PROX Intake

Category: news

  • CRYSTAL LAKE Ready For Australian Tour With PK From PROMPTS As Special Guest

    Crystal Lake are a powerhouse of modern metalcore, hailing from Tokyo, Japan. Since their formation in 2002, they have evolved from a local hardcore act into an international juggernaut, known for their relentless energy, technical precision, and a sound that seamlessly bridges the gap between crushing heavy riffs and soaring, melodic atmospheres. In the 6 […]

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  • Consecration – Exanimis (2026)

    As clowns push death metal and black metal into pure repetition, death-doom rises, in one fiery instance with Consecration who take a Candlemass approach to Skepticism style funeral doom and make energetic but morbid havens of dark sound.

    The hybrid origins of doom metal, going back to Black Sabbath and Saint Vitus, emerge in this release which combines upbeat heavy metal riffs with extended chromatic dirges with hints of melody, giving it a duality that powers its return to nihilistic confrontation with the empty side of life.

    Songs are based around using the chorus like a weapon, building divergence in layers and then returning to a familiar them in a new context before eventually expanding it like a growing flower. In all of it, a funeral atmosphere persists and paradoxically, becomes comfortable.

  • LOATHE Announce Highly Anticipated New Album ‘A Stranger To You’

    Photo Credit: Steve Gullick

    A lot has changed in the six years since Liverpool based alternative quartet Loathe released their seismic sophomore album I Let It In And It Took Everything. An album that not only changed the course of their careers but changed the course of heavy music at large, its success has seen the band sell out tours globally both in arenas as support for legendary legacy acts and as demand-stealing headliners in their own right, alongside priority placements on festival stages worldwide. As a statement, the album drew a line in the sand as a forebearer for the wave of expansive, atmospheric heavy music that continues to permeate the mainstream to this day. Six years later, Loathe are ready to upend the conventions of contemporary metal once again with their long awaited third album, A Stranger To You.

    Due for release on July 17th 2026, the album takes the formula that the band helped to build for modern alternative music and reshapes it; crafting a brand new world that integrates disparate global influences to confound listeners and sharpen the senses. Easily the band’s most sonically adventurous work to date, each moment has been designed to ensure that the six year space between releases has been more than worth the wait, with the familiar Loathe sonic palette expanded by hypnotic shades of psychedelia, immersive synth tapestries, genuinely unique percussive patterns, and an attitude to sound design that sets A Stranger To You apart from all contemporaries. With expectation and hope around the release reaching an all-time high, it would’ve been simple for Loathe to take the easy route and recreate the winning formula from their last release. Instead, A Stranger To You is 14 tracks of staggeringly complex, but rewarding beyond all measure alternative music that will leave the listener uncovering layers of artistic brilliance long after the first play.

    Following on from last year’s epic single Gifted Every Strength, Loathe today unveil the second taste of A Stranger To You in the form of new single and video, Revenant. Already a live favourite that has caused devastation across multiple continents, Revenant opens to glistening waves of synth, before descending into a low-slung, rhythmic display of power. Vocalist Kadeem France’s vocals shred through the track’s shapeshifting arrangement; at one moment parallel with elements of funk, before metamorphosing into an exhibition of the band’s individual musical excellence that has the power to rewire the consciousness. Featuring NOWHERE2RUN and Code Orange’s Jami Morgan and Eric “Shade” Balderose, Revenant is a defiant, singular statement from one of global alternative music’s most uncategorisable bands – a band that’s ready to unleash one of the year’s most surprising and sonically enriching albums.

    A Stranger To You is, in many ways, a rarity in today’s single-driven musical landscape, opting to return to the gold standard of a methodically laid out, interconnected track sequence that provides an experience best consumed from start to finish. That experience will be open to all from July 17th; a chance to delve headfirst into the artistic evolution and creative rebirth of Loathe on A Stranger To You, an album that is destined to take its place at the pinnacle of heavy music’s pantheon of generational works.

    Loathe‘s first-ever Australian headline tour joined by special guests Static Dress kicks off on May 9. The Perth, Melbourne and Sydney shows are all sold out. Tickets are selling fast for the remainder shows.

    A Stranger To You Track Listing:

    01. Entrance
    02. Block Of Flats
    03. Fortress Down
    04. Gemini
    05. Nothing Like The Knife
    06. Harder To Pretend
    07. اثينا
    08. Revenant
    09. The Way It Breaks
    10. Meet My Maker
    11. Fangs
    12. The Ladder
    13. Gifted Every Strength
    14. No Stranger To You…

    A STRANGER TO YOU – OUT JULY 17
    https://astrangertoyou.com/

    The post LOATHE Announce Highly Anticipated New Album ‘A Stranger To You’ appeared first on The Rockpit.

  • SPLIT ENZ FOREVER ENZ TOUR, MAY 2026 – Band Confirms Special Guests for Australia & NZ Dates

    Image credit: Karen Inderbitzen-Waller

    Live Nation and Split Enz are thrilled to unveil the special guest openers on their eagerly awaited Forever Enz Tour this May.

    Featuring across all Australian shows are Vika & Linda, the celebrated duo excited to perform alongside the band they have long held in such high esteem.  Fans can look forward to a string of their most loved songs and a preview of tracks from their forthcoming ninth studio album, Where Do you Come From? (out 5 June). Vika & Linda are revered by the biggest names in Australian music, praised by the likes of Paul Kelly, Mark Seymour, James Reyne, Kasey Chambers and many more – this is a very special opportunity to witness their live set on some of the biggest stages across Australia.

    Taking the stage for all New Zealand shows is Wellington’s own Hans Pucket. 4-piece Hans Pucket has been performing their unique style of hook-laden indie rock for some years, with latest album release ‘No Drama’ the band’s most sparkling and confident collection of danceable, thoughtful tunes yet. However, Hans Pucket’s strength lies in their live performance which is all about bringing fun to the stage!

    Split Enz featuring Tim Finn, Eddie Rayner, Neil Finn, and Noel Crombie will commence their six date New Zealand national tour in the city of Hamilton at Claudelands Arena on Saturday, May 2 which is only fitting given Tim and Neil Finn hail from nearby Te Awamutu. Then, following ongoing demand from their South Island fans after their Electric Avenue reunion performance in February, Split Enz will return to Christchurch to play a headline show on Monday, May 4 at Wolfbrook Arena, followed by multiple shows in Wellington and Auckland.

    Vika & Linda (credit: Brian Purnell) Hans Pucket (credit: Rachel Ashby)

    The Australian leg of the Forever Enz Tour will commence in Melbourne on Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14 May at Rod Laver Arena, followed by Saturday 16 May at Brisbane Entertainment Centre, then on to TikTok Entertainment Centre, Sydney on Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 May, RAC Arena, Perth on Friday 22 May and concluding on Monday 25 May at Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

    Tickets are on sale now – for complete tour and ticket information, head to livenation.com.au and livenation.co.nz.

    Performing their first show in 18 years, playing their 1,000th gig as a band in front of 45,000 ecstatic fans at the Electric Avenue Festival on February 27, Split Enz delivered an historic show that wowed the intergenerational crowd.

    ‘…The moment that will stay with me will be Neil and Tim Finn singing ‘Message to My Girl,’ their voices soaring across Hagley Park, uniting all those kids with all those adults, melting every single heart that was there. Put it all in a sack and bury it in a time capsule, because this was one for the history books.’ – The Boiler Room

    ‘Timeless glory – Split Enz still soar ‘– The Press

    Don’t miss this unique opportunity to witness Split Enz live – with live line up featuring Tim Finn, Neil Finn, Eddie Rayner and Noel Crombie plus Matt Eccles on drums and James Milne on bass. 

    SPLIT ENZ
    FOREVER ENZ TOUR
    New Zealand / Australia

    Presented by Live Nation by arrangement with WME
    With special guests Hans Pucket (NZ) + Vika & Linda (AU)

    Saturday 2 May – Claudelands Arena, Hamilton – NEW SHOW
    Monday 4 May – Wolfbrook Arena, Christchurch –     NEW SHOW
    Wednesday 6 May – TSB Arena, Wellington     SOLD OUT
    Thursday 7 May – TSB Arena, Wellington –     LIMITED TICKETS
    Saturday 9 May – Spark Arena, Auckland –     SOLD OUT
    Sunday 10 May – Spark Arena, Auckland –     LIMITED TICKETS
    Wednesday 13 May – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne     SOLD OUT
    Thursday 14 May – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
    Saturday 16 May – Entertainment Centre, Brisbane     NEW SHOW
    Monday 18 May – TikTok Entertainment Centre, Sydney     SOLD OUT
    Tuesday 19 May – TikTok Entertainment Centre, Sydney
    Friday 22 May – RAC Arena, Perth
    Monday 25 May – Entertainment Centre, Adelaide

    For complete tour and ticket information, head to livenation.com.au and livenation.co.nz

    The post SPLIT ENZ FOREVER ENZ TOUR, MAY 2026 – Band Confirms Special Guests for Australia & NZ Dates appeared first on The Rockpit.

  • Mortal Prophets Not Here Not There Review

    Mortal Prophets Not Here Not There Review

    John Beckmann of Mortal Prophets never fails to evoke emotion and transport listeners into unique sonic dimensions. The album begins with the dreamlike track “Was It Your Voice.” This song offers a journey into another realm, featuring sounds that envelop and hypnotize simultaneously. The ethereal quality of this piece brings you into an oniric realm and prepares you for the rest of the journey like Dante in the Divine Comedy.

    Mortal Prophets Not Here Not There

    Following this enchanting introduction is “Where Love Goes to Die.” This track hangs delicately between earth and air, capturing a sense of suspension with its expansive, resonant sounds. It breathes life into the listener’s experience, creating an atmosphere that feels vast and intimate. The production here is meticulous, allowing each reverberation to resonate.

    Next comes “Love is Found,” which takes a darker turn. The song features a voice that speaks with a near-whisper, laden with strong emotions. It explores themes of love through its haunting lyrics, leaving an indelible mark on the listener. This track’s mood contrasts sharply with its predecessors, showcasing the band’s diversity and depth.

    Not Here Not There – Sound and Atmosphere

    “Life Is A Mirror” presents a delicate and subtle melody. Its melodic line evokes memories of R.E.M while embracing minimalism and a refined touch. This subtlety imparts an air of introspection, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own experiences. The juxtaposition of clarity and restraint plays a pivotal role in its emotional impact. Listening to this song, I felt like Narcissus gazing at his own reflection in the river, like in the painting by Caravaggio

    The album then transitions to “Real Person Too.” This track introduces a cheekier rhythm that feels alternative and intense. The slightly repetitive melody, accompanied by a tremulous quality, resembles a candle’s flicker swaying in the breeze. This composition stands out for its ability to juxtapose energy and introspection, inviting engagement while maintaining an air of mystery.

    “Lucifer Effect” emerges as another visionary piece. It employs an effect reminiscent of helicopter blades, which intermittently appears throughout the song. The voices pan from left to right, creating an enveloping sound environment. This spatial dimension adds depth, allowing listeners to experience the music physically and emotionally.

    The album concludes with “Small Victories,” another remarkable track. This piece features the addition of a female voice, enhancing its emotional complexity. The collaboration creates an interesting effect that deepens the dreamy atmosphere established earlier in the album. This closing song leaves listeners with a sense of fulfillment and reflection, rounding out the diverse auditory experience.

    Not Here Not There – Performance and Production

    “Not Here Not There” is an important and visionary album. It showcases John Beckmann’s ability to push the boundaries of musicality. Each track offers a distinct expression, exploring themes of love, existence, and the human condition.

    Mortal Prophets successfully creates a collection that resonates on multiple levels. Their ability to blend dreamlike qualities with darker themes offers a well-rounded exploration of emotions. The album as a whole encourages listeners to journey through its sound and meaning. It is a work that I highly recommend to those seeking something profound and innovative in music.

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    Ethereal

    🔥 If you love this music: Discover More
    Find Mortal Prophets here:
    Spotify | Instagram

    The post Mortal Prophets Not Here Not There Review appeared first on Edgar Allan Poets – Noir Rock Band.

  • Stevie Wonder Is the Ultimate Embodiment of American Music

    These are the songs you’d play to newborns, or alien visitors, to demonstrate the purest joys of our musical tradition.

  • Lucinda Williams’s Songs Can Turn Any Sentiment Into a Lit Fuse

    Few artists sculpt songs with this level of power and emotional intensity.

  • Diane Warren Is a Titan of Lavish Power Ballads You Know and Love

    Her widescreen, acrobatic songs have dominated radios, karaoke nights and — most likely — a big portion of your memory.

  • Why Taylor Swift Is America’s Most Carefully Studied Songwriter

    By crafting vivid chronicles of her life since she was a teenager, she has built a vast catalog that rewards the attention millions have paid to it.