Northlane will do a 10-date tour of the east coast and Tassie in March and April, appearing at small to medium clubs in both urban and regional hubs.
Tickets are on sale from Tuesday for the shows, with Inertia, Reliqa and Heartline also playing at selected dates.
Our Secret is LØSS’ Single Out Now
Explosive!
Our Secret is LØSS’ Single Out Now
The post Our Secret is LØSS’ Single Out Now appeared first on Edgar Allan Poets – Noir Rock Band.
The Vacant Stars Of Wandering Souls is 23 Fields’ Album Out Now
Electric!
The Vacant Stars Of Wandering Souls is 23 Fields’ Album Out Now
The post The Vacant Stars Of Wandering Souls is 23 Fields’ Album Out Now appeared first on Edgar Allan Poets – Noir Rock Band.
The rock world has lost a major voice this weekend. 3 Doors Down singer and founding member Brad Arnold has died at 47. The news was shared by his bandmates on social media today (Saturday, 02/07).
Back in May 2025, Arnold publicly revealed he was fighting clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), a form of kidney cancer. The band confirmed his passing with the following statement:
“With heavy hearts, we share the news that Brad Arnold, founder, lead singer, and songwriter of 3 Doors Down, passed away on Saturday, February 7th, at the age of 47. With his beloved wife Jennifer and his family by his side, he passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, in his sleep after his courageous battle with cancer.”
“As a founding member, vocalist, and original drummer of 3 Doors Down, Brad helped redefine mainstream rock music, blending post-grunge accessibility with emotionally direct songwriting and lyrical themes that resonated with everyday listeners. Brad‘s songwriting became a cultural touchstone for a generation, producing some of the most enduring hits of the 2000s, including the band’s breakout hit, “Kryptonite”, which he wrote in his math class when he was just 15 years old. His music reverberated far beyond the stage, creating moments of connection, joy, faith, and shared experiences that will live on long after the stages he performed on.”
“Above all, he was a devoted husband to Jennifer, and his kindness, humor, and generosity touched everyone fortunate enough to know him. Those closest to him will remember not only his talent, but his warmth, humility, faith, and deep love for his family and friends.
“The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time and kindly asks that their privacy be respected. “He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.”
For the fans, Brad Arnold was one of those artists whose songs became part of people’s daily lives. His voice and writing connected because they felt real, and that connection is exactly why this loss hits so hard.
The post 3 DOORS DOWN Frontman BRAD ARNOLD Has Passed Away At 47, After Battle With Cancer appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.
British blackened heavy metal mob Aggressive Perfector are back with their second album! Out on March 27th via Dying Victims Productions.
Melodic guitars surge into life with punching bass lines and upbeat drums to give an impactful explosion as a first impression. Blending heavy, speed and even early thrash metal elements of the most evil niches; Aggressive Perfector have a ferocious edge to their music while retaining that anthemic and catchy flame burning at the heart of it. The strong riffing is met by equally impressive solos and the bass guitar isn’t lazy either. Primal hammering from the drums underlines the rabid and tormenting vocals which spew morbidly through the mix. Everything is balanced with a spacious, old school sound. There is an undeniably British grit to the Mancunian maniacs’ sound, which evokes the spirit of bands like Tank but twisted through the ghoulish lens of Mercyful Fate. “Come Creeping Fiends” is off to a great start.
From the melodic, horror-tinged angle Aggressive Perfect is how I imagine Deceased would sound if they were a British heavy/speed metal band. This is, of course, a huge compliment. I think this trio have a really cool racket that brings classics to mind but they do so in a way that feels unique and charming. All three members also play in the band Wode, a completely different angle of dark metal in the black/death camp that is wicked too. Additionally Tim played in my favourite UK band to form this side of the millennium: Heavy Sentence. But do not let these achievements fool you; Aggressive Perfector is an equally impressive force in its own right. Creeping and crawling through the catacombs of the English north, this record just drags you into its haunting tales.
Sometimes the world of metal goes too far away from straight-up rocking. Aggy P do not forget to have those huge guitar riffs that move your neck automatically or the pounding drums to percussively shift your weary bones. With these killer instrumental foundations, the mean vocals can do their thing and lead the charge into the abyss. This record is great fun, but not in a goofy or kitsch way; it simply fills the air with ghostly heavy metal that enchants your very soul. The mix of high-speed venom and occasionally more doomy heavy metal riffs ensures we get plenty of atmosphere while always charging forth until the short ‘n’ sweet LP is done welcoming you to hell.
This is a short, exciting and eerie burst of British heavy metal thunder. There is evil, mystique and fist-pounding iron in equal measure; what’s not to love? From the 2016 demo and 2019 debut LP to present, there isn’t a moment of the band’s recorded output that I do not enjoy. They are also a savage live act and great guys. A triumph for the British underground, showing our heavy metal hasn’t lost its filthy edge.
Rating: 8 out of 10.
When a distributor like Linsoul launches a new in-house brand, audiophiles pay attention. Punch Audio entered the scene in 2024 with the Martilo, a basshead-focused hybrid IEM that made serious waves in the $300 price bracket. Now, they're back with the Portazo—a more affordable, more compact sibling designed to bring that same bass-forward philosophy to the sub-$200 market.
At $189, the Punch Audio Portazo is a hybrid in-ear monitor featuring a driver configuration of one dynamic driver paired with two micro-planar magnetic drivers. The Portazo is tuned with a massive 15dB bass boost, making these a fun, very bass-forward pair of in-ears. Punch Audio states that the Portazo is perfect for genres like hip-hop, pop, and EDM.
Released in late 2025, the Portazo represents Punch Audio's second act, and it's clear they've learned from their first outing. While the Martilo established the brand's credentials with deep sub-bass and technical prowess, the Portazo aims to be the everyday carry option—faster, more aggressive, and more accessible for bassheads who don't want to compromise on sound quality.
Every Portazo unit is hand-assembled, and it shows. The shells are crafted from medical-grade resin with an ergonomic shape that sits comfortably in most ears. But the real showstopper is the faceplate—an emerald green resin finish with translucent qualities that reveal internal patterns depending on lighting conditions and viewing angles. No two units look exactly alike, giving each Portazo a one-of-a-kind aesthetic that's both distinctive and classy.
The build feels premium throughout. The resin construction keeps the weight minimal while maintaining durability. These look and feel good when held and show no noticeable build quality defects.
The Portazo has a 1 DD + 2 Planar Driver Configuration–the dynamic driver handles the low end with a composite diaphragm made from liquid silicone and liquid crystal polymer, while the dual planar tweeters take care of the upper frequencies.
The cable and case included here both feel sturdy and have a dark aesthetic that contrasts nicely with the bright green of the shells. For an under $200 IEM, I think Punch Audio gives a generous amount of accessories, and this is one of the more fun IEMs to unbox in the price range.
This is my first experience with Punch Audio, and they are by far the bassist headphones I own. As you can see on the graph above, the Portazo follows the same tuning philosophy of the Martillo, with a V-shape tuning that emphasizes bass and treble while keeping the midrange mostly neutral.
The Portazo is tuned for bass lovers. With a 15dB sub-bass output, this IEM delivers punishingly powerful bass slam that you don't just hear—you feel it. But here's where things get interesting: unlike many basshead IEMs that just crank up the lows and call it a day, the Portazo uses a precisely engineered composite diaphragm to maintain control.
The sub-bass extension is deep and physical, perfect for electronic music, hip-hop, and EDM where that visceral rumble adds to the experience. Mid-bass has good punch and speed. There's also a notable thickness to the low end that really creates a sense of warmth and body.
The driver crossover is also very well implemented, the bass-shelf drops off cleanly enough that it doesn't muddy the midrange excessively—despite the massive boost to bass response, the Portazo has a surprising level of detail and clarity.
The midrange on the Portazo leans warm and full-bodied, with a presentation that feels more expansive than I expected going into the first listen. Male vocals benefit from the elevated lower mids, gaining body and richness without sounding completely buried. Female vocals fare slightly better thanks to a lift in the upper midrange, coming across more forward and brilliant.
However, this is clearly a V-shaped signature, so the mids do take a backseat to the bass and treble. On busy mixes with multiple instruments competing for attention, the slightly recessed upper mids can feel a little shadowed by the louder bass response. Although with that being said, the mids felt clearer and more upfront than I had expected compared to many other bass-forward headphones that I've heard. Overall, the mids remain coherent and musical. Instruments have good timbre, and there's enough transparency to appreciate the details in well-recorded tracks.
The dual micro-planar drivers handle the treble duties, and they bring speed and air to the upper frequencies. The treble is extended enough to provide good soundstage headroom and prevent the IEM from sounding dark or closed-in. There's sparkle and brilliance here, with good detail retrieval and spatial layering.
However, the treble isn't without quirks. During some rougher mixed tracks, I did notice some sibilance in the upper frequencies that could be fatiguing in longer listening sessions, but having less sensitive ears, I did not find this to be a problem. The treble doesn't contribute much to "brilliance" in the classical sense—it's more about providing air and preventing the bass-heavy signature from feeling stuffy. There's a controlled smoothness that eliminates major sibilance for most tracks, but certain recordings with hot treble mixes might bring out some harshness.
Fortunately, the treble remains consistently smooth without major peaks, avoiding the piercing quality that some spicier IEM tunings can have.
Timbre on the Portazo is generally natural and there is a good sense of realism on the instruments.
The soundstage impressed me during my first impression and certainly feels larger than average for a bass-focused IEM, with decent width and good depth. The bass projection helps create a sense of space, and imaging is surprisingly precise despite the aggressive bassiness. Instrument separation holds up well on moderately complex tracks, though the thicker low-end can slightly compress layering when things get really busy.
Technical performance is good for the price. The Portazo delivers impressive detail retrieval, particularly in the treble region where the planar drivers flex their muscles. Macrodynamics are strong with good punch and slam, while microdynamics reveal subtle textures in well-recorded material.
Ergonomics are a high point for the Portazo. The resin shells are lightweight and well-contoured, fitting naturally in most ears without pressure points. The nozzle length and angle promote a secure seal with the included silicone tips, and the lightweight construction means you can wear these for hours without fatigue.
Passive noise isolation is very good—sufficient for travel and home use. The seal is excellent with the stock tips, though tip-rolling can fine-tune both fit and sound to your preferences. There's no driver flex or air pressure buildup, which are common complaints with some hybrid designs.
For commuters, gym-goers, or anyone who needs IEMs they can wear all day, the Portazo delivers. The combination of lightweight, ergonomic shaping, and good isolation makes these easy to forget you're wearing—always a good sign.
The SuperMix 4 is a quad-driver hybrid with a Harman-inspired tuning that's more balanced than the Portazo. The SuperMix offers better treble refinement, wider soundstage, and superior imaging precision, making it excellent for gaming and spatial audio. However, the Portazo delivers significantly more bass impact and a more fun, engaging signature for bass-heavy genres. If you want technical excellence with versatility, go SuperMix 4. If you want to feel your music with physical bass impact, the Portazo wins.
The Quartet is a true basshead IEM with dual isobaric dynamic drivers and switchable tuning options. It delivers powerful bass at a lower price, with excellent comfort and a fun sound signature. However, the Portazo has better treble extension and detail retrieval thanks to its planar drivers, plus superior build quality with the handcrafted resin shells. The Quartet is darker overall with less treble sparkle, while the Portazo offers a more open, airy presentation. Both are excellent for bass lovers, but the Portazo feels like the more refined, mature option.
The Martilo is the Portazo's bigger, more expensive sibling with a 5-driver configuration (2DD + 2BA + 1 planar). The Martilo offers deeper sub-bass extension, better midrange accuracy with its Knowles balanced armatures, and superior technical performance overall. However, the Portazo is more compact, easier to drive, and delivers a faster, more aggressive sound that some will prefer for daily use. The Martilo is the flagship experience with better refinement, while the Portazo is the everyday warrior that's more practical and offers comparable performance for $140 less.
The Punch Audio Portazo delivers exactly what it promises: powerful, physical bass combined with enough technical prowess to keep the rest of the frequency spectrum interesting. It's not trying to be a neutral reference monitor, and it shouldn't be judged as one. This is an IEM designed for fun—for listeners who want to feel their music, not just analyze it.
At $189, the Portazo represents excellent value in the bass-forward IEM market. The build quality is impressive, the accessory package is complete, and the sound signature delivers engaging bass while keeping impressive clarity. It's not perfect—the slightly recessed mids and occasional treble firmness won't appeal to everyone—but for the target audience of bassheads who still care about quality, this is a compelling package.
Who should buy the Portazo? If you're into EDM, hip-hop, pop, or electronic music, this IEM will make your library come alive. If you want an everyday IEM that's comfortable, well-built, and emotionally engaging, this fits the bill.
While the Portazo is exciting to listen to, if you primarily listen to music that doesn't have a lot of bass, then the Portazo won't be suited for you.
The Portazo proves that Punch Audio isn't just a one-hit wonder. They've refined their approach, created a more accessible product, and delivered value in a crowded market. It's not the last word in technical excellence, but it's an addictively fun listen that invites you to turn up the volume and just enjoy the music. And sometimes, that's exactly what you need.
One of progressive music’s most fearless and innovative figures, six-time-Grammy Award-nominated musician, songwriter, and producer Steven Wilson has announced the launch of Headphone Dust, a new online platform dedicated to offering high-resolution, 5.1, and Atmos/spatial audio editions of Wilson‘s work.
The platform’s first release is Impossible Tightrope: Live In Madrid, which captures the final night of the 2025 European leg of Wilson‘s The Overview tour and includes the full two-hour show mixed in Stereo, 5.1, and Atmos.
There are no plans for a physical release of this recording; it is exclusive to Headphone Dust. Also available now is a brand-new Dolby Atmos mix of Wilson’s 2013 album, The Raven That Refused to Sing, alongside high-res editions of The Overview, The Harmony Codex, and more. A new Atmos mix of 2015’s Hand. Cannot. Erase. will follow “soon”.
Wilson says: “I am thrilled to announce the launch of Headphone Dust, a new online platform dedicated to studio-quality immersive sound. For some time, I’ve wanted a permanent home for my work where listeners can hear the music exactly as I envisage it, without compression or compromise, and in every audio format available.”
“While I remain committed to the Blu-ray format, I know they are not practical for everyone, and physical releases often go out of print. Headphone Dust solves this with ‘Definitive Digital Editions’ which establish the MKV format as a ‘virtual Blu-ray,’ making high-res, 5.1, and Dolby Atmos mixes as easily accessible as possible.”
Headphone Dust is open now at this location.
Wilson is one of contemporary music’s most visionary auteurs — a six-time Grammy nominee, revered producer, and boundary-pushing composer whose work fuses cinematic ambition with emotional depth. He first gained recognition with Porcupine Tree, pioneering modern progressive rock, and has since crafted a dynamic solo catalog that includes The Harmony Codex, Grace For Drowning, and Hand. Cannot. Erase.
A musical polymath and spatial audio pioneer, Wilson has remixed the work of King Crimson, Tears For Fears, Pink Floyd, XTC, Black Sabbath, Grateful Dead, Chich and The Who, among many others, bringing a new dimension to classic albums with his meticulous touch. His own music wrestles with existential questions — alienation, technology, mortality — delivered with both poetic lyricism and sonic boldness.
His most recent album, The Overview (written, produced, and mixed by Wilson), is a high-concept, long-form experience inspired by the cosmic awe of space and the human condition. Read our album review here.
The post STEVEN WILSON Launches Online Platform “Headphone Dust”, Dedicated To Studio-Quality Immersive Sound appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.
Is Green Day playing at the Super Bowl? Here’s the skinny on the Bay Area punk-rock band and the Super Bowl.
The post How to Watch Green Day Super Bowl Pregame Show appeared first on Audio Ink Radio.
