With "Flowers To A Knife Fight," Norwegian deathpop punks Blood Commandturn betrayal, disappointment and emotional exhaustion into a blazing modern punk anthem built for sweaty clubs and massive festival singalongs alike.
Fueled by explosive energy, razor sharp hooks and the band’s unmistakable blend of punk urgency, pop sensibility and chaotic heaviness, the track captures the moment where heartbreak transforms into defiance. Driven by the instantly memorable refrain "I'm never gonna be that dumb," "Flowers To A Knife Fight" channels the frustration of broken trust and fading idols into a massive shout along chorus impossible to shake.
Lyrics about stolen light, empty apologies and losing faith in the people once held closest give the song an emotional rawness beneath its infectious energy. Rather than sinking into bitterness, Blood Command turn personal disappointment into something empowering, loud and unapologetically alive. Bursting with punchy riffs, relentless momentum and the band's signature deathpop chaos, the single balances aggression and melody with effortless confidence.
The contrast between emotionally cutting lyrics and euphoric summer anthem energy gives "Flowers To A Knife Fight" its unique intensity, sounding equally cathartic and celebratory from start to finish. Since forming in 2008, Blood Command have built a cult following through their fearless genre bending sound, acclaimed live performances and relentless touring alongside artists such as Refused, Kvelertak ,and Biffy Clyro. With Kerrang! acclaim and multiple Spellemann nominations under their belt, the band continue to push punk into bold new territory. "Flowers To A Knife Fight" is another explosive reminder why Blood Command remain one of the most exciting and unpredictable forces in modern alternative music.
BLOOD COMMAND LIVE:
5/29 — Montaigu, FR— Zinor (Collective ICROACOA
5/30 — Bordeaux, FR — Union Saint Bruno
7/29 — Wacken, DE — Wacken Open Ai
Hopsydian Unveil New Single "ELYSIUM"
Hopsydian push emotional extremity and crushing heaviness to new heights with their latest single "ELYSIUM," a dark and cinematic descent into fractured identity, spiritual abandonment and the violent pursuit of transcendence.
Combining relentless modern metalcore aggression with sacred choir elements, towering atmosphere and beatdown loaded riffs, the track balances brutality and beauty with unsettling intensity. Driven by themes of inner ruin, corrupted faith and self deification, "ELYSIUM" explores the emotional conflict between guilt and empowerment.
Lyrics like "Every scar is a vow I survived" and "There's grace in sin" paint a portrait of someone shaped by pain, no longer searching for salvation but becoming something terrifyingly divine in the process. The song constantly shifts between whispered confession and explosive defiance, mirroring the psychological collapse unfolding beneath its massive production. Haunting choirs echo like fractured prayers throughout the track, colliding with crushing breakdowns and punishing drums that amplify the tension between sin and transcendence. As the song builds toward its radiant and emotionally overwhelming chorus, Hopsydian create a sound that feels both apocalyptic and euphoric, equal parts spiritual reckoning and violent rebirth.
With "ELYSIUM", Hopsydian showcase a bold modern approach to metalcore that merges cinematic atmosphere, raw emotional weight and unrelenting heaviness into something immersive and devastating. Dark, aggressive and impossible to ignore, the single positions the band as one of the genre’s most exciting emerging forces.
HOPSYDIAN LIVE:
6/27 — Vienna, AUT — Chelsea
8/15 — Dinkelsbühl, DE — Summer Breeze Open Air
New Release From PLUME
PLUME SHARE "ANGEL ENGINE" VIDEO.
SAFEROOMS & HEALING FREQUENCIES OUT SEPTEMBER 25
With "Angel Engine," rising alternative heavy act PLUME dive deep into paranoia, fractured memories and the desperate search for something to hold onto in the middle of emotional collapse. Blending dark emo and metalcore with hyperpop tension, trance-like build ups and massive modern production, the track creates a hypnotic atmosphere that feels both haunting and strangely euphoric.
Driven by eerie imagery and emotionally charged songwriting, "Angel Engine" explores themes of control, fear and the blurred line between salvation and destruction. Lyrics about watching eyes, shifting realities and fading identity paint the picture of a mind slowly unraveling, while the recurring plea for guidance from angelic figures like Uriel and Cassiel adds an almost spiritual weight to the song’s emotional core. Rather than offering clarity, PLUME embrace the chaos — transforming anxiety and vulnerability into something cinematic, immersive and impossible to look away from.
As the tension builds through shimmering electronics, crushing guitars and restless rhythms, the track erupts into a massive, unforgettable chorus carried by stunning vocal performances that linger long after the song ends. Equal parts intimate and explosive, "Angel Engine" perfectly captures PLUME's ability to merge emotional heaviness with forward-thinking alternative production.
At the same time, PLUME officially announce their upcoming album Saferooms & Healing Frequencies, set for release on September 25.
With "Angel Engine" serving as a powerful glimpse into the record's emotional and sonic world, the band also launch the album's pre-order starting now.
With rapidly growing streaming numbers and increasing buzz throughout alternative and heavy music scenes, PLUME continue to establish themselves as one of the most exciting new acts pushing modern heavy music into bold new territory. "Angel Engine" is dark, hypnotic, and emotionally overwhelming — a modern anthem built to stay stuck in your head long after the final chorus fades.
New Release From Banks Arcade
LATE NIGHTS, LOUD DREAMS AND INNER DEMONS
BANKS ARCADE DROP "ROCKSTAR" VIDEO.
With "ROCKSTAR," New Zealand heavy genre-blenders Banks Arcade deliver a bold, adrenaline-fueled anthem driven by ambition, obsession and the hunger to rise above the chaos. Fusing crushing metalcore riffs with hip hop swagger, massive hooks and late-night studio energy, the track captures the mindset of chasing greatness while still feeling trapped at the bottom.
Fueled by distorted visions, inner demons, and relentless determination, "ROCKSTAR" balances raw aggression with undeniable confidence. Between explosive guitars, hard-hitting rhythms and razor-sharp vocal delivery, Banks Arcade channel the emotional high of believing in yourself even when everything around you says otherwise. The massive chorus — "We're just second place superstars” — turns frustration and burnout into an anthemic rally cry for anyone still fighting to make it out.
Lyrically, the band paint vivid pictures of sleepless nights, creative obsession and refusing to fold under pressure. "Late night in the studio I'm locked in" and "I'm so up right now / But I'm still at the bottom" perfectly capture the contradiction at the heart of the song: Feeling unstoppable while still battling doubt, exhaustion and the fear of never truly arriving.
Since forming in 2017, Banks Arcade have steadily built international momentum through relentless touring across the UK and U.S., a rapidly growing global fanbase and a sound that seamlessly blends modern heavy music with hip hop, alternative and electronic influences. With "ROCKSTAR," the band transforms raw hunger into an explosive modern anthem built for loud speakers, dark nights and anyone refusing to give up on themselves.
BANKS ARCADE LIVE:
6/10 — Leipzig, DE — Naumanns (Felsenkeller Leipzig)
6/14 — Brighton, UK — Chalk
6/16 — Stuttgart, DE — Proton The Club
6/25 — Hannover, DE — Musikzentrum
7/10 — Cheltenham, UK — 2000trees Festival
New Release From Blacktoothed
BETWEEN SELF-DOUT AND SALVATION — BLACKTOOTHED RELEASE "TELL ME I'M NOT ALONE"
With "TELL ME I’M NOT ALONE," Leipzig-based metalcore act blacktoothed dive into the fear of change, the weight of self-doubt, and the painful comfort of staying stuck in familiar darkness. Blending ethereal vocals, restless drum + bass-inspired energy, and crushing modern heaviness, the band transforms inner turmoil into an emotionally charged anthem that feels both deeply vulnerable and explosively cathartic.
Driven by haunting melodies and an irresistibly massive chorus, the track captures the emotional contradiction of trying to move forward while feeling terrified of what lies ahead. Lyrics like "Every step feels like losing while I'm winning" and "I'm afraid of what I create" reflect the uncertainty of growth and the struggle of leaving old versions of yourself behind. Rather than offering easy answers, blacktoothed channel those emotions into a desperate plea for connection: "Tell me I'm not alone."
BLACKTOOTHED LIVE:
7/30 — Löbnitz, DE — Full Rewind Festival
8/15 — Dinkelsbühl, DE — Summer Breeze
The Song You Need To Hear This Mental Health Awareness Month: Of Virtue Release "What's It Like To Be Happy?"
Michigan metalcore outfit, Of Virtue, are giving voice to one of the quietest, most common struggles in their brand new single, "What's It Like To Be Happy?", out now via Arising Empire. Released in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the track arrives as the third and most intimate chapter in an already commanding 2026, following the explosive reception to previous singles, "Death Of The Altar" and "The Art Of Love". Fans can listen to the new single below.
Holding a mirror to the part of depression that is the hardest to admit, Of Virtue tackle articulating the gap between who you are and who you want to be, and how insurmountable that gap can feel on the worst days. Rooted in the debilitating effects of depression and all that follows, "What's It Like To Be Happy?" leans into the disconnect of watching life carry on around you while you stay perfectly, painfully still.
In doing so, the track continues the band's ongoing focus on the emotional and relational toll that addiction, mental health, and the stigma surrounding both leave in their wake. The brand new track, co-written alongside Lee Albrecht (Bilmuri, The Devil Wears Prada, etc) and Evan McKeever(Starset, Koe Wetzel, etc), adds another chapter to the story they began on their 2023 record, "OMEN", which has amassed an impressive 65 million streams since its release.
True to the band's unflinching commitment to honesty and their longstanding advocacy for mental health awareness, vocalist Tyler Ennis reflects:
"When we were writing this song, the title itself was a question that was asked out loud in a somewhat joking way - but hit me in all the ways I didn't think it could.
A lot of the experiences that I’ve had to go through in my adult life flashed through my mind in the blink of an eye. The loss of family members, revolving door toxic relationships, body dysmorphia/health issues were the tip of the iceberg. I was diagnosed with ADHD, my dopamine levels have been nonexistent or been overloaded constantly. Imposter syndrome and identity issues have put me in some of the worst depressive states I have ever experienced and there were times where I wondered out loud if this is the way my life would be forever.
In some of my darker moments as well, I turned to the wrong things to try and make myself feel better. Being a people pleaser and putting others before myself, self medication and not holding myself accountable was on full display. Posting only the "happy" moments on social media for validation, looking at other people and wishing I could feel the way that they did - not realizing in real time that a lot of them are also doing the same thing. It creates this weird feedback loop where everyone is pretending for everyone else and no one is truly happy at all.
I’m still searching within every moment in my life to find out what happiness looks like for me. I’m not saying I haven’t smiled or laughed, but that one question still haunts me to this day."
Harnessing the potent fusion of powerful melodies and emotionally charged lyrics, Of Virtue maintain a steadfast commitment to authenticity, consistently redefining the genre while staying true to their artistic essence. Beloved across 35 countries and having performed at multiple Danny Wimmer festivals, Upheaval, Full Force, Summer Breeze, and Pulp Summer Slamamongst many others, it's no surprise that they've shared stages with bands such as Slipknot, Bad Omens, Nothing More, and Three Days Grace. Beyond their musical prowess, the metal powerhouse also serve as passionate mental health advocates on and off stage. Often seen using their platform to raise awareness and openly discuss these vital issues, Of Virtue have become a source of hope and inspiration for countless fans facing similar challenges.
Carrying forward the spirit of their 2023 record, "Omen", Of Virtue continue to champion vulnerability, community, and the belief that no one is defined solely by their worst decisions. With "Death Of The Altar" and "The Art Of Love" standing as the next chapter, the band further their evolution with a fearless, unflinching look at what it means to reclaim your life, even when it means burning down everything that once felt familiar.
Be sure to stay tuned for more Of Virtue news coming very soon.
THE ART OF LOVE & POWER TOUR
OF VIRTUE & SAVAGE HANDS
July 16 - Greensboro, NC - Hangar 1819
July 17 - Orlando, FL - Conduit
July 18 - Atlanta, GA - The Masquerade
July 20 - Dallas, TX - Three Links
July 21 - San Antonio, TX - Paper Tiger
July 23 - Phoenix, AZ - Rebel Lounge
July 24 - Anaheim, CA - Parish @ House of Blues
July 25 - Sacramento, CA - Starlet Room
July 27 - Seattle, WA - El Corazon
July 28 - Portland, OR - Hawthorne
July 30 - Salt Lake City, UT - Urban Lounge
August 1 - Denver, CO - Marquis
August 2 - Colorado Springs, CO - Black Sheep
August 4 - St Louis, MO - The Duck Room
August 5 - Minneapolis, MN - Amsterdam
August 6 - Milwaukee, WI - X-Ray Arcade
August 7 - Chicago, IL - Reggie's
August 8 - Detroit, MI - Sanctuary
August 9 - Columbus, OH - Ace of Cups
August 11 - Buffalo, NY - Rec Room
August 13 - Hartford, CT - Webster Underground
August 14 - Worcester, MA - Palladium Upstairs
August 15 - Philadelphia, PA - The Foundry
August 16 - Richmond, VA - Canal Club
August 18 - Baltimore, MD - Ottobar
August 19 - Pittsburgh, PA - Preserving Underground
August 21 - Nashville, TN - The End
“What’s It Like To Be Happy?” is a reminder that healing isn’t linear, and you deserve support every step of the way. It’s okay to ask for help.”
1 in 5 people in the US experience mental illness every year. The #1 most effective protection against mental health decline is social prevention. Take care of yourself and the people around you. It's okay to rest. It's okay to not be okay.
Of Virtue have always believed that no one should have to face these battles alone. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that help is available. You are not alone.
NAMI Helpline): call +1 (800) 950-6264
SAMHSA National Helpline: call +1 (800) 662-4357
Open Path Collective (low-cost therapy): openpathcollective.org
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988
Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741
The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ youth): +1 (866) 488-7386
Teen Lines: text TEEN to 839863
Blacktoothed Return With New Single "Monsters"
With "MONSTERS," blacktoothed deliver one of their most emotionally direct and introspective releases to date. Blending atmospheric modern rock with raw, honest lyricism, the track dives deep into the fear of losing yourself and the internal struggle of not becoming someone you no longer recognize.
At its core, "MONSTERS" explores inner darkness, self-doubt, and the lingering weight of thoughts that refuse to fade. The song reflects on how easily reality can be distorted, how feelings can be numbed, and how internalized lies can slowly take hold. Lines like "Losing our feelings/We break what's real" capture that quiet unraveling, while the repeated "Can't let you turn into a monster" feels like both a warning and a desperate attempt to hold on to what's left.
Sonically, the band expands its signature sound with a strong sense of contrast and atmosphere. Driving instrumentation and polished production meet emotional vulnerability, carried by expressive male lead vocals and haunting female backings that add depth and tension throughout the track. The result is a dynamic balance between heaviness and space, intense without losing its sense of melody.
Over the past years, blacktoothed have continuously refined their sound and identity, building a reputation for combining modern rock elements with emotional depth and strong songwriting. This steady evolution has helped them grow their audience and establish themselves as a distinctive voice within the scene.
With "MONSTERS," blacktoothed take another step forward, not just sonically but thematically. It is a song about confronting what’s inside, recognizing the signs before it's too late, and fighting to stay human in the face of everything trying to pull you under.
CATCH THE BAND LIVE:
7/30 — Löbnitz, DE — Full Rewind Festival
8/15 — Dinkelsbühl, DE — Summer Breeze
Thrown Are Back With New Single "split"
THROWN ARE BACK WITH BRAND NEW SINGLE "SPLIT"
With "split," thrown make their long-awaited return — and it lands with a real impact. The track feels urgent and unfiltered, channeling frustration and inner pressure into something direct and physical. Listen below.
Lyrically, "split" revolves around losing control, self-doubt, and the exhausting weight of being stuck in your own head. It captures that moment where thoughts start to spiral and nothing seems to move forward. Instead of hiding behind abstraction, the band keep things raw and honest. Lines like "I've gotten used to not knowing what to do" reflect a sense of resignation, while the repeated "split my head in two" becomes a powerful expression of overload — almost like a desperate need to break free from your own thoughts.
Sonically, the track stays true to what has made thrown stand out in the first place, while sounding more refined and focused than ever. Crushing, down-tuned riffs drive the song forward, backed by relentless drums and breakdowns that hit with purpose rather than excess. There's a clear sense of control in the chaos — everything feels tight, intentional, and built for maximum impact without overcomplicating things.
In a short time, thrown have built serious momentum. With millions of streams across platforms and a rapidly growing international fanbase, the band have established themselves as one of the most exciting new names in modern metalcore. Their straightforward, no-frills approach has resonated with listeners looking for something real — something that doesn't rely on trends, but on energy and authenticity.
"split" feels like a natural next step. It takes everything the band have done so far and sharpens it — heavier, more direct, and emotionally clearer. It’s not about reinventing their sound, but about pushing it further and making it hit harder.
CATCH THE BAND LIVE:
6/3 — Gdańsk, PL — Mystic Festival
6/4 — Rostock, DE — M.A.U. Club
6/6 — Sölvesborg, SE — Sweden Rock Festival
6/7 — Hannover, DE — Musikzentrum
6/8 — Aschaffenburg, DE — Colos-Saal
6/10 — Hradec Králové, CZ — Rock for People
6/11 — Interlaken, CH — Greenfield Festival
ANY GIVEN DAY UNVEIL "HEAL ME TO DEATH" VIDEO
With "Heal Me To Death," Any Given Day deliver one of their most intense and emotionally charged tracks to date — a crushing metalcore anthem that blurs the line between healing and harm. Watch the video Below.
Driven by razor-sharp riffs, thunderous breakdowns, and a haunting melodic undercurrent, the song dives deep into the toxicity of control disguised as care. "Heal Me To Death" explores the suffocating weight of relationships where love becomes manipulation, and salvation turns into destruction. It's a raw confrontation of inner conflict and external pressure — where the promise of being "fixed" comes at the cost of losing yourself.
Lyrically, the band paints a dark and vivid picture: Golden façades hiding inner demons, faith twisted into force, and words that cut deeper than wounds. The recurring line "Pour your cure like poison, watch me bleed" encapsulates the track's core — a powerful metaphor for the danger of imposed healing and the violence of misunderstood intentions.
Balancing aggression with vulnerability, Any Given Day showcase their signature dynamic sound, seamlessly shifting between brutal heaviness and soaring emotional intensity. The result is a track that is as cathartic as it is devastating — a battle cry for autonomy, identity, and the right to break free from toxic salvation.
"Heal Me To Death" isn't just a song — it's a statement: sometimes the most dangerous thing isn't the pain itself, but the people who claim to take it away.
BANK ARCADE DROP VIDEO FOR COMEBACK SINGLE "SEVERANCE"
Arising Empire have never been ones to play it safe—but with their newest signing, they've doubled down on something far more volatile. Enter Banks Arcade and their ferocious new single "Severance": A track that doesn't just blur genre lines — it tears them apart and leaves the pieces smoldering. Watch the video Below:
Built on a collision of punishing metalcore, glitchy electronic textures, and the swagger of modern hip-hop, "Severance" feels less like a song and more like a system overload. It's aggressive, cinematic, and calculated chaos—exactly the kind of statement you'd expect from a band that has never acknowledged the idea of staying in one lane.
And Banks Arcade didn't arrive here by accident. What started as a project between two best friends—shaped by wildly different worlds spanning jazz academia and professional MMA—has evolved into one of the most unpredictable forces in modern heavy music. Their sound reflects that tension: Precision meets violence, control meets collapse.
Over the past few years, the band has carved a path from Southern Hemisphere outsiders to global contenders. They've sold out headline runs across Australia and New Zealand, while stepping onto some of the biggest stages in heavy music, including Download Festival, and touring alongside genre leaders like Northlane, Thornhill, and The Plot in You. Each tour tightened their grip on an international audience that thrives on exactly this kind of forward-thinking aggression.
"Severance" captures that momentum at full speed. There's a maximalist intensity running through the track—industrial electronics colliding with downtuned riffs, hooks that feel like they've been dragged through a rave at 3 am, and a sense that everything could fall apart at any second, but never does. It's controlled destruction.
What makes Banks Arcade hit differently, though, is the intent behind it all. Born out of constant relocation, reinvention, and the kind of struggle that either breaks you or rebuilds you into something sharper, the band operates with a clear purpose: redefine what "heavy" even means in 2026.
With Arising Empire now backing the project, "Severance" isn't just a new single—it's a warning shot. Banks Arcade aren't here to join the scene. They're here to rewire it.
Plume Dros Brand New Single "Furious Icon"
There's a certain kind of momentum you don't fake, and right now, PLUME are moving like a band that's already outgrown the room.
With their new single "Furious Icon," the rising emo force sharpen their edges and lean further into the tension that's been building across their previous releases. Where earlier tracks hinted at their range, this one locks in — urgent, restless, and wired with the kind of energy that feels one step away from spiraling out.
Watch the video below:
PLUME's recent singles didn't just introduce them; they established a pattern. Each drop pushed a little further, sonically and visually, pulling more people into their orbit, without ever feeling calculated. That same instinct carries through "Furious Icon" — controlled chaos with intent behind it.
There's no attempt here to smooth things out or play it safe. The track thrives on contrast: jagged and melodic, immediate but layered enough to keep revealing new details on repeat listens. It's the sound of a band figuring out exactly how far they can push their identity — and then going past it anyway.
If the earlier singles were the signal, "Furious Icon" is the confirmation. Plume aren't arriving quietly — and they're definitely not slowing down.
Of Virtue Declare War On New Track "The Art Of Love"
Michigan metalcore outfit, Of Virtue, have torn open a new would, as they've released their brand new single, "The Art Of Love", via Arising Empire. Following the explosive reception to their previous single, "Death Of The Altar", today's brand new single arrives as Of Virtue's latest chapter in an already commanding year, building on the world they established on their 2023 record, "OMEN", which has amassed an impressive 65 million streams since its release. Fans can listen to the new single Below.
Where "Death Of The Altar" turned addiction and self-destruction inward, "The Art Of Love" widens the lens, zeroing in on the quiet, yet deafening, devastation of a connection that consumes more than it gives. Co-written alongside Lee Albrecht (Bilmuri, The Devil Wears Prada, etc) and Evan McKeever (Starset, Koe Wetzel, etc), "The Art Of Love" and "Death Of The Altar" continue the band's ongoing focus on the emotional and relational toll that addiction, mental health, and the stigma surrounding both leave in their wake.
Of Virtue have never shied away from the harder truths, and "The Art Of Love" exposes the way that love can become its own kind of war of attrition, one fought in silences, sacrifices, and the slow erosion of your core.
On reckoning with everything that love can cost you, vocalist and guitarist Damon Tate shares:
"Sometimes you have songs that embody more of the existential problems we have in the world and other times, you just need that blunt force reminder that we all go through a lot of the same things. Toxicity in relationships will exist until the end of time - scorned lovers that are navigating their own character growth while refusing to let go or move on from abusive situations.
Love is one of the most powerful and complex emotions we can experience in our lives. The right person makes you levitate above the clouds and can also make you feel like you're living in a nightmare every day. This song brings our self worth, value and how we accept/show that love to ourselves and others into question."
Harnessing the potent fusion of powerful melodies and emotionally charged lyrics, Of Virtue maintain a steadfast commitment to authenticity, consistently redefining the genre while staying true to their artistic essence. Beloved across 35 countries and having performed at multiple Danny Wimmer festivals, Upheaval, Full Force, Summer Breeze, and Pulp Summer Slamamongst many others, it's no surprise that they've shared stages with bands such as Slipknot, Bad Omens, Nothing More, and Three Days Grace. Beyond their musical prowess, the metal powerhouse also serve as passionate mental health advocates on and off stage. Often seen using their platform to raise awareness and openly discuss these vital issues, Of Virtue have become a source of hope and inspiration for countless fans facing similar challenges.
Carrying forward the spirit of their 2023 record, "Omen", Of Virtue continue to champion vulnerability, community, and the belief that no one is defined solely by their worst decisions. With "Death Of The Altar" and "The Art Of Love" standing as the next chapter, the band further their evolution with a fearless, unflinching look at what it means to reclaim your life, even when it means burning down everything that once felt familiar.
Be sure to stay tuned for more Of Virtue news coming very soon.
Photo Credit: Alexander Bemis
ABOUT OF VIRTUE
In the face of omnipresent change, OF VIRTUE has never wavered, forging a legacy that stands as a testament to the power of reinvention and a refusal to surrender. Since the band’s inception, their music – a punishing-yet-melodic mix of hard rock, metal, and alternative – has mirrored that ambition: unexpected and ever-shifting, always rooted in raw emotion.
That restless spirit is fully realized on “DEATH OF THE ALTAR,” the band’s new single and first release since 2023’s Omen. Built on jackhammer riffs, skittering industrial electronics, and ethereal production, the track surges from claustrophobic tension into a widescreen, soaring chorus showcasing contrasting vocal styles of Tyler Ennis and Damon Tate – equal parts soulful and caustic. The shift lands like the split second before impact, amplifying the song’s central theme: confronting the moment when devotion turns into self-destruction.
The track arrives as the first glimpse of the band’s forthcoming fourth album and follows a period of rapid ascent: 2023’s Omen propelled the Michigan-based act to more than 65M streams, 4M YouTube views, and tours and festival appearances alongside Slipknot, Gojira, Bad Omens, The Used, and Three Days Grace, yet their momentum has always been fueled by more than accolades. Drawing inspiration from their diverse ethnic backgrounds (Chinese, Vietnamese, Mexican, Black, and Irish heritage), Of Virtue finds strength from these distinct perspectives, shaping their chemistry, songwriting and shared sense of purpose.
Plume Release "!REAL SPIRIT!" Video
PLUME don’t ease into a release — they make an entrance you can't ignore.
With "!REAL SPIRIT! Caught On Tape," the emo/alternative force push things further into their own lane — raw, unfiltered, and wired with a kind of restless energy that refuses to sit still. It's chaotic in the right places, intentional where it needs to be, and carried by a pulse that feels more like a moment than just a song.
Following the impact of their previous release "Digital Waterboarding," the band double down on everything that made people pay attention in the first place — but sharper, louder, and more defined.
Freshly signed to Arising Empire, PLUME aren't here to follow what's already happening around them. There's a new wave forming — rougher around the edges, more expressive, less predictable — and "!REAL SPIRIT! Caught On Tape" sits right at the center of it. Not by calculation, but by instinct.
Blending emo sensibilities with alternative grit and a visual identity shaped by distortion, nostalgia and digital overload, the band create something that feels immediate and alive. It’s not polished for comfort — it's built to leave a mark.
PLUME are stepping in at full speed.
And this is only the first signal.
Lost In Hollywood Present Their Self-Titled Album
Lost In Hollywood don't arrive with a debut — they crash into it.
Their self-titled record "Lost In Hollywood" isn't an introduction. It's a statement carved out of momentum, built on the back of a run of singles that didn't just perform — they connected. Track by track, the band turned heads, pulled listeners in, and quietly built something real. No shortcuts, no overnight hype — just steady growth that now reflects in over 130,000 monthly listeners on Spotify alone.
At the center of it all sits "Ghost In The Water."
Not a centerpiece by accident, but by weight. The kind of track that doesn’t ask for attention — it holds it. Tension-driven, immersive, and cutting deeper with every second, it captures exactly where Lost In Hollywood stand right now: Confident, refined, and fully locked into their identity.
The self-titled album pulls together everything they've been building toward — the sharp edges, the atmosphere, the hooks that linger longer than expected. It feels intentional without losing urgency. Controlled, but never safe.
Lost In Hollywood have outgrown the "next up" label.
This is the point where they arrive — and stay.
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.
ARISING EMPIRE WELCOMES PLUME NEW SINGLE "DIGITAL WATERBOARDING" OUT NOW
Arising Empire proudly welcomes one of Germany's most exciting new acts to the roster: PLUME. The band marks the beginning of this new chapter with the release of their striking new single "Digital Waterboarding" — a bold statement that immediately places them at the forefront of a new wave of alternative music.
PLUME are what happens when pop stops being afraid of dirt, when glitter doesn't have to be soft anymore and nostalgia grows a futuristic backbone. Their sound exists in constant transformation: distorted textures collide with shimmering synths, fractured rhythms and an uncompromising urge to surprise. At the core lies pop — but never predictable. Electronic, yet raw in expression. Catchy, yet never comfortable.
Fronted by vocalist Pascal Pashaee, alongside guitarist David Riederer, keyboardist Luka Lorch, and drummer Richard Kilian, the German quartet arrives with a vision that feels both chaotic and meticulously crafted. Their single "Digital Waterboarding" is a sonically and visually overwhelming experience that captures the unsettling reality of modern digital life.
Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Manuel Renner at überlärm Studios — known for his work with artists such as Electric Callboy, Avralize and Our Promise — the track pushes the boundaries of modern heavy music. PLUME fearlessly weave infectious pop sensibilities into an avant-garde landscape of aggression and electronic experimentation.
Early reactions already underline the band’s uniqueness. Paranoyd Magazine describes their work as "an atmospheric experience that gets under your skin," while MoreCore highlights PLUME’s ability to define a style entirely their own.
By blending high-fashion aesthetics with a sound that gives digital anxiety a physical form, PLUME are not reviving rock music as an echo of the past — they are dragging it straight into the present.
With "Digital Waterboarding," PLUME make one thing clear: This is only the beginning.
ARISING EMPIRE ALERT: The Veer Union Release New Album "Reinvention"
This is what a reset actually sounds like.
With Reinvention, The Veer Union return sharper, louder and more focused than ever. The album doesn't feel like a comeback — it feels like a band reconnecting with its core and pushing forward at the same time. Heavy, melodic and emotionally charged, Reinvention captures everything The Veer Union have built over years in the scene, refined into their most confident statement yet.
At the center of the record sits "Feel Again," the album's focus track and emotional backbone. It’s a song about breaking through numbness, about finding that spark after being worn down — and it hits with soaring hooks, crushing guitars and the kind of chorus that sticks instantly. "Feel Again" isn't just a highlight, it’s a reminder of why The Veer Union's music resonates so deeply with their audience.
The album also marks the peak of an incredibly successful campaign cycle. Over the past months, The Veer Union rolled out a steady run of singles that kept momentum building — tracks like "My Empire," "Sea Of Fear," "Caught In The Crossfire," "Sunk Your Teeth In" and "Meet Your Maker" each showing a different side of the band while staying unmistakably true to their sound. Each release pulled in more listeners, more attention, and more anticipation for what Reinvention would become.
That consistency paid off. With nearly 300,000 unique monthly listeners on Spotify, The Veer Union are proving that their reach is bigger than ever — connecting with longtime fans while constantly pulling in new ones across the global heavy scene.
Reinvention isn't about chasing trends or rewriting the past. It's about evolution, resilience and rediscovering purpose. This is The Veer Union fully locked in — and sounding stronger than ever.
Stream the album — HERE
ARISING EMPIRE ALERT: Lost in Hollywood Drop New Single "Love Is Dying"
LOST IN HOLLYWOOD RELEASE BRAND NEW SINGLE "LOVE IS DYING" (FEAT. PHILIP STRAND FROM NORMANDIE).
Love isn't supposed to sound like this.
With "Love Is Dying," Lost in Hollywood tap straight into the moment where everything starts to crack — and they don't look away.
Featuring Philip Strand of Normandie, the new single by Lost In Hollywood blends crushing metalcore weight with a haunting melodic pull, balancing raw aggression and fragile emotion in a way that feels both intimate and explosive. It’s not a polished love song or a dramatic farewell — it's the sound of something falling apart in real time.
The track arrives at a moment where Lost in Hollywood have been quietly building serious momentum. Recent singles like "The Fire," "Pretty Skin," "Like A River" (feat. Of Virtue) and "The Art Of Being Torn Out" (Feat. Half Me) didn't just showcase different sides of the band — they proved how confidently they move between atmosphere, heaviness and emotional depth. Each release pushed their sound further, pulling more listeners into their orbit and solidifying their place in the modern metalcore landscape.
"Love Is Dying" feels like the emotional center of that journey. Philip Strand’s unmistakable voice adds a fragile contrast to the band’s relentless energy, turning the track into a tense back-and-forth between vulnerability and rage. It’s heavy, melodic, uncomfortable — and exactly the kind of song that sticks with you longer than expected.
All of this leads straight into Lost in Hollywood’s upcoming album, set for release on March 20th. The record promises to be the band's most focused and ambitious work to date — bigger in sound, sharper in songwriting and unafraid to sit with uncomfortable emotions. If the recent singles were pieces of the puzzle, "Love Is Dying" is the moment everything clicks into place.
March 20th isn't just another release date — it's the next step for a band that's done playing it safe.
Watch the video Below:
ARISING EMPIRE MEDIA ALERT: Venues Release New Single
After the impact of "Duality" — a single that marks the band's next chapter — German metalcore force VENUES now unveil their next strike with "Hollow Walls."
But this isn't just another release.
"Hollow Walls" picks up where "Duality" left off. Visually and emotionally. The new music video acts as a direct sequel, continuing the narrative thread and expanding the atmosphere into darker territory. What began as tension now escalates into confrontation. The cracks in the surface are no longer subtle — they're breaking wide open.
Watch the video below.
Sonically, VENUES lean further into contrast: Fragile moments collide with explosive weight, cinematic tension meets razor-sharp heaviness. "Hollow Walls" feels urgent, restless, and uncomfortably honest — like standing in a room that’s slowly collapsing while you’re still inside it.
If "Duality" was the warning shot, "Hollow Walls" is the fallout.
This isn't a reset.
It's the next chapter.
ARISING EMPIRE MEDIA ALERT: Vicious Rain Release New Single
Swiss metalcore powerhouse VICIOUS RAIN aren't slowing down — they're sharpening the blade.
With their brand new single "A Spotless Mind," the band unveil another intense chapter of an album cycle that has already seen momentum. Following the impact of "IKIGAI," "Spitting Blood Again," "Silent Therapy," and "Trading Hearts," Vicious Rain continue to prove that this era isn't built on one strong track — it's a statement of consistency and evolution.
"A Spotless Mind" dives deeper into the emotional weight that has defined this cycle so far, but it does so with a new level of urgency. Where previous singles balanced atmosphere and aggression, this one feels more immediate — sharp riffs, soaring tension, and a chorus that lingers long after the final breakdown fades. It's heavy, but controlled. Emotional, but not fragile. The kind of track that doesn’t just hit — it stays.
All of this leads toward their upcoming full-length release, set to drop on March 13th. If the singles so far are any indication, Vicious Rain aren't just releasing an album — they're cementing their place as one of the most compelling forces in modern European metalcore.
"A Spotless Mind" is another reminder: This isn't hype. It's momentum.
