Robb Flynn teams up with Black Veil Brides, Tarja Turunen recruits Dani Filth and Korn bounce back in this week’s best new metal song round-up

Today, medieval black metallers Riverflame stream the entirety of their highly anticipated debut album, Lunar Crusades, at the Black Metal Promotion YouTube channel. Set for international release on April 24th via code666, hear Riverflame‘s Lunar Crusades in its entirety exclusively HERE. Riverflame were created in 2024 by members of Hail Spirit Noir, Ponte Del Diavolo, and OWLS. After two years of intensive writing and recordings, they now present […]

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Today, Costa Rican death metallers Candarian stream the entirety of their highly anticipated debut album, Trepanación, at the Death Metal Promotion YouTube channel. Set for international release on April 27th – Memento Mori will handle the CD version while Me Saco Un Ojo Records will handle the vinyl and cassette versions – hear Candarian‘s Trepanación in its entirety exclusively HERE. Hailing from one of the most fertile scenes […]

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Another day, another creep to call out. Can Slam Dunk Festival founder Ben Ray please come to the front? You’ve got some explaining to do.

Yesterday, British actress and showgirl Jenny Miller blasted social media accusing Ray of sexual assault. She says the two were friends with a working relationship where she would sometimes dance for him with STRICT rules prohibiting touching, but that he broke those rules after doing some illicit substances.

Miller posted the following statement, along with a picture of Ray, on her Instagram and Facebook accounts:

“This man sexually assaulted me multiple times on separate occasions and raped me while I was passing out from the coke he provided me.

“I am in the process of pressing charges against him for all the trauma he gave me. He was my friend and I trusted him. He would pay me to dance for him coz he was stripper-obsessed and I was broke, but the rules are do not touch me ever. When I was passing out, begging him to stop and get off me, he pulled my knickers to the side and went down on me. I wasn’t strong enough to get him off of me.

“I would tell him repeated to get the fuck of me and he wouldn’t and then he would try harder.

“The man is vile. I told his wife, now ex-wife, what he did to me and what he was doing behind her back. She was doing IVF at the time to try and have his babies.

“I became close friends with him in the strip club because he was offering me a job to work for him as a stripper at his festival for rockstars in the VIP and he wanted to open his own strip club. He also knew a lot of my friends in bands so I trusted him, but he’s a predator and rapist and everyone should know.”

Along with those posts, Miller shared a screen shot of texts between the two where Ray said he has “no anger left” towards Miller after she told Ray’s wife about everything that happened.

At the time, Ray had not released a statement. Fast forward to now, where the Slam Dunk Festival themselves released a statement saying how “one of its directors” has stepped down from festival operations while he deals with the allegations. While Ray wasn’t identified by name, who the fuck else would it be considering it all.

The festival’s statement reads:

“We are aware of allegations published yesterday relating to one of our directors. We take these allegations seriously and understand that they may be distressing and hard to process for our community.

“Our Slam Dunk fans, staff, and artists are, as always, our top priority. While he strongly refutes these allegations, the director in question has agreed, in consultation with the board, to step down from Slam Dunk operations while this matter is ongoing.

“Slam Dunk remains committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all employees, partners and customers. Our values and culture are fundamental to how we operate, and we are committed to upholding them.

“It would be inappropriate for us to comment further on an ongoing legal matter.

“However, we promise transparency and honesty to our Slam Dunk community and will provide updates when it is appropriate to do so.”

Again, it sucks that every other dude seems to be on some creepy shit, but it sucks x2 how so many of them seem to be involved in music. Emo music, at that. Slam Dunk was like another Warped Tour with who they booked—everyone from Fall Out Boy to Paramore to Every time I Die. This year, the fest is taking place next month, with Knocked Loose, Good Charlotte, and Taking Back Sunday among the many set to perform.

I mean, it’s good the fest is still happening and all, but golly, let’s hope no more creeps emerge in between the sets.

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The post Slam Dunk Festival Founder Accused of Sexual Assault; Steps Down appeared first on MetalSucks.

“…both a sonic and ideological assault.” – Metal Injection Metal Injection is hosting an exclusive stream of Avarice, the scathing third LP from Chicago-based grindcore/hardcore crew NEQUIENT, ahead of its release this Friday on Nefarious Industries. Avarice is the culmination of NEQUIENT having spent more than a decade evolving their unique synthesis of extreme metal and hardcore in the depths […]

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The rock world held its collective breath this week as legendary former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick revealed he has undergone a massive surgical procedure to save his life. The 72-year-old virtuoso, whose melodic mastery defined the “unmasked” era of the hottest band in the world, confirmed he is now officially on the road to recovery after surgeons operated to repair a life-threatening heart valve defect. While rumors of an “emergency collapse” sparked panic across social media, Kulick has stepped forward to clear the air: he’s not going anywhere, and he’s coming back stronger than ever.

The “Rockstar” Recovery: Bruce Kulick Speaks Out

Taking to his official social media channels, the veteran guitarist described the operation as a “success,” offering high praise for the medical team that treated him. Kulick was quick to credit his “heart surgeon and their fantastic staff for looking after me like a rockstar.”

The guitarist, who also spent 23 years with Grand Funk Railroad, noted that he is “taking it one step at a time” as he regains his strength. He also took a moment to publicly thank his wife, Lisa, stating he was “grateful” for her unwavering love and support during this harrowing period.

Debunking the “Emergency” Rumors

In typical internet fashion, rumors began to circulate that Kulick had been rushed into an “emergency open-heart surgery” after a sudden collapse. Kulick was adamant about correcting this narrative. He explained that this was a proactive strike against a ticking time bomb: an aortic birth defect that caused a valve to become a legitimate danger to his life.

“This was NOT emergency surgery,” Kulick clarified. By addressing the congenital issue now, the guitarist has effectively cleared the path for many more years on stage. According to the Mayo Clinic, heart valve disease occurs when valves fail to keep blood flowing in the correct direction, a condition that can lead to heart failure if left untreated.

We Also Recommend – The Loaded Radio Podcast: BRUCE KULICK Unplugged On Life After KISS

Gene Simmons and the KISS Army Respond

The outpouring of support from the rock community has been massive, led by none other than “The Demon” himself. Gene Simmons reached out publicly to his former bandmate, offering words that were both encouraging and characteristically colorful.

“Go Bruce, Go,” Simmons wrote. “With Lisa by your side, you can lick anything. You know we’re all rooting for you. And can’t wait for you and Lisa to cook up a new batch of pancakes for all of us.”

 

Go Bruce, Go. With Lisa by your side, you can lick anything. You know we’re all rooting for you. And can’t wait for you and Lisa to cook up a new batch of pancakes for all of us. https://t.co/yOBmfPOfp6

— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) April 23, 2026

 

Check This Out – The Demon’s Dirty Secrets: 13 Gene Simmons Facts That Prove He’s Rock’s Ultimate Marketing Genius

The Legacy Continues: From Animalize to the KISS Kruise

Kulick joined KISS in 1984, replacing Mark St. John, and anchored the band’s sound for 12 years across six studio albums. Unlike the members who relied on pyrotechnics and greasepaint, Kulick’s era was about the music, and he is widely regarded as one of the most technically proficient players to ever hold the position.

For those worried about his future performances, the “Winter Storm” of recovery seems to be moving fast. Bruce is still scheduled to take the stage at the 2026 KISS Kruise: Landlocked In Vegas later this year. After a career that saw him record with everyone from Meat Loaf to Michael Bolton, it’s clear that a simple heart valve wasn’t going to be the thing that silenced his guitar.

To hear our exclusive deep-dive into Bruce’s legendary KISS era and get the latest health updates as they break, tune into the Loaded Radio live stream and subscribe to the Loaded Radio Podcast.

TL;DR:

The Bottom Line KISS legend Bruce Kulick is recovering after successful heart valve surgery to correct a lifelong aortic birth defect. Despite rumors of an “emergency” crisis, Kulick confirmed the surgery was planned and a total success. Backed by support from Gene Simmons and the KISS Army, the 72-year-old guitarist is taking his recovery “one step at a time” and remains on track for his 2026 performance at the KISS Kruise in Las Vegas.

Also check out this exclusive interview clip of Bruce Kulick discussing why he was never “called back” to KISS after Ace Frehley left the band for good in 2002.

The post KISS Icon Bruce Kulick Beats Death: Shredder Survives Major Heart Surgery To Correct Lifelong Defect appeared first on Loaded Radio.

Baltimore death/grind veterans announce eighth album & European/UK headline tour For 25 years, Misery Index have stood out for their high-intensity combo of death metal, grindcore and cutting social commentary. Featuring current and former members of Pig Destroyer and Dying Fetus, the Baltimore band have released seven critically acclaimed albums, visited 46 countries and performed […]

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American heavy metal icons, ARMORED SAINT, are pleased to present their new single, “Hit A Moonshot.” The track comes off the band’s upcoming new full-length, Emotion Factory Reset, set for release on May 22nd through Metal Blade Records. “Hit A Moonshot” is a band favorite. A “moonshot” is a baseball term referencing a homerun that’s hit at […]

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Swedish modern metal force METALITE continue their forward momentum with the release of a stunning new music video for their latest single, “Starchild.” Following their recent signing with PERCEPTION – A Division Of Reigning Phoenix Music and the high-energy introduction of the previously released track “Our Time Has Come,” the band now dives deeper into the sonic universe of their upcoming concept album Discovery.

“Starchild” showcases METALITE’s signature blend of soaring melodies, powerful riffs, and futuristic soundscapes. Driven by epic arrangements and shimmering synth layers, the track pulls listeners straight into the heart of the album’s narrative, offering a glimpse into the story unfolding within their ambitious new record.

With the accompanying video, METALITE bring the world of “Starchild” to life, visually expanding the band’s sci-fi inspired concept and underlining their dynamic and modern approach to power metal.

Guitarist, producer, songwriter and founder Edwin Premberg comments: “Starchild is a key piece of the concept behind our upcoming album Discovery. It’s a classic Metalite track, packed with high energy and soaring melodies but with some new influences. I wanted to create something heavier, a song that’s truly headbang-friendly with a chorus everyone will be singing along to.”

Stream / Download “Starchild”: 

https://metalite.rpm.link/starchildPR

Watch the video here: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wW08438ZPzA

ABOUT METALITE
Formed in 2015 by guitarist Edwin Premberg and vocalist Emma Bensing, the band quickly gained recognition for its fresh and modern take on melodic metal and their 2017 debut album Heroes in Time set the stage for METALITE’s rise.

With millions of streams and a growing global fanbase, METALITE continues to redefine the future of melodic metal. Their fusion of cutting-edge sound design, anthemic choruses, and sci-fi-inspired storytelling has set them apart, proving that their journey is far from over. Stay tuned, a new discovery awaits!

More on METALITE:
Website
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More on PERCEPTION:
perception.music 

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Source: C Squared Music

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