ARISING EMPIRE MEDIA ALERT: New Release Just Dropped From REVNOIR — WATCH + LISTEN

French modern metalcore force REVNOIR return with their powerful new single "Fracture," a gripping anthem that channels fear, resistance and the determination to keep fighting when hope feels increasingly difficult to hold onto. The release also marks the beginning of the pre-order for the band's highly anticipated debut album, Sometimes I feel you, sometimes I don't, set for release on November 27.

Described by the band as "a collective cry of resistance: the surrounding fear, and, in spite of it all, the refusal to give up," the track captures the tension of living in a world where silence, uncertainty, and helplessness can become overwhelming.

Built around the question of whether we simply stand by or find the courage to speak up, the track moves between raw vulnerability and outright defiance. Its lyrics paint a bleak picture of fear taking hold, voices being swallowed before they can be heard and people desperately searching for better days. Yet beneath that darkness lies a powerful sense of unity. "Fracture" ultimately refuses resignation, transforming anxiety, and isolation into a collective call to stand together.

Musically, REVNOIR deliver one of their most commanding statements to date. Stunning vocals collide with intricate, virtuosic instrumentation, and colossal modern production, steadily building toward a towering and unforgettable chorus. Heavy, atmospheric and deeply emotional, "Fracture" showcases the band's ability to balance vulnerability with sheer force while pushing their distinctive take on modern metalcore further forward.

Since emerging in 2023, REVNOIR have quickly established themselves as one of the most exciting new names in the French and European modern metal scene. Across their first two EPs and subsequent releases, the band have already accumulated more than 8 million streams, while their rapid rise earned them the title of Best Breakthrough Artist at Les Foudres 2025. Their growing reputation has also taken them to major stages across Europe, including Hellfest Main Stage, alongside extensive touring and festival appearances.

Their momentum has been equally evident on the live front. Following sold-out headline shows in Paris, REVNOIR have continued to expand their reach beyond France, including a European tour alongside Future Palace, proving that the intensity and emotion behind their music translate just as powerfully to the stage.

Pre-order here.

ARISING EMPIRE MEDIA ALERT: New Release Just Dropped From PLUME — WATCH + LISTEN

Rising alternative heavy act PLUME return with their striking new single "My Cortisol Face," the final release before their highly anticipated debut album Saferooms & Healing Frequencies arrives on September 25 via Arising Empire.

Blurring the lines between hyperpop shimmer, emotional metalcore and futuristic electronic production, "My Cortisol Face" captures PLUME at their most vulnerable and volatile. Glittering electronics collide with crushing guitars, ethereal clean vocals and piercing screams, creating a track that feels equally fragile, chaotic and euphoric.

Lyrically, the song dives headfirst into anxiety, distorted self perception and the exhausting battle against your own reflection. Images of glitter caught in the throat, ribs beneath paper thin skin and rehearsed smiles paint an unsettling picture of someone desperately trying to maintain the surface while everything underneath begins to fracture. The recurring question of whether this experience is a nightmare or everything they have been dreaming about sits at the emotional core of the track.

That conflict erupts in the chorus, where pain and style become almost inseparable. "My Cortisol Face" transforms inner turmoil into something strangely beautiful, balancing vulnerability with an undeniable sense of attitude and immediacy. As the song builds towards its desperate final moments, repeated questions of whether the pain will ever end underline the feeling of being trapped in an emotional freefall.

The single follows PLUME’s recent releases "Digital Waterboarding," "Furious Icon," "Angel Engine," and "A Cure For A Knife's Blade," each revealing another side of the band's rapidly evolving sonic identity. Since signing with Arising Empire earlier this year, the German four-piece has continued to establish itself as one of the most intriguing newcomers in modern alternative heavy music, combining pop sensibility with distorted guitars, synthesizers, fractured rhythms and a visual identity inspired by glam rock and contemporary digital culture.

Fronted by Pascal Pashaee alongside guitarist David Riederer, keyboardist Luka Lorch and drummer Richard Kilian, PLUME approach their music as more than a collection of songs. Their immersive live performances and carefully constructed visual world form an extension of a sound that refuses to sit comfortably within a single genre.

With their debut album Saferooms & Healing Frequencies set for release on September 25, PLUME are preparing to bring that vision into full focus. The 13-track record represents the next major step for a band increasingly determined to reshape the boundaries between pop, metalcore and forward thinking alternative music.

As the final glimpse of the album before its arrival, "My Cortisol Face" feels like a fitting statement of intent: intimate, dramatic, unpredictable and unapologetically PLUME.

Catch the band live:
9/19 — Lyon 07 France — La Petit Salon

ARISING EMPIRE MEDIA ALERT: New Releases Just Dropped From RESOLVE — WATCH + LISTEN

French metalcore force Resolve return with their brand new single "Spread My Ashes Into Space," marking the beginning of a bold new chapter for the band. Cinematic, crushing and deeply emotional, the track arrives alongside the announcement of their new album of the same name, Spread My Ashes Into Space" set for release on January 15. The album is available to pre-order here.

With "Spread My Ashes Into Space," Resolve push their unmistakable sound into vast new territory. Monumental riffs, atmospheric electronics and soaring melodies collide with moments of raw vulnerability, creating a track that feels both intensely personal and almost otherworldly in scale. While firmly rooted in the modern metalcore DNA that has defined the band, the single expands their sonic world with a renewed sense of ambition, depth and cinematic scope.

At its heart, "Spread My Ashes Into Space" explores the overwhelming desire to escape when the weight of reality becomes impossible to ignore. Space becomes a metaphor for absolute freedom, a place beyond expectations, pressure and noise. Against imagery of infinite darkness, solar flares and hyperspace, the song wrestles with the line between surrender and self preservation.

The band comments, "This first single and title track dive into the moment the breaking point is reached, and how that kickstarts a new perspective. The core of this song revolves around one specific question that kept coming up when writing the lyrics: "Is it a cure or an escape?"

"We've had times when the sheer weight of everything, the noise, the expectations, made me almost consider changing up my whole life and escape to a quieter, more serene place. In this song, space represents this: an ultimate silence and isolation. A place with 'no rules, no gods, just infinite black unknown.' It’s about the desperate need to find a sanctuary where you can finally be free from the weight of reality, a place where you can just exist however you see fit. This place has been harder and harder to reach for me these past few years, and we think we're not alone in that.

"Some might read the lyrics and see a dark surrender, but we want the audience to see it as written from a place of hope. It's that feeling of being an 'escape artist with no hands,' trying to find a way out when you're completely backed into a corner. Ultimately, it's a very raw admission that sometimes, the urge to disappear isn't about wanting to escape the actual world, but simply trying to save yourself from a system that feels too loud."

The title track sets the stage for what promises to be Resolve’s most expansive and emotionally charged album era yet.

Following two acclaimed albums, millions of streams, appearances at Hellfest and extensive touring alongside internationally renowned acts, the French quartet continue to establish themselves as one of modern metalcore’s most compelling voices. Heavy without sacrificing atmosphere and vulnerable without losing its intensity, "Spread My Ashes Into Space" captures Resolve at a pivotal moment, redefining their signature sound while remaining unmistakably themselves.

RESOLVE LIVE:
9/8 — Asheville, United States — The Orange Peel
9/9 — Norfolk, United States — The NorVa
9/11 — Stroudsburg, United States — Sherman Theater
9/13 — Hartford, United States — The Webster
9/14 — Rochester, United States — Anthology
9/15 — Sayreville, United States — Starland Ballroom
9/18 — Madison, United States — The Sylvee
9/19 — Columbus, United States — Newport Music Hall
9/20 — Louisville, United States — Louder Than Life 2026
9/21 — London, Canada — Forest City London Music Hall of Fame
9/24 — Quebec, Canada — Théâtre Capitole
1/20 — Reims, France — La Cartonnerie
1/21 — Strasbourg, France — La Laiterie
1/22 — Villeurbanne, France — Transbordeur
1/23 — Montpellier, France — Rockstore
1/24 — Limoges, France — CCM John Lennon
1/26 — Toulouse, France — Le Metronum
1/27 — Cenon, France — Le Rocher de Palmer
1/28 — Nantes, France — Warehouse
1/29 — Wasquehal, France — The Black Lab
1/30 — Paris, France — La Cigale

ARISING EMPIRE MEDIA ALERT: Blacktoothed Drop A New Release

With their new single "WILL YOU SURVIVE WHEN I DEVOUR YOUR HEARTBEAT" arriving on August 13, Leipzig based modern metalcore trio blacktoothed reach a new level of emotional and sonic intensity. As another chapter of the band's evolving FERAL BLOOM era, the track explores the unsettling relationship between pain, repression and transformation. Here, the greatest threat is not an external force but the voice that has always existed within.

Watch the video Below:

Driven by crushing riffs, soaring melodies and emotionally charged vocal performances, "WILL YOU SURVIVE WHEN I DEVOUR YOUR HEARTBEAT" gives shape to trauma itself. The song speaks from the perspective of an inner darkness that refuses to disappear, confronting the listener with every wound they have tried to bury. Rather than glorifying suffering, blacktoothed reveal the consequences of suppressing emotional pain until it inevitably demands to be acknowledged.

Lyrics such as "I am the ringing sound inside your ear, the numbing pain you'd wish to disappear" and "Did you ever care to feel your wounds?" turn internal conflict into something almost tangible. The song builds towards its haunting central question, "Will you survive when I devour your heartbeat?" Not as a threat, but as an invitation to confront what has long been ignored. It asks how long a person can continue running from the parts of themselves they refuse to face.

The closing image of a "feral bloom inside your chest" perfectly captures the song's central message. Growth and destruction exist side by side, suggesting that true healing can only begin once buried emotions are allowed to surface. The result is a cinematic and uncompromising piece that balances crushing heaviness with striking vulnerability.

Since their formation, blacktoothed have become one of Germany's most exciting modern heavy acts, seamlessly combining metalcore, alternative rock, electronic elements and memorable hooks into a sound that is unmistakably their own. Their acclaimed releases JULI, Headway and the Antidote EP have demonstrated a band that continues to evolve while staying emotionally fearless.

The trio has shared stages with artists including Bad Omens, The Ghost Inside, The Amity Affliction, Emmure, Polaris, Wargasm, Annisokay, and Thundermother, earning a reputation for intense live performances and uncompromising songwriting. With a rapidly growing international audience and millions of streams across digital platforms, blacktoothed continue to establish themselves in the new generation of modern metal.

With "WILL YOU SURVIVE WHEN I DEVOUR YOUR HEARTBEAT", blacktoothed deliver one of their most powerful and emotionally charged songs to date. It is a relentless collision of vulnerability and aggression that perfectly embodies the spirit of FERAL BLOOM and proves once again that the band's greatest strength lies in transforming deeply personal struggles into music with universal impact.

BLACKTOOTHED LIVE:
8/15 — Dinkelsbühl, Germany — Summer Breeze Open Air 2026

ARISING EMPIRE MEDIA ALERT: Thrown Drop A New Release

Swedish metalcore phenomenon thrown return with "critic," a ferocious new single arriving via Arising Empire. Sharp-tongued, crushingly heavy, and unapologetically confrontational, the track takes aim at self-appointed tastemakers, performative outrage and the endless cycle of online commentary, proving once again that thrown thrive where others merely make noise.

Watch the video Below:

Fueled by venomous vocals, bone-crushing grooves and explosive breakdowns, "critic" is a ruthless response to a culture obsessed with opinions, metrics and manufactured controversy. Rather than entertaining the constant stream of unsolicited judgment, thrown turn every accusation, hot take, and clickbait headline into pure creative fuel. With lines like "All of a sudden everyone's a critic"and "You really think I care if you don't fuck with it?," the band makes one thing abundantly clear: Outside validation means nothing when the music speaks louder than the noise surrounding it. Lyrically, "critic" dismantles the obsession with streaming numbers, self-proclaimed experts and those desperately chasing relevance through negativity. It's a fearless statement about staying true to your vision while refusing to be distracted by online outrage or empty commentary. Brutal, direct and relentlessly infectious, the track captures thrown at their most confident and uncompromising.

Since emerging from Stockholm, thrown have established themselves as one of the fastest-rising forces in modern heavy music. Their debut EP EXTENDED PAIN surpassed 50 million streams and remained in Spotify's Global Metal Top 200 for nearly a year, while their acclaimed debut album EXCESSIVE GUILT catapulted the quartet onto the international stage. Extensive touring alongside acts including Knocked Loose, Counterparts, Fit For A King, While She Sleeps, Wage War, and many more has cemented their reputation as one of metalcore's most explosive live bands. The band has also been honored with Heavy Music Awards wins for Best Breakthrough Live Artist (2024) and Best Breakthrough Album (2025). Today, thrown continue their meteoric rise with well over one million monthly Spotify listeners and hundreds of millions of streams worldwide.

With "critic," thrown refuse to soften their edges or hold back their frustration. Instead, they deliver another devastating anthem built to ignite stages, silence doubters and remind everyone why they have become one of the most talked-about names in contemporary metalcore. "critic" is out August 14, 2026 on all streaming platforms.

THROWN LIVE 2026:
8/14 — Sulingen, DE — Reload Festival
8/22 — Göteborg, SE — Frihamnen
10/01 — Asbury Park, NJ — House of Independents
10/02 — Allentown, PA — Archer Music Hall
10/03 — Norwalk, CT — District Music Hall
10/04 — Worcester, MA — The Palladium Upstairs
10/06 — Grand Rapids, MI — Elevation at The Intersection
10/07 — Milwaukee, WI — The Rave / Eagles Club
10/08 — Minneapolis, MN — Varsity Theater
10/09 — Kansas City, MO — The Truman
10/11 — Birmingham, AL — Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark
10/13 — Jacksonville, FL — The Albatross
10/14 — Tampa, FL — The Orpheum
10/16 — Greenville, SC — Radio Room
10/17 — Greensboro, NC — Hangar 1819
10/31 — Göppingen, DE — EWS Arena
11/27 — Johanneshov, SE — Fållan
11/30 — Berlin, DE — HUXLEY'S NEUE WELT
12/01 — Wien, AT — Raiffeisen Halle im Gasometer
12/03 — München, DE — TonHalle München
12/04 — Wiesbaden, DE — Schlachthof Wiesbaden
12/05 — Köln, DE — Palladium Köln
12/06 — Paris, FR — Elysee Montmartre
12/08 — Tilburg, NL — Poppodium 013
12/09 — Antwerpen, BE — Trix
12/11 — Manchester, GB — Manchester Academy
12/12 — Glasgow, GB — O2 Academy
12/13 — London, GB — Troxy

ARISING EMPIRE MEDIA ALERT: Half Me Drop New Release

German hardcore powerhouse HALF ME announce their sophomore album DOGMA, set for release on October 23 via Arising Empire. The album is available for pre-order in a variety of exclusive formats. Following the band's relentless rise over the past years, the record marks their most ambitious and uncompromising work to date, expanding both their sonic identity and the conceptual depth that has become a defining characteristic of their music.

At its core, DOGMA is a reflection on a society willingly taking part in its own collapse. The album explores a world shaped by fear, manipulated through division and consumed by distractions that keep people from questioning the systems surrounding them. Truth and lies dissolve into blurred lines, leaving humanity trapped in a state of trauma induced ignorance where people unknowingly become complicit in their own demise.

According to the band, DOGMA begins from the unsettling assumption that the damage may already be irreversible. Rather than offering solutions, the album challenges listeners to question accepted narratives, confront absolute truths and look beyond the systems that thrive on fear, obedience and complacency. It is not a call to arms, but an invitation to think critically and look behind the dogma.

Musically, DOGMA sees HALF ME pushing their sound further than ever before. Combining crushing metallic hardcore, oppressive grooves and emotionally charged songwriting with an even stronger focus on atmosphere and dynamics, the album delivers some of the band's heaviest, darkest and most emotionally resonant material to date.

With DOGMA, HALF ME present an album that refuses to comfort or provide easy answers. Instead, it invites listeners to look behind the narratives they are taught to accept, question the structures that shape their reality and confront a society that may already be embracing its own collapse.

Catch the Band live — all dates below.

HALF ME – AMERICAN CRUSADE 2026:
10/1 — Asbury Park, NJ — House of Independents
10/2 — Allentown, PA — Archer Music Hall
10/3 — Norwalk, CT — District Music Hall
10/4 — Worcester, MA — Palladium
10/6 — Grand Rapids, MI — Elevation
10/7 — Milwaukee, WI — The Rave
10/9 — Minneapolis, MN — Varsity Theater
10/10 — Kansas City, MO — The Truman
10/13 — Jacksonville, FL — Alhambra
10/14 — Tampa, FL — The Orpheum
10/16 — Greenville, SC — The Radio Room
10/17 — Greensboro, NC — Hangar 1819

HALF ME – AUSTRALIAN CRUSADE 2026:
10/22 — Perth, WA — Amplifier Bar
10/23 — Adelaide, SA — Ed Castle
10/24 — Hobart, TAS — The Grand Poobah
10/28 — Melbourne, VIC — The Last Chance Hotel
10/29 — Canberra, ACT — Front Time Pony
10/30 — Wollongong, NSW — La La La's
10/31 — Sydney, NSW — Crowbar
11/1 — Brisbane, QLD — Crowbar

HALF ME – EUROPEAN CRUSADE 2026:
11/27 — Eindhoven, NL — Dynamo
11/28 — Hannover, DE — Musikzentrum
11/29 — Köln, DE — Helios37
11/30 — Frankfurt am Main, DE — Das Bett
12/1 — Vienna, AT — Viper Room
12/2 — München, DE — Hansa39
12/3 — Prague, CZ — Modra Vopice
12/4 — Hamburg, DE — Kent Club
12/5 — Berlin, DE — Hole44
12/6 — London, UK — The Black Heart
12/7 — Glasgow, UK — The Garage
12/8 — Birmingham, UK — Asylum
12/9 — Paris, FR — Backstage By The Mill
12/10 — Lyon, FR — Rock N Eat
12/11 — Zurich, CH — Werk21
12/12 — Stuttgart, DE — Tower

ARISING EMPIRE MEDIA ALERT: Sable Hills Drop New Release

Following the global momentum of their single "Namu," Japanese metalcore frontrunners Sable Hills return with "Scars," an emotionally charged anthem that perfectly bridges the gap between classic and modern metalcore. Combining crushing riffs, soaring melodies, heartfelt clean vocals, visceral screams, and a massive, unforgettable chorus, the track captures the nostalgic spirit of the genre's golden era while delivering the polished intensity of today's heavy music.

At its core, "Scars" is a song about perseverance. Inspired by the marks left behind by pain, loss and struggle, the lyrics transform scars into symbols of survival rather than defeat. Instead of hiding from the past, Sable Hills embrace it, finding strength in every wound as they continue chasing the guiding light. Themes of resilience, rebirth and refusing to surrender run throughout the song, culminating in an uplifting message that reminds listeners their darkest moments can become the foundation for a new beginning.

Musically, the band effortlessly balances technical precision with raw emotion. Thunderous breakdowns collide with intricate guitar work, huge melodies and an anthemic chorus that lingers long after the final note. The result is a song that feels instantly familiar to longtime metalcore fans while sounding unmistakably fresh and contemporary.

Formed in Tokyo by brothers Takuya and Rict Mishima, Sable Hills have established themselves as one of the leading forces in Japan's modern heavy music scene. Their acclaimed albums, millions of streams, international touring, and collaborations with artists including Unearth and Darkest Hour have steadily expanded their global audience. Most recently, "Namu" introduced a bold new side of the band, blending traditional Japanese influences with crushing modern metalcore and quickly becoming one of their most talked-about releases to date.

With "Scars," Sable Hills continue that upward trajectory. It is a powerful reminder that even life's deepest wounds can become a source of strength, wrapped inside one of the band's most compelling and emotionally resonant songs yet.

SABLE HILLS LIVE:
11/3 — London, GB — The Underworld
11/28 — Stockholm, SE — Kollektivet Livet

ARISING EMPIRE MEDIA ALERT: Banks Arcade Have A New Release

"MIRROR" hits with that signature Banks Arcade blend of heavy riffs, electronic tension, and melodic bite, but here everything feels more venomous. The track digs into guilt, rage and self‑destruction, pulling out lines about learned ugliness and stripped worth that land with real weight. The hook snaps hard, the production stays sleek, and the whole song moves like it’s ready to tear down whatever broke you. It’s aggressive, stylish and full of the restless energy that's been pushing the band forward for years. ​

Since forming in Auckland and later settling in Melbourne, Banks Arcade have carved out a lane of their own, mixing metalcore with electronic and hip‑hop elements in a way that feels fresh rather than forced. Their debut album Future Lovers and follow‑up EPs built serious momentum, while touring across Australia, the U.S., and UK, including major festivals and support runs with Northlane and In Hearts Wake, has grown their global fanbase into something loud and loyal.

"MIRROR" captures that evolution in full: Confident, melodic, emotionally charged, and unmistakably Banks Arcade. A track that shows exactly why they're becoming one of the most exciting modern heavy acts to watch.

ARISING EMPIRE MEDIA ALERT: TOK Have A New Release — LISTEN

The new track from TOK aka The Oklahoma Kid marks the first strike of their renewed identity and the beginning of a darker, more confrontational chapter.

With the arrival of Tobias Rische, former singer of Alazka and Novelist, TOK tap into a sharper, more emotionally charged vocal dynamic that instantly reshapes their sound.

"SPIT" channels raw intensity, fractured trust and the moment everything breaks, pairing that energy with a striking early‑2000s aesthetic that underscores the band's shift toward something grittier and more fearless. It’s rupture and reinvention in one hit, a clear signal of where the band is heading next. ​

As one of modern metalcore's most forward‑thinking acts, TOK have built their reputation on precision, creativity, and boundary‑pushing songwriting. They’re kicking off a new chapter with a fresh frontman and a ton of forward drive, and at the same time, they're pulling themselves and their fans straight back 20  years. With a sound and aesthetic shaped by the music they grew up on, they dive back into the early 2000s, right into the breakthrough era of metalcore and the raw energy that defined it. ​

With "SPIT," they channel that momentum into a refreshed vision: Bold, emotional, visually distinct and unmistakably their own, setting the tone for a future defined by evolution and impact. Their entire visual and sonic identity pulls listeners back into a glorified pre‑streaming era, back to a time when everything revolved around the music and the style.

ARISING EMPIRE MEDIA ALERT: Ice Sealed Eyes Drop New Release Tape 1: Far Away

Belgian atmospheric metalcore newcomers Ice Sealed Eyes mark the beginning of a new chapter with Tape 1: Far Away, their first release since signing with Arising Empire. More than just a four-song EP, the record unfolds as a carefully crafted emotional narrative, with opening track "Stay Still" seamlessly flowing into "To Realise" and "The Weight Of Loss," forming one continuous musical journey through grief, isolation, betrayal and acceptance.

Built on shimmering ambience, crushing guitars, thunderous drums and soaring, emotionally-charged vocals, Tape 1: Far Away explores the fragile space between holding on and letting go. The EP opens with "Stay Still," where fading hope collides with overwhelming loss. Its lyrics capture two people trapped in separate emotional worlds, each witnessing the other's collapse while remaining unable to bridge the growing distance between them. Themes of fear, longing, and shared suffering are reflected in the band's dynamic songwriting, balancing atmospheric calm with explosive heaviness.

Without pause, "To Realise" transforms the story into an almost hypnotic descent. Repetitive, ritualistic lyrics mirror the feeling of watching someone knowingly walk toward irreversible decisions, emphasizing helplessness as love and despair become inseparable. The tension built throughout the first two chapters finally erupts in "The Weight Of Loss," where grief gives way to confrontation. Haunted by fading memories, broken trust, and self-reflection, the closing chapter refuses empty apologies and instead embraces painful acceptance, bringing the emotional arc to its devastating conclusion.

Although each song stands confidently on its own, together they reveal the full vision behind Tape 1: Far Away: A cinematic listening experience where recurring melodies, evolving dynamics and interconnected themes reward listeners from beginning to end.

Already recognized as one of Belgium's most promising emerging heavy acts, Ice Sealed Eyes have amassed millions of streams worldwide with their independent releases and steadily built an international fanbase. Following the success of their acclaimed debut album ALTAR, the band toured extensively across Europe, delivered a standout performance at Euroblast Festival, and shared stages with renowned acts including Falling In Reverse, Unprocessed, Amenra, Brutus, Resolve, and Hypno5e. Now entering a new era with Arising Empire, Tape 1: Far Awayperfectly captures the band's signature fusion of cinematic atmosphere, crushing heaviness and deeply emotional storytelling. As both an ambitious conceptual release and an impressive introduction to their next chapter, the EP firmly establishes Ice Sealed Eyes as one of the most compelling new voices in modern atmospheric metalcore.​

ICE SEALED EYES LIVE:
09/04 — Troyes, FR — Tramfest(REVNOIR support)
02/04 — Lyon, FR — Club Transbo(REVNOIR support)
02/05 — Strasbourg, FR — La Laiterie(REVNOIR support)
02/06 — Lille, FR — The Black Lab(REVNOIR support)
02/07 — Brussels, BE — Botanique(REVNOIR support)
02/10 — Lorient, FR — Hydrophone(REVNOIR support)
02/11 — Nantes, FR — Le Ferrailleur(REVNOIR support)
02/12 — Bordeaux, FR — Rock School Barbey(REVNOIR support)
02/13 — Toulouse, FR — Le Rex(REVNOIR support)
02/18 — Reims, FR — La Cartonnerie(REVNOIR support)
02/19 — Rouen, FR — Le 106(REVNOIR support)

ARISING EMPIRE MEDIA ALERT: Venues Drop New Release Becoming

VENUES return with "Becoming," an empowering modern metalcore anthem that transforms pain into strength, self-doubt into confidence and personal growth into pure sonic force. Following the emotional depth of Solace and the band's critically acclaimed latest album Transience, the Stuttgart outfit delivers one of its boldest and most uplifting statements to date.

Driven by punchy riffs, explosive rhythms, and a polished, modern production, "Becoming" balances raw intensity with soaring melody. Crushing screams embody the fight against insecurity and the weight of outside expectations, while the anthemic clean vocals erupt into a triumphant declaration of self-worth. Every breakdown and chorus reinforces the song's central message: True strength begins the moment you stop living for others and start believing in yourself.

Inspired by lyrics that tear down "social boundaries" and replace self-doubt with self-acceptance, "Becoming" follows the journey of someone breaking free from toxic influences, refusing to be defined by the past and finally embracing their own value. What begins as a battle against inner demons culminates in an unapologetic celebration of identity, ending with the powerful reminder that everyone deserves to see themselves as the miracle they truly are.

Since signing with Arising Empire, VENUES have established themselves as one of Germany's most compelling modern metalcore acts. Their 2018 debut album Aspire was named Kerrang! Album of the Week, while subsequent releases have continued to showcase the band's fearless evolution through the unmistakable interplay of Lela Gruber's soaring melodies and Robin Baumann's visceral screams. With "Becoming," VENUES once again prove why they remain one of the genre's most dynamic and emotionally resonant forces, seamlessly combining crushing heaviness, irresistible hooks and an empowering message that lingers long after the final note.

VENUES LIVE:
08/03 — Munich, DE — Free + Easy Festival
08/28 — Hilgertshausen-Tandern, DE — Hot Rock Festival 2026
09/04 — Obererbach, DE — Pell-Mell Festival 2026

ARISING EMPIRE MEDIA ALERT: Doomcrusher Drops New Song

With "Forsaker," Doomcrusher unleash a relentless metalcore assault that cuts straight to the core of betrayal, self-destruction, and personal rebirth. The latest single from the German heavy music supergroup is an uncompromising statement of resilience, transforming inner turmoil and emotional scars into a devastating display of modern Metalcore aggression. Featuring members of renowned German acts Any Given Day, Rage, and Betontod, Doomcrusher combine decades of collective experience with a fresh and uncompromising vision. Since their formation, the band has quickly gained momentum within the heavy music scene, amassing more than 2 million streams across digital platforms and establishing themselves as one of the most promising new forces in modern metalcore.

At its core, "Forsaker" is a song about breaking free. It captures the painful realization that some people, relationships, and even parts of ourselves can become toxic enough to hold us captive. Through brutally honest lyrics, the track explores the feeling of being trapped in an endless cycle of self-doubt, chasing shadows while becoming a slave to your own thoughts. What begins as a desperate search for clarity gradually evolves into a declaration of independence, culminating in the track's defining message: Cutting out everything that stands in the way of growth and survival. Musically, "Forsaker" showcases Doomcrusher at their most explosive. Haunting spoken-word passages create an atmosphere of unease before giving way to savage screams, crushing breakdowns, thunderous drums, and razor-sharp riffing. The band's ability to seamlessly blend raw emotion with technical precision results in a track that is as punishing as it is memorable. Every breakdown lands with devastating impact, while intricate guitar work and dynamic songwriting elevate the song beyond pure aggression. Thematically, "Forsaker" represents the moment of reclaiming control. It is about finding the strength to walk away from manipulation, betrayal, and self-destructive patterns. The song does not offer comfort or easy answers—instead, it embraces confrontation, forcing listeners to face their demons head-on and emerge stronger on the other side.

Doomcrusher continue to push their sound forward while remaining firmly rooted in the intensity and authenticity that define them. With "Forsaker," the band delivers one of its most powerful statements to date: A crushing anthem of liberation, determination, and the courage to become your own savior. For fans of Fit For A King, Currents, August Burns Red, Bleed From Within, and As I Lay Dying, "Forsaker" is a devastating soundtrack for anyone who has ever had to sever toxic ties in order to survive.

ARISING EMPIRE MEDIA ALERT: Revnoir Drops New Song

French modern metal force REVNOIR return with their most ambitious release to date: "Alchemised" (Feat. Carpenter Brut), an explosive new single that fuses crushing metalcore, industrial intensity, and an unforgettable chorus destined to stay lodged in listeners' minds long after the final note fades. Elevated by a highly anticipated feature from internationally acclaimed synthwave and dark electronic pioneer Carpenter Brut, "Alchemised" blurs the boundaries between metal, industrial music, and cinematic storytelling. Massive riffs collide with pulsating electronic textures, fractured rhythms, and hypnotic melodies, creating a track that feels equally at home on festival main stages and in neon-lit underground clubs.

Lyrically, "Alchemised" explores obsession, temptation, and transformation. Set against a venomous backdrop of desire and destruction, the song follows two souls caught in a toxic chemistry they cannot escape, drawn together by their flaws, their sins, and their inevitable downfall. REVNOIR channel this emotional chaos into a cathartic anthem, balancing raw aggression with haunting vulnerability. The release is accompanied by a cinematic music video that expands the song's dark universe through striking visuals, immersive storytelling, and a dystopian aesthetic that perfectly mirrors the track's intoxicating atmosphere.

Over the past years, REVNOIR have established themselves as one of the most exciting new names in modern heavy music. The band has amassed a rapidly growing international audience through their unique blend of contemporary metalcore, alternative influences, and cinematic production, earning millions of streams across digital platforms while building a reputation for visually captivating releases and powerful live performances. With Carpenter Brut adding his unmistakable signature to the track, "Alchemised" marks a bold new chapter for REVNOIR. The collaboration unites two boundary-pushing artists from different corners of the heavy and electronic music worlds, resulting in a song that is as addictive as it is devastating. Dark, seductive, and impossible to ignore, "Alchemised" is REVNOIR at their most fearless, a towering collision of metalcore aggression, industrial energy, and cinematic grandeur.

REVNOIR LIVE:
2026:
06/12 — Leeuwarden, FR — Into The Grave Festival
06/21 — Clisson, FR — Hellfest
07/03 — Colombier, CH — Planer Fest
07/26 — Insming, FR — MozHell Open Air
07/30 — Le Garric, FR — Xtreme Fest
08/07 — Cercoux, FR — Festival 666
08/14 — Carhaix, FR — Motocultor Festival
08/22 — Château-Gontier, FR — V and B Fest'
10/03 — Sèvremoine, FR — Mauges Pit Fest
10/16 — Fontenay-sous-Bois, FR — Festival de Marne
10/24 — Chênée, BE — La Guerre des Gaules

2027:
02/04 — Villeurbanne, FR — Transbordeur
02/05 — Strasbourg, FR — La Laiterie
02/06 — Wasquehal, FR — The Black Lab
02/07 — Bruxelles, BE — Le Botanique
02/10 — Lorient, FR — Hydrophone
02/11 — Nantes, FR — Le Ferrailleur
02/12 — Bordeaux, FR — Rock School Barbey
02/13 — Toulouse, FR — Le Rex
02/18 — Reims, FR — La Cartonnerie
02/19 — Rouen, FR — Le 106
02/20 — Paris, FR — Alhambra

Half Me Release "Weather Eye"

With "Weather Eye," Half Me return with one of their most crushing and confrontational tracks to date.

The new single is a suffocating descent into manipulation, blind obedience, and the devastating consequences of placing faith in false idols. Blending relentless aggression with an atmosphere of looming dread, the Hamburg-based metalcore outfit once again prove why they have become one of Europe's most exciting heavy acts.

Lyrically, "Weather Eye" is a direct attack on systems of control and the figures who exploit fear, loyalty, and suffering for their own gain. Lines such as "These saints hold smoking guns" and "No one"s watching over you" dismantle the illusion of protection and expose the hypocrisy hidden behind authority, belief, and power. Throughout the song, feelings of apathy, hopelessness, and inner collapse collide with a growing sense of resistance, ultimately culminating in a violent rejection of those who seek to control others.

Musically, Half Me deliver exactly what fans have come to expect: punishing breakdowns, razor-sharp riffs, oppressive atmosphere, and explosive vocal performances that shift seamlessly between seething tension and outright fury. Every section of "Weather Eye" feels designed to ignite chaos, combining modern metalcore precision with the raw intensity that has become the band's trademark.

Since emerging as one of Germany's fastest-rising heavy exports, Half Me have built a reputation through relentless touring, acclaimed festival appearances, and a string of hard-hitting releases that have resonated far beyond their home country. Sharing stages with some of the biggest names in modern heavy music and steadily expanding their international audience, the band have established themselves as a formidable force within the new wave of European metalcore.

With "Weather Eye," Half Me channel rage, disillusionment, and defiance into a mosh-fueled anthem that refuses to offer comfort or false hope. Instead, the track forces listeners to confront uncomfortable truths, question the narratives they've been fed, and decide for themselves whether they 

HALF ME ARE:
Christopher Zühlke — Vocals
Christopher Hesse — Guitar
Silvan Petersen — Guitar
Tobias Max Sajons — Bass
Maximilian Eisersdorff — Drums

Blood Command Drop Summer Anthem "Flowers To A Knife Fight"

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