(written by Islander) From the standpoint of a listener the idea of a band like Norway-based Defect Designer taking their music to a higher level is a bewildering concept — because their music has been so continuously bewildering. They have used death metal as a laboratory for experimentation, with results that are eccentric, subversive, unpredictable, […]
From the very first note, ScarX7’s single “More” hits with an intensity akin to a powerful barrage. It is jarring and invigorating, like a slap that wakes you up. Just when you think you have braced yourself, the track transforms into an overwhelming wave of energy. It feels like a powerful cavalry charge, full of force and intensity that sweeps you off your feet.
As the song unfolds, the vocals enter with a combination of growl and hysteria that is nothing short of infectious. This vocal approach captivates the listener, drawing them deeply into the music’s chaotic embrace. It’s a thrilling experience, one that may even test the limits of your cardiovascular system. ScarX7 has mastered the ability to create music that inspires unrest, pushing listeners to expand their emotional boundaries.
The artist has managed to craft a piece that evokes an atmosphere reminiscent of a dystopian setting, much like the world seen in “Mad Max.” It encapsulates a wild spirit, evoking images of rebellion and intensity. This is a place where everything feels heightened, where the music acts as a catalyst for untamed energy.
More – Sound and Atmosphere
One of the striking aspects of this track is its sonic power. The riffs are sharp and electrifying, awakening a primal side of the listener. It’s impossible to remain passive while experiencing this single. Each chord strikes a chord deep within, resonating with the wildest parts of the mind. ScarX7’s ability to provoke such emotions is a clear demonstration of his grasp on heavy music.
There’s a clarity in ScarX7’s artistic vision. He embraces chaos in his music, challenging listeners to throw caution to the wind. As the single progresses, it becomes clear that this is not merely a song but an invitation to a full-on mosh pit experience. It beckons listeners to let loose and fully engage with the music.
In making “More,” ScarX7 has shown an impressive understanding of dynamics within heavy music. The layering of sounds intensifies as the song goes on, with the rhythm section pushing the energy even higher. The listening experience transforms into a journey, one filled with crescendos and gracefully explosive moments that fans will find exhilarating.
More – Performance and Production
The fusion of intensity and passion is evident throughout the track. This single doesn’t just play in the background. All elements come together cohesively, allowing the listener to feel immersed in the raw energy that flows. The instrumentation complements the vocals, amplifying the overall experience without overshadowing it.
The immersive experience of this track is heightened by its relentless pace and ferocious energy. Every moment is loaded with intensity. It is a sound meant to charge the blood and excite the senses. Nothing feels mediocre about this work; it’s raw and unabashed.
Fans and new listeners alike will find themselves swept away in the chaos that ScarX7 creates. Artists who evoke raw emotions and challenge societal norms are rare gems in the music world. ScarX7 proves he is one of those unique talents.
“More” is a powerful testament to ScarX7’s ability to forge a connection with listeners. The artist not only entertains but also stimulates a primal response, encouraging liberation and self-expression. Prepare to dive into an energetic maelstrom that will leave you longing for more than just the experience.
In a music industry obsessed with “out with the old,” Nonpoint is officially taking the gloves off. After nearly a decade without a traditional full-length release, the Florida-bred nu-metal titans have announced their most ambitious project yet: The Last Word.
Set to arrive in late summer 2026 via their own independent powerhouse, 361 Degrees Records, the album isn’t just a collection of songs—it’s a defiant middle finger to anyone trying to put a timestamp on their career. With the debut of their haunting new single “Is It” and a live performance that left fans at the Ritz Ybor reeling, Elias Soriano and company are making one thing very clear: they aren’t finishing the story; they are starting a brand-new, heavier chapter.
“The Last Word” Release Cheat Sheet:
The Single: “Is It” officially hits all streaming platforms on May 8, 2026.
The Visuals: A hand-drawn, animated lyric video for “Is It” is out now, providing an immersive look into the album’s dark aesthetic.
The Album:The Last Word is slated for a late summer 2026 release—the band’s first full-length LP since 2018’s X.
The Live Debut: Nonpoint premiered two new tracks, “Is It” and “Red Yeti” (featuring Skye Sweetnam of Sumo Cyco), during their April 25th headliner in Tampa.
The Sound: Elias Soriano promises a “very, very heavy” record that returns to his signature cadence play and nu-metal roots.
“Is It”: The Internal Conflict Caught on Tape
Nonpoint has always been the thinking man’s nu-metal band, and “Is It” continues that legacy. Rather than just a wall of noise, singer Elias Soriano explains that the track dives deep into the psychology of personal boundaries and the fallout of pushing too hard.
“‘Is It’ is that internal conflict where you question getting too involved,” Soriano reveals. “Did I push too hard? Did I ask too much? It’s that feeling of wondering if doing what you thought was right actually meant hurting the people around you.”
Instead of a standard “talking head” music video, the band opted for a hand-drawn animated experience to mirror the grit and raw emotion of the lyrics. It’s a move that signals Nonpoint’s total creative control through their 361 Degrees Records imprint.
Challenging the Narrative: The Symbolism of the Pencil
The cover art for The Last Word features a striking image of a pencil—a choice Soriano says was deliberate and deeply personal. It represents the industry’s attempt to hand veteran bands “one last tool” and expecting them to fit their remaining legacy into a tiny space.
” Longevity often comes with assumptions and limits,” Soriano explains. “The Last Word isn’t about accepting an ending. It’s about challenging that narrative. If this is the pencil we’re being handed, we’re going to use it—and make sure the words written with it still matter.”
Back to the Pit: Bringing “Fun” Back to Nu-Metal
Musically, fans can expect a return to the “power and excess” of the early 2000s. Soriano isn’t shying away from the nu-metal resurgence, admitting that he wants people to “have fun again” in the pit.
While the band has spent the last few years experimenting with EPs (Ruthless and Heartless), drummer Robb Rivera confirmed that they have roughly 16 to 17 songs ready to go, eventually whittling them down to a tight, 10-track powerhouse. The addition of lead guitarist Jason Zeilstra has brought new sonic textures—keys, strings, and “very heavy” layers—that the band only touched on during their previous record cycles.
Nonpoint officially kicked off the “Outta Control Tour” this past Saturday at the Ritz Ybor in Tampa, Florida. Accompanied by SOiL and Sumo Cyco, the band utilized the headline slot to road-test the new material. The crowd was treated to the live debut of “Is It” and the high-energy “Red Yeti,” which saw Skye Sweetnam joining Elias on stage for a vocal dual that proved Nonpoint’s live energy is currently at an all-time high.
Fans looking to catch Nonpoint live in 2026 can click here for ticketing information.
The Loaded Radio Final Word
Nonpoint has been the “Underdog” of the scene for years, but The Last Word feels like they are finally reclaiming the heavyweight title. By moving away from the EP format and leaning into the heavy, metaphor-laden style that made them legends, the band is proving that their best days aren’t behind them. If “Is It” is the opening statement, the rest of the album is going to be an absolute riot.
TL;DR:
The Bottom Line Nonpoint has officially announced their new full-length album The Last Word, dropping in late summer 2026. The lead single “Is It” will be available on May 8th, following its live debut in Tampa last weekend. Elias Soriano describes the project as a rejection of industry “timestamps” and a return to the band’s heaviest, most creative roots.
On June 26th internationally, Temple ov Ahriman will self-release their highly anticipated debut album, Heretics of Consensual Reality. Temple ov Ahriman is a one-man black metal band hailing from Austin, Texas. Conceived during the Covid-19 pandemic, TAO is the culmination of several years of intense songwriting activity. Mainman and mastermind Thornicator states, “Years ago, my other band was to record an album, […]
The track “Lil’ Busted Fox” opens with a striking guitar riff. Right from the start, listeners understand that this sonic journey will be distinctive. The atmosphere quickly turns mysterious and unique, supported by a bouncy and original rhythm. The crunchy guitar strums out rhythmic chords as the vocals enter almost prophetically. This vocal style is reminiscent of bands like Queens of the Stone Age and Talking Heads.
As the song progresses, it maintains an air of unpredictability. At the minute mark of 1:15, the music shifts slightly, introducing folk elements with Appalachian nuances. This transition adds a depth that could easily serve as a soundtrack to a Quentin Tarantino film. It presents genuine, instinctive music that follows passion rather than conventional formulas.
The recording quality is outstanding, offering an authentic experience. The use of actual instruments rather than digital enhancements contributes to the rawness that the song demands. This choice emphasizes the ethos of the music, creating an engaging listening atmosphere.
Lil’ Busted Fox – Sound and Atmosphere
This song is a pleasant surprise and deserves recommendations across the board. The energetic riff serves as an excellent introduction. It brings a refreshing take on rock by incorporating various influences seamlessly. The varied tones of the guitar and the unique vocal delivery create an interesting dialogue throughout the track.
The lyrics evoke imagery that aligns well with the music’s overall feeling. You can visualize the scenes it might accompany, which is a sign of well-crafted songwriting.
Unique twists keep the listener engaged throughout the entirety of “Lil’ Busted Fox.” Each section unfolds like a story, taking sharp turns that keep expectations at bay. The addition of folk undertones mid-song enriches the overall flavor, showcasing the band’s versatility. The seamless blend of genres is impressive and showcases their creativity.
As the song approaches its conclusion, it reinforces the initial themes. It creates a cyclical feel that draws listeners back to the beginning. This structure allows the song to resonate long after it ends.
Lil’ Busted Fox – Performance and Production
Importantly, one can appreciate the decision to record the music authentically. This choice reflects a commitment to artistry, emphasizing the need for music to sound genuine. In a world dominated by artificial production techniques, this refreshing approach stands out.
The influences from iconic bands are clear, yet Mattock carves out its niche. This is not just an echo of the past but a distinctive statement in the present. “Lil’ Busted Fox” serves as an artistic bridge from classic rock to modern interpretations.
Listeners should definitely check out this track for an authentic musical experience. Its unique blend of genres, coupled with a raw recording, makes it a significant contribution to today’s musical landscape.
The men and women of Jackass have done some insanely dumb things. Countless things involving butts and balls and bears (the animal kind) that result in bodily harm for people’s enjoyment have made up the Jackass formula for decades. But in the team’s new and potentially final movie Jackass: Best and Last, they’re leaping into the future, one robot prostate exam at a time.
That’s the hook involved in the latest trailer for the new Jackass movie — a robot dressed in a doctor’s coat saying “let’s let it rip, baby” just before getting one of its cold metal digits crammed in Steve-O’s balloon knot. People also wear a shock collar and get involved in what’s called an “escape room from Hell” that keeps ratcheting up in the trailer.
Truth be told, the whole movie’s sort of heartfelt in a weird way. It features footage from all of the Jackass films, featuring current and former members, including the likes of the late Ryan Dunn and sort-of estranged member Bam Margera. If you’ve followed their shenanigans for a while, you might feel nostalgic for the days when Jackass was new and you and your friends would recreate some of the stunts in the woods behind your town’s Kroegers, even though there are specific warnings against doing that shit.
Jackass: Best and Last will hit theaters on June 26.
The Indio, California country music festival Stagecoach was initially founded in 2007 as a sister festival to Coachella, and in recent years, it too has become a pressure cooker of celebrity sightings and brand sponsorships. Case in point: Sydney Sweeney’s lingerie brand, which is called SYRN but pronounced like “siren” for some reason, had a karaoke bar at Stagecoach, where the Euphoria actor spent her weekend singing with the likes of Diplo, Lance Bass, Ashton Kutcher, and her boyfriend Scooter Braun. There were some country artists there too, though, like Chase Rice, Riley Green, Dan + Shay, and Bailey Zimmerman.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ELEMENT OF FATE IGNITES “DREAMFALL” KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN APRIL 30 — EXCLUSIVE REWARDS, NEW VISUALS, AND CINEMATIC METAL ON THE HORIZON
Washington, DC / Portland, OR – Melodic heavy metal duo Element of Fate are gearing up to launch their highly anticipated Dreamfall Kickstarter campaign on April 30, 2026 , running through June 3, 2026 . Serving as the driving force behind their debut full-length album and an ambitious in-house produced music video, the campaign invites fans to step directly into the band’s creative world—and help bring it to life.
Following the release of their dark, gothic visualizer for Warhorse , Element of Fate are doubling down on momentum with a steady rollout of promotional video content leading into launch day. Fans can check out the first teaser, already live here:
A second clip is also now available:
Additional videos will continue to drop throughout the campaign, offering behind-the-scenes glimpses and building anticipation for what promises to be one of 2026’s most immersive independent metal releases.
Fans can follow the pre-launch page now to be notified the moment the campaign goes live: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/carolphillipsart/dreamfall
At its core, Dreamfall is more than just an album—it’s a full-scale artistic statement blending music, fantasy, and visual storytelling.
“Dreamfall is the most personal and ambitious project I’ve ever created as an artist.” – Madame Crol
“This project is about transformation, finding light even in darker places.” – Element of Fate
“We wanted to create something that feels epic, emotional, and real.” – Element of Fate
The Kickstarter campaign will fund the completion of the album and a cinematic music video produced entirely in-house by vocalist and visual artist Carol Phillips at her studio, Inlumined Arts. Backers will gain access to a range of exclusive rewards, including limited-edition merchandise and handcrafted collectibles.
Among the standout offerings are handmade bronze key and coin pieces , individually crafted and finished by a dedicated jewelry artist—high-end, limited items designed to reflect the mythic and symbolic themes of Dreamfall . These aren’t your typical band merch table throwaways—these are collector-grade pieces with real weight behind them.
Formed between Washington, DC and Portland, Oregon, Element of Fate combines soaring vocals, intricate instrumentation, and cinematic depth into a sound that bridges classic heavy metal with symphonic, gothic, and progressive influences. With Dreamfall , they’re pushing that vision even further—building a world fans won’t just hear, but experience.
With the clock ticking toward April 30, the message is simple: get in early, follow the campaign, and be part of something being built from the ground up.
If this thing takes off, Element of Fate won’t just be busy—they’ll be firing on all cylinders.
Follow, support, and stay tuned— Dreamfall is coming.
Connect with the band:
https://linktr.ee/element.of.fate