South Korean musical artist Kim Jimin records indie pop under the name Meaningful Stone. Earlier this year, she traveled to Los Angeles to collaborate with Melina Duterte, the beloved artist and producer better known as Jay Som. The result is “1+1=0,” a new single that shimmers and jangles with the best of them.

The post Meaningful Stone – “1+1= 0” (Feat. Jay Som) appeared first on Stereogum.

The studio version of that recent live staple will be arriving online next week.

The post Queens Of The Stone Age Preview The Studio Version Of Their New Track “Easy Street” appeared first on Theprp.com.

Bloodstock Bound: Vampyra

As Bloodstock gets closer, we delve deep into the line up to find out more about some of the bands playing the New Blood and EMP stages at this years event.

Today we chat with Vampyra

Please introduce yourselves.

Danny: Hi I’m Danny aka Count Venom, I get my name from venomous licks and fang-tastic solos I have been in the band for just over a year.
Benji: Hi I’m Benji aka Boingo the clown and I am the bassist for Vampyra.
Dill: I’m Dill. I play drums under the persona of Ingrid Orlok. She is half vampire on her mother’s side and half zombie on her father’s.
Gemma: My name is Gemma and I perform as the vocalist under the persona Madame Hex. Madame Hex used to work in the underworld and was sent to the world of the living to investigate all the strange disappearances related to the band.

How would you describe your sound?

Danny: Taking punk and blending it with metal with spooky themes, I would say we don’t fit any specific genre but bleed through different styles however we’re described as horror punk.
Benji: I would say it’s quite hard to pinpoint what style of metal we really are as we kind of mix and experiment with different types like one song would be slow and heavy pounding and then the next song will be fully fast-paced and chaotic.
Dill: I write most of the music and tend to incorporate elements from all the genres I love. While I try to focus on riffs, breakdowns and shredding solos, I can’t help but inject the occasional hint of ska, jazz or disco rhythms, chords and melodies to compensate for my inability to perform blast beats.
Gemma: We’re a band that likes to keep things super campy and fun! With heavy breakdowns, face melting solos and gritty vocals. Whilst also incorporating different elements from other genres, you’ll find some songs may be angry, spooky, or just down right ridiculous. We’re out here to try and put some fun into the world.

How did you land your spot on the Bloodstock bill?

Danny: We were given the opportunity to take part in M2TM due to a spot becoming available and threw caution to the wind and convinced Benji and Gemma it would be a great platform to reveal the new line up, we never expected to pass the first round and when we did it hit us all that we had something special as a unit, this made us take this new line up seriously and we worked extremely hard together playing gigs and recognising our weaknesses and working them out. After qualifying for the final we knew we had to up our game and also work on our stage presence as the final was going to be our toughest test up against so many talented bands and to win through was the best feeling of my life.

How tough was the competition this year?

Danny: This was my first time competing in M2TM and had no expectations of getting through let alone winning, especially with the quality and experience of all the other bands competing. I guess not having any expectations enabled the whole band to relax and just enjoy the experience up until the final and seeing the competing line up was humbling being among the top bands in Kent. We were drawn in position number one and went out on stage and did our thing, if drawn further down maybe we would have put too much pressure on ourselves.
Benji: It was very tough I mean literally the very first heat of metal to the masses was actually our debut gig and that was three months ago so the fact that we persevered and actually went through to win it really it was quite shocking for us!
Dill: Yikes! Our heat was actually Benji and Gemma’s first gig, so we didn’t feel like we’d had a chance to settle. Our local scene is full of super tight bands with stable line-ups and established followings, so we didn’t think we stood a chance. Vampyra has always had trouble establishing itself due to constant line-up changes with myself being the only constant member. Some people were even convinced we had broken up, so it’s especially satisfying for me to suddenly have the band get this far after struggling so much for five years.
Gemma: The competition this year was absolutely mind blowing! There were quite a few times throughout the competition where I didn’t think we’d go through. It really does show that Kent has an ever growing scene of diversity and phenomenal talent. Even if we hadn’t had got through I would have been equally proud to make it to the finals and play with such an incredible line of musicians.

What does playing at Bloodstock mean to you?

Danny: Since starting to learn guitar 12 years ago and performing in college bands gave me a taste of what I wanted to achieve and so set about finding the right committed people with the same ambition to play at bloodstock in front of the biggest audience and I found friendship, commitment, passion and the same hunger with everyone associated with Vamprya.
Benji: It’s very exciting for us I’m not entirely sure about the others but I personally have never been there before so to go to a festival as huge as this for the first time and play there is honestly amazing.
Dill: I can’t afford to go to festivals, so getting the opportunity to play one is always a privilege. Last year I got to play Rebellion Punk Festival in Blackpool and I tried to enjoy as much of it as possible on the one day I was there. I didn’t think I would be lucky enough to play another one of my dream festivals so soon, but here we are. It’s something I dreamed of for years. I feel truly blessed.
Gemma: If you had told me this time last year that I would be playing one of the biggest metal festivals in the UK I definitely wouldn’t believe you! It’s such an incredible achievement and to do it in a place where I will feel welcomed and around a community I feel at home means the absolute world.

For people who’ve never seen you live, what can they expect at Bloodstock?

Danny: Something different, tempo changes blood curdling riffs and flesh eating solos with a mixture of entertainment and audience participation.
Benji: For those who have never seen us they can expect hard heavy hitting riffs gut busting bass and drums and an all round crazy theatrical experience that we feel makes us truly unique and cannot get with any other band.
Dill: Something fun. Nostalgia, maybe? If people enjoy the old horror clichés, then they should enjoy our unapologetically campy stage show.
Gemma: They can expect a lot of spookiness, silliness, monster moshing and maybe even a clown horn!

What day are you performing?

Saturday

What other bands are you looking forward to watching at Bloodstock this year?

Danny: Municipal Waste is top of my list.
Benji: I personally am most looking forward to seeing Judas Priest as I originally had a ticket to see them supporting Ozzy Osborne a good few years ago but unfortunately that gig never happened due to Ozzy becoming too ill so to finally see them now will be an absolute treat.
Dill: Where do I start? Evil Scarecrow and Wednesday 13 have been a huge influence on Vampyra. This year is also full of bucket list bands for me such as Saxon, Lamb of God, Sepultura, Judas Priest and Mushroomhead. Noisepicker were guests at our M2TM final and they blew me away, so I definitely want to see them again. I used to be in a band with the bassist of Concrete Age so I want to go support them too. Tempest Saint played my best friend’s birthday party last year and they were excellent. There’s a bunch more I want to check out.
Gemma: Bands I’m looking forward to the most are Lamb of God, Judas Priest, Body Count, Party Cannon, Castle Rat, Heavysaurus, Battlesnake, Excremenatory Grindfuckers and Black Label Society. I’m also looking forward to the other M2TM winners on the New Blood stage.

Playing the New Blood Stage is just the first steppingstone in a bands journey. What’s next in your plans for world domination?

Danny: Playing as many festivals that will have us growing our fan base and playing venues across the country but most importantly putting on a show for all the people who come to see us , after all we want them leaving with the same buzz I have when I leave a concert.
Benji: We would love for opportunities to play other big time festivals like this one maybe Download next year? Who knows? Only time will tell!
Dill: We play more shows, festivals, record more music, make more videos, sell merch, reach as many more people as possible and tour. Hopefully supporting some of our favourite bands.
Gemma: I think recording and releasing an EP will be the next big step for us. I also want to book more shows and get out of the south. A personal goal I have is to support a band like Raised by owls. But we shall see about that one.

Are you camping with the fans? Which campsite are you heading for?

Danny: I think we’re in the artists camp site, I’ve never camped before so I’m imagining a lot of outtake videos, ha ha.
Benji: From what I’ve been told we’re heading for the artist camp. I don’t know, I’m just the bass player so I’m just following along.
Dill: We will be using the artist campsite. I haven’t been camping since I was a child, so that’s actually the most intimidating part of the whole experience for me.
Gemma: We will be in the artist camp mingling and networking with the other bands. But we have a lot of friends and fans that are regulars at Bloodstock so we will definitely be mingling with the other camps.

You’ve gotta keep hydrated at Bloodstock, what is your drink of choice for the weekend?

Danny: Mainly water but afterwards a cool beer or two.
Benji: Depending on how drunk I really wanna get if I want to keep it nice cool and casual just some good beers will do but if I want to get absolutely smashed And potentially question my life choices on how I ended up here give me all the desperados and all shots you have.
Dill: Lots of water to stay hydrated but lots of cola to keep my taste buds happy
Gemma: 5 MILLION BEERS! No, no I kid. Although it would be a crime for me to not drink all weekend at a festival. So there will definitely be beers, cider, a few monsters and water. Hydrate or die-drate.

See you at Bloodstock in a few weeks!

Danny: Can’t wait.
Benji: See you there!
Dill: Hell yeah!
Gemma: See you in the monster pit!

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

The post Bloodstock Bound: Vampyra appeared first on The Razor's Edge.

Earlier this week, Ben Folds Five announced they were releasing the shelved first attempt at their debut album for its 30th anniversary. Now, Ben Folds has been revealed as the producer and music director for an upcoming Off-Broadway one-woman musical called We’ve Been Here Before, and he’ll be performing in it as well.

The post Ben Folds To Produce, Music Direct, & Appear In Off-Broadway Musical appeared first on Stereogum.

Black Sabbath’s Bill Ward has revealed a personal health update that’s left fans talking, but the legendary drummer wants to make one thing perfectly clear about what comes next.

The post Black Sabbath’s Bill Ward Sets the Record Straight on His Health appeared first on Audio Ink Radio.

Vanden Plas – AcCult II (June 12th, 2026)

Thirty years since the release of AcCult, Vanden Plas’ first acoustic EP, the band returns with part 2 and a new collection of acoustic songs which includes some new versions of their own songs, as well as two acoustic covers – a lively take on Styx’s “Boat on the River” as well as Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters” performed hauntingly on piano. Otherwise, songs like “Far Off Grace” and “Holes in the Sky” come off feeling fresh, as do many of the others in the surprisingly captivating collection. Supertramp’s John Helliwell also provides some tasteful sax playing on the closing track “You Fly.” All in all, this is a worthy addition to the outstanding Vanden Plas catalog.

Order here: https://ffm.bio/accultii

Tracklisting
1. Far off Grace
2. Holes in the Sky
3. The Ghost Experiment
4. Boat on the River
5. Healing Tree
6. Postcard to God
7. Nothing Else Matters
8. You Fly

Line-up / Musicians
Andy Kuntz / vocals
Stephan Lill / guitars
Andreas Lill / drums
Thorsten Reichert / bass
Alessandro Del Vecchio / keyboards

With:
– John Helliwell / sax (8)

Phideaux – AutoMoto Animus (July 6th, 2026)

AutoMoto Animus is prog cult hero Phideaux Xavier’s first album of new material since 2018’s Infernal. While some of his most celebrated works, including Infernal and Doomsday Afternoon, are sprawling progressive epics, this outing favors a more concise approach, with shorter songs making up most of the album before closing with a 14-minute epic. Along the way, Phideaux draws inspiration from artists such as Queen, Electric Light Orchestra, David Bowie, and 10cc, filtering those influences through his own cinematic songwriting style. The opening tracks evoke the feel of an ’80s film soundtrack, while the standout single “Hey Humanity” is a gorgeous piano ballad elevated by lush orchestration. Elsewhere, “Driving to Destruction” channels the quirky sophistication of classic 10cc. Although more streamlined than some of Phideaux’s landmark releases, AutoMoto Animus remains an engaging and rewarding listen, packed with memorable melodies and inventive arrangements.

Order here: https://bloodfish.com/listen-to-phideaux

Tracklisting:
1.Do What U Will 04:46
2.Hey Humanity 04:13
3.Driving To Destruction 04:41
4.Stay With Me 03:13
5.Charlie Knew 04:04
6.Siren In The Storm 03:59
7.Enigmatic Terminus 03:58
8.Legend Of Mary Jo 14:13

Lunatic Soul – Transition II (June 26th, 2026)

Former Riverside frontman Mariusz Duda’s other project, Lunatic Soul, returned last year with the outstanding double album  The World Under Unsun, marking the project’s debut for InsideOutMusic. Before fully closing the chapter on its longtime home at Kscope, however, Duda has released one final title for the label, Transition II. The four-track collection includes the new composition “Realm of the Weeping Willows,” newly remixed versions of “Hylophobia” and “Vyraj”—both originally recorded during the Through Shaded Woods sessions—and a meticulously reimagined 23-minute version of the title track, reshaped to fit a single side of vinyl while retaining the immersive atmosphere and epic scope that made it a fan favorite. “Realm of the Weeping Willows” is driven by a compelling rhythmic pulse, complemented by Duda’s trademark ambient textures and inventive instrumentation. The result is a cohesive and deeply atmospheric release that highlights Lunatic Soul’s instrumental strengths while serving as a fitting bridge to the project’s next chapter.

Order here: https://lunaticsoul.bandcamp.com/album/transition-ii

1.Realm Of The Weeping Willows 11:41
2.Hylophobia 03:21
3.Vyraj 05:32
4.Transition II 23:00

Voivod – Symphonique (June 5th, 2026)

Canadian progressive thrash legends Voivod deliver a powerful live performance unlike anything else in their catalog, joined by the Quebec Symphony Orchestra for a unique orchestral reimagining of twelve songs spanning their career. With a setlist that heavily favors fan-favorite albums Dimension Hatröss and Nothingface, the orchestra enhances rather than overwhelms the band’s signature sound, adding new depth to the music while the band remains as fierce and dynamic as ever. From revitalized classics like “Nuclear War” to a stunning finale with their celebrated cover of Pink Floyd’s “Astronomy Domine,” this ambitious collaboration succeeds in making the symphonic metal concept feel fresh and distinctly Voivod.

Order here: https://centurymedia.store/pages/voivod-symphonique

1. Experiment (07:43)
2. Holographic Thinking (06:23)
3. The Unknown Knows (05:09)
4. The End of Dormancy (08:33)
5. Into My Hypercube (05:16)
6. Forgotten In Space (06:27)
7. Cosmic Drama (05:05)
8. Pre-Ignition (05:24)
9. Nuclear War (05:04)
10. Fall (06:39)
11. Tribal Convictions (05:07)
12. Astronomy Domine (05:54)

Denis “Snake” Belanger / Vocals
Daniel “Chewy” Mongrain / Guitar
Dominic “Rocky” Laroche / Bass
Michel “Away” Langevin / Drums

The post New Release Spotlight: Vanden Plas / Phideaux / Lunatic Soul / Voivod appeared first on The Prog Report.

Focusing on their early works, complete with new interviews.

The post My Dying Bride Box Set “Anthology Of Sombre Reflections” Due In August appeared first on Theprp.com.

Rock Rotation: The Spotify Playlist Every Rock Fan Should Follow

Finding the perfect rock playlist isn’t easy. Some focus entirely on classic rock, while others only feature the latest releases. If you’re looking for a balanced mix of legendary artists, modern rock bands, hidden gems and underrated tracks, Rock Rotation was created with exactly that in mind.

Updated regularly, Rock Rotation is a carefully curated Spotify playlist that celebrates everything rock music has to offer. From timeless anthems to exciting new discoveries, the playlist is designed to keep listeners coming back for something fresh every time they press play.

A Rock Playlist That Never Gets Old

One of the biggest problems with many playlists is repetition. After a few listens, you already know what’s coming next.

Rock Rotation takes a different approach.

Instead of relying on the same collection of overplayed songs, it combines classic favourites with modern releases, deep album cuts and emerging artists. The result is a playlist that feels familiar while constantly introducing listeners to music they may have otherwise missed.

Whether you’re a lifelong rock fan or simply looking for something new, there’s always another great song waiting around the corner.

Classic Rock Meets Modern Rock

Rock music has evolved enormously over the decades, and Rock Rotation reflects that journey.

The playlist brings together music from different eras, allowing listeners to move seamlessly between legendary bands and today’s most exciting rock acts.

Expect to hear artists who helped define rock music alongside newer bands carrying the genre forward. This combination creates a listening experience that appeals to both nostalgic fans and those searching for fresh music.

Hidden Gems Worth Discovering

Some of the best rock songs never become radio hits.

That’s why Rock Rotation also shines a spotlight on lesser-known artists and underrated tracks. Independent bands, forgotten album cuts and overlooked singles all have a place in the playlist.

Discovering new music has always been one of the most rewarding parts of being a rock fan, and Rock Rotation aims to make those discoveries happen every day.

Updated Regularly

A great playlist should never stand still.

Rock Rotation is updated regularly with new releases and fresh additions while keeping a strong selection of classics at its core. This means followers can return knowing they’ll always find something different without losing the familiar songs they love.

Regular updates also help support new artists, giving them the opportunity to sit alongside some of rock’s biggest names.

Perfect for Every Occasion

Rock Rotation is designed for almost any situation.

Whether you’re:

• Driving
• Working
• Playing guitar
• Working out
• Travelling
• Relaxing at home

The playlist delivers a soundtrack that moves naturally between energetic rock anthems, melodic favourites and powerful modern tracks.

Why Follow Rock Rotation?

Thousands of playlists promise “the best rock songs,” but Rock Rotation focuses on something more important: creating a listening experience that never becomes predictable.

Instead of simply collecting the biggest hits, every addition is chosen to keep the playlist balanced, exciting and enjoyable from beginning to end.

If you enjoy discovering new music while still hearing the classic songs that made you fall in love with rock, Rock Rotation deserves a place in your Spotify library.

Follow Rock Rotation

Looking for your next favourite rock song?

Follow Rock Rotation on Spotify and enjoy a constantly evolving collection of classic rock, modern rock, hidden gems and unforgettable guitar-driven music.

Because great rock music never stands still.