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Mimi Barks returns with Dreamstate Of Hell

Posted on April 2nd 2026, 5:00p.m.

April 2, 2026

Live Review: Infected Rain – Manchester

Live Review: Infected Rain – Club Academy, Manchester

27th March 2025
Support: Butcher Babies, Black Spikes

Words: Oli Gonzalez
Photos: Manny Manson

Friday 27th March. The Mutation Phase. We’re not talking about some post-apocalyptic disaster either. No, on this night, the west met the west, North America combined with Eastern Europe as Moldova’s Infected Rain combined forces with the USA based Butcher Babies for a stunning co-headline package that rolled through the UK and Manchester on this night. They would be joined by another rising talent from Eastern Europe, with Lithuania’s Black Spikes selected as the evening’s opening act.

After descending the stairs into the bowels of Manchester’s Club Academy, you could sense it was pay for many with the huge queue already forming at the merch stand, and quantity of two pinters being dispensed by the bar staff. A few Butcher Babies t-shirts amongst the crowd gave an indication of who the bigger draw for the evening was. A prompt turn around from doors to the opening set meant there wasn’t much time to take in the surroundings…

…with no warning or notice, Black Spikes stormed onto stage and burst straight into their set, forcing everybody in the venue to abruptly end their conversations and set their focus on the stage. Hailing from Lithuania, Black Spikes had earned a reputation already in the early stages of their career. A reputation for forging an ambitious expansive sound that spans multiple genres! Their set demonstrated this wide variety of genres, from good old fashioned sludge through to modern post metal with electronic elements. A chaotic combination that can frankly sound like an atmospheric pile of gloop with a bad mix… and that’s sadly what it sounded like at first, with the drums and bass being far too dominant and lead vocalist Agni being drowned out of the mix. Though their choreography and stage outfits were absolutely on point; a visual extension of their vast musically creative reserves!

The sound engineers sprinkled some magic on the sound desk, and with the rhythm section becoming less overpowering and the subtle melodic and immersive atmospheric elements beginning to shine in the mix, allowing this to become a much more enjoyable listening experience. Even if too many people were talking through the quieter ambient sections and eliminating that opportunity to become fully immersed. Perhaps this wasn’t the right crowd for Black Spikes tonight. Though you feel they would be right at home on Damnation Festival or in the Yokhai stage at ArcTanGent.

Photo Credit: Manny Manson

After a fairly sharp turn around, Butcher Babies took to the stage. No ring lights could be seen (if you know, you know). The North American four piece felt like a big step up with a huge sound and stage presence oozing in supreme confidence! After all, they had a lot to be confident about, especially with the legions of their fans in attendance, sporting their merch and singing along to their songs. Their sound followed a rather typical yet well executed pattern of blistering heavy verses that blended into soaring anthemic choruses. All made possible by lead vocalist Heidi who demonstrated supreme versatility in her heavier growls or cleans.

It was an older crowd, so a full blown pit may not have been on the bingo card for tonight. Though the movement and the energy in the crowd made you sense that something was going off, like a pan of water slowly simmering into a raging boil. Then ‘Sincerity’ came. The boiling point. The pit opened! An injection of energy the night needed. We’ve seen some crazy circle pits at this venue recently and the one we saw tonight was right up there with the best. We’ve also since some wholesome moments from musicians talking about their music and the underlying sentiments. Moments like when Heidi spoke of her demons and challenges that inspired the writing of ‘Since December’, a moment where she was not the fierce and commanding frontwoman, but rather vulnerable, endearing, and human to us. A solid and genuine performance that surely would have won over many newbies and casuals tonight.

Photo Credit: Manny Manson

After that solid Butcher Babies performance, any band would have a hard time following up. Would Moldova’s Infected Rain be up for the task? It felt as though the crowd had thinned out, though those who had stayed were treated to the sound of a rising force from the east of Europe. A sound that expertly mixed precise technicality with underlining savage modern metal edge (think Jinjer).

There was an enhanced visual display throughout the set too with strobe lights, smoke machines, and on screen video packages to compliment the music. Frontwoman Lena worked the crowd well, at one point encouraging everybody in the room to momentarily crouch down and leap up again in a feat that surely ended up in a few bad knees and bad backs for the older crowd. An older crowd who seemed more content with standing back and absorbing the vibes of the night rather than throwing their bodies into the pit once again.

The promise of a mixed set with older classics as well as a brand new unreleased song made was delivered, making the set feel more special. Though the set highlight came with a vocal duet with Butcher Babies vocalist Heidi returning to the stage for a song. Whilst the energy in the room may not have reached that of the night’s co-headliners, Infected Rain left Manchester with their reputation and stock intact.

Photo Credit: Manny Manson

Full Gallery Here

Photo Credit: Manny Manson

For all the latest news, reviews, interviews across the heavy metal spectrum follow THE RAZORS’S EDGE on facebook, twitter and instagram.

The post Live Review: Infected Rain – Manchester appeared first on The Razor's Edge.

April 2, 2026

Live Gallery: Infected Rain – Birmingham

Live Gallery: Infected Rain – O2 Institute, Birmingham

30th March 2025
Support: Butcher Babies, Black Spikes

Photos: Manny Manson

We look back at the epic Infected Rain show through the eyes of our photographer Manny Manson!

Infected Rain

Photo Credit: Manny Manson

Butcher Babies

Photo Credit: Manny Manson

Black Spikes

Photo Credit: Manny Manson

Check out our review of the show here!

All photo credits: Manny Manson

For all the latest news, reviews, interviews across the heavy metal spectrum follow THE RAZORS’S EDGE on facebook, twitter and instagram.

The post Live Gallery: Infected Rain – Birmingham appeared first on The Razor's Edge.

April 2, 2026

Gia Margaret – “Alive Inside”

Gia Margaret’s fourth LP Singing arrives in just a few weeks. So far we’ve heard the great singles “Everyone Around Me Dancing” and “Good Friend,” and now the Chicago singer-songwriter is back with the intimate, otherworldly “Alive Inside.” “‘Alive Inside’ was written during a difficult season of my life that was soothed by many hours…

The post Gia Margaret – “Alive Inside” appeared first on Stereogum.

April 2, 2026

AN NCS PREMIERE: PLAGUEWIELDER — “SON OF THE SERPENT, SON OF THE WHORE”

(written by Islander) As long-time visitors here well know, we’ve been following the continually evolving music of Ohio’s Plaguewielder for many years. Most recently (late last summer), we premiered an eye-catching video for an excellent new Plaguewielder song, “Blood of the Astral Gate,” the first single from a forthcoming release entitled Year of the Plague. […]

The post AN NCS PREMIERE: PLAGUEWIELDER — “SON OF THE SERPENT, SON OF THE WHORE” appeared first on NO CLEAN SINGING.

April 2, 2026

EXHUMATION + FUNERAL CHANT: Sacred Oath: Temple Of Death Now Streaming; Split To See Release Friday, April 3rd On Carbonized Records

Sacred Oath: Temple Of Death, the ferocious new seven-track split between Indonesian death metallersÂ EXHUMATIONÂ and US blackened death bringersÂ FUNERAL CHANT is now streaming in its entirety! The premieres comes on the eve of the recordâs official […]

The post EXHUMATION + FUNERAL CHANT: Sacred Oath: Temple Of Death Now Streaming; Split To See Release Friday, April 3rd On Carbonized Records appeared first on INFRARED MAGAZINE.

April 2, 2026

Alice Cooper Brings In 22-Year-Old Anna Cara To Replace Nita Strauss On Tour

Who Is Anna Cara And Why Is Alice Cooper Putting Her On Stage Right Now?

Anna Cara is a 22-year-old British guitarist selected by Alice Cooper to fill in for Nita Strauss during her maternity leave, stepping into a high-profile touring role backed by direct endorsement from Strauss herself.

TL;DR

Alice Cooper introduces Anna Cara as touring guitarist
She replaces Nita Strauss, who is on maternity leave
Cara is 22 and from Newcastle, England
Debuts April 2–4 in Las Vegas
Personally endorsed by Nita Strauss
Immediate full tour schedule follows

You Don’t Get This Call Unless Someone Trusts You Completely

There’s a difference between being talented… and being trusted with this stage.

When Alice Cooper brings someone into his band, it’s not a development role — it’s a spotlight with no safety net. And right now, that spotlight is on Anna Cara.

At 22, she’s stepping into a touring machine that doesn’t slow down and doesn’t forgive hesitation.

The Timing Of This Move Is What Stands Out

This isn’t a scramble or last-minute replacement.

Nita Strauss is stepping away on maternity leave — and instead of uncertainty, what you’re seeing is a controlled handoff.

That matters, because it changes how fans interpret the move. This isn’t disruption — it’s continuity.

And the choice of Cara signals something else: the next generation of players isn’t waiting quietly anymore.

Loaded Radio Recommends – W.A.S.P. Band Facts, Members, History And What They’re Known For

She Didn’t Come Out Of Nowhere — The Connections Are Real

Cara’s resume isn’t long, but it’s strategically important.

She’s worked with Marc Storace and Tommy Henriksen — which places her directly inside the orbit of Cooper’s current lineup.

That kind of proximity usually tells you everything you need to know.

In bands like this, ability gets you noticed. Trust gets you hired.

Las Vegas Isn’t A Warm-Up — It’s The Test

Her debut hits immediately at full scale.

April 2–4, she takes the stage for the “Welcome To Our Nightmare” shows in Las Vegas alongside Criss Angel — a production built around precision, timing, and spectacle.

There’s no easing into this role.

From there:

U.S. tour (April 14 – May 9)
Las Vegas return (May 22–24)
European tour (June 13 – July 12)

If there’s any adjustment period, it won’t be visible to the audience.

Get your Alice Cooper tickets here.

Nita Strauss Didn’t Just Step Away — She Backed Her Replacement

This is where the narrative shifts.

Nita Strauss didn’t just step away — she pointed directly at Cara.

Calling her one of the best up-and-coming guitarists isn’t casual praise. It’s a signal to fans that the standard isn’t dropping.

Strauss has held this role since 2014, stepping in after Orianthi and helping define what Cooper’s modern live band looks like.

So when she backs someone publicly, it carries weight.

This Is Where Careers Either Stick — Or Disappear

Plenty of players can shred.

Very few can do it consistently, on massive stages, inside a production like this, under constant scrutiny.

That’s the real test.

Cara built momentum through online performance clips — but this is where that momentum either translates into something lasting… or fades just as quickly.

And at 22, she’s being given that test in front of a global audience.

Check This Out – 13 Metal Songs That Were Banned—And The Real Reasons Still Shock Fans

Alice Cooper’s Band Doesn’t Just Fill Roles — It Builds Legacies

The guitarist position in Cooper’s band has never been background noise.

It’s a visible, defining role — one that has launched and elevated careers.

From Orianthi to Nita Strauss, each player brought a distinct identity into the show.

Now, Cara steps into that same lane.

What she does with it over the next few months will determine whether this is a temporary chapter… or the start of something bigger.

FAQ

Who is Anna Cara?
A 22-year-old guitarist from Newcastle, England, now touring with Alice Cooper.

Why is Nita Strauss not touring?
She is on maternity leave.

When does Anna Cara debut?
April 2–4, 2026 in Las Vegas.

Is Anna Cara a permanent member?
No, she is filling in temporarily.

Has Alice Cooper had other notable guitarists?
Yes, including Orianthi and Nita Strauss.

Alice Cooper (Artist Overview)

Alice Cooper is one of rock’s most iconic performers, known for combining theatrical shock rock with hard rock and metal across a decades-long career.

His live band has consistently featured high-level musicians, with the guitarist role often serving as a focal point of the show.

The post Alice Cooper Brings In 22-Year-Old Anna Cara To Replace Nita Strauss On Tour appeared first on Loaded Radio.

April 2, 2026

Broken Trinity Unleashes Epic Debut Album Challenges Of Gods And Mortals – @thebeast

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Broken Trinity Unleashes Epic Debut Album Challenges Of Gods And Mortals
After six years of meticulous crafting, Atlanta’s Broken Trinity has unleashed their highly anticipated debut full-length, Challenges Of Gods And Mortals , an epic blackened doom/death metal journey that blends Viking lore, spiritual exploration, and mythic storytelling into a thunderous, immersive metal experience.
The album showcases the band’s evolution from their earliest compositions to their latest sonic innovations. Fans will encounter tales of epic battles, the wisdom of Odin, religious history, and modern-day spirituality, all layered over dense, melodic riffs, blistering blackened passages, and haunting doom textures. This is metal built for the epic scale—grand, intricate, and unrelenting.
“Challenges Of Gods And Mortals is the culmination of six years of fine-tuning our skills and production facilities,” says the band. “It represents everything we love about classic doom metal while embracing epic, progressive structures, Viking chants, and the icy intensity of Nordic black metal.”
Produced and mixed by Sean Morrissey and Ray Adriano , and mastered by Alex Parra of Paladin , the album delivers a polished yet ferocious sound that captures every nuance of the band’s ambitious vision. Fans of Draconian, Emperor, and My Dying Bride will find themselves at home in Broken Trinity’s layered, epic metal landscape.
The lineup behind this monumental release includes Steven Cannon (lead vocals, lyrics, concept design), Ray Adriano (guitars, bass), Sean Morrissey (guitars, programming, backing vocals), and Angelo Sasso (drums). Together, they bring technical precision, power, and cinematic intensity to every track.
The album’s release has already sparked major fan support, with Broken Trinity being named Band of the Month for February 2026 following a staggering 46,705 votes in the Battle of the Bands—a testament to the impact of their debut.
Challenges Of Gods And Mortals is available now: https://brokentrinity.bandcamp.com/album/challenges-of-gods-and-mortals
For fans of Draconian, Emperor, and My Dying Bride , this is a release that demands attention.
Check them out on YouTube and subscribe:

Connect with the band:
https://www.facebook.com/BrokenTrinity
https://brokentrinity.bandcamp.com/album/challenges-of-gods-and-mortals
Contact: therealbrokentrinity@gmail.com

April 2, 2026

Donald Trump Tells MAGA To Boycott Bruce Springsteen Tour

You might think that Donald Trump, currently engaged in his absurd war of choice on Iran and the resulting economic spiral that’s only just beginning, would be too busy to worry about what Bruce Springsteen is saying about him. Nope! Not at all! Springsteen and his E Street Band just kicked off their Land Of Hope And Dreams Tour in Minneapolis, the site of so much of the misery that Trump has wantonly caused, with a livestreamed set that was heavy on political statements. Now, Trump is telling his supporters to boycott that tour.

The post Donald Trump Tells MAGA To Boycott Bruce Springsteen Tour appeared first on Stereogum.

April 2, 2026