Category: news

Watch “Cycles” HERE! https://youtu.be/1WsScDu672E

After a decade of conquest in the industrial landscape, ESOTERIK returns to ignite a new era with their highly combustible single, “Cycles.” Marking a significant sonic evolution, the track introduces a “gasoline-drenched” brand of grunge metal that perfectly bridges the gap between industrial precision and nu-metal aggression.

While “Cycles” features massive guitars and the raw vocal delivery expected of the genre, it remains grounded in the carefully crafted hooks that have become the band’s signature. The result is a high-octane anthem designed to resonate with both die-hard metalheads and the band’s long-time industrial following.

Formed in 2013 and led by Allison Eckfeldt and Brady Bledsoe, ESOTERIK has been a consistent powerhouse in the alternative scene. Having toured extensively across the U.S. and Europe supporting heavyweights like COMBICHRIST, Priest (Ex-GHOST), GRENDEL, and PIG (Ex-KMFDM), the band recently reached new heights in April 2024 when their single “Trickster” breached the Top 10 on the Deutsche Alternative Charts.

“We wanted to do something different on this next album and go back to the roots of what got us interested in picking up an instrument back in the ’90s,” says the band regarding the new direction. “It’s been a breath of fresh air, and the shift feels quite natural for us. It’s a big evolution, and we’re excited to bring that energy into our live show both visually and sonically.”

“Cycles” serves as the first glimpse into the forthcoming full-length album, Nü Skin. The title is a nostalgic nod to an era of raw, unfiltered energy; a time of wild mosh pits and carefree camaraderie. With several singles planned for release leading up to the album, ESOTERIK is positioning themselves as a formidable new contender in the 2026 metal scene.

About ESOTERIK: 

Based in the U.S., ESOTERIK is an alternative metal/industrial duo comprised of Allison Eckfeldt and Brady Bledsoe. Since 2013, they have blended dark electronic textures with aggressive rock sensibilities. Following years of international touring and chart success in Europe, their highly anticipated new album Nü Skin marks their official transition into the world of metal.

Connect With ESOTERIK:

Official Website: https://www.esoterikmusic.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kazlovesbats

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esoterik_music

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/esoterikmusic

Source: C Squared Music

Self release [Release date 13.04.26] What’s in a name? In the case of Random Earth Project, the project part finds echoes of Frank Zappa’s Project / Object idea, with various elements being interrelated in the search for artistic unity On … Continue reading →

The post Album review: RANDOM EARTH PROJECT – Songs of Plenty appeared first on Get Ready to ROCK!.

Masks and alternative metal remain a hot commodity.

The post Sunborn Sign With Solid State Records, Launch “Infinity Pool” Music Video appeared first on Theprp.com.

Swedish metal innovators Avatar have unveiled a new standalone single, “Crying Fire”, accompanied by an official video. The track arrives after an extensive touring cycle that followed the release of last year’s Don’t Go In The Forest, which was released on Halloween.

Comprised of vocalist Johannes Eckerström, guitarists Jonas Jarlsby and Tim Öhrström, bassist Henrik Sandelin, and drummer John Alfredsson, Avatar spent the past year taking their latest material across the globe. The band’s touring schedule included a major North American headline run, highlighted by their largest-ever headline show in Mexico City.

Following those dates, Avatar returned to Europe before heading back to North America for another stretch of performances. The U.S. run included appearances at Welcome To Rockville and Sonic Temple, earning praise from music outlets including Ultimate Guitar and Rock Feed. The band is currently back in Europe, where they are opening for Metallica at select stadium shows.

While “Crying Fire” arrives after the release of Don’t Go In The Forest, the song was actually created during the album sessions. According to Johannes Eckerström, the band made a deliberate decision to hold onto the track rather than include it on the record.

“‘Crying Fire’ is very special to all of us. It was written and recorded as part of the Don’t Go In The Forest sessions. When making the final selection for album tracks, this one was a given. But then we started asking ourselves something: What if we saved the best for later? What if we kept this gem away from the world for a while?,” Eckerström explains.

Discussing the song further, the frontman added: “It certainly stands tall on its own. I hear a relentless firestorm of emotions. It hits me in a deeply hidden place, and I hope it does the same for you. I could say a lot about what the song is about, but I’ve learned that sometimes it’s better to get out of the way and simply let it be heard for what it is. The best I can say today is that it’s about enduring pain and loving passionately.”

Rather than serving as an outtake or leftover recording, “Crying Fire” stands as a fully realized piece of music that the band intentionally saved for the right moment. The song carries the dramatic intensity, emotional weight and theatrical edge that have become hallmarks of Avatar‘s sound, making it a natural continuation of the creative path established on Don’t Go In The Forest.

For longtime followers of Avatar, “Crying Fire” offers another example of a band continuing to evolve while remaining unmistakably itself.

The post AVATAR Releases And Official Video For Standalone Single “Crying Fire” appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

Plus DED, Blacktop Mojo, Heartsick and more.

The post Nonpoint, Powerman 5000, SOiL, Etc. Booked For 2026 ‘Rock Lansing’ Festival appeared first on Theprp.com.

Fans of Savatage and Trans-Siberian Orchestra guitarist Chris Caffery will soon have the chance to revisit two key releases from his solo catalog. Metalville has announced reissues of the long out-of-print albums Pins And Needles and Faces, arriving on June 26 and July 30, respectively.

Originally released in 2007, Pins And Needles represented a significant step forward in Chris Caffery‘s solo career. The album highlighted the veteran guitarist’s abilities beyond his work with Savatage and Trans-Siberian Orchestra, establishing him as a songwriter and artist with a distinct creative direction and musical identity.

The reissue offers fans another opportunity to experience a record that showcased Caffery‘s vision while blending his signature guitar work with a range of melodic and heavy metal influences.

Also returning to print is Faces, first released in 2004. The album revealed a more personal side of Chris Caffery, balancing heavy metal intensity with introspective and emotional material. Throughout the record, Caffery explored themes of identity and inner struggle, creating a deeply personal collection of songs.

More than two decades after its original release, Faces continues to be regarded as one of the strongest entries in Chris Caffery‘s solo discography, thanks to its honesty, depth and willingness to expose the artist’s more vulnerable side alongside his heavier musical instincts.

With both albums becoming increasingly difficult to find over the years, the upcoming Metalville reissues provide longtime fans and newer listeners alike the opportunity to revisit two important chapters in Chris Caffery‘s solo career.

The post CHRIS CAFFERY Solo Albums “Pins And Needles” And “Faces” Are Set For Reissue This Summer appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

Their “Absolute Everywhere” documentary & soundtrack arrives this Friday.

The post Blood Incantation Debut “Dawn” Video From Their ‘All Gates Open’ Soundtrack appeared first on Theprp.com.