Sleep announce their new album, Hempispheres, out digitally on September 3 and physically on October 30 via Third Man Records.
Physical pre-orders open September 3rd. Stream the new single The Morrisist today.
Ian Munsick Releases New Song, “Palomino Eyes,” Off Upcoming Album
Wyoming native Ian Munsick continues to intertwine those Western themes he’s known for into his latest release, “Palomino Eyes,” available now. Listen Below.
Written by Munsick and Phil O’Donnell, “Palomino Eyes” places a cowboy’s lens onto rose-colored glasses, emphasizing the beauty of how the world is seen through a partner’s eyes.“Nine times out of ten a song title hits me days, weeks, months or even years before I actually sit down to write it. It’s extremely rare that an idea is born and I have the time and creative juice to write it from start to finish,” Munsick explains. “But when I was driving through the farmland of Tennessee on my way to write with one of my favorite songwriters, Phil O’Donnell, I saw a beautiful Palomino hanging by the fence with enamoring blue eyes. I thought to myself, ‘I have one of those waiting for me at home… Caroline.’”
He continues, “We wrote ‘Palomino Eyes’ in a few hours, unsure which part was the chorus and which part was the verse. That’s probably one of the reasons why it’s my personal favorite song on the album. It doesn’t follow a formula. It’s free and untamed, just like that Palomino and my beautiful wife.”
“Palomino Eyes” is the latest release off Munsick’s upcoming studio album, The Mountain Goat. Spanning 15 tracks, The Mountain Goat is Munsick’s first independent release via WEST TO THE REST RECORDS in partnership with Triple Tigers Records, and 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 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.
Victoriana Infused Electronic Metal Duo CODEX LOVELACE Present "Follow Me"
"Follow Me" is the debut single release from electronic metal duo, CODEX LOVELACE. With a shared love of Victoriana, history, and a bit of cyber punk, CODEX LOVELACE fuses dark EDM and atmospheric electronics with metal. The debut album Galvanized Heart is scheduled to arrive on September 4th, 2026.
"Follow Me" explores themes of love and lust, while also drawing inspiration from the history and birth of electricity. This major technological development in our history is explored by Joan Avant in the lyric, “Light the way night into day”.
The 'electrifying' sound of "Follow Me" is created through EDM inspired rhythmic arrangements and synth layers. Enhanced with impactful and punchy heavy guitars, the influences from metal bring a darker edge.
Pre-order Galvanized Heart HERE: https://codexlovelace.bandcamp.com/album/galvanized-heart
CODEX LOVELACE is:
Joan Avant: multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, composer & lyricist, producer.
Holly Royle: multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, composer & lyricist.
Album Credits:
Guitar performance, bass, violin, drums, synth programming, vocal performance, composition and lyrics by Joan Avant
Guitar performance, synth programming, vocal performance, composition and lyrics by Holly Royle
Produced and mixed by Joan Avant
Mastered by Andy Fernihough
Cover artwork by Marisol Maerz
Photography by Tom Lloyd Photography / Joan Avant
Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/codex_lovelace/
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@CodexLovelace
Bandcamp: https://codexlovelace.bandcamp.com
METAL ICON KAI HANSEN RELEASES NEW SINGLE "WELCOME TO LIFE"
With "Welcome To Life," Kai Hansen releases the second single from his upcoming solo album Born With A Hammer. Following the powerful "Feeding The Beast," the song reveals another side of the musician who, as co-founder of Helloween and founder of Gamma Ray, has played a defining role in European heavy metal, and power metal in particular, for decades.
Driving guitars, striking changes in tempo and strong melodies come together in a direct blend of heavy metal, punk and rock’n’roll. As the second track on the album, "Welcome To Life" makes it clear early on just how diverse Born With A Hammer is set to be.
Lyrically, the song is about accepting life as it is, not dwelling on what is missing and making the most of what you have. Hansen combines this outlook with his unmistakable guitar playing, an infectious sense of spontaneity and the spirit of a road trip through life.
The official lyric video brings this idea to life as a Mustang tears through a heightened, hell-tinged world. Its imagery follows the song's shifting dynamics and puts its sense of freedom firmly on the road.
Born With A Hammer was produced by Eike Freese, Kai Hansen and Alexander Dietz. The album was recorded with Eike Freese on guitar, Heaven Shall Burn’s Alexander Dietz on bass, Carcass drummer Dan Wilding and Induction guitarist Tim Hansen.
Across 10 songs, Born With A Hammer combines powerful heavy metal with punk attitude, hard rock drive and strong melodies. "Welcome To Life" represents the album's more immediate and carefree side, expanding the picture of this new solo chapter following "Feeding The Beast."
Following the worldwide success of Helloween’s recent reunion era and its major international tours, Born With A Hammer sees Kai Hansen return his focus to his own musical world. "Welcome To Life" shows that this world is firmly rooted in his history while continuing to forge a path entirely of its own.
Listen to "Welcome To Life" Below.
Pre-order Born With A Hammer HERE.
ABOUT KAI HANSEN:
Kai Hansen is one of modern heavy metal’s most influential creative forces. As co-founder of Helloween and founder of Gamma Ray, he shaped the sound and spirit of power metal and continues to influence artists and fans worldwide. His work with Helloween has brought him back to the biggest stages around the globe, while Born With A Hammer reveals another side of his creative drive — personal, direct and fully charged.
TUNGSTEN Ignite the Fire with New Single "Fuego Del Sol"
Swedish melodic metal force TUNGSTEN unveil "Fuego Del Sol", the brand-new single from their upcoming studio album Ashes, slated for a release on October 9 via PERCEPTION – Powered by Reigning Phoenix Music. Blending the band's signature heavy sound with unmistakable Spanish and Latin American influences, the track delivers powerful riffs, infectious rhythms and a vibrant atmosphere that sets it apart from anything they've released before.
With its irresistible groove, soaring melodies and captivating hooks, "Fuego Del Sol" stands out as one of TUNGSTEN's most distinctive tracks to date. The single offers another exciting glimpse of the band's forthcoming album while proving there's still plenty of room to expand their signature sound.
Speaking about the track, vocalist Mike Andersson comments:
"Parts of the song are in Spanish, which made sense for the feel we were going for. It's a slightly different track for us, with a more rhythmic and warm character. My wife is Spanish, so that influence is naturally there. Coming from Northern Europe, we're drawn to that kind of atmosphere since it's so different for us."
Stream "Fuego Del Sol" Below:
Following a strong entry into the metal scene with their 2019 debut “We Will Rise” and a steady rise through albums like “Tundra,” and “Bliss,” the band now return with a powerful new chapter. Between touring and live performances throughout 2025, TUNGSTEN focused on writing material for their upcoming album, aiming to create a worthy follow-up to 2024’s “The Grand Inferno.”
Ashes sees TUNGSTEN continue their crusade, delivering irresistible metal with anthemic choruses and a fresh surge of energy that pushes their signature sound even further. The album captures everything the band stands for: powerful songwriting, massive hooks, and a dynamic mix of melody and heaviness that makes it one of their strongest and most focused releases to date!
In support of Ashes, the band will embark on a co-headline tour with INDUCTION, joined by special guests KILMARA. Following the tour, TUNGSTEN will play a string of headlining dates across Sweden and Norway. Find all upcoming shows listed below!
Pre-order Ashes now at this location: https://tungsten.rpm.link/ashesPR
TUNGSTEN Live:
08.08.2026 – FI –Helsinki, Hellsinki Metal Festival
22.08.2026 – SE – Vita/Luleå, Vita Rockfest
ANTHEMS OF STEEL TOUR 2026
With INDUCTION & Special Guests KILMARA:
07.10.26 – DE – Herford @ Kulturwerk
08.10.26 – DE – München @ Backstage
09.10.26 – DE – Leipzig @ Hellraiser
10.10.26 – DE – Passau @ Zauberberg
11.10.26 – DE – Karlsruhe @ Die Stadtmitte
12.10.26 – CH – Aarburg @ Musigburg
13.10.26 – AT – Salzburg @ Rockhouse
14.10.26 – DE – Mörlenbach @ Live Music Hall
15.10.26 – DE – Hamburg @ Bahnhof Pauli
16.10.26 – DE – Lingen @ Alter Schlachthof
17.10.26 – DE – Solingen @ Laut und Hart Festival
18.10.26 – DE – Selb @ Rockclub Bayern
ASHES TOUR:
22.10.2026 – SE – Lund, Mejeriet
23.10.2026 – SE – Gothenburg, Valand
24.10.2026 – SE – Örebro, Rockbar
25.10.2026 – NO – Oslo, Salt
26.10.2026 – SE – Stockholm, Kollektivet Livet
09.–10.04.2027 – DK – Roskilde, Epic Fest 2027
For more info and tickets visit: https://tungstenofficial.net/Tour
TUNGSTEN are:
Mike Andersson – Lead Vocals
Karl Johansson – Bass, Keyboards, Vocals
Nick Johansson – Guitar
Anders Johansson – Drums
Connect with TUNGSTEN:
Tungsten Official | Facebook | Instagram | Spotify | YouTube
The Bites Bring a Little Heat to “Whenever You’re Ready”
Los Angeles based rock quartet, The Bites, return with their new single, "Whenever You're Ready", a sharp, swaggering anthem of frustration, desire, and the kind of hard-earned patience that only makes rock and roll hit harder. Pulling from garage rock, pop punk, and blues, The Bites have crafted their forthcoming self-titled record, set for release on September 18 via Earache Records, to reflect where they've been and where they're headed. Listen to the brand new single, "Whenever You're Ready", Below.
Built on a reckless hook and a no-nonsense level of momentum, "Whenever You're Ready", finds The Bites caught in the wreckage of a bad love affair. Despite holding out hope that they'll finally come around, The Bites refuse to chase or beg, but trust that the right moment will arrive on its own terms. Standing their ground with a wink and what feels like a dare, the band turns the chase into a hook you can't shake.
Letting the chemistry do the talking on "Whenever You're Ready", The Bites share:
"Whenever You’re Ready’ started with a pretty simple feeling: watching someone you care about chase the wrong thing, knowing there’s nothing you can do except be there if they ever figure it out. We wanted the music to carry that same mix of hope, frustration and energy, so it became one of those songs where we stopped thinking about what a Bites song was supposed to sound like and just followed whatever made the emotion hit harder. That meant bringing in synths, new textures and bigger dynamics that we hadn’t really explored before. More than anything, this song represents what this whole album has been about for us: trusting the song, pushing ourselves creatively, and not putting limits on what a rock band can sound like.”
The Bites first ignited this new era with "Aftertaste", a high-voltage comeback that hinted at what's to come on their forthcoming self-titled record. Hailed by Classic Rock (UK) as "zingy, catchy rock'n'roll with dirt on its boots and sunny pop rock harmonies fresh off the beach," the track highlighted their ability to fuse road-worn edge with a breezy, West Coast melodic shine.
Their debut record, "Squeeze", made an immediate impression, cracking the Top 40 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Airplay chart on the strength of its raw, high-energy rock and roll. Between extended worldwide runs including Sebastian Bach and 69 Eyes and their stretch in the Caribbean for the Monsters of Rock Cruise, their time spent away from home changed them in ways that couldn't help but surface throughout "The Bites".
What's new for The Bites is their willingness to let their walls down while writing about real experiences, wrestle with the state of the world, and trust that the honesty makes for the most powerful rock and roll that they've ever put to tape. The record doesn't abandon what made The Bitescompelling across their debut release, it only sharpens it.
Recorded across multiple locations with producer Keith Armstrong (Green Day, Bon Jovi) at the helm, The Bites upcoming self-titled record was partially tracked at the iconic East West Studio in Los Angeles, in the same room where Red Hot Chili Peppers cut some of their greatest work. For a band quickly on the rise, there's something fitting about The Bites laying down tracks in a space steeped in rock and roll history. Adding their own chapter to a legacy that runs deep in those walls, "The Bites" arrives as a record that honors that history while allowing The Bites to carve out a story of their own.
Check out the band’s pre-sale bundles and vinyl variants HERE and be sure to stay tuned for more news from The Bites coming very soon.
CHRIS SCHELER Reflects on Life's Highs and Lows with Inspiring New Single "Seasons,"
Singer-songwriter and guitarist CHRIS SCHELER releases his powerful new single, "Seasons," today, delivering an emotionally honest, guitar driven pop rock anthem that explores the ever changing journey of life. Blending heartfelt lyricism with soaring melodies and dynamic instrumentation, "Seasons" reminds listeners that even life's darkest moments eventually give way to brighter days.
Built around driving guitars and an uplifting musical backdrop, "Seasons" captures the emotional cycle of triumph, adversity, growth, and renewal. While the song's lyrics embrace moments of reflection and melancholy, they ultimately offer a message of resilience and hope encouraging listeners to keep moving forward, no matter what season of life they find themselves in.
"Seasons is about going through the ups and downs of life. You're having a great time and then suddenly an obstacle presents itself. You go through a struggle, but you overcome the obstacle and grow. The cycle repeats. The song is also about the passing of time and how certain things change and others remain constant."
— Chris Scheler
The single showcases Scheler's ability to blend thoughtful storytelling with infectious rock sensibilities. His expressive vocals and guitar work serve as the emotional backbone of the track, creating a song that feels equally personal and universally relatable.
Recorded at The Kaleidoscope in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, CHRIS SCHELER performed vocals, guitars, and bass on the track. Jon Smith and Ben Roth engineered, mixed, and mastered the song while also contributing additional guitar and bass layers, giving "Seasons" its rich sonic depth. Drums were performed by Robin Diaz, whose energetic performance was engineered by Lionel Andre in West Hollywood, California, adding a powerful rhythmic foundation that drives the song from beginning to end.
With "Seasons," Scheler delivers more than just another pop rock single he offers a reminder that growth often comes through life's greatest challenges. As listeners navigate their own personal victories and setbacks, the song serves as an anthem of perseverance, healing, and optimism.
Releasing today, August 6, "Seasons" is poised to resonate with anyone who has ever faced uncertainty, embraced change, or found strength through adversity. It is a compelling introduction to CHRIS SCHELER'S authentic songwriting and a testament to music's ability to connect through shared human experience.
On August 23, Scheler will open for national touring band, Plush, at Capital City Music Hall in Harrisburg, PA. Major Moment and Observe the 93rd are also on the bill.
Heavy Metal Legends ACCEPT Unleash Re-Recorded "Save Us" Plus Static Video
Heavy metal force ACCEPT unveil the third single from their upcoming anniversary album,Teutonic Titans 1976-2026, produced, mixed, and mastered by the legendary Zeuss. For a powerful new rendition of the fan-favourite deep cut "Save Us" (originally from I'm a Rebel, 1980) the band is joined by Tobias Forge, bass master Frank Bello, and powerhouse drummer Ray Luzier. "Save Us" showcases both ACCEPT's enduring songwriting and the extraordinary musical community that has celebrated and supported the band throughout its five-decade career. Out September 4 via Napalm Records, Teutonic Titans 1976-2026 marks ACCEPT's 50th anniversary with 19 iconic tracks reimagined alongside 50 legendary guest artists. "Save Us" stands out as one of the album's most compelling moments, breathing new life into a hidden gem from the band's catalogue while celebrating both ACCEPT's lasting legacy and the heavy metal genre they helped shape. Powerful and timeless, the album proves that ACCEPT remain as vital and influential as ever.
Watch the Static Video for "Save Us" Below:
German heavy metal legends ACCEPT celebrate 50 years of pure power, bringing together the scene's A-list musicians for a landmark release. Teutonic Titans 1976-2026 stands as a definitive statement of the band's legacy, forged in steel and driven by unmistakable riffs. Arriving September 4, 2026, via Napalm Records, the album delivers some of the most iconic songs ever written in heavy music.
Led by guitarist Wolf Hoffmann, the longtime architect of ACCEPT's sound, the band is joined by a staggering 50 guests across 19 reimagined versions of their biggest tracks. Teutonic Titans 1976-2026 is ACCEPT's most ambitious and star-studded release to date, reaching far beyond the borders of their country of origin. Featuring the biggest names in heavy music paying tribute to the German icons, the record cements the band's standing on the global stage. This is more than an album; it is a manifesto of metal! Pre-orders are now available in various exclusive formats.
Get Your Copy Of Teutonic Titans 1976-2026 NOW.
ACCEPT LIVE 2026:
FESTIVALS:
8/7 — Helsinki, FI — Hellsinki Metalfest
8/29 — Newark, UK — Stonedead Festival
GUESTS: TAILGUNNER
8/27 — Wolverhampton, UK — KK's Steel Mill
8/28 — London, UK — Indigo at The O2
GUESTS: DYNAZTY + TAILGUNNER:
11/19 — Leipzig, DE — Haus Auensee
11/20 — Lingen, DE — Emsland Arena
11/21 — Oberhausen, DE — Turbinenhalle
11/22 — Paris, FR — L’Olympia
11/24 — Balingen, DE — Volksbankmesse
11/25 — Lyon, FR — Transbordeur
11/27 — Valencia, ES — Auditorio
11/28 — Madrid, ES — La Cubierta
11/29 — Toulouse, FR — Le Bikini
12/1 — Zurich, CH — Komplex 457
12/2 — Milan, IT — Alcatraz
12/4 — Vienna, AT — Gasometer
12/5 — Zlín, CZ — Sports Hall Datart
12/6 — Budapest, HU — Barba Negra
12/8 — Berlin, DE — Uber Eats Music Hall
12/9 — Gliwice, PL — Arena Gliwice
12/11 — Hamburg, DE — Inselpark Arena
12/12 — Offenbach, DE — Stadthalle
12/13 — Brussels, BE — AB
12/15 — Herford, DE — Kulturwerk
12/16 — Tilburg, NL — O13
12/18 — Neu-Ulm, DE — Ratiopharm Arena
12/19 — Geiselwind, DE — Eventhall
12/20 — Munich, DE — Zenith
ACCEPT ARE:
Wolf Hoffmann — Guitar
Mark Tornillo — Vocals
Philip Shouse — Guitar
Christopher Williams — Drums
Martin Motnik — Bass
Iodine Recordings to Release Gameface "All My Friends" EP on 9/25
For more than 35 years, Southern California melodic punk veterans GAMEFACE have built a legacy on heartfelt songwriting, emotional honesty, and an unwavering connection with their devoted fanbase. From influential releases on Revelation Records, Doghouse Records, and Equal Vision to a celebrated return in the 2010s, the band has remained a constant voice of authenticity, proving that sincerity never goes out of style.
Now, Gameface begin a new chapter with Iodine Recordings, returning with their first new recordings in over a decade. The two-song 7", featuring "All My Friends" and "Men of Stone," finds the band sounding as vital and emotionally resonant as ever. Rooted in the melodic post-hardcore sound they've spent decades refining, both songs reflect on friendship, aging, loss, and the quiet struggles that often go unspoken.
Pre-order here and listen to the title track below.
The cover art was designed by iconic cartoon artist Brian Walsby (7 Seconds, The Melvins, Corrosion of Conformity).
"'As we age, our circle of friends tends to shrink. It's easy to grow complacent and withdrawn. We lose people. Social media magnifies our anxieties, and the pull of political division only deepens the distance between us. It's easy to feel small, isolated," explains vocalist Jeff Caudill. "'We wrote 'All My Friends' and 'Men of Stone' for those who've drifted down rabbit holes, those facing declining health, and those who can't quite bring themselves to talk about any of it. These songs lived as ideas for years, but only recently did we feel compelled to record them. It was a way to lean on our friendship and help get us through these dark times. We feel strongly about these songs, and we're grateful they exist."
Rather than chasing nostalgia, Gameface continue to write music with the same vulnerability and conviction that has defined the band since 1990. "All My Friends" and "Men of Stone” are not simply a return — they're a reminder of why Gameface remain one of melodic punk's most enduring and beloved voices.
Holissstik Realize Haunting Vision on "Reoccurring Dreams"
No matter how his genius takes shape, Tor-Helge Skei remains one of the most consistent and surprising artists in extreme music. As a founding member of the critically acclaimed Manes and Lethe, the Norwegian multi-instrumentalist and producer has pushed the boundaries of metal and electronic music. Now, he’s expanding his vision like never before with Holissstik, a new collective experiment that features fellow members of Manes and Lethe, underground legends and rising stars from the avant-garde.
Today, Holissstik are releasing the third and final advanced single from Chapter 1: This Endless Solitude. Though haunted by the current state of the world, “Reoccurring Dreams” possesses the collective spirit that makes Skei and his collaborators such a unified force.
“Collaboration is the heart and soul of Holissstik”, Skei says. “I’ve had the idea for ‘Reoccurring Dreams’ for quite some time. But, as is often the case, the song evolved, unplanned and uncontrolled, as Nik, Kristoffer, Eivind, Tor Arne and I worked on it together. While quite floaty, it twists off in unexpected directions. There’s even an Easter egg for fans of Manes and Diabolus, Mecum Semperterne! to find!”.
Listen to “Reoccurring Dreams” below:
Chapter 1: This Endless Solitude comes out August 14, 2026 on Season of Mist.
Pre-order & Stream
As one could reasonably expect, This Endless Solitude began in 2024 with Tor-Helge Skei alone at his studio in Norway, revisiting unfinished songs from previous projects. The album’s latest single opens as if falling deep into a trance, blanketed beneath one long, dark cloud of synth. Over the following years, Skei salvaged bits and pieces of old recordings while building new components from scratch using his curious collection of recording software and homemade plug-ins. Jolted awake, “Reoccurring Dreams” tosses and turns between trip-hop, black metal, electronic and industrial.
Skei’s approach to production is still hands-on, but he’s invited outside influences to take control over Holissstik. “After I finished the initial sketches for the songs on This Endless Solitude, I wanted to hear where other people would take with them without being given any rules, limitations or restrictions”, he says. On “Reoccurring Dreams”, familiar faces appear in current and former Manes members Eivind Fjøseide and Tor-Arne Helgesen. But the single also introduces two new collaborators. With just the lift of a finger, Norwegian experimental musician Kristoffer Oustad conjures a melody that will ring in your head for days on end. And though it may be hard to believe, the distorted voice speaking as if from another world is none other than Kamra vocalist Nik Košar.
“I see trees, but they look like men, standing”, recalls Košar, twisting a verse from the Bible on its head. “I do not see myself, but I look, searching”. It’s not an admission of defeat, but a call to become something greater than ourselves.
“From the start, Holissstik felt like a serene light tap from somewhere beyond”, Košar says. “While I typically come from black metal, I love experimenting with different vocal styles. "‘Reoccurring Dreams’ strayed from the usual. The focus moved away from the vocals and their color into the rhythm, the words and the flow. The lyrics are inspired by a quote from the Bible, which I inverted. They don’t carry any religious meaning but reflect the current state of a blind society that struggles within the self-inflicted solitude born out of our removal from nature”.
“The whole creative process and its conclusion felt seamless and genius”, Košar continues. “Working with Holissstik felt like a puzzle where all the pieces are already laid before you and you know exactly where you fit. It was a surreal experience that I am thankful to be a part of”.
“Holissstik is like an audio ecosystem, where the collective is the creative force, the gardener and the nutrient”, Oustad says. “This is where you are the flower and the bee at the same time, both knowing and unaware of your impact and importance in the holistic process. I am proud and deeply honored to have been asked to be a part of it”.
“With Hollissstik, we’ve built something that transcends traditional metal by focusing on the ‘holos’ - the beauty of the complete, interconnected whole”, says Helgesen, who contributes drums to “Reoccurring Dreams”.
Fjøseide, who contributes guitar to the song, agrees. “Skei and I have worked together on music for more than 30 years. Together, we have a special chemical musical reaction that makes things very exciting”.
Although the very nature of Holissstik demands that we expect the unexpected, the collective’s future certainly seems to guarantee obsidian horizons and torrential deluges of artistic truth. In other words, the project promises to persistently and ritualistically pummel us with devastating yet necessary, epic masterworks. Skei and his collaborators truly present the most immersive experiences possible and, in Manes language, offer a safe place in the unsafe; dive in with your hands bound, and be submerged within the imprisoning brilliance. Skei continues to participate in a range of outstanding groups, and yet Holissstik stands as the most unpredictable and, counterintuitive as it might sound, accessible undertaking in the history of his illustrious career.
Lineup
Tor-Helge Skei
Guest musicians
Anna Murphy - Vocals on “Obsession Six”
Christophe Denhez - Guitars on “The Rhythm of Silence”, Guitars, vocals and lyrics on “Behind Me”
Eivind Fjøseide - Guitars on all songs except “Projections”
Gabriel Trentini - Vocals and lyrics on “Obsession Six”
Kristoffer Oustad - Synth on “The Rhythm of Silence”, “Projections”, “Reoccuring Dreams”, “This Endless Solitude”
Tor-Arne Helgesen - Drums on all songs except “Behind Me” and “This Endless Solitude”
Marita Hellem - Vocals on “The Rhythm of Silence” and “This Endless Solitude”
Martyna Halas - Vocals and lyrics on “The Rhythm of Silence”, “My Salvation”, “Would You Take This Heart” and “This Endless Solitude”
Nik Košar - Vocals and lyrics on “Projections” and “Reoccuring Dreams”
Pierre Ripka - Vocals and lyrics on “The Rhythm of Silence”
Paritta Monks - Chanting on “Would You Take This Heart”
Rune Folgerø - Vocals on "This Endless Solitude"
Rune Hoemsnes - Drums on "Behind Me"
Stig Waltoft - Synth and sounds on "Would You Take This Heart"
Tom Engelsøy - Vocals on "Obsession Six"
Torstein Parelius - Bass on "Behind Me" and "This Endless Solitude", lyrics on "This Endless Solitude"
Trond Johansen - Guitars on "Would You Take This Heart"
Production credits
Recorded, produced and mixed by Tor-Helge Skei
Mastered by Knut V. Prytz
Songwriting credits
All songwriting and arrangements by Tor-Helge Skei
Biography
Jillian Drachman
Cover art
Adrien Bousson
Pre-order & Stream
Toxic. Addictive. hot mess Announce Debut EP + Are Back With Two New Singles!
Milwaukee pop rock upstarts, hot mess, are back with a double dose of new music, releasing two new singles - "Toxic Cloud" and "New Addiction" today alongside the announcement of their debut EP, "Make Myself Your Favorite Scene", set for release on October 15th. Following the momentum of their neon-lit, pulse racing single "Take Me Home", hot mess continue to sharpen their blend of nostalgic grit and modern pop-rock sheen. Fans can listen to "Toxic Cloud" and "New Addiction" HERE.
Pulling in complementary directions, "Toxic Cloud" takes aim at a scene obsessed with everything except the music itself, while "New Addiction" trades that slow-burn tension for a rush of drums and pop punk urgency, widening the emotional range that hot mess has hinted at so far. Together, the two singles offer an early glimpse of the range and chemistry that run throughout the band's debut EP, "Make Myself Your Favorite Scene". Built across 6 tracks, their forthcoming EP, is a document of late nights, bad decisions, and the moments that feel too good to be smart, all filtered through hot mess' signature blend of retro-futuristic synths and pop-punk backbone.
On what "Toxic Cloud" and "New Addiction" represent for the band, frontman Reid Stevenson shares:
"Toxic Cloud and New Addiction being released together reflects what we want to be as a rock band. We want the freedom to push into heavier territory with a track like Toxic Cloud, being more guitar driven and having a breakdown. While also being able to write on the other side of the pop-leaning spectrum with New Addiction, but still rubbing some hot mess dirt on it to make it our own."
Reflecting on reaching the milestone of announcing their debut EP, "Make Myself Your Favorite Scene", bassist Trevor Gallagher states:
"We here at hot mess are beyond excited to announce our very first EP: Make Myself Your Favorite Scene! This project has not only been a year in the making, but its truly a statement into what we’re all about. Heavy hitting, catchy, and a punch in the face that makes you say ONE MO TIME SUCKA."
Only eight songs into their career, hot mess are still in the earliest chapters of their story, yet the trajectory is unmistakable. Colliding a danceable pop rock with a streak of pop punk grit, the band deliver songs that feel instantly familiar and endlessly replayable. Hook heavy and high energy, hot mess are just rough enough around the edges to hint that something bigger is beginning to take shape.
Stay tuned for more news from hot mess soon.
ABOUT HOT MESS
hot mess is a high energy, pop-rock band formed in 2025 out of Milwaukee, WI. Blending anthemic hooks, punchy guitars, and unapologetic lyrics into a sound that feels nostalgic and refreshingly modern. The band is comprised of members Reid Stevenson (vocals), Sam Theno (guitar), Owen Stevenson (guitar), Trevor Gallagher (bass), and Aidan Scheuren (drums).
hot mess channels themes of ambition, relationships, jealousy, and self reflection. Pulling from their pop-punk roots they push their sound into a contemporary, darker pop-rock territory.
Get Out Alive Shares "If I Leave'
GET OUT ALIVE are thrilled to share the new single "IF I LEAVE." Listen below.
"'If I Leave' is about giving up," the artist says. "A feeling of low worth, with the chorus opening questions like, 'If I leave, will you come for me?' These lyrics are a vulnerable confession that help is needed and anyone who may relate is not alone. You are not broken. This lyrical message is wrapped up in loud drums, rhythmic guitar work, and intense belted vocals, inspired by all of your favorite dad rock bands from the '90s."
Let the '90s dad rock commence!
Get Out Alive is the brain trust of Chas Huff, a solo alternative metal artist originally from the southwest suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, who later relocated to Palm Coast, Florida. His musical journey began in high school, producing on a borrowed computer before stepping into the local scene as a performer. Over the years, he played in multiple bands, including a punk band which shared stages with acts like Puddle of Mudd, and later a group that opened for artists such as Fame on Fire, collaborated with notable features, and secured a distribution deal. He further expanded his reach through an international project earning another distribution deal and working alongside recognized collaborators.
After years of band experiences and setbacks, Chas shifted his focus toward his solo project, Get Out Alive, creating a fully independent outlet for his artistic vision. Self-produced and developed alongside collaborator Zack Baker (Rain City Drive), his sound blends heavy riffs, immersive atmosphere, melodic vocals, and emotionally driven, hook-focused songwriting. Outside collaborations and industry opportunities ultimately reinforced his decision to invest fully in his solo path.
Born out of isolation and personal struggle, Chas uses Get Out Alive as more than just music, it serves as a self-help-driven creative expression rooted in growth, faith, and introspection. Influenced by psychology and philosophy, his work explores the balance between light and dark while embracing raw honesty. Through his music, he aims to turn pain into purpose, offering listeners both emotional release and a sense of hope, grounded in the belief that to truly get out alive, you must face the truth.
AMY STROUP REIMAGINES IRVING BERLIN’S “ALWAYS”
Today, Nashville-based singer, songwriter and producer Amy Stroup releases a new interpretation of Irving Berlin's timeless classic “Always.” The recording serves as the musical centerpiece of a short piece celebrating the people who make up the backbone of the American workforce. “Always” is available here.
With more than 1,500 licensed sync placements, Stroup is known for creating music and moments that connect with audiences across film, television and advertising. She now brings her signature artistry to one of America's most enduring songs with “Always.” Her interpretation underscores the campaign's celebration of the resilience, optimism and entrepreneurial spirit of small businesses, pairing a fresh, intimate performance with a timeless American standard.
“When you're invited to step into a song that has meant so much to so many people for generations, you approach it with a lot of respect,” said Stroup. “I loved finding a way to honor what makes ‘Always’ timeless while bringing my own voice and perspective to it. I'm grateful to the team behind this for trusting me with such a beautiful piece of music and for wanting my voice to help tell its story.”
Given the freedom to reinterpret “Always” through her own artistic lens, Stroup delivers a performance that honors the song's enduring legacy while introducing it to a new generation of listeners. Her recording is available on all digital streaming platforms.
About Amy Stroup:
Amy Stroup is a Nashville-based singer, songwriter and producer whose emotionally expansive songwriting and cinematic sound have made her one of today's most sought-after creative voices. According to Billboard, she is among the most licensed female artists working today, with more than 1,500 film and television placements, including Landman, Grey's Anatomy and Virgin River, along with campaigns for brands including British Airways, Google and Nike. As the creator of the viral project Danger Twins, her music has generated more than 5 billion TikTok impressions and millions of streams. Her songs have been recorded by artists including Chaka Khan, SYML, Andrew Belle and Sam Williams. Stroup is signed to Jonas Group Publishing.
PARMALEE DROPS NEW TRACK “I NEED SOMEBODY”
Six-time number one hitmaker Parmalee returns with the band’s latest track, “I Need Somebody.” Written by Matt Thomas, Taylor Phillips, Andrew DeRoberts, David Fanning and Andy Albert, the upbeat track reflects on a person’s heartbreak and the desire to wipe it out of their memory by seeking to find a forever love. Listen to “I Need Somebody” BELOW. Recently earning the longest-running number one by a band in nearly 14 years on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, Parmalee’s current single, “God Knew Better,” is currently climbing the country charts.
Parmalee is currently on tour:
7/31 Lexington, SC - Icehouse Amphitheater
8/1 North Myrtle Beach, SC - Alabama Theater
8/7 Lodi, CA Kat County 103 - In The Grove
8/8 Las Vegas, NV - Edgewater Casino Resort
8/15 Chelsford, UK - Country Calling – Hylands House
8/21 Johnson Creek, WI - Gobbler Theater
8/22 Sunrise Beach, MO - Captain Ron’s
8/28 Dieppe, Canada - YQM Countryfest – Site MusicuArt Site
8/29 Mason, NH - The Range
9/5 Bedford, TX - Bedford Beats and Eats Fest
9/11 Chittenango, NY - The Haven of The Wild – Chittenango, NY
9/12 Norwalk, CT - Norwalk Oyster Festival
10/4 Doswell, VA - State Fair of Virginia
10/10 Palmyra, MO - Marion County Fairgrounds
10/16 Cave Creek, AZ - Harold’s Cave Creek Corral
11/13 Indianapolis, IN - 8 Seconds Saloon
KEEP UP WITH PARMALEE
WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE | FACEBOOK | X
Summer Hoop Blurs Love, Obsession, and Worship on “Mindlessly”
Dark-pop breakout, Summer Hoop, has today released her brand new track "Mindlessly", a haunting, yet energetic anthem that reframes obsession into scripture. Moving between alternative, pop-rock, and metal, "Mindlessly" is Summer Hoop's debut to Oxide Music, introducing her as a powerful new addition to the label's growing roster. Fans can listen to "Mindlessly" BELOW.
Plunging into the disorienting pull of obsessive devotion, "Mindlessly" weaves themes of martyrdom, sacrifice, and salvation to capture the feeling of losing yourself entirely to someone else. With vivid lyricism, Summer Hoop traces the tension between worship and self-destruction, hopelessly following a lover while recognizing the damage that is to come.
Tapping into the darker impulse of "Mindlessly", Summer Hoop shares:
"“Mindlessly” is about me having a blind devotion to somebody, kind of as if they were this beautiful corrupt religious leader. I would let a beautiful person RUIN ME. If you’re sexy and a smooth talker you don’t have to care about me at all I’m going to drink the kool aid and worship you “Mindlessly”."
On signing yet another standout act, Andrew Wetzel, founder of Oxide Music, shares:
"We are absolutely ecstatic to add yet another amazing artist to the Oxide Music family and we look forward to helping Summer continue to build her story."
Sitting at the intersection of glossy pop hooks and darker, heavier undercurrents, Summer Hooppositions herself as a distinct new voice for fans of Poppy, Maggie Lindemann, and PVRIS. With a growing catalog and a bold artistic identity rooted in the contrast of beauty and chaos, Summer Hoop is quickly carving out a space of her own in the alternative landscape.
Following today's release, Summer Hoop will hit the road this fall supporting Icon For Hire in Florida and Nate Vickers across five US dates.
Be sure to stay tuned for more Summer Hoop news coming soon.
SUMMER HOOP
Supporting Icon For Hire
September 8 - Orlando, FL - Conduit
September 9 - Tampa, FL - The Orpheum
SUMMER HOOP
Supporting Nate Vickers
September 17 - Nashville, TN - The 58’
September 20 - Harrisburg, PA - Capital City Music Hall
September 21 - Vienna, VA - Jammin’ Java
September 23 - Greensboro, NC - Hangar 1819
September 25 - Atlanta, GA - The Masquerade
Heavy Music Disruptor Showing Teeth Shares "Bad Exchanges" — LISTEN // EP Out In September // Signs With Republic/Spinefarm
After quietly emerging as one of extreme music's most talked-about artists this year, acclaimed Nashville-based sonic alchemist SHOWING TEETH unleashes a venomous new single in the form of "Bad Exchanges."
Listen here.
Additionally, she has signed a freshly minted partnership with Republic Records and Spinefarm — as officially announced.
Next up, SHOWING TEETH will unveil her much-anticipated debut EP, A Fate Worse Than Loneliness, dropping on September 4 via Republic Records + Spinefarm. Pre-order/Pre-save here.
On "Bad Exchanges," a woozy beat anxiously tosses and turns beneath her seething verses. Distortion groans, electronics squeal, and a chugging detuned groove explodes in tandem with a high-pitched scream. Amidst the chaos, raw emotion spills out like blood from an open wound as she wonders: "Why can't I just be happy? This feeling always ends." It concludes with an unbridled burst of intense catharsis awash in grainy feedback.
Stay tuned for the premiere of an equally powerful music video to accompany the track.
The song lands in the wake of "Rip," which has already amassed over 1 million streams and counting. Revolver touted it among the 6 Best New Songs Right Now," raving: "Beyond that textual heaviness, Showing Teeth goes next level berserk with her feral shrieks."
This fall, she will hit the road as support to President on the band's sold-out North American Campaign 2026 for six weeks across North America. This run commences on September 4 in Nashville, TN at Brooklyn Bowl Nashville, visits major markets coast-to-coast, and closes out on October 14 in Dallas, TX at House of Blues Dallas. All dates are below.
Experience A Fate Worse Than Loneliness and more to come from Showing Teeth this fall.
PHOTO CREDIT: Mack Knox @mknoxmedia
SHOWING TEETH ON TOUR:
WITH PRESIDENT:
9/4 — Nashville, TN — Brooklyn Bowl Nashville
9/5 — St. Louis, MO — Delmar Hall
9/8 — Chicago, IL — The Riviera Theatre
9/10 — New York, NY — Brooklyn Paramount
9/11 — Toronto, ON — Danforth Music Hall
9/12 — Montreal, QC — MTELUS
9/13 — Boston, MA — Big Night Live
9/15 — Philadelphia, PA — Theatre of Living Arts
9/16 — Silver Spring, MD — The Fillmore Silver Spring
9/18 — Louisville, KY — Louder Than Life*
9/19 — Huntsville, AL — Mars Music Hall
9/20 — Atlanta, GA — Shaky Knees*
9/22 — Orlando, FL — House of Blues Orlando
9/23 — Atlanta, GA — Buckhead Theatre
9/25 — Kansas City, MO — Warehouse on Broadway
9/26 — Denver, CO — Summit Music Hall
9/28 — Salt Lake City, UT — The Depot
9/29 — Las Vegas, NV — Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas
10/1 — Garden City, ID — Revolution Concert House & Event Center
10/2 — Seattle, WA — Neptune Theatre
10/6 — Berkeley, CA — The UC Theatre
10/7 — Los Angeles, CA — The Wiltern
10/9 — San Diego, CA — House of Blues San Diego
10/10 — Phoenix, AZ — The Van Buren
10/12 — San Antonio, TX — Aztec Theatre
10/13 — Houston, TX — House of Blues Houston
10/14 — Dallas, TX — House of Blues Dallas
10/17 — Nashville, TN — Ceremony Festival*
*Festival Date
MALVADA Share New Single “Anymore (English Version of “Aversa~O”)”
Women-led, talented Brazilian Rock band MALVADA are pleased to share the new single and official visualizer for 'Anymore (English version of “Aversa~o”)', as part of the digital deluxe edition of their self-titled album, originally released in June 2025 and out now via Frontiers Music Srl.
The band commented: “Anymore” is about breaking free from a relationship built on manipulation, greed, and lies. It's the moment when someone stops seeing the other person through a fantasy, recognizes the truth behind the mask, and decides to close the door on everything that no longer deserves a place in their life. At its core, the song is about liberation, self-awareness, and reclaiming your own strength”.
Watch the Official Visualizer for
“Anymore (English version of “Aversa~o”)” Below:
The rising star of the Brazilian rock scene has a name: MALVADA, and they are ready to take over the world!
MALVADA was initially formed in March 2020, during the beginning of the pandemic. With a rock n' roll style full of personality, the band quickly attracted attention as one of the most promising acts in the Brazilian rock scene.
In January 2021, MALVADA released their first single entitled "Mais Um Gole", which gained greater prominence in the scene. Shortly afterward, in May of the same year, it was time to release the second single "Cada Escolha uma Renúncia", which preceded the launch of the band's debut album, "A Noite Vai Ferver".
In the years 2022 and 2023, MALVADA solidified its presence on the national rock panorama, performing more than a hundred shows in several cities in Brazil. The band had the privilege of participating in huge festivals, such as Rock in Rio, Best of Blues and Rock, Angra Fest and Chama Rock, sharing the stage with renowned national and international rock names, like Pitty, Ira!, Angra, Viper, Edu Falaschi, Matanza, Golpe de Estado, Extreme and Tom Morello.
In November 2023, MALVADA, composed of Indira Castillo, Bruna Tsuruda, Rafaela Reoli and Juliana Salgado surprised with a big announcement: the band has become the newest signee of the prestigious Italian label Frontiers Records, which has renowned bands in its catalog such as Mr. Big, Asia, Whitesnake, Jeff Scott Soto, among others, promising to take them to a new level, with opportunities to expand their reach and conquer the global market.
Their latest self-titled album, released last June and produced by the Brazilian Grammy awarded producer Giu Daga, delivers a powerful and exciting musical experience, featuring tracks in both English and Portuguese, setting the bar for the band to conquer a global audience.
MALVADA recently toured Europe with Michael Schenker, wrapping the tour up last month, and are set to play again at Rock in Rio in September, along with Bring Me The Horizon, Avenged Sevenfold, Bad Omens and Poppy.
MALVADA are:
Indira Castillo - Vocals
Bruna Tsuruda - Guitar
Juliana Salgado - Drums
Rafaela Reoli - Bass
Gunshine's New Album 'Grand Rising' Out Now! Release Single "Capt'n Save a Hoe"
Florida rock band Gunshine have released their new album, Grand Rising, along with the focus track "Capt'n Save A Hoe" via vnclm_ / Create Music Group. With Grand Rising, Gunshine raise the bar yet again in an exciting evolution of the band. The album takes listeners on a dynamic journey filled with genre-bending twists and turns, shifting moods, and unexpected vibes—all while staying true to the core elements that set Gunshine apart. Featuring 13 tracks, each single-worthy in its own right, Grand Rising is poised to become a modern-day rock classic.
"I'm very proud of this record, it's definitely fresh and original. As we continue to put out music, I think our fans and other listeners will see that we are not boxed into one sound or one 'thing'. We love being creative and making true art, just writing whatever comes out. I'm super stoked for everyone to hear this record!" says Austin Ingerman.
He continues, "'Capt'n Save a Hoe' blends rock, hip hop, and funk elements with a groove that sets the tone throughout the track. Lyrically it's a reminder to not get dragged down by a relationship that's no longer serving you. I had fun with the production on this one and added a lot of hip hop inspired layers. The main groove was actually inspired by Michael McDonald's 'I Keep Forgettin''. I've always liked songs that blend multiple genres and flavors, and we definitely did that on this song."
"We tracked the whole record, (except "Goth Girl" and "Single Looks Good On You"), in Las Vegas with producer/mixer Chris Collier (Korn, Mick Mars, Whitesnake, Lynchmob). I've been working with Chris for about 9 years now. He's incredibly talented, has a great ear, and adds a heavy hitting production value that makes the songs sonically translate very well."
STREAM "Capt'n Save A Hoe" below:
The album is now available on limited edition vinyl and CD here:
Gunshine are:
Austin Ingerman: (Guitar, Vocals)
Jordan Benson: (Lead Vocals, Piano)
Jake Tripp: (Bass, Vocals)
Tommy Salzburg: (Drums, Vocals)
COLIN STOUGH LAYS HIS HEART BARE ON HAUNTING NEW BALLAD "BONE DRY" - OUT NOW
Colin Stough strips everything back on his latest release, "Bone Dry," available everywhere now. Listen BELOW.
Written by Stough alongside Gavin Lucas and Jackson Inman, and produced by Phillip White and Stough, "Bone Dry" trades roaring guitars for quiet devastation. Anchored by acoustic guitar, understated percussion and one of Stough's most vulnerable vocal performances to date, the heartbreak ballad captures the emptiness left behind when there are simply no tears left to cry.
"'Bone Dry' is about getting to that point after a breakup where you've cried all the tears you've got left," Stough shares. "The person you loved was everything to you, and then one day they're gone, and you're just standing there trying to figure out what comes next. Growing up in Mississippi, rivers, rain and dry ground were just part of everyday life, so that imagery always stuck with me. Sometimes heartbreak doesn't leave you angry. It just leaves you empty. That's what this song is."
Built around imagery of dried-up riverbeds, cracked earth and empty skies, "Bone Dry" turns the landscape of Stough's Mississippi upbringing into a portrait of heartbreak. His gravel-worn vocal carries every ounce of the song's emotional weight before giving way to a restrained guitar solo that never overwhelms the story, allowing every lyric to settle long after the final chorus fades.
The release follows the rock-driven "Trippin'," showcasing another side of Stough's artistry and continuing to prove that whether he's turning the amps up or stripping everything away, his greatest strength has always been telling the truth.
About Colin Stough
Born and raised on the Mississippi-Alabama line, 21-year-old Colin Stough was brought up on Southern rock and second chances. A self-taught guitarist and gravel-voiced storyteller influenced by The Allman Brothers, Conway Twitty and Koe Wetzel, he first picked up a guitar at age eight, later trading prized possessions for a pawn shop acoustic he still plays today. After high school, he worked full-time as an HVAC tech until his mom pushed him to audition for American Idol Season 21. That leap launched a life-changing ride, including a standout third-place finish, a deal with 19 Recordings/BMG Nashville and breakout songs like "Sober," "'Til The Day One Does" and the hard-edged anthem "White Trash." With a skinned-raw vocal and lyrics carved from lived experience, Stough has built a loyal following of more than 800K across social platforms. His EPs Promiseland and Lookin' For Homeoffer a no-frills portrait of a young man navigating life with Southern grit, while releases including "White Trash," "20 Bucks," "Best For You," "21 Year Old Man Blues," "Trippin'" and now "Bone Dry" continue to showcase both the power and vulnerability of his songwriting. On the road, he has opened for acts like Chase Matthew, Drake White and Kidd G as he continues to build his audience one show at a time. A student of Skynyrd and the outlaw spirit, Stough isn't chasing trends. He's telling the underdog's truth, one song at a time.
KEEP UP WITH COLIN STOUGH
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE
Lyric Noel Releases Single + Video "Acid Bloom" feat. Mixi of Stitched Up Heart
The Two Artists Transform their Real Life Creative Connection into a Dark Exploration of Betrayal, Survival, and Rebirth
What began as a connection between two artists quickly blossomed into a close friendship and an inevitable creative partnership. Now, Lyric Noel and Mixi Demner of Stitched Up Heart bring that bond to life through “Acid Bloom,” a powerful new single and cinematic music video released today via Judge & Jury Records.
Lyric and Mixi first connected through their shared passion for music and storytelling. Plans to meet in person at a Stitched Up Heart show soon developed into a genuine friendship, with the two artists immediately recognizing a kindred creative spirit in one another. As their bond grew, Mixi introduced Lyric to Judge & Jury Records, helping open the door to an exciting new chapter in Lyric’s career.
A collaboration between the two soon felt inevitable. With its themes of transformation, emotional entanglement, and the complicated line between love and destruction, “Acid Bloom” became the perfect project through which to capture their chemistry. In many ways, their friendship bloomed alongside the song itself.
WATCH "Acid Bloom" feat. Mixi Demner of Stitched Up Heart Below:
“Flying out to Texas to work with Lyric Noel on ‘Acid Bloom’ was such a dream,” says Demner. “The music video was insane, and the art department killed it with the whole science lab set. Everything about it was perfect. The whole team was amazing, but building a real friendship with Lyric made it extra special. I’m so honored I got to be part of such an incredible experience.”
Beneath that real life friendship lies a much darker fictional story. “Acid Bloom” explores what happens when pain becomes the force that changes you and survival requires becoming something entirely new. Told through the metaphor of a scientific experiment gone wrong, the song follows something beautiful emerging from something corrosive and destructive. The “acid” represents the experiences, people, and circumstances that slowly erode a person’s identity, while the “bloom” symbolizes the stronger, stranger, and uncontrollable version of oneself born from surviving them.
Lyrically, “Acid Bloom” is about reclaiming power after manipulation and betrayal. Rather than allowing those experiences to define the survivor, they become the catalyst for transformation. Sonically, that evolution unfolds through chaotic, cinematic production that builds from mounting tension into an explosive release, mirroring the moment an experiment can no longer be contained.
“‘Acid Bloom’ is about what happens when the thing that promises to heal you is the very thing that’s poisoning you,” explains Lyric. “It’s the moment survival turns into transformation, not because you wanted it to, but because you had no other choice. Sometimes growth isn’t beautiful. Sometimes it burns.”
The accompanying music video, directed by rising visionary Michael Levine, with Maxton Donnell serving as creative lead and Levine assisting in the creative development before taking the director's chair, expands the song's narrative into a disturbing cinematic world. Following a laboratory accident, scientist Lyric Noel transforms into Acid Bloom, an uncontrollable organism that binds her to a captured test subject portrayed by Demner. What begins as a tense captor and captive dynamic gradually develops into a disturbing symbiotic relationship. As both characters become physically and emotionally consumed by the organism’s invasive growth, the video reveals a powerful metaphor for toxic codependency and the ways love, control, healing, and destruction can emerge from the same connection.
With “Acid Bloom,” Lyric continues to establish herself as one of modern rock’s most compelling emerging voices, combining emotionally vulnerable songwriting, explosive production, and ambitious cinematic storytelling. Demner’s unmistakable voice and commanding presence deepen the release’s emotional intensity, resulting in a collaboration that feels both deeply personal and completely unrestrained.
STREAM "Acid Bloom"
Lyric Noel is built around personifying Lyric Hollar’s lived experience with different mental illnesses and emotional struggles. This project exists to say the things people are usually expected to carry quietly, the intrusive thoughts, the instability, the exhaustion of trying to appear okay. Lyric writes from inside that reality, not from metaphor or distance, turning pain into something raw, visible, and honest. The work does not soften or romanticize struggle, but it does make it beautiful in its truth, giving listeners language and reflection for experiences they already know but rarely hear spoken out loud.
As a band, Lyric Noel amplifies that voice with intention. Alongside guitarist, primary composer, and producer Russell Hollar, guitarist Robby Gray, and drummer Jerrin Castillo, the project blends heavy, atmospheric, and alternative elements into music and visuals that match the weight of Lyric’s message. That honesty has connected with more than 900,000 people across social platforms and is now entering its next chapter through a new partnership with Judge and Jury Records. Lyric Noel exists because it is not built on image or trend, but on lived truth, emotional visibility, and the courage to anthropomorphize these intense emotions.