KING ULTRAMEGA Unleashes New Single “Birth Ritual,” a Powerful Tribute to Chris Cornell

KING ULTRAMEGA, the all-star tribute project honoring the music and legacy of Chris Cornell, returns with its latest single, “Birth Ritual,” a reimagining of the SOUNDGARDEN deep cut originally featured on the legendary Singles movie soundtrack. Arriving one day after what would have been Cornell’s 58th birthday, the release also lands amid the continued celebration of Singles’ 30th anniversary, adding another layer of meaning to a track forever tied to the film, its era-defining soundtrack and the Seattle sound Cornell helped shape.

The new version brings together Matt Cameron, the legendary SOUNDGARDEN drummer who co-wrote and performed on the original track, Mark Menghi (bass & producer), and Lzzy Hale (vocals) and Joe Hottinger (guitar) of HALESTORM. The result is a tribute that honors the song’s raw power while bringing fresh fire to one of the most explosive moments in Cornell’s catalog. The result is a tribute that honors the song’s raw power while bringing fresh fire to one of the most explosive moments in Cornell’s catalog.

For Menghi, KING ULTRAMEGA has grown into something larger than a covers project.

“KING ULTRAMEGA has become more than a cover project; it feels like a living tribute to Chris Cornell’s entire creative spirit,” says Menghi. “If you notice the trend of KING ULTRAMEGA releases thus far, we cover all aspects of Chris’ career—spanning different albums, bands and solo records—with no more than one song from any given release. ‘Birth Ritual’ was originally featured on the legendary Singles movie soundtrack, and it has always been one of my favorite SOUNDGARDEN songs. It was important to me to give a tip of the cap to a phenomenal film—which Chris famously cameos in—and a soundtrack that perfectly defined that entire era. I still have my original VHS of the movie! Even our artwork for this release is a direct nod to the movie’s fictional band, ‘CITIZEN DICK.’”

When it came time to build the lineup for “Birth Ritual,” Cameron’s involvement was essential.

“Bringing in Matt was essential,” Menghi continues. “Having the guy who actually lived that experience—and is famously in the movie performing the OG version of this song live from behind the drum kit in one of the scenes—gives our version an undeniable, authentic energy. Getting to lock in on bass with Matt driving the drums was an absolute dream. Pairing our rhythm section with the sheer power of Lzzy and Joe took this track to the stratosphere. Lzzy completely channels that raw Cornell vocal grit, and Joe’s guitar work is just blistering. Together, I believe we honored the history while bringing fresh energy to it.”

“Birth Ritual” also marks the second time a member of SOUNDGARDEN has performed with KING ULTRAMEGA, following Kim Thayil’s appearance on “The Day I Tried to Live.”

“Humbled, grateful, and completely surreal,” Menghi says. “Between having Matt on ‘Birth Ritual’ and Kim Thayil laying down guitars on ‘The Day I Tried to Live,’ it’s an absolute full-circle moment for me. SOUNDGARDEN has been woven into my creative DNA since a very young age. To have the very architects of that definitive Seattle sound validate what we are doing by stepping into our world and re-recording these tracks with us... it’s truly insane to think about. I’m just incredibly thankful for the opportunity.”

The "Birth Ritual" Lineup Is:

Vocals: Lzzy Hale (HALESTORM)
Guitars: Joe Hottinger (HALESTORM)
Bass: Mark Menghi (METAL ALLEGIANCE)
Drums: Matt Cameron (SOUNDGARDEN)


Connect with KING ULTRAMEGA:

kingultramega.com | Apple Music | Spotify | Deezer | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok | X

REIGNING PHOENIX MUSIC ANNOUNCES SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON 2026 EXCLUSIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Step into the heart of the action at Booth #4029 (REIGNING PHOENIX MUSIC-STERN PINBALL BOOTH), where Heavy Metal music, collectibles, and pop culture collide! Reigning Phoenix Music will deliver an unforgettable SDCC experience featuring exclusive merchandise and collectibles, and once-in-a-lifetime meet-and-greets.

Meet Transformers music legends Vince DiCola, Stan Bush, as well as guest vocalist, Francesco Cavalieri and KNIGHTS OF UNICRON, and more special guests to be announced Wednesday; Swedish metal pioneers Tomas Haake and Mårten Hagström of MESHUGGAH; and the legendary El Hijo del Santo during exclusive signing sessions throughout the weekend.

Meet Vince DiCola, Stan Bush & KNIGHTS OF UNICRON!
FRIDAY, JULY 24 — 12:00PM to 1:30PM

The legends behind The Transformers: The Movie are rolling into SDCC! Join Vince DiCola, Stan Bush, Francesco Cavalieri and KNIGHTS OF UNICRON for an unforgettable signing at Booth 4029. From the iconic soundtrack that defined a generation to the band keeping the spirit of Transformers alive through electrifying performances, this is your chance to meet the artists behind the music, grab an autograph, and celebrate over 40 years of Transformers history.

Meet El Hijo Del Santo!
SATURDAY, JULY 25— 12:00PM to 1:30PM

A living legend of Lucha Libre returns to SDCC! Meet El Hijo del Santo for an exclusive signing session at Booth 4029. With a career spanning more than four decades, the legendary masked icon has inspired generations of fans through his unforgettable matches, unwavering dedication, and the enduring legacy of the silver mask. Whether you've followed him since the beginning or are discovering his legacy for the first time, this is a rare opportunity to meet one of the most celebrated figures in professional wrestling.

REIGNING PHOENIX MUSIC teams up once again with YESTERDAYS to deliver these incredible looking cassette box sets that include two enamel pins and a super deluxe box, along with the cassette with special print of the movie soundtrack, in the form of either BLASTER or SOUNDWAVE. four characters will be available for purchase: Laserbeak and Steeljaw will be available at RPM's booth 4029 and Ramhorn and Ravage will be available at Yesterdays' booth 1028.

Event Details – THE TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE 40th Anniversary Concert

For more on the Transformers brand, including toys and entertainment, follow @Transformers on Facebook and @TransformersOfficial on Instagram and TikTok.


Reigning Phoenix Music Album Pre-Order HERE: https://shopus.reigningphoenixmusic.com/collections/transformers

Pre-Order Amazon and Target Exclusives HERE: https://linktr.ee/Reformatted

SARCATOR Release Title Track and Video from Upcoming Album The Ones We Follow

There comes a point in every band's journey when experimentation gives way to conviction. When years of searching no longer lead to another reinvention, but to an identity.

For Sweden's SARCATOR, that moment has arrived.

With "The Ones We Follow," the first single and title track from their forthcoming fourth studio album with the same title, SARCATOR open the next chapter of their story. Released alongside a blistering performance video directed by F/53 Films, the track also marks the launch of the album pre-order, offering the first glimpse into a record where every piece of SARCATOR finally falls into place.

Over the past years, SARCATOR have built a reputation as one of Scandinavia's most exciting young heavy bands, earning nominations for both Sweden's P3 Guld and Grammis Awards while sharing stages with Hellripper, 1349 and Midnight. Yet The Ones We Follow is not the culmination of that journey.

It is where everything comes together.

Rather than asking where they fit within heavy music, SARCATOR follow a far simpler principle:

What serves the song? Every creative decision begins there.

That philosophy has become the band's creative compass, allowing punk urgency, gothic atmosphere, timeless heavy metal, dark rock swagger and extreme metal intensity to coexist naturally. The result is what the band simply calls death's rock; not a genre, but an identity. 

The first taste of that philosophy arrives in the form of "The Ones We Follow." It is restless, instinctive and unapologetically direct: a primal burst of energy that doesn't attempt to summarize the album, but instead invites listeners into its world.

The Ones We Follow will be released on October 30, 2026 via Reigning Phoenix Music. Pre-Save / Pre-Order the album HERE: https://sarcator.rpm.link/followalbumPR

Upcoming Live Dates:
17.07.2026 Ponteareas (Spain) - Arcanxo Festival
28.07.2026 Münich (Germany) - Backstage / Free & Easy + Sacred Reich
30.07.2026 Hamburg (Germany) - MS Stubnitz + Sacred Reich
31.07.2026 Berlin (Germany) - Lido + Sacred Reich
06.08.2026 Schlotheim (Germany) - Party.San Festival
24.09.2026 Malmö (Sweden) - Plan B + Hellripper & Necrofier
25.09.2026 Lübeck (Germany) - Treibsand + Hellripper & Necrofier
26.09.2026 Emden (Germany) - Coast Rock Festival

More dates to be announced.

 

SARCATOR are:
Mateo Tervonen – Guitar / Vocals
Leo Buchalle – Guitar
Jesper Rosén – Drums
 
More on SARCATOR:
www.sarcator.com
www.facebook.com/SarcatorSwe
www.instagram.com/sarcatorofficial

MESHUGGAH Announces Exclusive Signing and Limited-Edition Transformers Collaboration at San Diego Comic-Con

MESHUGGAH members Tomas Haake and Mårten Hagström will make a special appearance at San Diego Comic-Con, signing for fans at the Reigning Phoenix Music/Stern Pinball booth, #4029, on Friday, July 24, at 3:30 p.m.

The appearance will coincide with the unveiling of a limited-edition MESHUGGAH x Hasbro’s Transformers T-shirt, created to celebrate four decades of The Transformers: The Movie and three decades of MESHUGGAH’s seminal album Destroy Erase Improve.

The collaboration draws inspiration from the transformation of Megatron in the 1986 animated film. After being destroyed in battle by Optimus Prime, Megatron is betrayed by Starscream and cast into space, before being rebuilt by Unicron as Galvatron, a narrative progression that mirrors the title Destroy Erase Improve.

“Big machinery. Massive destruction. Reconfiguration. A pretty accurate analogy to our sound, is it not?” says Mårten Hagström.

The limited-edition design brings together two influential forces in music and pop culture, connecting the mechanical destruction and transformation of the Transformers universe with the precision, power and constant evolution of MESHUGGAH’s sound. The artwork was done by renowned Transformers and G.I.JOE artist, Ken Christiansen. (@ken_christiansen_art ) Ken has spent over a decade shaping the Transformers franchise's visual identity for Hasbro and Activision, from Generations toy packaging and Covenant of Primus lore art to Transformers video game concept art and IDW comic covers.

Ken comments, "Two of my favorite things are Transformers and metal music, when the chance came up to combine the two, how could I pass that up?  And to do it for a killer band like MESHUGGAH, can't get much better."

Reigning Phoenix Music will also celebrate the band’s anniversary remastered reissues of Destroy Erase Improve and Catch Thirtythree with San Diego Comic-Con-exclusive splatter vinyl variants of both releases.

Fans attending the signing will have the opportunity to meet Tomas Haake and Mårten Hagström and explore the exclusive merchandise and vinyl offerings available at the booth.

Event Details:

MESHUGGAH Signing
Friday, July 24
3:30 p.m.
Reigning Phoenix Music/Stern Pinball Booth
Booth #4029
San Diego Comic-Con

Quantities of the collaborative T-shirt and exclusive vinyl variants will be limited and available while supplies last.

Rather than following trends, MESHUGGAH have built an entire language of their own: mechanical yet human, cerebral yet crushing, and as hypnotic as it is devastating. With a reputation for uncompromising innovation and formidable live performances, MESHUGGAH continue to stand as one of the most original, challenging, and revered bands in heavy music.

Connect with MESHUGGAH:

Sebstian Bach to appear at "The Transformers: The Movie 40th Anniversary Concert"

Reigning Phoenix Music and Hasbro are pleased to announce that the legendary Sebastian Bach will participate in the THE TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE 40th Anniversary Celebration of Life Concert. The concert is a special live event taking place Thursday, July 23, at The House of Blues San Diego during Comic-Con week. The show is part of Hasbro’s “Apology Tour,” a playful, year-long campaign celebrating the 40th anniversary of THE TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE and acknowledging the moment fans still haven’t quite recovered from.
 
Featuring music from THE TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE: THE SOUNDTRACK: THE REFORMATTED EDITION performed live by KNIGHTS OF UNICRON, the show will also feature appearances by Stan Bush, Vince DiCola, and more! 
 
The concert also features Cold Slither, who returns to the stage after last year’s live debut at Comic-Con, bringing their loud and rebellious sound straight from the world of G.I. Joe; and Jem And The Holograms, featuring original singer Britta Phillips. 

Event Details – THE TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE 40th Anniversary Concert

For more on the Transformers brand, including toys and entertainment, follow @Transformers on Facebook and @TransformersOfficial on Instagram and TikTok.

Reigning Phoenix Music Album Pre-Order HERE: https://shopus.reigningphoenixmusic.com/collections/transformers

Pre-Order Amazon and Target Exclusives HERE: https://linktr.ee/Reformatted

BRAINSTORM Announce New Studio Album Nightfall

A new chapter begins. German metal veterans BRAINSTORM have officially announced their brand-new studio album, Nightfall. The band's forthcoming full-length will be released via Reigning Phoenix Music in Spring 2027, marking the next milestone in a career spanning more than three decades.

Following the critically acclaimed Plague Of Rats, BRAINSTORM continue to expand the lyrical universe inspired by Indian mythology while delivering the powerful songwriting, memorable hooks and unmistakable heaviness that have become the band's trademark. At the same time, Nightfall will see the band embracing an even rawer and more dynamic approach, reaffirming the qualities that have made BRAINSTORM one of Germany's most enduring metal acts.

Nightfall also introduces BRAINSTORM's current lineup, welcoming bassist Danij Perl and drummer Kevin Lütolf. Together with vocalist Andy B. Franck and guitarists Torsten Ihlenfeld and Milan Loncaric, the renewed lineup has forged an album that confidently looks ahead while staying true to the band's unmistakable identity.

Andy B. Franck comments:
"It’s been a while since you last heard from me, right? Well, buckle up — because next year sees the release of our new album, Nightfall, which takes us even deeper into the realm of Indian mythology and more demonic realms.

Nightfall brings you to a world of beauty and grace, but also of death and despair. I'm so excited and can't wait to drag you all down into these abysses with me, haha! I’m really keen to bring more of that raw, primal power back into the traditional sound. The result is going to blow your minds, and with my friend Seeb (Sebastian 'Seeb' Leverman | Orden Ogan) at the mixing desk, we can look forward to an awesome metal album in the spring of '27! So, get ready for an incredible journey..."

Further details about Nightfall, including a first single and more info, will be revealed in the coming months.

AGNOSTIC FRONT Announce Co-headline Tour With ANGEL DU$T This Fall

NYC's hardcore pioneers AGNOSTIC FRONT are uniting with ANGEL DU$T to embark on an explosive co-headline East Coast tour this fall. Florida's STEP 2 THIS join the line-up as support, with TURNSTILE filling this role on Sept 29 in Raleigh, NC. 

Vocalist Roger Miret comments:

"We are excited to hit the road with our friends Angel Du$t this fall for a short East Coast blitz! A highlight moment for sure will be our date with Turnstile where we can all celebrate the phenomenal evolution of Hardcore then and now! It’s going to be a blast!"

The upcoming tour is a fierce demonstration of sonic power and authenticity across the hardcore punk scene. Showcasing the uncompromising voices of AGNOSTIC FRONT and ANGEL DU$T, the forthcoming run of dates also bring together the next generation of hardcore acts from around the US. 

AGNOSTIC FRONT / ANGEL DU$T Tour Dates 
With support from STEP 2 THIS

Sep 27 - Richmond, VA / The Canal Club - Tickets
Sept 29 - Raleigh, NC / Red Hat Auditorium* - Tickets
Sept 30 - Asheville, NC / Eulogy - Tickets
Oct 01 - Atlanta, GA / The Masquerade (Hell) - Tickets
Oct 02 - Jacksonville, FL / Albatross - Tickets
Oct 03 - Miami, FL / Lincoln's Beard - Tickets
Oct 04 - Bradenton, FL / Obscura - Tickets
Oct 05 - Orlando, FL / Conduit - Tickets
Oct 07 - Lexington, SC / American Legion Post #7 - Tickets
Oct 08 - Norfolk, VA / The Annex - Tickets
Oct 09 - Reading, PA / Reverb Outdoor - Tickets

* With TURNSTILE, no STEP 2 THIS

About AGNOSTIC FRONT:
Founded in 1982, AGNOSTIC FRONT stand among the most esteemed pioneers of the hardcore genre. No band comes close in sonic and socio authenticity and sincerity, where the struggles of survival on the streets have quite literally given life to a sound that remains as impactful today as it was over four decades ago. AGNOSTIC FRONT‘s battering, socially critical sounds serve as the foundation of true New York hardcore and helped initiate the emergence of crossover thrash. Following a slew of pummeling offerings, the band, led by the inimitable roar of Roger Miret and Vinnie Stigma's legendary charismatic guitar playing, continue to showcase unapologetically honest lyrics and signature aggression in Echoes in Eternity. 

 

Connect With AGNOSTIC FRONT:

https://www.agnosticfront.com/ | Facebook | Instagram | Spotify 

SINNER Release New Single And Video "Leave It All Behind" From Upcoming Final Studio Album Boom Bang Goodbye

With "Leave It All Behind", SINNER present the next single from their upcoming and final studio album, Boom Bang Goodbye, set for release on July 31, 2026, via RPM. The track begins with the atmosphere of a classic power ballad and gradually builds in intensity before culminating in a soaring, anthemic refrain. Combining '80s-inspired melodies with a powerful modern sound, the song brings the kind of emotional dynamics that hard rock fans have always cherished.

Mat Sinner comments:
"As a child of the 80s, this song fits perfectly into the soundscape I envisioned. 80s vibes and an ultra-fat, modern sound. Groovy, driving – it was a blast to make this song. My friend Ronnie Romero really outdid himself. What an incredible vocal performance – hats off to him!" 

The accompanying video perfectly complements "Leave It All Behind". Alongside Ronnie Romero and Mat Sinner, it features Alex Scholpp, Jim Müller, Leonie Jakobi, Sascha Krebs, as well as Thalia Bellazecca and André Hilgers (PRIMAL FEAR). Together, the performance footage captures exactly what "Leave It All Behind" is all about – emotion, energy and the visible joy of making music together.

Lyrically, "Leave It All Behind" looks back on times gone by while dealing with memories, transience and the act of letting go. Lines such as "Do you remember our wild days?" and "I leave it all behind" give the song a reflective touch without losing sight of what lies ahead.

With Ronnie Romero on vocals, "Leave It All Behind" delivers a fierce impact. His passionate performance carries the emotive tension between the calmer moments of the verses and the energetic peaks of the song, adding a fiery quality to the sound.

Once again, the album's core musicians, Ronnie Romero (lead & backing vocals), Mat Sinner (bass & vocals), Alex Scholpp (guitars & lead guitars), Lisa Müller (keyboards) and Moritz Müller (drums), leave their unmistakable mark.

Following "Wait", featuring Michael Bormann on vocals, "Leave It All Behind" is another taste of Boom Bang Goodbye – the final chapter of an extraordinary career. After more than four decades, 19 studio albums and countless international tours, Mat Sinner and his longtime companions are preparing one final musical statement.
 

Boom Bang Goodbye will be released on July 31, 2026, and can be pre-ordered here: https://sinner.rpm.link/boomPR
 
The new single "Leave It All Behind" is now available on all streaming platforms: https://sinner.rpm.link/behindPR

ARION Release New Single And Music Video “Into The Fire”

Finnish melodic metal powerhouse ARION continue the rollout for their forthcoming fifth studio album with the release of their brand-new single and music video, “Into The Fire”, out now via RPM. Following the explosive first taste delivered by “Hurricane”, the band return with another high-energy anthem that combines towering melodies, crushing riffs, and an emotionally charged message about courage, trust, and stepping into the unknown.
 
Built around furious riffs, huge arrangements, intense vocals and a fiery guitar solo, “Into The Fire” captures the moment of overcoming fear and finding strength through connection. Guitarist and songwriter Iivo Kaipainen explains: "A jump into the unknown may feel scary, yet sometimes there’s no option but to go. If only there was someone to help you make that decision, to take that leap and jump with you: You close your eyes, take their hand and now you feel strong enough. That’s what 'Into The Fire' is about." The result is a powerful melodic metal track that further showcases ARION’s ability to blend modern heaviness with arena-sized hooks and heartfelt storytelling.

Stream: https://arion.rpm.link/firePR    

Watch the new video clip Below:

About ARION
ARION are among Finland’s most exciting modern melodic metal exports. Known for their high-impact songwriting, technical skill and engaging stage presence, the band continues to bridge the gap between classic and modern metal.

Over the years, ARION have toured extensively across Europe and Japan with acts such as Dream Theater, Gloryhammer, Battle Beast, Bloodbound and Sonata Arctica. They have also collaborated with renowned vocalists including Elize Ryd (Amaranthe), Noora Louhimo and Melissa Bonny (Ad Infinitum / Kamelot).

With tens of millions of streams to their name, including the standout track "At The Break Of Dawn" surpassing 20 million streams and achieving gold status in Finland, ARION have firmly established themselves as one of the most important new wave metal export acts from the country. Their continued evolution and international presence underline their growing importance in the global metal scene.

[Photo credit: Ville Juurikkala]

ARION is:
Lassi Vääränen - Vocals
Iivo Kaipainen - Guitar
Topias Kupiainen - Drums
Arttu Vauhkonen - Keys
Georgi Velinov - Bass
 

Connect With ARION: 
Website | https://arion.fi/ 
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/OfficialArion/ 
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/arionfinland/ 
X | https://x.com/arion_band 
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/intl-de/artist/0c09mxGbMHuFLpPJMY6JdA

KING ULTRAMEGA Unveil Tribute Cover Of SOUNDGARDEN's "Loud Love", Ft. Lzzy Hale

In tribute to Chris Cornell, KING ULTRAMEGA presents a high octane interpretation of SOUNDGARDEN's "Loud Love" joined by Lzzy Hale (HALESTORM) leading on vocals, Alex Skolnick (TESTAMENT / METAL ALLEGIANCE) on guitars and drum performance by Dave Krusen (PEARL JAM). KING ULTRAMEGA are raising funds and awareness for MusiCares, the Recording Academy’s nonprofit that provides mental health services, addiction recovery support, and emergency assistance to members of the music community.

"Loud Love" appears on SOUNDGARDEN's 1989 full length Louder Than Love and remains a fan favorite that showcases Chris Cornell's incredible range. Wanting to honor Cornell and the iconic track, and evoke the spirit of this era, Mark Menghi's process for this release saw him take an old school approach in order to achieve the analogue warmth of the original recording. 

On the new release, Lzzy Hale shares: “If there was ever a time to be spreading a message of LOUD LOVE, It’s now.”

Produced by Mark Menghi, "Loud Love" was mixed and mastered by Josh Wilbur. The cover artwork design is by Mark Menghi and the accompanying video is by Tom Flynn. 

Lzzy Hale comments on her approach for tackling vocal duties on "Loud Love", "I don’t think I’ve ever been a good imitator, but I did try to put myself in Chris’ shoes. It’s more about placing yourself inside the song so you can steal its soul. I like to imagine I am the writer and then go about making it my own whilst honoring the original."

On drawing inspiration from Chris, Hale continues, "I feel like I’m always learning something from Chris. Every few years I’ll discover something deeper in his lyrics, or higher in his range. But there is an authenticity that comes with Chris that can’t be taught or trained for. I believe every word he writes. I’m inspired by his control over his animalistic vocal range, and his poetry, but also how honestly he sings." 

Alex Skolnick explains his process on preserving Kim Thayil’s guitar style, "Kim’s playing has a strong sense of groove as well as a rawness and honesty that was especially refreshing when this song first came out (a time of much overproduction & perfection in hard rock). I tried to strike a good balance between referencing and respecting Kim‘s original parts, while also bringing some of my own flavor and ideas, without getting in the way."

Skolnick reveals what it was like working with Menghi outside of METAL ALLEGIANCE: "For the most part, Mark and I have recorded originals in Metal Allegiance, songs that started with a blank page. This time we had a solid road map. In the past, once we had drum tracks, it didn’t matter which of us followed up or whether we tracked separately or simultaneously. This time, we were very dependent on capturing a live performance together in the studio, which was a fun challenge. This tune seemed to require the bass and guitar being locked in while going to tape, I think it’s probably true of most of the Soundgarden catalogue."

Mark Menghi discusses his choice of line-up for "Loud Love": "I knew I wanted Dave to play drums on this tune from the jump. Who better than the dude that played drums on arguably one of the greatest records of all-time and whom also helped lay the groundwork for the Seattle explosion in the late 80’s/early 90’s? I was already in the studio with my Metal Allegiance bro Alex Skolnick putting this finishing touches on a then new Metal Allegiance tune (which turned out to be Black Horizon) when I asked 'Hey would you wanna play on this King Ultramega track?' I just off-the-cuff asked him… what makes it better is I said, “see that old school tape machine over there in the corner? We are going to record our parts together, live, at the same time, the old school way on reel-to-reel!'"

He continues, "The last piece of the 'Loud Love' puzzle was the amazing Lzzy Hale. Having her complete the lineup for this tune is truly humbling. If you listen to the OG version of 'Loud Love', Chris’ vocals are just absolute insanity and who better than Lzzy to tackle this? Lzzy has complete vocal dominance, carries such a strong presence and quite frankly is one of the best vocalists in modern rock today."

A key component of this cover is the analogue production. On taking this creative decision Menghi explains, "It was very important to me to keep this particular song as old school as possible. I wanted to catch the warmth, vibe and feel of the original track which meant (to me) recording to tape, in the same room together and live. Imagine that? A world where you record with other humans in the same room and in analog no less! Reel-to-reel tape recording is a lost art form and was very excited to go back to the recording days of the past for this track. Alex and I are no strangers in recording together; but this was the first time we have ever recorded live together, with real amps blasting and the tape machine running. Truly was a special feel, to capture that live energy."

Dave Krusen of PEARL JAM, who was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2017, opens up about revisiting this classic SOUNDGARDEN track. "Seattle was a very turbulent place in the late 80s / early 90s and I think the best thing to come out of it was all the great music. I was a huge Soundgarden fan. I got to meet Chris and Matt when we (Pearl Jam) were working on 10 and they were working on Temple Of the Dog. It was a huge thrill for me. The fact that I was asked to be a part of this King Ultramega record was a huge honor. I was very intimidated to try and tackle the drum parts in 'Loud Love', but the guys I was recording with made it no pressure and a lot of fun."

Krusen shares a personal memory of Chris, "I'll never forget in 1993 backstage at a Pearl Jam show, Chris came up and said 'Hey Dave, it's Chris. Do you remember me?' every time I talked to him, he was always such a sweet guy to me. I miss him and his music. Plus Matt has always been so gracious and cool to me, letting me share his drum throne, was also a huge honor."

The "Loud Love" Lineup Is:

Vocals: Lzzy Hale (HALESTORM)
Guitars: Alex Skolnick (TESTAMENT / METAL ALLEGIANCE)
Bass: Mark Menghi
Drums: Dave Krusen (PEARL JAM)


Connect with KING ULTRAMEGA:

kingultramega.com | Apple Music | Spotify | Deezer | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok | X

About MusiCares

MusiCares helps the humans behind music because music gives so much to the world. Offering preventive, emergency, and recovery programs, MusiCares is a safety net supporting the health and welfare of the music community. Founded by the Recording Academy in 1989 as a U.S. based 501(c)(3) charity, MusiCares safeguards the well-being of all music people through direct financial grant programs, networks of support resources, and tailored crisis relief efforts.

For more information please visit: www.musicares.org.

THE ETERNAL Release Video For New Single "Existing To Expire"

Australian/Finnish dark progressive gothic metal collective THE ETERNAL have unveiled a brand-new video for their latest single, "Existing To Expire." The song is the second track to be released from the band's highly anticipated eighth full-length studio album, Obscured Horizons, which will be released worldwide on September 18 via Reigning Phoenix Music.

Following the acclaimed first single, "Lament For The Hollow," "Existing To Expire" offers another powerful glimpse into what is shaping up to be THE ETERNAL's most immersive and definitive work to date. Expanding on the emotional weight, cinematic scope and haunting atmosphere that have become hallmarks of the band's sound, the new single further reveals the depth and ambition of Obscured Horizons.

The album is available for pre-order starting today: https://theeternal.rpm.link/horizonsPR

About the new single, Mark Kelson reveals:
"Existing to Expire explores that moment where you confront the weight of your own disillusionment—when truth and illusion blur to the point that you feel stripped of clarity and left in the dirt. For me, it’s about reclaiming agency after that collapse. There’s a strong sense of breaking free from passivity, which speaks to an internal turning point, a refusal to simply exist in a state of decay. In that sense, ‘existing to expire’ isn’t just about mortality, it’s about recognising a cycle of stagnation and choosing to rise from it, even when identity itself feels like it’s dissolving.”

Stream "Existing To Expire": https://theeternal.rpm.link/existingPR

Watch the new video Below:

Following the widespread acclaim of their 2024 full-length Skinwalker and the evocative companion EP Celestial, THE ETERNAL return with Obscured Horizons, an album that stands as both culmination and evolution. 

Where Skinwalker was hailed for its emotional weight, cinematic scope and seamless fusion of melancholic atmosphere with crushing heaviness, and Celestial further expanded the band's sonic palette with its introspective depth and dynamic intensity, Obscured Horizons pushes even further into uncharted territory. The album refines THE ETERNAL's signature blend of doom-laden textures, progressive sophistication and haunting melodic resonance, while embracing a broader, more expansive sound that feels both intimate and monumental.

At its core, Obscured Horizons is an exploration of disillusionment, fractured identity and the struggle to reclaim clarity in a world saturated with distortion. The album moves through states of emotional collapse, liminal transition and existential unrest, confronting deception, both external and internal, before emerging into renewal and self-awareness. Rather than surrendering to decay, Obscured Horizons charts a defiant ascent, refusing numbness, rejecting illusion and ultimately reclaiming light from the shadows that threaten to eclipse it.

With Mark Kelson (vocals/guitars) and Richie Poate (guitars) in Melbourne, alongside Niclas Etelävuori (bass; ex-Amorphis/Flat Earth) and Jan Rechberger (drums; Amorphis) in Helsinki, THE ETERNAL remain a truly international collaboration, unified across continents yet bound by a singular artistic vision.

Their sound continues to resonate with listeners drawn to the emotional gravity of dark metal while carving a path distinctly their own. As they enter a new creative chapter with their gaze fixed firmly on the unseen, Obscured Horizons represents a bold statement from a band continuing to evolve while remaining true to its artistic identity.

THE ETERNAL Australian Live Dates, with AMORPHIS:
September 23, 2026 The Croxton Bandroom, Thornbury, VIC
September 24, 2026 The Triffid, Newstead, QLD
September 25, 2026 Liberty Hall, Moore Park, NSW
September 26, 2026 The Basement, Belconnen, ACT

 

THE ETERNAL is:
Mark Kelson / Guitar & Vocals
Richie Poate / Guitar
Niclas Etelävuori / Bass
Jan Rechberger / Drums & Percussion
 

More on THE ETERNAL:
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/TheEternal
 Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/theeternalofficial/
 X | https://www.twitter.com/theeternalband
 TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@theeternalofficial
 YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4vJAnrZbwUesT_FlY03mdw

SARCATOR SIGN WORLDWIDE RECORD DEAL WITH REIGNING PHOENIX MUSIC

Swedish metal force SARCATOR has officially signed a worldwide record deal with Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM). The partnership marks a significant new chapter for one of Scandinavia's most exciting rising metal acts as it continues its relentless ascent on the international stage.

 Having built a reputation through three acclaimed studio albums, explosive live performances, and a fearless approach to songwriting, SARCATOR is now preparing the next phase of its evolution together with Reigning Phoenix Music. Further details regarding the band's upcoming fourth studio album will be revealed soon.

 Photo credit: Saga Wagnsgård Djerf

Now entering a new era with Reigning Phoenix Music, SARCATOR is preparing to unveil it's fourth studio album in 2026, reinforcing their position among the leading names of a new wave of Scandinavian extreme metal!


SARCATOR is:
Mateo Tervonen - Guitar / Vocals
Leo Buchalle - Guitar
Jesper Rosén - Drums
 

SARCATOR Live Dates:
17.07.2026 Ponteareas (Spain) - Arcanxo Festival
28.07.2026 Munich (Germany) - Backstage / Free & Easy with Sacred Reich
30.07.2026 Hamburg (Germany) - MS Stubnitz with Sacred Reich
31.07.2026 Berlin (Germany) - Lido with Sacred Reich
06.08.2026 Schlotheim (Germany) - Party.San Festival 
26.09.2026 Emden (Germany) - Coast Rock Festival 
 
And more shows to follow soon…

 

More on SARCATOR:
www.sarcator.com
https://www.facebook.com/sarcatorband | https://www.instagram.com/sarcator/
https://www.tiktok.com/@sarcator

BELPHEGOR Announces "Praise The Beast" European Tour 2026

Black Death Metal force BELPHEGOR will unleash their magickal processions across Europe in autumn 2026 with the "Praise The Beast" European Tour 2026.

The trek kicks off on September 29th at Turock in Essen, Germany, and will storm through Belgium, the Netherlands, Scandinavia, Central Europe, Poland, and the UK before reaching its final ritual on October 18th at The Underworld in London.

Joining BELPHEGOR as special guests are Death Metal legends KRISIUN and Black Metal coven ASAGRAUM. A fourth band will be announced soon. Stay tuned.

BELPHEGOR "Praise The Beast" European Tour 2026:

29.09. - GER - Essen, Turock
30.09. - BEL - Kortrijk, DVG
01.10. - NLD - Dordrecht, Bibelot
02.10. - NLD - Hengelo, Metropool
03.10. - TBA
04.10. - SWE - Gothenburg, Monument
06.10. - FIN - Helsinki, On The Rocks
07.10. - SWE - Stockholm, Kollektivet Livet
08.10. - SWE - Malmö, Plan B
09.10. - GER - Berlin, Musikbrauerei
10.10. - CZE - Uherske Hradiste, Klub Mir
11.10. - CZE - Plzen, Serikovka
13.10. - POL - Krakow, Hype Park
14.10. - POL - Gdańsk, Drizzly Grizzly
15.10. - GER - Osnabrück, Bastard Club
16.10. - UK - Sheffield, Corporation
17.10. - UK - Torquay, Arena
18.10. - UK - London, The Underworld

Tickets and additional information will be available through local venues and promoters.

Now, as the band approaches its thirteenth studio album, a deeper and more arcane force begins to stir. The number thirteen bears ancient meaning: endings, thresholds, and the passage into the unknown. Rooted in primordial doctrine, the thirteenth seal is said to bind the final veil between worlds, the last barrier between order and chaos.

With this upcoming release, BELPHEGOR prepares to break that seal, not to follow, but to lead. To summon what lies beyond even their own previous creations: something more primal, more ritualistic, more devastating.

Early glimpses of new material point to a continuation of the dark artistic path begun with The Devils, now delving even deeper. The upcoming album takes shape as a focused ritual: precise, uncompromising, and rooted in the band’s unmistakable vision, the glorification of the Devil.

Prepare. The next chapter is imminent. 

More from BELPHEGOR:

www.belphegor.at |Facebook|Instagram|X|Youtube

Modern Metal Supergroup CYHRA Release New Album Requiem For A Pipe Dream And Unveil "Venom In Me" Guitar Playthrough

Swedish melodic metal supergroup CYHRA (Featuring AMARANTHE Co-Founder Jake E and current THE HALO EFFECT, KAMELOT, THE CROWN, and SUBURBAN TRIBE members) celebrates their 10th anniversary year with their fourth studio album Requiem For A Pipe Dream, released via Reigning Phoenix Music. Alongside the arrival of the full-length, CYHRA present the high-powered track "Venom In Me".

"'Venom In Me' isn’t just about a person — it’s about anything that slowly poisons you while you’re trying to survive. It could be a relationship, a memory, an addiction, or even your own inner voice. It’s that force that keeps pulling you back into patterns you know aren’t healthy, but feel impossible to escape.

The song explores how some things don’t just hurt you — they embed themselves in you. They shape your reactions, your trust, your sense of self. And over time, you realize the real battle isn’t against something outside… it’s against what it left behind in you.

'Venom In Me' is about recognizing that poison — and deciding whether you’re going to let it define you, or cut it out for good."

Order / stream Requiem For A Pipe Dream: https://cyhra.rpm.link/requiemPR 

Watch "Venom In Me" guitar playthrough Below:

About CYHRA
As they approach their 10th anniversary next year, CYHRA have carved out a notable place in the metal scene since their founding in 2016 by Jake E (AMARANTHE Co-Founder) and Jesper Strömblad (THE HALO EFFECT, formerly IN FLAMES). They were soon joined by drummer Alex Landenburg (KAMELOT, Luca Turilli’s RHAPSODY), guitarist Euge Valovirta (SUBURBAN TRIBE), and bassist Peter Iwers (THE HALO EFFECT, formerly IN FLAMES). Their debut album Letters To Myself was released in 2017 to glowing reviews, catapulting the group to global stages, crowned with a massive North American tour supporting SABATON and KREATOR.
 
Following Iwers’ departure, Valovirta also took over bass duties, and the band released their second album No Halos In Hell in 2019, which blended groovy metal with a poppy flair and featured the hit single "Out Of My Life," amassing about 11 million streams on Spotify. Their success continued with a European tour with BATTLE BEAST, UK dates alongside DELAIN, headline shows in select countries including Finland and Japan, and performances at major festivals like Masters of Rock, Bloodstock Open Air, Sabaton Open Air, and 70,000 Tons of Metal.
 
In 2020, guitarist Marcus Sunesson (RONNIE ATKINS, THE CROWN) joined, expanding the line-up. The pandemic pause allowed the band to craft their third album The Vertigo Trigger, released in 2023. The album’s tour brought them back to Finland to open for SMASH INTO PIECES and to headline shows in early 2024. CYHRA ended the cycle with a Scandinavian tour with EVERGREY, and leading into 2025 and through to 2026 the band began to introduce the new album with a series of single releases. Requiem For A Pipe Dream is out now via Reigning Phoenix Music. 
 
CYHRA are:
Jake E | vocals, keys
Euge Valovirta | guitars, bass
Jesper Strömblad | bass, guitars
Marcus Sunesson | guitars
Alex Landenburg | drums
 
More on CYHRA:
cyhra.com | Facebook | Instagram | X | TikTok | YouTube | RPM

MESHUGGAH Announce Remastered Anniversary Editions of Destroy Erase Improve and Catch Thirtythree

Swedish extreme metal architects MESHUGGAH announce the release of newly remastered anniversary editions of two of the band’s most important works: Destroy Erase Improve: 30th Anniversary Edition and Catch Thirtythree: 20th Anniversary Edition. Both titles will be available on vinyl, CD digipack, and digitally, featuring the original album artwork and newly remastered audio. Both editions will be released on July 24th, 2026 via Reigning Phoenix Music. 

The releases follow their limited Record Store Day editions, which arrived this April with alternate/reimagined cover art. For these wider anniversary editions, MESHUGGAH return both albums to their original visual identities while preserving the enhanced, remastered sound created for this milestone campaign.

Originally released in 1995, Destroy Erase Improve marked a decisive turning point not only for MESHUGGAH, but for the future of heavy music itself. The album introduced a sharpened and unmistakable version of the band’s evolving language: machine-like rhythmic precision, dissonant riff architecture, jazz-fusion flashes, and a level of technical control that would become foundational to progressive, extreme, math, and djent-adjacent metal in the decades that followed. Widely regarded as one of the defining metal albums of the 1990s, Destroy Erase Improve remains a blueprint for the sound MESHUGGAH would make entirely their own.

To accompany Destroy Erase Improve: 30th Anniversary Edition, the remastered single “Future Breed Machine” has been released, spotlighting one of the album’s most iconic and enduring tracks.

Pre-order the Destroy Erase Improve: 30th Anniversary Edition here: https://meshuggah.rpm.link/destroy30PR

A decade later, MESHUGGAH pushed their vision even further with Catch Thirtythree. Released in 2005, the album stands as one of the band’s most singular statements: a continuous 47-minute composition divided into 13 movements, built around hypnotic repetition, shifting rhythmic illusions, crushing eight-string guitar work, and an atmosphere that remains uniquely immersive within the band’s catalog. Self-produced by MESHUGGAH, Catch Thirtythree also marked the band’s only full-length album built with programmed drums, using Toontrack’s Drumkit From Hell technology as part of its stark, futuristic design.

In celebration of Catch Thirtythree: 20th Anniversary Edition, the remastered track “Shed” has been released on all streaming platforms. 

Pre-order the Catch Thirtythree: 20th Anniversary Edition here: https://meshuggah.rpm.link/catch20PR

Both anniversary editions reaffirm the lasting impact of MESHUGGAH’s work across generations of heavy music. From the genre-redefining force of Destroy Erase Improve to the monolithic conceptual scope of Catch Thirtythree, these remastered releases offer longtime followers and new listeners alike the chance to experience two essential chapters in the band’s history with renewed clarity and weight.

Destroy Erase Improve: 30th Anniversary Edition and Catch Thirtythree: 20th Anniversary Edition will be available on vinyl, CD digipack, and digital formats on July 24th. 

About MESHUGGAH:
 

Formed in Umeå, Sweden in 1987, MESHUGGAH have spent more than three decades redefining the outer limits of heavy music. Known for their groundbreaking use of complex polyrhythms, down-tuned guitars, dissonant atmospheres, and surgically precise execution, the band has become one of the most influential forces in extreme and progressive metal.

Across their catalog, MESHUGGAH have continually pushed their sound forward, from the technical thrash foundations of their earliest work to the genre-altering breakthroughs of Destroy Erase Improve, Chaosphere, Nothing, Catch Thirtythree, obZen, and beyond. Their music has had a profound impact on modern metal, inspiring generations of artists and helping shape the rhythmic vocabulary later associated with the djent movement, while remaining unmistakably singular in vision and execution.

Rather than following trends, MESHUGGAH have built an entire language of their own: mechanical yet human, cerebral yet crushing, and as hypnotic as it is devastating. With a reputation for uncompromising innovation and formidable live performances, MESHUGGAH continue to stand as one of the most original, challenging, and revered bands in heavy music.

Connect with MESHUGGAH:

V.B.O. Expose The Darker Side Of Modern Society In The New Single "Monsters!"

VICE BUSINESS ONLY (V.B.O.) look beyond the glamour and allure of the neon-lights in the new single release, "Monsters!". Beneath the luxury façade, something sinister awaits in V.B.O.'s fusion of retro-futuristic synths and heavy music. Comprised of Francesco Cavalieri (WIND ROSE) and Simone Giusti, a wizard of electronics and groove-laden basslines, Italy's V.B.O. is preparing to unveil the forthcoming full length, Vice Business Only, on July 24, 2026, via Reigning Phoenix Music.

Pre-order Vice Business Only HERE!

"'Monsters' dives into the darker side of modern society, exposing the vices we often choose to ignore or disguise." Reveals frontman Francesco Cavalieri. "In true VBO style, the video transforms these flaws into literal monsters, turning hidden truths into striking visual metaphors. Beneath the neon lights and cinematic aesthetic lies a deeper message; like a reflection of a world that often masks its imperfections behind glamour. Too excessive? No. It’s VBO baby."

V.B.O.'s characteristic catchy hooks and energized electronics are infused with a shadowy touch in "Monsters!". Explosive beats see "Monsters!" spark into life, before heavy rhythmic stabs and melodic guitar riffs emerge beneath an array of warm analogue synth textures. The memorable chorus lyric "we are monsters" injects an anthemic feel while the track's breakdown passage takes a darker turn. 

Filmed at Vacuum Club, Milan, V.B.O. lift the veil on the bloodthirsty monsters that hide in plain sight across the electric urban nightlife. 

Vice Business Only was recorded at LSD-Studios (Lübeck, Germany), produced, mixed and mastered by Lasse Lammert. Photography is by Onofrio Petronella and Tommaso Barletta, with the album cover artwork design by V.B.O. 

About V.B.O.:

VICE BUSINESS ONLY (V.B.O.) is a musical project founded in 2023 by Francesco Cavalieri, best known as the frontman of the power metal band WIND ROSE, together with electronic music producer Simone Giusti. The project marks a bold artistic shift for Cavalieri, moving from fantasy-driven metal into a modern, urban, and cinematic soundscape.

The band’s lineup is completed by Claudio Falconcini (guitar), Federico Meranda (keyboards), and Angelo Carmignani (drums), combining diverse musical backgrounds into a cohesive identity.

V.B.O. blends retro-futuristic synthwave with rock and metal, creating a sound that is both nostalgic and electrifyingly modern. Inspired by Depeche Mode, Tears for Fears, Daft Punk, and Justice, the band combines analog-style synths, driving rhythms, and powerful vocals into a polished, immersive experience.

At the core of V.B.O. lies a neon-drenched vision of excess, elegance, and cinematic nightlife—echoing the glamour and danger of cities like Miami. Themes of power, luxury, passion, and excess define the project, presenting the band almost as a stylized gang where image and attitude are as essential as the music.

The band made its live debut in January 2026 at the 70000 Tons of Metal festival in the United States, stepping onto one of the world’s most recognized international stages.

Since its inception, V.B.O. has positioned itself as a distinctive force in contemporary music, merging rock and metal energy with electronic groove and texture. More than a band, Vice Business Only delivers a complete audiovisual experience—a high-stakes journey through a retro-futuristic universe where the rhythm never slows and the attitude is larger than life.

V.B.O. Is:

Francesco Cavalieri - Vocals
Simone Giusti - Bass
Claudio Falconcini - Guitar
Federico Meranda - Keys
Angelo Carmignani - Drums


Connect With V.B.O.:

Website: https://www.vbomusic.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vicebusinessonly
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vbomusic/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vbomusic

SINNER Release First Single "Wait" From Final Studio Album Boom Bang Goodbye

German hard rock legend SINNER present the energized new single "Wait" alongside a music video. This is the first single to land from the band's forthcoming, and final, full-length studio offering, Boom Bang Goodbye. The album will arrive on July 31, 2026, via RPM. For over four decades SINNER have delivered massive hooks, powerful guitars, emotional depth and pure hard rock energy with an uplifting sound, and "Wait" is no different. 

On the new single "Wait", Mat Sinner shares:
“For the first song from the album, I wanted a positive good-time track that simply puts people in a good mood. The political madness we’re living through doesn’t need another depressing soundtrack. ‘Wait’ is also a very representative song for the entire album. Working with Michael Bormann again after 10 years immediately clicked — the chemistry was there right away. And just like on the whole album, there’s an unbelievably great performance from drummer Moritz Müller and my partner Alex Scholpp, plus the absolutely brilliant mix by my friend Jacob Hansen. Mat was 100% happy!”

The video for "Wait" also captures the song’s positive energy, welcoming the summer with ease, optimism and feel-good vibes.

With Boom Bang Goodbye, SINNER enter the final chapter of an extraordinary career. Since 1982, the band led by Mat Sinner has been one of the most consistent forces in the German hard rock and metal scene. Following 19 studio albums, international tours and most recently the successful album Brotherhood, the band is set to end on a high note.

For this final statement, Mat Sinner has once again gathered an epic lineup of longtime companions and high-profile guests. Alex Scholpp (guitar) and Moritz Müller (drums) provide the album’s powerful foundation, joined by Jim Müller of KISSIN’ DYNAMITE, Lisa Müller, and former SINNER bandmate Mathias Dieth, who performed on the influential early albums Comin’ Out Fighting and Dangerous Charm. Another renowned guitarist on board is Magnus Karlsson — closely connected to Mat Sinner through the PRIMAL FEAR camp — who contributes vocals on Boom Bang Goodbye.

All-star appearances on Boom Bang Goodbye continue with vocal performances from Ronnie Romero (RAINBOW), Michael Bormann, Michael Sadler (SAGA), Björn Strid (SOILWORK), Erik Mårtensson (ECLIPSE), Renan Zonta and Sascha Krebs. Each guest brings their own distinctive touch to the track list, making the album an impressive gathering of international hard rock and metal greats.

Mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen at Hansen Studios in Denmark, the album combines modern heaviness with classic SINNER DNA. Every song bears the unmistakable signature of Mat Sinner as a musician, songwriter and personality who has helped shape the European metal scene for decades.
Boom Bang Goodbye will be released on July 31, 2026. The first single, "Wait", is available now on all platforms.

“Don’t wait – pre-order, press play, repeat.”

Listen to "Wait":
SINNER – WAIT
 
Album Preorder:
Boom Bang Goodbye Pre-Order

THE ETERNAL Unveil Haunting Animated Video For New Single “Lament For The Hollow” From New Studio Album Obscured Horizons, Arriving On September 18th Via RPM!

With the previously-released Celestial EP laying a powerful foundation, Australian/Finnish dark progressive gothic metal collective THE ETERNAL return with a striking new chapter: an animated lyric video for their brand new single “Lament For The Hollow.” The track offers a first glimpse into their upcoming studio album Obscured Horizons, set for release on September 18th via Reigning Phoenix Music!

Following the widespread acclaim of their 2024 full-length Skinwalker and the evocative successor Celestial earlier this year, which was praised by fans and media alike for its melancholic atmospheres, doom-laden heaviness and progressive depth, the band now pushes forward with a composition that feels both expansive and deeply personal. First album single “Lament For The Hollow” opens with a grand, sweeping guitar harmony, unfolding into goosebump-inducing melodies and deeply moving vocals.

The accompanying cinematic animated video mirrors the song’s emotional intensity. Set against a stormy, restless high sea, it visually captures the track’s dark yet captivating atmosphere, both destructive and mesmerizing.

Mark Kelson (vocals, guitars) reveals: “Lament for the Hollow really come from a place of confronting that moment when everything you thought was solid - your identity, your direction - starts to fracture. I was exploring the idea of stripping away illusion, of recognising the voices and influences around you that aren’t real or honest, and having the strength to cut them off. Time is the ultimate truth-teller, eventually everything false gets washed away, whether you’re ready for it or not. The recurring imagery of waves and erasure ties into that cleansing force, but it’s not gentle— it’s destructive, almost violent. ‘Lament For The Hollow’ is about facing fear, selfdoubt, and betrayal, and what happens when people allow themselves to be consumed by emptiness or led astray. It’s both a warning and a kind of catharsis. In a way ‘Lament For The Hollow’ is an anthem for the disenchanted, disillusioned and disenfranchised.”

Stream/Download “Lament For The Hollow”: https://theeternal.rpm.link/lamentPR

 Watch the video clip below:

With Mark Kelson (vocals/guitars) and Richie Poate (guitars) in Melbourne, joined by Niclas Etelävuori (bass, ex-AMORPHIS/FLAT EARTH) and Jan Rechberger (drums, AMORPHIS) in Helsinki, THE ETERNAL have solidified themselves as a truly international collaboration. Their music resonates with fans of acts such as KATATONIA, SWALLOW THE SUN, and ANATHEMA - dark yet luminous, heavy yet emotionally transcendent!

Further album details and new singles will be unveiled in the weeks ahead. The band's latest EP, Celestial, was released in January through Reigning Phoenix Music and is available digitally and as a limited, eco-friendly recycled vinyl LP edition at: https://theeternal.rpm.link/celestialPR

THE ETERNAL is:
Mark Kelson / Guitar & Vocals
Richie Poate / Guitar
Niclas Etelävuori / Bass
Jan Rechberger / Drums & Percussion

More on THE ETERNAL:
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/TheEternal
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/theeternalofficial/
X | https://www.twitter.com/theeternalband
TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@theeternalofficial
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4vJAnrZbwUesT_FlY03mdw

V.B.O. Ignite The Streets Of Miami With New Video Single "Fire Fire", Announce New Album 'Vice Business Only'

Step into the realm of VICE BUSINESS ONLY (V.B.O.) where the party never ends and the nightlife is ablaze with neon lights as retro-futuristic synths collide with heavy music. Italy's V.B.O. was born from two lifelong friends of two different musical worlds: Francesco Cavalieri (WIND ROSE) and Simone Giusti, a wizard of electronics and groove-laden basslines. Blazing down the streets of Miami "Fire Fire" kicks off this epic new chapter for V.B.O., landing ahead of the forthcoming self-titled full length. The album, Vice Business Only, is set to make waves on July 24, 2026, released via Reigning Phoenix Music.

Pre-order Vice Business Only HERE!

“'Fire Fire' is a bold statement of the Vice Business Only lifestyle — a high-energy anthem that captures the essence of excess, ambition, and neon-lit nights".Comments frontman Francesco Cavalieri. "Filmed in Miami, the video brings our vision of our music project to life through cinematic visuals mixed with modern 80s-inspired musical vibes. This single is not just a song, but a declaration of who we are. This is VBO."

From "Fire Fire" emerge atmospheric synths, driving beats and highly melodic, intricate guitar leads. Francesco Cavalieri's charismatic vocal delivery brings the anthem to life. Awash with memorable moments, the track's choruses are infused with stunning hooks notably the catchy lyric, "light it on fire". V.B.O.'s heavier influences manifest across the song with technical guitar riffs playfully set amongst the electronics. Towards the end of the track, V.B.O. lean into their metal side as Cavalieri's powerful harsh vocals inject a burst of aggressive textures into the mix.   

V.B.O.'s 80s inspired electronics provide a dreamy soundtrack across "Fire Fire". The track's genre-fusion transports the listener straight to the palm-tree lined streets of Miami, surrounded by luxury and excess. The music video, filmed across Miami, also includes footage from the project's live debut appearance on 70000 Tons of Metal in January of 2026. 

Vice Business Only was produced by Lasse Lammert. Photography is by Onofrio Petronella and Tommaso Barletta, with the album cover artwork design by V.B.O. 

At the core of V.B.O. lies a neon-drenched vision of excess, elegance, and cinematic nightlife—echoing the glamour and danger of cities like Miami. Themes of power, luxury, passion, and excess define the project, presenting the band almost as a stylized gang where image and attitude are as essential as the music.

The band made its live debut in January 2026 at the 70000 Tons of Metal festival in the United States, stepping onto one of the world’s most recognized international stages.

Since its inception, V.B.O. has positioned itself as a distinctive force in contemporary music, merging rock and metal energy with electronic groove and texture. More than a band, Vice Business Only delivers a complete audiovisual experience—a high-stakes journey through a retro-futuristic universe where the rhythm never slows and the attitude is larger than life.

V.B.O. Is:

Francesco Cavalieri - Vocals
Simone Giusti - Bass
Claudio Falconcini - Guitar
Federico Meranda - Keys
Angelo Carmignani - Drums


Connect With V.B.O.:

Website: https://www.vbomusic.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vicebusinessonly
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vbomusic/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vbomusic

ENEMY INSIDE Bury The Past And Dig Into A Heavier Future With Their Brand New Single "R.I.P."

With zero intention of playing it safe, ENEMY INSIDE return with their explosive new single "R.I.P.", a track that doesn’t just close a chapter, it sets the whole damn book on fire.

"R.I.P." is at its core about letting go, burying what no longer serves you, and moving on with clarity and intent. Armed with razor-edged riffs, industrial textures, and anthemic hooks, the band steps into a darker, heavier, and more uncompromising sonic identity than ever before — a bold evolution that signals the dawn of a new era.

"'R.I.P.' might be one of the heaviest ENEMY INSIDE songs yet. A farewell to the past and everything that once tried to hold you back.” Evan K. & Nastassja Giulia

Driven by the mantra “you cannot control me,” the track cuts deep, lyrically and sonically. Lines like “used to be the echo now I am the scream” perfectly capture the band’s transformation: louder, sharper, and impossible to ignore.

Musically, "R.I.P." pushes ENEMY INSIDE into heavier territory, combining their signature modern sound with heightened force, especially through more aggressive vocal delivery and powerful, cutting screams that underline the song’s emotional weight.

"R.I.P." also arrives with a high-end, cinematic music video, continuing the band’s tradition of visually striking productions that amplify their sonic intensity.

Watch "R.I.P." Below.

The single offers a first glimpse into the band’s upcoming album (set for release via RPM), dialing their already uncompromising sound up to a whole new level of intensity.

To bring this new chapter to the stage, ENEMY INSIDE will join SMASH INTO PIECES as special guests on their April and May 2026 tour, delivering their high-energy live show across Europe.

This isn’t just a release.

It’s a burial. And ENEMY INSIDE are the ones holding the shovel.

ENEMY INSIDE Is:

Nastassja Giulia | Vocals

Evan K  | Lead Guitar

Dave Hadarik | Rhythm Guitar

Dominik Stotzem | Bass

Hanno Kerstan | Drums

 

https://enemy-inside.com | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook

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