Category: news
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Slayyyter Had One Last Chance for Pop Stardom, and She Nailed It
After a few attempts that didn’t fully connect, the St. Louis singer was ready to walk away, but not before making a raw album of thrashed pop, “Worst Girl in America.” -
Moon Construction Kit – Down The West Coast
Every once in a while, we all need to slow down the pace, play some relaxing music, and -
Listening Now : Vincent Jarroux – Zombies (Radio Edit)
Vincent Jarroux’s Zombies (Radio Edit) is an energetic and cinematic electronic track that successfully blends retro influences with contemporary production. Drawing inspiration from classic horror films and vintage gaming culture, the piece creates a vivid atmosphere through driving rhythms, dark synth textures, and carefully crafted melodic elements. Despite its compact radio format, the track retains a strong sense of progression and character, balancing nostalgia with modern club-oriented energy. The production is polished and immersive, reflecting a clear artistic vision and attention to detail. Zombies (Radio Edit) showcases Jarroux’s talent for transforming genre influences into an engaging electronic experience that feels both familiar and refreshingly current.
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Rivers of Nihil European Performances with Queensrÿche + Headline & Festival Dates Starts Today in Germany!
– June 12th, 2026 –
Band posts live performance video for “Hellbirds” – Watch HERE!
Photo by Mike Trueheart
Today officially kicks off the start of RIVERS OF NIHIL‘s 2026 European summer dates including shows in support of Queensrÿche along with headline and festival dates – the first being tonight in Köln, Germany with Queensrÿche at Essigfabrik and concluding on July 2 in Lindau, Germany at Club Vaudeville. The run also sees RIVERS OF NIHIL performing on stages at Into The Grave Fest (NL), Hellfest Fest (FR), Graspop Fest (BE), and Tuska Fest (FI). Full list of dates below.
In honor of this tour, RIVERS OF NIHIL have posted a live video performance of “Hellbirds” shot at a sold-out Tavastia in Helsinki, Finland, March 16, 2025 from the band’s headline run. Watch HERE!
The band comments; “This live version of ‘Hellbirds’ comes from our 2025 EU headlining tour with Cynic, Beyond Creation, and Daath. We had a blast headlining in Helsinki for the first time and we are looking forward to playing for all of you again in a few weeks at Tuska!“
RIVERS OF NIHIL Europe Summer 2026:
06-12-26 DE Köln Essigfabrik w/ Queensrÿche
06-13-26 DE Vechta Gulfhaus Headline Show
06-14-26 NL Leeuwbergen Into The Grave Fest
06-16-26 DE Hamburg Markthalle w/ Queensrÿche
06-17-26 DE Frankfurt Batschkapp w/ Queensrÿche
06-18-26 FR Clisson Hellfest Fest
06-20-26 BE Dessel Graspop Fest
06-22-26 GB Manchester Club Academy w/ Queensrÿche
06-23-26 GB London Islington Assembly Hall w/ Queensrÿche
06-25-26 PL Warsaw Hybrydy Headline Show
06-26-26 LV Riga Melna Piektdiena Headline Show
06-27-26 FI Helsinki Tuska Fest
06-29-26 SE Gothenburg Monument Headline Show
06-30-26 SE Lund Mejeriet w/ Queensrÿche
07-01-26 DE Hannover Pavillon w/ Queensrÿche
07-02-26 DE Lindau Club Vaudeville w/ QueensrÿcheRIVERS OF NIHIL‘s eponymous fifth full-length, released on May 30th, 2025 via Metal Blade Records, reaped 2.8 million Spotify streams globally and toppled Billboard charts upon its first week of release earning the band’s self-titled release charting positions worldwide, along with plenty of accolades from press and influencers, which can be seen below.
European Chart Entries from release day/week:
#60 Official Top 100 Albums DE weekly
#21 Official Top 100 Albums Downloaded DE weekly
#22 Official Top 100 Albums Midweek DE weekly
#9 iTunes Top 10 Albums AT daily
#33 iTunes Top 100 Albums DE daily
#87 Official Top 100 Albums CH weekly
#12 Official Top 20 Rock/Metal Albums DE weekly
#44 Official Top 75 Albums AT weeklyUSA – Billboard:
#2 Current Hard Music Albums
#7 Current Rock Albums
#7 Independent Label Albums
#9 Current Digital Albums
#23 Current Album SalesCanada – Billboard:
#1 Hard Music Albums
#7 Current Digital Albums
#8 Top Current Albums
#23 LP Vinyl SalesAustralian iTunes Entries from release day:
#1 Metal Chart
#7 Rock Chart
#28 ALL Chart“It’s not just album marketing speak to say that this genuinely feels like a new era for the band,” wrote Decibel Magazine. Blabbermouth concurred crowning the offering, “one of this year’s most unmissable metal (and prog) records… RIVERS OF NIHIL are beginning to sound unstoppable,” while Metal Injection lauded a record that’s, “sonically sound, emotionally poignant, experimental in the right places.”
The praise didn’t stop here with outlets across the globe chiming in with their take on the band’s self-titled release. “RIVERS OF NIHIL dare to experiment, and it pays off” says Deaf Forever (Germany) who gave the release an 8/10 while Arrow Lords of Metal (Netherlands) gave the album a 9.5/10 stating “This is progressive death metal of the highest level!” FUZE (Germany) said “For several years now, RIVERS OF NIHIL have stood for more than just progressive death metal, and with their self-titled album, they are pushing this development even further. Thus, this work perhaps lays the perfect foundation for what may yet come in the band’s hopefully long career.”
Watch RIVERS OF NIHIL‘s videos for “House Of Light,” “American Death,” and “Water & Time” HERE.
Find Rivers Of Nihil self-titled album at: metalblade.com/riversofnihil
“Monstrously beautiful, just like the cover of Dan Seagrave.” — 9/10 Rock Tribune (Belgium)
“…the foursome has revamped its concept: the vocals are more of a focus than on its direct predecessor, The Work. Biggs fires his brutal growls into the ether with even more power than Dieffenbach, but it is especially in the use of guitarist Andy Thomas’s clean vocals that Rivers Of Nihil surpasses all previous works… anthemic passages now form the highlights of the songs instead of being whispered timidly into the background… RIVERS OF NIHIL exchanges quiet moments for powerful sing-along elements, something rare in progressive music. The fifth album is therefore less complicated than its previous ones, even if the band by no means abandons technical death metal, but simply rethinks it – and successfully.” — Metal Hammer Germany
“The songs hit the mark relatively straight, with the pleasantly natural production potentially making the quartet’s actually quite new-school sound palatable to more traditional minds for the first time ever.” — Rock Hard Germany
“…this borders on the unbelievable! It is amazing how this album has grown over the last while here, from a puzzle to be solved to a picturesque sound palette where the weather changes every minute. It is as if every song passes by on a cloud, flowing, floating, but elusive. I can only recommend everyone to give this gem the time to discover the true masterful nature of this band, step by step and again and again. This is progressive death metal of the highest level!” — 9.5/10 Arrow Lords of Metal (Netherlands)
“This album isn’t a rebrand. It’s a reaffirmation. Of purpose. Of evolution. Of sheer goddamned power.” — Joedaly.com
“…since the band already stretched the innovative framework on ‘Where Owls Know My Name’ (2018), I am well prepared for what awaits. Then came ‘The Work’ (2021), which is the most solid offering of their career, where progressive courage met genre-defying integrity. What the Americans now present is enormously well-played and sophisticatedly seamless, but as a whole more of a competent effort… even the band’s lowest level is far above their colleagues in the same field.” — Sweden Rock Magazine
RIVERS OF NIHIL:
Adam Biggs – bass guitar, vocals
Andy Thomas – guitar, vocals
Brody Uttley – guitar, piano, keys, programming
Jared Klein – drums, vocalshttps://www.facebook.com/riversofnihil
https://x.com/riversofnihil
https://www.instagram.com/riversofnihil
https://www.youtube.com/Riversofnihilpa -
Listening Now : loserbirds – Too Bad
loserbirds’ Too Bad is an honest and energetic alternative rock track that embraces authenticity over perfection. Recorded in a rehearsal space to capture the band’s natural chemistry, the song carries a raw immediacy that enhances its emotional impact. Distorted guitars, driving rhythms, and a straightforward approach to songwriting give the track a relatable and unpretentious character. Rather than relying on elaborate production, Too Bad succeeds through its genuine performance and strong sense of momentum. The result is a compelling rock song that feels personal and sincere, showcasing loserbirds’ ability to translate the energy of a live room into an engaging recorded experience.
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Listening Now : Jordan Weston – Love Somebody
Jordan Weston’s Love Somebody is an uplifting indie pop anthem that pairs infectious melodies with a warm and optimistic spirit. Drawing inspiration from contemporary indie and Brit-pop influences, the track balances polished production, energetic instrumentation, and a memorable chorus that arrives with immediate impact. Its celebration of enduring love is delivered with sincerity and accessibility, allowing the song’s positive message to resonate naturally. The arrangement maintains a vibrant momentum throughout, while strong melodic hooks ensure lasting appeal. Love Somebody showcases Jordan Weston’s ability to craft feel-good music that is both emotionally genuine and highly engaging, making it a standout addition to the modern indie pop landscape.
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Listening Now : Plastic Manmade Sunshine Machine – Green Children of Woolpit
Plastic Manmade Sunshine Machine’s Green Children of Woolpit is a highly melodious psychedelic rock track that combines rich musicality with a captivating sense of atmosphere. Flowing vocal lines, memorable melodies, and vibrant guitar work guide the listener through an imaginative and colorful sonic landscape. While rooted in psychedelic rock traditions, the song places equal emphasis on strong songwriting, allowing its melodic strengths to shine throughout. The arrangement balances dreamy textures with a steady sense of movement, creating an engaging and immersive listening experience. Green Children of Woolpit demonstrates Plastic Manmade Sunshine Machine’s talent for crafting psychedelic rock that is not only adventurous but also remarkably tuneful and accessible.
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BraveWords Records Announces The Signing Of Airforce
BraveWords Records is pleased to announce the signing of Airforce and the release of the single ‘Strange World‘ a cover of the Iron Maiden track. Set in the Iron Maiden ‘Somewhere In Time‘ universe, the video brings to life the lyrics and themes in the song! Watch as one of the most iconic Maiden cover artworks […]
The post BraveWords Records Announces The Signing Of Airforce appeared first on ROCKPOSER DOT COM.
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Reviews: Khemmis, Lex Legion, Defiled, Fleshcrawl (Matt Bladen & Mark Young)
Khemmis – Khemmis (Nuclear Blast) [Matt Bladen]
In the music world self titled albums are either a birth or a rebirth of a band, so when Khemmis announced that their fifth album would carry their band name I braced myself for these heavy riff veterans to embrace K-Pop with their new record but thankfully they haven’t.
What the Colorado four piece have done though is define what Khemmis is, the band themselves say that they have “rediscovered something unexpected and powerful–the joy of making heavy music together.”
So Khemmis by Khemmis is an album inspired by the band Khemmis, the four individuals that make the music here and how these friendships have endured the trials, tribulations and the music industry at large, driven by the love of making music together.
Though this version of the band is not the same as the one that started out, though 3/4 are as vocalist/guitarists Ben Hutcherson and Phil Pendergast alongside drummer Zach Coleman are still the driving force of Khemmis with only bassist David Small being a new addition, although he joined officially in 2022 and brings a meaty, bottom end to this new music.
Despite being a key part of the Denver metal community, two members now live in different states but reconvening to record this record has inspired them to create the most expressive music of their career. Locked in an in a flow state the separation was a benefit to the process as they really gelled together in the studio to pump out riffs like it was 2012 all over again.
So this self titled album is something of a return, the return of fun, it’s their heavy metal album, the worship of the classic sound more prominent than on any previous releases, it’s what the kids call Epic Metal, doom merged with traditional sounds as rock solid rhythm section gallops and grooves ready for the twin axe attack to do it’s thing on tracks such as Tomb Of Roses.
With influences from Manilla Road, Cirith Ungol, Candlemass as well as Mastodon, Baroness and The Sword, Khemmis leaning into anthemic epic metal, but there are still homages to all the styles of heavy metal from death growls on the Opeth-like Corpsebloom Garden, prog/classical/thrash on Invocation Of The Dreamer, some sludge riffs on the psychedelic Beneath The Scythe and old school death doom comes on Carrion King.
To truly finish off the trifecta, this concept album needed a song called Khemmis, but as it stands Khemmis by Khemmis, is a brilliant record from a band who have fallen in love with making heavy metal all over again. 9/10
Lex Legion – Lex Legion (MNRK) [Matt Bladen]
It’s funny that way people look at things. I’m sure everyone else’s will be absolutely enamoured that Lex Legion contains four-fifths of the King Diamond line up from the late 80’s.
Formed by guitarist Pete Blakk, he’s recruited bassist Hal Patino, guitarist Andy La Rocque (ex Death) and drummer Mikkey Dee (Motorhead/Scorpions) to create a band heavily inspired by the King/Mercyful Fate/Judas Priest and any heavy rock band where the guitars are razor sharp, the rhythm section is let loose and the vocals shriek high enough to break glass.
It’s in the latter that I get excited about this record as they’ve brought in Nils K. Rue of Pagan’s Mind to take the mic, in an inspired step as he has the same ear piercing power as the King himself but with a broader tone too. Pagan’s Mind have long been a favourite with me so, the majority will love the idea of these four instrumentalists making music together again, I’m excited by hearing Rue belt out some classic metal.
It’s an album written in between the various other projects the members are part of, an album of leisure with an almost 25 year gestation period, the fact that most of these performers have more than forty years of experience behind them only means that this debut record is free of ego and of any reservations.
They’re not trying to deliver box office smashes or platinum selling records, just honest, straightforward heavy metal with big choruses and plenty of fist-in-the-air riffs. For instance Gypsy Tears will have you thinking of what would happen if King Diamond and Uriah Heep wrote a song together while opener Sleep Eternally just sets the right tone for the whole record/band a metallic stormer with big chorus.
From here it’s non-stop ride through leather clad heavy metal, the gallops of Patino controlling the changes of pace, to bring some progressive tones. The interplay between La Rocque and Blakk as crisp and harmonious as it was all those years ago, be it the distorted horror-tinged riffs of (I Am) The Resurrected or the countless solo sections.
Dee still hits with more force and ferocity than drummers more than half his age, even when they settle into the mid-pace chugs on When The Stars Align he’s all double kicks while Rue’s vocals are just right for the muscular rocking of Lost Inside and theatrical moments such as Saviours.
Lex Legion bring the Heavy Metal Thunder, have their Balls To The Wall, they’re Screaming For Vengeance and they’re here to Welcome Home heavy metal with their debut album. So if you’re savvy enough to know these, thinly veiled song titles you’ll love this album. 8/10
Defiled – Altered State (Season Of Mist) [Mark Young]
There are difficult reviews, those that should on paper be right up your street in terms of the core music you listen to. I’m not too shallow to admit that sitting down with a chunk of death metal is probably more preferable to shoe gaze or maybe tech metal. I’m comfortable with it and I still get excited by releases by bands new and old.Defiled unfortunately fall into the either/or position with their latest opus, Altered State. There are positives and negatives here, I think that my problem is that it feels like it is the same song repeated 14 times. I know that bands are often set in a particular style of how they go about writing and recording new material, which can sometimes work against them.
I’d never come across them prior to this and reading their accompanying press it promised that it would satisfy a lot of things I associate with this genre. My main takeaway was that it suggested something new, which I found to be not quite correct. The songs come and go with varying degrees of speed and intensity without leaving any real mark on you.Repeated listens which often unlock something you miss revealed nothing more for me, other than its death metal. Sitting down to write this I realised that I had more negative things to say, which serve no purpose other than to make me look witty and I hate that in reviews. Simply put it’s a dull album.
There are jagged shards present, like I said there are positives but they are swallowed by an overwhelming cloak of grey. The opener starts like you would hope, Dazed In Blindness has a frenzy to it but it feels off, like they have purposefully leaned into making it off-centre. Its feeling that continues right through, because you have the music side flying along but the vocal delivery doesn’t match it. Its harsh which is fine in itself but it’s just delivered in one way that flattens the songs.In any respect, I want to move on from taking shots at them because for someone this will be a cracker. The fact it doesn’t work for me shouldn’t put anyone else off from trying it. Obsession, as an example does a good job of being heavy, as does Genocidal Stage but there is little variance between them. Still, there are some good moments here, it’s just a bit of chore to sit through the 14 tracks to discover where those moments are. 6/10
Fleshcrawl – Epitome Of Carnage (Reigning Phoenix Music) [Mark Young]
And so onto the second album of the weekend, with Fleshcrawl, the veterans who bring you their latest full length release. I think that when a band suggests that this is going to be old school brutality or its going to do this or do that, it feels like they are setting a bar too high before they start. So, let me help you make a decision here using the Death Metal Ready Reckoner:
Do you like Death Metal – yes or no.
If its yes, please proceed and take a seat. If its no, then maybe you will find something in the easy listening section. Fleshcrawl basically promise an album of uncompromising, violent metal. Epitome Of Carnage should at least give you some kind of clue as to what they are all about and where their heads were at during the making of this record.Starting with the negatives first so we can get them out of the way, as an album it has one way of doing things, and it hopes that you are onboard with them doing things this way. All of the core ingredients are here – harsh vocals, speedy riffing, double bass doing that machine gun thing, everything that you associate with this genre of music.They make good on that promise and there are definitely no lies detected from them with this, it’s just that I press play with Blood Dominion kicking things off and, I look again its Committed To Suffer with no apparent breaks in between. My point is that in an effort to make this as brutal, as old school and feel free to add your own labels here, its punched them into a corner.There is nothing ostensibly wrong with any of the songs on here as I’ve said above, they do what they need to do and do what you expect them to. Its just that there is very little difference on display here. I’m of the opinion that they could have trimmed a couple of songs from this too without affecting the way it lands.
It all goes back to what you want from your death metal, or extreme metal in general. If its just pummelling brutality, then pitch your tent here. If you are looking for something more than that, you may be disappointed with it because there is nothing more here. It exists just to be heavy, that’s it. 6/10 -
Listening Now : The Crooked East – A Noble Path
The Crooked East’s A Noble Path is a poignant and cinematic closing chapter that emphasizes storytelling, atmosphere, and emotional sincerity. Built around intimate acoustic guitar work and subtle ambient textures, the track unfolds with patience, allowing its reflective themes to resonate naturally. The restrained production enhances the song’s vulnerability, while carefully placed synth elements add depth and a sense of gradual expansion. Lyrically and musically, the piece carries the feeling of resolution, serving as a fitting conclusion to a larger narrative journey. A Noble Path highlights The Crooked East’s talent for blending cinematic ambition with heartfelt songwriting, resulting in a memorable and emotionally rewarding listening experience.
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