Photo by Robert Eikelpoth / Editing by Blake Armstrong

Heavy metal pirates of Visions Of Atlantis are returning to Europe with their biggest journey ever: ARMADA. Brace yourself and be prepared for a cinematic live experience that will leave you breathless, in support of the upcoming record Pirates II - Armada, out 5th July via Napalm Records.

Raising the bar to where the Jolly Roger flies high,Visions Of Atlantisare unfurling their sails across 33 shores throughout Europe, inviting all to join them for a journey like no other.

Recently announced, modern metal rising starsILLUMISHADEfrom Switzerland will be featured as special guests, and the crew is expanding even more with the addition ofSERAINA TELLI, now on board as support act. Adventurers and sailors, the call to adventure awaits.

Secure your tickets atwww.visionsofatlantis.atand prepare to set sail on this epic quest.

Ship’s Log:
23rd April 2024

Dropping anchor, shore after shore, we’re constantly recruiting more brave sailors. While in a port, somewhere, a friendly face was found and happily welcomed aboard for our biggest journey ever: ARMADA. Indeed, we had already sailed over the British seas with this mighty bard from the land of Switzerland. We’re extremely happy to haveSERAINA TELLIaboard, making it a perfect match with the compatriots,ILLUMISHADE. The winds are blowing strongly into our sails, the sun is shining, and the currents are in our favor. To the fight, to the battle. ARMADA!

UK dates:

04.10.24 -London / The Dome (VENUE UPGRADE)
05.10.24 -Manchester / Rebellion
07.10.24 -Bristol / Exchange

Pre-order the album here: https://lnk.to/VOA-PiratesII-Armada/napalmrecords

Pirates Visions Of Atlantis are about to take listeners on their heaviest symphonic adventure yet with their new studio album, entitled Pirates II - Armada, set for release on 5th July 5 2024 via Napalm Records. The successor to their high-charting previous release, Pirates (2022), is set as high as the waves cresting the Jolly Roger - taking everything that has been achieved to date to another level. With the second chapter of the pirates’ saga, Visions Of Atlantis prove that they are more than ready to claim the crown of symphonic metal.    

Emotions, depth, richness of sound. Not only a record, but a true hurricane of feelings is what Visions Of Atlantis delivers with the new album Pirates II - Armada,. On a journey in which listeners face their own battles and cannot resist joining the 'Armada', Visions Of Atlantis will have listeners facing the 'Monsters' inside them, with catchy melodies destined to endlessly stick in their mind. The uplifting 'Tonight I’m Alive' surprises and captivates with the rhythms of a pirate party on the eve of combat, with the electrifying rumble of a hurricane - a unique, uncharted showcase of talent from Visions Of Atlantis. The burning flames of 'Hellfire' enchant the listener before the sweetness of delicate melodies accompany them 'Underwater'. The cinematic adventure of seven-minute-plus masterpiece 'The Dead of the Sea' conjures the salty scent of the sea, making the listener feel - in every melodic twist and theatrical orchestral hit - the cannons firing and the battle raging. Listeners will shed a tear while mourning under the melody of 'Ashes to the Sea'.

Pirates II - Armada, will be available in the following formats:
Deluxe Boxset - incl. 1-CD Digisleeve, framed Backdrop, Pendant, BONUS 7" Vinyl incl. exclusive songs: Side A: 'One Last Hope', Side B: 'Underwater' (Acoustic Version) - (Napalm Mail Order Only, Limited to 500)
2-CD Earbook ( CD1: PIRATES II – ARMADA / CD2: PIRATES II – ARMADA - Orchestral Version) (Napalm Mail Order Only, Limited to 500)
2-LP Gatefold Marbled FIRE (including exclusive Vinyl Bonus Track: 'Stormy Waters') + 7" VINYL 'Armada' incl. Side A: 'Armada', Side B: 'Armada' (Orchestral Version) OCEAN BLUE (Napalm Mail Order Only, Limited to 300)
2-LP Marbled MOONLIGHT OCEAN (including exclusive Vinyl Bonus Track: 'Stormy Waters')
2-LP Gatefold BLACK (including exclusive Vinyl Bonus Track: 'Stormy Waters')
Music Cassette (Napalm Mail Order Only)
1-CD Digisleeve
Digital Album

Full tour dates:
06.07.24 - Aschaffenburg / Colos Saal
19.09.24 - Vienna / Szene
20.09.24 - Budapest / Barba Negra
21.09.24 - Zlin / Masters of Rock Cafe (NEW DATE!)
22.09.24 - Prague / Meet Factory (NEW DATE!)
24.09.24 - Warsaw / Proxima (VENUE UPGRADE)
25.09.24 - Berlin / Frannz
26.09.24 - Hamburg / Markthalle
27.09.24 - Leipzig / Hellraiser
28.09.24 - Essen / Turock
29.09.24 - Frankfurt / Das Bett
01.10.24 - Haarlem / Patronaat
02.10.24 - Tilburg / O13 03.10.24 - Kortrijk / DVG Club
04.10.24 - London / The Dome (VENUE UPGRADE)
05.10.24 - Manchester / Rebellion
07.10.24 - Bristol / Exchange
09.10.24 - Lyon / La Rayonne
10.10.24 - Toulouse/ Metronum
11.10.24 - Barcelona / Sala Boveda
12.10.24 - Madrid / Sala Revi Live
13.10.24 - Lisbon / RCA Club
14.10.24 - Vitoria / Urban Rock Concept
15.10.24 - Paris / Petit Bain
16.10.24 - Munich / Backstage Halle
17.10.24 - Pratteln / Z7
18.10.24 - Wil / Gare de Lion
19.10.24 - Milan / Legend Club
21.10.24 - Nürnberg / Hirsch
22.10.24 - Cham / L.A.
23.10.24 - Stuttgart / Im Wizemann
24.10.24 - Wörgl / Komma
25.10.24 - Treviso / New Age
26.10.24 - Graz / PPC

Visions Of Atlantis are:
Clémentine Delauney - Vocals
Michele Guaitoli - Vocals
Dushi Duscha - Guitars
Herbert Glos - Bass
Thomas Caser - Drums

Visions Of Atlantis online:
NAPALM RECORDS
HOMEPAGE
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
TWITTER

Pirates II - Armada track list:

1. To Those Who Choose to Fight
2. The Land of the Free
3. Monsters
4. Tonight I’m Alive
5. Armada
6. The Dead of the Sea
7. Ashes to the Sea
8. Hellfire
9. Collide
10. Magic of the Night
11. Underwater
12. Where the Sky and Ocean Blend

Photo Credit: Sam Singer

KK's Priest - featuring Judas Priest alum and GRAMMY Award winning/nominated musicians K.K. Downing (guitar) and Tim “Ripper” Owens (vocals) - are set to launch their very first European headline tour. Joining them will be special guests including Burning Witches, Xandria, DIETH and Tailgunner. Additionally, the band will perform live at major European festivals, including the legendary Wacken Open Air, for the first time.

This tour follows their highly praised studio album, The Sinner Rides Again (Napalm Records), promising to bring that same energy to the stage, offering fans an unforgettable experience of heavy metal at its finest.

K.K. Downing states: “Hello Metalheads! We are really pumped up and raring to go back to Europe this summer when we play some of our favorite cities and countries. Also, the festival season is upon us and we can't wait to play Wacken, Rock Hard, Fezen, Stonedead and other great festivals. And if you don't see your city now, don't worry as we will soon announce more European shows for later in the year. The band and I are ready to go and we will bring you the KK's Priest metal thunder. Don't miss it!"

Dates:

11.05.24 BE – Bomal-sur-Ourthe / Durbuy Rock Festival
12.05.24 NL – Utrecht / Tivoli
14.05.24 DE – Stuttgart / LKA Longhorn
15.05.24 DE – Aschaffenburg / Colossaal
16.05.24 DE – Hamburg / Grünspan
18.05.24 DE – Gelsenkirchen / Rock Hard Festival
19.05.24 DE – Munich / Backstage
15.06.24 ES – Zamora / Z! Live Festival 
05.07.24 ES – Barcelona / Barcelona Rock Fest
07.07.24 ES – Bilbao / Santana 27
10.07.24 CH – Pratteln / Z7
12.07.24 AT – Leoben / Area 53 Festival 
13.07.24 PL – Wroclaw / A2
14.07.24 CZ – Vizovice / Masters Of Rock Festival
01.08.24 DE – Wacken / Wacken Open Air
03.08.24 HU – Szekesfehervar / Fezen Festival
04.08.24 RO – Rasnov / Rockstadt Extreme Fest
16.08.24 FR – Carhaix / Motocultor
18.08.24 UK – Cardiff / Tramshed
20.08.24 UK – Belfast / Limelight
21.08.24 IE – Dublin / Academy 
23.08.24 UK – Newcastle / NX
24.08.24 UK – Nottinghamshire / Stonedead Festival

This past September, KK's Priest unveiled their blistering sophomore offering, The Sinner Rides Again, to rave reviews. Blabbermouth dubbed it "an absolutely ripping metal record", while Paste stated, "…with all respect to Rob Halford and co., nothing they’ve produced in recent years feels as dynamic and as heavy as the material that their former guitarist has been forging with his project KK's Priest."

The album debuted at #1 on the US Hard Music Albums chart, #3 on the Top New Artist Albums chart and #6 on the Current Rock Albums chart, as well as reaching several high chart entries in Europe. 

KK's Priest are:
Tim "Ripper" Owens - Vocals
K.K. Downing - Guitar
A.J. Mills - Guitar
Tony Newton - Bass
Sean Elg - Drums
 
KK's Priest are:
WEBSITE
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
NAPALM RECORDS

The Sinner Rides Again track listing:
1. Sons Of The Sentinel
2. Strike Of The Viper
3. Reap The Whirlwind
4. One More Shot At Glory
5. Hymn 66
6. The Sinner Rides Again
7. Keeper Of The Graves
8. Pledge Your Souls
9. Wash Away Your Sins

Photo Credit: Joseph Bone

New York City's resident misfits Couch Slut have finally unveiled their new album You Could Do It Tonight today 19th April via Brutal Panda Records.

Today, the band has revealed a music video for the album's third single 'Wilkinson's Sword.'  Couch Slut vocalist Megan Osztrosits comments, “Established in England in 1772, Wilkinson Sword has a long history and is recognized for its high-quality shaving equipment. Over the years, the company has introduced innovative designs and technologies, including the first stainless steel razor blade."

Watch the video for 'Wilkinson's Sword' here: https://youtu.be/V9cpTbgXqNM

Order You Could Do It Tonight and stream the single here: https://orcd.co/couchslut

Couch Slut are making their Europe debut at the famed Roadburn Festival tomorrow, 20th April. They will be performing You Could Do It Tonight in full at 1:50 at The Terminal

You Could Do It Tonight was recorded amidst the filth of NYC with Uniform's Ben Greenberg and mastered by Matt Colton at Metropolis Studios in London, and Couch Slut subverts the paradigm and ups the ante in every imaginable way across nine vignettes of perverse, true-to-life storytelling layered over the band's singular, dragged-through-the-mud songcraft. This is a depraved style of noise rock that will scare the living sh*t out of you. 

Couch Slut have played a veritable strain of drug-fuelled, incendiary, hardcore noise rock since 2013. Led by Megan Osztrosits' infernal roar and subversive, vitriolic lyrics, the quintet return with their fourth full-length opus You Could Do It Tonight (19th April, Brutal Panda Records).

Recorded amidst the filth of NYC with Uniform's Ben Greenberg (Drab Majesty, Portrayal of Guilt, Metz), and mastered by Matt Colton at Metropolis Studios in London (Blur, Nick Cave, Thom Yorke), Couch Slut subvert the paradigm and up the ante in every imaginable way across nine vignettes of perverse, true-to-life storytelling layered over the band's singular, dragged-through-the-mud songcraft. This is a depraved style of noise rock that will scare the living sh*t out of you. Guest appearances from members of fellow NYC compatriots Imperial Triumphant and Pyrrhon scatter across the album, adding layers of cacophony. 

With ten full years of pain and suffering under their proverbial belt, along with three prior full-length albums My Life As A Woman (2014), Contempt (2017), and Take A Chance On Rock ‘n’ Roll (2020), Couch Slut sound more urgent, threatening, nasty and despondent than ever, and You Could Do It Tonight is the perfect soundtrack for 2024.

Couch Slut will make their European debut at Roadburn Fest on 19th April performing You Could Do It Tonight in full. Additionally, the band have announced a special headlining set at Caterwaul Fest’s Afterparty in Minneapolis in May.

Couch Slut are:
Dylan DiLella – guitar
Kevin Hall – bass, shehnai, granular synthesizer
Amy Mills – guitar, flute, trumpet 
Theo Nobel – drums and percussion, synthesizer, bells
Megan Osztrosits – vocals

For more on Couch Slut:

FACEBOOK | BANDCAMP | INSTAGRAM

Tracklisting:

1. Couch Slut Lewis
2. Ode To Jimbo
3.Wilkinson’s Sword
4.The Donkey
5. Presidential Welcome
6. Energy Crystals For Healing
7. Downhill Racer
8. Laughing and Crying
9. The Weaversville Home For Boys

Photo Credit: James Rexroad

Iconic U.S. rock band High on Fire release their new album Cometh the Storm, today via MNRK Heavy. The GRAMMY Award-winning group, celebrating its 25th anniversary, recorded Cometh the Storm at GodCity Studio in Salem, Massachusetts with producer Kurt Ballou. The 11-song effort (the band's ninth studio album) marks the release of the first new High on Fire music since 2018's Electric Messiah and the first to feature drummer Coady Willis (Melvins, Big Business, Murder City Devils), alongside bassist Jeff Matz, and guitarist/vocalist Matt Pike.

Listen to the full album here: https://highonfire.ffm.to/comeththestorm

High on Fire will kick off U.S. headlining tour dates in support of Cometh the Storm on 4th May, then head to the EU/UK. Dates:
Jun 04: CZ Brno Kabinet MUZ
Jun 10: DE Hamburg Bahnhof Pauli
Jun 11: DE Cologne Gebäude 9
Jun 12: NL Nijmegen Doornroosje
Jun 14: UK London Islington Assembly Hall
Jun 15: UK Manchester Rebellion
Jun 16: UK Glasgow Slay
Jun 17: UK Leeds Brudenell Social Club
Jun 18: UK Bristol Thekla
Jun 20: FR Wasquehal The Black Lab
Jun 25: FR Toulouse Le Metronum
Jun 26: ES Bilbao Kafe Antzokia
Jul 02: DE Aschaffenburg Colos Saal
Jul 03: CH Dudingen Bad Bonn
Jul 04: IT Torino Ziggy
Jul 06: AT Vienna Arena

The GRAMMY Award-winning group, celebrating their 25th anniversary, recorded Cometh the Storm at GodCity Studio in Salem, Massachusetts with producer Kurt Ballou. The 11-song effort - the band's ninth studio album - marks the release of the first new High on Fire music since 2018's Electric Messiah and the first to feature drummer Coady Willis (Big Business, Murder City Devils), alongside bassist Jeff Matz, and guitarist/vocalist Matt Pike.
 
It has been more than five years since the band’s revered Electric Messiah earned High on Fire ‘Best Metal Performance’ at the 2018 GRAMMY Awards, placing the unit among the ranks of groups such as Black Sabbath, Motörhead, and Metallica as winners of the prestigious award. “Being nominated for a Grammy was pretty mind blowing, but winning one was truly surreal,” says bassist Jeff Matz. “A Grammy win was certainly not something we were aiming for, but it’s quite an honor to be recognized in that way, and we are grateful. In terms of how it’s affected us, it has definitely opened some new doors—we’ve gained some new fans and wider recognition, but it hasn’t changed how we approach our craft. We’ve always tried to create uncompromising music that feels good to us, and is in line with what we would want to listen to.”
 
In the half decade since the band’s Grammy nod, the world has seismically shifted and is a different place. The same can be said for High on Fire. The band’s musical archetype has been modded, morphed, and evolved; its blast radius widened. Bassist Jeff Matz joined Mutoid Man and traveled abroad to study and learn the techniques of Middle Eastern folk music and the plucked string instrument, the bağlama (or saz), Matt Pike formed a solo band, released an LP, and toured the U.S., and world-renowned percussionist, Coady Willis, he of Melvins, Big Business, and Murder City Devils united with Pike and Matz to breathe new life into the group a quarter century into their captivating career.
 
The lead track on High on Fire’s new album, Cometh the Storm, is the invigorating 'Burning Down', a vigorous barrage which exemplifies the prowess the unification of the three professional musicians owns. 

Universally recognised as one of the most potent acts in music today, High on Fire creates dynamic metal that merges primal fury and aggression, hesher bombast and hall of fame heaviness. Described as "a supersonic exercise in conquest by volume," High on Fire has rewritten the hard rock rule book since their formation in 1998, forging a style and sound that is both critically celebrated and unique. The group features vocalist and cult guitar hero Matt Pike (also a founding member of the famed underground band SLEEP) singular bassist Jeff Matz, and powerhouse drummer Coady Willis. 

High on Fire are:
Matt Pike: guitar, vocals
Jeff Matz: bass, guitar, bağlama, mellotron, percussion
Coady Willis: drums, percussion, vocals

High on Fire online:
https://www.facebook.com/highonfire
https://twitter.com/HighonFireBand
https://www.instagram.com/highonfireband
https://mnrkheavy.com

Track-list: 
1. Lambsbread (5:45)
2. Burning Down (6:13)
3. Trismegistus (5:36)
4. Cometh The Storm (6:12)
5. Karanlık Yol (3:46)
6. Sol’s Golden Curse (4:52)
7. The Beating (2:29)
8. Tough Guy (3:44)
9. Lightning Beard (3:33)
10. Hunting Shadows (5:40)
11. Darker Fleece (9:59)

About MNRK Music Group

MNRK Music Group is one of the largest independent music companies in the world, with recording, music publishing, and management divisions operating in every major music market. MNRK is committed to discovering and guiding top music creators and artists and works with some of the greatest musical talent including The Lumineers and Pitbull, the music publishing catalog of Chuck Berry, plus premier music companies Dualtone Music Group and Last Gang. The company’s music department services Academy Award and Emmy Award-winning producers. Its catalog across divisions consists of 54,000 music tracks, including multiple GRAMMY winners and platinum-selling hits.To learn more visit mnrk.com.

Photo Credit: Moritz Hartmann

German modern metal quintet Doomcrusher, the newest addition to the Arising Empire roster, have released their second crushing single 'Reflect'.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/8dkfxN7X0uE
Stream the song here: https://arisingempire.com/reflect

In the crucible of the apocalyptic atmosphere that envelops our world, Doomcrusher were forged. Born out of the deepest desire to be the harbinger of change, the band emerged with a resolute mission: to defy the impending doom that looms on the horizon.

Founded by Andy Posdziech (Any Given Day), Jean Bormann (Rage), Marv Kinkel and Rob Lee, Doomcrusher's sound is a powerful fusion of stomping mid-tempo industrial riffs, seamlessly intertwined with uncompromising gutturals resolving into uplifting hooks.

The band's sound is further enriched by sophisticated electronic elements, adding depth and complexity to their musical tapestry. The ambition is clear - to redefine modern core music while staying true to the roots of the metal genre. Their music is not merely an auditory experience, it's a journey through the realms of sound; a deliberate exploration of the boundaries of heavy music.

Doomcrusher stand as a defiant force against the inevitable, a rebellion that crushes the darkness of doom with an unwavering belief in the transformative power of music.

Doomcrusher are:
Marv Kinkel - Vocals
Jean Bormann - Guitar & Vocals
Andy Posdziech - Guitar
Rob Lee - Bass
Silas Fischer - Drums

Doomcrusheronline:
www.instagram.com/doomcrusher.official
www.tiktok.com/@doomcrusher.official
www.facebook.com/doomcrusher.official
www.twitter.com/doomcrusherband

Photo Credit: Dániel Puskás

A legendary 1921 Swedish silent movie by film pioneer Victor Sjöström, The Phantom Carriage has influenced hundreds of artists over the years. Now, over a century since the film's initial release, the uniquely mesmeric Icelandic synth-punk trio Kælan Mikla have joined forces with compatriot Bardi Johannsson to create a haunting original score for the movie. 

Stream and purchase here: https://kaelanmikla.bandcamp.com/album/the-phantom-carriage
Watch a video for the album's final track here: https://youtu.be/DAz72EUJTHI
Spotify album link here: https://open.spotify.com/album/1EW3NeXw2wonnFk2NEz0No

Watch the original The Phantom Carriage movie here: https://youtu.be/J4J6HpPLdAg

The film was screened at the Transylvania International Film Festival 2023, accompanied by a live performance of the score specially written for the location, to a sold-out church. In light of the success of this first performance, together Kælan Mikla and Bardi Johannsson have now released The Phantom Carriage original score on vinyl and will be performing it live on further occasions.

Together, Bardi Johannsson and Kælan Mikla have created a unique voice, inhabiting a world of folklore and fairytales, of magic and mysticism. Cinematic layers of synth, ethereal vocals and programmed drums - these are the elements at the heart of the collaboration's sound, pulling the listener ever-deeper into their musical space.  Crossing between classical thriller scoring and darkwave gloomy synths, this is a spellbinding new work.

Kælan Mikla were founded in 2013 as an entry in a poetry competition. After winning the event, the group were encouraged to continue making music, and soon established themselves as a solid part of the Reykjavik grassroots scene. In 2015, Kælan Mikla released their song 'Kalt', attracting a host of attention nationally and abroad. 

Since then, the group have travelled continuously.  Including touring with Ville Valo and Alcest, Kælan Mikla have played alongside Placebo and a numer of critically acclaimed international artists.

Kælan Mikla's powerful presence has enchanted fans all over the world, including The Cure's Robert Smith, who has asked the band to play several of the festivals he has personally curated, across the US and in the UK. In their time, Kælan Mikla have released four albums, all with Toronto-based Artoffact Records. Their 2018 record, Nótt eftir nótt, made #14 on Revolver Magazine’s best albums of 2018 list, and their most recent, 2021's Undir Köldum Norðurljósum, received rave reviews worldwide. 

Watch Kælan Mikla's 'Sólstöður' here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBa1iM29mGI

Kælan Mikla are:
Sólveig Matthildur Kristjánsdóttir - synth
Margrét Rósa Dóru Harrýsdóttir - bass
Laufey Soffía - vocals

Kælan Mikla online:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaelanmikla/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kaelanmikla/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/28meEMqGpDrolyQ9OVoDAH

Bardi Johannsson is an award-winning Icelandic composer, musician and writer. He is mostly known for his work a member of the groups Bang Gang, Starwalker (a collaboration with JB Dunckel of AIR) and Lady & Bird (with Keren Ann).

He is an acclaimed writer of original soundtracks and has scored numerous films, including Nils Tavernier’s De toutes nos forces, David Guy Levy’s Would You Rather (along with composer Daniel Hunt of Ladytron), and Michele Civetta’s Agony. Bardi has worked on a variety of audiovisual projects such as trailers, TV series, ads, documentaries and theatre. He has worked with national theatres in Iceland and around France, and his music has been performed by orchestras throughout Europe. His work is often described as melancholic, filled with mysterious beauty and bringing a cinematic images to life. 

Bardi has also collaborated with various artists during his career as a co-composer, producer or mixer. His collaborator credits include artists such as: Keren Ann, Anthony Gonzales (M83), JB Dunckel (AIR, Tomorrow's World), Helen Marnie (Ladytron), Phoebe Killdeer (Nouvelle Vague), Sia Furler, Olafur Arnalds, Anggun and many more.

For more: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/banggangband/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BardiJohannsson/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/76ARhv4wgtDbxZWzBkZLOY

Tracklisting:

1. Legend of the Graveyard
2. The Grim Reaper
3. David Holm
4. Souls of the Dead
5. Körkarlen
6. At the Stroke of Midnight
7. Reminiscence
8. Remorse
9. Leaving You Behind
10. By Deaths Door
11. Sickness and Turmoil
12. A Scent of Decay
13. Time Is Up
14. Her Last Wish
15. The Burden of Love and Death
16. The Phantom Carriage 

Photo Credit: Andy Baz Haynes

New London hardcore powerhouse False Reality have dropped a video for 'Pressure' and released their new EP The Path to Self Destruct.

Watch the 'Pressure' video here: https://youtu.be/1Fud7sZRvvM

Stream / purchase the EP here: linktr.ee/falserealityukhc

On the EP, vocalist Rachel Rigby comments: "Path of Self Destruct has been a long time coming but we are so happy to finally be able to share it with everyone and we are eternally grateful for the reaction it has had since it’s release. This EP feels like home to us. We have each got such a varied taste and a huge appreciation for so many genres within heavy music so this has allowed us to create our own sound by pulling in all influences of what made us want to start a band to begin with. It delves into a wide range of emotions such as coping with the loss of a loved one, feeling unheard, and being underestimated. We’ve put our souls into this and it’s already inspired us to create whatever will come next."

Having recorded The Path to Self Destruct with producer Steve Sears Jr (Gallows, TRC, Prowler, Conjurer) the band are set out to prove why they stand apart, delivering a release that is in equal parts blistering as it is poetically cathartic. The EP lyrically delves into the complexities of life, exploring themes of betrayal, societal values, and tragedy. The EP features previous single 'Opposites React', a groove driven, empowering track that features vocals from Jem of Aussie hardcore band Speed.

Comprised of individuals deeply rooted in the underground music scene, False Reality are a London-based hardcore band that formed in 2023. Renowned for their thrash infused, hardcore crossover sound and fiercely energetic performances they draw influences from bands such as Trapped Under Ice, Broken Teeth and Backtrack as well as early era Sepultura and even Deftones.

False Reality have carved out a distinct identity, leaving an imprint on audiences who have witnessed their performances. Having already shared the stage with the likes of Speed, Jesus Piece, Madball, Buried Alive and Static Dress, garnering support both locally and nationally, False Reality are solidifying their status as one of the most exciting acts in the UK heavy music scene.

Catch the band live:

May 10: - London, Blondies Headline - EP Release Show (SOLD OUT) w/Ill Vision
May 18: - Ashford, The Star Inn Headline w/ Final Nail, Convulsion
May 24: - London, Camden Underworld w/ H2O
Jul 27: - Manchester, Levy Punk Weekender w/ Pizza Tramp, Perp Walk, Ikhras + more
Aug 31: Tourquay, Burn It Down Festival w/ Rough Justice, Cauldron, Going Off, Overpower + more
Jul 26-28: - Levelshulme, Levy Punk Weekender w/ Pizza Tramp, Perp Walk, Ikhras + more
Aug 30-31: Tourquay, Burn It Down Festival w/ Rough Justice, Cauldron, Going Off, Overpower + more

False Reality are:
Rachel Rigby - vocals
Dave Connolly - guitar
Louis Dale - drums
Joe Cornwell - bass

False Reality online:
https://linktr.ee/falserealityukhc
https://www.instagram.com/falserealityhc

US brutalists WASTE have unveiled new single / video 'Worthless', a beast of a track and perfect example of what to expect from their new EP, In Bloom, set for a 10th May release via Seek & Strike.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/luJskwcwWvM

WASTE are the embodiment of sheer brutality, as they continuously churn out tracks that are full of heaviness and intensity. However, make no mistake, because this is not your typical deathcore band, as they incorporate more dynamics into their song-writing, which offers up a unique vision and uncompromising sound. This is most evident on their vicious, new song/video, 'Worthless'.

WASTE states: "We are very hyped to be working with Seek & Strike. It's just crazy to us that people enjoy what we are doing enough to want to work with us on a professional level. Ever since we started our aim has always been high and getting to work with the likes of a team such as Seek & Strike is such a privilege for us. We chose to work with them because we truly feel they are as excited as we are about what our future holds. They've already shown us that their goal is to grow the band globally, not just throw us money and have us fend for ourselves. 

"With these new songs, we wanted to tell a story that shined light on our collective lives and experiences. We touch on things like mental health and general hardships, but we also address certain topics that we take issue with. It's no question that the world has gone through some truly crazy, even traumatizing events over the past few years and this EP tells a story of our perspective during this time. 

“Our new track, ‘Worthless,' is the first single to be released from this collection of new songs. We actually chose this to take the lead as the first single because we feel it's really the culmination of what all of these new songs bring to the table. The music video, while simple, we feel represents the chaos and frenetic energy that the song puts out.

"Something that every member of this band feels strongly about is that we don't want to try to sound like a carbon copy of any other band in our genre. We simply bring many different elements of metal that we all enjoy and create a sound that utilizes a little bit of everything, but again our aim is not to take directly from a certified band. We'll always be trying new things and with that comes something that all our listeners can find enjoyment in. We don't stick to one specific genre, or style of metal. Each song is an attempt to deliver a new experience. We strive to create a full experience for our listeners. Whether they see us live or they are just listening to us. We want to leave them feeling like they just watched a movie or just listened to the soundtrack to one. We want to invoke an emotional reaction within our listener. With it be anger or happiness, sadness or excitement. Our music is made to take the individual through their own journey. 

"There are plenty of things about this new collection of music that we are proud of, but there are most definitely a few that really showcase aspects about all these tracks. The first one being the vocal performance of this record. Jeremy came at each one of these songs with a vengeance and delivered an absolutely incredible display showcasing the range of his vocal abilities. Every single member will say the first thing that stands out are the vocals. Instrumentally, we also pushed ourselves above and beyond to create something truly dynamic, overly aggressive and unique. 

“However, arguably and most importantly, is the production side. We, once again, worked with our good friend, Chris Whited of 1776 Recordings/Bodysnatcher drummer, for this recording. Chris has always been consistent and an absolute pleasure to work with, but this time around we can tell he took a certain different angle with this record, which resulted in the best sounding mix he's ever done. Every detail was given the time it required to make it sound the way it needed. From the drum mix to the tones, vocals and the extra production side of things, everything that was done was done with purpose. We’re stoked for you all to hear it and thanks for the support.” 

WASTE online:

https://www.instagram.com/wastebandmn/

Photo Credit: Fordtography

Future alternative metal greats Defences present their stunning new single/video 'The Curse'. Following strong support in the form of millions of streams across their catalogue of releases, the band from Hertfordshire, U.K., have signed with Long Branch Records.

Watch the video for 'The Curse' here: https://youtu.be/hyg9PHDVxHQ

Stream here: https://orcd.co/defences_thecurse

“'The Curse' is a song about feeling like the universe is against you, trying to sabotage your every endeavour despite your best efforts to achieve something,“ comments singer Cherry Duesbury. “The feeling of being just a little too late, or pipped to the post, and having to start over again. To demonstrate this, it references the individual struggles of trying to be creative in an oversaturated industry, focusing on the internal fortitude required to not only persevere but to enjoy creativity for its own sake. By making these fears and inadequacies into a character, we wanted to show how powerful this feeling of being cursed can seem, and the importance of recognising and accepting it as part of yourself."

A proven hit on the live circuit, Defences have numerous U.K. tours with multiple sell-out headline shows under their belts, as well as festival appearances including Download, Takedown, Turbulence and Burn It Down. With soon-to-be-announced new material, live shows and the support of their strong fan community cultivated in their #TheHeart fan page, 2024 promises to be a big year for the quintet.

Cherry Duesbury comments on the new video: "The video shoot was really fun - it was the first time Shadow Cherry was on set for anything. She's an idea I've had in my head for some time, so it felt quite surreal to have her come to fruition in front of the camera. A really liberating side of me comes out when I'm made up like that, which I think we've started to capture in this video. 

"It was an exciting shoot for us; we hadn't shot a music video for a couple of years. It was our first official shoot with Owen on bass, and Will on keys, and we were all stoked to finally bring the ideas we'd been working on to life! 

"We used more props and cool visual elements for this video than I think we ever had before. So many candles, which I really enjoyed! I always have candles lit at home. We're really leaning into the witchy aesthetic for this era, which is right up my street. I was sat in a circle of them for one of the shots, it felt like I was having a seance, I loved it!"

Defenses are:

Cherry Duesbury - Vocals
William Young - Keys, Vocals
Calum Wilmot - Guitar
Owen Hughes-Holland - Bass
Kyle Parke - Drums

Defenses online:
FACEBOOK
YOUTUBE
INSTAGRAM
HOMEPAGE
TIKTOK