Pablo Flores. Keyboards and the solo performance on "Vuelve a Creer" were performed by Michel Ferré. The album's cover artwork was created by artist Andrés Jaramo. 

About SARCOMA:
SARCOMA is the first Spanish-language deathcore band in the world. Formed in Quito, Ecuador, in 2006, the quartet launched their debut EP Silenciosa Tortura independently that same year. 2016 brought a hiatus until seven years later, in 2023, original members Santiago Romero and Juan Pablo Flores returned to write new music, now joined by Andrés Jaramo (drums) and Andrés Éguez (bass). 

During SARCOMA's first incarnation, following the first EP, the band released the debut, self-titled full-length album in 2008 with the Esclavitud del Siglo XXI EP arriving in 2013. The band embarked on a heavy national and international touring schedule in neighboring countries. 

SARCOMA's unmistakable style, technical precision, and impressive live performances led them to be considered, by the media and the public alike, as the undisputed "fathers of deathcore" in South America. In early-mid noughties, the band's unique mix of hardcore and death metal elements was something unheard of in the country at the time.

The band's sound draws influence from the likes of DECAPITATED, DYING FETUS, KNOCKED LOOSE, SEPULTURA, DESPISED ICON, GOJIRA, with the addition of progressive elements and a thematic focus on their life experiences and environment of Latin America.

2023 saw the band return with renewed vigor and intent unleashing the EP Mesak, the live releases Al Rojo Vivo and En Vivo En Quito in 2024, and "Divino Poder" single in 2025, all via Valley of the Death. SARCOMA wasted no time returning to the live stage in 2023 venturing on the Mesak Ecuador National Tour, along with performances at Mechanimal Fest and Quitofest. 

SARCOMA Is: 
Santiago Romero (Vocals)
Juan Pablo Flores (Guitar / Vocals)
Andrés Jaramo (Drums)
Andrés Éguez (Bass)

STRIDENT ESCAPE Powerful Anthem "For God's Sake"

Some songs entertain.

Some songs challenge.

"For God's Sake" demands that listeners take a hard look at the world around them.

Metal powerhouse STRIDENT ESCAPE returns with one of its most emotionally charged and unapologetically honest releases to date. Their explosive single, "For God's Sake," is a blistering anthem aimed at those who weaponize faith, morality, and virtue not to inspire others, but to elevate themselves while tearing others down.

Driven by crushing guitar riffs, thunderous rhythms, and vocals that balance raw emotion with undeniable conviction, "For God's Sake" captures the frustration felt by countless people who have watched something intended to unite humanity become a tool for judgment, division, and manipulation.

The band's message is clear.

This isn't an attack on faith.

It's an attack on hypocrisy.

"This is how we feel when something that should be uplifting is used as a weapon against others. It's our mantra for anyone that twists good to put themselves above decent people." — STRIDENT ESCAPE

That statement serves as the emotional backbone of the song.

Rather than pointing fingers at belief itself, "For God's Sake" challenges those who distort compassion into condemnation, kindness into control, and hope into a means of gaining power over others.

Musically, the track is every bit as uncompromising as its message.

Massive hooks collide with aggressive riffs, creating a sound that is both modern and timeless. The tension builds through every verse before erupting into a soaring chorus that demands to be shouted back by audiences.

It's the kind of song that leaves listeners thinking long after the final chord fades.

At its core, "For God's Sake" is about authenticity. It's about rejecting performative morality. It's about standing with people who lead with empathy instead of ego.

And it's about refusing to stay silent when goodness is twisted into something harmful.

In an era where conversations are often driven by outrage rather than understanding, STRIDENT ESCAPE has created a song that refuses to settle for easy answers. Instead, it encourages listeners to think critically, challenge hypocrisy wherever it exists, and remember that true strength is measured by how we treat one another not by how loudly we claim moral superiority.

With "For God's Sake," STRIDENT ESCAPEcontinues to establish itself as a band unafraid to tackle difficult subjects while delivering the powerful, emotionally driven metal that has become its signature.

STORM FORCE Release the Music Video “Saviour” and Announce CD Pre-orders are Live for the Album TRUTH

Storm Force announce the music video for their second single Saviour from their upcoming new album Truth, releasing on September 25th. CD pre-orders are now also available from Eonian Records. The entire album is available for a digital pre-order on Bandcamp. Pre-orders on Bandcamp will be able to download the first two singles right away. Storm Force has planned a Listening Party on September 23rd on Bandcamp. Two days before the album release everyone around the world can join band members on Bandcamp to listen to the entire album.

CD pre-order: 

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

Digital pre-order for the album Truth: 

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

RSVP to the free Listening Party: 

https://bravewordsrecords.bandcamp.com/merch/storm-force-truth-listening-party

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.

Now Storm Force returns with its highly anticipated sophomore release, Truth, a ten-song collection that raises the bar in every direction.

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!

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

EMBERS OF DAWN Present "The Only Gods (Remix)" Ahead Of Forthcoming Album 'Infernal Culture'

EMBERS OF DAWN have unveiled "The Only Gods (Remix)", a remixed version of their 2023 release. The heavy industrial quartet's forthcoming full-length album Infernal Culture, is scheduled to arrive on September 18, 2026.

Guitarist Cliff Ross shares, "The song frames 'gods' not as divine beings, but as corrupt constructs — machines of power, ideology, and control. It argues that the figures and systems we worship — governments, machines, corporations, war structures, even technology — are not gods at all, but false idols that bleed us dry, divide us, and lead us nowhere."

The soundscape is elevated with enhanced electronics and industrial elements. A heightened impact throughout the sound is achieved with additional sharp and abrasive textures. Lyrically, the track situates damaging systems of power and harmful technologies as false idols that drive further division and harm. 

Pre-order Infernal Culture here: https://embersofdawn.bandcamp.com/album/infernal-culture

About EMBERS OF DAWN:

Formed in 2022, EMBERS OF DAWN is a genre-defying metal project born out of Jacksonville, Florida and Santa Barbara, California. The band blends elements of industrial, gothic, melodic death metal, and cyber-metal to create a sound that is both cinematic and punishing. Known for their thematic focus on alienation, modern decay, and emotional detachment, EMBERS OF DAWN delivers music that is as introspective as it is aggressive.

The band’s music features cold, mechanical precision layered with dark melodic textures, drawing influence from acts like PAIN, DARK TRANQUILLITY, MINISTRY, FEAR FACTORY, RAMMSTEIN, STATIC-X, ROB ZOMBIE, ARCH ENEMY, and TYPE O NEGATIVE. With each release, they continue to explore new sonic territory, balancing technicality with atmosphere, brutality with beauty.

Their upcoming debut album Infernal Culture features drums by ADRIAN ERLANDSSON (AT THE GATES, CRADLE OF FILTH, PARADISE LOST, THE HAUNTED), adding an explosive edge to their already dynamic sound.
 

EMBERS OF DAWN is:

  • Graves- vocals

  • Cliff Ross – guitars, programming

  • Scott Van Horn – bass, programming

  • Grover Norton - drums

Progressive Trio SOURCE Release New Track "Stimulus"

SOURCE present "Stimulus," the first single offering from the forthcoming 5th studio album. Rooted sonically in heavy psychedelic prog rock and thematically in introspection, "Stimulus" brings intensity, electronics and an industrial touch. 

Lyrically, "'Stimulus' speaks to experiencing symptoms of ADHD and Autism. It tells the story of a stimulus addicted brain that struggles with stillness". The band explain. "['Stimulus'] also speaks largely to post-tour depression. Touring is such a constant, stimulating, exciting, terrifying, inspiring experience compared to regular life at home. This song tells the story of learning to go on tour and come back home while appreciating every aspect of the journey".

On the sound and arrangement of "Stimulus," SOURCE shares: 
"It starts with fat, crunchy electronic percussion with a flavor of NIN industrial sounds which transition flawlessly into the opening chorus with a killer fill on drum kit. This is the first time in any Source song that we’ve started with a chorus. We wanted the song to fit a more traditional arrangement format while always progressing and being stimulating."

Musically, "Stimulus" carries movement and energy alongside a distinctly textural arrangement of instrumental and electronic layers. From psychedelic granular vocal delays and electronic percussion to metallic glitches and an enticing melodic bass line, the track consistently introduces and develops moments of interest. 

"Stimulus" was produced by Benjamin Gleason and recorded at Cymatic Sounds Studios with engineer Justin Mirarck. Mixed by Benjamin Gleason and Justin Mirarck, and mastered by Tom Capeck.

About SOURCE:
Based out of Boulder, Colorado, SOURCE was originally formed in 2014 by Benjamin Gleason, Dan Crisafulli, and Georges Bou Serhal. With founding member Benjamin Gleason now joined by Justin Mirarack on drums and percussion and Pascal Faurie on bass, the trio craft immersive music inspired by their own introspection and transformative practices. 

While SOURCE explore self awareness, healing and personal evolution through their lyrics, musically they situate themselves in the realms of heavy psychedelic prog rock. Instrumental layers, powerful and emotive harmonies and a wide range of dynamics leads to a sound that is melodic with an enveloping feel. 

The band's first album Return To Nothing released in 2016 via Pavement Entertainment and that same year saw the band embark on the Forged in Fire Tour opening for HELLYEAH, IN FLAMES, and FROM ASHES TO NEW. Totality arrived in 2019 through Pavement Entertainment, followed by independently released albums Ethereal Self in 2021 and Emergence in 2023.

SOURCE recently unveiled their interpretation of RADIOHEAD's "Optimistic" ahead of their forthcoming fifth full-length studio album.


SOURCE Is:
Benjamin Gleason - Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards
Justin Mirarack - Drums, Acoustic Percussion, Electric Percussion
Pascal Faurie - Bass

Connect With SOURCE:
Official Website: https://www.listentosource.com/
Bandcamp: https://listentosource.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/listentosource
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/listentosource
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SourceBand
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5zEuzw6dwKcnNtXahckDXi?si=Sl4CKg09RiaDAbG1jmNK_w&nd=1&dlsi=3ba80878878e40ce
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/source/1462541339
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@listentosource

Savage Hands Are Black and Blue on New Single “Bruise”

Maryland's unflinching alt-metal catalysts, Savage Hands, unravel the complicated comfort of a wound that may never heal on their latest single, "Bruise", out now via Oxide Music. Rather than treating scars as something that can easily be left behind, "Bruise" examines the impulse to cling onto something that hurts simply because letting go feels worse. Fans can listen to "Bruise" BELOW.

Fresh off the momentum of "It's Me" being featured on SiriusXM Octane, Savage Hands double down on the emotional volatility that has defined their latest era while continuing their ascent with "Bruise". Anchored by a towering hook that voices the song's central contradiction, Savage Handsfind beauty, pain, and obsession colliding in equal measure on "Bruise".

On turning the scars of a damaged connection into "Bruise", vocalist Mike Garrow shares:

"Be comfortable with everything that makes you, you. The good and the bad. Wear your scars because they make you who you are."

Guided early on by multi-platinum producers Andrew Baylis (Jelly Roll, Sleeping With Sirens, etc) and Lee Rouse (The Funeral Portrait, Teddy Swims, etc), Savage Hands have sharpened their craft into a volatile blend of ominous atmosphere, sledgehammer riffs, and skyscraping choruses. A hybrid sound that dissolves the lines between post-hardcore, metalcore, and alternative rock, all while hitting with precision and purpose.

Propelled by the success of previous singles, "Demon", "Washed Away", and "Halo", the quintet have been in constant forward motion since their 2018 debut, amassing over 55 million streams along the way. From steely Maryland roots to festival stages, Savage Hands' relentless drive has shaped a previous that thrives on the collision of chaos and catharsis bleeding into one another. With their latest releases, "It's Me", "Feel Me", "POWER", "Trust Issues", "Reload Repeat", and "Trace Erase", Savage Hands are opening the door to a new chapter, one that's heavier, sharper and more unapologetic than anything that's come before.

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

ABOUT SAVAGE HANDS

After their breakout tracks “Demon”, “Washed Away”, and “Love No More”; Savage Handscemented themselves as leaders in a new, modern rock sound. The band’s ability to balance heavy instrumentation with memorable hooks and raw vocal delivery catapulted their 2020 album “The Truth In Your Eyes” beyond 45 million streams, underscoring the band’s growing global reach. Beyond streaming, Savage Hands dropped two limited vinyl variants which immediately sold out due to large demand.

Like many artists, the global pandemic foiled and unwound plans that were years in the making for Savage Hands. Despite this, the band remained active in touring, supporting acts like Magnolia Park, Wage War, and While She Sleeps; as well as co-headlining with fellow up-and-comers Archers. Savage Hands made their debut DWP festival appearance at Louder Than Life in 2025, marking the Bourbon stage’s largest crowd of the day.

Savage Hands parted ways with Sharptone Records in 2025 and promptly began working on assembling a new album. Joining forces with Oxide Records, the band is preparing to launch a non-stop wave of campaigns starting May 2026.

We are excited to finally close the chapter on all of the uncertainty the pandemic forced into our career. This album has been a long time coming, and we are so extremely grateful for Wetzel and Anthony at Oxide Records for believing in us and pushing us to become the band we were always meant to be.” - Mike Garrow

Bastion Rose Takes Aim at Extremism with Dark, Progressive Rock Anthem "Holy Wars"

As they continue their aggressive 2026 release cycle, cinematic hard rock outfit Bastion Rose is preparing to drop their darkest and most politically charged single to date. "Holy Wars," is a heavy, relentless progressive rock anthem that confronts the rising tide of extremism and blind hatred head-on.

 

Serving as a visceral centerpiece to the band's rapidly unfolding Blue Rising era, "Holy Wars" fuses the colossal, cinematic riffing the band is known for with an urgent, unapologetic message. The track takes direct aim at those who use ideology and dogma to justify destruction, warning that "Holy wars won't make you whole / Holy wars won't save your soul."

 

For frontman Austin Frink, the song is a necessary reaction to a world increasingly fractured by fanaticism.

"We see extremism repeatedly as a political failing; but it is a spiritual sickness," says Frink. "'Holy Wars' is about the people who are willing to burn the world down and call it salvation. It's about confronting the monsters who use their faith or their faction to justify atrocities. You cannot heal your own brokenness by destroying everything around you."

 

Musically, "Holy Wars" is a towering achievement of modern heavy rock architecture. It channels the aggressive, wide-dynamic-range progressive that is signature to the band. Building heavily on the world-class sonic foundation established with three-time Grammy-winning producer David Bottrill (Tool, Godsmack, Mastodon, Muse, Rush) on their previous records, the band’s self-produced new material finds them operating at the absolute peak of their technical and dynamic prowess.

  

"Holy Wars" is available on all major streaming platforms. 

STREAM "Holy Wars": https://linktr.ee/bastionrose

Based in Bloomington, Indiana, Bastion Rose has emerged as a high-caliber hard rock project born from a pursuit of light within the darkness. Their sound is a sophisticated collision of post-grunge grit and alternative metal intensity, defined by potent, intelligent guitar work, ethereal soundscapes, monumental riffs, and powerful, impassioned vocals and lyrics. It is a sonic identity that caught the attention of three-time Grammy Award-winning producer David Bottrill. Known for his work with legendary visionaries like Tool, Godsmack, Muse, Peter Gabriel, and Rush, Bottrill describes Bastion Rose as a "new embodiment of classic heavy rock... the sounds, the tones, everything. They are reverential to the style of music from the past, bringing it into the modern world."

 

Bottrill’s involvement provided the blueprint for Bastion Rose’s world-class production standards. From the debut EP Fade To Blue to the full-length powerhouse Traces of Gold, the collaboration resulted in a sound that is both polished and visceral—music that balances the technical, rhythmic intelligence of Tool with the riff-centric, soaring melodic energy of Audioslave. This cinematic depth is not a studio trick; it is a reflection of a journey through hardship. The creative mission is inextricably linked to the personal story of Austin Frink, who navigated a period of staggering loss, including the sudden deaths of both parents and a cancer diagnosis that threatened to permanently silence his singing voice. Frink turned his pain and survival into a universal message. His lyrics explore the heavy themes of existence, hope, and the fleeting nature of life, transforming personal tragedy into a rallying cry for resilience.

 

The world has taken notice of this ascent. In less than a year, Bastion Rose has experienced a meteoric rise, with a catalog surpassing 2 million streams and a global community of over 60,000 YouTube subscribers and 53,000 social followers standing behind them. With critical acclaim from industry pillars like SPIN Magazine, Metal Hammer, and Classic Rock Magazine, Bastion Rose has scaled from a studio project into a market-ready force. Striking while the iron is hot, the band is currently unveiling their next prolific chapter: Blue Rising. Spearheaded by the haunting single, "Dust," the record is a philosophical exploration of transience. As Traces of Gold continues to dominate playlists, Blue Rising serves as a clear indicator of the band’s relentless creative pace. For those seeking music that is emotionally resonant and sonically massive, Bastion Rose is the essential melodic voice in the new era of heavy music. 

Bastion Rose:
Austin Frink: Vocals and Guitar
Austin Mudd: Guitar
Steve Pierce: Bass
John Donlon: Drums
Barrett Abraham: Keys

For More Information Please Visit:

Official Website

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Swedish Symphonic Metallers ZORNHEYM Unveil Third Single "The Funeral March"! ​   

Swedish symphonic metal visionaries ZORNHEYM unleash the third single, "The Funeral March", taken from the band’s upcoming studio album Descending Into Madness, set for release on October 2 via Noble Demon.

Inspired by Frédéric Chopin’s legendary 'Funeral March', the new track sees ZORNHEYM merging crushing riffs, cinematic orchestration and subtle Scandinavian folk influences into one of the album’s most dramatic and emotionally charged moments.

"'The Funeral March' is the perfect marriage between classical music and Zornheym’s cinematic symphonic metal sound,” the band explains. "The choir takes on the role of mourners and pallbearers, lamenting the tragic fate of Dr. Bettelheim’s beloved wife as they accompany her final journey. Lyrically, the song marks the defining moment in Dr. Bettelheim’s descent into madness, as grief, guilt and despair finally consume him."

 

Stream the single Below:

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 2 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

Gavin Adcock Releases “Having One Now,” Reveals Tracklist to THE DAY I HANG IT UP

On the heels of performing “Winner At Losing” to fete the hit TV show Landman at ACM Honors on Wednesday (Aug. 19), Gavin Adcock keeps the momentum behind his forthcoming album rolling with the release of “Having One Now,” available now. Listen Below
 
“Having One Now,” written by Adcock, Luke Laird and Rhett Akins, depicts the unexpected joy of finding love after a series of bad luck, and is the latest release hailing from Adcock’s upcoming project, The Day I Hang It Up
 
“‘Having One Now’ is an upbeat song about finding some love when you were down and out,” Adcock shares. “Last week I dropped a sad song, the week before that I dropped a song for all the blue collar people out there. So, get ready… and don’t be surprised if I drop another one next week.”
 
The Georgia native is also unveiling the 26-song tracklist to his highly-anticipated third album in three years. 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. 
 
With American Songwriter dubbing him a “modern-day outlaw…building a career reminiscent of artists like Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, and more,” Adcock’s upcoming project is a continuation of the signature grit and adrenaline-fueled anthems that have garnered him over 2.4 billion career streams to-date. 
 
His previously released project, Own Worst Enemy, 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 just over a year ago (August 15, 2025).
 
Own Worst Enemy boasted over 25 MILLION US streams in its first week, more than doubling the first-week numbers of Adcock’s previous album, Actin' Up Again, which was released just under a year prior (August 2, 2024).

To celebrate the album, Adcock’s headlining The Day I Hang It Up Tour is now underway with a rotating lineup of special guests including Pecos & The Rooftops, Corey Kent, Tyler Nance, Jake Worthington, The Creekers, Braxton Keith and Mack Geiger. The tour promises to deliver fans across 30 cities with a live show experience denoted by Music Row as a “rowdy, high-octane performance” which Adcock is known for. To purchase tickets for the tour, click HERE.
 
A proven must-see live performer, Adcock has SOLD OUT venues via multiple headline tours spanning cost-to-coast such as the Monster Energy Outbreak Tour Presents: Gavin Adcock, his Actin’ Up Again (Again) Tour, and his Need To Tour. Most recently, Adcock joined Morgan Wallen for select dates on Wallen’s 2025 I’m The Problem Tour and his 2026 Still The Problem Tour, receiving explosive responses from audiences across the country. 

The Day I Hang It Up Tour 2026
Aug 28 || Columbus, Ohio ||KEMBA Live! Outdoor * %                  
Aug 29 || Cincinnati, Ohio || MegaCorp Pavilion Outdoor * %                     
 
Sep 11 || Cleveland, Ohio || Jacobs Pavilion # ^                     
Sep 17 || Lubbock, Texas || Cooks Garage * %                                  
Sep 19 || Round Rock, Texas || Round Rock Amp %                         
Sep 24 || Baton Rouge, La. || Raising Cane's River Center Arena * %                      
Sep 25 || Oxford, Miss. || SJB Pavilion * %                           
 
Oct 15 || Macon, Ga. || Atrium Health Amphitheater > %                 
Oct 16 || Birmingham, Ala. || Coca-Cola Amphitheater > %
Oct 17 || Little Rock, Ark. || First Security Amphitheater > %          
Oct 22 || Fishers, Ind. || Fishers Event Center $ ^ 
Oct 23 || Knoxville, Tenn. || Knoxville Civic Coliseum $ ^
Oct 24 || Cary, N.C. || Koka Booth Amphitheatre $ ^ 
Oct 29 || Charlotte, N.C. || Bojangles Coliseum > % 
Oct 30 ||Savannah, Ga. || Enmarket Arena > % 
Oct 31 || Estero, Fla. || Hertz Arena > %
 
Nov 6 || Boston, Mass. || MGM Music Hall at Fenway > %
Nov 7 || Reading, Penn. || Santander Arena > %
Nov 13 || Detroit, Mich. || Masonic Temple Theatre > %
Nov 14 || Grand Rapids, Mich. || Van Andel Arena > %
 
Dec 10 || Las Vegas, Nev. || The Theater at Virgin Hotels !

JOHN MORGAN REMINISCES WITH NEW SINGLE "ONCE IN A MILE"

Six time #1 hitmaker John Morgan releases a new track today, “Once in a Mile.” Written by Morgan and Brent Anderson, the new song comes as Morgan’s current single “Kid Myself” is inside the Top 10 on the radio charts and climbing. Listen to “Once in a Mile” Below.

In “Once in a Mile,” Morgan turns the drive back home into an unraveling of memories - every passing mile stirring up the ghosts of a love that used to exist there. The production carries its own sense of momentum, a steady, driving pulse that mirrors the highway itself, propelling the song forward even as the lyrics pull backward into the past. Built on classic country instrumentation with a warm, nostalgic glow, the track captures that bittersweet ache of proximity: the closer you get to home, the closer you get to what you lost. Morgan's grounded, emotive vocal delivery sits at the heart of it all, turning a simple road trip into a quietly devastating meditation on memories and heartbreak.

John Morgan will be out on the road this fall.

Tour Dates
September 4 - Seneca, OR - John Morgan: Live at Silivies

September 5 - Lakeview, OR - Lake Country Round-up

September 6 - Filer, ID - Twin Falls Country Fairgrounds

September 10 - Cashmere, WA - Chelan Country Fair

September 12 - Ashland, VA - Country Jam III Music Festival

September 24 - Boston, MA - Leader Bank Pavillion*

September 25 - Uncasville, CT - Mohegan Sun Arena*

September 26 - Verona, NY - Turning Stone Resort Casino*

October 1 - Huber Heights, OH - Rose Music Center at The Heights*

October 2 - Rockford, IL - BMO Center*

October 8 - Port Wentworth, GA - VyStar Pavilion

October 9 - Roanoake Rapids, NC - Carolina Crossroads Amphitheatre*

October 15 - Youngstown, OH - Covelli Center*

October 16 - Cincinnati, OH - PNC Pavilion*

October 17 - Toledo, OH - Huntington Center*

November 5 - Macon, GA - Atrium Health Amphitheater*

November 6 - Biloxi, MS - Mississippi Coast Coliseum*

November 7 - Corinth, MS - Crossroads Arena*

November 15 - Jacksonville, FL - Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair

* Brantley Gilbert's "Real American Tour" Date

KEEP UP WITH JOHN MORGAN
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GEARS Return with Emotionally Charged New Single "Spiraling"

“Spiraling” dives into the darkness of mental health struggles, the feeling of losing control, becoming overwhelmed, and not knowing where to turn. But beneath the weight of the song is an important message: you are not alone.

GEARS captures the struggle of spiraling while reminding listeners that reaching out, asking for help, and refusing to suffer in silence can be the first step toward finding your way back.

There comes a moment when everything feels like it's slipping away. The weight of anxiety. The noise inside your head. The fear that no matter how hard you fight, you're losing control.

Hard rock powerhouse GEARS confronts that battle head-on with their explosive new single, "Spiraling," arriving today across all major streaming platforms.

Known for blending punishing riffs, soaring melodies, and deeply personal songwriting, GEARS once again proves why they continue to resonate with rock and metal fans worldwide. "Spiraling" is more than another heavy track it's a brutally honest reflection of the emotional struggles so many people face but

rarely discuss.

Built on thunderous guitar work, relentless rhythm, and a vocal performance that balances vulnerability with unrelenting power, the song captures the feeling of standing on the edge while refusing to let darkness have the

final word.

“You are not alone. So many of us going through similar or even more difficult struggles. Please reach out to someone. You matter, and you don’t have to face this alone. I’m begging you… PLEASE TALK TO SOMEONE and let them help”. -Tripp Sixx

From the opening note, "Spiraling" pulls listeners into an emotional storm before erupting into a massive chorus that is destined to become a live favorite. The track showcases everything fans have come to expect from GEARS raw honesty, undeniable hooks, and the kind of heaviness that serves the song instead of overshadowing it.

Over the years, GEARS has carved out a reputation as one of hard rock's most authentic voices, building a fiercely loyal fanbase through relentless touring, unforgettable live performances, and music that connects on a deeply human level. Rather than chasing trends, the band continues to evolve while staying true to the passion and intensity that have defined their sound from the beginning.

"Spiraling" represents another bold step forward.It's a song for anyone who has battled self doubt. For anyone fighting anxiety. For anyone searching for hope in the middle of chaos. And for anyone who needs a reminder that even when life feels like it's unraveling, there is always another reason to keep fighting.

With anticipation already building around the release, "Spiraling" is poised to become one of GEARS most impactful songs to date, offering both emotional catharsis and a sonic punch that will leave listeners reaching for repeat.

Prepare yourself. Turn it up.

And let "Spiraling" remind you that sometimes the strongest people are the ones still fighting battles no one else can see.

GEARS isn’t just another rock band—they’re a reminder of why heavy music matters. Real songs, real emotion, and a live show that leaves you buzzing long after the last note.

WE ARE GEARS.

Turn it up. Feel it loud. And don’t forget to move.