Jah Wobble & Jon Klein present scathing single 'Who Wins?' ahead of ‘Automated Paradise' LP

Previewing their new 'Automated Paradise' album, Jah Wobble (Public Image Ltd) and guitarist Jon Klein (Siouxsie & The Banshees, Specimen) reveal the fire-buster 'Who Wins?', a song about distrust — about the growing sense that the grand halls of power have become echo chambers of empty promises. The question echoes long after the final note fades — we probably wouldn't like the answer.

The title itself acts as a refrain and a provocation. Who wins? Not answered outright, the song understands something important: the most powerful question in politics is often the one that leaves the listener finishing the sentence themselves. Less of a statement and more like a mirror, this song fits squarely inside the long lineage of protest music. Songs that capture a moment when the atmosphere shifts — when dissatisfaction becomes a chorus and the private complaint becomes public noise.

'Automated Paradise' is Wobble & Klein's third collaborative record and also their debut album as a duo with Dimple Discs, previewed by the motorik lead track ‘Fading Away’, pulsating with the raw electrical tension of British post-punk and new wave. These two legends first combined forces on the 'Metal Box – Rebuilt In Dub' album in 2021, they continue to collaborate live and in the studio.

"'Who Wins?' is a good old protest song, pointing fingers and making a racket! It was a bass line that turned into a metal riff. The noisier songs on this album tend to reflect on today’s information overload, where there’s no security, and people are becoming more polemic and stressed, but there seems to be a thread of hope that truth and justice will maybe prevail," says Jon Klein.

"Working with Jah Wobble is always an inspiring experience. When I started working with him in recording sessions, he often quoted the words of Holger Czukay, the bass player of German band Can: “First we play, then afterwards we talk! We like to make things happen in the moment. Often we complete a working draft to a piece of music from scratch in a few hours.”

Jah Wobble adds, "The music comes from that silent place. It’s pre-existing. You just allow it to flow...  Proper post punk. Angry and humorous. Okay, it’s the end of civilisation. But nothing lasts forever right? We shouldn’t take it to heart."

This is Jah Wobble’s first post-punk album in recent years, these brash guitar-driven tracks reflecting his preoccupation with the declining state of the nation. Driven by his weekly experience with Klein, working at the "Tuned In" music community project in Merton, this record recalls the spirit of Mark Stewart - angry in an empathetic, constructive way. The lyrical content mainly came together on the spot in the studio.

This album follows two 2025 albums for Wobble -  ‘Dub Volume 1' (Dimple Discs) and the expanded reissue of the 2017 album 'The Usual Suspects', featuring 25 career highlights, re-recorded and including some of Wobble’s finest material, alongside tracks by Invaders Of The Heart and PiL.

Guitarist and producer Jon Klein was a member of Siouxsie and the Banshees from 1987 until 1994 (the 'Peepshow', 'Superstition' and 'The Rapture' era). Originally in the Bristol band Europeans, he then formed the glam-goth act Specimen and relocated to London, where he co-founded The Batcave nightclub. He has worked with Talvin Singh and Sinéad O'Connor, and co-produced a string of No. 1 albums for Warner-signed Fangoria, fueling a decade-long streak of chart-topping success in Spain. 

Born John Wardle, bassist and vocalist Jah Wobble is from East London. An original member of Public Image Ltd (PiL) from 1978-80, he made two seminal albums with the band, including the iconic ‘Metal Box’. Wobble formed Invaders of the Heart in 1982, collaborating with Can's Holger Czukay, Jaki Liebezeit, U2's The Edge and producer François Kevorkian. By the 1990s, he was well known, had chart success and a Mercury Music Prize nomination for the album ‘Rising Above Bedlam'. After releasing the top-40 album ‘Take Me To God’ and then ‘Heaven and Earth' via Island Records, Wardle fled record company constraints to more experimental recordings.

Wobble has collaborated with Sinéad O’Connor, Massive Attack, Ginger Baker, Björk, Brian Eno and Pharoah Sanders, was part of the supergroup The Damage Manual, worked with Julie Campbell aka LoneLady on ‘Psychic Life’, and with his wife Zi Lan Liao on the album ‘Chinese Dub, winning the Songlines Magazine World Music Award. He also plays and records with his sons Charlie and John Wardle in Tian Qiyi.  2024 brought his 'Timeless Roots' album with Horace Andy, followed by 2025's 'Old Fashioned Ways' album with Jamaica's Ken Boothe. Wobble played on Richard Russell’s album ‘Everything is Recorded' (notably ‘Losing You’ feat. Sampha).

Wobble published his autobiography ‘Memoirs of a Geezer: Music, Life, Mayhem’ via Serpent’s Tail in 2009, following his 2008 radio documentary on Sid Vicious for BBC Radio 3. 30 Hertz Records, the independent label Wobble launched in 1997, still releases music in collaboration with Cherry Red,  including 'Dark Luminosity – The 21st Century Collection' and 'In Dub II: Deluxe'.

On March 27, 'Automatic Paradise' is available on CD and transparent vinyl, limited to 800 copies. The digital download can be pre-ordered via Bandcamp. Jah Wobble & The Invaders Of The Heart continue touring the UK in 2026, for which tickets are available at https://jahwobble.com/#live

CREDITS
'Fading Away' written by Jah Wobble, John Tian Chi Wardle & Jon Klein
'Who Wins?' written by Jah Wobble, Izumi Karaage & Jon Klein
Jah Wobble - bass & vocals
Jon Klein - guitar, synthesizer, backing vocals & programming
Izumi Karaage - drums on 'Who Wins?'
John Tian Chi Wardle - drums on 'Fading Away'
Keiko Yamazaki - backing vocals on 'Fading Away'
Produced by Jah Wobble & Jon Klein
Engineered & mixed by Jon Klein at Tuned In Studio & Ground Control.
Mastered by Anthony Chapman
Cover artwork & design by Jah Wobble
Released by Dimple Discs
Barcode 5052571225325
Vinyl catalogue ID #DEEDEE081LP / CD catalogue ID #DEEDEE081CD
Live photos by Fergus Kelly / Room Temperature
Other photos by Peter McDowell
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

JAH WOBBLE & THE INVADERS OF THE HEART - TOUR DATES
Mar. 28  BUTLIN'S SKEGNESS - Shiine On Weekender 2026
Apr. 02  WIMBORNE MINSTER - Tivoli Theatre
Apr. 03  TOTNES - Barrel House
Apr. 04  CARDIFF - Clwb Ifor Bach
Apr. 10  STOKE ON TRENT - Artisan Tap
Apr. 11  DARWEN - Library Theatre
Apr. 25  GWYNEDD - Neuadd Ogwen
May 15  CAMBERLEY - Login Lounge
May 30  LYME REGIS - Marine Theatre


Keep up Jah Wobble
Website | Facebook | Bandcamp  | Twitter | Instagram | Soundc loud | Spotify | Apple Music | Press contact

Keep up with Jon Klein
Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | Press contact

Keep up with Dimple Discs
Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter  | Instagram | Proper Music | Press contact

Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
Website | Facebook | Twitter |  Instagram | BlueSky | Threads | Soundcloud | LinkedIn | Email

As Everything Unfolds Release Video for New Single "DENIAL"

As Everything Unfolds are gearing up for the release of their highly-anticipated new album, DID YOU ASK TO BE SET FREE?, on April 10 via Century Media.

The release of new single "DENIAL." 

"Denial is the hardest thing to watch someone go through," shares Charlie Rolfe. "You can say or do nothing that will make them realize the horrible situation they're in, you see small moments of clarity where they're screaming out for help but they fall back into denial. It's their closest friend, their comfort. I found it the hardest phase to watch someone in addiction recovery go through. Their disregard for your emotional and physical well-being, your feelings don't even come into their mind. No matter how much you try to sympathize and say that you understand the pain they’re going through, it's never enough to convince them that they're not alone and their own destructive misery feels like they find joy in inflicting pain upon others, they feel better spreading their pain rather than facing it."

Depth. An infinity loop of layers that unravel over time. In the case of Charlie Rolfe, the importance of depth has come to define both the art that she creates — as frontwoman and lead vocalist of As Everything Unfolds — and re-contextualize the art she holds dearest.

"As I've gotten older, I've appreciated the depth of anything in my life," she explains. "I can never accept something for how it is on the surface, I have to understand it." Whether it’s the allegories and social commentary in Blade Runner,that desire for artistic depth flows through Charlie.

"I love absorbing information," she adds. "I think that information is one of the most powerful tools in the world, and it's undervalued by a lot of people. The more you know, the more you can potentially set yourself free." Which brings us to just one thread of the concept behind DID YOU ASK TO BE SET FREE?, the first album from the Buckinghamshire quartet since signing to Century Media Records.

Set free from who? What? The rigor of that question is what characterizes the fluidity of As Everything Unfolds' third full-length, which grapples with the tightrope between a dream state and reality. Should you walk the tightrope and risk leaving your safe haven of fantasy? Whatever the choice – conscious or  otherwise – will you find 'freedom' at the end of the road? That never-ending labyrinth of questions is what shapes the crux of the record.

Tragedy hit camp As Everything Unfolds in August 2024 when drummer Jamie Gowers, who was also Charlie's boyfriend, passed away. Midway through writing this album, the quartet banded together to re-ignite the flames of As Everything Unfolds.

"It’s going to be shit and it's going to be horrible, but running away from it felt like the wrong thing to do," recalls Charlie. "This is the hardest record we will ever have to do — how can we flip it into something we're proud of, and give it the longevity and legacy it deserves?'"

Taking two years to give writing and pre-production the TLC it deserved, the album was recorded across three weeks in February 2025.

Despite initially feeling like a record of two halves, Charlie was never going to settle for anything other than a unified concept. It was when an old university mate recommended a book called The Creative Act by Rick Rubin that inspired the eureka moment for this record.

Ultimately, DID YOU ASK TO BE SET FREE? is an alternate lens through which Charlie examines reality, and the never-ending dichotomy between hiding and confronting it. As someone who experienced a lot of maladaptive daydreaming during the early days of her trauma, the tool and throughline was there for Charlie to tell her story.

 

After a turbulent few years, there is a creative depth to DID YOU ASK TO BE SET FREE? that ensures it’s their strongest album to date.

 

"It’s told its story, and I don’t feel like I need to take it any further," she boldly declares. "It’s a capsule of that moment, of the things that happened to me, and I’m now in a new part of my life. That’s why drawing the line under it is important."

LOST IN HOLLYWOOD RELEASE "CAN YOU FEEL THE PAIN" FROM THEIR UPCOMING SELF-TITLED ALBUM

Lost In Hollywood keep the momentum going with their new single "Can You Feel The Pain." 

Following a run of well-received releases that have steadily put the band on the map, the track marks the next chapter in the band's fast-growing journey — all leading up to the release of their self-titled album, set to arrive on March 20.

With "Can You Feel The Pain," Lost In Hollywood expand on their evolving sound. The song leans into a darker atmosphere and sharp, modern songwriting, combining heavy moments with melody while staying grounded in the emotional intensity that defines the band’s music. Built on strong dynamics and a constant sense of tension, the track unfolds with a drive that keeps listeners locked in from beginning to end.

To celebrate the release, the band will host a special show at Hamburg's renowned Passage Kino, turning the iconic cinema into a unique setting for fans to experience the new material live.

The momentum continues this April, when Lost In Hollywood hit the road alongside Archers, bringing their energetic live performance to stages across Europe.

With "Can You Feel The Pain," Lost In Hollywood underline their growing presence in the modern metalcore scene and show no signs of slowing down.

BLACK SITES Unveil "Aquarius Betrayed" And Announce New Album, For Eternity

Drawing from old school metal, heavy quartet BLACK SITES present their new single "Aquarius Betrayed", the first offering taken from the upcoming album, For Eternity. The album will be released independently on July 17, 2026.

The approaching full-length marks a new chapter for BLACK SITES as Mark Sugar is joined with an updated line-up. For Eternity showcases a development in the band's sound and sees the members' contributions enhance the music's sonic quality. 

"Aquarius Betrayed" reflects frustration at the contradiction towards previous generations who "reaped the benefits of the most socially liberated and progressive era in history, and then quickly turned their back on those values when they became inconvenient." 

On the recording process for "Aquarius Betrayed", band founder Mark Sugar shares, "This was also the first song that Lee (Smith, new guitarist) recorded guitar for. He’s the only member of the band I hadn’t worked with before, so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but his solo here is more than impressive."

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

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

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

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

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

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

LUNGBURNER Unleash New Single "Adamu" From Upcoming Album Dogma, Out April 17

Atlanta-based metal collective LUNGBURNER have announced the release of their new single "Adamu", the opening track from their forthcoming third full-length album Dogma, due out April 17. The single serves as the first glimpse into the band’s most expansive and conceptually driven work to date.

Listen to the track below:

Based out of Atlanta, GA, LUNGBURNER present their third release in the form of Dogma. Heavily schooled in the southern sludge methodology and intermixing industrial atmospheres with progressive melodic sensibility, Dogma sees the band stretch their creative legs as they slowly evolve into their own unique footprint within the metal and underground scenes. Dripping with spiritual, social, and human context, Dogma is LUNGBURNER’s thesis on the modern trappings of entrenched thinking, and the horror blind obedience lays upon mankind.

Opening the album, "Adamu" begins with a haunting invocation to the Fallen Angel Lucifer layered over tribal drum samples, immediately establishing the ritualistic tone of the record. The track quickly unfolds into a melodic statement before landing in a driving rhythmic pulse that propels the song forward. Anchored by the thunderous low end of Joshua on bass and Jens’ aggressive vocal delivery, the rest of LUNGBURNER drives the song relentlessly forward, claiming the sonic moment as their own.

Notably, "Adamu" was the first song LUNGBURNER wrote for Dogma following the addition of bassist Joshua in early 2025, marking the beginning of a new creative chapter for the band and setting the tone for the album’s thematic and sonic direction.

With Dogma, LUNGBURNER push deeper into their blend of southern sludge weight, industrial atmosphere, and progressive melody, delivering a record that is as philosophically provocative as it is sonically punishing.

"Adamu" is available now, with Dogma arriving in full on April 17.

Outside of music, all members work professionally in various engineering fields, and none of them originally came from traditional doom or stoner rock backgrounds. Their approach to the genre grew organically from a shared appreciation for heavy music and experimentation, which continues to shape the band's evolving sound as they move toward a more progressive direction while maintaining their doom foundation.

LUNGBURNER is:

Jens Anderberg — guitar, lead vocals
Joseph Mills — guitar, backup vocals
Joshua Broughton — bass

CONNECT WITH LUNGBURNER:

Bandcamp: https://lungburner.bandcamp.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lungburneratl
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lungburneratl
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lungburneratl
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0WRBgLDbYMfLSrbb3tjNzK
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/lungburner/1724598173

APOSTLE Announce New Album A Splinter in the Infinite Noumenon, Release Crushing New Single "Swine"

ATLANTA, GA metal trio APOSTLE have announced their forthcoming full-length album A Splinter in the Infinite Noumenon, set for release June 5, 2026 via Terminus Hate City. Alongside the announcement, the band has unveiled the album’s first single, "Swine", accompanied by a visualizer.

Formed in 2017, APOSTLE have built a reputation for blending the aggression of grindcore and chaotic hardcore with the atmosphere of post-black metal and the melodic weight of shoegaze and post-rock. Their sound is urgent, emotive, and cathartic, drawing influence from bands such as Plebeian Grandstand, Yellow Eyes, Wiegedood, Mourier, and Kły. With A Splinter in the Infinite Noumenon, the Atlanta trio deliver their most cohesive and devastating work to date.

"Swine" erupts with panicked tremolo melodies and punishing rhythmic shifts, channeling collective frustration into controlled chaos. Lyrically, the track confronts systems of oppression, consequence, and accountability, using stark imagery and visceral delivery to underscore the emotional and political weight behind its message. The song captures APOSTLE at their most confrontational while maintaining the dynamic depth and melodic sensibility that define the band’s evolving identity.

The album title references Carl Jung’s description of humanity as a “splinter in the infinite deity,” framing the record as an exploration of spiritual duality, grief, and self-examination. Across six tracks and 27 minutes, the band move through themes of loss, mortality, internal conflict, and eventual healing. The record serves as both a meditation on the human condition and a deeply personal tribute shaped by grief and remembrance.

Produced, engineered, and mixed by Connor Ray at Sobek Sound and mastered by Erol Ulug at Bright Lights, A Splinter in the Infinite Noumenon presents APOSTLE in their most refined and expansive form.

Their latest album, A Splinter in the Infinite Noumenon, represents the band’s most fully realized work to date. Drawing from existential philosophy and deeply personal experiences with grief and remembrance, the record explores humanity’s connection to something greater while acknowledging the struggle inherent in being human. Across its runtime, APOSTLE seek connection through shared emotional experience, transforming personal suffering into collective release.

APOSTLE is:

Murice White – vocals, guitar
Michael Thomas – bass, vocals
Evan Price – drums

Connect with APOSTLE:

Bandcamp: https://apostlesucks.bandcamp.com
Store: https://www.terminushatecity.com
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/apostlesucks
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/apostlesux
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/67cjLOrbhdb2gFmS9OJKfS
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@terminushatecity

SWANWRITER Announces New Album melodies of despair and Releases First Single "girl on the wall"

Vancouver, BC progressive metal project SWANWRITER has announced the upcoming release of its second full-length album, melodies of despair, arriving independently on June 26. Alongside the announcement, the project unveils the album’s second single, "girl on the wall", offering an early look into the record’s darker emotional and narrative themes.

Created entirely by multi-instrumentalist Koda, melodies of despair continues the dark, cinematic direction introduced on SWANWRITER’s 2023 debut There is a darkness. The new album presents a collection of interconnected horror-inspired narratives shaped by themes of isolation, grief, betrayal, and psychological unease, delivered through expansive progressive metal compositions enriched with piano, acoustic instrumentation, and orchestral textures.

Serving as the first glimpse into the album’s world, "girl on the wall" captures one of its most emotionally immediate moments. Inspired by the cult horror game Ib, the track tells the story of a girl trapped inside a painting, observing life from beyond reach while growing increasingly consumed by jealousy and longing. Musically, the song balances melodic accessibility with progressive ambition, driven by classical guitar passages, shifting vocal dynamics, and layered bass arrangements that deepen its surreal atmosphere.

While maintaining the long-form songwriting approach that defines SWANWRITER, melodies of despair expands its sonic range with greater emphasis on acoustic elements and dynamic contrast. Across its six compositions, the album moves between fragile intimacy and overwhelming heaviness, unfolding as a complete listening experience intended to be heard from beginning to end.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Connect with SWANWRITER:

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

DUNCAN EVANS AND THE WEEPING STARLIGHT Announce New Album The World is a War Zone and Release New Single "The Starlight Weeps"

DUNCAN EVANS AND THE WEEPING STARLIGHT today unveil their powerful new single "The Starlight Weeps" while announcing the forthcoming release of their new album, The World is a War Zone, due September 18, 2026 via Widowbird Records.

"The Starlight Weeps" offers the first glimpse into the band’s expansive and emotionally charged new chapter. Opening in free time on a brooding synth drone and sheets of textured guitar noise, the track slowly gathers momentum before erupting into surging waves of bass and thunderous drums. The arrangement moves in dramatic swells, rising to cathartic crescendos and retreating into moments of stark vulnerability.

Lyrically, the song imagines God attempting to reconnect with humanity, reframing divinity as something internal rather than distant. The repeated closing refrain, “God is coming back inside / God is coming home,” captures the spiritual core of both the single and the album it introduces.

The World is a War Zone marks the first full-length release under the name DUNCAN EVANS AND THE WEEPING STARLIGHT. Formed in 2022 to reflect the emergence of a committed three-piece lineup, the band channels intense post-punk dynamics through the dark and primal undercurrents of folk music. Across nine tracks and 45 minutes, the album explores faith, psychological upheaval, suffering and renewal, navigating the internal battlefields that shape modern existence while holding fast to the possibility of redemption.

Built around hypnotic bass lines, powerful and nuanced drumming, chiming guitar arpeggios, warm organ textures and sheets of atmospheric noise, the band’s sound is both intimate and elemental. The music shifts between fragile restraint and towering crescendos, creating a landscape that feels sombre, mournful and fiercely committed.

About DUNCAN EVANS AND THE WEEPING STARLIGHT:

DUNCAN EVANS AND THE WEEPING STARLIGHT is the collaborative evolution of songwriter and multi-instrumentalist DUNCAN EVANS, built around a committed three-piece lineup that transforms intimate compositions into expansive, emotionally charged performances. Formed under this name in 2022, the project reflects a shift from solo authorship toward a unified band dynamic, where arrangements are shaped collectively and the music breathes with the chemistry of a live unit.

At its core, the band fuses post-punk intensity with the dark and primal undercurrents of folk music. Hypnotic bass lines and powerful, nuanced drumming provide a muscular foundation for chiming guitar arpeggios, warm organ textures and sheets of atmospheric noise. The songs often move through shifting time signatures and dramatic dynamic contrasts, flowing from sparse, fragile passages into towering crescendos with a sense of purpose and emotional weight.

Lyrically, DUNCAN EVANS AND THE WEEPING STARLIGHT explores faith, doubt, suffering, transcendence and the search for meaning in a fractured world. Religious imagery frequently appears, reframed as metaphor and directed inward rather than toward distant absolutes. The writing confronts catastrophe and psychological turmoil with unflinching honesty while holding onto the belief that renewal and redemption remain possible.

The result is a sound that feels sombre, mournful and fiercely committed, grounded in the traditions of post-punk and folk yet shaped by a distinctly personal vision.

DUNCAN EVANS AND THE WEEPING STARLIGHT is:
 

  • Duncan Evans – vocals, guitars, synths, software instruments

  • Ol Jessop – bass guitar

  • Kev Reid – drums

ATAVISTIA Unleash New Single and Video "Mystic Tavern," Announce Upcoming Album Old Gods Awaken Out May 15th, 2026

TAVISTIA raise their horns and throw open the tavern doors with the release of “Mystic Tavern,” the first single from their forthcoming full length album Old Gods Awaken, set for release on May 15th, 2026 via Blood Blast Distribution.

“Mystic Tavern” showcases a bold and spirited side of the band. Centered around the concept of a never ending celebration, the track blends blistering blast beats, shifting time signatures, and an irresistibly folktouched bridge built to move crowds. It is epic, mischievous, and technically sharp in equal measure.

“Mystic Tavern” was the first song written for Old Gods Awaken and set the tone for the album’s direction. The record embraces shorter, catchier, and more straightforward songwriting while retaining the ferocity and progressive ambition that define ATAVISTIA’s identity. Folk metal textures weave seamlessly into blackened intensity, reflecting the band’s instinct driven approach to composition.

The single arrives alongside an official music video, bringing the song’s celebratory chaos to life and offering fans their first glimpse into the world of Old Gods Awaken.

Due out May 15th, 2026, Old Gods Awaken runs 43 minutes and 21 seconds and represents the uplifting first chapter of a two album concept. Incorporating Swedish and Finnish lyrics for the first time in the band’s catalog, the album draws from Nordic heritage and mythic atmosphere while delivering some of ATAVISTIA’s most memorable hooks to date. From tavern revelry to forest mysticism and epic progressive climaxes, the record marks a confident evolution in their sound.

With “Mystic Tavern” now unleashed, ATAVISTIA invite listeners to step inside, raise a horn, and prepare for the awakening.

ATAVISTIA lineup:

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

About ATAVISTIA:

Formed in 2017 in Vancouver, Canada, ATAVISTIA takes their fans on a spellbinding journey though vast sonic landscapes of snow covered forests, desolate tundras, and permafrost-laden landscapes. Fans of WINTERSUN, ENSIFERUM, DIMMU BORGIR, and XANTHOCHROID will be enthralled by the elements of melodic death metal, black metal, and Scandinavian folk that is intricately woven together throughout their diverse soundscape.

Taking inspiration from the majestic natural landscapes of their homeland, earthly seasons, and ancient Norse culture, ATAVISTIA’s grandiose sound matches these lyrical themes in an impressive symphony of destruction. Their debut EP, One With The Sun (2017) introduced their unique blend of beauty and ferocity, which they followed up with a stormy full-length in 2020 through The Winter Way. The next two releases, the full-length Cosmic Warfare (2023) and the EP Inane Duncam (2024), saw the band spreading their wings and exploring a wider variety of influences. Through it all, ATAVISTIA balances graceful melodies with a brutal rhythmic cacophony, swirling elegance and fury together like a ferocious northern blizzard.

On stage, ATAVISTIA is a force of nature, like waves crashing against a rocky shore. Their music washes over audiences worldwide, leaving them gasping for more long after the last note has faded. They have toured Europe twice alongside notable acts such as SKÁLMÖLD, METSATÖLL, and SEVEN SPIRES, and have opened locally for MOONSPELL, ELEINE, and OCEANS OF SLUMBER. ATAVISTIA has firmly established its presence in a niche among a wide swath of metal genres.

Are you ready to lose yourself in the juxtaposition of lush and arid, the dichotomy of hope and despair, and welcome the inevitable and beautiful end?

Myrath Unveil Official Music Video for "Soul of My Soul" — A Visual that Touches the Heart

Tunisian French metal innovators Myrath shine a new light on their recent single "Soul of My Soul" with the release of its official music video, adding a powerful new emotional layer to a song that has already deeply resonated with fans. Released two weeks ago, the track now gains renewed attention through visuals that expand its intimacy and meaning.

The video presents a striking blend of artistic dance performance, stripped-down piano moments, and Zaher Zorgati's deeply emotional vocal delivery. Minimalistic yet expressive, it allows the song to breathe and placing vulnerability, movement, and feeling at the very center.

Love and connection that endure beyond loss, time, and absence.

Watch the video Below.

Listen to the new single HERE.

Wilderness of Mirrors will be released March 27 and features 10 brand-new, emotionally charged tracks that continue Myrath's evolution of blending their influences with progressive and power metal. Fans can expect a journey through fantasy and reality, from haunting melodies to thunderous riffs and cinematic arrangements.

To celebrate the release, Myrath will embark on a major European tour starting in April 2026, bringing Wilderness of Mirrors to fans across 16 countries.

With millions of views on their cinematic music videos, critically acclaimed albums, and performances at festivals such as Hellfest, Wacken, and Sweden Rock, Myrath continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Wilderness of Mirrors represents the band at their most dynamic and authentic, a milestone in their journey toward becoming one of metal’s most legendary acts.

Pre-orders for Wilderness of Mirrors and tickets for the European tour are available now. Don’t miss the next chapter in Myrath's epic musical journey.

Pre-order the new album HERE.

Tickets and more info about Myrath's 2026 European tour HERE.

ACIDOSIS Release New Single "Arrival" from Upcoming Album Arrival

ACIDOSIS have released their new single "Arrival", the title track and opening statement from their upcoming album Arrival, due March 27, 2026.

"Arrival" is a fast-moving heavy metal track built on a driving power groove and relentless momentum. The song blends classic galloping metal with modern weight, combining the forward motion of IRON MAIDEN, the density of MASTODON, and the aggressive vocal delivery associated with NUCLEAR ASSAULT. It is melodic, intense, and focused on propulsion rather than excess.

The lyrics take inspiration from the alien abduction sequence in the cult film Fire in the Sky, specifically the fear and helplessness of being taken without control over what happens next. That scenario becomes an allegory for impending doom and moments when resistance is no longer possible, leaving only the option to endure what is coming. In that sense, the song also reflects the tension of what lies ahead on the rest of the album.

As the opening track and title track, "Arrival" establishes the tone and intent of Arrival. It functions as a declaration of presence and direction, setting expectations with a balance of melody, heaviness, and groove. The song serves as both an entry point and a warning, preparing listeners for what follows.

Arrival is a full-length album nearly 20 years in the making. Originally drafted during Katzman’s teenage years, the songs have been brought back to life by a re-formed ACIDOSIS lineup featuring Katzman on bass and vocals, Diego Edsel, Deo Budnevich, and Jonathan Rusten on guitars, and Harry Schwarz on drums. The album was produced by Katzman and Ryan Haft, mixed by Haft, and mastered by Howie Weinberg. Art is by Juan Montoya (TORCHE) and layout by Perry Shall (GREEN DAY, BLACK KEYS).

With a driving intro, a rollercoaster verse, and a chorus built to shout, "They Live" serves as a powerful reintroduction to a band that never truly left. It’s protest music disguised as a pit starter.

About ACIDOSIS

ACIDOSIS is a heavy metal band originally formed in Miami by Ben Katzman and Diego Edsel during high school. Rooted in thrash, punk, and traditional metal, the band channels the spirit of teenage rebellion through sharpened musicianship and a love of riffs that hit hard and stay stuck in your head. Now based in Los Angeles, ACIDOSIS has evolved into a multigenerational lineup that includes Katzman’s former guitar student Deo Budnevich, who began touring with the band at 14 and now shreds alongside his mentor.

Known for chaotic live shows, politically-charged lyrics, and hook-driven songwriting, ACIDOSIS has shared the stage with acts like D.R.I., NEGATIVE APPROACH, and the JERRY ONLY MISFITS. After years of hiatus and other musical ventures, Katzman resurrected the band with renewed fire, recording the long-overdue debut Arrival, a collection of songs originally written in high school and reimagined with full force.

ACIDOSIS blends the power of early METALLICA and ANTHRAX with the urgency of MUNICIPAL WASTE and the melodic sensibilities of classic IRON MAIDEN. With art by JUAN MONTOYA (TORCHE) and design by PERRY SHALL (GREEN DAY, BLACK KEYS), the project is a full-circle realization of the band's past, present, and future.

This is riff worship without irony. Punk speed without slop. Metal hooks without ego. ACIDOSIS is built to shred, sweat, and scream until the tape runs out.

GRAIN OF PAIN Announces New Album "Behind Us All"; Unleashes Video for Haunting First Single!

Finnish doom metal outfit GRAIN OF PAIN has announced the release of its new full-length album, Behind Us All, set to drop on March 27 via Noble Demon. To mark the occasion and offer a first glimpse into the record’s bleak yet emotionally resonant soundscape, the band has unveiled its first single today.

The track, titled "To Burn Inside", is now available on all major streaming platforms and arrives alongside a brand new music video, which can be watched below

"To Burn Inside" sees GRAIN OF PAIN leaning deep into their signature blend of doom-laden heaviness and powerful melodies. Featuring a striking guest solo by Pekka Olkkonen(Stam1na), the song explores themes of reflection and the clarity that often comes with age.

Mastermind Timo Solonen comments: "So many stones, so many hopes. We are very happy to have Pekka Olkkonen to feature on our first single and to play solo on our song. Song is about life choices we made to earlier in life to chase dreams which weren’t worth it in the end. When you grow older you will find what is most important in life and the struggle to leave old life behind is not always easy. But you can do it as it becomes clear in the end of the song".

Hailing from Finland, GRAIN OF PAIN delivers a powerful and emotionally charged take on doom/death metal. At the core of the band is Timo Solonen, who handles composition alongside growls and guitars. On bass and clean vocals is Lars Eikind (Before The Dawn), standing out with a prestigious Spellemannsprisen (Grammy) win in Norway.

Joining as session musicians are Juho Räihä (guitars, additional screams) and Juuso Raatikainen (drums), both of whom claimed a Finnish Grammy with Swallow the Sun in 2025. Drawing from a wide range of influences, GRAIN OF PAIN weaves dark atmospheres and powerful melodies into music that resonates long after the final note fades.

Following the signing with German metal specialist Noble Demon in April 2024 for their debut release ("The Moon Lights The Way"), GRAIN OF PAIN now raises the stakes with Behind Us All, their second studio album, set for release in March 2026.

Behind Us All was produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered by Juho Räihä at SoundSpiral Audio. The cover artwork was created by Gogo Melone. The album will be released on March 27 via Noble Demon and is now available for pre-order HERE.

 

For More Information Please Visit:

https://www.facebook.com/GrainOfPainMetal  

https://www.instagram.com/grainofpain.band  

https://linktr.ee/nobledemon

THE JOTUNN announce new single “The Departure” from physical release of Summoner

Melodic deathcore band THE JOTUNN have released their newest single, “The Departure,” the final track on the upcoming physical edition of their album Summoner, out this Friday. The song serves as both a closing statement for this chapter of the band and a powerful step toward what comes next.

Originally introduced as a three-song release, Summoner Part I established the foundation of the band’s current era. The physical edition expands the album with Part II, which includes “Blood Flower,” the band’s cover of “Suicide Nation,” and now the intense and cinematic closer, “The Departure.”

The track was recorded in Michigan with producer Josh Wickman, known for his work with WITHIN THE RUINS, KING 810 and WAKING THE CADAVER. The result is a sharpened and fully realized version of THE JOTUNN’s sound, combining punishing heaviness with dark melody and atmosphere. The song highlights a band that has refined its identity and emerged stronger than ever.

An official video for “The Departure” was filmed by Tom Stumpf, who also worked on the band’s previous two records. The visual continues THE JOTUNN’s tradition of pairing their music with unsettling and cinematic imagery that deepens the emotional impact of their work.

Lyrically, “The Departure” explores the disturbed mind of Ed Gein, focusing on psychological horror and mental unraveling rather than glorification. The band uses the story as a narrative lens to examine darkness, instability, and inner torment, matching the song’s intense and oppressive atmosphere.

With this release, THE JOTUNN bring the Summoner era to a powerful close while signaling a new beginning. “The Departure” represents the band at its most focused and evolved, offering a glimpse of an even heavier and more ambitious future.

About THE JOTUNN:
Based out of Cleveland and Columbus Ohio, THE JOTUNN formed in 2021 after guitarist and songwriter Shawn Kahan presented a number of demos to Paul Kahan. Soon producer Cole Martinez (ABIGAIL WILLIAMS, WHITECHAPEL, ABORTED) was on board taking up the role of bassist and producer of their music. Nick Amato (ATOMIC WITCH) performed drums on the band's debut album Graveworshipper (2022), prior to Adam Biats joining the line-up. The outfit was awarded the Columbus Artist Grant in 2023, and subsequently in 2025. THE JOTUNN's EP Summoner arrived in 2024, and is set to be followed in 2025 by two cover releases and a new original track. Cole left the band in June 2025 on good terms, leading to the arrival of Leo Debevc on guitar and Londyn Hager on bass. 

THE JOTUNN is:
Paul Kahan - Vocals
Shawn Kahan - Guitar
Leo Debevc - Guitar
Londyn Snow - Bass
Adam Biats - Drums

Links:
Streaming links: www.thejotunn.com
Bandcamp: https://jotunn.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheJotunnBand/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejotunnband/

Credits: 
Recording Studio: Dreadcore Productions
Produced, Engineered, Mixed and Mastered: Josh Wickman
Drum Pre-Production: Nick Hawkins
Lyrics, Song and Performance by The Jötunn

ETERNAL RECURRENCE Unveils New Single “Precious Stones,” A Chamber-Driven Take on Modern Symphonic Metal

ETERNAL RECURRENCE has released “Precious Stones,” a new single from the band’s upcoming self-titled debut EP, Eternal Recurrence, due later this year.

Blending modern metal with a chamber music approach to orchestration, ETERNAL RECURRENCE offers an alternative take on symphonic metal. Rather than relying on large orchestras or fully sampled arrangements, the project emphasizes the sound of real musicians performing real orchestral instruments, preserving nuance, texture, and human imperfection in an increasingly digital landscape.

Faced with the financial realities of independent production, ETERNAL RECURRENCE draws inspiration from the chamber music tradition. Unlike large symphonic ensembles, chamber music is written for smaller groups capable of performing in more intimate settings. This philosophy forms the foundation of the project’s sound.

All material on Eternal Recurrence was composed around a chamber ensemble led by German Dmitriev on violins, Steven Schumann on cellos, Maciek Szczyciński on double bass, and C. Alex Luke on piano. These elements are combined with aggressive guitars, lead work, and drumming rooted firmly in modern metal.

“Precious Stones” was the first song written for the EP, dating back to the COVID pandemic. Originally conceived as a straightforward metal track with no symphonic elements, early versions featured keyboards, rock organ, and a synth solo. After the project’s creative direction shifted toward a chamber string ensemble, the song was reworked with newly composed string arrangements. As a result, the orchestration plays a more supportive role on this track compared to other songs on the EP.

The single features two guest vocalists. Mordian of DIAMORTE and SHIELD OF WINGS delivers a powerful alto performance during the chorus and bridge, while James Dorton of BLACK CROWN INITIATE, DIAMORTE and NE OBLIVISCARIS contributes harsh vocals to the heavier sections of the song.

Lyrically, “Precious Stones” stands apart from the rest of Eternal Recurrence. It is the only song on the EP not written by C. Alex Luke. The lyrics were written by Jake Thiele, Luke’s former bandmate from UNTIL EXTINCTION.

Thiele reflects on the song’s themes below:

“My memory is a little hazy on the exact timeline, but I know that ‘Precious Stones’ was written at a time when the COVID pandemic and everything surrounding it was very much affecting everyday life.

I don’t think I need to list all the ways the pandemic messed with people’s minds and disrupted every facet of our existence, but one of the most frustrating parts of it was how political it became.

Anyone with something to gain from it weaponized it to try and take advantage in any way they could. It seemed like everyone, politically inclined or not, was divided into two teams, both of which were less interested in the general welfare of humankind and more interested in either profiting from the pandemic somehow, discrediting and defeating the other team, or both.

Combine this with other various contentious issues that were going on at the time, and people like myself who loathe politics and seek to avoid it as much as possible felt like we were being dragged into it against our will and forced to unequivocally choose one of the two sides, both of which were deeply flawed. Disagreement and compromise weren’t really on the table.

Even with COVID mostly in the rearview, all the various forms of media, social media especially, still seem intent on making sure everyone is sorted neatly into one of two boxes and reminding them that everyone in the other box is their enemy.

In short, ‘Precious Stones’ is about the futility and stupidity of the things that divide us and how we let them suck the enjoyment out of life.”

Progressive Rock Group RAIBARD Releases New Single "Path of Day"

Progressive rock group RAIBARD presents their new single “Path of Day,” a workers-inspired protest song that critiques the modern 9-to-5 grind with acoustic urgency and a hopeful undercurrent. Taken from their upcoming album Postscript, which is out March 6th. 

Built around a driving acoustic guitar, “Path of Day” reflects the mental fatigue and quiet frustration experienced by those working within rigid systems of labor and expectation. The opening lyric, “Walking off the pier of endless views, working for the whims of the endless few,” sets the tone for a song rooted in shared experience and social awareness.

Drawing inspiration from Bob Dylan’s “Maggie’s Farm,” the lyrics suggest the possibility of meaningful change without defining its shape. Lines such as “whispers in my heart of another way, willing my own steps turning night to day” point toward transformation as an internal shift that precedes outward action.

Midway through the song, the arrangement expands as electric, effected guitar enters alongside mixed meter. This structural shift mirrors the song’s thematic arc, moving from straightforward rhythms into more complex territory. The contrast between acoustic simplicity and layered experimentation reflects the qualitative change that can occur when perspective shifts.

“Path of Day” ultimately centers on humility and openness, recognizing the limits of control while embracing the idea that new possibilities emerge when rigid narratives are released. Through its evolving sound and reflective lyrics, RAIBARD offers a resonant statement for anyone questioning the path laid out before them.

Arriving on March 6th, RAIBARD’s new album Postscript builds on the band’s progressive foundations with a wide range of stylistic influences. Despite this variety, the album remains cohesive. Each track shares a common musical DNA, rooted in melodically centered writing in which implied harmonies elevate even simple progressions and heighten their emotional impact.

The rhythmic identity of Postscript also reflects RAIBARD’s established sound. Melodies and harmonies routinely anticipate the downbeat, giving drummer Phil MacKay a dynamic canvas for inventive performance. On bass, Greg Dellaria provides a central layer of connective energy. His lines bridge harmonic, rhythmic, and melodic roles with subtle but unmistakable mastery.

Postscript was recorded across three locations. MacKay and Dellaria contributed their parts remotely, sending material to Daniel for editing, mixing, and mastering. Daniel’s own performances were captured in either his living room or an isolation booth, creating a blend of immediacy and precision that underscores the album’s emotional and musical depth.

RAIBARD writes for people who still crave direct sound and real ideas. The music asks you to set the news cycle down, to loosen the grip on strict computation, to listen with immediate human awareness. These songs are built for rooms where strangers become an audience and an audience becomes a choir. Not machines. Not algorithms. Just three players and a shared current, inviting you to rise.

RAIBARD is:
Daniel Gil – Guitar and vocals
Greg Dellaria – Bass
Phil MacKay – Drums and percussion

Connect with RAIBARD:
Website: https://raibard.com
Bandcamp: https://raibard.bandcamp.com
Store: https://raibard.com/collections/all
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raibard
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raibard
X (Twitter): https://x.com/raibardband
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@raibard8886

Laptop presents new single 'Confused', a sonic response to a fracturing democratic reality

NYC alternative pop outfit Laptop presents their new single “Confused” — the emotional and thematic center of their forthcoming album "On This Planet" and their most definitive song to date. Written in response to January 6 (now the 5th anniversary), the track captures the psychological whiplash of watching democratic reality fracture in real time, filtered through the perspective of a man glued to the news, overwhelmed by noise, grievance, spectacle, and historical déjà vu.

Formed in the late ’90s, Laptop released three albums with Island Records with praise from the NME, The Guardian and others for their stylized blend of synth-pop & irony. Now a multi-generational project with Jesse Hartman joined by his son Charlie Hartman, they are not observing the present from a distance. “Confused” is the sound of living inside it — aware of history, aware of danger, and quietly aware that even the people telling us what’s happening may not know what to believe themselves. Yet for all its tension, “Confused” is not humorless. Like much of Laptop’s work, the song is threaded with a dry, unsettling irony — the kind that emerges when reality itself starts to feel absurd.

“‘Confused’ came from the shock of watching January 6 unfold on TV — but the really twisted part is that we’d been in D.C. two days earlier, visiting family, cluelessly being tourists, while staying at the hotel where the lead insurrectionists were actually meeting. We had no idea. But the city felt off — weirdly quiet, strange characters everywhere — like the ’70s version of "Invasion of the Body Snatchers". MAGA evangelicals blowing Jewish shofars, that kind of bizarro-ness," says Jesse Hartman.


"Then we went back to New York, life felt normal again for a moment,, and then a day later we were watching the least normal thing I’ve ever seen unfold. The whole family was completely freaked out, especially Lulu. (“Daddy was confused…Now, he’s flown the coop” – or is it coup? - recalling the ghostly children’s chorus of "Another Brick in the Wall”). Once the song got going, it felt obvious she had to be part of it.”


That generational perspective extends to the artwork. The cover image — a stark, almost African-influenced child’s face — was painted by Lulu herself. Rendered with raw simplicity and quiet distress, the image feels ancient and immediate at once. Lulu belongs to a generation that has grown up with Trump, COVID, lockdowns, and permanent crisis — for whom confusion isn’t a moment, but a condition. Like her voice in the track, the artwork doesn’t explain anything. It watches.


Musically, "Confused" is hypnotic and rhythm-driven, built on a circular, Afro-influenced groove that recalls Fela Kuti’s forward momentum filtered through the nervous minimalism of Talking Heads’ "Remain in Light” era. The track accumulates tension rather than releasing it. It openly channels the philosophy ofCompass Point Studios— rhythm as infrastructure, voices as texture, politics embedded in groove rather than announcement. The song keeps moving, even as clarity collapses. And like the other“On This Planet”album tracks, “Confused” was written and produced by Jesse Hartman, which was tracked in Valencia and overdubbed in Nevis, a place the band came to call the inspiration island.

Pushing the song’s themes into visual satire, the music video is framed as a CNN-style news broadcast, withJesse Hartman as the anchor — calm, youthful, and unsettlingly composed — delivering chaos with the authority of media normalcy.Denise Gordon andGeddys “Ch4se” Fergusonappear as correspondents reporting from distant, vaguely defined locations, their dispatches fragmented and contradictory.Jesse Hartmanhovers as an ambiguous figure — part tyrant, part media creation, part projection — never clarified, never resolved. The result isn’t parody so much as a wry, uncomfortable mirror: a world where information, performance, and power blur until belief itself feels optional.

n 2025, Laptop released several singles - "Indie Hero", "Additional Animals", "I Don't Know", and “Weirder”, mixed by Grammy award-winning producer Mario McNulty (David Bowie, Prince, Nine Inch Nails, Julian Lennon), in addition to a Tom Waits holiday cover, collectively drawing millions of views and reintroducing Laptop’s postmodern humor to a new generation.

“Confused” is out on January 23 via Hurricane Cove Records, available on streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. The much-anticipated "On This Planet" album will be released in Spring 2026.

CREDITS
Written by: Jesse Hartman
Published by: Exurbia Music, Inc. (BMI)
Produced by: Jesse Hartman
Jesse Hartman — vocals, guitars, keys, synths, piano, bass, drum machine, percussion
Charlie Hartman — vocals
Marlena “Lulu” Hartman — vocals, synth
Geddys “Ch4se” Ferguson — vocals
Denise Gordon — vocals
Mike Desmarais — drums
Ben Jones — piano
Bruce Irvine (aka The Black Panther) — slide guitar
Lluísen Capafons — conga, percussion
Lee Sullivan — saxophone
Matthew Dakoutro — cello, viola, violin
Siuxx — keys, synths
Engineered by Iñaki Ariste Aznar, Edward Douglas, Jesse Hartman
Mixed by Ray Aldaco, Nicholas Vernhes, Edward Douglas, Jesse Hartman
Mastered by Dave Trumfio
Artwork Painting by Marlena “Lulu” Hartman, Design by Jesse Hartman & Scott Ratner
UPC/EAN 5063858817812
City photos by Tommy Krause. Other photos by Emmanuel Abreau
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR


Keep up with Laptop
Website | Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok | Spotify | Apple Music | Amazing Radio | Rocky Road Touring contact | Press contact

Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | BlueSky | Threads  | Soundcloud | LinkedIn | Ema il

Pop Evil Releases Blistering New Single "The Decay"

To mark the one-year anniversary of their acclaimed album What Remains, Pop Evil announce the release of What Remains (Midnight Edition), arriving March 27, 2026.

The band’s new single, “The Decay,” is out today after premiering on SiriusXM Octane yesterday. The track is a riff-forward modern rock track with depth, melody, and staying power.

Regarding the release, Pop Evil shares, “In a world full of pain, lies, distractions, and half-truths, how easy is it to swallow venom dressed up as medicine without recognizing the damage being done? The choice to help or to hurt is ours. This song is raw, uncomfortable, and honest, an invitation to face the darkness, accept responsibility, and choose to make a difference while you still have time.”

To further reflect this mindset, the band made the conscious decision to forgo any use of AI in crafting the official visualizer. Directed by Sam Shapiro and produced by the skilled CGI team at VSRL Company, the visualizer reinforces the song’s core message: what we choose to create and support truly matters. Watch it below.

What Remains (Midnight Edition) expands the album’s powerful legacy with new material, including “The Decay” and a studio-refined reimagining of the iconic ’80s anthem “Don’t You (Forget About Me),” reimagined through Pop Evil’s unmistakable modern-rock lens.

Originally released as Pop Evil’s most uncompromising and emotionally exposed body of work to date, What Remains stands as both a sonic reckoning and a personal confession. Heavier, darker, and more direct than anything the band has released before, the album channels arena-ready modern rock and metal into a deeply introspective narrative, with frontman Leigh Kakaty laying bare the truths, scars, and battles that shaped both his life and the band’s e 

With What Remains (Midnight Edition), Pop Evil completes a full creative arc, stripping away armor, confronting the past, and standing firmly in the present. It is a reckoning with who Leigh Kakaty was, who he is now, and who he’s determined to become. More than an anniversary release, the Midnight Edition solidifies What Remains as the definitive Pop Evil statement, unflinching, unapologetic, and impossible to ignore.

Pop Evil tour dates: 

Feb 6 - Destin, FL - Club LA
Feb 7 - Birmingham, AL - Workplay
Feb 9 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL - FTL War Memorial*
Feb 10 - Tampa, FL - Yuengling Center*
Feb 12 -  Biloxi, MS -  The Sanctuary
Feb 13 - Houston, TX - 713 Music Hall*
Feb 14 - Dallas, TX - South Side Ballroom*
Feb 15 - San Antonio, TX - Boeing Center at Tech Port*
Feb 18 - Phoenix, AZ - Arizona Financial Theatre
Feb 19 - Las Vegas, NV - The Portal at Area15
Feb 20 - Los Angeles, CA - The Kia Forum*
Feb 21 - Wheatland, CA - Hard Rock Live*
Feb 22  - Portland, OR - Hawthorne Theatre
Feb 24 - Salt Lake City, UT - The Union Event Center*
Feb 25  - Grand Junction, CO  - Mesa Theatre
Feb 26 - Loveland, CO - Blue FCU Arena*
Feb 27 - Omaha, NE - Steelhouse Arena*
Feb 28 - St. Louis, MO - The Factor*
Mar 2 - Des Moines, IA - Vibrant Music Hal*l
Mar 3 - Minneapolis, MN - Armory*
Mar 4 - Chicago, IL - The Salt Shed*
Mar 6 - Milwaukee, WI - Landmark Credit Union Live*
Mar 7 - Cincinnati, OH - Andrew J Brady Music Center*
Mar 8 - Detroit, MI - The Fillmore*
Mar 10 - Pittsburgh, PA - UPMC Events Center*
Mar 11 - Philadelphia, PA - The Met*
Mar 12 - Boston, MA - MGM Music Hall at Fenway*
Mar 14 - Virginia Beach, VA - The Dome*
Mar 15 - Washington, DC - The Theatre at National Harbor*
Mar 17 - Greensboro, NC - Greensboro Special Events C*
Mar 18 - Atlanta, GA - Coca-Cola Roxy*
Apr 6 - Halifax, CAN - Scotiabank Center*
Apr 9 - Laval, CAN - Place Bell*
Apr 11 - Toronto, CAN - Great Canadian Casino Resort*
Apr 12 - Sault Ste. Marie, CAN - The Machine Shop
Apr 14 - Winnipeg, CAN - Burton Cummings Theatre*
Apr 17 - Edmonton, CAN - Edmonton Convention Centre*
Apr 18 - Calgary, CAN - Grey Eagle Event Centre*
Apr 20 - Vancouver, CAN - PNE Forum*
Apr 22 - Billings, MT - Pub Station
Apr 24 - Dubuque, IA - Q Casino
Apr 25 - Moline, IL - Rust Belt
Apr 26 - Bloomington, IL - Castle Theatre
Apr 28 - Kansas City, MO - Truman
Apr 29 - Indianapolis, IN - Hi-Fi

* Supporting Sabaton

Connect with Pop Evil:

Website
Instagram
Facebook

"Sounds of Ardul" by Chronicler of Ardul

Sounds of Ardul is a sweeping orchestral journey into the dark fantasy realm of Ardul, composed by David Williams of CHRONICLER OF ARDUL. Instead of relying on metal elements, the album embraces cinematic storytelling through rich symphonic textures, intimate folk tunes, and atmospheric worldbuilding. Each track feels like a moment from a larger adventure, guiding listeners through taverns, shadowed forests, ancient mists, and violent clashes. With recurring motifs, emotional character themes, and evocative arrangements, Sounds of Ardul invites audiences to step directly into the world itself, experiencing its wonder, danger, and humanity firsthand.

“Watch Over Me (feat. EXILED HOPE)” opens the album as a bardic folk song carried by clean guitar, violin, hand percussion, and the expressive voice of Sofia Frasz, following a lost traveler yearning for home while navigating the perilous roads of Ardul. “Watch Over Me (Village Version)” shifts to a smaller, more comforting space, portraying the safety and simplicity found within village walls through a short instrumental loop of guitar and violin. “You’re Gone (feat. SYYN)” brings the emotional weight of loss to the forefront, with Aaron Johnson III delivering a somber tavern ballad about love, its fleeting beauty, and the devastating revelation of death that reshapes the meaning of each chorus.

The album’s worldbuilding takes a lively turn with “Oh Me Oh My,” a rowdy late-night tavern song featuring vocals by David Williams, built from stomps, claps, bottle taps, and a catchy refrain meant for drunken patrons. “Woodlands” ventures outside into the dark beauty of Ardul’s forests using strings, harp, clarinet, piano, and choir to evoke mystery and deceptive warmth. Its variations expand that setting: “Woodlands (Alternate Version)” isolates the listener with cello, piano, and harp, while “Woodlands (Battle Theme)” heightens the danger with brass, percussion, and rhythmic urgency as hidden threats reveal themselves.

“In the Mists of the Myrewood (Remastered)” returns to the foundational themes of the larger Ardul mythos. A solo piano piece born early in the project’s history, it whispers with darkness and elegance, building into the thick, treacherous fog that defines the Myrewood. “Veiled Truth” explores moral ambiguity through shifting strings, piano, choir, and guitar, reflecting the uneasy question of whether familiar faces can be trusted. “Unwelcomed Guests” continues the rising tension with timpani heartbeats, clacking percussion, unsettling strings, and a divided choir as an unwelcome figure approaches with unclear intentions.

“To Arms! (String Quintet)” marks the snapping point where conflict erupts, delivering an intimate yet fierce battle theme reminiscent of classic RPG duels. “Temporary Respite” pulls the listener back into calm with soft piano and choir, offering a resting place after turmoil. “Moments From Disaster” churns with heavy drums, tense strings, rumbling voices, and pounding piano, capturing the split second before catastrophe when every instinct screams to act.

“Underground” descends into the cold, winding depths beneath Ardul where dissonant strings, heavy drums, male drones, and brooding piano create deliberate disorientation. “Underground (Alternate Version)” tightens the space to a quieter but more claustrophobic passage lit by a single torch. “To Arms!” unleashes the full symphonic battle, a large-scale conflict with expanded orchestration and dramatic intensity.

The album’s final bard song, “Zarek the Bloody,” introduces a legendary figure whose reputation is both heroic and ominous. With accordion, bass, percussion, and vocals by David Williams, the piece hints at Zarek’s deeds, the cursed blade he wields, and his place in the greater Ardul narrative.

Sounds of Ardul also includes extended ten-minute looping versions of twelve tracks, crafted for worldbuilders, tabletop players, writers, and listeners who want to immerse themselves even further. As the third pillar of CHRONICLER OF ARDUL’s overarching project, this album expands the world’s scope while maintaining musical motifs that connect past works to future stories. 

About CHRONICLER OF ARDUL:

CHRONICLER OF ARDUL is the cinematic dark fantasy project created by composer and multi-instrumentalist David Williams, blending orchestral storytelling with the atmosphere and intensity of extreme music. Formed in 2023, the project explores the mythic world of Ardul through three creative pillars: metal, orchestral composition, and written narrative. Every release expands the lore, using recurring motifs, character themes, and emotional worldbuilding to connect albums, stories, and songs into one cohesive universe. Influenced by SHADOW OF INTENT, MENTAL CRUELTY, Nobuo Uematsu, and Yasunori Nishiki, CHRONICLER OF ARDUL approaches concept music with the depth of a novel and the drama of a film score.

The project began as an idea in 2015 and has since grown into a multi-medium saga, starting with the Myrewood EP in 2023 and continuing with Sword of Virné and accompanying short stories. Williams handles all writing, recording, mixing, and artwork, giving the project a distinct voice anchored in emotional honesty and narrative purpose. Every melody is intentional and often foreshadows future events in the overarching story, creating a world that rewards close listening. CHRONICLER OF ARDUL stands as a unique fusion of fantasy, composition, and immersive storytelling, inviting listeners not only to hear the music but to live within the world it creates.

Connect with CHRONICLER OF ARDUL:

Official Website: chroniclerofardul.com
Bandcamp: https://chroniclerofardul.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Chronicler-of-Ardul-100063489851273
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chronicler_of_ardul
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@ChroniclerOfArdul
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5h3LfVFyzZA7Tl0eBhQxKg
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/chronicler-of-ardul/1678862672
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chronicler_of_ardul

"Slay Utterly"" by Carrion Vale

Melodic death metal force of nature CARRION VAEL returns with a vengeance on their fifth album, Slay Utterly, to be released through Unique Leader Records on January 16, 2026. Though raw and ferocious at their core, the band weaves intricate technical nuances throughout the album. Punchy riffs and rhythms drive the intensity home, while memorable lead guitar lines and powerful vocal performances leave a lasting impact. Lyrically, Slay Utterly goes above and beyond to immerse the listener in CARRION VAEL's fascination for history and true crime.

CARRION VAEL's technical prowess may take the spotlight on this album, but they are storytellers at their core. Each song on Slay Utterly explores the story of a different serial killer. The perspective jumps between the killer themselves, and the experiences of the victims. On the whole, the album presents a collection of stories delving into the psyches of famous axe murderers, slashers, and other uniquely violent killers throughout history. 

Slay Utterly opens with "19(fucking)78", which instantly sets the tone for the album's intensity and nuance. Featuring layers of technical guitar parts, slam riffs, and clean vocals, the band leaves no skill in their toolbox unused. Lyrically, the song is set in 1970s California; a particularly violent time in history, given the presence of the Hillside Stranglers. The lyrics contemplate issues of nature versus nurture, as well as an obsession with control by any means possible.

Opening with ominous Spanish guitar arpeggios, "Truth or Consequences" tells the story of David Parker Ray, best-known as the Toy Box Killer. Living in the remote deserts of New Mexico, Ray built a soundproof bunker on his land, where he would kidnap women who were passing through. His number of kills remains unknown, though estimates are high. 

"1912" then presents itself as one of the more theatrical and progressive songs on the album. The lyrics tell of an unsolved axe murder that shook the small town of Villisca, Iowa on a hot June night in 1912. To this day, no one knows who really committed the strange and horrific murders of two adults and six children, but speculations abound. The lyrics explore each speculation, varying from train-hopping sociopaths, scorned business associates, or even evangelical madmen.

Fast, heavy, and catchy, "30 on 9" is a quintessential CARRION VAEL track. It delves into various aspects of the mystery of Jack the Ripper, ranging from his true identity, his victims, and the bloody details of his murders. He was believed to have murdered Elizabeth Stride and Catherine Eddowes on September 30th, with this date lending the song its title. 

Guitarist Ryan Kuder shines on "40 Echoes Upon the Parlor", with rapid-fire riffs and blazing lead sections throughout. Clean vocals make a notable appearance in the choruses, wailing spectrally above a mass of blast beats and growls. The lyrics tell of numerous smaller axe murder cases, referencing Lizzie Borden most prominently.

"Lord of 74" opens almost innocently and uncharacteristically for the band, with delicate piano notes and the sound of water dripping in the background. Low, mournful clean vocals build an atmosphere of remorse and anguish until the song explodes into the fury that defines CARRION VAEL. The song tells the story of Joseph Kallinger, a schizophrenic shoe cobbler from Philadelphia who believed that God had sent him to murder every person on Earth... and that with the help of his children, he could complete this task.

"Bisection 47" embodies unrelenting rage from the first note to the last. The song explores the 1947 murder of Elizabeth Short, better known as the Black Dahlia. She was found cut in half (bisected) from the waist, and the identity of her killer remains unknown. The murder has left its mark on history as one of the biggest true crime mysteries to date. 

The final track, "Black Chariot", was originally recorded for CARRION VAEL's album God Killer (2020). As a fan favorite, the band decided to update the song and re-record it for Slay Utterly. Despite the fact that it was recorded for a different album, "Black Chariot" picks up right where "Bisection 47" left off, with layers of vicious snarls and stunning lead guitar work.

About CARRION VALE:
In 2017, brutal melodic death metal storytellers CARRION VAEL set out on a mission to understand disturbing events that may baffle the sane. Each album and each song explores an aspect of true crime history, often focusing on the stories of individual serial killers and their victims. Though this conceptual focus underpins CARRION VAEL's songwriting, they seek to fully utilize all of their skills and talents to ensure that each song develops the sound it needs to tell its story. The band released their first album, Resurrection of the Doomed, independently in 2017, then signed with HPGD Records and released their 2020 follow-up, God Killer. Subsequently, the band signed with Unique Leader Records and released Abhorrent Obsessions (2022) and Cannibals Anonymous (2024). 

With their fifth album, Slay Utterly, on the horizon, CARRION VAEL are set to continue this journey into the monstrous side of the human psyche. Vicious, but surprisingly poignant in just the right dose, Slay Utterly presents an anthology of serial killer stories from significant points in history. The album is certain to enthrall fans of horror, history, and true crime with its vivid portrayals of the minds of both murderers and victims. 

CARRION VALE is:
Travis Lawson Purcell - Vocals
Alex Arford - Bass
Trenton Limburg - Guitar
Ryan Kurder - Guitar
Matt Behner - Drums

Anti-Sapien At The Mercy Of The Merciless

ANTI-SAPIEN return with At the Mercy of the Merciless, a 22 minute blast of sewer-filthy death crust that captures the band in a moment of evolution and escalation. Written on the road and recorded at Growl House Studios for a January 16, 2026 release on Terminus Hate City, the record feels like the point where a pandemic side project that started as a joke has hardened into a focused, relentless, politically furious machine. The songs are still fun, still catchy, still gross and sweaty, but the riffing has become more intricate and the sense of purpose sharper, with the band leaning into real world themes, personal damage, and systemic rot without sacrificing the primal thrill of heavy music.

Opening track “Old Drugs” works as a statement of intent, musically and lyrically. A clipped sample sets the mood, then the song detonates into blasts, double bass breakdowns, and scorching solos that touch on everything the band does best. The lyrics follow someone who cannot stop themselves from using whatever they find at the bottom of the couch or on the street, chasing a high all the way to the edge of death while society judges and discards them. It is fast, ugly, and surprisingly empathetic, and it establishes one of the record’s recurring threads, that loss of control can be internal as much as imposed from above. “Eater of Ghosts” picks up that thread and runs with it at breakneck speed, all tight triplet riffs and hyperactive drumming, tracing late night misadventures in motel parking lots through the eyes of a person who lets alcohol and drugs invite in whatever ghosts want to possess them. The tone is equal parts revelry and horror, a celebration of the dark side that ANTI-SAPIEN clearly sweat bullets to pull off live.

The title track, “At the Mercy of the Merciless”, shifts the record into a mid tempo, knuckle dragging stomp built on a huge drum groove that practically forces a headbang. Here the focus zooms out from individual vices to societal collapse. The lyrics take aim at algorithmic isolation, confirmation bias, and the way people have been divided into echo chambers that make collective resistance almost impossible. The song points a finger at the one percent who profit from this division, but it is just as critical of our own complicity and comfort. As the center of the record it anchors both the sound and the message, tying together the album’s fixation on being trapped, whether by addiction, systems, or our own refusal to act.

“D.E.A.D.” flips the script again, foregrounding the punk and crust influences that run through ANTI-SAPIEN’s sound. A moshy intro and d beat verse, higher register vocals, and a disgusting slam breakdown with 808 bass drops turn the song into a live set highlight. The title stands for “Do Everything All Day”, a phrase handed down from an old friend that the band reshapes into a manifesto against wasted time and hollow, hate filled lives. It is about honoring dead friends by actually living, squeezing meaning and joy out of a world that constantly nudges people toward stagnation. The track also acts as the effective opener to the second half of the EP, written with a side A and side B mentality in mind, and it sets up the flow into the more anthemic “Grinding the System”.

“Grinding the System” is a stadium sized d beat song that leans into a Discharge inspired backbeat, with classic metal dual guitar solos hinting at subconscious Judas Priest or Iron Maiden worship before dropping into a breakdown that is a little cleaner and more melodic than ANTI-SAPIEN’s usual ugliness. Lyrically it is one of the clearest articulations of the album’s political focus, describing workers who keep the machine running for their masters even as hope erodes and debt follows them into the grave. A sound clip about people without hope being easy to control sets the tone before the band tears into lines about false shortages, crisis profiteering, and a species that seems to thrive on self destruction. It is a circle pit anthem with a deep sense of despair underneath, and it gives the record a brief tempo reprieve before the closing track.

“George Washington’s Teeth” ends the EP in a blaze of death metal that nods to bands like Vomitory, Nominon, and Father Befouled, full of tremolo picking, pinch harmonics, and straight ahead violence. The song uses the true story of Washington’s teeth being taken from slaves as an entry point into a broader indictment of American myth making and the way brutality is smoothed over for public consumption. Coins seeping through the eyes, sewer economies, people choking on the suffering they helped enable, it is a grotesque collage that pulls together the record’s concerns with historical lies, present day inequity, and a social body gnawing on itself. Sound clips about Wall Street and government waste inject a darkly comic edge, and a shouted “BITE IT YOU SCUM” courtesy of Roger from No/Más drives the song into a final barrage that feels like a bookend to the whole EP.

Across At the Mercy of the Merciless, ANTI-SAPIEN keep returning to the same tension. On one hand, they are trying to write riffs that feel like comfort and catharsis, something to sweat out to in a packed room. On the other hand, they are unflinching in their critiques of fascism, systemic abuse, exploitation, and the everyday ways people give up their power. The result is a record that is catchy and immediate, but also openly confrontational and political, from the first sound clip about the war on drugs being a war on people to the last reference to being chewed apart by the teeth of empire.

Minimal studio trickery and mostly full vocal and instrumental takes give the EP a live, human feel. Notes bend more with passion than perfection at times, and ANTI-SAPIEN lean into that choice rather than hide it. The band has already proven themselves on the road in the United States and abroad, and here they bottle that momentum into a short, filthy, and surprisingly thoughtful collection that runs from personal self sabotage to global systems of control. For listeners who live somewhere between death metal, crust punk, and hardcore, At the Mercy of the Merciless plays like a fast, furious wake up call, one that invites you to stage dive, circle pit, and then actually think about what you are angry at when the feedback fades.

About ANTI-SAPIEN:

ANTI-SAPIEN formed in Brooklyn in 2021 and grew quickly from a loose pandemic experiment into a touring force known for filthy death crust riffs, sweat soaked shows, and a message that cuts through the noise. The band began as a way for friends to blow off steam and write ugly, fun songs that blended their love of D beat punk, death metal, grind, and the classic New York slam tradition. What surprised them was how quickly audiences connected to not only the heaviness but the honesty. Kids responded to the riffs but also to the moments between songs where the band spoke openly about inequality, exploitation, and the systems that grind people down. That connection pushed ANTI-SAPIEN to take the project further, tighten their sound, and hit the road hard across the United States and eventually through Australia, Korea, and Japan.

Over time the band’s lineup shifted into the current form of Blake Charlton, Alex Fewell, Ryan Murphy, and Nathan Rand, all seasoned musicians with long histories in heavy music. Their combined backgrounds in bands like Ramming Speed, Black Mass, Soul Remnants, and others helped shape the sound into something both raw and disciplined, equal parts crust punk grit and death metal precision. They have played festivals like NEDM Funtime Bonanza and the NYDM International Fest, building a reputation for fast sets, filthy tones, and a refusal to shy away from uncomfortable truths.

ANTI-SAPIEN operate with a clear sense of purpose. They are proudly anti fascist, openly political, and committed to calling out abuses of power while keeping their shows rooted in community and catharsis. The band writes music that is catchy and disgusting, equal parts sewer filth and adrenaline, and they deliver it with the conviction of people who believe heavy music can be fun while still saying something worth hearing. Audiences continue to grow each tour, fueled by the band’s willingness to merge riffs, rage, humor, and a perspective shaped by lived experience.

ANTI-SAPIEN is:

Blake Charlton – Guitar and Lead Vocals
Alex Fewell – Drums
Ryan Murphy – Bass and Backup Vocals
Nathan Rand – Lead Guitar

Connect with ANTI-SAPIEN:

Website: terminushatecity.com
Bandcamp:https://anti-sapien.bandcamp.com/music
E Shop:https://anti-sapien.bandcamp.com/merch
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/AntiSapienBand/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/antisapienband/
YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@antisapienband
Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/4qq4lPjBPdNmudoOk1CfRZ
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/anti-sapien/1679779909