Vana Releases New Single and Music Video - "Bleeding Heart"

Auckland-based industrial alt-pop artist Vana returns today with brand new single “Bleeding Heart”, out now via Sumerian Records. Following previous singles “Pray” and “In Your Name”, the release lands at the front end of a stacked US live run, with Vana hitting Riot Fest and Louder Than Life this weekend before joining the returning Hollywood Undead, In This Moment, I See Stars and Melrose Avenue on the returning Taste Of Chaos tour across the US beginning September 22.

Stream “Bleeding Heart” HERE and watch the official music video Below.

Since signing with Sumerian Records in 2025, Vana has been introducing the dark, lore-driven world surrounding her forthcoming debut album. Across “Pray” and “In Your Name” and their accompanying music videos, Vana has paired her signature blend of industrial alt-metal, pop, melodic hooks and visceral breakdowns with an expansive visual mythology rooted in gothic imagery, dark fantasy and the perspective of the misunderstood that Vana has been building across her recent work, opening another window into the lore surrounding her forthcoming debut album.

Inspired by the bleeding heart flower, Lamprocapnos spectabilis, “Bleeding Heart” draws a parallel between the cycle of a flower in bloom and the fragile, finite nature of human emotion. Speaking on her new single, Vana shares

"The song began with the flower itself, "Bleeding Heart" or *Lamprocapnos spectabilis*. This song showcases how feelings grow like flowers do; beautiful but destined to wither. Perhaps that's pessimistic, but flowers blossom just to die in winter, and they do it every year. I think there's a sort of beauty in that. This song and video further explores a world of oppression and betrayal. Adah can't hold us both. Hail Mara."

Earlier this year, Vana completed her first US headline run, The Lady In Red Tour, which sold over 15,000 tickets. Vana also just wrapped a completely sold out Australia tour that included support dates with Ocean Sleeper and also featured 2 sold out headline shows in Sydney & Melbourne, adding to a rapidly growing audience that includes more than 125 million cross-platform streams and over 1.4 million combined followers across TikTok and Instagram.

This weekend, Vana hits Louder Than Life in Louisville on September 18 and Riot Fest in Chicago on September 19 before joining Hollywood Undead and In This Moment on the returning Taste Of Chaos Tour, alongside I See Stars and Melrose Avenue. The 23-date run kicks off September 22 in Charlotte, North Carolina and wraps October 26 in Anaheim, California.

From there, Vana heads overseas for three shows in Japan with DEATHBYROMY and MAZE, before returning stateside for Vans Warped Tour Orlando on November 15. She’ll close out 2026 at Knotfest México in Mexico City on December 5, followed by ShipRocked 2027, sailing from Miami to Roatán and Cozumel January 24-30. For more information and tickets head to Vana's website vanamusicofficial.com

TASTE OF CHAOS TOUR 2026

Co-Headlined By Hollywood Undead & In This Moment

With I See Stars, Vana and Melrose Avenue



9/22 - The Fillmore Charlotte - Charlotte, NC

9/23 - The Ritz - Raleigh, NC

9/25 - The Dome - Virginia Beach, VA

9/26 - The Theatre at Santander Arena - Reading, PA

9/28 - The Fillmore Silver Spring - Silver Spring, MD

9/29 - Palladium - Worcester, MA

9/30 - College Street Music Hall - New Haven, CT

10/3 - The Rave / Eagles Ballroom - Milwaukee, WI

10/6 - GLC Live at 20 Monroe - Grand Rapids, MI

10/8 - Steelhouse Omaha - Omaha, NE

10/9 - Vibrant Music Hall - Waukee, IA

10/11 - Aragon Ballroom - Chicago, IL

10/13 - The Midland Theatre - Kansas City, MO

10/14 - The Factory - Chesterfield, MO

10/16 - House of Blues Houston - Houston, TX

10/17 - The Bomb Factory - Dallas, TX

10/19 - Fillmore Auditorium - Denver, CO

10/20 - Rockwell at The Complex - Salt Lake City, UT

10/21 - Revolution Concert House and Event Center - Garden City, ID

10/22 - Grand Theatre at The Grand Sierra Resort - Reno, NV

10/24 - Harrah’s Ak-Chin - Maricopa, AZ

10/25 - The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas - Las Vegas, NV

10/26 - House of Blues - Anaheim, CA

Additional Live Dates



September 18, 2026 - Louder Than Life - Louisville, KY

September 19, 2026 - Riot Fest - Chicago, IL

October 29, 2026 - Tokyo, Japan w/ DEATHBYROMY & more

October 31, 2026 - Osaka, Japan w/ DEATHBYROMY & MAZE

November 1, 2026 - Tokyo, Japan w/ DEATHBYROMY & MAZE

November 15, 2026 - Vans Warped Tour - Orlando, FL

December 5, 2026 - KNOTFEST México - Mexico City, Mexico

January 24-30, 2027 - ShipRocked - Miami / Roatán / Cozumel

Ando San Signs To Sumerian Records Releases Double A-Side "Hype Man" & "Triggas"

LA born and bred, Ando San has spent his career to date carving out his own lane, fusing introspective hip-hop with intricate progressive metal guitar work. A rapper, producer and accomplished guitarist, his music draws on everything from jazzy boom-bap to instrumental math rock, resulting in a sound that's as technically ambitious as it is emotionally honest. 

Sumerian Records are proud to announce his signing. The signing marks a significant milestone for one of alternative music's most distinctive emerging voices. Speaking of joining the label, Ando says, “I am incredibly stoked to be a part of the Sumerian family. This is a huge moment for me, I have been a fan of this label since I was 15/16 years old and it's honestly insane to say that I am now signed by them. It's been a long time coming and this is only the beginning. I’m bringing the heat.”

His first releases for the label, arriving hot on the heels of his recent feature on ‘Hate Figure’ on the PRESIDENT album, in the form of a double A-side, ‘Hype Man’ & ‘Triggas’.

“Honestly, when I was writing ‘Hype Man’ I was incredibly inspired by “Dark Throne”, he shares. “Specifically the guitar riffs from their record “Ravishing Grimness”. Really dope album and one of my faves from “Dark Throne”. I thought it would be cool to start the song with a black metal vibe and then lead into a heavy beat. I named it “Hype Man” because at the time of recording the song I needed to hype myself up. I’m usually alone in my room making these songs and this one in particular needed that energy! I feel like you need to be your own personal “Hype Man” to get through things when you really don’t have anybody around to pump you up. It’s a super power!” 

Of ‘Triggas’, he reveals, “This song is about my triggers. I have a lot of trauma. Been through many things in my life and one thing that has helped me get through those hard moments is recognising my triggers. I think triggers could be a hindrance to a person's growth. I feel like it has stunted me for some time and I recognise that the things that do trigger me are personal traumas that I have experienced in my life. Coming to terms with that has taught me many things about myself. It has taught me to see when a trigger is coming, to know how to act when I'm triggered and to let the trigger pass. We all have our own personal triggers. It's important to understand why it's triggering you and to learn to work past those triggers. I think a lot of my music is just a molten pot of all my favourite genres. The song is synth heavy with a dope UK style drill hip-hop beat with metal guitars. Literally just doing whatever sounds sick. The most important thing for me is to be artistically authentic to myself. I have to be honest about who I am as a person to get to the originality I am constantly searching for.”

Ando San hits the UK for the first time later this month, supporting Don Broco, as well as ending the run with a London headliner. Following that, he'll be on tour across North America with Periphery beginning in late October (tickets here).

FORTHCOMING SHOWS 

SEPTEMBER 

27: WATFORD Colosseum ^ 

28: LINCOLN Engine Shed ^ 

29: SHEFFIELD Octagon Centre ^ 

OCTOBER 

01: EDINBURGH Corn Exchange ^ 

02: MANCHESTER Academy ^ 

03: LIVERPOOL Guild of Students ^ 

04: NEWCASTLE O2 City Hall ^ 

06: CAMBRIDGE Corn Exchange ^ 

07: BIRMINGHAM O2 Academy ^ 

08: PORTSMOUTH Guildhall ^ 

10: NORWICH University of East Anglia ^ 

11: FOLKESTONE Leas Cliff Hall ^ 

12: LONDON HERE at Outernet ^ 

13: LEEDS Testbed ^ 

14: BRISTOL The Prospect Building ^ 

16: LONDON The Lower Third (SOLD OUT) 

22: PHILADELPHIA (PA) The Fillmore * 

23: WORCESTER (MA) The Palladium * 

24: SILVER SPRING (MD) The Fillmore * 

26: TORONTO (ON) History * 

27: MONTREAL (QC) MTELUS * 

29: MCKEES ROCKS (PA) Roxian Theatre * 

30: CHICAGO (IL) Ramova Theatre * 

31: MINNEAPOLIS (MN) The Fillmore * 

NOVEMBER 

02: DENVER (CO) Fillmore Auditorium * 

03: SALT LAKE CITY (UT) The Union Event Center * 

05: PORTLAND (OR) Roseland Theater * 

06: SEATTLE (WA) Moore Theatre * 

08: SACRAMENTO (CA) Channel 24 * 

10: ANAHEIM (CA) House of Blues * 

11: PHOENIX (AZ) The Van Buren * 

13: SAN ANTONIO (TX) Boeing Center at Tech Port * 

14: DALLAS (TX) The Studio at The Bomb Factory * 

16: ST. PETERSBURG (FL) Jannus Live * 

17: ATLANTA (GA) Tabernacle * 

18: RALEIGH (NC) The Ritz * 

^ w/ Don Broco 

* w/ Periphery

ALBUM RELEASE: Zahna Releases New Album 'Break or Breakthrough'

Mexican-born heavy rock artist Zahna has released her new album, Break or Breakthrough, out now via XOVR Records, the label founded by Brian “Head” Welch of Korn. The ten-track record is Zahna’s third full-length studio album and her first full album release through XOVR. Listen to Break or Breakthrough HERE and watch an album sampler Below.

Produced and mixed by Kellen McGregor of Memphis May Fire, with co-writing and associate production from Cory Brunnemann of Through Arteries and mastering by Ted Jensen of Sterling Sound, Break or Breakthrough is the record that comes after survival.

Where Zahna's 2023 album Stronger Than Death was shaped by her near-terminal battle with kidney failure and subsequent transplant, Break or Breakthrough begins in the aftermath. The years that followed brought pandemic isolation, medical bills and financial pressure, lost momentum, family grief, betrayal, damaged relationships and faith pushed hard against its limits. Across the album, Zahna turns that fallout into ten tracks of hard rock force, metalcore intensity, dark pop atmosphere and ferocious vocal power, moving through rage and forgiveness, destruction and deliverance, grief and love, and the brutal work of rebuilding a life once the immediate fight to survive is over.

Sharing his thoughts on Zahna's album release, Brian 'Head' Welch says

"We are so happy for Zahna as she finally releases Break or Breakthrough to the world! This isn’t just another album title. Zahna and her team literally lived through it.

While facing so many obstacles, heartbreaks, and difficult moments while putting this album together, Zahna had every reason to break to pieces and give up. Instead, she chose to push through the pain and turn it into something powerful.

I have so much respect for Zahna and crew, and I can’t wait for the world to hear this amazing work of art!"

Speaking on the her journey creating Break or Breakthrough, Zahna shares:

“Two years of work, thousands of lessons, and one great adventure culminated into this moment. 'Break or Breakthrough' will always be the stone in the slingshot. I can’t wait to see the ceilings it will shatter, and the walls it will bring down.”

The album’s emotional and spiritual extremes have been revealed piece by piece throughout its release campaign. “Defiler”, featuring Brian “Head” Welch of Korn, introduced one of its darkest confrontations with spiritual corruption. “The Archer” arrived as a battle cry for truth, justice and the reckoning that follows when evil can no longer hide. On title track “Break or Breakthrough”, the fight turned inward as Zahna explored a damaged relationship finding its way back through vulnerability, humility, grace and forgiveness.

Most recently, “Love & Loss” pulled the record into its rawest territory. Written following the sudden death of Zahna’s father-in-law, a major musical mentor to both Zahna her husband and drummer Patrick Madsen, the song sits inside the disorientation of grief and the questions that surface when loss shakes the foundations of everything you believe.

Patrick Madsen plays drums throughout Break or Breakthrough, making the record an intensely personal collaboration as well as a musical one. Together with Kellen McGregor and Cory Brunnemann, Zahna built an album where its considerable weight never comes at the expense of melody, detail or emotional precision.

“Defiler” has also carried Zahna’s momentum deep into active rock, earning support across SiriusXM Octane, Music Choice, HardDrive Radio and stations across the country. The track remained on the active rock chart for over a month and reached the Top 20 on SiriusXM Octane.

With more than 20 million streams already to her name, Break or Breakthrough arrives at the point where Zahna’s intensely personal world is connecting with an increasingly broad heavy music audience.

ABOUT ZAHNA

Zahna is a heavy rock artist, vocalist, guitarist, songwriter and vocal coach whose music combines hard-hitting rock, metalcore intensity, dark pop atmosphere and deeply personal storytelling. First emerging as the vocalist of alt-rock band ILIA, she launched her solo career with Red For War and later released 2023’s Stronger Than Death, an album shaped by her experience surviving a near-terminal battle with kidney failure.

Her new album, Break or Breakthrough, will be released September 4 via XOVR Records, the label founded by Brian “Head” Welch of Korn. Produced and mixed by Kellen McGregor of Memphis May Fire, with co-writing and associate production from Cory Brunnemann of Through Arteries, the album explores spiritual warfare, endurance, freedom and the possibility of life after crisis.

Zahna has amassed over 20 million streams and continues to build growing support across SiriusXM Octane, Music Choice, HardDrive Radio and active rock radio. Beyond music, she is a vocal coach, a passionate advocate for those living with chronic illness, and an artist whose work pulls from faith, anime, literature, gaming and visual storytelling. Across every chapter,Zahna’s mission remains clear: to create songs with substance, honesty and enough fire to help people keep going.

156/Silence Unleashes New Album 'From A Distance' and Release Album Title Track Featuring Alex Reade of Make Them Su

It's a great day for 156/Silence fans! Today, the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania atmospheric metalcore powerhouse has released their new album 'From A Distance' via Pure Noise Records. 'From A Distance' is the quintet's sixth full-length and their most recent album release since 2024's critically acclaimed 'People Watching'. In celebration of today's news, the band has dropped the official music video for the album title track "From A Distance" featuring the inimitable Alex Reade of Make Them Suffer, who also appears in the video. When asked about the inspiration behind the song, the band shared:

"Love. Love is the most important thing in the world no matter what. Through all the bad and evil, there will always be more good. Even if it’s from a distance, the love we share is worth more than anything."

'From A Distance' is available now on all streaming platforms at the link here.                                                   Watch the "From A Distance (ft. Alex Reade)" music video below.

Having recently wrapped the 'It's Not You, It's Me' tour with Chiodos just last week, 156/Silence will next kick off their 'From A Distance'US headlining tour with Aviana, Heavensgate, and Fromjoy as support. The 20-date headlining run begins next Wednesday, September 9, in Worcester, Massachusetts, and concludes in the band's hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, October 3. During the headliner, the band will also be bringing the heat at this year's Louder Than Life festival on Sunday, September 20. Never ones to rest on their laurels, 156/Silence will then cross the pond to hit the road on the EU/UK Flowers Tour with The Devil Wears Prada in October, and kick off the new year touring Australia alongside Thrown in February 2027. Dates are already selling out, so be sure to get your tickets at the link here before it's too late.

'From A Distance Tour' US Headlining Dates with Aviana, Heavensgate & Fromjoy:

Wed Sep 9 - Worcester, MA @ Palladium Upstairs - Sold Out

Thu Sep 10 - Brooklyn, NY @ The Meadows - Selling Fast

Fri Sep 11 - Philadelphia, PA @ The Foundry @ The Fillmore - Sold Out

Sat Sep 12 - Baltimore, MD @ Soundstage - Selling Fast

Sun Sep 13 - Richmond, VA @ Canal Club - Selling Fast

Tue Sep 15 - Durham, NC @ Motorco Music Hall - Selling Fast

Wed Sep 16 - Atlanta, GA @ Terminal West

Thu Sep 17 - Winter Park, FL @ The Conduit - Sold Out

Fri Sep 18 - Jacksonville, FL @ Albatross

Sat Sep 19 - Greenville, SC @ Radio Room - Selling Fast

Tue Sep 22 - Dallas, TX @ Puzzles Deep Ellum - Selling Fast

Wed Sep 23 - San Antonio, TX @ The Rock Box

Fri Sep 25 - Mesa, AZ @ Rosetta Room - Sold Out

Sat Sep 26 - Santa Ana, CA @ The Observatory - Selling Fast

Sun Sep 27 - Sacramento, CA @ Goldfield Trading Post - Selling Fast

Tue Sep 29 - Denver, CO @ Marquis Theater - Sold Out

Wed Sep 30 - Kansas City, MO @ RecordBar - Selling Fast

Thu Oct 01 - Chicago, IL @ Reggies Rock Club - Selling Fast

Fri Oct 02 - Detroit, MI @ TSDMAAC (Sanctuary) - Selling Fast

Sat Oct 03 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Preserving - Selling Fast

Louder Than Life Festival 2026

Sep 20 — Louisville, KY — Kentucky Expo Center

EU/UK Flowers Tour Dates with The Devil Wears Prada, Novelists and Oversize:

Oct 7 - Munchen, DE @ Backstage - Low Tickets

Oct 8 - Wiesbaden, DE @ Schlachthof

Oct 9 - Hamburg, DE @ Docks

Oct 10 - Eindhoven, NL @ Effenar

Oct 12 - Vienna, AT @ Simm City - Low Tickets

Oct 13 - Leipzig, DE @ Felsenkeller

Oct 14 - Prague, CZ @ Archa+

Oct 16 - Cologne, DE @ E-Werk - Low Tickets

Oct 17 - Antwerp, BE @ Zappa

Oct 18 - Paris, FR @ Élysée Montmartre - Low Tickets

Oct 20 - Bristol, UK @ Electric

Oct 21 - Leeds, UK @ Project House

Oct 23 - London, UK @ Electric Brixton

Oct 24 - Manchester, UK @ New Century Hall - Low Tickets

Oct 25 - Birmingham, UK @ Institute 1

AU Tour Dates with Thrown, Boundaries and Volatile Ways:

Feb 3 - Perth, AU @ Freo Social

Feb 5 - Adelaide, AU @ The Gov - Final Tickets

Feb 7 - Melbourne, AU @ Forum - Final Tickets

Feb 10 - Canberra, AU @ UC Hub

Feb 11 - Sydney, AU @ Liberty Hall - Final Tickets

Feb 12 - Newcastle, AU @ King St Bandroom

Feb 13 - Brisbane, AU @ The Tivoli - Final Tickets

ABOUT 156/SILENCE

156/Silence makes intense, foreboding, and haunting music. Their songs are cinematic, blending brutality with intellect. They draw on real and imagined terror, all woven into melody and power. Vocalist and lyricist Jack Murray, guitarist and primary songwriter Jimmy Howell, guitarist Ryan Wilkinson, drummer Kyle O’Connell, and bassist Mike Ernst form a formidable unit, forged through shared passions and losses since the band’s earliest incarnation first formed in Pittsburgh in 2015. 

2024’s crowd pleaser, People Watching, was a watershed moment, boasting breakout anthems “Better Written Villain” and “Character Development (Cold Start).” Distorted Sound wrote, “There is enough in the band’s repertoire to not only keep you entertained but also keep you guessing.”

From a Distance, its spiritual sequel and the band’s first album with Pure Noise Records, ups the ante with gut-wrenching depth and atmosphere. Their sixth album is dark and ponderous yet triumphantly self-assured. (It follows the devastating standalone single “Our Parting Ways,” released in 2025 in loving tribute to longtime bassist Lukas Booker, who passed away unexpectedly earlier that year.)

The group’s reputation as a live force of nature was earned on the road, where they deliver audience connection and sonic devastation while touring with the likes of The Devil Wears Prada, Chiodos, Fit For A King, Counterparts, Silent Planet, and The Acacia Strain, among other contemporaries. 

Produced by Josh Schroeder (King 810, Lorna Shore, The Plot In You), From a Distance finds 156/Silence heavy as hell, while leaning into atmosphere, mood, and emotional impact even harder. The group reverently namechecks classic game scores like Resident Evil and Silent Hill, and the heady concepts of prestige TV like Twin Peaks (a sample from Apple TV’s Severance opens the album). 

Murray’s lyrics remain keenly observational, personal, and incisive. From a Distance serves as a bold thematic companion to its predecessor. While earlier records often documented tension at close range, From a Distance observes from a wider vantage point, examining social behavior, celebrity worship, intrusive thoughts, and interpersonal connection with steely focus. 

That authenticity is crucial to the band’s ever-growing audience.  

No two 156/Silence albums are alike, from the unhinged frenetic chaos of Undercover Scumbag (2018) to the gloriously savage and technical Irrational Pull (2020), which Metal Hammer likened to Converge and Botch. The diverse ruminations found in Narrative(2022) took things even further. BrooklynVegan called that album “bolder and richer” and “an exciting step forward for [the] band.” 

People Watching continued the prolific outfit’s tradition of steadfast evolution and innovation. Revolver praised the dark melodic edge of the Animal Farm-inspired “Better Written Villain,” declaring, “156/Silence may have just penned an instant classic of their own canon.” 

As Howell points out, they’d never really tried singing choruses and hooks prior to People Watching. “It went so well that we decided to double down on that.” From a Distance also features guest appearances from some formidable vocalists: Mike Hranica of The Devil Wears Prada, Alex Reade of Make Them Suffer, and Tony Castrati of Crippling Alcoholism. It also cranks up the soundscapes. 

“I look toward bands we love that grew with their listeners, like Thrice and Bring Me The Horizon,” Howell says of their continuing creative mission. “They have a sound, but they grow and change. Some bands are comfortable repeating the same thing again. I don’t want to do that. I want to make you feel the way you do when you hear one of those important bands, without sounding like them.”

Murray describes the title track as “a love song” and “probably the most Twin Peaks-inspired song.”

From a Distance cuts deeper into People Watching’s lyrical heart. “Proxy Idols” tackles celebrity worship. “Order & Entropy”contemplates maintaining focus amid the utter devastation of things falling apart. “Swept from Under (Call of the Void)” sees Murraywrestling with intrusive thoughts. “They tell you to hurt yourself, even when you don’t feel bad,” he says. “It’s just the ever-looming shadow of weird and intrusive thoughts, and negativity, of just being swept from under by the void.” 

From straightforward hard rock to synth-heavy experimentation and all the way back to the band’s deadly mathcore roots, 156/Silencehave established themselves as unbound by any genre limitation. 

“We could go anywhere now, and that’s the goal,” Howell says. “Nothing is ever off the table.” 

Clutch Release New Single "The Drifter Returns"

Clutch have released their new single, “The Drifter Returns”, accompanied by an official lyric video. Stream the song HERE and watch the lyric video below.

More soon.

We Came As Romans Unveil "red smoke ○ " Feat. HEAVENSGATE

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

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

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

Of the project, We Came As Romans shared:

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

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

ABOUT WE CAME AS ROMANS

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

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

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

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

We Came As Romans Are



Dave Stephens - Vocals

Joshua Moore - Guitar

Lou Cotton - Guitar

Andy Glass - Bass

David Puckett - Drums

Hollow Pact Unleash New Single "Witchking" And Official Music Video via Sumerian Records

Rising hard rock outfit Hollow Pact have today unleashed their latest rager "Witchking" and the official music video. Prior to today, the band dropped "Tear", their first release via their new label home, Sumerian Records. When asked about the inspiration behind "Witchking", the band commented:

"'Witchking' represents that moment when you are watching somebody collect an unwarranted sympathy after they were the cause of another persons suffering and pain. Its about the frustration it feels to witness their dishonest feelings on display as they allow themselves to fall into the hands of a story that no one knows the other side of."

Hollow Pact will be hitting the road this Saturday, August 29 with Royale Lynn, and again starting Thursday, November 19 supporting Of Mice & Men. Stream "Witchking" at the link here, and watch the official music video below.

Tour Dates with Royale Lynn:

8/29 Albuquerque, NM

8/30 Phoeinix, AZ

9/3 Henderson NV

9/5 Denver, CO 

Tour Dates with Of Mice & Men:

11/19 Santa Ana, CA @ The Observatory 

11/20 San Diego, CA @ House of Blues 

11/21 Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades 

Holding Absence Release Album Title Track "Modern Life Is Lonely" And Official Video via Sumerian Records

South Wales trio Holding Absence have released their new single, ‘Modern Life Is Lonely’, the title track for their forthcoming fourth album which is due out on September 18th via new label partner Sumerian Records. 

Speaking of the single, vocalist Lucas Woodland shares, “After the release of our album was pushed back a few weeks, we knew we had to offer something special to our fans to tide them over until the new release day... And what better song to do that than the title track! 

Modern Life Is Lonely - the song - is steeped in Lofi, whilst still being able to juxtapose itself against one of the heaviest moments in our discography. We're hoping this'll get people even more excited for the whole record to drop in just under a month!” 

At a time in society when connection appears to be at its most prominent, yet those within are more stranded than ever before, the art being produced must reflect reality rather than possibility.

For Lucas Woodland, such a call to arms lined up perfectly with the position that he and his band Holding Absence found themselves in. And with their fourth full-length offering, they have made something that speaks directly to the seemingly universal experience of loneliness in 2026. 

Serving as a reference, and in many ways an update on the state of things, to Blur’s 1993 album ‘Modern Life Is Rubbish’, ‘Modern Life Is Lonely’ strives to capture the essence of what it means to be in a moment in time that is as complex as it is heart-wrenching captive. An introspective look at the assets and practices that have become part of the external every day, in some cases against our will or under our noses, that perfectly distils how it feels to be so connected yet so desolate. Less timeless and more timely, it is a record that strives to offer up solace as much as document how sensationally bizarre life is right now. 

“This album was really the first time that I thought, ‘Let’s speak about the world that I live in, rather than the world that I am,” Lucascomments. “It’s no longer like a therapy class; a bunch of strangers are no longer turning up to Existentials Anonymous. In theory, everyone knows me now; they’ve heard my journey, but I’m still struggling in this big, bad world. It doesn’t matter how much enlightenment you can find within yourself; the world is still a scary place right now.” 

For Lucas, it really is a shift in perspective, especially considering just how much of himself has been poured into Holding Absence over the last decade. Through the trilogy of albums - 2019’s ‘Holding Absence’, 2021’s ‘The Greatest Mistake Of My Life’ and 2023’s ‘The Noble Art Of Self Destruction’ – they have been able to travel the world, share stages with their heroes, and carve out the sort of legacy that you only get when you tap into a certain strain of emotion. But in bringing the curtain down on that particular chapter, it became imperative to start to channel things from a different source. 

So, instead of pushing these feelings solely through himself, the band set out to craft an individual who could embody these experiences. That is Y4-BBO, as much a mascot for the band as a physical manifestation of the technological confusion that bolsters this era. His existence and presence allow the record to have a dual concept of sorts, with his own story enveloped within these extraordinary songs. Oh, and his helmet, seen on the album’s cover art, was made by the same people who built the Cybermen for Doctor Who, which, in itself, is an incredible dedication to detail. 

Much of that question also extends to how Holding Absence sounds on this record as well. In stepping back and re-evaluating what this band actually is, they saw that it was less about noise and more about language. There is an infinite number of ways that they could be speaking, but, up till now, they hadn’t had the time or space to utilise them. So rather than stepping on the well worn path of yesterday, Lucas – alongside guitarist Scott Carey and bassist Benjamin Elliot – strived to showcase just how vibrant, vast and viscerally otherworldly they could be. 

Pulling influence from the chaotic boldness of hyper-pop and ethereal tranquillity of lo-fi whilst still keeping plenty of post-hardcore grit at their heart, and taking inspiration from other boundary-destroying artists around them such as Julia Wolf and Paledusk, the result is as exploratory as it is emphatic.

Instead of sticking to standard linear songcraft, time was spent chopping up and changing parts of songs, slowing and reverbing as much as speeding up and smashing them together. Soft textures and pattering synths clash gleefully with euphoric bursts of kinetic energy in ways that feel both beautifully familiar and unfathomably fresh. 

With Daniel Braunstein on production duties, serving as the first British band he has worked with, it is a combination of two monikers of the scene doing something completely different to what is expected of them. 

And at a time when alternative music is being consumed and manipulated by technology, remembering what it means to dig deeper into the unknown has never been more crucial. 

“We pushed ourselves in ways that we’d never had before, while maintaining what that language of Holding Absence is. We’ll be introducing people to new sounds, and that’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. But also, I think everything should inspire something, and with this record, as pretty famous victims of what AI is capable of, I wanted to do shit that no AI idiot would ever try and do, or even understand how to do. We’re at a new frontier where things are changing very fast, and we don’t know what this horrible sort of change entails for us. But where we are right now is essentially at a point of instinctive rebellion against that, and I’m intrigued about what comes next with that.” 

And that mindset extended into the lyrical turns that Lucas chose to take as well. In attempting to look beyond what was happening in his head and his heart, he looked up at the skies, at the unequivocal vastness and unlimited potential of space. The stars above our heads are beautiful, yet daunting. The question of whether there is someone or something more than us out there is drenched in as much wonder as it is terror. 

There is a duality to our existence, and the same sense of the pendulum swinging between two very different, but similarly critical, points. We are surrounded by so much hope, but that loneliness is just as close to everything we do, and such a juxtaposition played into the songwriting in a big way. 

In being the longest that the band have worked on a record in their whole career, two and a half years of solid writing, demoing and crafting, it has allowed Lucas the chance to really pinpoint every aspect of what it means to exist at this pivotal moment in history, and then some. 

“Over the last two and a half years, I’ve gone through so much internally in regards to hopelessness, loneliness and fear of failure, and I think this album really is like a resistance to that. There’s an awareness of self in here now. It’s almost cynical, but it is also realistic. I say this every time, but I truly mean it. This album could have just not happened. But I have such a deep yearning for this life and this art form of storytelling that I have to do it. I just can’t not.” 

To be a decade in and still respecting and responding to that desire to keep on searching is something that doesn’t come easy, but it is what makes Holding Absence a band unlike any other. With ‘Modern Life Is Lonely’, they have expanded on everything they once were and done so in a manner that is as undeniable as it is unstoppable. 

“I think that we are now in the arc in our career where we could fall the hell off or we could cling on for dear life, and sort of dwindle and fade away,” Lucas muses in conclusion. “Yet, I think we’ve done neither of those things. I think that we’ve been as rebellious as we’ve been respectful of our band, and we’ve managed to hold that line. I’m not a kid anymore, and I don’t want just to be doing the same stuff over and over again. So, it’s really special to me that we’ve nailed something very unique that is bigger than our band. Bigger than all of us.”

Holding Absence will soon be hitting the road across the US on a co-headlining tour with Arm's Length starting on September 19, with Bloom and House & Home as support. The band will also be performing at Louder Than Life and Aftershock on September 18 and October 1 respectively. For ticket information, please click here.

Upcoming Holding Absence Dates:

09.18 — Louisville, KY — Louder Than Life*

09.19 — St. Louis, MO — The Sovereign

09.20 — Chicago, IL — Riot Fest

09.22 — Grand Rapids, MI — Intersection

09.24 — Minneapolis, MN — Varsity

09.25 — Lawrence, KS — Granada

09.26 — Ft Collins, CO — Washington's

09.27 — Colorado Springs, CO — Black Sheep

09.29 — Las Vegas, NV — Area15

09.30 — Pomona, CA — Glass House

10.01 — Sacramento, CA — Aftershock*

10.02 — Los Angeles, CA — The Regent Theater

10.04 — Albuquerque, NM — Sunshine Theater

10.06 — San Antonio, TX — Paper Tiger

10.07 — Houston, TX — Warehouse Live

10.09 — Jacksonville, FL — Five

10.10 — Greensboro, NC — The Pyrle

10.11 — Allentown, PA — Archer Music Hall

10.13 — New York, NY — Irving Plaza

10.14 — Worcester, MA — The Palladium

10.15 — Pittsburgh, PA — Roxian

10.17 — Nashville, TN — Ceremony Fest

*Holding Absence only

HOLDING ABSENCE is: 

Lucas Woodland - Vocals

Scott Carey - Guitar/Vocals

Benjamin Elliott - Bass

Ryan Perdz Releases Debut Album 'Can't Cry' And New Music Video For "Blood On My Love" via Big Machine Rock

New York singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Ryan Perdz has released his debut album 'Can't Cry' via Big Machine Rock. In celebration, Perdz has dropped his latest music video for the track "Blood On My Love" off the full-length. Leading up to today, Perdz shared "Sour", "Heavy Eyes" and most recently, a fresh reimagination of "Time to Pretend". Speaking about the inspiration behind "Blood On My Love", he commented:

"'Blood On My Love' is a song about the consequences of loving the wrong person. You wish it never happened, but all you can do is move on, even if you’re covered in regret.” 

Fans will soon have their chance to see Perdz hit the road on the '20 Years Unplugged' tour across the US with labelmate multi-GRAMMY® award-nominated, multi-platinum rock band Daughtry. The run kicks off on Monday, October 12 in Troy, New York, and wraps in Dallas, Texas, on Saturday, November 14 (ticket info here). 'Can't Cry' is available now on all streaming platforms at the link here, and watch the official music video for "Blood On My Love" below.

20 Years Unplugged Tour Dates:

October 12 | Troy, NY | Troy Savings Bank Music Hall

October 13 | Beverly, MA | The Cabot

October 15 | Uncasville, CT | Mohegan Sun Arena

October 16 | Waterloo, NY | The Vine Showroom at del Lago Resort & Casino

October 17 | Atlantic City, NJ | Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino Resort

October 20 | Huntington, NY | The Paramount

October 21 | Englewood, NJ | Bergen Performing Arts Center

October 23 | Danville, VA | The Pantheon at Caesars Virginia

October 24 | Florence, KY | Turfway Park Event Center

October 26 | Greensburg, PA | The Palace Theatre

October 27 | Wheeling, WV | Capitol Theatre

October 29 | Nashville, IN | Brown County Music Center

October 31 | Omaha, NE | The Astro Theater

November 1 | Des Moines, IA | Hoyt Sherman Place

November 3 | Kansas City, MO | Uptown Theater

November 4 | Oklahoma City, OK | The Criterion

November 7 | Las Vegas, NV | Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort

November 8 | Napa, CA | Uptown Theatre Napa

November 10 | Anaheim, CA | Grove of Anaheim

November 11 | Tucson, AZ | Fox Tucson Theatre

November 13 | San Antonio, TX | The Aztec Theatre

November 14 | Dallas, TX | Majestic Theatre

ABOUT RYAN PERDZ

Ryan Perdz is a 25-year-old singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist from Buffalo, NY. Raised on his grandparents’ family farm, he began teaching himself guitar at age ten and expanded into bass, violin, and mandolin, developing a hands-on approach to songwriting and arrangement.

Influenced by artists such as Nirvana, Chris Cornell, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Led Zeppelin, Perdz channels the emotional weight of 90s rock through a modern lens, balancing grit with melody. His music often explores isolation, self-doubt, and perseverance, delivered with a clarity that feels lived-in rather than ornamental.

After independently releasing multiple singles and his First Sight EP an racking up tens of millions of views across social media, Perdz cultivated a loyal audience through consistent self-directed output. In 2025, he signed with Big Machine Rock and began recording his debut full-length album. His growing catalogue of original music has generated millions of streams, and his audience continues to expand across digital platforms.

As he prepares to unveil his debut album, Ryan Perdz stands positioned at the forefront of a new generation of rock artists shaped by both digital culture and classic influences.

Ice Nine Kills To Score “Terror Tram Starring Art The Clown” For Halloween Horror Nights

Ice Nine Kills will bring their collision of razor-edged heavy music, horror, and theatrical scale to Universal Studios Hollywood this fall with new music for “Terror Tram starring Art the Clown” at Halloween Horror Nightswhich opens Thursday, September 3, and runs select nights through Sunday, November 1. Fans can purchase tickets HERE.

The infamous Terror Tram returns with all-new host, Art the Clown in “Terror Tram starring Art the Clown.” When the demented killer arrives at the historic Universal backlot with his blood-soaked bag of presents, he realizes it is too early for Christmas and hijacks the tram for his own holiday celebration. Ice Nine Kills will create new music for the experience, putting a dark twist on classic Christmas songs. In addition, guests who think they escaped Art’s chaos on the backlot may find themselves encountering him throughout the theme park as he lurks in the most unsuspecting of places. 

The pairing brings Ice Nine Kills back into Art’s orbit following “A Work of Art,” their official song from Terrifier 3. Its blood-soaked music video debuted alongside the movie in theatres nationwide, while the track has run up nearly 60 million streams;it debuted at No. 3 and spent 18 weeks on Billboard’s Hot Hard Rock Songs chart. 

Speaking on today’s announcement, Ice Nine Kills frontman Spencer Charnas shares 

“We are forever honored that Terrifier writer/director Damien Leone and his team invited us to play in their sandbox of bloodshed. Art himself, David Howard Thornton, killed it in the ‘A Work of Art’ music video, and we’ve had Damien and several of his cast members at our Silver Scream Cons every year so far. Halloween Horror Nights is among our favorite destinations each season, and our fans love it, too. This is yet another natural step forward in our unnatural world of horror.” 

ce Nine Kills have since carved through more of modern horror’s biggest worlds with “Twisting The Knife (feat. Mckenna Grace),” heard over the closing credits of Scream 7, “Hell or High Slaughter (Grave Diggler Pt. 2)” from Ready or Not 2: Here I Come and “Play Dead,” created for Dead by Daylight’s 10th anniversary alongside an in-game Ice Nine Kills Collection.

That franchise streak has arrived alongside some of the biggest musical milestones of the band’s career. Their single “A Grave Mistake”, inspired by The Crow, was officially certified Gold by the RIAA; “Twisting The Knife (feat. Mckenna Grace)”became Ice Nine Kills’ first No. 1 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart. The track also topped Billboard’s Hot Hard Rock Songs and Hard Rock Digital Song Sales charts and has garnered 35 million cross-platform streams to date.

Now, twenty years after the release of their first album, Ice Nine Kills will put a new soundtrack beneath the screams on Universal Studios Hollywood’s historic backlot, with Art the Clown in control and Christmas arriving very, very early.

Weathers Drop New Single "Antidote" And Official Music Video via Big Machine Rock

Alt-rock powerhouse Weathers have released their latest banger "Antidote" and the official video. Prior to today, the band dropped "Happy Pills (Higher Dose)", breathing new life into the fan-favorite track "Happy Pills" (via Big Machine Rock). Speaking about the inspiration behind their release, the band shared:

“‘Antidote’ reflects personal experiences with having too much fun to the point of going off the rails. And then finding yourself unable to help yourself, therefore needing someone to help pick you back up even though you’ve hurt them during your downward spiral. We realized early on that the demo of this song captured a sense of vulnerability that couldn’t be recreated leading to most of the song being the original cuts including the vocals.”

Fans will have their chance to see the quartet tear up the stage across the US alongside alt-pop duo VOILÀ and Ella Red, on the theatrically immersive 'Moonbloom' tour, featuring aerial acts, sword swallowers, magicians, and jugglers. The tour kicks off on Tuesday, October 27 in Los Angeles, California at The Fonda, with No Love For The Middle Child joining the lineup for that evening only (ticket info here). Stream "Antidote" here, watch the video below, and keep 'em peeled for more Weathers news coming soon.

Upcoming Weathers US Tour Dates:

Tue 10/27 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Fonda

Thu 10/29 - Phoenix, AZ @ The Nile Theater

Sat 10/31 - Dallas, TX @ House of Blues

Mon 11/2 - Nashville, TN @ Brooklyn Bowl

Tue 11/3 - Atlanta @ The Masquerade*

Wed 11/4 - Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore

Fri 11/6 - Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer

Sat 11/7 - New York, NY @ Irving Plaza

Sun 11/8 - Boston, MA @ Royale

Wed 11/11 - Detroit, MI @ St. Andrews

Thu 11/12 - Chicago, IL @ House of Blues

Sun 11/15 - Denver, CO @ Summit Music Hall

Tue 11/17 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Urban Lounge*

Fri 11/20 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Whisky*

ABOUT WEATHERS

Southern California-based alternative rock band Weathers — lead singer/frontman Cameron Boyer, guitarist Cameron Olsen and bassist Brennen Bates — have been consistently creating finely crafted introspective pop songs heavily inspired by the counter-culture of the 80s and 90s since forming in 2015. The band makes music that speaks to those among us who tend to forget that, regardless of outward appearances, everyone is struggling with something and that no one is alone. Weathers’ story is a tale of growing up, of coming into one’s own, and includes themes of depression or anxiety and the often difficult maintenance of mental health.

They first grabbed listeners' attention with 2016's "Happy Pills," which peaked at number 21 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart. Initially, vocalist Boyer and guitarist Olsen met in 2012 while attending a battle of the bands in the Los Angeles suburb of Manhattan Beach. By 2015, they had formed Weathers, recruiting bassist Bates. Signing with RCA Records, they released their debut single, "I Don't Wanna Know," a swaggeringly moody song that drew comparisons to Walk the Moon and The Neighbourhood. Fans followed, and in March 2016 they landed a slot at SXSW. Their follow-up single, "Happy Pills," garnered the band even more attention, becoming the most added track to rock radio in July 2016. In 2018, they issued the Kids in the Night EP, featuring the single "1983."

Zahna Drops Latest Single & Music Video "Love & Loss"

Heavy rock artist Zahna has released her new single “Love & Loss”, taken from her upcoming album Break or Breakthrough, set for release September 4 via XOVR Records, the label founded by Brian “Head” Welch of Korn. Stream “Love & Loss” HERE and watch the accompanying video Below.

Following the spiritual confrontation “Defiler”, the sharpened battle cry of “The Archer” and the hard-won restoration of “Break or Breakthrough”, “Love & Loss” is the fourth single released from her upcoming album and pulls Zahna into one of the album’s most vulnerable spaces. Built on the ache of sudden grief and the exhaustion that follows a year of relentless personal upheaval, the track finds her standing in the wreckage, staring into the void, and asking the questions that faith does not always answer neatly. Written after the sudden passing of Zahna’s father-in-law, the song traces the shockwaves that move through a family after loss, when the foundations shift, certainty starts to fracture, and even survival begins to feel like something that has to be questioned before it can be chosen again.

Speaking on the track, Zahna shares:

“Love & Loss" is a song about being in so much pain you begin to question everything you believe, and start to look outwardly for the answers instead of inwardly. I wrote the song about my Father-in-law who passed away very suddenly. I saw how the fall out of him leaving the earth, shook the foundation for so many of us in the family. That same year, all hell broke loose in so many different ways in my life. I was so tired of fighting in every sense of the word.

“Love & Loss” is a cry for understanding in the midst of hopelessness and grief. It's a song that begs the question if this life is really worth living, and if there could really be a purpose and design in what seems to be random chaos. I guess that what I’ve learned, is that experiencing loss only leaves you behind with one thing, and that is a deeper sense of love, which ironically stings more in the absence of everything else. And when the absence is the void, you still scream out.

The new single deepens the emotional scope of Break or Breakthrough, an album shaped by spiritual warfare, endurance, freedom, grief, reconciliation and the possibility of life after crisis. Across the record, Zahna builds with the intensity of someone treating rock music as a vessel for survival and catharsis, where every heavier moment carries consequence and every melody feels pulled from somewhere deeply vulnerable and authentic.

For Zahna, signing with XOVR Records marks both a milestone and a mission. Having long hoped to work with someone like Brian “Head” Welch, the partnership has given her the space to build an album rooted in trust, detail and purpose. Break or Breakthrough was produced and mixed by Kellen McGregor of Memphis May Fire, with co-writing and associate production from Cory Brunnemann of Through Arteries.

Zahna’s recent momentum has already carried into active rock. Her previous single “Defiler” has been spinning across a growing list of active rock stations across the country including SiriusXM Octane, Music Choice and HardDrive Radio, exploding onto the chart after just a few weeks at the active rock format where it remained for over a month whilst also hitting Top 20 on the SiriusXM Octane chart.

With "Love & Loss" now out in the world and Break or Breakthrough arriving September 4, Zahna continues to reveal an album built not around easy victory, but around the brutal, beautiful work of staying alive, staying honest and finding love still burning in the absence.

ABOUT ZAHNA

Zahna is a heavy rock artist, vocalist, guitarist, songwriter and vocal coach whose music combines hard-hitting rock, metalcore intensity, dark pop atmosphere and deeply personal storytelling. First emerging as the vocalist of alt-rock band ILIA, she launched her solo career with Red For War and later released 2023’s Stronger Than Death, an album shaped by her experience surviving a near-terminal battle with kidney failure.

Her new album, Break or Breakthrough, will be released September 4 via XOVR Records, the label founded by Brian “Head” Welch of Korn. Produced and mixed by Kellen McGregor of Memphis May Fire, with co-writing and associate production from Cory Brunnemann of Through Arteries, the album explores spiritual warfare, endurance, freedom and the possibility of life after crisis.

Zahna has amassed over 20 million streams and continues to build growing support across SiriusXM Octane, Music Choice, HardDrive Radio and active rock radio. Beyond music, she is a vocal coach, a passionate advocate for those living with chronic illness, and an artist whose work pulls from faith, anime, literature, gaming and visual storytelling. Across every chapter,Zahna’s mission remains clear: to create songs with substance, honesty and enough fire to help people keep going.

XCOMM To Support Guns N' Roses In Atlanta, Share New Video For "Purity" Shot At Vans Warped Tour Long Beach

Following an incendiary performance at this past weekend’s Vans Warped Tour in Long Beach, CA, hardcore punk quintet, XCOMM have shared new music video featuring footage from their instant-classic set performing “Purity” taken from their debut album, ‘Time To Burn’ out now on Blowed Out Records. Watch the clip BELOW. 

The band also appeared as the guests on yesterday's episode of The Travis Mills Show on Apple Music 1. Audio from the interview and live session featuring the band’s single “Hot Pursuit/One & Nothing” and a cover of Faith No More’s “Surprise! You’re Dead” is available now on the Apple Music app HERE. 

The appearance catches XCOMM in the middle of a blistering live run, with new dates now confirmed through October, including a huge main-support slot with Guns N’ Roses at the final North American show of their World Tour 2026 in Atlanta on September 19th. 

Adding to a rapidly expanding live résumé that already includes shows with Foo Fighters, Dethklok and Militarie Gun and festival performances at Louder Than Life, the Punk Rock Museum’s Third Birthday Parking Lot show and Sick New World, XCOMM kick off their new run of shows playing The Parish at House of Blues Anaheim on August 28 before taking over Dr. Strange Records in Rancho Cucamonga for a free in-store performance and signing on August 29.

September brings a performance at Seattle’s Bumbershoot Festival on September 5th, followed by a  newly announced show as main support to Guns N’ Roses at the final North American stop of their 2026 World Tour at Truist Park on September 19th, a September 11 headline show at Proyecto in Downtown Los Angeles.

In October, XCOMM join The Dillinger Escape Plan for two of the band’s final Calculating Infinity performances, hitting Revolution Hall in Portland on October 25, Vancouver’s Commodore Ballroom on October 26.

Tickets for all shows are on sale now from xcommpunx.com . The Dr. Strange Records performance and signing is free.

XCOMM Upcoming Live Shows

August 28 | Anaheim, Ca | The Parish At House Of Blues Anaheim

August 29 | Rancho Cucamonga, Ca | Dr. Strange Records

September 5 | Seattle, Wa | Bumbershoot Festival

September 11 | Los Angeles, Ca | Proyecto

September 19th | Atlanta, GA | Truist Park W/ Guns N’ Roses

October 25 | Portland, Or | Revolution Hall W/ The Dillinger Escape Plan

October 26 | Vancouver, Bc | Commodore Ballroom W/ The Dillinger Escape Plan

The band’s appearance on The Travis Mills Show and their newly announced live shows put another spotlight on Time To Burn, the band’s Ross Robinson-produced debut album, released in May via Blowed Out Records. Across eleven tracks, XCOMM channel the frustration, humour and velocity of their LA upbringing into hardcore punk that moves fast and hits with teeth-bared precision. The album includes breakout track “Fake ID,” written after frontman Michael Gatto was turned away from shows for being under 21 and now sitting at more than four million views across platforms.

Time To Burn also features “PIRATES ft. GHOSTEMANE,” a vicious collision with Ghostemane whose Darren Craig-directed video includes appearances from Ghostemane and Fletcher Dragge of Pennywise. Their track “Borrowed Happiness” was recently featured in the new Jackass: Best and Last movie.

ABOUT XCOMM

XCOMM are a Venice Beach hardcore punk band making fast, furious and sharply self-aware music with a rare combination of youthful volatility, serious songwriting chops and absolutely no interest in waiting their turn. Their Ross Robinson-produced debut album, Time To Burn, is out now via Blowed Out Records, the label and incubator founded by Robinson, Ghostemane and Bill Armstrong. 

Across eleven tracks, the band channel the frustration, humour and velocity of their Los Angeles upbringing into hardcore punk that moves fast and lands with teeth-bared precision, from breakout track “Fake ID”, now sitting at more than four million views across platforms, to the Ghostemane collaboration “PIRATES ft. GHOSTEMANE” and “Borrowed Happiness”, recently featured in Jackass: Best and Last. 

The band have been profiled by the Los Angeles Times, named to the NME 100 of 2026 and covered by VICE, Revolver, Kerrang!, Rolling Stone, Metal Injection, Knotfest, idobi, Alternative Press and more.

Following two Vans Warped Tour appearances and a recent interview and live session for The Travis Mills Show on Apple Music 1, XCOMM will spend the coming months taking their rapidly expanding live résumé into considerably bigger rooms, with Bumbershoot Festival, main support to Guns N’ Roses at the final North American date of their 2026 world tour, and two shows with The Dillinger Escape Plan among the dates ahead.

XCOMM are:

Michael Gatto – Vocals/Guitar

Eric Matt - Guitar

Revel Ian – Drums

Adan Escoto – Bass

Hunter Grogan – DJ

156/Silence Release New Single "Swept From Under (Call of the Void)" And Music Video From Upcoming New Album 'From A Distance' via Pure Noise Records

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania atmospheric metalcore quintet 156/Silence have released their latest offering, "Swept From Under (Call of the Void)" and the official music video. The track is taken from the band's upcoming new full-length, 'From A Distance', out on September 4 via Pure Noise Records. Elaborating on the inspiration behind the track, the band shared:

"The call of the void is the voice in our heads that wants to self-destruct even when we don’t feel bad. A compulsion to hurt ourselves even if we don’t want to. Being swept from under by intrusive thoughts."

'From A Distance' is available now for pre-order at the link here. Stream "Swept From Under (Call of the Void)" here and watch the music video below.

After taking Inkcarceration 2026 by storm last weekend, 156/Silence will next set their sights on the 'It's Not You, It's Me' Tour across North America with Chiodos, sace6 and Second Harbour beginning Thursday, July 30, with several headlining dates from Thursday, August 20 through Saturday, August 22 with Coldstate as support. Following, the band will kick off their 'From A Distance Tour' US headlining run with Aviana, Heavensgate and Fromjoy supporting. Dates are already selling out, so be sure to get your tickets at the link here before it's too late.

It's Not You, It's Me Tour Dates with Chiodos, sace6 & Second Harbour

Thu, Jul 30 - Denver, CO @ Fillmore Auditorium

Sat, Aug 1 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Rockwell @ The Complex

Mon, Aug 3 - Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory

Wed, Aug 5 - Bend, OR @ Midtown Ballroom

Thu, Aug 6 - Spokane, WA @ Knitting Factory

Fri, Aug 7 - Vancouver, BC @ The Commodore

Sun, Aug 9 - Calgary, AB @ The Palace Theatre

Mon, Aug 10 - Edmonton, AB @ Union Hall

Tue, Aug 11 - Saskatoon, SK @ Louis

Wed, Aug 12 - Winnipeg, MB @ Burton Cummings Theatre

Fri, Aug 14 - St. Paul, MN @ Myth Live

Sat, Aug 15 - Green Bay, WI @ Epic Event Center

Sun, Aug 16 - Chicago, IL @ House of Blues

Mon, Aug 17 - Chicago, IL @ House of Blues

Wed, Aug 19 - Toronto, ON @ The Concert Hall

Sun, Aug 23 - Portland, ME @ State Theater

Tue, Aug 25 - Providence, RI @ Fete Ballroom

Wed, Aug 26 - Huntington, NY @ The Paramount

Fri, Aug 28 - Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel

Sat, Aug 29 - Nashville, TN @ Brooklyn Bowl

Upcoming 156/Silence Headlining One-Off Dates with Coldstate:

Thu, Aug 20 - Barrie, ON @ The Queens Night Club *Low Tix*

Fri, Aug 21 - Syracuse, NY @ Song & Dance

Sat, Aug 22 - Albany, NY @ Empire Underground

'From A Distance Tour' US Headlining Dates with Aviana, Heavensgate & Fromjoy:

Wed Sep 9 - Worcester, MA @ Palladium Upstairs *Low Tix*

Thu Sep 10 - Brooklyn, NY @ The Meadows

Fri Sep 11 - Philadelphia, PA @ The Foundry @ The Fillmore *Low Tix*

Sat Sep 12 - Baltimore, MD @ Soundstage *Low Tix*

Sun Sep 13 - Richmond, VA @ Canal Club

Tue Sep 15 - Durham, NC @ Motorco Music Hall

Wed Sep 16 - Atlanta, GA @ Terminal West

Thu Sep 17 - Winter Park, FL @ The Conduit Sold Out

Fri Sep 18 - Jacksonville, FL @ Albatross

Sat Sep 19 - Greenville, SC @ Radio Room

Sun Sep 20 - Louisville, KY @ Louder Than Life^

Tue Sep 22 - Dallas, TX @ Puzzles Deep Ellum

Wed Sep 23 - San Antonio, TX @ The Rock Box

Fri Sep 25 - Mesa, AZ @ Rosetta Room *Low Tix*

Sat Sep 26 - Santa Ana, CA @ The Observatory *Low Tix*

Sun Sep 27 - Sacramento, CA @ Goldfield Trading Post *Low Tix*

Wed Sep 30 - Kansas City, MO @ RecordBar *Low Tix*

Fri Oct 02 - Detroit, MI @ TSDMAAC (Sanctuary) *Low Tix*

Sat Oct 03 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Preserving *Low Tix*

^Festival Date

Olive Vox Announce Debut EP; Drop New Single "Hear Me Out"

Texas alt-rock quartet Olive Vox return with their new single and official video “Hear Me Out”, out now via Big Machine Rock. The track arrives alongside the announcement of the band’s forthcoming EP, Trace It Back, set for release on Friday, September 18. Fans can stream “Hear Me Out” HERE, watch the official video BELOW, and pre-order / pre-save Trace It Back HERE.

Built around the exhausting weight of guilt, memory, and self-punishment, “Hear Me Out” pulls Olive Vox deeper into the emotionally direct world that has been taking shape across recent singles “BABYDOLL”, “T.A.N.G.O.”, “Dying Breath”, “14 Years”, and “We Are Not The Same”. Sharp, urgent, and unflinching, the track finds the band wrestling with the version of yourself you cannot quite outrun, even when everyone else has already made peace with leaving it in the past.

Speaking on the new single, Olive Vox share:

“Hear Me Out” is about being trapped in a loop of guilt where you just can’t seem to move past your own history. While you recognize that others can judge you based on your past actions—and you accept their right to see you that way—the real struggle is your inability to do the same for yourself. You feel stuck in a cycle of self-punishment, constantly replaying old mistakes and making healing impossible. It’s that raw, exhausting feeling of knowing you deserve to move on, but being unable to let go of the version of yourself you used to be.”

The accompanying video mirrors that emotional pressure, drawing viewers into the band’s increasingly defined visual world of distorted nostalgia, fractured memory, and familiar spaces made strange. Across both the song and video, Olive Vox continue to sharpen the contrast that sits at the centre of their rising identity: a young band writing with uncommon weight about grief, self-destruction, regret, and the slow, ugly work of trying to change.

The single also opens the door to Trace It Back, a debut EP that gathers the band’s recent output into one emotionally connected body of work. Across the EP, Olive Vox move through past mistakes, toxic cycles, personal reckoning, and the uneasy freedom that comes with finally saying the quiet part out loud.

Speaking on the EP, vocalist Parker James shares:

“The Trace It Back EP compiles past and pre-existing transgressions. I aimed to be more direct and honest in my lyrics, rather than being elusive. I found myself oversharing personal details, which led to regret and overthinking. Due to my anxieties, I became very closeted and shut off. Realizing that it was actually affecting me more than just being my true self, I decided I wouldn’t care about what I wrote as long as it made me happy. This EP serves as a collection and a snapshot of a time and place in my life where I was struggling.” 

The announcement comes as Olive Vox continue to build serious momentum both online and onstage, now surpassing 1.5 million cross-platform streams and 1.89 million YouTube views. Following recent US runs with Badflower and Raue, and a recent appearance at Camp Woodward, the band will join The Toadies for a full US support run beginning August 6 in Charleston, SC and wrapping October 3 in Ventura, CA.

Olive Vox

US Tour Dates with The Toadies

8/6: Charleston, SC - Charleston Music Hall 

8/7: Norfolk, VA - The NorVa

8/8: Baltimore, MD - Nevermore Hall 

8/9: Wilmington, DE - The Queen

8/11: Allentown, PA - Archer Hall

8/13: Albany, NY - Empire Live

8/15: Detroit, MI - Saint Andrew’s Hall

8/16: Columbus, OH - Newport Music Hall

8/19: Little Rock, AR - The Hall 

8/20: Tyler, TX - True Vine Brewing Co.

8/21: Helotes, TX - Josabi’s

9/17: Des Moines, IA - The Rave

9/18: Columbia, MO - The Blue Note 

9/19: Indianapolis, IN - Hi-Fi Annex 

9/21: St. Louis, MO - The Pageant 

9/23: Kansas City, MO - The Truman

9/24: Tulsa, OK - Cain’s Ballroom

9/25: Canyon, TX - The Lumberyard 

9/26: Santa Fe, NM - The Bridge 

9/29: Flagstaff, AZ - Orpheum Theater

10/2: Las Vegas, NV - Brooklyn Bowl

10/3: Ventura, CA - Ventura Theater

coldrain Announce New Album 'OPTIMIZE = OPTDEMISE' Out September 25 via Century Media Records

Alt-metal quintet coldrain (Nagoya, Japan) make their global return with their long awaited eighth full-length album “OPTIMIZE = OPTDEMISE”, set for release on September 25th, 2026, via Century Media Records. The album announcement is paired with the release of their new single “EX-HUMANITY,” which marks the sixth track unveiled from the upcoming album and the band's first new song since the release of the “OPTIMIZE” EP on October 24th, 2025. The EP includes the band’s prior single releases “INCOMPLETE”, “CHASING SHADOWS”, and “FREE FALL”, all of which will also be featured on the forthcoming album.

PRE-SAVE/BUY THE NEW ALBUM HERE

LISTEN TO “EX-HUMANITY” HERE

& WATCH THE MUSIC VIDEO BELOW:

coldrain announced their “OPTIMIZE = OPTDEMISE JAPAN TOUR” last month, which will be happening from October to December 2026. Additionally, the band has been confirmed as one of the support acts for Electric Callboy’s “TANZNEID WORLD TOUR” tour in Australia for September 2026, alongside Ice Nine Kills. The band will also play at various festivals across Japan this summer.

All dates and further info here: https://coldrain.jp/blogs/live 



- “TANZNEID WORLD TOUR” w/ Electric Callboy & Ice Nine Killls -

04.09.2026 - Australia, Perth: RAC Arena

06.09.2026 - Australia, Adelaide: Adelaide Entertainment Centre Arena

08.09.2026 - Australia, Melbourne: Rod Laver Arena

10.09.2026 - Australia, Sydney: Qudos Bank Arena

12.09.2026 - Australia, Brisbane: Riverstage

____

- OPTIMIZE = OPTDEMISE JAPAN TOUR 2026 -

06.10.2026 - Japan, Kawasaki: CLUB CITTA'

10.10.2026 - Japan, Hiroshima: BLUE LIVE HIROSHIMA

17.10.2026 - Japan, Fukuoka: UNITED LAB

21.10.2026 - Japan, Sapporo: PENNY LANE24

22.10.2026 - Japan, Sapporo: PENNY LANE24

01.11.2026 - Japan, Kanazawa: EIGHT HALL

03.11.2026 - Japan, Niigata: NIIGATA LOTS

29.11.2026 - Japan, Sendai: SENDAI GIGS

01.12.2026 - Japan, Osaka: NAMBA HATCH

02.12.2026 - Japan, Nagoya: COMTEC PORTBASE

09.12.2026 - Japan, Tokyo: TOYOSU PIT

The title OPTIMIZE = OPTDEMISE is itself a warning: a caution against a world in which the rise of AI has come to symbolize humanity’s growing confusion over what it means to be human. More than a framework of “against AI” or “against technology,” this album calls for the liberation of the soul in response to a world that is steadily being bleached of color, and to the brutality of people who, having stopped thinking for themselves, continue to hurt one another. That is the reason coldrain continues to fight. And OPTIMIZE = OPTDEMISE is the album where that essence appears more youthful, pure, and unfiltered than ever before - a human fuse burning toward ignition.

Coldrain, the quintet that is about to release their 8th album, first emerged in Japan in 2007, proudly identifying themselves as a “loud rock” band. Their songwriting, heavily influenced by the nu-metal and emo/screamo movements of the 2000s, resonated directly with the youth culture of America at the time. Yet in the Japanese rock scene of that era, “loud music” was still largely associated with melodic punk and pop-punk. As a result of that advance, coldrain absorbed musical elements far beyond nu-metal and screamo alone. While maintaining melodies that carried a distinctly Japanese sense of emotion, they transformed into a chimera capable of crossing through every subgenre of rock. Their ability to be both heavy and endlessly pop became their greatest weapon.

Now, especially since joining forces with Century Media Records, the very fact that their music cannot be defined by a single attribute - and the very “in-between” quality of their style - has become a musical identity unconstrained by borders or genres, radiating an originality that stands among the strongest in the world. 

coldrain are a band whose lives were changed by music that could never have been born in Japan, and yet they themselves are a hybrid that could only have emerged from the Galápagos-like environment of Japan. That is coldrain. Rather than needing to acquire a new place, coldrain were able to turn simply “being themselves” into music in its most unfiltered form. As a result, OPTIMIZE = OPTDEMISE is pierced throughout by a youthful rawness that feels almost impossible for a band nearing twenty years since its formation.

coldrain are:

Masato – Vocals

Y.K.C - Guitar

Sugi - Guitar

RxYxO - Bass Guitar

Katsuma - Drums

HANABIE. Drop New Track "Life Is Short, O Brave Girl" via Sony Music Japan For Upcoming Anime 'Young Ladies Don't Play Fighting Games' on Crunchyroll

Japanese Harajuku-core sensation HANABIE. have today released their new single, "Life Is Short, O Brave Girl" alongside the official music video (via Sony Music Japan). The track will serve as the opening theme for the upcoming anime series Young Ladies Don't Play Fighting Games and will be available on all major streaming platforms worldwide.

Known for their explosive blend of metalcore, hardcore and Japanese pop culture influences, HANABIE. bring their signature energy to the new song, which captures the passion, determination and youthful spirit at the heart of the anime's story.

Based on the popular manga series, Young Ladies Don't Play Fighting Games follows Mitsuki Aya, a student at the prestigious Girls' Academy who discovers her refined and idolized classmate is actually a hardcore, trash-talking fighting-game enthusiast. Despite the academy's strict ban on gaming, the two bond through their shared passion and begin a series of intense battles that spark both rivalry and friendship.

Reflecting the anime's themes of dedication and self-expression, HANABIE.'s new single delivers a powerful mix of aggression, melody and infectious energy.

Speaking about the collaboration, the band shared:

“Since the anime is set at an all-girls school, we felt a strong connection to the story. HANABIE. was also formed by students from an all-girls school during our high school years, so we could really relate to the passion and dedication the characters have for something they love. As we worked on the song, we found ourselves recalling many memories and felt excited imagining how the track would come together. We're huge fans of anime and video games ourselves, so it's a real honor to be involved with such a wonderful series."

When asked about "Life Is Short, O Brave Girl", vocalist Yukina commented:

“Since this is an anime theme song, I read the original work and immersed myself completely in its world while writing the song! For the lyrics, I included words that fans of Young Ladies Don’t Play Fighting Games will hopefully recognize and think, "Oh!" when they hear them. I also reflected on my own youth, remembering the things our faculty advisor said to us when we were attending an all-girls school and passionately playing in a band while being obsessed with heavy music, as well as the rebellious spirit I felt during those days.I hope this song becomes one that overflows with energy for anyone who is passionately devoted to something!”

HANABIE. guitarist and vocalist Matsuri stated:

“We had the honor of writing this song for the TV anime Young Ladies Don’t Play Fighting Games. HANABIE. and the characters in the anime have many things in common, such as growing up in an all-girls school and dedicating ourselves wholeheartedly to something during our school days. Because of that, there were many moments during the songwriting process when I could truly relate to the story, and it made creating the song a lot of fun. Rather than trying to neatly blend HANABIE.'s world with the world of the anime, we focused on finding the best way for the passion and energy of both to collide. I would be very happy if this song reaches many people.”

Bassist Hettsu said:

“As the theme song for the TV anime Young Ladies Don’t Play Fighting Games, this song expresses the world of fighting games through a powerful sound! One of its greatest charms is the way it combines the tension of battle scenes, the exhilarating feeling of youth, and the graceful elegance of young ladies. For the bass, I played with groove and a sense of momentum in mind so that it could support the song's energy. I would be happy if, along with the rhythm that makes you want to move your body, listeners can also feel the straightforward emotions of our student days, when we were completely devoted to something.”

Drummer Chika also shared:

“As the opening theme song for the TV anime Young Ladies Don’t Play Fighting Games, this song is a perfect match for the world of the anime! While capturing the energy of the characters and the battles, it turned into a song that naturally gets you excited. One drum highlight to listen for is during the chorus, where I strike the China cymbal four times in sync with the lyrics, "MATCH UP!! SMASH UP!!" I hope everyone will enjoy listening to it again and again together with the anime.”

Listen to "Life Is Short, O Brave Girl" at the link here, and watch the video below.

ABOUT HANABIE.:

HANABIE. is a Tokyo-based all-girl rock band that has been making waves since 2015, when YUKINA, MATSURI, and HETTSU came together for a high school club activity. With the addition of CHIKA in May 2023, the band has evolved into a force to be reckoned with. Don’t be fooled by their cute, girlish image—their sound is a hard-hitting blend of powerful shouts, heavy riffs, and unique Japanese flair, capturing fans at home and abroad. Their hit single “Pardon Me, I Have To Go Now” has amassed over 12 million views on YouTubeand 5.4 million views on TikTok.

In December 2024, HANABIE. unleashed their EP, Bucchigiri Tokyo, followed by their latest EP, HOT TOPIC, released on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.

2023 marked the beginning of their overseas ventures, and in August 2024, they made history as the first Japanese women to perform on the main stage at Lollapalooza in Chicago, USA. In March 2026, the quartet brought the heat on their first North American headlining tour. With a rapidly growing international following, HANABIE. is actively expanding their presence and making a bold statement on the global stage, so be sure to stay tuned for more HANABIE. news coming soon.

Weathers Release "Happy Pillz (Higher Dose)" via Big Machine Rock

Alt-rock powerhouse Weathers has today released "Happy Pillz (Higher Dose)", a fresh reimagining of the band's fan-favorite track "Happy Pills" via their new label home, Big Machine Rock. Speaking about the release, the band shared:

“'Happy Pills' is already familiar to our fans, but this new version breathes life into something beloved for some time. It has the new sound of who we are today while sticking to the roots of what we know our fans love. We didn’t want to change much but wanted them to hear what it would sound like re-recorded today. We hope it gives our dedicated fans a second dose of the same energy with a new high that has no come down. We feel like it signifies a new life for the song. As if it was given a second chance to do it all over again.”

Stream "Happy Pillz (Higher Dose)" at the link here, watch the official video below, and be sure to stay tuned for more Weathers news coming soon.

ABOUT WEATHERS

Southern California-based alternative rock band Weathers — lead singer/frontman Cameron Boyer, guitarist Cameron Olsen and bassist Brennen Bates — have been consistently creating finely crafted introspective pop songs heavily inspired by the counter-culture of the 80s and 90s since forming in 2015. The band makes music that speaks to those among us who tend to forget that, regardless of outward appearances, everyone is struggling with something and that no one is alone. Weathers’ story is a tale of growing up, of coming into one’s own, and includes themes of depression or anxiety and the often difficult maintenance of mental health.

They first grabbed listeners' attention with 2016's "Happy Pills," which peaked at number 21 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart. Initially, vocalist Boyer and guitarist Olsen met in 2012 while attending a battle of the bands in the Los Angeles suburb of Manhattan Beach. By 2015, they had formed Weathers, recruiting bassist Bates. Signing with RCA Records, they released their debut single, "I Don't Wanna Know," a swaggeringly moody song that drew comparisons to Walk the Moon and The Neighbourhood. Fans followed, and in March 2016 they landed a slot at SXSW. Their follow-up single, "Happy Pills," garnered the band even more attention, becoming the most added track to rock radio in July 2016. In 2018, they issued the Kids in the Night EP, featuring the single "1983."

ICE NINE KILLS Slash Their Way To First Ever #1 At Active Rock Radio With "Twisting The Knife"

Ice Nine Kills enter the fog today with “Play Dead,” a brand-new single and accompanying music video created in collaboration with Dead by Daylight, the world’s leading multiplayer horror game. Written for Dead by Daylight’s 10th Anniversary celebrations and announced on their anniversary live stream, “Play Dead” brings Ice Nine Killsinto one of horror gaming’s most iconic worlds, uniting two genre-obsessed universes built on suspense, survival, mythology, and the thrill of the kill. 

The track was created in collaboration with longtime Dead by Daylight composer Michel F. April and arrives alongside an in-game Ice Nine Kills Collection, allowing players to represent the band inside the game’s ever-expanding horror universe with unique DLC. 

Fans can stream “Play Dead” now HERE and watch the accompanying music video BELOW. 

The release follows the band’s first-ever #1 at Active Rock Radio with “Twisting The Knife (feat. Mckenna Grace),” the official song from Scream 7, and continues an extraordinary run that has seen Ice Nine Kills soundtrack some of modern horror’s biggest moments across film, gaming, and beyond.

The forthcoming part two of the music video continues INK’s celebrated lore, which has featured genre stars including Matthew Lillard (Scream), David Arquette (Scream), Terry Kiser (Weekend at Bernie’s), Catherine Corcoran (Terrifier), and Bill Mosely (The Devil’s Rejects), among many others. “Play Dead” welcomes skateboard legend Tony Hawk, Devon Sawa (Idle Hands), Krsy Fox (Terrifier 3), and the Dead by Daylight team to the INKverse. 

Ice Nine Kills mastermind Spencer Charnas shares:

“Ice Nine Kills has always lived somewhere between menace and mischief. ‘Play Dead,’ our take on Dead by Daylight, is a collision of hooks, horror, and total chaos. As lifelong horror fans, we find it surreal and an absolute honor to have Ice Nine Kills’ music officially tied to Terrifier, Scream, Ready or Not, and now, the iconic survival horror game Dead by Daylight.

Collaborating with Dead by Daylight gave us the chance to step into a world that feels deeply aligned with our creative instincts. The game has an incredible legacy, and that chaotic, eerie, immersive energy is something we respect and admire. We wanted the song to feel like a real extension of that universe, not just inspired by it, but genuinely part of it.

We worked closely with longtime composer Michel F. April to ensure every detail, from the atmosphere to the intensity, felt true to the game, and we spent time on set with Dead by Daylight creatives Mathieu Cote and Eric Pope, as well as player experts like SpookyLoopz.

The video also features iconic genre star Devon Sawa. He’s one of my favorite actors, from Idle Hands and Final Destination to literally playing “Stan” in the Eminem video. And we’ve got Krsy Fox, one of the new modern horror scream queens, who not only had a showstopping performance in Terrifier 3, but is a kickass indie horror film producer, too.

Having Tony Hawk appear with us felt essential because he isn’t just the Michael Jordan of skateboarding. He’s synonymous with the marriage of music, gaming, and subculture. We bonded over the same offbeat pop-culture touchstones, from punk rock to the irreverent ’80s comedies like The Naked Gun that shaped my brain just as much as horror did.

And of course, Dingbar Tarbani slithered in to make things even stranger.”

Dead by Daylight has become a definitive force in interactive horror, bringing together an ever-expanding roster of original and iconic Killers and Survivors from across film, television, gaming, and beyond. With more than 70 million players worldwide, the game has built a vast, collision-ready universe where horror’s most unforgettable characters can share the same blood-soaked playground.

“Dead by Daylight has always been about celebrating horror in all its forms, and Ice Nine Kills shares that same passion for the genre we have,” said Mat Côté, Head of Partnerships for Dead by Daylight. “We’ve always been big fans of their music, and their creativity and deep connection to horror culture made this collab feel incredibly natural. We’re excited for our players to represent the band in-game with the Collection we created together, and we can’t wait for everyone to experience the new Dead by Daylight crossover track the guys cooked up.”

“Play Dead” follows a succession of high-profile horror collaborations that have cemented Ice Nine Kills as one of the genre’s most natural musical counterparts. “A Work of Art” served as the official song from Terrifier 3, the highest-grossing unrated film ever. “Twisting The Knife (feat. Mckenna Grace)” played over the closing credits of Scream 7, the blockbuster sequel that delivered the biggest domestic opening weekend in the franchise’s history. Ice Nine Kills Presents “Hell or High Slaughter (Grave Diggler: Pt. 2)” then blazed into Ready or Not 2: Here I Come, deepening the band’s expanding lore with the introduction of their “fathers’” band. Most recently, it was revealed that Spencer will also be voicing a character in the highly anticipated Halloween: The Game exclusively available as part of the game's Digital Deluxe Edition releasing on September 4, 2026. 

Now, with “Play Dead,” Ice Nine Kills step fully into horror gaming.

Twenty years on from their debut album, the band continue to build one of the most immersive worlds in modern heavy music, where songs become scenes, videos become lore, and every new release sharpens the blade for whatever comes next.

Ice Nine Kills Credit F Scott Schafer

Hollow Pact Announce Signing With Sumerian Records Unleash New Single And Official Music Video "Tear"

Rising hard rock outfit Hollow Pact have today announced their signing with new label home, Sumerian Records. In celebration of the news, the band, fronted by Jager Henry, grandson of Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham, has released their new single and its official music video today. Speaking about signing with Sumerian, Henry shared:

"This new chapter is truly a dream come true. To be signed to a label I looked up to and I also looked up to the artists on it. Im excited for this journey and it’s up to the world now. Welcome to the Pact."

When asked about the inspiration behind "Tear", the band commented:

"'Tear’ lives in the space between comfort and collapse - a broken reflection of attachment, erosion, and the weight of holding on to something for too long."In other words everything you don’t need but crave."

Fans will also have their chance to see the band hit the road with Royale Lynn in August, and perform alongside Of Mice & Men from November 19 through November 21. Stream "Tear" at the link here, watch the music video below, and stay tuned for more Hollow Pact news coming very soon.

Tour Dates with Royale Lynn:

8/29 Albuquerque, NM

8/30 Phoeinix, AZ

9/3 Henderson NV

9/5 Denver, CO 

Tour Dates with Of Mice & Men:

11/19 Santa Ana, CA @ The Observatory 

11/20 San Diego, CA @ House of Blues 

11/21 Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades