dead7 Drop "PLEASE" Video" (Feat. Marcus Vik)

dead7 will drop their new album LOVE WHAT YOU CAN WHILE YOU GOT SOMETHING LEFT TO LOVE on July 11 via SharpTone. Pre-order it here. 

On the album, the St. Louis, MO quintet — Jason Kozik [vocals], Dexter Greer[guitar], Tim Quinn [guitar], Stephen Salyer [bass], and Zach Guinn [drums] — temper guitar-driven grooves with electronics, atmospheric keys, and evocative vocals. Simultaneously, death and romance become interchangeable, rotating around an axis of relatable emotional turbulence.


dead7 have dropped the video for "PLEASE." The track features a guest appearance from Invent Animate's Marcus Vik.

Watch it Below:

"We were making a joke about being kind of horny, and we tried to encapsulate it," Kozik says about the song's interesting origin story. "It's about the highs of relationships. If you say, 'Please,' you could tell me to do anything. It doesn't matter, just ask nicely. It has our ridiculously low guitar tones that we love, but it also feels like a pop song. We really wanted to have fun with this one."

Fun, indeed!

Armed with this boundary-breaking style, dead7 initially rose up out of St. Louis during 2022. Following "unwanted" and "bite it," the group collaborated with Nathan Johnson of Fox Lake on "heaven only knows." Meanwhile, "tape mouth" surged with over 433K Spotify streams, paving the way for the new pain collection EP and all time does is pass and all i do is remember EP. Along the way, they packed headline gigs and graced the bills of festivals such as POINTFEST with Incubus, Bad Omens, Coheed and Cambria, The Pretty Reckless, and more. In late 2024, they caught the attention of Sharptone Records and inked a deal with the label. Hitting the studio, the band reteamed with frequent collaborators and producers Caleb Freihaut and Ben McGuiness to record what would become LOVE WHAT YOU CAN WHILE YOU GOT SOMETHING LEFT TO LOVE. This time around, the guys nodded to inspirations such as Loathe, Bring Me The Horizon, and Three Days Grace.

HEATMISER RE-RELEASE MIC CITY SONS​ OUT ON THIRD MAN RECORDS JULY 25th

Nearly 30 years after its original release, Heatmiser’s last-ever record is back, remastered and reimagined as a two-LP opus containing a set of demos and unreleased tracks, bringing us right back to that DIY Portland studio where a quartet of tempestuous twenty-somethings created pure sonic magic. Mic City Sons - 30th Anniversary drops on July 25th via Third Man.

SHADOW OF INTENT Drop New Single & Music Video "Mechanical Chaos"

With just weeks to go before the release of their most ambitious album yet, Shadow of Intent drop “Mechanical Chaos,” the fourth single from upcoming new album Imperium Delirium, out June 27 via Blood Blast Distribution. Watch the official music video below and pre-order the album or stream the new track here.

Driven by an unrelenting barrage of dissonant riffing, symphonic unease, and unflinching lyrical focus, “Mechanical Chaos” is the band at their most sonically and ideologically severe. Vocalist Ben Duerr offers the following statement:

“Mechanical Chaos was written to confront the cold, dehumanized reality of modern warfare—one increasingly shaped by the rise of drone technology. As unmanned systems redefine the battlefield, we find ourselves at a crossroads of power, ethics, and consequence. They have become the equalizer of nations. But with this shift comes a new era of destruction—one marked not by strategy, but saturation. The result is a battlefield soaked in attrition, where both sides bleed endlessly and blindly. Mechanical Chaos doesn’t celebrate this evolution—it laments it. It’s a cry against the dehumanization of war, where soldiers are reduced to dots on a screen, and civilians caught in the crossfire become collateral in a game of endurance.

The future hinted at in our music is not distant—it’s already unfolding. This song is for the forgotten, the vaporized, and the haunted—those left beneath the specters above.”

Lyrically and thematically, Imperium Delirium continues Shadow of Intent’s descent into the real-world horrors that define our past and foreshadow our future. From mythic allegory to modern bloodshed, the band’s subject matter confronts the sickness of empires, the seduction of violence, and the machinery of death that fuels it all. As always, the sound is enormous—melding symphonic grandeur, blackened melody, razor-sharp technicality, and punishing breakdowns into a style that remains utterly their own. The three previously released singles from the album - 2024's "Flying The Black Flag", "Feeding The Meatgrinder" feat Corpsegrinder and "Infinity of Horrors" have clocked up 1.4 million views on Youtube and 4 million streams on Spotify alone.

Since their formation in 2014, Shadow of Intent have garnered a reputation for crafting mind-blowingly technical, prog tinged symphonic deathcore. Widely acknowledged as one of the forerunners of the current deathcore renaissance, the band's debut album 'Primordial' was named as one of Revolver Magazine's '15 Essential Deathcore Albums', with Metal Sucks giving their 2019 album 'Melancholy' a perfect 5/5 review, stating "you can expect Shadow of Intent to send echoes across metal for as long as they feel like making music". To date, they amassed over 203 million streams, 64 million YouTube Views and have 460,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.

Following the album release, the band will hit the road this fall with Lorna Shore, The Black Dahlia Murder, and Enterprise Earth for one of the year’s most anticipated deathcore tours. Full dates below with tickets available HERE

Shadow Of Intent

Fall Tour Dates

09/17/25 - Pittsburgh, PA

09/18/25 - Louisville, KY

09/20/25 - Worcester, MA

09/21/25 - Baltimore, MD

09/23/25 - Greensboro, NC

09/24/25 - Nashville, TN

09/26/25 - Cleveland, OH

09/27/25 - Detroit, MI

09/28/25 - Chesterfield, MO

09/30/25 - Atlanta, GA

10/01/25 - Tampa, FL

10/03/25 - Houston, TX

10/04/25 - Irving, TX

10/05/25 - Austin, TX

10/06/25 - Oklahoma City, OK

10/09/25 - Phoenix, AZ

10/10/25 - Las Vegas, NV

10/12/25 - Riverside, CA

10/13/25 - San Diego, CA

10/14/25 - Los Angeles, CA

10/15/25 - San Francisco, CA

10/17/25 - Seattle, WA

10/18/25 - Vancouver, BC

10/20/25 - Salt Lake City, UT

10/21/25 - Denver, CO

10/23/25 - Chicago, IL

10/24/25 - Maplewood, MN

10/25/25 - Milwaukee, WI

10/27/25 - Mississauga, ON

10/28/25 - Laval, QC

10/30/25 - New York, NY

ABOUT SHADOW OF INTENT

Formed in 2014 by Ben Duerr and Chris Wiseman, Shadow of Intent have become one of the most respected and forward-thinking bands in modern metal. With four self-released albums—Primordial (2016), Reclaimer (2017), Melancholy (2019), and Elegy (2022)—the band has blended deathcore, black metal, symphonic and progressive elements with narrative and conceptual ambition. The band’s music and subject matter centers on the many evils in the world, whether myth or real-life events, and the future it may lead to.

2022’s Elegy charted at #4 on Billboard’s Top New Artist Albums, #6 Current Hard Music Albums, and #16 on Current Rock and Digital Albums charts. The band has clocked up 203 million streams, 64 million YouTube Views and have 460,000 monthly listeners on Spotify and toured alongside metal heavyweights including Cannibal Corpse, Whitechapel, The Black Dahlia Murder, Lorna Shore, and Cattle Decapitation.

Shadow Of Intent Are

Ben Duerr - Vocals

Chris Wiseman - Guitar, Vocals, Keyboards

Bryce Butler - Drums

Andrew Monias - Bass

Find Shadow of Intent Online

www.shadowofintent.com

PARADISE LOST PREPARE FOR 'ASCENSION'; NEW ALBUM OUT SEP 19TH

Icons of goth and doom, PARADISE LOST will release their long-awaited, 17th album Ascensionon September 19th with Nuclear Blast Records. The band’s first album in 5 years, following 2020’s critically acclaimed Obsidian, was produced by guitarist Gregor Mackintosh and mixed/mastered by Lawrence Mackrory. Ascension is a testament to the band’s longevity and relevance over their 35+ year career, encompassing their signature styles of gothic, death and doom fans have cherished along the way.

Ascension’s album cover fittingly features the painting The Court of Death (1870-1902) by renowned British artist George Frederic Watts, which hangs in the Tate Gallery in London. The painting depicts Death as an enthroned angel flanked by allegorical figures of Silence and Mystery guarding sunrise and the star of hope, while a warrior surrenders his sword and a duke his coronet, showing that worldly status offers no protection. The painting’s bleak, prophetic vision embodies Ascension’s dark, tormented soundscapes as mournful verses collide with dire, foreboding riffs.

Commenting on the record, vocalist Nick Holmes says:

"Ascension is a cavalcade of molten misery, a vigorous sorrow filled stroll through a wicked world of glorious triumph and pitiful tragedy."  

Today, PARADISE LOST offer a glimpse into their melancholic masterpiece with the record’s first single and music video, ‘Silence Like The Grave.’

Stream ‘Silence Like The Grave’: https://paradiselost.bfan.link/sltg

Pre-order Ascension: https://paradiselost.bfan.link/ascension

‘SILENCE LIKE THE GRAVE’ MUSIC VIDEO BELOW:

PARADISE LOST will be performing alongside KING DIAMOND and at festivals in Europe this summer before embarking on the first part their “Ascension of Europe” tour this fall. Tickets are available at https://paradiselost.co.uk/tour-dates/.

About PARADISE LOST:

More than three decades into their career, and with over two million albums sold, PARADISE LOST remain the undisputed kings of metal’s dark side. Formed in Halifax in 1988, the band quickly became noted as the pioneers of gothic metal through their early groundbreaking albums like 1991’s aptly-titled Gothic, a mixture of heaviness intertwined with shadowy melody and atmosphere.  

Never a group to remain creatively static, across their career they’ve explored a myriad of avenues of dark music, from sludgy doom-death roots, to conquering the metal mainstream with the enormous, lush sounds of 1995’s Draconian Times, to more experimental, electronic leanings, leaving an influence on a trail of artists as varied as CRADLE OF FILTH, HIM, GATECREEPER and CHELSEA WOLFE.  

Now, in 2025, the Yorkshire quintet return with their staggering 17th album, Ascension, a record that sees their crown continue to gleam as it underlines just how they attained their position. Produced by guitarist Gregor Mackintosh at Black Planet studios in East Yorkshire, with drums and vocals captured at NBS and Wasteland studios in Sweden, its 10 tracks traverse the multitude of sounds in the band’s arsenal, from full-bore heavy metal to sky-high melody, all the while keeping a minor-key melancholy that remains irresistible.

Follow PARADISE LOST:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | X | Youtube | Spotify | Apple Music | Bandcamp

AMORPHIS Unveil Lyric Video For New Single "Light And Shadow"; 'Borderland' Album Pre-Orders Available Now

Following the announcement of their 15th studio album Borderland, Finnish metal icons AMORPHIS release the first single from their forthcoming opus today. "Light And Shadow," which can also be interpreted as a metaphor of the album title in the sense of counter-play between two parties close to each other, wins over listeners right away with an uplifting piano intro, enriched by an electronic sound tapestry. As the song unfolds, it transforms into a driving, mythic anthem of self-discovery, a powerful reminder of why AMORPHIS remain unrivalled in crafting melancholic majesty.
 
Santeri Kallio, who wrote the music, adds: “I threw my brain into the closet and went with the flow - without stressing about opinions. I didn’t want to repeat the old nor copy what we’ve already done before. When I heard Tomi’s final vocal parts, I realised that ‘Light And Shadow’ would be the perfect introduction to our new album!”
 
Watch the lyric video below:
Stream "Light And Shadow": https://amorphis.rpm.link/lightandshadowPR
 
Arriving on September 26, 2025 via Reigning Phoenix Music, the group’s new album can be pre-ordered in a wide range of formats and pre-saved here: https://amorphis.rpm.link/borderlandPR

After recording four albums in a row in Sweden, Hansen Studios (Jacob Hansen, Denmark; VOLBEAT, AMARANTHE, PRIMAL FEAR etc.) were the destination of choice in late 2024 and early 2025. The album artwork was designed by Dutch artist Marald Van Haasteren (METALLICA, BLACK SABBATH, KVELERTAK, ALCEST etc.) this time.
 
Besides newly collaborating with Hansen and Van Haasteren, AMORPHIS still rely on the lyrical craftsmanship of Pekka Kainulainen, who’s been courageously writing for the band since their 2007 offering Silent Waters. About his inspiration for Borderland Kainulainen comments: “The generations that came here before us, our ancestors, also had to face death and destruction. Honouring the mythologies of mankind, as well as the listeners of AMORPHIS, I wrote lyrics that hopefully convey some of the humility and strength that mankind has always depended on.”
 With Borderland, the title of the album couldn’t have been chosen more fittingly. Throughout their career, spanning over more than three decades, AMORPHIS -- Tomi Joutsen (vocals), Esa Holopainen (guitars), Tomi Koivusaari (guitars), Olli-Pekka Laine (bass), Santeri Kallio (keyboards) & Jan Rechberger (drums & percussion) -- have been an ever-evolving act, wandering on an exciting boundary-pushing path. From their sinister death metal debut Karelian Isthmus over genre-defining mid-90s melodic death works like Tales From The Thousand Lakes andElegy as well as the melodic 2000’s grandeur of Eclipse or Skyforger to records combining the very best of all prior eras to refreshing new soundscapes (f.e. Under The Red Cloud or Queen Of Time): Whatever this group works on promises long-range success.
 
With 2022’s Halo, the Finn’s were rewarded for their researching musical approach once again: The album marked AMORPHIS’ sixth no. 1 album in Finland, even cracked the top 3 of the official German album chart, and last but not least the sextet took home two awards from the prestigious Emma Gaala (“Band of the Year” & “Export of the Year”).
 
The impact of Halo became a driving force for what’s to come. Rather than rushing into a follow-up, the band chose to step back from live performances and focus fully on their next chapter. The result is Borderland - a meticulously crafted opus that builds on their celebrated recent era, while seamlessly weaving in new, timely elements. It’s a bold, organic continuation of their journey, shaped by experience and guided by vision

AMORPHIS are:
Tomi Joutsen | vocals
Esa Holopainen | guitars
Tomi Koivusaari | guitars
Olli-Pekka “Oppu” Laine | bass
Santeri Kallio | keys
Jan Rechberger | drums & percussion
 
More from AMORPHIS:
amorphis.net | Facebook | Instagram | Threads | TikTok
X | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | RPM

DREAMWAKE Announce "The Lost Years" Out 8/8 + Share "Afterglow" Video

Connecticut's DREAMWAKE — Bobby Nabors (vocals); Dave Pazik (guitar); Kevin Jacques (bass); and Andrew Popolizio (drums) — are thrilled to announce their new album The Lost Years. It will arrive on August 8 via UNFD. Pre-order it here. 

To mark the occasion, the band has shared the video for the new single "Afterglow." Watch it below. 

"'Afterglow' is about the ache of losing someone to their inner battles, and the desperate hope to bring them back before they fade completely," the band states. "It's a plea for connection in the face of emotional distance, a fight against fading into silence."

Even with such heavy and heartfelt subject matter, the song's ebullient melodies and the band's DNA-distinct way of cross-pollinating metalcore's fury and heft with synthwave and saxophones elevate the song to soaring heights. The sax action is the unexpected and unpredictable touch you never knew you needed — but totally did!

Emerging from the bustling scene in New Haven, Connecticut, Dreamwake are a four-piece band that seamlessly blurs the lines of multiple genres, deftly crafting a sound that's both nostalgic and fresh. Combining emotionally charged melodies, heavy riffs, and saxophone, Dreamwake offer a unique sonic landscape and they bridge the gap between powerful metal breakdowns and captivating melodies. Joining the UNFD roster in 2024, the band continues to deliver an unforgettable mix of energy, depth, and innovation that will leave a lasting impact on fans.

Mawiza Release Towering New Single

To the broad world of metal, Mawiza are still an ascendant new force, but these modern day Mapuche warriors have always stood fiercely by their indeginous roots. The band's upcoming third album and first since winning a Chilean Grammy calls for us to restore our balance with nature. While the latest single from ÜL warns that the apocalypse is fast approaching, "Mamüll Reke" proudly demonstrates Mawiza's staying power by relying on all they've learned from their ancestral land.

"This song is devoted to nature" Mawiza says. "If necessary, we will die to defend our land".

Watch the video for "Mamüll Reke" below.

ÜL comes out July 18 on Season of Mist.

Pre-order & Pre-save

https://orcd.co/mawizaul

"This is one of the most melodic songs on ÜL", the band says. "We wanted it to bring the same energy that you carry into battle. We will die like a burning tree standing. Because nature has taught us everything we are".

The other half of the "Mamüll Reke" video was filmed amidst a native forest in the nearby Kalfvgen Community that's overseen by local Machi Paola Aroca Cayunao. This medicine woman invited Mawiza after accompanying them to their set at Fluvial 2024. "We have come to share a great relationship with her", Awka says. "There is a great energy amongst the land where she lives. The environment is great for soaking in the spirituality of the Mapuche".

It's only during this portion of the video that Awka dances the Pürun, mirroring the ostriches that are often spotted around his home city of Temuco. With their feet now back on native ground, "Mamüll Reke" ends with images of native plants returning to the barren soil, as if awakened by the band's heavy, grooving, ancestral rhythm.           

"The Mapuche are still standing", says Mawiza. "You can cut us down, but if one falls, ten shall rise".                

The video for “Mamüll Reke” was directed and edited by  Andrés Hetzler (@andreshetzler).

Additional video credits
Camera & Drone Operator - Roberto Urzúa
Colorist - Soledad Gatica
Executive Producer - Unai Garcia
Producer/Art Director - Awka Nawel

Lineup
Awka - Lead vocals & rhythm guitar
Karü - Lead guitar & backing vocals
Zewü - Bass & backing vocals
Txalkan - Drums & percussion

Guest musicians
Fabiola Hidalgo (Liquen) contributes vocals to "Wingkawnoam", "Pinhza Ñi pewma", "Ngulutu" and "Mamüll reke"

Joe Duplantier (Gojira) contributes vocals to "Ti Inan Paw-Pawkan"

Recording Studio
Estudio del Sur in Chile

Producer
Pancho Arenas

Sound & Mixing Engineer
Pancho Arenas

Mastering Studio
West West Side Music

Mastering Engineer
Alan Douches

Cover Art
Kata Ulloa
 

Booking information
 Europe: juan@thatmusicagency.com
 Rest of the World: unai@cowboymusic.agency

Pre-order & Pre-save
https://orcd.co/mawizaul
 
Follow Mawiza
Bandcamp: https://mawizakvlt.bandcamp.com
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/mawizakvlt
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/mawizakvlt
TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@mawizakvlt
Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/artist/4oJP24bXA2fbdVmNGNmCtt
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mawizakvlt
Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/mawiza/1653435953

Follow Season Of Mist:
Online: http://www.season-of-mist.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/seasonofmistofficial
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seasonofmistofficial
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SeasonofMist

MAXIMO PARK songwriter DUNCAN LLOYD presents magnetic new single 'Rituals', teasing new album via Reveal Records

English songwriter-guitarist Duncan Lloyd presents his new single 'Rituals', a unique pop song born of a challenging year. Blending a modern sound with a deeply personal message about habits and healing, all while rotating through a circular, radio-like musical journey, this is the second taste from his new 12-track 'Unwound' album, forthcoming via Reveal Records.

A critically acclaimed solo artist, Lloyd is the primary musician behind internationally renowned art-rockers Maximo Park and also a member and co-writer (with Sarah Suri) in the indie band Nano Kino. Through a career spanning over two decades, Duncan Lloyd is a Mercury Music Prize nominee, has won an NME award, had A-listed singles at BBC Radio 1 and BBC 6 Music (including lyric of the year), and has seen success with worldwide platinum and gold selling records. His songs have featured on eight hit albums with Maximo Park, consistently charting in the Top 10 U.K.

'Rituals' follows his latest invigorating single 'Laugh So Loud', which features a guest appearance by Joe Boyer (Cloud Nothings, Autopolitan) and accompanied by an adrenaline-rush of a video, this song is about self-doubt and passing things off as being fine.

"If there is a pop song on the album this is the closest song to one, although it didn’t start out that way. I wrote it during a difficult year and as with a few of the songs on the record it’s fundamentally a personal message to a loved one. I got a little obsessed with the sound of the production as i wanted it to be different from anything i’d done before so it has this modern sense to it," says Duncan Lloyd.

"The song is about habits, good and bad. It’s also a song about trying to help someone recover. Musically i was thinking of it being like a circle where the rhythm changes but the chords keep rotating, i wanted it to sound like it was coming through several broken radios with only one being crystal clear."

'Unwound' is the first studio album of new material that Lloyd is releasing via Reveal Records, his previous albums having been released by Warp Records or independently. With cover artwork derived from Lloyd’s own paintings, this record weaves a unique musical maze of free and varied personal expression, deep and transient, spare, intense and urgent with a balance of grit, beauty and melody.

Partly recorded by Julie McLarnon (The Vaselines, Lankum, King Creosote, Jeffrey Lewis, Brigid Mae Power) at Analogue Catalogue Studios in Ireland and by Lloyd himself at his studio in Newcastle Upon Tyne, this album also features contributions by Maximo Park keyboardist Jemma Freese and drummer Tom English.

Writing, recording (and painting) under his own name over the last decade, the Derby-born songwriter received an enthusiastic message from UK indie label/manager Tom Rose of Reveal Records in 2019, suggesting a future collaboration on his solo works (Rose had been listening to Lloyd's 2019 album 'Outside Notion' whilst on tour with now label-mate Joan As Police Woman). Requesting Duncan sent everything he'd recorded to date in whatever form, reissues of Lloyd’s early solo albums followed. The colossal 31-track selected works collection 'Green Grows Devotion' came out in 2022, followed by 'Fun City', a trilogy of three EPs recorded in succession throughout 2024.

While 'Unwound' is very much an album with Duncan Lloyd stepping front and centre, his career is dotted with collaboration with various musicians and producers, including Paul Epworth (Bloc Party, Glass Animals, Rihanna), Gil Norton (The Pixies, Echo & The Bunnymen), Nick Launay (Nick Cave, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs), Ben Allen (Gnarls Barclay, Deerhunter), Rudimental, Dave Okumu, Batida and as part of Africa Express with legendary Afrobeat drummer Tony Allen.

As of June 3, 'Rituals' is available from fine digital music platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. The full 'Unwound' album will be released everywhere on July 11th.

CREDITS
Music & lyrics written by Duncan Lloyd (Reveal Publishing)
Duncan Lloyd - vocals, guitars, bass, piano, synth & drum machine
Tom English - drums, percussion (all tracks except 8, 11 & 12)
Andrew Mills - bass & synth (tracks 4 & 5)
Jemma Freese - backing vocals (track 2)
Joe Boyer - guitar & noise (tracks 2 & 7)
Recorded & Mixed by Duncan Lloyd (except 4 & 5) at The Dagda Rooms
Tracks 4 & 5 recorded & mixed by Julie McLarnon at Analogue Catalogue
Guitars on tracks 2 & 7 recorded by Joe Boyer in Cleveland, Ohio
Produced by Duncan Lloyd
Mastered by Carl Saff at Saff Mastering, Chicago
Released by Reveal Records
Barcode 0726529875607  // Catalogue no. REVEAL204
Cover art and layout by Duncan Lloyd
'Rituals' and 'Laugh So Loud' videos directed & edited by Yuka JTW
Yuka would like to thank M T Negri for additional footage.
Creative Commons Community.
Super-8: D Lloyd and special thanks to "Life On Super 8" for additional footage.
and to Freya Frenesi for Super-8 footage for 'Laugh So Loud' video
Photography by Yuka JTW
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Keep up with Duncan Lloyd
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Apple Music | Spotify | Press contact

Keep up with Reveal Records
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Soundcloud | Press contact

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

Thrash Metal Supergroup NEFARIOUS - Featuring Katon De Pena, Rick Hunolt, Doug Piercy, Tom Gears and Will "Beastman" Carroll - Release New Single "Master Plan" + Music Video

Today, the new thrash metal supergroup NEFARIOUS — featuring Katon De Pena, Rick Hunolt, Doug Piercy, Tom Gears, and Will "Beastman" Carroll — is excited to release their new single, "Master Plan." This is the second track from their upcoming debut album, 'Addicted To Power,' out July 18, 2025. "Master Plan" is accompanied by a music video, available below.

With razor-sharp riffs, venomous vocals, and a relentless pace, "Master Plan" delivers a blistering attack on corruption and control. The accompanying video is a chaotic visual assault that mirrors the intensity of the track—raw, aggressive, and unapologetically thrash.

Vocalist Katon De Pena comments:

"Sonic sensory overload of epic proportions, HEAVY enough to CRUSH A TANK. Execution Of The Plan - The 'Master Plan'..!!!"

Drummer Will Carroll adds:

"A song with as much groove as heaviness. With the rhythm section locking in, the guitars are free to rip as they do. All while a commanding vocal presence is laid on top."

Watch the Music Video for "Master Plan" below:

NEFARIOUS recently announced the release of their debut album 'Addicted To Power' due out July 18th via Relentless "Metal" Records with a Collector Vinyl available through Hectic/Bleeding Priest Records.

Doug Piercy exclaims:

"Let’s get ready to rage! 

"We are really stoked to finally be able to release this stuff and discuss it. It’s been under wraps for a while. More insane videos and shows are coming soon! We hope everybody enjoys this release as much as we had fun creating it, for you all!

"Cheers!"

Pre-Order 'Addicted To Power' HERE

Together, NEFARIOUS crafts a sound that is both fierce and refined — a perfect balance of aggression and musicianship that speaks to the true spirit of heavy metal.

With their explosive live performances and immersive new material on the horizon, metal fans worldwide should prepare for an unstoppable force.

This is unpretentious thrash metal. 

This is NEFARIOUS!

NEFARIOUS will be playing a hometown album release show on

July 19th at DNA Lounge in San Francisco!

About NEFARIOUS:

From the heart of San Francisco’s legendary metal scene rises NEFARIOUS—a supergroup forged in the fires of thrash, ready to carve a new chapter in heavy metal history.

At the helm is Katon W. De Pena, the iconic voice of Hirax, whose searing intensity and magnetic stage presence have long commanded crowds. On guitars, the twin-axe assault is nothing short of historic: Rick Hunolt (Diehumane, formerly Exodus) and Doug Piercy(Heathen, Anvil Chorus, Blind Illusion) deliver a relentless barrage of razor-sharp riffs and molten solos—honoring the legacy of thrash while pushing its boundaries into new territory.

Holding down the low end with massive groove and crushing weight is Tom Gears (Blind Illusion, Ancient Mariner), providing the sonic anchor on bass for the band’s explosive sound. Behind the kit, Will "Beastman" Carroll (Death Angel) unleashes a thunderous, precision-driven assault that hits with surgical brutality.

About NEFARIOUS, Rick Hunolt comments:

"I'm so honored to be with this amazing group of dudes about to release some old-school thrash on you mofos, it's long overdue and I'm confident you guys will love it as much as we do you our metal brothers and sisters deserve it, see you on the road, let's fuckin go!!!"

Katon De Pena adds:

"We're not a band. We are a Gang ready to Crush Skulls and Make Eardrums Bleed ... Necks will be sore ...!!"

NEFARIOUS are:

Katon W. De Pena - Vocals

Rick Hunolt - Guitar

Doug Piercy - Guitar

Tom Gears - Bass

Will "Beastman" Carroll - Drums

Steve Rothery and Thorsten Quaeschning introduce their collaborative project ‘Bioscope’, launching album this August

Bioscope is the highly anticipated collaborative project from guitar maestro Steve Rothery (Marillion) and electronic composer Thorsten Quaeschning (Tangerine Dream).

Their debut album Gentō, out August 22nd 2025 on earMUSIC, offers a deeply atmospheric journey where two distinct musical worlds converge. The album features an extraordinary performance by Elbow’s drummer Alex Reeves, whose rhythmic finesse and musical intuition bring depth and subtle momentum to the entire album.

The project began in early 2020 and gradually developed through focused five-day sessions in Berlin and at Rothery’s home studio in Southwest England. Each of the five instrumental tracks draws inspiration from man's endearing fascination with the moving image. From soaring guitar themes that recall the best of progressive rock to sequencer-driven passages rooted in Berlin School electronica, the music unfolds like a film without images – immersive, dreamlike, and full of detail. Each track reflects a shared sensibility shaped by decades of musical exploration.

Gentō will become available in retail stores as a CD+Blu-ray Digipak, including the full album in High-Res, Dolby Atmos as well as Dolby 5.1 Surround Mix, and Heavyweight Black 2LP Gatefold.

Pre-order the album Gentō HERE

The first track, “Kaleidoscope,” taken from the album, is out today and offers an exciting first glimpse into the intriguing fusion of Steve Rothery’s unmistakable melodic guitar work and Thorsten Quaeschning’s mastery of the analog electronic world. It’s a perfect blend between progressive rock and ambient music.

Stream the single “Kaleidoscope” Below

Bioscope are Steve Rothery, founding member and guitarist of Marillion, whose melodic playing helped define the sound of modern progressive rock and led to millions of records sold and Thorsten Quaeschning, musical director of Tangerine Dream, credited on over 80 releases and internationally known for his work on film and game soundtracks, real-time composition, and electronic music innovation.

Together, they bring decades of musical experience to a project that feels both intimate and expansive. Rothery’s guitar lines speak with emotional clarity, while Quaeschning’s detailed sound design shapes the music’s internal architecture.

Their collaboration is not just a fusion of styles, but a thoughtful dialogue between two established musical identities – a true “bioscope” in the sense of offering a view of life through music.

The name Bioscope comes from the Greek bios (life) and skopeein (to look). Before cinema, it meant “a view or survey of life” – a fitting metaphor for a project that turns musical experience into shared perception.

UK Metal Titans SHRAPNEL Release New Single "Kingmaker" + Music Video

Revered British metal act SHRAPNEL have released their brand new track "Kingmaker," an earth-shattering and expansive display of modern metal. The new single is accompanied by a music video, available to view below.

SHRAPNEL comments on the new single:

"We're wrapping the writing for a new record and have a busy summer playing our biggest shows whilst getting back over to mainland Europe. Now is the perfect time to unleash ‘Kingmaker’ - we hope to see as many of you as possible belting this out with us on the road!"

Watch the Music Video for "Kingmaker" Below:

“Kingmaker” follows the release of their latest album, ‘In Gravity’ (2024), which received glowing reviews from the likes of Metal Hammer, Kerrang! and Distorted Sound. ‘In Gravity’signifies a profound rebirth and heralds a fresh era for SHRAPNEL. Drawing from their rich tapestry of experience and diverse influences, the album showcases the band's peak in songwriting excellence. From intricate and intense compositions to Gojira-inspired powerful heaviness and a newfound touch of contemporary melodic sophistication, SHRAPNEL skillfully navigates through uncharted musical territories, pushing boundaries and defying traditional genres.

Order 'In Gravity' HERE

About SHRAPNEL:

Established in 2009, SHRAPNEL has relentlessly pursued a path of musical devastation. Having shared stages with iconic bands like Exodus, Sepultura, Death Angel, Suicidal Tendencies, Wolf, Gama Bomb, and gracing the Bloodstock Festival stage three times, the band's reputation precedes them. Their upcoming performance at the Barbeuk Metal Festival in France further solidifies their place in the metal scene. From the incendiary underground EP ‘No Saviours’ to the critically acclaimed 2020 album ‘Palace For The Insane,’ SHRAPNEL's evolution has been nothing short of meteoric, with a relentless drive that shows no signs of waning.

TSS Partner With Labelmates Windwaker for "Would you be my therapy (Redux)?" Video

French metal alchemists TSS (formerly The Sunday Sadness) have steadily built their reputation in the global metal scene, thanks to their innovative blend of emo, metalcore, alternative rock, and synthwave. They've recently added elements of phonk and neo-metal to their sonic blend. The band was founded in 2016 by Kirby, who sought to combine his emo and metalcore roots into a fresh new sound. He quickly solidified the TSS lineup with John on guitar and vocals andHugo on drums.

TSS will release their new album END OF TIME, out June 27 via Fearless. Pre-order it here.

They team up with labelmates Windwaker for "Would you be my therapy? (Redux)" Watch the video below.

TSS are known for seamlessly sewing elements of emo, metalcore, alternative rock, synthwave, and more into their signature style. The single "Would you be my therapy? (Redux)" (Feat. Windwaker) boasts a pulsating groove that runs through the entirety of the song and just won't quit. It's also quite possibly the sexiest metalcore track you've ever heard.

The band gave it a twist because it's such a game changer in their history and because they wanted to partner with a band with whom they align on many levels!

"Would you be my therapy? will always be a very special song to us," TSS states. "It is the one song that defined our new musical direction, which is now a blend of neo-metal, phonk, emo-core, and industrial music. It's also the first song that really got attention not only from the public but also from our label, Fearless Records. It is then an honor for us to give it a second life through this collaboration with Windwaker, which we consider one of the most innovative band in our label's roster right now. "

ABOUT TSS:
TSS's origin story can be traced back to December 2017, with "The Wrong Way," their firstsingle release. In May 2018, they released "Lost In The Crowd," a track that set the stage for their first live performance, which found them opening for Asking Alexandria in Paris. This show established TSS as an up and coming force in the French music scene.

Their 2018 single "Someone," a blend of synthwave and retrowave, was a turning point that showcased John as a second lead vocalist. This shift was followed by their self-titled debut EP in May 2019, led by the single "Damn I Hate It," which fans loved, thanks to its fusion of funk, synthwave, and emo elements. The band's growing popularity was further confirmed with a sold-out release show in Paris.

As the band evolved, they started to introduce French lyrics into their songs, leading to the release of "YAYAYA" in September 2019. Their originality attracted the attention of independent label PlayTwo, resulting in the creation of the album REGRETS in collaboration with Warner Music and TV broadcaster TF1. In September 2021, the band rebranded to TSS, marking the occasion with the release of the single "1996," which garnered significant attention in France.

February 2023 saw TSS embrace a more aggressive style with "Tes Pleurs," a modern metalcore track inspired by Bring Me The Horizon and Poppy. This new direction broadened their audience while maintaining their unique gothic/K-pop aesthetic. The band's experimental spirit led to the August 2023 release of "Fantasize," a viral hit that fused alternative rock, J-rock, phonk, and metal, earning millions of streams on Spotify.

The momentum continued with "Would You Be My Therapy?" in December 2023, a track that topped iTunes rock charts and caught the attention of many labels. In September 2024, having signed a deal with Fearless Records.

TSS's journey, characterized by constant innovation and genre-blending, has positioned them as a rising force in the modern metal scene, with a growing fanbase across diverse musical communities.       

STARACE Announce Debut Album With New Single "When The Light Has Gone"

Brazil’s genre-blurring rock trio StarAce are proud to announce their debut full-length album Real due out this fall, with the release of their electrifying new single “When The Light Has Gone.” Listen to the new track HERE and watch the accompanying lyric video below.

Following the anthemic hope of debut single “My America,” StarAce shift into darker, swaggering territory with “When The Light Has Gone,” a hypnotic shuffle that channels heartbreak through a haze of syncopated, seductive elegance. Described by the band as “an outrage with class,” the track fuses the unruly spirit of early rockabilly and gypsy jazz with their signature rock ’n’ roll roots. In singer/guitarist Julio’s words “Imagine Post Pop Depression-era Iggy Pop jamming with Django Reinhardt in a smoky backroom bar.”

Driven by theatrical swing, jagged edges, and vivid storytelling, “When The Light Has Gone” tells the story of love lost—and the strange, lucid clarity that follows. It’s a song about letting go, without losing the joy of what once was. With its bruised glamour and rhythmic pulse, the single sets the tone for a record that’s as emotionally complex as it is sonically adventurous.

Raised in São Paulo, Brazil, and shaped by a household soundtracked by everything from The Beatles and Zeppelin to Metallica and Muddy Waters, brothers Julio, Luiz, and Thomaz Starace make music built on contrast: light and dark, melody and muscle, joy and survival. Their debut album, produced by David Frangioni (Aerosmith, KISS, Ringo Starr), dives deep into that duality—balancing fun and fire with depth and soul.

With each track, the brothers showcase a different side of their collective identity:

  • Julio Starace (vocals/guitar): The band’s emotional compass and principal songwriter, channeling Dylan-esque storytelling with a modern bite.

  • Luiz Starace (bass): The groove anchor, blending McCartney-like melodicism with rhythmic precision.

  • Thomaz Starace (drums): A powerhouse percussionist and producer whose dynamic approach fuses Bonham grit with Brazilian flair.

StarAce aren’t here to save the world—they’re here to give fans the soundtrack to save themselves. Their music is both an escape and a reckoning. It’s rock ‘n’ roll that remembers its roots, but isn’t afraid to wander off into darker alleys, swing a little harder, and come back swinging.

Their debut album, Real is set to arrive this fall, with more music and live dates to follow. For StarAce, this is just the beginning.

ABOUT STARACE

StarAce is more than just a band—it’s a brotherhood of sound and spirit. Hailing from São Paulo, Brazil, brothers Julio, Luiz, and Thomaz Starace have spent years refining their craft, creating a distinct fusion of classic rock, blues, and American roots music with a modern edge. Raised in a household filled with music, their early exposure shaped their passion for storytelling and musicianship. After experimenting under various names like Ferrorama and Ted Marengos, they ultimately returned to StarAce, a name that embodies both their family heritage and artistic evolution.

With influences spanning a who's who of rock 'n' roll legends such as Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, and Muddy Waters, StarAce’s music is a blend of raw energy, intricate vocal melodies, and heartfelt lyricism. Their sound bridges past and present, layering soulful guitar riffs, grooving bass lines, and dynamic drum beats with emotionally driven storytelling. Their upcoming debut album, produced by David Frangioni (Aerosmith, KISS, Ringo Starr), captures this fusion of classic and contemporary, delivering a collection of hard-hitting anthems and soul-stirring ballads that showcase their depth as musicians.

Each member brings a unique essence to the band’s chemistry—Julio leads with his powerful vocals and intricate guitar work, drawing from the greats like Neil Young and Jimmy Page. Luiz anchors the rhythm section, blending Paul McCartney’s melodic sensibilities with Geddy Lee’s technical prowess, while Thomaz commands the drums with precision, balancing raw energy and a refined flare with a producer’s ear for sonic excellence.

With their roots deeply embedded in classic rock and their vision set on the future, StarAce is ready to carve their own path and bring timeless rock ‘n’ roll into a new era. They're not here to save the world, they're here to bring people together and provide fans with the soundtrack to their own salvation. After years of refining their vision and sound, their long-awaited debut album, Real, is a bold, genre-spanning statement from a band ready to leave their mark on the world.

Impureza Honor Fallen Warriors with Brutal Flamenco

IMPUREZA are not stopping their Hispanic metal conquest anytime soon. Today, the band are releasing “La Orden del Yelmo Negro” as the second single off their upcoming Reconquista-themed third album Alcázares.

With “La Orden del Yelmo Negro”, Impureza pay homage to a sacred brotherhood of warrior monks with their signature offering of brutal flamenco death metal. Steeped in mysticism, sacrifice and unwavering devotion, the song crusades across the desert in search of the Holy Land during a time of war that spanned more than seven centuries of Iberian history.  

Watch the lyric video for “La Orden del Yelmo Negro” below:

Alcázares comes out July 11, 2025.

Pre-order & Pre-save

https://orcd.co/impurezaalcazares

Amidst the desert heat of “La Orden del Yelmo Negro”, Impureza ignite in a blaze of riffs, flamenco flourishes and blast-beat fury. Orchestral arrangements, fretless bass and guttural vocals bring to life a vision both ancient and transcendent. Like all of Alcázares, the song’s lyrics are entirely in Spanish, invoking a vivid world where myth and martyrdom intertwine.

IMPUREZA is a Spanish metal band formed in 2004 by guitarist Lionel Cano Muñoz from Orléans. Their music is distinguished by a unique fusion of extreme metal and Spanish sounds inspired by Andalusian culture and flamenco, creating an atypical style known as Hispanic Metal. Impureza remains an innovative project in the international metal scene, making it a pioneer of the genre.

The entire concept of the band revolves around the voluptuousness of Latin atmospheres, the ferocity of metal, and Spanish culture and history, explored through a fictional and esoteric aspect. Their compositions feature both clean and guttural vocals sung in the language of Cervantes, flamenco guitar, acoustic fretless bass, extreme metal, and orchestral arrangements that evoke the colors of Spain. The very essence of their music lies in the duality between two seemingly opposed musical genres, which, through clever composition, give birth to a new and avant-garde style. Their fiery music is literally the union of traditional Hispanic folklore and extreme metal. These metal warriors brandish their Iberian sounds as weapons with pride. This ingenious alliance is matched only by the singular and unprecedented creative originality of its founder Lionel Cano Muñoz and his compañero Esteban Martín, both of Spanish nationality. Impureza’s conquistadors draw inspiration from their strong identity, which defines the band's very essence. Impureza's members are also influenced by many Spanish artists such as flamenco guitarist Paco de Lucía and gypsy singer Camarón de la Isla, as well as bands like Behemoth, Morbid Angel, Krisiun, and Fleshgod Apocalypse, among others.

Let the conquistadors of Impureza lead you into their realm and immerse you in Spanish culture with a groundbreaking musical concept — the one and only fierce guardians of Hispanic Metal!

SOMOS IMPUREZA!

Line-up:
Esteban Martín – All Vocals
Lionel Cano Muñoz – Rhythm, Lead & Spanish Guitars
Florian Saillard – Fretless Bass
Guilhem Auge – Drums

CROP Announces New Album S.S.R.I, New Single "Alone" Out Today

Lexington, KY’s heaviest export, CROP, has announced the release of their highly anticipated sophomore album S.S.R.I, due out August 22, 2025 via Third House Communications. Alongside the announcement, the band has dropped the album’s first single, “Alone”—a soul-crushing breakup song that cuts deeper than heartbreak and settles into the kind of emotional void that never really closes.

“Alone” is a brutal meditation on what it means to lose someone twice—once in the relationship, and again in the realization that their presence offered no real solace. 

Backed by thunderous guitars, unrelenting drums, and vocals that walk the line between raw power and quiet devastation, “Alone” captures the emotional core of S.S.R.I—an album steeped in grief, clarity, and the jagged edge of survival. Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Jason Groves, S.S.R.I builds on the massive sound CROP introduced with their self-titled 2021 debut, and dives even further into the chaos of identity, loss, and mental disintegration.

The seven-track record features emotionally heavy tracks like “Formaldehyde,” “10-56,” and “Break,” and pairs crushing riffs with deeply introspective lyrics, reflecting the band’s evolution from local underground staple to national force.

Known for their blistering live shows and rising reputation in the doom and heavy grunge scenes, CROP has performed at Maryland Doom Fest, RPM Fest, and shared stages with WEEDEATER, CONAN, REZN, BONGZILLA and more. With S.S.R.I, the band delivers not just an album, but a fully immersive psychological and sonic experience.

About CROP:

Formed in 2020 in Lexington, KY, CROP is a four-piece heavy band steeped in the grit of 90s grunge and sharpened by the weight of modern doom. Their sound is both relentless and reflective—massive walls of distortion colliding with lyrics that cut deep. With Marc Phillips on vocals, Zach Hunter on guitar, Braun Dabney on bass, and Andrew Beauvier on drums, CROP crafts songs that explore grief, isolation, existential dread, and the fight to stay human in an increasingly fractured world.

Their debut album CROP (2021) introduced audiences to their brutal honesty and raw sonic identity. With their follow-up S.S.R.I (2025, Third House Communications), the band has expanded both emotionally and sonically, delivering a record that is as vulnerable as it is heavy. Known for cathartic live performances and a growing presence on the underground festival circuit, CROP has shared stages with heavyweights like WEEDEATER, CONAN, and BONGZILLA, while earning praise from outlets like LEO Weekly and Riff Zealot.

For CROP, the music is a confrontation—a refusal to look away from the darkest corners of life, and an insistence that even pain deserves to be heard at full volume.

CROP is:

  • Marc Phillips – Vocals

  • Zach Hunter – Guitar

  • Braun Dabney – Bass

  • Andrew Beauvier – Drums

Connect with CROP:

Knosis Share New Song "Dokumuma"

Japanese metal powerhouse KNOSIS, the visionary project led by renowned multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Ryo Kinoshita, is proud to release their new single "DOKUNUMA," taken from their debut full-length album GENKNOSIS, due out August 1 via SharpTone Records.

KNOSIS blends searing metal, visceral hardcore, and introspective soundscapes,capturing the raw emotion and spiritual tension of life's heaviest moments. Following the powerful debut single "FUHAI" (Featuring Yukina of Hanabie),
and previous single "SHINMON," the release of "DOKUNUMA" continues to set the tone for what promises to be one of the year’s most compelling heavy records.

Stream "DOKUNUMA" here.

PRE-ORDER "GENKNOSIS" HERE

Buffalo dreamgaze artist Dotsun Moon shares 'Save Us', exploring the uncertainty of new love

Upstate New York-based artist Dotsun Moon presents his new single 'Save Us', a lush and gazey plea to break down walls and find shared hope, even when love feels like a shot in the dark. Diving into a soundscape that captures the thrill and uncertainty of new love, this is a reverb-rich call to save what might be before it's lost.

'Save Us' arrives hot on the trail of 'Never Had a Heart', inspired by the driving energy and artful restraint of those who pioneered the early post-punk and new wave scene.  Both singles offer a stunning taste of Dotsun Moon's third album 'Tiger', which is - both spiritually and sonically - influenced by M83 and New Order. Dashing out of the gate, this music is inspired by the music that motivated this artist to write music in the first place.

Based in Buffalo, Dotsun Moon is the creative wellspring from which Richard Flierl's musical visions flow, transforming his artistic inspirations into tangible form. Seeing several incarnations since releasing their debut album 4 A.M. in 2011, the trajectory remains steadfast on a path of dreamy rock offerings over the years, with multi-instrumentalist Flierl also gradually assuming vocal duties. In spring, Dotsun Moon shared new videos for the invigorating singles 'Bring Love' and 'Give Up The Tears'. 

"You’d be forgiven if M83 comes to mind. The inspiration stops at the power of the intro and allows me to launch into the bass and guitar influences that are pronounced throughout this album. The song is a fun yet urgent call to someone important to let me in and find the good around us," says Richard Flierl.

"'Save Us' is about a relationship or just starting one, because a lot of relationships don’t last very long even after they do start. 'Save Us' means let this relationship work, but we haven’t a clue what we are doing. Sometimes we fool ourselves into believing we are in a good relationship at the start, despite all the warnings there really isn’t communication happening."

Conveying his bold and self-contained vision in every note and vocal line, Dotsun Moon's new album is a complete solo endeavor and a departure from previous work, which involved female vocals.  Evoking both euphoria and a poignant sense of grounding, Dotsun Moon brings you this compelling and unique exploration. Engineered and mastered by Doug White at Watchmen Studios in Lockport, NY, Richard Flierl and Doug White mixed the album on location. 

"This is a huge change to prior releases, which have powerful female singers at the center. On this album, I am on vocals and all the songs are written and played by me from guitars and bass to keyboards, drums and programming. Doug White at Watchmen Studios brought decades of recording and mixing knowledge to the recordings that allows the songs to truly shine," says Richard Flierl.

Over the years, Dotsun Moon has performed with such notable artists as Mary Ognibene (The Lovely Intangibles) and Buffalo Music Hall of Famer Maria Sebastian, having also played shows with Joywave, Vanishing Kids and The Lost Patrol, not to mention Pride Festival.

As of April 30, 'Never Had a Heart' is available from fine music platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. The full 'Tiger' album, set for release on June 27, is available for pre-order.

CREDITS
Music & lyrics written by Richard Flierl (ASCAP)
Vocals, guitar, bass, drums, programming & synths by Richard Flierl
Mixed by Richard Flierl and Doug White at Watchmen Studios in Lockport, NY
Engineered and mastered by Doug White at Watchmen Studios
Cover artwork by Doc Wintersmith
Artist photos by Meredith Snow
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Keep up with Dotsun Moon
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | BlueSky | Soundcloud | YouTube | Spotify| Apple Music | Press contact

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

Hiroe Unveil Video for "Collider" From Album "Wield" Out 6/10

Hiroe, the new darlings of the American post-rock underground, have revealed their latest single "Collider," taken from their forthcoming debut album, Wield, out June 20 via Pelagic Records.

Watch the "Collider" video below.

Pre-order Wield here.

"Collider" is a 10-minute epic, presenting listeners with a sonic journey into the heart of modern existence, reflecting life's often opposing and overwhelming demands. Its elaborate structure provides the band with an opportunity to showcase diverse instrumentation, from the resonant standing bass and the delicate chime of a glockenspiel to captivating guitar tapping sections that crescendo into a powerful three-part harmony. Embodying a musical representation of the contradictory elements in balancing life's competing priorities, it evokes the moment when all facets of life come to a head, resulting in a profound convergence, just as its title, "Collider," implies.

Hiroe guitarist Eric Kusanagi comments, "'Collider' is a song that when we play live seems to be a crowd favorite. It's the longest song in our catalogue, at about 10 minutes long, and we wanted to take the listener on a journey that goes through a lot of peaks and valleys."

The single is another glimpse of the forthcoming album Wield, showcasing the Philadelphia-based quintet mastering their craft, of creating compelling melodies that sound larger than life.

2022 saw Hiroe burst onto the scene with an explosive debut EP full of soaring anthems and sublime soundscapes. Combining the sonic expansiveness of Deftones with the dynamic heaviness of bands like Isis and Caspian, Hiroe immediately already figured out how to make the most majestic sounding post-rock early in their career. 

"Our first release, Wrought, was a statement of creation," explains principal songwriter and guitarist Kusanagi.
 
For the recording of Wield, Jill Paslier moved from bass to guitars, with Brian Kong (guitars), Jon Seiler (bass), and Dan Sagherian (drums) joining to complete the lineup. Produced once more by Mario Quintero (Spotlights), Wield capitalizes on everything the band learned in the creation of its predecessor, adding to it a new focus on textural intricacies and compositional detail.
 
"We wanted to show a larger range of musical themes on this record," continues Kusanagi. "You'll hear us dive into some synth work, some piano work, some really interesting effects that Mario helped us dial up." 

As a result, Wield packs in a huge range of details, which reveal themselves over repeated listens. 
 
Nevertheless, Wield is still an affair of instant gratification for fans of guitar driven post-rock. From the soaring leads of "Tides" to the epic finale of "I've Been Waiting For You All My Life," Hiroe show they've upped their game in every department, but especially that which tugs at your heartstrings.

Wield presents the brave new future we all need in these confusing times. A new American frontier on which we can build our wildest dreams and our most daring ambitions.

HIROE ON TOUR:
6/6 — Baltimore, MD — Monument City Brewing
6/7 — Washington, DC —The Pocket
6/13 — Brooklyn, NY — Gold Sounds
6/14 — Boston, MA — Deep Cuts
6/20 — Harrisburg, PA — JB Lovedraft’s
6/21 — Lancaster, PA  — The Upside
6/27 — Philadelphia, PA — Kung Fu Necktie
6/28 — Pittsburgh, PA — Ormsby's
7/23 — Indianapolis, IN — Black Circle (Post-Fest Pre-Show)

HIROE ARE:
Eric Kusanagi — Guitar
Jill Paslier — Guitar
Brian Kong — Guitar
Jon Seiler — Bass
Dan Sagherian — Drums

Danish Musical Virtuoso NICKLAS SONNE Unveils New Single "Helldivers Anthem" + Lyric Video

Danish musical virtuoso NICKLAS SONNE shares his new single “Helldivers Anthem,” taken from the upcoming studio album 'Electric Dreams,' set for release on June 27th via Frontiers Music Srl. The new single is accompanied by a lyric video, available to view below.

Talking about the new single, NICKLAS SONNE commented:

“From one gamer to another - this is my tribute to the Helldivers. Loud riffs, big explosions, and just the right amount of sarcasm. Freedom never sleeps - and neither do we”.

Describing the album, SONNE added:

“This record is a deeply personal journey back to where it all began for me - to the raw energy and spirit of my earliest musical inspirations. It blends the soul of old school hard rock with the punch and clarity of a modern production, creating a soundscape that feels both nostalgic and new."

Watch the Lyric Video for “Helldivers Anthem"

NICKLAS SONNE is a Danish musician, vocalist, guitarist, and producer known for his powerful presence in progressive and heavy metal. He began his musical journey as a drummer before moving on to guitar and ultimately becoming a singer-songwriter in a variety of metal and hard rock projects—starting with Defecto, one of Denmark’s leading metal bands, formed in 2010.

In addition to Defecto, NICKLAS is part of Aries Descendant alongside Jonah Weingarten(Pyramaze, Catalyst Crime). The dynamic duo released their debut album via Frontiers Music Srl on October 18th, 2024. It’s a groundbreaking project that seamlessly fuses the evocative allure of film music with the raw power of heavy metal, creating an auditory experience that is nothing short of extraordinary.

A multi-instrumentalist from an early age, NICKLAS honed his skills by playing along to Metallica and Dream Theater, later diving into songwriting and production. His talent quickly gained industry attention, leading to collaborations with renowned producers Jan Langhoff(Aqua) and Flemming Rasmussen (Metallica). This pivotal period helped shape his signature sound—progressive metal infused with orchestral and choral elements.

Other bands SONNE has been involved with include Evil Masquerade, Theory, Hank Shermann, One Machine, Waving Memories, Section A, Metallica Jam, Wasted, and Omvendt Korstog. His long career has included international tours in countries such as Japan and support slots for metal heavyweights like Metallica and Rammstein.

With a relentless work ethic and a passion for musical innovation, NICKLAS SONNE continues to push the boundaries of modern metal, cementing his reputation as one of the most dynamic artists in the genre today. His solo album is a collection of songs that showcases the immense talent of this artist—who also handled production duties himself.

Pre-Order 'Electric Dreams' HERE

Charlie Nieland Unleashes 'Redshift': A Prog-Infused Dreamrock Odyssey previewing new EP

NYC producer indie music veteran Charlie Nieland presents 'Redshift', a welcome dream-pop track that delves into the profound experience of creating your own chosen family, viewed through the lens of cosmic expansion and astrophysical wonder. This is the second taste of his forthcoming 'The Ocean Understands' EP (out June 20).

Nieland’s musical backstory is extensive, having played dream pop with Her Vanished Grace for over 20 years before establishing himself as a solo artist with a mix of nuanced songwriting and sonic exploration, initially releasing 'Ice Age' (2014) and 'Hopeful Monsters' (2016). He is currently half of the literature-inspired songwriting and performing duo Lusterlit with Susan Hwang and produces and participates in the podcast 'An Embarrassment of Prog'. 

Along the way, Charlie wrote and produced material with such notable artists as Debbie Harry, Rufus Wainwright, Dead Leaf Echo, Blondie and Scissor Sisters. He scored the feature film 'The Safety of Objects' (starring Glenn Close), the pilot episode of 'The L Word' on Showtime and the VH-1documentary 'NY77: The Coolest Year in Hell'. Charlie was awarded a Gold record (UK) for his production work on Blondie's 'Greatest Hits Sight & Sound' and achieved a Top 10 Billboard Dance Chart Position with Debbie Harry's single 'Two Times Blue', which he co-wrote and produced.

"Redshift is a slice of dream pop about growing up - as viewed from space. The book STRAY, by Tanya Marquardt, got me thinking about how we choose new families when we're alienated from our birth ones. This coincided with another thing I was reading about Steven Hawking and astrophysics. The song became a little field guide on how to put your own story into a cosmic context," says Charlie Nieland.

"There's an eerie freedom to embracing life when the universe is pulling apart. While in lockdown, I’d made up a modal exercise for the guitar and it was a perfect shimmering fit for this, with Billy Loose’s symphonic drums bringing it all down to earth. More gorgeous art and video clips by Hypnodoll™. 

It's been four years since Nieland released his acclaimed ‘Divisions’ album with its sweeping melodies and restless rhythms. Tastefully blending post punk, dream pop and prog rock, he has been writing, playing and producing music for decades, focused on the atmospheric and the imaginative.

Earlier, Charlie Nieland released the stunning reverb-laced lead track, 'Drown', the video for which was directed by multi-faceted artist Hypnodoll. Inspired by a dystopian vision, this mythical, psychedelic siren song celebrates destruction, exploring a dark, authoritarian past through the jumbled stories of the future. Sifting through present wreckage, 'Drown' searches for grace amidst violent, oceanic forces.

Charlie Nieland says, "With its mind-melting imagery, the video for 'Drown', created by NYC multimedia artist Hypnodoll, is beautiful and deranged. She conjures storytelling just out or rational reach, playing tag with the ancient and futuristic in a way that perfectly compliments the song. Collaborating with her is such a thrill".

As of May 27, 'RedShift' is available from fine digital music platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. 'The Ocean Understands' EP, now available for pre-order directly from the artist, will be released on June 20.

CREDITS 
Music & Lyrics written by Charlie Nieland
Recorded at Saturation Point Studios (Brooklyn, NY)
from January 2023 to April 2025

'Elegy' recorded live at KGB Bar, NYC, October 3rd, 2021
Charlie Nieland - vocals, guitars, basses, piano, keyboards, percussion, G-Force M-TRON Pro IV
Billy Loose - drums

Dan McAssey - guitar on 'Shame'
Produced, recorded, mixed & mastered by Charlie Nieland
Cover Art by Hypnodoll
© 2025 Athame Music
'Drown' video directed By Hypnodoll™
Photography by Alice Teeple
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR


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