Michael Schenker Group Announces New Studio Album "Don't Sell Your Soul" Out October 3

What was already a standout moment of this year's Wacken Open Air, the world's largest metal festival, turned into something even bigger when Michael Schenker pulled a surprise no one saw coming.

After delivering a fierce My Years With UFO set to tens of thousands of attendees on Thursday night, the architect of hard rock used the world's loudest stage to announce that a brand new Michael Schenker Group studio album, titled Don't Sell Your Soul, will be released on October 3 via earMUSIC.

To mark the occasion, Schenker and his band closed the show with a world-exclusive live premiere of the new album's title track — a powerful encore that took the Wacken crowd by surprise and was met with instant enthusiasm on the muddy festival fields.

Pre-save the single here. 

Earlier in the set, the Wacken faithful had already been treated to a once-in-a-lifetime moment: Slash walked on stage as a surprise guest, joining Schenker on the UFO classic "Mother Mary." Two of rock's most iconic guitarists side by side — a scene few will forget.

Don't Sell Your Soul is the latest studio album by the Michael Schenker Group and the second part of an album trilogy that began with 2024's My Years With UFO.

The album was produced by Michael Schenker and Michael Voss, and recorded with Schenker's longtime allies: Bodo Schopf (drums), Barend Courbois (bass), and Steve Mann (guitar, keys). On vocals: the impeccable Erik Grönwall – undoubtedly one of the finest rock voices of his generation. Guest appearances on vocals by Robin McAuley, Dimitri "Lia" Liapakis, and Michael Voss round out the cast.

Don't Sell Your Soul will be available on CD, LP, and limited transparent red vinyl.

Pre-order the album here. 

Koe Wetzel Ushers in the Next Era With "Surrounded" Out This Friday 7/25

Fresh off a pair of home state stadium dates in Texas with Morgan Wallen and in the midst of a high-energy run of summer festival dates amid Jim Bob World Tour legs with HARDY, Koe Wetzel returns this week with the highly anticipated release of “Surrounded” – the first official preview of new music since his chart-topping 9 Lives. The long-awaited single arrives this Friday, July 25, alongside an official visualizer. Pre-save/pre-order HERE.
 
Initially teased during a radio event in February, “Surrounded” has since become a fixture in Wetzel’s live set, building buzz through headline and festival performances across the country, including standout moments at Country Fest, Country Boom and Windy City Smokeout – where he also appeared on “Good Morning America” as the celebrity guest judge for their onsite BBQ competition.
 
“‘Surrounded’ felt like the right way to kick off this next chapter,” shares Wetzel of the hard-driving track that delves into the feeling of being trapped by a memory you can’t outrun. “The way fans locked into it live from the jump has been wild, so we’re fired up to finally let the full thing loose this week.”
 
The release of “Surrounded” follows a landmark year that saw Wetzel hit five consecutive weeks at No. 1 with 9 Lives standout “High Road” featuring Jessie Murph, land on year-end “Best Of” lists from the likes of Rolling Stone, Billboard, LA Times, Tennessean, Holler and more, grace the cover or POLLSTAR and receive three new RIAA certifications at the sold-out Red Rocks finale of the Damn Near Normal World Tour, which saw the renegade rockstar perform for well over 200,000 fans globally with over 96% of all headline tickets sold – and even spawned its own live album.
 
With new music arriving this week, a nonstop touring schedule this summer and his Madison Square Garden debut this fall, Wetzel shows no signs of slowing down.
 
For more information and to purchase tickets to all upcoming dates, visit KoeWetzelMusic.com and follow on Instagram and Facebook @KoeWetzelMusic, TikTok @Koe_Wetzel and Twitter/X @KoeWetzel. 

About Koe Wetzel
Koe Wetzel never met a genre wall he couldn’t tear down. The Texas singer-songwriter has earned a rabid audience for his songs that mix country, rock, hip-hop, and even Nineties grunge. With his defining fifth studio album, 9 Lives, released in 2024 via Columbia Records, Wetzel earned recognition on several major year-end best-of lists, including Rolling Stone, Billboard, the Tennessean and more, with the Los Angeles Times naming lead single “High Road” (feat. Jessie Murph) as the No. 8 best song of 2024 across all genres. The single not only marked Wetzel’s debut at Country radio, it also held the No. 1 spot for five weeks and became his fastest song to reach the RIAA Platinum milestone to date. Previously, his 2016 album Noise Complaint endeared him to fans with its no-holds-barred lyrics about drunken nights, broken hearts and stints in jail, and included the Gold-certified hits “Love” (feat. Parker McCollum), “Something to Talk About” plus the infamous “February 28, 2016.” Wetzel’s 2020 major label debut, Sellout, only furthered his legend with the Platinum-certified “Drunk Driving” and “Good Die Young” plus the Gold-certified “Kuntry & Wistern.” The 2022 follow-up, Hell Paso, hit No. 3 on Billboard’s Country Albums and spawned hits on both the country and rock charts, including the Gold-certified “Creeps” and “Cabo.” To date, Wetzel has amassed 3.7 billion total streams and has created a genuine experience with his live concerts, which he describes as “total chaos.” Wetzel performed for well over 200,000 fans across the U.S. in Europe in 2024, with over 96% of all headline tickets sold, in addition to playing prominent festival sets and opening for Morgan Wallen on the superstar’s One Night at a Time Stadium Tour, while 2025 sees him again embark on a year of heavy touring both as a headliner and alongside Wallen and HARDY.

CATHY RANKIN TEAMS UP WITH DAVID ELLEFSON AND KEN MARY ON NEW SINGLE, "NOW YOU'VE GONE" BEING RELEASED OCTOBER 29TH THROUGH DEKO ENTERTAINMENT

Cathy Rankin will release her debut single "Now You've Gone," featuring renowned musicians David Ellefson (formerly of Megadeth) and Ken Mary (formerly of Alice Cooper). The emotional track, inspired by deeply personal experiences, reflects on themes of love, grief, and ultimately hope, and will be accompanied by an official music video.

Fans can pre-order the single here: https://push.fm/ps/nug

Rankin wrote the song as a tribute to legendary drummer Neil Peart, and her nephew, Christian. "Both had a permanent impact on my life," she shares. "Neil’s music and lyrics were a huge influence for me, and my nephew was a light in this world for the 18 years he was here. The song is my way of expressing the void I felt when they were gone, and connecting with others who have experienced similar feelings of loss."

The project came naturally as Rankin, Ellefson, Mary, and guitarist John Bronson, were all connected through their music roots in Arizona, and their involvement with the Metal Hall of Fame. They discovered their shared passion for RUSH which led to the development of the song. Rankin explains, "Ken co-wrote and produced the track while John and I have played and performed together for years. David jumped on board, and everything just clicked. The entire process was a fun and smooth experience and we formed lasting friendships."

Both Mary and Ellefson are proud of the project. "Working with Cathy is amazing," said Mary. "She's a total pro, and when I heard her idea for this song, I wanted to get involved right away. She's an incredible talent, and I feel the song is the most moving tribute I've heard to date."
Ellefson added, "She did a fantastic job honoring Neil with this moving tribute. May this song continue to live to honor our prog hero from fans such as us."

Music enthusiasts will not want to miss the official video. Rankin shares her excitement, stating, "RUSH fans, especially, will catch the subtle metaphors and nods to the Professor, but rock fans in general will appreciate the exceptional musicianship and production."

Though "Now You've Gone" is Rankin's first original single, she’s been active in the music scene for years, co-hosting the Metal Hall of Fame with Eddie Trunk, the Annual Bubba Bash with YYNOT (honoring Neil) and singing on countless stages with her successful cover bands. This release is the perfect introduction to Rankin as an original artist, and fans can expect more to come. To celebrate the release of “Now You’ve Gone” Rankin is signing a limited amount of “Exit Stage Left” inspired flats and making available the brand-new Cathy Rankin official t-shirt.

Pre-order here: https://bit.ly/CathyRankin

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Website: cathyrankin.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rushfanatic
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cathyrankinentertainment
Tik Tok: https://tiktok.com/@cathyrankinentertainment

Deko Entertainment
www.dekoentertainment.com

POLYCHUCK UNVEILS SECOND SINGLE, "RETOLD STORY," A PROG ROCK MASTERPIECE FEATURING DEREK SHERINIAN AND BRIAN TICHY

Renowned Canadian guitar virtuoso Thomas Polychuck is set to release his highly anticipated second single, "Retold Story," a progressive rock anthem that promises to captivate audiences worldwide. Showcasing Polychuck's unparalleled shredding skills, the track features the legendary Derek Sherinian on keyboards and the powerhouse drumming of Brian Tichy, creating an extraordinary collaboration.
 
"Retold Story" will be available on all major streaming platforms starting August 2nd, and can be pre-saved via this link: https://earache.lnk.to/RetoldStory

Watch the live performance clip below.

Following the success of his debut single, "The Cyclone," Thomas Polychuck continues to push the boundaries of progressive rock with his latest release. The new track highlights his technical prowess and innovative approach to guitar playing, making it a must-listen for fans of the genre. With influences ranging from classic rock to modern progressive elements, Polychuck has crafted a sound that is uniquely his own.
 
“Brian and Derek’s contributions have elevated the song to new heights, and I can't wait for my fans to hear it," says Polychuck. 
 
Sherinian, known for his work with Dream Theater, Black Country Communion, and Sons of Apollo, adds his signature keyboard wizardry to the track, creating a dynamic and atmospheric soundscape. Brian Tichy, who has played with Whitesnake, Billy Idol, and Foreigner, brings his powerful and precise drumming to the mix, driving the song forward with relentless energy.
 
The new single showcases Thomas Polychuck's exceptional talent and reinforces his position as a rising star in the prog scene. Fans can expect intricate guitar solos, complex rhythms and an overall epic sound that is sure to leave a lasting impression. Polychuck also demonstrates his ability to improvise with a stunning uncut alternate version of the song, filmed live with local musicians at the renowned Planet Studios in Montreal.
 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:
polychuck.com
linktr.ee/Polychuck