Category: news

  • Lockimara – “Tastes Like”

    If you enjoy ear — whose Rumspringa received our Album Of The Week honor last month — then listen up. Lockimara is the project of New York-via-Toronto artist Nicholas Gay, who’s providing a similar brand of dreamy electronic earworms. Last month he announced his sophomore album Only Sun, Only Moon and shared the lead single “December,” and now he’s back with “Tastes Like.”

    The post Lockimara – “Tastes Like” appeared first on Stereogum.

  • May Release Spotlight

    Welcome in to another edition of our monthly release spotlight! Check out our full review of the new offering from Necropia, and read on below for the May albums we think deserve some extra love.


    Infected Dead – Invicta

    Technical death metal from the UK

    One of the perks of starting the month on a Friday is that sometimes—sometimes—you can squeeze an extra paycheck out of the month (okay, not really “extra,” but it can feel like it). Another perk is that you get a whole extra release day to dig into new music. One such example is the latest release from England’s Infected Dead, an absolute scorcher of an EP and the perfect way to kick off a brand new month. Chock full of riffs, hooks, and solos, the band wastes no time in smashing your eardrums into a bloody, oozing pulp. And once the beating is over—after about twenty minutes or so—you can’t help but say, “Please, sir…can I have some more?”. Because it’s just that damn good.

    -Kirk


    Prisonnier du Temps – Prendre le Pouvoir par la Force

    Oi! from France

    Gonna have to own up to the fact that I was very late to the French Oi! party but I finally got around to checking out Syndrome 81’s 2022 full-length Prisons Imaginaires a couple of months ago and it is easily my favourite “discovery” of the year so I was super stoked to hear that their bassist Jacky Cadiou had another album coming out under his Prisonnier du Temps side/solo project. The title translates to “Seizing Power by Force”, and you can tell that there’s something revolutionary in the air as Cadiou combines the fury and intensity of hardcore with huge woah-driven melodies that evoke a sense of comrades in arms and marching in streets and the feeling that there’s more of us than there are of them. Just to be clear as well, he’s not on some lame Jan 6 type shit—check out his only quote in the press notes: “The world moves forward with its eyes closed and Gaza burns, forgotten… In pain and tears, children fall unarmed…”

    -Ellis


    Furnace Floor – Ceremonial Passage Through Fire

    Blackened death/doom from the US

    I’d never heard of Furnace Floor prior to throwing the record on, but as it turns out they’ve delivered one of my absolute favorite listens of the year so far. Ceremonial Passage Through Fire is downright harrowing, a hellish excursion into the stygian pits of nightmares, towering and lurching, smoldering with fury and burned black as ash. The songs are lengthy, arduous journeys, leaning on searing riffs and brutal roars to conjure images of infernal landscapes, charred to complete bleakness. It’s visceral, arresting stuff, and it’s the best death/doom I’ve heard in 2026 by far.

    -Kep


    Abuser – Blood Marks

    Thrash metal from Poland

    As a general rule, those of us here at Noob Heavy do not support abusers. However, Poland’s Abuser does not actually consist of abusers (alleged or otherwise), but instead thought of a clever name to describe the relationship their music is about to have with your neck, shoulders, and eardrums. Blood Marks is a no-holds-barred, full body experience. Your body will be compelled to mosh, so please be aware of your surroundings. Your neck will almost certainly succumb to an overwhelming urge to swing your head in a wide circular motion, sending your hair whipping around with enough force to rustle leaves or loose pieces of paper. And you will undoubtedly emit an, “UGH!”, or two—if not more—throughout the album’s runtime. Don’t be alarmed, this is perfectly normal. In fact, I think this was the plan all along….

    -Kirk


    Tyrannus – Mournhold

    Black/thrash metal from Scotland

    Weird to think it’s been four years since Unslayable and two and a half years since Tory Punching Music were gifted to us by the ever benevolent and incessantly antifascist Tyrannus, but here we are. Admittedly, it’s been a minute since I’ve blasted either album, distributed in the U.S. ever so lovingly by your friend and mine, Fiadh Productions, but what I do remember is more of an unrefined, “vibes-forward” blackened thrash that cared less about form and more about attitude. But Mournhold is a beast of a different breed, taking a much more ‘80s approach to thrash and toning down the black metal influences to make way for a ‘90s death metal sound. And the result is a resounding success, because Tyrannus hasn’t sounded as lean or mean, but they didn’t stop there: they even dug up some ‘80s post-punk and added it to the mix. So, if you’ve been wondering if we’d ever hear from these Scots again, worry not: THEY’RE BACK WITH A VENGEANCE.

    -Kirk


    Galibot – Catabase

    Black metal from France

    This is Galibot‘s second album drop of the year, and since I didn’t know that Euch-mau Noir bis was a re-release when I heard it back in February, I was completely caught off guard when I realized Catabase was coming in May. The band plays a well-conceived, tight blend of melodic and aggressive black metal, enhanced by riffy hooks and killer production, with lyrics in French about French mining history. Catabase is one of those listens that flies by, 10 tracks in 42 minutes that feels less because of how immediate and vicious the songs are, and how effectively they weave in atmosphere and melody and bits of post-metal. Add in a captivating vocal performance from Diffamie and you’ve got the recipe for a crisp, memorable listen.

    -Kep


    Healing Wound – Bodies of Heavenly Violence

    Metallic hardcore from the UK

    Ever been to the darkest and dankest corner of the broad church that is metallic hardcore? If you consider yourself a fan of the likes of Cult Leader or Helpless or The Secret you will know it well already. There’s scratch marks on the walls and sludge seeping in through the floor and the scent of death is heavy on the air and from it today emerges a new malevolent entity in the form of Healing Wound. With eyes swivelling wildly and teeth grinding excruciatingly it steps forth to vomit up Bodies of Heavenly Violence, demanding that you behold its frightening monstrosity for no less than 23 minutes before retreating back to the shadows. Once it’s gone you swear you can hear a gnawing sound, though whether that’s coming from the corner or the back of your own mind you can’t tell.

    -Ellis


    Jungle Rot – Cruel Face of War

    Death metal from the US

    Have you ever put on an album that immediately grabs your attention and doesn’t let it go for the entire duration of its runtime? Because that’s how I felt listening to Cruel Face of War, my first Jungle Rot album, but I’ll be damned if it’ll be my last. I know in the past I’ve called myself “Not a Death Metal Guy,” but that continues to be a “me” problem. Fortunately, those of us here at Noob Heavy are never at a loss of good death metal, and Jungle Rot and absotively, posolutely Good Death Metal™. In fact, I had to ask Kep if they’ve always fucked this hard, and his answer was “they’ve pretty much always sounded like this” so yeah. Strap in, loser, because the next 40 minutes are going to melt some faces.

    -Kirk


    Fake Dust – Decrepitizing Din of the Cerebral Psyopticon

    Grindcore from the US

    This shit is nothing short of fucking feral. Unhinged, unfettered, and barely contained in any form, the assault is constant and chaotic from start to finish. The Oregon four-piece clearly doesn’t believe in mercy or frills, and would prefer to simply pummel you into oblivion with a barrage of blasts and whirling blunt force trauma riffs. It’s a breathless, brutal listening experience that is somehow simultaneously unbelievably chaotic and so damn focused that it hits like a sledgehammer. Turn it on and proceed to get wrecked.

    -Kep


    VNRL – The Power That, When Wielded, Corrupts

    Industrial dubstep from Canada

    As we collectively mourn the impending closure of Syrup Moose Records, one would be hard-pressed to say the label isn’t going out without a bang. Label owner and consummate experimenter Brendan Barlow gives us the debut of his most recent experimental project, and it couldn’t be further than what we’ve come to know from his other projects—MEGAFAUNA and Grumm Trencher—if he tries (which, let’s be honest, he almost certainly did). All we’ve heard from VNRL up to now is the single SICK, which served as a standalone placeholder to the “what the fuck am I listening to” of The Power That, When Wielded, Corrupts, and I say that in the nicest way possible. The best I can do to give this style of music justice is to call it “industrial dubstep,” and that probably fails miserably, but I think it will give you some kind of idea as to what you’re getting yourself into. And please, for the love of Dog, get yourself into it, because it pays more dividends than it has any right to. If it doesn’t rewrite your brain even a little, then I strongly suggest you listen to it again. If nothing else, it’s a glimpse into Mr. Barlow’s boundless creativity and fearlessness as an artist.

    -Kirk

    The post May Release Spotlight appeared first on Noob Heavy.

  • May Release Spotlight

    Welcome in to another edition of our monthly release spotlight! Check out our full review of the new offering from Necropia, and read on below for the May albums we think deserve some extra love.


    Infected Dead – Invicta

    Technical death metal from the UK

    One of the perks of starting the month on a Friday is that sometimes—sometimes—you can squeeze an extra paycheck out of the month (okay, not really “extra,” but it can feel like it). Another perk is that you get a whole extra release day to dig into new music. One such example is the latest release from England’s Infected Dead, an absolute scorcher of an EP and the perfect way to kick off a brand new month. Chock full of riffs, hooks, and solos, the band wastes no time in smashing your eardrums into a bloody, oozing pulp. And once the beating is over—after about twenty minutes or so—you can’t help but say, “Please, sir…can I have some more?”. Because it’s just that damn good.

    -Kirk


    Prisonnier du Temps – Prendre le Pouvoir par la Force

    Oi! from France

    Gonna have to own up to the fact that I was very late to the French Oi! party but I finally got around to checking out Syndrome 81’s 2022 full-length Prisons Imaginaires a couple of months ago and it is easily my favourite “discovery” of the year so I was super stoked to hear that their bassist Jacky Cadiou had another album coming out under his Prisonnier du Temps side/solo project. The title translates to “Seizing Power by Force”, and you can tell that there’s something revolutionary in the air as Cadiou combines the fury and intensity of hardcore with huge woah-driven melodies that evoke a sense of comrades in arms and marching in streets and the feeling that there’s more of us than there are of them. Just to be clear as well, he’s not on some lame Jan 6 type shit—check out his only quote in the press notes: “The world moves forward with its eyes closed and Gaza burns, forgotten… In pain and tears, children fall unarmed…”

    -Ellis


    Furnace Floor – Ceremonial Passage Through Fire

    Blackened death/doom from the US

    I’d never heard of Furnace Floor prior to throwing the record on, but as it turns out they’ve delivered one of my absolute favorite listens of the year so far. Ceremonial Passage Through Fire is downright harrowing, a hellish excursion into the stygian pits of nightmares, towering and lurching, smoldering with fury and burned black as ash. The songs are lengthy, arduous journeys, leaning on searing riffs and brutal roars to conjure images of infernal landscapes, charred to complete bleakness. It’s visceral, arresting stuff, and it’s the best death/doom I’ve heard in 2026 by far.

    -Kep


    Abuser – Blood Marks

    Thrash metal from Poland

    As a general rule, those of us here at Noob Heavy do not support abusers. However, Poland’s Abuser does not actually consist of abusers (alleged or otherwise), but instead thought of a clever name to describe the relationship their music is about to have with your neck, shoulders, and eardrums. Blood Marks is a no-holds-barred, full body experience. Your body will be compelled to mosh, so please be aware of your surroundings. Your neck will almost certainly succumb to an overwhelming urge to swing your head in a wide circular motion, sending your hair whipping around with enough force to rustle leaves or loose pieces of paper. And you will undoubtedly emit an, “UGH!”, or two—if not more—throughout the album’s runtime. Don’t be alarmed, this is perfectly normal. In fact, I think this was the plan all along….

    -Kirk


    Tyrannus – Mournhold

    Black/thrash metal from Scotland

    Weird to think it’s been four years since Unslayable and two and a half years since Tory Punching Music were gifted to us by the ever benevolent and incessantly antifascist Tyrannus, but here we are. Admittedly, it’s been a minute since I’ve blasted either album, distributed in the U.S. ever so lovingly by your friend and mine, Fiadh Productions, but what I do remember is more of an unrefined, “vibes-forward” blackened thrash that cared less about form and more about attitude. But Mournhold is a beast of a different breed, taking a much more ‘80s approach to thrash and toning down the black metal influences to make way for a ‘90s death metal sound. And the result is a resounding success, because Tyrannus hasn’t sounded as lean or mean, but they didn’t stop there: they even dug up some ‘80s post-punk and added it to the mix. So, if you’ve been wondering if we’d ever hear from these Scots again, worry not: THEY’RE BACK WITH A VENGEANCE.

    -Kirk


    Galibot – Catabase

    Black metal from France

    This is Galibot‘s second album drop of the year, and since I didn’t know that Euch-mau Noir bis was a re-release when I heard it back in February, I was completely caught off guard when I realized Catabase was coming in May. The band plays a well-conceived, tight blend of melodic and aggressive black metal, enhanced by riffy hooks and killer production, with lyrics in French about French mining history. Catabase is one of those listens that flies by, 10 tracks in 42 minutes that feels less because of how immediate and vicious the songs are, and how effectively they weave in atmosphere and melody and bits of post-metal. Add in a captivating vocal performance from Diffamie and you’ve got the recipe for a crisp, memorable listen.

    -Kep


    Healing Wound – Bodies of Heavenly Violence

    Metallic hardcore from the UK

    Ever been to the darkest and dankest corner of the broad church that is metallic hardcore? If you consider yourself a fan of the likes of Cult Leader or Helpless or The Secret you will know it well already. There’s scratch marks on the walls and sludge seeping in through the floor and the scent of death is heavy on the air and from it today emerges a new malevolent entity in the form of Healing Wound. With eyes swivelling wildly and teeth grinding excruciatingly it steps forth to vomit up Bodies of Heavenly Violence, demanding that you behold its frightening monstrosity for no less than 23 minutes before retreating back to the shadows. Once it’s gone you swear you can hear a gnawing sound, though whether that’s coming from the corner or the back of your own mind you can’t tell.

    -Ellis


    Jungle Rot – Cruel Face of War

    Death metal from the US

    Have you ever put on an album that immediately grabs your attention and doesn’t let it go for the entire duration of its runtime? Because that’s how I felt listening to Cruel Face of War, my first Jungle Rot album, but I’ll be damned if it’ll be my last. I know in the past I’ve called myself “Not a Death Metal Guy,” but that continues to be a “me” problem. Fortunately, those of us here at Noob Heavy are never at a loss of good death metal, and Jungle Rot and absotively, posolutely Good Death Metal™. In fact, I had to ask Kep if they’ve always fucked this hard, and his answer was “they’ve pretty much always sounded like this” so yeah. Strap in, loser, because the next 40 minutes are going to melt some faces.

    -Kirk


    Fake Dust – Decrepitizing Din of the Cerebral Psyopticon

    Grindcore from the US

    This shit is nothing short of fucking feral. Unhinged, unfettered, and barely contained in any form, the assault is constant and chaotic from start to finish. The Oregon four-piece clearly doesn’t believe in mercy or frills, and would prefer to simply pummel you into oblivion with a barrage of blasts and whirling blunt force trauma riffs. It’s a breathless, brutal listening experience that is somehow simultaneously unbelievably chaotic and so damn focused that it hits like a sledgehammer. Turn it on and proceed to get wrecked.

    -Kep


    VNRL – The Power That, When Wielded, Corrupts

    Industrial dubstep from Canada

    As we collectively mourn the impending closure of Syrup Moose Records, one would be hard-pressed to say the label isn’t going out without a bang. Label owner and consummate experimenter Brendan Barlow gives us the debut of his most recent experimental project, and it couldn’t be further than what we’ve come to know from his other projects—MEGAFAUNA and Grumm Trencher—if he tries (which, let’s be honest, he almost certainly did). All we’ve heard from VNRL up to now is the single SICK, which served as a standalone placeholder to the “what the fuck am I listening to” of The Power That, When Wielded, Corrupts, and I say that in the nicest way possible. The best I can do to give this style of music justice is to call it “industrial dubstep,” and that probably fails miserably, but I think it will give you some kind of idea as to what you’re getting yourself into. And please, for the love of Dog, get yourself into it, because it pays more dividends than it has any right to. If it doesn’t rewrite your brain even a little, then I strongly suggest you listen to it again. If nothing else, it’s a glimpse into Mr. Barlow’s boundless creativity and fearlessness as an artist.

    -Kirk

    The post May Release Spotlight appeared first on Noob Heavy.

  • “I Kept Seeing Him”: Heartbroken Mastodon Fans Weep in Prague as Band Unveils Haunting New Album Track Written After Death of Brent Hinds

    mastodon_press_photo

    The global heavy metal community is collectively mourning and celebrating an unprecedented emotional milestone following a historic concert performance in Eastern Europe. Kicking off their highly anticipated summer 2026 European tour at the O2 Universum in Prague, Czech Republic, progressive sludge titans Mastodon left a stunned audience in tears. For the first time since the devastating, tragic passing of legendary founding guitarist and vocalist Brent Hinds, the band stepped onto a stage to debut a brand-new single titled “Your Ghost Again”—delivering a powerful, heart-wrenching masterpiece born entirely from the heavy trauma of studio grief.

    Listen to Today’s Metal Breakdown Daily:

    Want the raw, real-time insider reporting on the shifting landscape of progressive metal and breaking live track debuts? Turn up the Loaded Radio Daily Podcast on your preferred streaming network to hear our comprehensive audio analysis of Mastodon’s next era, or lock into our 24/7 high-decibel commercial-free digital stream via the embedded player below.

    “Your Ghost Again”: The First Track of a 25-Year Career Without Hinds

    The atmosphere inside the O2 Universum shifted from high-octane festival energy to intense, shared catharsis when bassist and vocalist Troy Sanders stopped the set to acknowledge a prominent handmade memorial sign being held up in the front row. The sign simply read: “He will forever be in our hearts. Brent Hinds.” Sanders pointed directly at the display, visually moved, before addressing the packed arena regarding the monumental step the band was about to take: “You’re right,” Sanders told the roaring crowd. “That brings us to something we don’t do very often. We’d like to play a brand-new song for you guys… This is the first song of our entire career that wasn’t worked on with our friend Brent. He passed away last year, so we’d like to do a new song and dedicate it to Brent because we miss him and we love him, also.”

    The track marks a profound, historic structural shift for the Atlanta-based musical innovators. For a quarter of a century, Hinds’ wild, jazz-infused chicken-pickin’ guitar style, manic vocal delivery, and unpredictable songwriting choices acted as the central pillars of Mastodon’s critically acclaimed conceptual masterpieces.

    Check This Out – MASTODON ALBUMS RANKED: From Sludge Roots to Progressive Masterpieces

    new-mastodon-band-2026

    Playing Tricks on the Mind: The Haunting Meaning Behind the Lyrics

    The late Brent Hinds tragically lost his life on August 20 at the age of 51 after his motorcycle collided with an SUV in his adopted hometown of Atlanta, Georgia. While Hinds had previously parted ways with the touring entity of the band just months prior, the surviving members always viewed him as an irreplaceable brother.

    Following the live debut of “Your Ghost Again,” drummer and co-vocalist Brann Dailor released an intimate statement breaking down the terrifyingly raw, psychological weight that fueled the track’s composition while tracking their completed, highly anticipated ninth studio album: “’Your Ghost Again’ is about being in those familiar places you used to be with people, which for us is in the studio,” Dailor explained with brutal honesty. “I just kept seeing [Hinds] out of the corner of my eye, where he would normally be with his guitar. Your mind plays tricks on you, especially so soon after someone dies and you’re in the places where they always were. You just see them.”

    Sanders added that his specific vocal sections on the heavy, progressive movement were constructed as a direct message of pure, unadulterated appreciation for their fallen bandmate, noting: “The bridge lyrics are two lines of pure gratitude towards Brent.”

    A New Chapter: The Completed Ninth Studio Album

    “Your Ghost Again” serves as the direct follow-up to their explosive 2024 collaborative hit “Floods of Triton,” which featured heavy metal peers Lamb of God. To execute the complex, multi-layered tracking requirements for the impending album cycle, longtime rhythm guitarist Bill Kelliher has been working alongside elite live guitarist Nick Johnson, who took over live duties following Hinds’ original departure. Kelliher has previously hinted that Johnson was directly involved in texturing the tracking sessions for the new material.

    During an emotional post-show statement, Dailor reminded fans that despite the extreme natural friction of a 25-year rock-and-roll partnership, the bond forged in the studio remains entirely bulletproof: “We loved him so, so, so very much,” Dailor reflected. “And we had the ups and downs of a 25-year relationship. You know what I mean? It’s not always perfect, it’s not always amazing, but we were brothers to the end. And we really loved each other and we made a lot, a lot of very beautiful music together. And I think that that’s gonna stand the test of time.”

    🤘 LIVE & LOUD: Stream the World’s Hardest Radio Station 24/7

    FAQ: Mastodon’s New Track and Album Status

    What is the new Mastodon song called?

    The brand-new single is titled “Your Ghost Again.” It was officially released across digital streaming platforms on June 2, 2026, and made its live concert debut the following night in Prague.

    When did Brent Hinds pass away?

    Mastodon founding guitarist Brent Hinds tragically passed away at age 51 on August 20, following a fatal motorcycle collision in Atlanta, Georgia.

    Is a new Mastodon album finished?

    Yes. According to official studio logs and management statements, Mastodon’s highly anticipated, as-yet-unannounced ninth studio album has been fully completed and mixed. It’s believed title is Poisonous Weapons.

    Also – The Grammys Ignored Mastodon’s Brent Hinds in Their In Memoriam — And Metal Fans Noticed

    mastodon-2025

    Historical Brief: The Sludge Metal Evolution of Mastodon

    Formed in Atlanta, Georgia in January 2000, Mastodon fundamentally redefined the boundaries of progressive metal, sludge, and hard rock over the course of two decades. Their early landmark concept records—most notably 2004’s whale-themed masterpiece Leviathan and 2006’s volcanic epic Blood Mountain—established them as critical darlings of the global heavy metal scene.

    By the time they secured a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 2018 for “Sultan’s Curse,” the band had successfully transitioned into global arena headliners without compromising their complex polyrhythmic arrangements or intense lyrical depth. The current transition into their ninth record cycle shows a veteran band turning unfathomable personal tragedy into deep, high-level musical art.

    As Mastodon continues their emotional European run toward the legendary Download Festival stage in the UK, the floor belongs to the Loaded Radio community. Can a Mastodon record truly feel complete without the signature guitar madness of Brent Hinds, or do you think “Your Ghost Again” proves that grief has pulled their absolute best, most honest work out of them? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

    TL;DR Cheat Sheet

    • A Devastating First: Progressive sludge metal heavyweights Mastodon have debuted “Your Ghost Again”—the first song in their entire 25-year history written completely without founding guitarist Brent Hinds.
    • Tragic Passing Remembered: Hinds tragically passed away on August 20 of last year at the age of 51 following a fatal motorcycle collision with an SUV in Atlanta.
    • The Haunting Meaning: Drummer/vocalist Brann Dailor revealed the track is an unfiltered look at psychological grief, detailing how his mind plays tricks on him in the studio, seeing Hinds out of the corner of his eye.
    • Ninth Album Completed: The raw, cathartic single serves as the anchor point for Mastodon’s highly anticipated ninth studio album, which is now officially 100% completed.

    Never miss an official studio update, a surprise tracking leak, or a deep-dive rock memorial feature. Download the free Loaded Radio App for [iOS App Store] and [Google Play Store] today to command our live 24/7 high-decibel audio station and stream the Daily Podcast on demand.

    The post “I Kept Seeing Him”: Heartbroken Mastodon Fans Weep in Prague as Band Unveils Haunting New Album Track Written After Death of Brent Hinds appeared first on Loaded Radio.

  • Dekoni Midnight Earpads for the HD 598 Series: A Quick Upgrade Worth Knowing About

    Who Is Dekoni Audio?

    Dekoni Midnight Earpads for the HD 598 Series: A Quick Upgrade Worth Knowing About

    If you've been in the headphone hobby long enough, you've probably stumbled across Dekoni Audio at some point. They're a U.S.-based company that carved out a very specific niche: high-quality replacement earpads for popular headphones at every price tier. From budget-friendly Earpads all the way up to their Elite Sheepskin series for flagships like the HD 800, Dekoni has become the go-to name when your original pads start looking rough.

    What makes them stand out is that they actually tune their pads to specific headphone models rather than making one-size-fits-all cushions and calling it a day. That headphone-specific tuning philosophy is exactly what drew me toward their Midnight series for my HD 550.


    What Are the Dekoni Midnight Earpads?

    Dekoni Midnight Earpads for the HD 598 Series: A Quick Upgrade Worth Knowing About
    Credit – Dekoni

    The Midnight series sits in Dekoni's budget-friendly "Earpadz" line—designed to be an honest, accessible upgrade over OEM replacement pads without breaking the bank. These aren't Dekoni's top-shelf material; that spot belongs to the Elite and Choice series. But the Midnight pads bring something important to the table: eggshell-based protein leather and medium-density memory foam at a price that won't sting.

    The specific pair I'm looking at here is the Earpadz Midnight Series made for the Sennheiser HD 598/599/HD 560S family, and I'm running them on my HD 550. The snap-in mounting system is identical across the HD 598 line, so these clip right in with zero fuss.

    Price lands around $35, depending on where you buy, which is a reasonable ask for what you get.


    Build Quality & Materials

    Dekoni Midnight Earpads for the HD 598 Series: A Quick Upgrade Worth Knowing About

    Let's talk about what the Midnight pad actually is physically. The outer material uses what Dekoni calls "eggshell-based protein leather"—a formulation that uses protein powder derived from eggshells to create something that feels thinner, lighter, and softer than standard vinyl or synthetic leather. It's a matte finish, not shiny, and it feels better against your skin than the typical cheap plastic-leather you find on budget OEM pads.

    The foam inside is medium-density memory foam, described by Dekoni as more "forgiving" than the ultra-slow rebound foam in their Elite or Choice series. What that means in practice: it contours comfortably to your head but compresses a bit quicker under extended pressure. It's not the same as what you'd get in their higher-tier pads, but it's a real step up from collapsed, crusty stock foam.

    Construction feels solid for the price. The stitching is clean, the fit around the headphone cups is snug, and nothing feels cheap or flimsy.


    Sound Quality: What Actually Changes

    Dekoni Midnight Earpads for the HD 598 Series: A Quick Upgrade Worth Knowing About

    This is the part that matters most to most of you reading, so let's be straight about it: swapping earpads on an open-back headphone can actually change your sound. Doesn't matter the brand. Pad material, depth, and how they seal against your head all affect the acoustic chamber in front of the driver. The Midnight pads are no different.

    Overall Sound Character

    On the HD 550, the Midnight pads shift the signature slightly warmer and more intimate compared to fresh stock velour. It's not a dramatic transformation — your HD 550 doesn't suddenly become like a different headphone— but there's a slight change in how the sound lands, particularly in the low end. If your original pads are beat up and collapsed, these will likely sound like a straight-up improvement right out of the gate.

    With a proper seal, bass can potentially be improved slightly, making low end response a little more thumpy. Mids will stay largely the same, there is no recession or clarity loss from these earpads compared to the stock ones. Treble can also be slightly less sharp with leather earpads, though I did not notice much change at all here and didn't find the HD550 to have harsh upper registers with the stock of replacement pads.

    Something intersting to note, is that worn in earpads have been shown to have a potentially wider "soundstage" or sense of space when listening to music. While speaker burn in is mostly ineffective, ear pad burn in can actually make a difference in your music listening. So if they sound intimate at first, the Dekoni earpads may widen up with time.

    Comfort

    Dekoni Midnight Earpads for the HD 598 Series: A Quick Upgrade Worth Knowing About

    This might actually be where the Midnight pads shine most clearly. The eggshell protein leather is remarkably soft against the skin. They are noticeably more comfortable than the typical plastic leather on older OEM-style pads. The medium-density memory foam does a solid job of spreading clamp pressure across the full ear cup instead of creating hot spots. If you've been dealing with the "your ear is touching the driver grille" problem from compressed stock pads, these give you back that depth and relief.

    Overall, I found the Dekoni earpads to be very comfortable and prefour them to the stock velour pads.


    Final Thoughts

    Dekoni Midnight Earpads for the HD 598 Series: A Quick Upgrade Worth Knowing About

    The Dekoni Midnight Earpads for the HD 598 series are a solid, no-nonsense upgrade for anyone whose stock pads have seen better days. They're a well-made, budget-friendly replacement that brings genuine comfort improvements and a possibly slightly warmer, bassier sound without wrecking what made your headphones good in the first place.

    On my HD 550, they do exactly what I needed: comfortable daily driver pads that make long sessions enjoyable, with a sound that's pleasant and capable. For $35, that's a deal I'm happy with.

    If your stock pads are blown out and you want the easiest, most affordable Dekoni upgrade for your HD 598, HD 599, or HD 560S, the Midnight series gets the job done.

    Thanks for reading!

  • LOKUST Unleash Crushing New EP Pair of Lies Featuring International Metal Collaborators – @thebeast



    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    LOKUST Unleash Crushing New EP Pair of Lies Featuring International Metal Collaborators
    Modern Groove Metal Project Led by Matt Bidart Delivers Darker, More Melodic Evolution
    May 22, 2026 – Modern metal powerhouse LOKUST has officially released their explosive new EP, Pair of Lies , available now through Play No Games Recordings. Blending crushing groove metal riffs, soaring melodies, and aggressive vocal performances, the release marks the next evolution of guitarist and songwriter Matt Bidart’s collaborative metal project.
    Stream Pair of Lies now:
    https://distrokid.com/ hyperfollow/lokust/pair-of- lies
    Purchase the EP:
    <a href=”https://lokustband.bandcamp.com/album/pair-of-lies” target=”_blank” data-saferedirecturl=”https://www.google.com/url?q=https://lokustband.bandcamp.com/album/pair-of-lies&source=gmail&ust=1781012420820000&usg=AOvVaw3L_1cmDc4jC5oL4sx0Q343″ rel=”noopener”> https://lokustband.bandcamp. com/album/pair-of-lies
    Known for assembling talented musicians from across the global metal scene, Bidart has continued the LOKUST tradition of international collaboration with a lineup featuring some of Italy’s rising metal talents. The new EP showcases vocalists Sime (SEVENSENT) and Matt Montis (Abysso), alongside bassist Javier Cuba (Chaos Black) and drummer Joseph Estrada (Ravage The Empire / AHTCK).
    Fans of Lamb of God, Machine Head, and Chimaira will find plenty to appreciate in Pair of Lies , which combines punishing groove-driven heaviness with memorable hooks and dynamic songwriting.
    “With Pair of Lies, I wanted to push Lokust further into a darker and more melodic direction while collaborating with some incredible musicians and friends from Italy/Sardinia,” says Matt Bidart. “This EP captures everything I love about modern metal, powerful vocals, crushing riffs, and big hooks.”
    LOKUST has steadily built a reputation for bringing together respected musicians from around the world. Previous releases have featured notable collaborations with Cristian Machado (Lions at the Gate), Carlos Zema (Immortal Guardian / Heaven’s Guardian), and legendary producer and guitarist Roy-Z, known for his work with Bruce Dickinson and Halford.
    The latest EP further expands the project’s sonic identity while remaining rooted in the aggressive energy and groove-laden foundation that has become synonymous with the LOKUST name.
    Pair of Lies Lineup:
    • Sime (SEVENSENT) – Vocals
    • Matt Montis (Abysso) – Vocals
    • Matt Bidart – Guitars, Songwriting
    • Javier Cuba (Chaos Black) – Bass
    • Joseph Estrada (Ravage The Empire / AHTCK) – Drums
    Pair of Lies was produced, mixed, and mastered by Alby Bandino of Cut Fire Studio, delivering a polished yet devastating sound that amplifies the EP’s powerful performances and dynamic arrangements.
    With its combination of modern heaviness, melodic depth, and international collaboration, Pair of Lies stands as LOKUST’s most ambitious and compelling release to date.
    For press inquiries, interviews, reviews, and promotional opportunities, contact LOKUST through their official channels.
    About LOKUST

    LOKUST is a modern metal project founded and led by guitarist and songwriter Matt Bidart. Built around collaboration with talented musicians from across the global metal community, LOKUST combines aggressive groove metal, modern production, and melodic songwriting to create a distinctive and evolving sound. Each release brings together unique contributors while maintaining Bidart’s singular creative vision.
    Check them out on YouTube: 


    Connect: 
    http://lokustmetal.com
    https://www.facebook.com/lokustband/
    https://www.instagram.com/lokustmetal/
    https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/lokust/pair-of-lies
    https://lokustband.bandcamp.com/album/pair-of-lies
    Contact: lokustmetal@gmail.com
  • Matt Zane Clarifies Use of Archival Wayne Static Footage in Recent Static-X Visual Releases – @thebeast

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    Matt Zane Clarifies Use of Archival Wayne Static Footage in Recent Static-X Visual Releases
    Los Angeles — Filmmaker Matt Zane has issued a statement regarding the use of archival footage featuring Wayne Static in recent Static-X video releases.
    Zane states that the images and footage of Wayne Static appearing in the videos for “Bring You Down,” “Dead Souls,” “Terrible Lie,” “All These Years,” and “Stay Alive” were originally shot by him and sourced from his private archives.
    According to Zane, the material was captured during his previous professional work with Wayne Static and later made available for use in connection with the band’s visual projects. Zane says the footage was shared under an informal understanding tied to ongoing documentary work he is producing centered on Wayne Static and Tera Wray.
    “I made the footage available in good faith based on an understanding tied to a larger documentary project,” said Zane. “My intent has always been to preserve and present Wayne’s legacy in a respectful way.”
    Zane notes that he does not believe a formal written agreement transferring full ownership or broad licensing rights for the footage was executed.
    He also confirms that production continues on his independent documentary project focused on Wayne Static and Tera Wray.
    No further comments have been issued at this time.

     Follow Matt Zane for more:

    https://www.instagram.com/lordzane/
    https://www.facebook.com/MrZaneRising
  • Osees Releases New Album Off Course

    Released June 5, 2026 is a five-track, 33-minute psychedelic rock album that finds the band returning to its improvisational roots. Led by John Dwyer, the album was built from extended jams that were later refined and recorded live in the studio.

    Blending psychedelic rock, krautrock grooves, and hypnotic organ-driven passages, Off Course has been praised by fans as a strong return to the band’s exploratory sound. The album features contributions from longtime collaborator Brigid Dawson alongside the current Osees lineup.

    The Band
    John Dwyer – guitar, vocals, keyboards
    Tom Dolas – keyboards, percussion
    Tim Hellman – bass
    Dan Rincon – drums
    Paul Quattrone – drums
    Brigid Dawson – vocals

    Track Listing
    “Off Course” – 9:17
    “Hecate’s Reflection Is a Trick” – 8:43
    “The Trick” – 6:16
    “Syringe” – 3:17
    “The Brute on His Knees” – 5:25

    Recorded At Sonic Ranch & Stu Stu Studio
    Produced By John Dwyer
    Engineered By Enrique Tena Padilla, Mario Ramirez , John Dwyer & Eric Bauer
    Mixed And Edited By John Dwyer
    Mastered By Jj Golden
    Art By Alex Borrego

    Buy now on Bandcamp
    https://ohsees.bandcamp.com/album/off-course