MOB RULES Drop New Single “Balance Of Power” From Upcoming Album Stories From The Verdant Vale

German melodic metal veterans MOB RULES present their brand-new single "Balance Of Power", offering another powerful taste of their forthcoming studio album Stories From The Verdant Vale. The album is set for release on August 21 via ROAR – A Division Of Reigning Phoenix Music.

Stories From The Verdant Vale sees MOB RULES return to the narrative world introduced with their latest album Rise Of The Ruler (2025), which was widely praised and marked a major milestone in the band’s career. The material originates from songs written during the final stages of those sessions, now presented as a special standalone release.

A true neck-breaker that makes no compromises, "Balance Of Power" impresses with its sheer force and relentless energy. As the band reveals, the track was refined down to the very last second: "Even during the final recording sessions at Bazement Studio, details were added and nuances refined to extract the maximum level of intensity."

The new single is now available on all major streaming platforms:
https://mobrules.rpm.link/balancePR

The songs on Stories From The Verdant Vale reveal a slightly more direct and compact approach compared to Rise Of The Ruler, while staying true to the band’s signature blend of melodic power metal, atmosphere and storytelling. Expanding the original concept from a different perspective, the material forms a natural extension of Rise Of The Ruler, while each track also stands strong on its own.

As vocalist Klaus Dirks recently said:
“During the final stages of completing the album, we discussed possible bonus material for the earbook edition with the label. We were reluctant to use demo versions or similar material. This motivated us to write a few new songs. We were well aware of what we were getting ourselves into, but we also wanted to challenge ourselves a little.”

 Originally conceived in part as exclusive material, Stories From The Verdant Valewill now receive a proper release on vinyl and digital platforms due to high demand. The record was mixed by Markus Teske, with artwork created by Stan W. Decker.

Pre-Order / Pre-Save Stories From The Verdant Vale here:
https://mobrules.rpm.link/storiesPR 

About MOB RULES

Formed in Northern Germany in the early 1990s, MOB RULES have established themselves as a constant force in melodic power metal. Known for their concept-driven albums, strong melodies and atmospheric depth, the band has built a loyal international following over the decades.

With ten studio albums to date, including the critically acclaimed Rise Of The Ruler, MOB RULES have continuously refined their sound while staying true to their roots. Their blend of classic heavy metal influences and modern production has secured them a lasting place within the genre.

MOB RULES is:
Klaus Dirks - Vocals
Sven Lüdke - Guitar
Florian Dyszbalis - Guitar
Markus Brinkmann - Bass
Jan Christian Halfbrodt - Keys
Sebastian Schmidt - Drums

 
Connect with MOB RULES:
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/mobrulesband 
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/mobrulesband 

German Rock Force VELVET RUSH Officially Signs with Frontiers Music Srl

Frontiers Music Srl is pleased to announce the signing of Germany's rising rock force VELVET RUSH. To celebrate the announcement, the band has released their new single and accompanying video, “Nature Of The Beast,” available below.

Singer Sandra Lian comments:

“'Nature Of The Beast' is about the constant search for a secret formula. People watch, analyze and question every move, trying to figure out what makes someone succeed. In today’s world, it’s easier than ever to judge, comment and criticize from behind a screen, but not everyone is willing to put in the work.”

She continues, “The song reflects my belief that there is no magic recipe. It’s about self-belief, resilience, determination and having the confidence to trust your own path, even when others doubt it. The things that truly make a difference can’t be copied; they have to come from deep within. That’s the 'Nature Of The Beast.'”

About signing to Frontiers, Lian adds:

“I’m also very excited to be joining the label Frontiers Music Srl and starting this new chapter together. From the beginning, I felt a genuine connection with the team and their vision. Frontiers has such a strong legacy in rock music, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of it. I’m looking forward to sharing this journey and the music that’s still to come.”

Watch the Official Video for “Nature Of The Beast”

Hailing from Hamburg, Germany, VELVET RUSH are breathing new life into modern rock with a sound rooted in blues-infused hard rock, '70s attitude, and contemporary energy. Fronted by the charismatic Sandra Lian, whose powerful and untamed vocals sit at the heart of the band's identity, VELVET RUSH combine authenticity, groove, and raw emotion into a sound that feels both timeless and fresh.

Alongside guitarist James Moncur, bassist Tim Black, and drummer Daniel Rothe, Lianleads a band whose electrifying chemistry has quickly earned them a reputation as one of the most compelling live acts on the European rock circuit.

The band recorded their music at Hamburg's renowned Chameleon Studios with acclaimed producer Eike Freese (Deep Purple, Simple Minds, Slash, Status Quo), crafting a sound packed with driving guitars, memorable hooks, and undeniable energy.

Their debut single, “Euphonia,” immediately attracted international attention, earning Classic Rock Magazine UK's “Best Rock Song of the Week” accolade in October 2024. Momentum continued with the release of their debut album ‘Trail Of Gold’ in September 2025, which received widespread acclaim and was highlighted as a “Tip of the Month” and “Tip of the Year” by leading rock publications including Classic Rock, Rocks, and Rock Hard.

Onstage, VELVET RUSH have continued their rapid ascent, sharing stages with Jerry Cantrell, touring Europe alongside The Vintage Caravan, and appearing at major festivals including Rockharz. The band's calendar for 2026 includes appearances at Wacken Open Air, Maid of Stone Festival, Riverside Festival, and Osteguna Rock Vital Fest, alongside a coveted support slot on Rose Tattoo's final European tour. Please find the full list of dates below.

Stream / Listen to "Nature Of The Beast" HERE

VELVET RUSH Live:

Supporting Rose Tattoo

July 21 - Tilburg, Netherlands @ O13

July 22 - Leiden, Netherlands @ Nobel

July 24 - Leipzig, Germany @ Parkbühne

July 26 - Osnabrück, Germany @ Hyde Park

August 1 - Oslo, Norway @ Rockefeller

August 4 - Bochum, Germany @ Zeche

August 5 - Frankfurt, Germany @ Batschkapp

August 6 - Pratteln, Switzerland @ Z7 Summer Nights

August 7 - Cologne, Germany @ Live Music Hall

August 11 - Kaiserslautern, Germany @ Kammgarn

August 12 - Munich, Germany @ Backstage Werk

August 14 - Graz, Austria @ PPC

August 15 - Budapest, Hungary @ Barba Negra

August 16 - Kraków, Poland @ Kwadrat

August 18 - Berlin, Germany @ Astra

August 19 - Braunschweig, Germany @ Westand

August 20 - Hamburg, Germany @ Markthalle

Festivals

June 26 - Butjadingen, Germany @ Rock on Isens

June 27 - Burglengenfeld, Germany @ Steinbrucharena Open Air

July 3 - Wieslet, Germany @ Datscha OA

July 5 - Oldenburg, Germany @ Burning Pants Festival

July 11 - Nideggen, Germany @ Tollrock

July 18 - Jüterbog, Germany @ Motorcycle Jamboree

July 19 - Maidstone, England @ Maid of Stone

July 29 - Wacken, Germany @ Wacken Open Air

August 13 - Eisfeld, Germany @ Woodstock Forever

August - Mönchberg, Germany @ Rock im Bad (date TBA)

August 22 - Obrigheim/Pfalz, Germany @ Rock im Hinterland

August 23 - Aarburg, Switzerland @ Riverside Festival

September 5 - Brüggen Alst, Germany @ Bongert OA

September 11 - Marienmünster, Germany @ Rock n Revel

December 18 - Hamburg, Germany @ Lordfest

With a second studio album coming soon, VELVET RUSH are only just getting started. Armed with grit, passion, and undeniable attitude, the band are poised to become one of the defining new voices in modern hard rock.

VELVET RUSH are:

Sandra Lian

Tim Black 

James Moncur

Daniel Rothe

MAD MAX Announce New Studio Album Stories Of Destiny & Premiere First Video Single "Silver"

German melodic hard rock veterans MAD MAX have announced the release of their brand-new studio album, Stories Of Destiny, set for release on September 4, 2026 via ROAR - A Division Of Reigning Phoenix Music. Celebrating an impressive 45 years of the band's legacy, the new record bridges past and present while opening an exciting new chapter in MAD MAX history.

Pre-orders are available now: https://madmax.rpm.link/storiesPR

Packed with powerful guitar-driven anthems, memorable melodies and timeless hard rock spirit, Stories Of Destiny combines newly recorded material, long-awaited hidden gems and collaborations with some of the most respected names in the rock and metal world. The album also introduces UK vocalist Alan Clark while welcoming original MAD MAX singer Andreas Baesler as a special guest for his first MAD MAX appearance in 45 years, creating a direct link between the band's earliest days and its present.

About the new single "Silver", guitarist and band mastermind Jürgen Breforth comments: "'Silver' is the first single from our upcoming brand-new MAD MAX studio album Stories of Destiny. Following the international success of the MAD MAX comic, the very first comic book by a German band in Latin America, the video continues this world with a story full of mystery, adventure and emotion.

The song was originally written in 2001 for the debut album of Michael Schenker Group singer Gary Barden, and it was a huge honor to co-write it with Andreas Broon, known for his work with The Sisters of Mercy, Doro Pesch and many other artists.

I always felt that 'Silver' had the potential to be a major hit single, but the original album faced many obstacles back then. Now I am more than proud to finally present the MAD MAX version, with a slightly heavier guitar edge while still keeping its British melodic touch through our new lead singer Alan Clark from the UK."

Stream "Silver": https://madmax.rpm.link/silverPR

Watch the video below:

Founded in Münster, Germany in 1981 by guitarist, songwriter and bandleader Jürgen Breforth, MAD MAX have remained one of Europe's most enduring melodic hard rock and heavy metal acts for more than four decades. Renowned for their unmistakable guitar-driven sound, strong melodies and classic hard rock attitude, the band have built a loyal international following through countless albums, tours and festival appearances.

Reflecting on an extraordinary career while embracing the future, Stories Of Destiny is built around songs Breforth had the honor to co-write with acclaimed musicians including Sascha Gerstner (Helloween), David Readman (Pink Cream 69), Andreas Broon (The Sisters Of Mercy) and Michael Voss, known from his work with Michael Schenker. Reimagined and newly recorded in unmistakable MAD MAX fashion, the album captures both the band's musical roots and their continued evolution. 

Further highlights include two previously unreleased MAD MAX songs from 1991, "Til' The End Of Time" and "Weapons Of Love", alongside a newly recorded version of "Piece Of Candy", based on the very first guitar riff Breforth ever wrote for the band in 1981. Performed as a duet between Alan Clark and Andreas Baesler, the track symbolizes the connection between MAD MAX's past and present. The Spanish version, "Dulces Falsos", marks the band's first-ever song with Spanish lyrics and pays tribute to their growing fanbase across Latin America.

The visual world of Stories Of Destiny also connects to the MAD MAX comic, created by Mexican comic artist Maestro Arturo Said. The comic tells the story of the band from its founding days in 1981 through the 1980s and up to MAD MAX’s first shows in Colombia in 2023, making the album both a musical and visual celebration of the band’s legacy.

Artist Line-Up:
Alan Clark - Vocals
Andreas Baesler - Vocals On "Dulces Falsos" & Duet Vocals On "Piece Of Candy"
Jürgen Breforth - Guitar
Dethy Borchardt - Guitar
Fabian Watermann - Bass
Axel Kruse - Drums

Connect with MAD MAX:
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/madmax.legacy.band 
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/madmaxgermanycom 
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@MADMAXLEGACY 
Website | https://madmax-germany.com 

Dead Tired (Feat. AoF's George Pettit) Share "Dust Storm"

DEAD TIRED were born as a fun, informal project for guys with more formal ones on the go – from arena-touring rock bands to thriving recording studios, tattoo parlors, and other successful top-secret magic-card related events. But as the years and years trudged on, they've developed a method to their radness despite life often getting in the way of living. 
 
What's their secret? They're actually friends. They share fancy dinners, top-shelf scotch, and premium cigars with one another at least five times as often as they jam together. But this has only helped them focus and hone their sounds since nothing is better than making art with your friends in a boundless and supportive setting. There are no wrong choices, there are only choices made. 
 
With little to no pressure to rush-out an album, the quintet has slowed their process to ensure the final presentation is something they’re all on board with. Each release is something special they all take pride in, and they hope those who may stumble across it share the same enthusiasm.
 
Thus, Dead Tired continue to push themselves creatively by taking the time to write and record at their own pace — allowing the songs to ferment before letting them breathe. Once they're wrapped up and sent off into the digital ether, there's no turning back. 

So, this brings us to the Hamilton-based hardcore outfit's latest LP, Hornets of Fall, their fourth attempt at a punishing collection of 12 tracks that has something for just about everyone. 

If you want it fast… of course. 

If you need it slow… hey why not. 

If you demand a riff… wait a sec.

If you want blood… you got it. 

Either way, this record is their favorite so far. It kicks off hot and it absolutely rips. It arrives on August 14 via New Damage. Pre-order it here. 

The band shares "Dust Storm" (Feat. Andrew Neufeld of Comeback Kid). Listen below.

"Now that I look back on the record, there is a lot of nature imagery," says singer George Pettit. "Nature seems equally impossibly beautiful but also ominous and indifferent to life around it. Big break down and Andrew from Comeback Kid…what a racket."

A glorious racket, indeed!

TodoMal Premiere Grand and Gloomy New Album Graveyards of Joy

Graveyards of Joy is the third album and the closing chapter of a trilogy. Written in solitude following personal tragedy, it channels grief, anger and hard-won hope into nine tracks of slow-burning, widescreen doom. The music breathes: vast Hammond-driven passages give way to desolate folk, Morricone-like strings open onto dusty cinematic plains, and heavy riffs anchor songs that never lose sight of melody. A DIY record of striking emotional depth and modern, alternative edge.

Recording Line-up:
Wildman – Guitars and Vocals

Mile – Bass and Vocals

Javi – Guitars

Bud – Drums

Cecilia – Synths and Vocals

Production Credits:

Recording Studio: Trinitat-Montseny / 7th Middle Street / Moontower Studios

Producer: Javier Fernández Milla / Christopher B. Wildman; assisted by Javier Félez Rodríguez (drums recording and guitar engineering)

Mixing: Javier Fernández Milla at Trinitat Montseny

Mastering: Jaime López Arellano at Arda Recorders (Portugal)

Guest Musicians:
Cecilia Tallo (background vocals, tracks 4 and 6)

Teodora Gosheva (vocals)

Darío Garrido (acoustic guitars)

Manu Clavijo (live strings)

Cover Art:
Lluís Rigalt, Ruïnes (1865), Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya.

Photography:
Christopher B. Wildman

Follow TodoMal:
Bandcamp: https://todomalband.bandcamp.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/todomalofficial

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/todo_mal_band/

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/todomal

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2grCvuOH8MibDqryxpW6jR

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/artist/todomal/1587939438

Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/artist/146831572

Tidal: https://tidal.com/artist/5655213

On their grand and gloomy new album, TodoMal channels grief, anger and hard-won hope through the slow-burning atmosphere of classic doom and dramatic rock.

Graveyards of Joy came out, Friday, July 3 on Season of Mist but you can hear all nine doomy and atmospheric songs today by listening to the full album stream below.

Graveyards of Joy is the closing chapter of a trilogy that TodoMal began with Ultracrepidarian (2021) and continued with A Greater Good (2023). Written in solitude following personal tragedy, the album draws on the landscapes and ghost towns of rural eastern Spain, a terrain the band describe as raw, honest and untamed. Vast Hammond organ-driven passages give way to desolate folk; strings with Morriconian openness sit alongside heavy, anchoring riffs. The duo draw on a wide range of reference points, from the orchestral sweep of Vangelis and the warmth of Deep Purple to the dramatic sensibility of Tindersticks and Nick Cave, without losing the solemnity that defines them.

TodoMal Graveyards of Joy 2026 European Tour

*with Evoken

4 July - Viveiro, ES @ Resurrection Fest

24 July - Tolmin, SI @ Tolminator Fest

30 July - Paris, FR @ Le Klub*
31 July - Rouen, FR @ Fury Defendu*
1 August - Diest, BE @ Club Hell*
2 August - Rotterdam, NL @ Baroeg*
3 August - Hamburg, DE @ MS Stubnitz*
5 August - Berlin, DE @ Neue Zukunft*
6 August - Schlotheim, DE @ Party.San Open Air*
7 August - Karlsruhe, DE @ Die Stadtmitte*
9 August - Dresden, DE @ Chemiefabrik*
10 August - Prague, CZ @ Subzero*

11 August - Bratislava, SK @ Pink Whale

18 September: Barcelona, ES @ Sala Boveda

25 September: Madrid, ES @ Dark Echoes Fest (w/ Draconian, Dødheimsgard)

26 September: Auzas, FR @ L'Homme Sauvage Festival

Symphonic Metal Legends KAMELOT Unveil Triumphant New Single "Ashen World"

Recently, international symphonic metal legends KAMELOT announced their haunting new album Dark Asylum, arriving August 28 via Napalm Records. They give fans their first peek into the twisting hallways of RavenHill Asylum with "Ashen World," a triumphant, cinematic, and epic anthem.

From its very first note, "Ashen World" launches with unmistakable KAMELOT grandeur, propelled by founding guitarist Thomas Youngblood's expressive lead work, soaring orchestration, and the rich symphonic arrangements that have become the band's hallmark. The track embodies everything fans have come to love about KAMELOT; cinematic darkness, unforgettable melodies, and a towering anthemic chorus, while introducing fresh textures and unexpected twists that expand the band's sonic landscape.

With countless dynamic shifts, vocalist Tommy Karevik showcases the full breadth of his remarkable range, effortlessly moving from intimate, haunting passages to his signature soaring power. Adding another layer of atmosphere, Decessus frontwoman and reigning Miss Chile Ignacia Fernández makes an ethereal vocal appearance that intertwines beautifully with the song's haunting mood, as "Ashen World" tells the story of a world descending into darkness while never losing sight of hope, resilience, and redemption.

Thomas Youngblood on "Ashen World":
"Ashen World" captures that moment of standing at the crossroads between darkness and hope, where the journey forward begins. It's classic KAMELOT at its core, while opening new doors into the world of Dark Asylum."

Tommy Karevik on "Ashen World":
"It's a deep dive into the topography of the human mind, exploring its valleys, peaks, and the void in between. It's about breaking free from the limiting beliefs that hold us captive and creating a new reality that allow us to expand and realize our full potential."

Pre-Order Your Copy Of Dark Asylum NOW.

Watch the "Ashen World" video below.

Set within a shadowed Neo Victorian-era world, Dark Asylum invites listeners beyond the gates of RavenHill Asylum — an imposing institution once built as a grand cathedral, now repurposed into a place where science, faith, and madness uneasily coexist.

KAMELOT pushes further into cinematic and atmospheric territory on Dark Asylum, diving deeper into theatrical darkness while preserving the signature hooks that define their sound. Candlelight trembles along towering arches and cold stone corridors as you are greeted familiar spectres: Avantasia mastermind Tobias Sammet, Eluveitie's Lea-Sophie Fischer, Visions of Atlantis' Clémentine Delauney, Decessus frontwoman and current reigning Miss World Chile champion Ignacia Fernández, Rannveig Sif Sigurðardóttir and Sólveig Sara Leupold, and Billy King! Identity fractures, reality bends, and control slips into unseen hands, guiding its central figure through a descent into psychological darkness that ultimately leads toward transformation… and perhaps sanctuary. From the cinematic sweep of "Ashen World" to the introspective depth of "Sanctuary," and the layered mystique of "Ivy, My Dear," Dark Asylum unfolds as a fully immersive journey, blending orchestral grandeur, haunting melodies, and theatrical storytelling into one cohesive vision.

Will you find sanctuary?

Or will you wander its halls for eternity?

Always committed to bringing their worlds beyond the studio, KAMELOT will take RavenHill Asylum on the road this fall with the immersive Dark Asylum World Tour, spanning North America and Europe. Once you step inside RavenHill… there is no turning back.

KAMELOT’s Dark Asylum World Tour:
North America Pt. 1:
With Visions of Atlantis + Frozen Crown:

8/28 — Orlando, FL — Hard Rock Live
8/29 — Atlanta, GA — The Masquerade (Heaven)
8/31 — Dallas, TX — The Studio at the Factory
9/2 — Phoenix, AZ — The Van Buren
9/3 — Las Vegas, NV — House of Blues
9/4 — Anaheim, CA — House of Blues
9/5 — San Francisco, CA — The Fillmore
9/7 — Vancouver, BC — Vogue Theatre
9/8 — Seattle, WA — Neptune
9/10 — Salt Lake City, UT — Rockwell at The Complex
9/11 — Denver, CO — Summit Music Hall
9/12 — Kansas City, MO — The Truman
9/14 — Minneapolis, MN — First Avenue
9/15 — Milwaukee, WI — The Rave
9/17 — St. Charles, IL — The Arcada Theatre
9/18 — Cleveland, OH — Globe Iron
9/19 — Toronto, ON — Phoenix Concert Theatre
9/20 — Montreal, QC — MTELUS
9/22 — Quebec City, QC — Theatre Capitole
9/24 — Glenside, PA — Keswick Theatre
9/25 — Worcester, MA — The Palladium
9/26 — New York, NY — Palladium Times Square
9/27 — Silver Spring, MD — The Fillmore Silver Spring

All Tickets and VIP links for North America are here.

KAMFEST DARK ASYLUM
10/30 — Tilburg, NL — O13 (KAMFEST)
10/31 — Tilburg, NL — O13 (KAMFEST)

EUROPE PT. 1
With Exit Eden + Temperance:

11/1 — London, UK — O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire
11/3 — Manchester, UK — O2 Ritz Manchester
11/5 — Oberhausen, DE — Turbinenhalle
11/6 — Pratteln, CH — Z7 Konzertfabrik
11/7 — Lyon, FR — La Rayonne
11/8 — Stuttgart, DE — LKA
11/10 — Krakow, PL — Klub Studio
11/11 — Warsaw, PL — Progresja
11/13 — Zagreb, HR — Boogaloo
11/14 — Budapest, HU — Barba Negra Red Stage
11/15 — Belgrade, RS — Hangar
11/17 — Trezzo sull'Adda, IT — Live Club
11/18 — Padova, IT — Hall
11/20 — Toulouse, FR — Metronum
11/21 — Barcelona, ES — Razzmatazz 1
11/22 — Madrid, ES — Sala La Riviera

All tickets and VIP Links for Europe are here.

More tour dates are coming in 2027.

KAMELOT ARE:
Tommy Karevik — Vocals
Thomas Youngblood — Guitars
Oliver Palotai — Keyboards
Sean Tibbetts — Bass Guitar
Alex Landenburg — Drums

DISTANT Announce New Album "Into Despair" + Drop Video for New Single

DISTANT announce their new album Into Despair, and with it, they drop the video for the new single, "All Will Be (N)One" (Feat. Ricky Myers of Suffocation).

"'All Will Be (N)One'" is a bleak, atmospheric track that explores humanity's fear of death and the inevitability of time' collapse," says the band about the song. "Blending crushing riffs with relentless rhythms, the song builds a sense of slow-burning dread before erupting into moments of raw confrontation. Lyrically, it shifts the perspective from resistance to acceptance. The feature from Ricky Myers of Suffocation adds an extra layer of intensity and authority, reinforcing the trac'’s central message: That everything fades, and all will be (n)one."

"All Will Be (N)One" single taken from the upcoming album, Into Despair, which will be released on November 6.

Into Despair is DISTANT's most personal and emotional work to date, exploring real-life struggles, loss, and the shared grief that connects humanity. The album dives deep into the darker corners of the human experience while finding solace in collective understanding. DISTANT elaborate: "Driven by raw honesty and pure emotion, Into Despair is an album born from personal battles and lived experiences. Every song carries pieces of each member's own journey, with moments of pain, reflection, and resilience woven into a deeply intimate body of work. More than just a collection of songs, Into Despair is a cathartic expression of vulnerability and a reminder that even in our darkest moments, grief is something we all share. It stands as the band's most heartfelt and authentic statement yet, transforming personal suffering into something universally resonant."

Check out the punishing video for "All Will Be (N)One" (Feat. Ricky Myers of Suffocation) BELOW.

Pre-order Into Despair HERE.

DISTANT are keeping things busy and their grim, ultra-heavy deathcore on the road. After already touring Europe with Sylosis, they just finished another U.S. run including several shows with In Flames and Thrown. Come January of 2027, you can catch them on the "New World Killer EU/UK 2027" tour with Spite, Emmure, and Mauled.

DISTANT LIVE 2027:
01/23 — Antwerp, BE — Zappa
01/24 — Paris, FR — La Machine du Moulin Rouge
01/26 — London, UK — Electric Brixton
01/27 — Glasgow, UK — Garage
01/28 — Manchester, UK — O2 Ritz
01/29 — Leeds, UK — Stylus
01/30 — Bristol, UK — Electric Bristol
02/01 — Tilburg, NL — 013
02/02 — Hamburg, DE — Gruenspan
02/03 — Hannover, DE — Capitol
02/04 — Leipzig, DE — Felsenkeller
02/05 — Berlin, DE — Columbia Theater
02/06 — Warsaw, PL — Proxima
02/08 — Prague, CZ — Lucerna Music Bar
02/09 — Budapest, HU — Dürer Kert
02/10 — Vienna, AT — Flex
02/11 — Munich, DE — Backstage
02/12 — Milan, IT — Slaughter Club
02/13 — Zürich, CH — Dynamo
02/14 — Cologne, DE — Essigfabrik

Purchase tickets HERE. 

DISTANT have become one of the prominent faces of European Deathcore. Melding together brutal death metal, slam, noise and beatdown with a hyper-dissonant orchestra of impending doom, they've come eons since their origins as metalcore obsessed friends in Rotterdam and Bratislava.

Future Palace Drop "Tidal Waves" Video

Germany's FUTURE PALACE will unleash their forthcoming fourth album RESURGENCE on July 31 via Century Media. Pre-order it here. 

The album is a powerful exploration of isolation, inner conflict, and the struggle to rebuild oneself. Blending post-hardcore intensity with cinematic electronics, soaring melodies, and crushing breakdowns, the Berlin trio dives deep into themes of depression, doubt, and emotional transformation.

Ultimately, Resurgence captures the fragile moment where despair slowly turns into strength — and is proof of the redemptive power of music.

Today, the band shares the video for new single "Tidal Wave," which is Future Palace's version of a rock ballad.

Watch it Below:

Singer Maria Lessing weighs in, saying the song was a watershed moment for her, as she was able to capture the feeling of deep emotional satisfaction that comes from the bond between sisters and how the role of being a big sister has impacted her.

She says, "This is probably the most important song I have ever written. It was extremely hard for me to write and I have failed to write a good song about this very important topic over and over again these past years. To sum it up: This song is about true love and how it feels. It can be very hard to recognize true love, but I personally found it in the role of being a big sister. Being someone who protects, cares, and always finds the time and patience to be there.

"I tried, and still try, my best to keep my younger sister from the pain that I had to go through. Even though we already went through a lot of pain together in our lifes, but it made our bond only stronger. I feel like no one will ever truly understand you like a close sibling does."

"This one started with a request by [drummer] Johannes [Früchtenicht] when he said he wanted a certain kind of ballad," further explains guitarist Manuel Kohlert. "Challenge accepted. The instrumental was actually very easy to write and came naturally. Compared to the rest of the album this track is by far the softest, yet it builds up to a big, still heavy chorus followed by a dreamy acoustic bridge. All in all, this is our rock ballad."

Future Palace will spend the bulk of 2026 touring, with festival appearances and a fall tour on deck. All dates are below, including a return to the U.S. to appear at the Louder Than Life Festival in Louisville in September.

FUTURE PALACE ON TOUR:
FESTIVALS + SPECIALS:
7/29–8/1 — Wacken, Germany — Wacken Open Air
8/6 — Dortmund, Germany — Junkyard (w/ The Ghost Inside)
8/7 — Villena, Spain — Leyendas del Rock
8/8 — Cercoux, France — Festival 666
8/12–8/15 — Dinkelsbühl, Germany — Summer Breeze
8/13–8/15 — Sulingen, Germany — Reload Festival
8/16 — Cudrefin, Switzerland — Rock The Lakes
9/20 — Louisville, KY — Louder Than Life
 
DEEP BLUE TOUR 2026:

9/29—Warsaw, Poland—Hydrozagadka =
10/1—Helsinki, Finland—Tavastia = #
10/2—Jyväskylä, Finland—Lutakko = #
10/4—Gothenburg, Sweden—Pustervik = #
10/5—Oslo, Norway—John Dee = #
10/6—Copenhagen, Denmark—Pumpehuset = #
10/8—Hamburg, Germany—Markthalle = #
10/9—Amsterdam, Netherlands—Melkweg = #
10/10—Cologne, Germany—E-Werk = #
10/11—Sint-Niklaas, Belgium—De Casino = #
10/13—Stuttgart, Germany—Im Wizemann = #
10/14—Frankfurt, Germany—Batschkapp = #
10/16—Hanover, Germany—Faust = #
10/17—Berlin, Germany—Festsaal Kreuzberg = #
11/2—Essen, Germany—Zeche Carl €
11/4—London, England—The Garage # %
11/5—Manchester, England—Academy 3 # %
11/6—Glasgow, Scotland—Slay # %
11/7—Leeds, England—Key Club # %
11/9—Paris, France—Backstage by the Mill = #
11/10—Lyon, France—Marché Gare = #
11/12—Milan, Italy—Legend Club = #
11/13—Zurich, Switzerland—Dynamo = #
11/14—Budapest, Hungary—Barba Negra = #
11/16—Vienna, Austria—Arena = #
11/18—Prague, Czech Republic—Rock Café = #
11/19—Munich, Germany—Backstage Werk = #
11/20—Nuremberg, Germany—Z-Bau = #
11/21—Leipzig, Germany—Täubchenthal = #

= Special Guest: As Everything Unfolds (no UK)
# Support: Luna Kills
% Support: Defences (UK only)
€ Support: VINTA (Essen only)

FUTURE PALACE ARE:
Maria Lessing — Vocals
Manuel Kohlert — Guitar
Johannes Früchtenicht — Drums

A Life in Metal, A Future for His Son: Shaun Glass

At Noble Demon, we have always believed that music is ultimately about people. While Shaun Glass's legacy as a guitarist, songwriter, and pioneer of Chicago metal will continue to inspire generations, the greatest legacy he leaves behind is the countless lives he touched with his generosity, kindness, and unwavering belief in others.

The tribute below was written by Troy Dixler on behalf of Shaun's family. We hope you'll take a moment to read it, remember the remarkable man behind the music, and, if you're able, help honor the legacy he cared about most: his son, Maddux.

On July 1, 2026, the world lost Shaun Glass, a legendary musician who spent over four decades shaping the Chicago metal scene through Terminal Death, Sindrome, Broken Hope, SOiL, Dirge Within, The Bloodline, and most recently Repentance. He shared stages with some of the biggest names in the genre and left behind music that fans still play on repeat.

But if you ask anyone who actually knew Shaun, the music was never the most impressive thing about him.

Shaun's wealth was never in a bank account, it was in every room he ever walked into. You could know him for five minutes and walk away feeling like you'd known him your whole life. He introduced bands, friends, and strangers to chances they never would have found on their own, not because it benefited him, but because that's just who he was, and he never once asked for anything back. Ask around the metal scene and you won't find one person who claims to be his best friend. You'll find fifty. That's not an exaggeration. That was just Shaun.

On May 31, 2026, Shaun suffered a stroke brought on by undiagnosed high blood pressure. He spent nearly a month in the hospital on life support, surrounded the entire time by people who truly loved him, before passing peacefully on hospice care. Shaun's insurance is pending, and anyone who has ever dealt with a hospital bill knows what even a few days in intensive care can cost. A month on life support has left behind an overwhelming amount of medical debt and final expenses.

A fundraiser has been set up for Shaun's family by Troy Dixler. 

https://www.gofundme.com/f/a-life-in-metal-a-future-for-his-son-shaun-glass

Every donation goes into the Maddux Glass Irrevocable Trust. Shaun's medical and final expenses are paid from it first, but the heart of this fund is Maddux, giving him the education, stability, and future his father always wanted for him. That future is protected in this trust, permanent, and something no one can ever take from him.

If Shaun ever made you feel like family, connected you to someone, or picked up the phone when you needed him, this is the moment to give back a fraction of what he gave so many of us for free.

Shaun Glass made thousands of people feel like they mattered. Now it's our turn to make sure his son knows he mattered too. 

THE EXILES Team Up With Bad Reputation Records For Reworked & Expanded 30th Anniversary Reissue

Expat classic rockers THE EXILES have joined forces with French label Bad Reputation Records for the release of their album 'Turning Time', which arrives on July 3. 

Purchase the CD: https://badreputation.fr/THE-EXILES-TURNING-TIME

The album's first single, 'Rainmaker', featuring Greg D’Angelo on drums, is streaming on the band’s Bandcamp page at https://theexilesuk.bandcamp.com/track/rainmaker-3

Formed by English guitarist Sean Manning, whose credits include stints with HURRICANE and QUIET RIOT offshoot, LITTLE WOMEN, and fellow Brit Paul Rafferty, the original vocalist for BONHAM, The Exiles were mainstays on the Southern California music scene in the early 1990s writing and recording a wealth of material and performing at venues such as the Troubadour, Whisky a Go Go, FM Station, and Club Lingerie. 

After originally moving to Los Angeles, CA to accompany his close friend and newly minted DIO axeman, Rowan Robertson, and intending to study jazz, things changed when Manning was introduced to Rafferty by legendary local music journalist, Jon Sutherland. Discovering their mutual love for British blues rock and bands such as Free, Bad Company, Led Zeppelin, and Faces, the duo quickly formed a strong writing partnership and recruited Hollywood-based English bassist, Paul Andrew Stanley. After briefly utilizing the services of former WHITE LION/CITIES drummer, Greg D'Angelo, the line-up was completed with the addition of Terry Mascall, a young John Bonham-style pounder from Cambridge. 

"The Exiles were quintessentially an English band, four English blokes living in Hollywood playing classic rock.... just as Nirvana and grunge hit the scene!", laughs Manning. "Paul and I were writing constantly over the course of the year, often up at Franklin Canyon reservoir, which resulted in all these tunes on the 'Turning Time' album. It's a pretty broad pallete from traditional rock to some soul and blues numbers. Heavy electric to acoustic and mandolin with orchestration. I was and still am a huge admirer of Jimmy Page's use of light and shade in the Zeppelin compositions. That sort of approach was really inspirational to us."

The Exiles online:

https://www.facebook.com/theexilesuk/

https://www.instagram.com/theexilesuk

Electrifying Rockers BOMBUS Announce New Album 'No Magic' Set for Release in Early 2027 via Black Lodge Records

Swedish rock band BOMBUS is proud to announce their new album, ‘No Magic,’ set for release in early 2027 via Black Lodge Records.

‘No Magic’ is the band's rawest, heaviest and most uncompromising record to date. Stripped of filler, it delivers powerful, hard-hitting rock with maximum impact and zero distractions.

The band shares:

“This is us at our most real. No magic, just pure force.”

Further details regarding the release date, upcoming singles and touring plans, including the European "No Magic" Album Tour, will be announced soon.

BOMBUS Live:

European “No Magic” Album Tour 2027

Presented by: Rock Hard Magazine & Slam Magazine

March 5th - Hamburg, Germany @ Betty

March 6th - Berlin, Germany @ Mikropol

March 7th - Lichtenfels, Germany @ Paunchy Cats

March 8th - Munich, Germany @ Backstage Club

March 10th - Frankfurt, Germany @ Nachtleben

March 11th - Bochum, Germany @ Die Trompete

March 12th - Heerlen, Netherlands @ Nieuwe Nor

March 13th - Hoogeveen, Netherlands @ Het Podium

March 14th - Osnabrück, Germany @ Hydepark

March 19th - Kopervik, Norway @ Ovenpaa

March 20th - Sandnes, Norway @ Tribute

May 21st - Helsinki, Finland @ On The Rocks

Since forming in 2008, BOMBUS have built a formidable reputation within the Scandinavian rock and metal scene. Following their explosive debut, the band went on to release ‘The Poet and the Parrot’ (2013), ‘Repeat Until Death’ (2016), ‘Vulture Culture’ (2019), and most recently the critically acclaimed ‘Your Blood’ (2024), continuously evolving their sound while staying true to their roots.

DED Release Deluxe Edition of "RESENT" Today + Share "Denouncer"

DED  — Joe Cotela (vocals); Alex Adamcik (guitar); Kyle Koelsch (bass); and Matt Reinhard (drums) — are pleased to release the deluxe version of their September 2025-released album RESENT via UNFD.

Get it here.

RESENT: Deluxe Edition will feature unreleased tracks and demos, adding 11 new tracks to the original 12-track album and offering fans a deeper look into the creative sessions that ultimately shaped RESENT.

Today, they share "DENOUNCER," which premiered at SiriusXM's Octane. 

Listen Below:

The RESENT Deluxe edition expands on the band's third studio album with five additional songs, including the previously released single "Weapon" and the aforementioned "DENOUNCER." It also features three tracks that were strong contenders for the original album but ultimately didn't make the final tracklist, along with six demos ranging from raw early ideas to near-finished recordings.

"We thought it would be cool to put everything out there and give people a look behind the curtain," says frontman Joe Cotela. "These songs and demos were all part of the creative process behind RESENT, and we wanted fans to hear the full picture of what we were working on during that era."

Speaking about "DENOUNCER," Cotela explains, "I've always loved this song. I wanted it on the record, but I think it ended up feeling a little left-of-center compared to the rest of the album. It's not necessarily a strange song, but it has a different energy and perspective that made it stand apart from the other tracks. Looking back, that may be exactly what makes it interesting.

"At its core, the song is about finding your own spiritual power and refusing to hand that power over to people who want to use fear, guilt, or authority to control others. A lot of the inspiration came from seeing evangelists, institutions, politicians, and religious figures use faith as a tool for influence rather than a path to connection. The song isn't about attacking pure religion or telling people what to believe. It's about questioning anyone who claims to speak on behalf of something greater or weaponizing that for gain while using that position to manipulate others.

"For me, spirituality, faith, love, energy, life, death, the essence of being alive—those are deeply personal experiences. No other human being can define my relationship with the universe, with the creator, or with whatever connects us all. I believe people should be encouraged to look deep within themselves, ask questions, and find their own path rather than externally and faithfully following someone else's version of truth. Ultimately, 'DENOUNCER' is a reminder that we should question everything we think we know—not from a place of cynicism, but from a place of curiosity, growth, and personal freedom. Well, maybe a little cynicism."

Overall, the deluxe is a "must-listen" for fans.

DED will hit the road this July on a headline tour with support from Dropout Kings and VRSTY. All dates are below.

DED ON TOUR:
WITH DROPOUT KINGS + VRSTY:
7/11 — Phoenix, AZ — The Rebel Lounge
7/13 — Lubbock, TX — Jake's
7/14 — Oklahoma City, OK — 89th Street
7/15 — Lawrence, KS — The Bottleneck
7/17 — Mansfield, OH — Inkcarceration Festival*
7/18 — Cadott, WI — Rock Fest
7/19 — Minneapolis, MN — Studio B
7/20 — Joliet, IL — The Forge
7/21 — Des Moines, IA — XBkx Live
7/22 — Iowa City, IA — Wildwood
7/23 — Madison, WI — The Annex
7/24 — Westland, MI — The Token Lounge
7/25 — Rochester, NY — Montage Music Hall
7/26 — Pittsburgh, PA — The Crafthouse
7/28 — Clifton, NJ — Dingbatz
7/29 — Boston, MA — Brighton Music Hall
7/30 — Reading, PA — Reverb
8/1 — Lansing, MI — Rock Lansing
8/3 — Sauget, IL — Pop’s Venue
8/4 — Wichita, KS — WAVE
8/6 — Colorado Springs, CO — The Black Sheep
8/7 — Denver, CO — HQ
8/8 — Grand Junction, CO — Mesa Theater
*Festival Date

CARMINE APPICE Celebrates America’s 250th Anniversary by Releasing the Song UNITED STATES. Recorded with the Late Rick Derringer

he song UNITED STATES was recorded 5 years ago when Rick Derringer asked me to put drums on it. It sat for 5 years.Then last week I asked his wife Jenda to send me the song to listen to. I remember really liking the song. After hearing it I gave it to Pat Regan to remaster.

Then I asked Dom Esposito if he can put a video together quick to get it out for our country’s 250th anniversary celebration. So we are celebrating Rick Derringer who passed away last year also.

Jenda and I decided to make a video together to celebrate Rick and the 250 years of our country.

God Bless America

-Carmine Appice of Cactus

Carmine Appice and Cactus recently released a new video for the track “Back Door Man”, taken from the new Cactus album “Temple Of Blues II” out now on Cleopatra Records. The track and video feature the amazing talents of Eric Gales and Billy Sheehan, alongside Carmine Appice.

Temple Of Blues II CD/vinyl:

https://cleorecs.com/search?q=cactus+temple+of+blues+ii

Temple Of Blues II digital:

https://orcd.co/cactus_templeofbluesii

Carmine Appice shared his thoughts on on the song and video “Back Door Man” — “Back Door Man” is an old blues classic. This version originally appeared on Howlin’ Wolf’s The Howlin’ Wolf Album (often referred to as his “Electric Album”).

This time, I wanted to make a real blues album for Temple of Blues 2. Temple of Blues 1was made up entirely of Cactus songs. I’ve always loved the Howlin’ Wolf album, which also gave Cactus our biggest song, “Evil.” We ended up recording seven songs from that album, and I always thought “Back Door Man” was one of the strongest tracks.

Links to Website and All Socials
CactusRocks.Net
www.facebook.com/cactusrocks/

Ian Munsick Escapes “Cutthroat World” in New Song, Out Now

Wyoming native Ian Munsick is offering up an escape from the “Cutthroat World” with his latest release, available now. Listen BELOW.
 
“Fishing has always found its way into country music, but you’ve never heard a fishing song like this one,” quips Munsick. “‘Cutthroat World’ casts you out into the rivers of the Rockies in escape of the savage, money-driven society so many of us have to deal with during the work week. If you’re like me, the only kind of cutthroat you want to work with is a trout… it’s about time country music had a fly fishing anthem.”
 
“Cutthroat World” was written by Munsick alongside Wynn Varble and Jay Knowles, and offers the latest taste of his first full-length project via WEST TO THE REST RECORDS / Triple Tigers Records, The Mountain Goat, due on August 21, 2026. Spanning 15 tracks, The Mountain Goat was produced by Munsick, Jeremy Spillman and Mike Robinson. Pre-save HERE. 
 
Additionally, five D2C fan packs are available to pre-order on his online store, including an exclusive autographed zoetrope vinyl. Pre-order HERE.

Along with co-producing the album, Munsick also played an extensive role in the instrumentation heard on the record. In total, Munsick is credited with playing nine different instruments: acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass guitar, mandolin, banjo, harmonica, piano, bouzouki and kazoo, as well as lending background vocals and programming.
 
Munsick promises to deliver fans a memorable tour of the west with a series of shows during album release week, as well as the launch of his Schaefer Outfitter clothing line on August 18. As part of “The Road to The Mountain Goat,” Munsick’s official album release show will be held at Deer Valley Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater in Park City, Utah on August 22 as part of the Deer Valley Concert Series. 
 
Founded in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Schaefer Outfitter has spent four decades providing western wear to working cowboys and ranchers. Their collection with Munsick will include custom pearl snap shirts, outerwear, hats and graphic tees designed collaboratively between Munsick and the Schaefer team. Fans can enter to win a signed piece of the collection HERE.
 
Munsick is also partnering with The Landmark Hotel & Casino to open the Ian Munsick Cowboy Bar & Western Grill in August in Deadwood, S.D on September 18. Built between 1894-1920, The Landmark is Deadwood’s largest historic structure at approximately 35,000 square feet. The Ian Munsick Cowboy Bar & Western Grill will reside within over 2,600 square feet of the footprint. The venue will promote and celebrate country and western music with old school country bar decor, along with two performance stages, one indoors and one outdoors.
 
The Road to The Mountain Goat Shows:
Aug 21 || Minden, NV || TJ's Corral Outdoor
Aug 22 || Park City, UT || Deer Valley Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater
Aug 25 || Morrison, CO || Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Aug 28 || Pueblo, CO || Colorado State Fair
Sept 11 || San Angelo, TX || Black Buck Amphitheater 
Sept 12 || Albuquerque, NM | New Mexico State Fair
Sept 18 || Deadwood, SD || Deadwood Jam

About Ian Munsick:
As one of modern country’s few Rocky Mountain artists – and the only one to merge its timeless traditions with an electrifying roots-pop edge – Wyoming native Ian Munsick lives in the wild places few singer-songwriters go. Yet with his fourth album, The Mountain Goat, he climbs farther out on his creative ledge than ever. Marking his first independent album on WEST TO THE REST RECORDS / Triple Tigers Records, Munsick remains as sure footed as his project’s fearless namesake, thriving in the isolation of a Western-flavored modern country frontier. Racking up over one billion career streams with previous albums Coyote Cry, White Buffalo, and Eagle Feather, Munsick has produced one RIAA-Platinum duet “Long Live Cowgirls” (with Cody Johnson) – No. 1 on SiriusXM’s The Highway Hot 30 Countdown – plus two Gold-certified hits: “Long Haul” and “Horses Are Faster.” Spotify, CMT, and the Grand Ole Opry were among those to recognize Munsick’s vision, and concertgoers across the globe have found a Western authenticity that can’t be faked. Munsick made history in 2025, becoming the first Wyoming-born artist to headline Cheyenne Frontier Days – the iconic rodeo known as the “Daddy of ‘Em All” – and with The Mountain Goat, his quest to bring Western mystique to modern fans continues. Fusing genuine tradition with cutting-edge sonics, 15 tracks feature an “earthy” new organic undercurrent, with the multi-instrumental master more connected to his acoustic roots – and more protective of his territory.

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

PAUL LAINE Announces New Album ‘The Long Road Back’ Out on September 25, 2026 via Frontiers Music Srl

Today, renowned Canadian singer PAUL LAINE is thrilled to announce his new studio album, ‘The Long Road Back,’ set for release on September 25, 2026 via Frontiers Music Srl. To celebrate the announcement, LAINE shares the first single, “Love Me Or Leave Me,” along with an official visualizer.

LAINE comments:

“I'm so happy to launch a new era in my solo career with my new single 'Love Me Or Leave Me.' I feel like I finally got a chance to pick up where I left off all those years ago, when I finished making 'Stick It In Your Ear.' Come join me on my new musical journey with 'The Long Road Back' album. See y'all out on the Road in 2027.”

Watch the Visualizer for "Love Me Or Leave Me" Below:

A masterclass in melodic rock, PAUL LAINE’s new album delivers soaring hooks, heartfelt ballads, and arena-ready anthems that traverse the full spectrum of the genre. From the driving energy of “Love Me Or Leave Me,” to the intimate vulnerability of “Someday” (co-written with Andrew Oye), every track is meticulously crafted, showcasing LAINE’s signature vocal power and melodic sensibility. “Don’t Let Me Go Tonite” comes alive with a striking video that complements its infectious energy.

LAINE states:

“Ever since I released my first solo album, I've wondered when I'd finally have the chance to make a follow-up. Life - and music - have a way of taking you places you never expect. Looking back, every chapter of my career has led me down a different road, and each one has shaped me as both a songwriter and a person.”

“I've been incredibly fortunate to make records with Danger Danger, Darkhorse, The Defiants, Shugaazer, and Jetset Junkies. Every one of those experiences taught me something and gave me memories I'll always carry with me. But somewhere in the back of my mind, I always knew the road would eventually lead me home - to where it all started. Just a kid with a guitar, trying to make sense of love, life, loss, hope, and everything in between through songs,” he added.

"‘The Long Road Back’ is exactly that. It's a musical journey back to my roots, but it's also a reflection of every mile I've travelled to get here. Every song carries a piece of the life I've lived, the people I've met, and the lessons I've learned along the way. In many ways, this record feels like coming full circle. After all these years, I'm grateful to finally share this chapter with everyone who's been waiting for it. I hope these songs find a place in your story, just as they've become part of mine,” LAINE concluded.

Joining LAINE in the studio are longtime collaborators Bruno Ravel (his bandmate in The Defiants and also in Danger Danger - bass, producer), Scotty “Hooch” Taylor (drums), Andrew Oye (lead guitar), with production handled by LAINE and Ravel. The album features standout singles like “Love Me Or Leave Me,” the video-driven “Don’t Let Me Go Tonite,”and the heartfelt “Someday.”

Musically, the record touches every corner of melodic rock, yet the songs sound like they’re coming from the classic era when Bon Jovi dominated the airwaves - both in LAINE’s soaring vocals and in the anthemic, hook-laden songwriting. This is an album for fans who crave big choruses, passionate performances, and the kind of timeless melodic rock that only PAUL LAINE can deliver.

Pre-Order 'The Long Road Back' HERE

Line Up:

Paul Laine

Bruno Ravel

Scotty “Hooch” Taylor

Andrew Oye

Sleep Theory Release "(E)motional (S)upport (C)are (P)ackage" EP + Cover Taylor Swift's "Cruel Summer"

SLEEP THEORY — vocalist Cullen Moore, guitarist Daniel Pruitt, bassist Paolo Vergara, and drummer Ben Pruitt — are continuing their string of unexpected yet perfectly executed pop covers.

The band is thrilled to announce the surprise release of its new covers EP, (E)motional (S)upport (C)are (P)ackage, today via Epitaph. Listen and download here.

Alongside the news, Sleep Theory have also dropped a just-in-time-for-the-holiday video for their take on Taylor Swift's "Cruel Summer." Watch it below. 

It's truly Sleep Theory — and Taylor Swift — like you've never heard them before.

"Cruel Summer" follows Sleep Theory's studio covers of NSYNC's "Bye Bye Bye," which is a staple of their live shows, as well as their version of Paramore's "My Heart." 

With catalog streams at 875 million to date on the back of one album and one EP,  Sleep Theory are coming off their third No. 1 at Rock Radio, a Best New Rock Artist win at the iHeart Radio Awards, a sold-out debut European headline tour, and two sold-out North American headline runs. They issued their debut album, Afterglow, produced by David Cowell and mixed by Zakk Cervini (Bring Me The Horizon, Bad Omens, Architects), last spring. 

Upcoming Sleep Theory tour dates and live appearances are below.

SLEEP THEORY ON TOUR: 
U.S. TOUR DATES:
7/18 — Mansfield, OH — Inkcarceration@
7/19 — Tinley Park, IL — Summer of '99 & Beyond Festival@
7/28— Kansas City, MO— The Truman (SOLD OUT) *
7/30— Green Bay, WI— EPIC Event Center*
7/31— Dubuque, IA— Dubuque County Fair Association*
8/1— Omaha, NE— The Admiral Theater*
8/2— Springfield, MO— The Regency Live*
8/21— Montreal, QC— Warped Tour Montreal@
8/22— El Reno, OK— Lucky Star Amphitheater— Rock 100.5FM Kattfest@
9/12-13— Mexico City, MX— Warped Tour Mexico City@
9/20— Louisville, KY— Louder Than Life Festival@
10/4— Sacramento, CA— Aftershock Festival@
10/17— Nashville, TN— Ceremony Festival@
10/24 — Fort Worth, TX — Sick New World@
*Headline Date
@Festival

Nonpoint Announces 11th Studio Album The Last Word Arriving September 18, 2026 Releases Music Video for “Is It”

Nonpoint have officially announced their highly anticipated 11th studio album, The Last Word, arriving September 18, 2026, through 361 Degrees Records. Alongside the announcement, the band has released the official music video for their powerful new single, "Is It," now available below.

Fans will be able to secure the album beginning July 2, 2026, when the official pre-save and pre-order campaign launches across all major digital platforms and participating retailers. 

Pre-Save here: https://found.ee/nonpoint

Pre-Order Exclusive Limited Edition CD/Vinyl Bundles here:

https://nonpoint.com/

Already making an impact at Active Rock radio, "Is It" was the #1 Most Added track when it came out and has quickly climbed into the Top 50 on the Mediabase Active Rock chart.

Music Video Director of Photography and Editor: Drew Johnston.

Elias explains the concept behind the song "Is It."

“‘Is It’ is that internal conflict where you question getting too involved? Did I push too hard? Did I ask too much? It’s that feeling of wondering if doing what you thought was right actually meant hurting the people around you.”

The album itself represents far more than another release in the band's celebrated catalog.

"In a world that sometimes wants to put a timestamp on creativity, The Last Wordis our way of saying we're just getting started. We're pushing back against expectation and pushing forward into our own next chapter."

The album artwork carries an equally powerful message. Soriano describes the symbolic pencil featured on the cover as a reflection of both longevity and perseverance.

"This album cover tells a piece of our story. After years of making music, we feel more aligned than ever—musically, visually, and creatively. We’re writing some of the strongest material of our career, our live shows are as powerful as they’ve ever been, and the band feels focused and energized. The pencil on the cover represents what it’s like to be handed one last tool and expected to fit everything you have left to say into it. Not because the ideas are gone, but because longevity often comes with assumptions and limits. The Last Word isn’t about accepting an ending. It’s about challenging that narrative. If this is the pencil we’re being handed, we’re going to use it—and make sure the words written with it still matter."

Coinciding with the album announcement, Nonpoint has also revealed "The Even More Outta Control Tour," kicking off July 25, 2026. Renowned for their explosive live performances, the band will be performing brand-new material from The Last Word alongside the fan favorites that have become staples of their live set. The tour offers audiences an early look at what promises to be one of the band's most dynamic records to date.

For more than two decades, Nonpoint has remained one of hard rock's most resilient and respected acts, earning millions of streams, multiple charting singles, and a fiercely loyal global fanbase through relentless touring and uncompromising musicianship. The Last Word finds the band firing on all cylinders, proving they have no intention of slowing down.

Further underscoring the band's momentum, Nonpoint has also joined the roster of artists endorsed by Heavys, the world's first audio company engineered specifically for rock and heavy music fans. Designed for listeners who treat music as identity—not background noise—Heavys produces premium headphones, earbuds, and audio gear. 

Discount code: NONPOINT40 for 40% off their headphones and shells package. https://bit.ly/nonpoint-heavys

The Last Word arrives worldwide on September 18, 2026 via 361 Degrees Records. The official music video for "Is It" is streaming now, with the album's pre-save and pre-order campaign launching July 2, 2026. Fans can also catch Nonpoint on "The Even More Outta Control Tour," beginning July 25, 2026, as the band ushers in an exciting new chapter.

Tickets and VIP packages are available at

https://nonpoint.com/pages/tour-dates

Painful. Powerful. Unforgettable. Don’t miss your chance to be part of it!

Nonpoint US Tour Dates

Dorothy, Nonpoint, Vrsty

7/23 Menahga, MN

Nonpoint, Spineshank, Hed Pe

7/25 Davenport, IA Capitol Theater 

7/26 Minneapolis, MN  Cabooze 

Nonpoint Only 

7/28 Des Moines, IA Woolys 

Nonpoint, Soil, Spineshank, Hed Pe

7/29 Indianapolis, IN Vogue Theater

7/31 District 142 Wyandotte, Mi

Nonpoint, Powerman 5K, Soil and more 

8/1 Rock Lansing, Lansing, MI

Nonpoint, Soil, Spineshank, Hed Pe

8/2 The Winchester Lakewood, OH

8/4 Sherman Theater Stroudsburg, PA

8/6 Wallys Hampton Beach, NH

8/7 Empire Live Albany, NY

Nonpoint, Spineshank, Hed Pe

8/8 Waynesboro, VA The Foundry

8/9 Harrison, OH The Blue Note 

8/11 Lexington, KY Manchester Music Hall

8/12 Sauget, IL Pops

Nonpoint only 

8/14 Ringle, WI Q&Z Expo Center 

Nonpoint, Spineshank, Hed Pe

8/15 Milwaukee, WI The Rave 

8/16 Kansas City, MO RecordBar 

8/15 Milwaukee, WI The Rave II

8/16 Kansas City, MO RecordBar 

Nonpoint Only 

8/18 Colorado Springs, CO Black Sheep

Nonpoint, Spineshank, Hed Pe

8/20 Boise ID Shrine Social Club

8/21 Spokane, WA Knitting Factory 

8/22 Seattle, WA EL Corazón 

8/23 Portland, OR Hawthorne Theater

8/24 Roseville, CA Goldfield Trading Post

Nonpoint, Spineshank 

8/26 San Jose, CA The Ritz

Nonpoint, Spineshank, Hed Pe

8/28 Pomona, CA Glasshouse 

8/29 Las Vegas 24 Oxford

8/30 Mesa, AZ The Nile 

9/1 Lubbock, TX Jake’s 

9/3 Austin, TX Come & Take It Live 

9/4 Dallas TX Trees

Nonpoint is:
Elias Soriano (Lead Vocals)
Robb Rivera (Drums)
Rasheed Thomas (Guitar /Backing Vocals)
Adam Woloszyn (Bass)
Jason Zeilstra (Lead Guitar)

For More Information Please visit:

NONPOINT

Official Website

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361 Degrees Records

Australian Hard Rockers AIRBOURNE Release New Single "Kid In A Candy Store"

Today, AIRBOURNE proudly releases their latest single, “Kid In A Candy Store,” taken from their upcoming self-titled album set for release on August 28th via Spinefarm. The new track is produced by Brian Howes (who helmed 2013’s ‘Black Dog Barking’), engineered by Mike Fraser (who worked on 2010’s ‘No Guts. No Glory’ & 2016’s ‘Breakin’ Outta Hell’), mixed by Zakk Cervini (BMTH, Architects, Evanescence) and mastered by the legendary Ted Jensen.

Available since spring 2025, the do-or-die anthem "Gutsy" sent up the flare, signaling that a new album and a fresh chapter for the band were on the horizon. "Christmas Bonus"followed in November, with "Alive After Death (Last Plane Out)" arriving soon after, both the song and its accompanying video serving as spectacular flag-bearers for the 12-track album to come. Now comes "Kid In A Candy Store," cut from the same battle-jacket cloth, a classic rite-of-passage anthem in the tradition of songs like AC/DC's "Whole Lotta Rosie."

Stream / Listen to "Kid In A Candy Store" HERE

When AIRBOURNE – brothers Joel and Ryan O'Keeffe (vocals/guitar and drums, respectively), bassist Justin Street, and guitarist Brett Tyrrell – entered Music Farm Studioin southeastern Australia to record their new album, they effectively drew a line in the Byron Bay sand. The mission was clear: to create not only the greatest body of work in the AIRBOURNE canon ("Real blockbuster sh*t!," to echo their own words), but to scale the highest possible peak – shirtless, naturally, in true AIRBOURNE style – in the name of hard rock; to break new ground, defend the territory won by the heroes who came before them, and strengthen and celebrate the sacred bond with rock fans around the world.

In short, go forth and GET GUTSY!

Ryan shares:

“We said, this is it, let’s make the oracle. And if we’re going to do it, no corner can be cut. Because if you cut a corner, you’re not going to pull it off."

He continues, “This record distils everything we stand for into one place. Everything we love. It’s the best album we could possibly have made.”

“It’s a rocket that we’ve been building and building, and we’ve filled it with this fuel and we’re ready to light it up and let it go,” exclaims Joel. “Everything we are as a band, our heart and soul, is in this record.”

Made on home soil in the face of tropical storms, dangerous, potentially lethal wild-life and temperamental vintage gear, ‘Airbourne’ is the album, the statement recording, that only one band could have created; for proud sons of Warrnambool, Joel and Ryan, it was all about setting a high bar, then raising it higher, with Bryan Adams and studio maestro ‘Mutt’ Langeadding their multi-platinum songwriting skills to a couple of the tracks.

‘Airbourne’ — Made with passion. Made in Australia. The Great Barrier Riff.

Pre-Order 'Airbourne' HERE

AIRBOURNE Live:

July 2 - Belfort, France @ Eurockéennes

July 3 - Ballenstedt, Germany @ Rockharz Open Air

July 4 - Vienna, Austria @ Donauinselfest

July 7 - Villafranca di Verona, Italy @ Castello Scaligero

July 10 - Weert, Netherlands @ Bospop

July 11 - Knebworth, UK @ Eddfest

July 16 - Saint-Julien-en-Genevois, France @ Guitare En Scene

July 17 - Ambert, France @ World Festival Ambert

July 20 - Carcassonne, France @ Festival De Carcassonne

July 22 - Solothurn, Switzerland @ Kulturfabrik Kofmehl

July 23 - Liège, Belgium @ OM Concerts

July 25 - Sondershausen, Germany @ Bobfest

July 28 - Zagreb, Croatia @ Boogaloo

July 30 - Râșnov, Romania @ Rockstadt Extreme Fest

August 1 - Wacken, Germany @ Wacken Open Air

August 4 - Bratislava, Slovakia @ Tipos Arena

August 7 - Chemnitz, Germany @ Wasserschloss Klaffenbach

August 8 - Poznań, Poland @ Rockowizna Festival

August 10 - Prague, Czech Republic @ Forum Karlín

August 12 - Dinkelsbühl, Germany @ Summer Breeze

August 14 - Sulingen, Germany @ Reload Festival

August 16 - Carhaix-Plouguer, France @ Motocultor Festival

August 18 - Pamplona, Spain @ Navarra Arena

August 20 - Valencia, Spain @ Roig Arena

August 22 - Château-Gontier, France @ V And B Festival

August 26 - Kraków, Poland @ Klub Studio

August 29 - Tallinn, Estonia @ Helitehas

August 31 - Helsinki, Finland @ Allas Sea Pool

September 3 - Stockholm, Sweden @ Tivoli Gröna Lund

September 5 - Oslo, Norway @ High Voltage Live