Category: news

  • AN NCS VIDEO PREMIERE: NON SERVIAM — “DÉESSE MORTE”

    (written by Islander) Five years after Le Cœur Bat (2021), and more than a decade after Un petit peu d’amour pour la haine, the genre-blurring French collective Non Serviam are returning with a third album named La Lune Dont Mon Âme Est Pleine, now set for release on June 12th. The new full-length is described […]

    The post AN NCS VIDEO PREMIERE: NON SERVIAM — “DÉESSE MORTE” appeared first on NO CLEAN SINGING.

  • Loathe Announce New Album ‘A Stranger To You’, Their First In Six Years

    Loathe have finally confirmed the details of their long-awaited new album, the follow-up to 2020’s instant classic ‘I Let It In and It Took Everything’.


    The record is set to be titled ‘A Stranger To You’ and will be released on July 17 via SharpTone Records.

    The artwork looks like this:


    Whilst the tracklisting looks like this:

    1. Entrance
    2. Block Of Flats
    3. Fortress Down
    4. Gemini
    5. Nothing Like The Knife
    6. Harder To Pretend
    7.اثينا
    8. Revenant
    9. The Way It Breaks
    10. Meet My Maker
    11. Fangs
    12. The Ladder
    13. Gifted Every Strength
    14. No Stranger To You…

    As you can see, the album will include ‘Gifted Every Strength’, which was released last year and sounds like this:


    It will also feature the newly released ‘Revenant’, a collaboration with NOWHERE2RUN, the new project from former Code Orange members Jami Morgan and Eric “Shade” Balderose.

    Musically, it is as sporadically dense as it is bristling with hedonistic and guttural outbursts. Intense and unpredictable, it’s a claustrophobic, forward-thinking, brutal and sensationally constructed piece of modern heavy music. Unlike anybody else and still very much the tip of the iceberg in terms of what it feels like this record is going to represent, it’s one hell of a statement to make.

    Get stuck in.


    The band are due to hit the road in the coming weeks.

    MAY

    09 – PERTH Magnet House
    11 – ADELAIDE The Gov, Adelaide        
    13 – MELBOURNE The Forum
    14 – SYDNEY Metro Theatre
    15 – NEWCASTLE King St Bandroom
    16 – BRSIBANE The Tivoli, Brisbane

    JUNE

    03 – PRAGUE O2 Universum
    05 – NUERBERG Rock Am Ring
    06 – NUERBERG Rock Im Park
    09 – ZURICH Komplex 457
    10 – STUTTGART Im Wizemann Club
    11 – ASCHAFFENBURG Colos-Saal
    13 – NICKELSDORF Nova Rocks
    14 – HRADEC KRALOVE Rock For People
    16 – SAARBRÜCKEN Garage
    17 – DORTMUND FSW
    19 – CLISSON Hellfest
    20 – DESSEL Graspop
    22 – HAMBURG Docks
    24 – COPENHAGEN Copenhell
    25 – BERLIN Huxley’s Neue Welt

    The post Loathe Announce New Album ‘A Stranger To You’, Their First In Six Years appeared first on Rock Sound.

  • Full Album Stream: Steve Austin – “Marked Cards and Loaded Dice”

    Today is the Day frontman Steve Austin has done a lot in the music business, including a Decibel Hall of Fame, but he’s taking it straight back to his roots with a new solo album, Marked Cards and Loaded Dice.

    Austin—who was born in Lebanon, Tennessee with familial ties to Appalachia—grew up with outlaw country and bluegrass music, inspired by the albums he heard and by his father, honky-tonk musician Tillman Austin. Despite nearly 35 years as the brain behind Today is the Day (plus production credits including New American Gospel and When Forever Comes Crashing), the allure of outlaw country remained and Austin wrote his first record in the style. 

     The 11-track album is stripped back and raw, following closely in the tradition of Townes Van Zandt, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash. It has a sense of real authenticity, blending catchiness (“Long Way to Hell”) with ballads (“The Rain Keeps Comin’ Down,” “I Won’t Make It Last”) and occasional bursts of upbeat chicken pickin’. Austin is assisted on the record by drummer Colin Frecknall (Today is the Day), fiddle player Ryu Bennett and pedal steel legend Dana Flood (Hank Williams, Willie Nelson, and George Jones). 

     Decibel spoke with Austin about the new style, using vintage equipment and if listeners can expect more in the style. Read it below after pressing play on a full stream of Marked Cards and Loaded Dice. The album is officially out on May 1 via Austin’s own label, Supernova Records.

    What led you to writing and recording an outlaw country record?
    I came across a set of lyric books that belonged to my father, Tillman Austin, from the early 1950s. By day, he was a machinist at Chrysler, and at night, he played guitar and sang in a honky-tonk band. I read through all of his songs and it was heartbreaking stuff. The loneliness and pain that he was livin’ through filled every page. It made me think about how much I missed real country music—music from the heart that’s honest and real. So, I started writing what would be the 1st song on this record. 

    Are these songs you’ve been writing for years or were they written with the express intention of going on this album?
    The first song I wrote was “Am I Just Crazy,” during COVID lockdown in 2020. After being in isolation in the woods for months with the world crashing in, I was depressed out of my mind. Late one night, I played my song for Hanna [Austin’s wife]. It was emotionally heavy for both of us. She cried, and then I cried. I realized how important this was to me. These songs made me feel hope. They brought me back to my roots and the Austin family from Appalachia in Chestnut Mound, Tennessee. They made me wanna live when everything seemed so hopeless.

    You used all vintage equipment for the recording of Marked Cards and Loaded Dice. How did using that specific gear help you to develop the sound you had in mind?
    I wanted Marked Cards and Loaded Dice to sound as real as possible. I love the classic sounds on records like Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd and The Beatles’ White Album. I wanted Marked Cards and Loaded Dice to sound true to the old-school bluegrass and traditional country albums I grew up on. I love the way it came out and the down-home sound of the album. Just real songs and real playin’ from the heart about living through life.

    You and Colin from Today is the Day played most of the instruments, but you also have Dana Flood and Ryu Bennett on the record; were they actively involved in the songwriting process or did you connect with them after songs were written?
    After I had demoed all of the songs, I began a search for the sickest pedal steel and fiddle players I could find. Luckily, country music pedal steel legend Dana Flood lived only 45 minutes away. Dana had toured and played with all the greats during the outlaw country days in the 1970s. To me, he is a virtuoso and the Randy Rhoads of pedal steel. He plays some of the most beautiful steel guitar and dobro parts I’ve ever heard. He was a protégé of Don Helms, Hank Williams Sr.’s pedal steel man. Don called Dana the greatest there ever was.

    I was honored that, after I showed him the songs, he was so inspired and excited to rock this thing with me. Ryu Bennett, who plays the fiddle, is a classically-trained symphony performer that loves Appalachian music. She has a very hypnotic and psychedelic style that reminds me at times of the strings on the Beatles’ acid-era albums. She rips some wicked old-time fiddle playin’. Colin totally rocked it on the drums. He has a great feel and lays down a rocking groove that works perfectly with the tunes. They all three came up with amazing jams, and I couldn’t have been more proud of their approach to these tunes.

    A lot of your career has been spent in the heavy and extreme music arenas, playing in TITD and producing various records, but you grew up with old-school and outlaw country music. Do you feel like Marked Cards was a sort of return to your roots as a musician or person?
    Yes, I do. During COVID, I had a lot of time for introspection. I grew up in Lebanon, Tennessee. I live in the woods in Maine now, and have a barn and some chickens. I burn firewood to heat our house and live a primitive life. I fix our cars, sweep the chimney, repair anything and everything at our pad. I enjoy arborist work and love being in nature, away from towns or cities. When I was a kid, my parents would drive me crazy. I’d get home from school and go way out in the woods and creeks, exploring caves, shooting persimmons off of trees with my .22 rifle. I’d take off riding on my horse. It was peace and solitude that was calming from the insanity going down at my house. Truly a kid’s dream. Just me and my dog and a forest playground with total freedom and escape. I feel lucky to live where I do now as well, and I’m proud of my Appalachian family. They work hard, live good lives and are there for anyone who needs a hand. The most important thing in life for me is my family, friends, animals and being the best man I can be. I’m grateful for my life and everyone in it. 

    Is this a one-off excursion into the country music genre or should we expect more Steve Austin records in a similar vein?
    Hell yeah! Last October, I recorded a Magnolia Session Album in Nashville with Dan Emery from Anti-Corp Records at his studio for album number two. It’s a binaural live recording with no overdubs and me singing and playing guitar. It has songs from Marked Cards and some new ones. I’ve already written four new songs for the next album after the Magnolia release. I love playing mountain music and the feeling it brings me and the people. Gonna keep pushing myself to play and sing what I feel inside. From now until I head off into the sunset.

    The post Full Album Stream: Steve Austin – “Marked Cards and Loaded Dice” appeared first on Decibel Magazine.

  • Cinematic Gothic: Mastering the ‘Noir’ Look in Everyday Style

    Cinematic Gothic: Mastering the ‘Noir’ Look in Everyday Style

    Transform your daily wardrobe into a scene from a classic noir thriller.

    The Cinematic Approach to Style

    In cinematography, we know that what you leave in the shadows is just as important as what you reveal in the light. This philosophy is the foundation of the cinematic gothic aesthetic. You don’t need elaborate costumes to convey a narrative; you need a cohesive, intentional visual language that tells a story about who you are.

    Triptych of black and white noir photography showcasing classic silhouettes and high-contrast editorial style.

    Building Your Noir Uniform

    Mastering the ‘Noir’ look for everyday wear begins with three core principles: Contrast, Texture, and Silhouette.

    Start by focusing on Contrast. In a black-and-white film, grayscale depth creates drama. In your wardrobe, focus on deep blacks paired with charcoal grays or crisp whites. Avoid clutter. Next, incorporate Texture. A smooth leather jacket worn over a distressed lace layer creates visual tension that draws the eye. Finally, Silhouette is your frame. Whether you prefer structured, sharp lines or flowing, ethereal fabrics, ensure your clothing fits your frame as precisely as a camera lens focuses on a subject.

    Ready to live your own noir thriller? Join our mailing list for weekly style inspiration.

    High-contrast minimalist noir portrait of a woman in a black turtleneck, focusing on sharp bone structure and moody shadow play.

    The Cinematographer’s Eye

    To truly embody this look, you must view your surroundings through the lens of a cinematographer. Look for “frames” in your daily environment—architecture, shadows, reflections—and consider how your outfit interacts with those spaces. When you dress with an awareness of the lighting and environment around you, your style becomes an extension of the world you inhabit. This is the difference between simply wearing clothes and embodying an aesthetic.

    Cinematic film noir portrait of a woman wearing a wide-brim hat, reminiscent of classic mystery thriller aesthetics.

    Conclusion

    Cinematic gothic style is not about performance; it is about precision and mood. By stripping away the unnecessary and focusing on high-contrast, textured layers, you create a timeless look that stands out in the modern world. Embrace the shadows, sharpen your silhouette, and make your everyday life your own cinematic masterpiece.

    The post Cinematic Gothic: Mastering the ‘Noir’ Look in Everyday Style appeared first on Edgar Allan Poets – Noir Rock Band.

  • Metal Blade Records and BraveWords Announce Landmark Partnership to Bring “Metal Mondays” to a Global Audience

    – April 27th, 2026 –

    The hit interactive metal trivia experience expands to BraveWords.com

    Metal Blade Records and BraveWords today announced a powerful new partnership to bring Metal Mondays, the fast-growing interactive audio trivia experience, to BraveWords.com.

    Already building a passionate and competitive player base across iOS and Android, Metal Mondays has quickly established itself as a weekly ritual for metal fans. Now, for the first time, the experience will be fully integrated into one of the world’s leading metal media platforms – dramatically expanding its reach and impact.

    The BraveWords rollout began Monday, April 20th, marking a major milestone in the evolution of the platform.

    Metal Mondays has proven its staying power, with fans returning week after week to test their knowledge, discover new music, and compete for leaderboard dominance. The move to BraveWords.com represents the next phase – taking an already successful product and placing it directly in front of millions of deeply engaged metal fans.

    Players can expect the same addictive format, now more accessible than ever:

    • Audio-driven trivia spanning decades of metal
    • Competitive gameplay with global leaderboards
    • Opportunities to win exclusive prizes
    • Deep dives into Metal Blade’s legendary catalog and beyond

    What began as a mobile-first experience now evolves into a fully embedded, web-based destination – meeting fans where they already live, read, and breathe metal.

    Metal Mondays has already shown that fans are hungry for new ways to engage with the music beyond streaming,” said Brian Slagel, CEO of Metal Blade Records. “By partnering with BraveWords, we’re amplifying something that’s already working – bringing it to a massive global audience and making it even more accessible.”

    We’re always looking for ways to deepen engagement with our audience,” said Tim Henderson, CEO of BraveWords. “Metal Mondays stood out immediately – it’s proven, it’s sticky, and it taps directly into the competitive spirit of metal fans. Bringing it to BraveWords is a natural and exciting next step.”

    The partnership transforms BraveWords.com into more than a destination for news – it becomes an interactive hub where fans can play, compete, and explore.

    Metal Mondays encourages players to:

    • Rediscover classic tracks and explore deep cuts
    • Engage more deeply with artists and the Metal Blade catalog
    • Return weekly for new challenges and evolving competition
    • Participate in a shared global experience rooted in metal culture

    It also creates new opportunities for sponsorship, advertising, and fan engagement through gamified media – an emerging frontier in music and entertainment.

    About Metal Blade Records
    Founded in 1982 by Brian Slagel, Metal Blade Records is one of the most influential labels in heavy music history. With a legacy spanning over four decades, the label continues to shape the genre through groundbreaking artists, innovation, and a deep connection to the global metal community.

    About BraveWords
    Founded in 1994, BraveWords is a premier destination for heavy metal news, interviews, and culture. With a global audience of dedicated fans, BraveWords has become a trusted voice and essential platform within the metal ecosystem.

    About Metal Mondays
    Metal Mondays is a weekly interactive audio trivia game that challenges fans to identify songs, artists, and genres while competing for leaderboard rankings and prizes. Originally launched on iOS and Android, the platform has built a growing and highly engaged player base, combining music discovery with competitive gameplay.

    Metal Mondays is developed and powered by Pantheon Media and Spooler Media, leaders in audio innovation and next-generation fan engagement.

  • Loathe Reveal New Album ‘A Stranger To You’, Single “Revenant” Streaming Now

    loathe_band

    For the first time in six years, U.K. genre-agnostics Loathe are releasing a brand new, full-length studio effort titled A Stranger To You. Set to release on July 17, the album’s first single “Revenant” is streaming right now.

    Described as “perhaps their heaviest song to date”, the new single “Revenant” is aptly named. It only hangs around for a few minutes, hits hard, and then vanishes as fast as it came. Seriously, this thing goes hard in the paint for the kind of thick sounds and rabid fury you’d expect from a band like Loathe.

    Though you’ll have to wait a couple months for the release of A Stranger To You, you can make sure you get yourself a copy by preordering one for yourself today.

    A Stranger To You tracklist

    1. …….

    2. ….. .. …..

    3. …….. ….

    4. ……

    5. ……. …. … …..

    6. …… .. …….

    7. ……

    8. Revenant

    9. … … .. ……

    10. …. .. …..

    11. …..

    12. … ……

    13. Gifted Every Strength

    14. .. ……. .. ….…

    e3a5427e-e381-48e5-97bd-9781ef0062b7.jpg

    The post Loathe Reveal New Album ‘A Stranger To You’, Single “Revenant” Streaming Now appeared first on MetalSucks.

  • WOLFGANG VAN HALEN’S MAMMOTH Expands Summer 2026 Tour Schedule

    Wolfgang Van Halen is taking Mammoth back on the road this summer, adding a new run of U.S. headline dates to The End tour. The expanded schedule fills in gaps between the band’s previously confirmed support slots with Creed, keeping the momentum going through the season.

    The current Mammoth lineup features Wolfgang Van Halen handling guitar and lead vocals, alongside guitarist Frank Sidoris (from Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy And The Conspirators), guitarist/vocalist Jon Jourdan, drummer Garrett Whitlock (of Tremonti), and bassist Ronnie Ficarro. Together, they’ll cover 18 shows across North America.

    The run begins July 12 in Edmonton, Alberta at Rockin’ Thunder, where Mammoth opens for Creed, and continues through August 8 in Monroe, Minnesota at the Monroe State Fair, sharing the stage with Daughtry. Along the way, the band will hit cities including Des Moines, Huntsville, Chattanooga, and Albany.

    Ticket details and VIP package options are available through the band’s official site.

    The post WOLFGANG VAN HALEN’S MAMMOTH Expands Summer 2026 Tour Schedule appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

  • STONE SOUR Guitarist JOSH RAND’s THE L.I.F.E. PROJECT Joins Frontiers Music

    Frontiers Music Srl has brought The L.I.F.E. Project into its roster, marking a new phase for the collaboration between guitarist Josh Rand of Stone Sour and vocalist Casandra Carson of Paralandra and Casandra’s Crossing.

    The deal puts the project in a stronger position to reach a wider audience, with new material already in the pipeline. With label backing now in place, The L.I.F.E. Project is set to push its sound further while building on the groundwork established since its formation.

    Josh Rand said: “I’m pleased to announce that The L.I.F.E. Project will be joining the Frontiers family. It was important to me to be on a label that wanted to be cutting edge in the industry but still have that mom-and-pop relationship with the artist. I’m looking forward to working with Jeff and Tom to bring The L.I.F.E. Project to our loyal fans!”

    Frontiers Label Group general manager Jeff Stevenson added: “We’re incredibly proud to welcome The L.I.F.E. Project to the label. From the moment we heard the new music created by Josh and Casandra, it was clear they continue to bring a unique vision and emotional depth that aligns perfectly with our mission here at Frontiers. We’re excited to partner with them and help bring their artistry to a larger global audience.”

    The roots of The L.I.F.E. Project go back to a shared idea between Rand and Carson, built on a strong creative connection. Rand had plans for a female-fronted project for years, and things moved forward in 2020 after the two were introduced through a mutual contact. What started as a trial collaboration developed into a focused project with a clear direction.

    On the music side, The L.I.F.E. Project blends Rand’s heavy, groove-driven guitar work with Carson’s wide-ranging vocal style. The sound pulls from classic metal, thrash, and progressive influences, keeping things grounded in heavy riffing while leaving room for melody and dynamic shifts.

    The band’s writing process has shaped a sound that balances weight and accessibility. Songs take shape through a natural back-and-forth between the two, allowing ideas to grow without forcing direction.

    Lyrically, The L.I.F.E. Project moves beyond standard themes, focusing on real-world topics. Their material draws from history, social issues, and broader cultural tensions, tackling ideas like empowerment, resistance, and societal pressure while staying anchored in a heavy framework.

    The post STONE SOUR Guitarist JOSH RAND’s THE L.I.F.E. PROJECT Joins Frontiers Music appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.