Author: Editorial Team

Kiss founders Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons have opened up, in a cover story for the May 2026 Pollstar Magazine issue, about the band’s next phase, confirming details about a planned avatar-based live experience set to launch in Las Vegas in 2028.

The project marks a major move for the band following their farewell tour, with the show being developed in partnership with Pophouse Entertainment, the Sweden-based company co-founded by Björn Ulvaeus of Abba. The company previously made waves with the Abba Voyage production and is now bringing a similar concept to the U.S. market with Kiss.

Backed by a reported deal exceeding $300 million, Pophouse Entertainment acquired Kiss’s catalog along with rights to their name, imagery, and likeness — including the band’s signature face paint designs. The agreement also covers master recordings and publishing interests, giving the company full scope to build out the upcoming experience.

Speaking to Pollstar, Gene Simmons addressed which version of the band fans can expect to see represented. “It’s going to be the iconic face personas, The Demon, the Starchild, and so on. Who you want to place into that lineup is up to you.”

On the musical side, Paul Stanley confirmed the show will pull from across the band’s history: “We will have all the classics through the years and some surprises.”

Simmons added another layer, saying: “You’re gonna get all that stuff, and also new songs.”

When asked to clarify what that meant, he stated: “Exactly what that means, written by us. We have songs done.”

The concept builds on what fans saw during Kiss’s final show at Madison Square Garden in December 2023, where early versions of the band’s avatars were introduced. Rather than aiming for realism, the digital versions leaned into a stylized approach, presenting the members as larger-than-life figures with exaggerated, comic-inspired traits.

According to Jessica Koravos, CEO of Pophouse Entertainment, what debuted in New York was only a starting point. “What the crowd got to see at MSG was an early prototype of the KISS avatar concept. A lot has evolved since then — both in terms of creative concept for the show and avatar technology. We are now deep in development with a top-flight creative team headed by Thierry Coup — the team was on set last week testing out pyro effects against a new generation of LED screens to make sure we max out the KISS signature flame throwing. The show concept is a crazy 4D roller coaster ride through the hits, the comic book worlds and personas of KISS.”

With this project, Kiss are set to become the first American band to fully transition into a dedicated avatar-driven concert experience, pushing their legacy into a new format while keeping the core elements — spectacle, characters, and catalog — intact.

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Acclaimed vocalist Russell Allen, known as the longtime frontman of Symphony X, has released a new ballad, “Love Her Like I Do (Ava’s Song)”, marking Autism Awareness Month with a deeply personal statement.

The track centers on Allen’s experience as a father raising a daughter on the autism spectrum, focusing on real-life moments and the emotional weight behind them. “Love Her Like I Do (Ava’s Song)” presents a more stripped-down and vulnerable side of his voice, while still carrying the intensity fans expect.

“The song was written over several years navigating the evolution of our daughter’s life on the spectrum,” Allen explains. “Observing her behaviors that most would consider quirky became normal to me and my family. It became increasingly difficult for her to make friends in her life, though we tried several groups and activities for her to explore. Her social anxiety would overwhelm her senses and she would just retreat into her ‘world’ and stim a lot.”

He continues: “The heartbreaking moment for me was when she came home from school and asked, ‘Why are the kids playing and having fun but not with me?’ The fact that she was so aware of her situation was both enlightening and difficult for us, because we knew she couldn’t change who she was for acceptance of her peers. But why should she? So the song became my wish — a father’s wish — for my daughter to find a world full of people who would accept her and love her the way we do.”

Released in line with Autism Awareness Month, the song aims to highlight the realities faced by families while pushing for greater understanding and acceptance. “Love Her Like I Do (Ava’s Song)” is now available across major streaming platforms.

Allen remains best known for his work with Symphony X, joining the band in 1995 and helping define their sound across key releases like The Divine Wings Of Tragedy, V: The New Mythology Suite, The Odyssey, and Paradise Lost. His voice has been a core element in shaping the band’s mix of technical precision and melody.

Outside of Symphony X, Allen has stayed active across multiple projects. His work with Allen/Lande alongside Jørn Lande showed a more melodic side, while Adrenaline Mob leaned into heavier, groove-based hard rock. He has also been part of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, performing in large-scale productions that brought his voice to wider audiences.

Often compared to Ronnie James Dio, Allen’s style combines power, control, and emotional range. His lyrics have covered everything from mythology to personal struggle, giving his work both scale and depth.

With “Love Her Like I Do (Ava’s Song)”, Allen shifts the focus inward, delivering one of the most personal tracks of his career while continuing to expand what fans expect from his voice.

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British heavy metal legends Iron Maiden are finally set to enter the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame as part of the 2026 Performer class. Joining them this year are Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Joy Division/New Order, Oasis, Sade, Luther Vandross, and Wu-Tang Clan.

Additional honors will be handed out across several categories. Celia Cruz, Fela Kuti, Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, and Gram Parsons will receive the Early Influence Award. The Musical Excellence Award will go to songwriter Linda Creed, producers Arif Mardin, Jimmy Miller, and Rick Rubin, while Ed Sullivan is set to receive the Ahmet Ertegun Award.

“Induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame is music’s highest honor,” chairman John Sykes said in a statement. “We look forward to celebrating these remarkable artists at this year’s ceremony — it’s going to be an unforgettable night.”

The ceremony is scheduled for November 14 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, with a broadcast planned on ABC and Disney+ the following month. That date lands in the middle of Iron Maiden’s Australian run, with shows booked for November 13 in Melbourne and November 15 in Sydney.

Manager Rod Smallwood addressed the news, saying: “We’d like to thank the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame for including us (and former members who were all part of our story) in the 2026 roll call of inductees.

“Iron Maiden have always been about our relationship with our fans above anything else, including awards and industry accolades. However, having said that, it’s always nice to be recognized and honored for any achievements within the music industry too!”

He continued: “It also seems appropriate for the band to be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame this year as we continue our 50th-anniversary celebrations with our Run For Your Lives world tour visiting the Americas and beyond. We would also like to congratulate our fellow 2026 inductees and extend our gratitude as ever to our fans for their loyalty, perseverance and support for over 50 years now! See you all, somewhere on tour.”

The lineup being recognized includes Bruce Dickinson, Steve Harris, Nicko McBrain, and guitarists Adrian Smith, Dave Murray, and Janick Gers, along with former members Dennis Stratton, Paul Di’Anno, Blaze Bayley, and Clive Burr.

Eligible for the induction since 2005, Iron Maiden have built one of the most consistent catalogs in metal, starting with their self-titled debut Iron Maiden and continuing through 16 additional studio albums. The band has sold more than 100 million records worldwide and remains a major touring force decades into its career.

According to Rock Hall guidelines, artists become eligible 25 years after their first release. Beyond that, selections are also based on influence and overall impact on the evolution of rock music, a standard that continues to spark debate year after year.

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Guitar Powerhouse Jared James Nichols is proud to unveil his new single, “Runnin’ Hot,” taken from his upcoming fourth studio album, Louder Than Fate, due out on June 5, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl. “Runnin’ Hot” was produced, mixed, and engineered by Jay Ruston. The accompanying music video was filmed, directed, and edited by Speed Rabbit Films.

Jared comments on the new track: “”Runnin’ Hot” was written with a dear friend of mine and rock-and-roll maniac, Tuk Smith. We wanted to tap into everything we love about this music, something real, raw, and fun. Shooting the music video took that mantra even further. Elvis James brought the same energy behind the camera, and the result is a laugh-out-loud, wildly entertaining watch.”

Louder Than Fate is not just an album — it’s a declaration. A record that speaks to resilience, conviction, and the unstoppable force of an artist who plays every note as if it truly matters. Loud, honest, and deeply human, this is Jared James Nichols at his absolute best.

Nichols comments on Louder Than Fate: “I’m beyond excited for this record. I’ve been counting down the days until its release like it’s a personal holiday. If the singles are any hint for you, there are plenty of riffs ripping through the speakers like a buzz saw. But going deeper into the record, there are tons of different emotions and sounds that I have yet to explore as a singer/songwriter. I am personally thrilled to share different shades of myself on this record, giving so much more depth and insight to the listener. Get ready for Louder than Fate“.

Produced and mixed by Jay Ruston (Anthrax, Stone Sour, Amon Amarth, Skindred, and Steel Panther) with additional production by Roger Alan Nichols (Larkin Poe and Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown), Louder Than Fate balances muscle and melody, combining thunderous riffs, searing solos, and emotionally charged vocals with a modern, punchy production. The songs move effortlessly between hard-hitting rock anthems and more reflective, dynamic moments, showcasing Nichols’ ability to fuse classic influences with a contemporary edge. Tracks like “Bending or Breaking” and “Killing Time” expand the sonic palette with subtle keyboards and cinematic string arrangements, adding depth without ever sacrificing power.

Since his breakout debut, Jared James Nichols has built a reputation as one of the most electrifying guitarists and performers of his generation. Known for his unmistakable tone, fearless playing style, and commanding stage presence, he has toured extensively across the US and Europe, sharing stages with some of the biggest names in rock and earning praise from fans and critics alike.

A set of record-release shows kicks off in Teaneck, NJ, on May 29th, and a list of his upcoming live dates can be found here.

Pre-order Louder Than Fate here.

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Killswitch Engage — Jesse Leach on vocals; Adam Dutkiewicz on guitar; Joel Stroetzel on guitar; Mike D’Antonio on bass; and Justin Foley on drums — have just added more tour dates to their upcoming 2026 tour schedule.

The band will first embark on a headline tour, which kicks off June 3 in Detroit and runs through June 27 in San Francisco, and includes appearances at Milwaukee Metal Fest and DC Warped Tour Weekend. Support will come from Machine Head, Iron Reagan, and Havok.

They will then head to Canada in August for a headline run, from August 5 through August 16. Machine Head and Malevolence will support. The Canadian trek includes appearances at the Rock La Cauze Festival and Burt Block Party.

KsE have also added more U.S. dates in September, with Machine Head, Rivers of Nihil, and Judiciary. Those dates run from September 19 through October 1 and include appearances at Louder Than Life and Aftershock.

“We are all beyond excited to get back on the road in support of our latest album This Consequence,” says Leach. “This upcoming run will see us bringing two distinct and devastating lineups across Canada and a small run around the United States. Each lineup is built to deliver a unique and crushing experience.”

He elaborates, “For our Canadian dates, we’ll be hitting major cities alongside the legendary Machine Head and the relentless force that is Malevolence. This is a power trio bill designed to level every stage we step on pure intensity, groove, and aggression. Canada, roll up!”

He continues: “For our United States run, we’re bringing a different kind of devastation. Joining us are once again the legends Machine Head, the prolific heaviness of Rivers of Nihil, and the raw, unfiltered intensity of Judiciary. This lineup delivers a dynamic blend of atmosphere, technicality, and sheer hardcore aggression!”

Leach finishes: “Two unique lineups, one mission: To tear it up everywhere we go. Hell yes, my friends!”

The artist pre-sales begin today at 12pm PT and run through Thursday, August 16 at 10pm local time. The general on-sale is set for Friday, April 17 at 10am local time. All upcoming dates and/or to purchase tickets check here.

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Arizona extreme metal trailblazers Soulfly unleash the groove-heavy onslaught of “Favela/Dystopia”. Taken from their latest album, Chama, the track features Zyon Cavalera commanding the kit, injecting a modern intensity into the band’s signature tribal-infused sound.

For this visual journey, the band enlisted Matt Creeptoon to bring the track to life through haunting animation. The video offers a stark, unflinching portrayal of life within the Brazilian favelas, perfectly capturing the gritty reality behind “Favela/Dystopia”.

Max Cavalera states: “Nightmare Before Christmas meets City of God! This video showcases the struggles of Brazilians living in the favelas, with the thrash Metal side of Soulfly’s Chama. Amazing animation by Matt Creeptoon!”

Chama was recorded at the Platinum Underground Studio in Mesa, Arizona by John Aquilino. John has worked with Max and company multiple times before and is not only a talented engineer but a family friend. The album was produced by Zyon Cavalera and Arthur Rizk. The latter was also responsible for the mixing and mastering. Rizk has not only worked with the Cavalera family numerous times before, but has also helped to shape the world of heavy metal in the modern day. Soulfly enlisted Carletta Parrish to create the album artwork. For the album, Igor Amadeus Cavalera (Go Ahead & Die, Nailbomb, Healing Magic) played bass and Mike De Leon played guitar. The album also includes features from Dino Cazares (Fear Factory) and Todd Jones (Nails).

You can now order Chama here.

On another news, the onslaught continues! Soulfly are entering the home stretch of their U.S. trek, supporting the mighty Gwar on The Gor-Gor Strikes Back Tour with King Parrot. Purchase tickets here.

The post SOULFLY Unleash Gritty Animated Visual for “Favela/Dystopia” appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

InsideOutMusic is pleased to announce the signing of progressive art-rock group The Pineapple Thief. Founded in 1999 by Bruce Soord, the band has long been one of the genre’s most successful and accomplished outfits, releasing 16 studio albums and touring worldwide. The band consisting of Soord on vocals and guitars, Jon Sykes on bass, Steve Kitch on keyboards, and Gavin Harrison on drums, are also now working on a new album for release in late 2026.

Bruce Soord comments: “Joining InsideOut is a definitive milestone for The Pineapple Thief. Having spent the past year developing new material, it became clear that InsideOut is the perfect home for our next musical journey. We are energized by this new partnership and can’t wait to reveal what we’ve been working on!”

Thomas Waber, head of InsideOutMusic, adds: “We are extremely excited to welcome The Pineapple Thief to the InsideOutMusic family. As longtime followers of the band, it feels like the right time to be working together, and we can’t wait to help bring their new material into the world.”

Now, the band is revealing headline tour dates across North America. Tickets go on sale Friday, April 17th at 10am local time here.

Nov. 17th Washington DC – Howard Theater
Nov. 19th Philadelphia PA – Theatre of Living Arts
Nov. 20th New York City NY – Gramercy Theatre
Nov. 21st Somerville MA – Somerville Theater
Nov. 22nd Quebec City QC – Capitole
Nov. 24th Montreal QC – Beanfield Theatre
Nov. 25th Toronto ON – Danforth Music Hall
Nov. 27th Chicago IL – House of Blues
Nov. 28th Cleveland OH – House of Blues
Nov. 29th St. Louis MO – Delmar Hall
Dec. 1st Dallas TX – The Bomb Factory
Dec. 3rd Denver CO – Summit
Dec. 5th Phoenix AZ – Crescent Ballroom
Dec. 6th San Diego CA – The Observatory North Park
Dec. 8th Los Angeles CA – The Bellwether
Dec. 9th San Francisco CA – August Hall
Dec. 11th Seattle WA – Neptune Theater
Dec. 12th Portland OR – Revolution Hall
Dec. 13th Vancouver BC – Hollywood Theater

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Acclaimed American hard rock band Tesla is proud to announce their new album, Homage, set for release on July 17, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl. Marking a full-circle moment in their storied career, the album finds the band returning to their roots with a collection of covers honoring some of rock’s most timeless hits.

It is remarkable to reflect on the more than 40 years since Tesla began as a cover band performing in California nightclubs before going on to write and record original material and sell millions of albums.

Much like their musical heroes — The Beatles and The Rolling Stones—artists who honed their craft by performing songs from those who came before them, Tesla followed a similar path in their early years and continues to embrace the tradition of paying tribute through cover songs today.

Homage, the band’s upcoming album, not only honors legendary artists but also provides an opportunity to showcase lead singer Jeff Keith‘s vocal diversity. The album stands as a thank-you expressed through music, an offering to the iconic voices and songs that shaped the band’s influences and, ultimately, their own songwriting.

To offer fans a taste of what to expect on Homage, Tesla shares their cover of Climax Blues Band‘s iconic track, “I Love You” (2026 Version).

The band comments: “‘I Love You,’ like all the tracks on Homage, not only pays tribute to legends but gives us a chance to showcase our lead singer’s diversity as well as the musical dynamics we learned as a band many years ago.”

Homage is not about imitation, but acknowledgment, tracing the line from influence to identity, from listening to becoming. The project also arrives more than 20 years after the Real to Reel series, a release that helped inspire the creation of a new original Tesla song, “Never Alone.”

The selected songs on Homage were chosen for a variety of reasons, primarily representing some of the greatest vocalists of all time, including Elvis Presley, Freddie Mercury, Sam Cooke, David Ruffin, Etta James, and James Brown. Additional selections reflect songs the band grew up hearing on the radio and on their turntables.

On the upcoming album, Tesla shares: “Our new album Homage is a thank-you note written in sound. An offering to the great singers and songs that shaped the music we grew up listening to, and the songs we would eventually write. We hope you all enjoy this as much as we did making it. Thank you for all the years – Keep it Real and Keep On Rockin’!”

Tesla is excited to be hitting the road this summer on The Return of the Carnival of Sins Tour with Motley Crue and Extreme. The tour begins on July 17th in Burgettstown, PA, and winds its way through the United States before concluding in Ridgefield, WA on September 26th. For a full list of dates and/or to purchase tickets, please see here.

Pre-order Homage here.

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Rising rock musician, actor, songwriter, and film producer Kurt Deimer has released his reinvention of “Silent Lucidity” featuring ex-Queensrÿche legend Geoff Tate, marking the latest single off Deimer’s sophomore full-length album, A Grog Is Born, out May 8th via his own Bald Man Records.

The gorgeous take on the 1990 power ballad also arrives with a powerful music video highlighting the growing suicide epidemic in the U.S., with a call to action for all those who need help. Check out the clip below.

“Working with Geoff Tate on this song was amazing,” shares Deimer. “Along with Chris Lord-Alge, Geoff is a huge mentor to me. The music video shows the raw footage of us all in the studio recording it because we really wanted to show the passion, heart, and soul that went into the recording process of this version of the song. Suicide prevention is also really important to me. I made a point to include information in the video to not only bring awareness but to hopefully encourage someone who needs help to get it.”

Pre-order A Grog Is Born here.

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Dark progressive rockers The Paradox Twin have announced the surprise arrival of their third studio album, A Romance of Many Dimensions, via White Star Records, the label set up by John Mitchell and Chris Hillman. The record is available on all digital platforms now, and pre-orders for the physical edition of the album (May 8^th) are underway. 

This ambitious concept album explores the increasingly blurred lines between the real and digital worlds. The narrative centers on a protagonist living a life of loneliness, addiction, and isolation. He finds his only sense of purpose and identity when he logs into his computer, where he views himself as a robot in a vast digital landscape. His only friend is the silent crow from the game, who never speaks but is always there in times of need. When logged off, he is left with nothing; when logged in, he has a purpose. The album is a poignant journey through themes of escapism, love, and what it means to be human in an age of technological dependency. 

Danny Sorrell, the visionary behind The Paradox Twin, shares his thoughts on this significant release: “We are extremely excited to finally announce our new album A Romance of Many Dimensions. Many months of hard work have finally paid off. It’s been worth the wait. There were a few bumps in the road here and there; I have had a very tough few years with mental health, and with the death of my sister, but I always try to channel it into my songwriting. I want to thank my wife, kids, and family in general for supporting me. I want to tip my hat to Chris Hillman for being amazingly strong over the past year. Thanks to John Mitchell for once again guiding songs and my craft in the right direction, and finally to you, reading this, who I wouldn’t be able to do this without.”

The Paradox Twin are known for their emotionally charged and conceptually rich music. Fronted by singer- songwriter Danny Sorrell, the band has received critical acclaim for their previous albums, including “The Importance of Mr Bedlam” and “Silence From Signals”, earning a dedicated global fanbase and nominations at the prestigious Progressive Music Awards.

The lineup, led by mastermind Danny Sorrell (writer, vocals, guitars, keys), is completed by the powerful rhythm section of Graham Brown (drums), with the atmospheric vocals of Sarah Bayley.

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