Category: news

  • B.F. Raid Unleashes New Album Combat Zone And Spotlights Crushing Single “Punchdrunk” – @thebeast

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



    B.F. Raid Unleashes New Album Combat Zone And Spotlights Crushing Single “Punchdrunk”


    Massachusetts metal outfit turns the streets, memories, and overlooked stories of Greater Boston into a ten-track musical documentary
    BOSTON, Massachusetts — Massachusetts heavy metal band B.F. Raid has released its second full-length album, Combat Zone , aand is currently spotlighting the hard-hitting track “Punchdrunk” as the album’s featured single.
    Released July 30, 2026, Combat Zone is far more than a conventional heavy metal record. Recorded at The Record Co. in Boston with engineer Jamie Rowe , the album serves as an audio documentary about growing up and living in and around Boston, combining the band’s distinctly heavy sound with stories rooted in real places, people, memories, and experiences.
    At the center of the current campaign is “Punchdrunk,” one of the album’s ten tracks and a strong representation of B.F. Raid’s ability to balance traditional heavy metal power with the progressive structures, unconventional harmony, punk directness, and melodic foundations that define the band’s sound.
    The track sits within an album inspired by Boston’s former Combat Zone and the present-day area surrounding Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard. Across Combat Zone , B.F. Raid explores addiction, isolation, memory, desire, difficult relationships, survival, and the people whose stories are often overlooked.


    “Combat Zone is more than a collection of songs—it’s an audio documentary about growing up and living in Boston. Every track is rooted in a real place, person, memory or hard-earned experience, delivered through the heaviest and most diverse music B.F. Raid has ever recorded.”


    B.F. Raid features Bill Kotowski on vocals, Bruce Owens on guitar and keyboards, Matt “Moose” Howard on bass, and Jamie Forbes on drums. Kotowski, Owens, and Forbes are originally from Malden, Massachusetts, while Howard hails from Dallas, Texas.
    The band’s sound draws from the classic heavy metal tradition while refusing to remain confined by it. Progressive arrangements, punk attitude, unconventional harmonic ideas, dissonance, atmospheric textures, and strong melodic writing all play a role in B.F. Raid’s music, making Combat Zone a natural fit for fans of Motörhead, Iron Maiden, and Pantera .
    The songwriting process is equally collaborative. While an individual member may introduce the initial idea for a song, every composition is developed collectively, with all four musicians contributing to the final arrangement.
    Guitarist and keyboardist Bruce Owens frequently incorporates atonal ideas, unexpected intervals, dissonance, and unresolved movement into his compositions. Bassist Matt “Moose” Howard often establishes the tonal center of a song while stepping forward as a featured or solo instrument. Vocalist Bill Kotowski provides the emotional and narrative direction, while drummer Jamie Forbes drives the movement, dynamics, and structure.
    That collective approach is particularly important to Combat Zone .
    “No song reached the finish line exactly the way it started,” the band explains. “Once all four of us began working on it, the structure, mood, and direction could change completely. Every member helped shape what the listener ultimately hears.”
    “Punchdrunk” now serves as the band’s featured single from the album, giving listeners a direct entry point into the world of Combat Zone while highlighting the chemistry of the current lineup.
    The album follows B.F. Raid’s 2024 full-length Raided Again , which introduced the current lineup to a wider audience. Tracks including “Becky,” “Hollywood With Snakes,” and “Angel” received independent radio airplay and helped establish the band with listeners and broadcasters in the United States and abroad.
    With Combat Zone , B.F. Raid takes that foundation considerably further.
    While the title Combat Zone may suggest violence, the album contains no violent themes. Its heaviness comes from emotional tension, personal struggle, difficult circumstances, and the realities of the environments described throughout the record.
    B.F. Raid does not attempt to romanticize Boston’s past, pass judgment on its present, or offer easy answers to complicated problems. Instead, the band documents what it has seen, experienced, remembered, and lived through.
    The result is an album that is unmistakably heavy metal and unmistakably connected to Greater Boston.
    B.F. Raid’s Combat Zone is out now, with “Punchdrunk” serving as the album’s featured single.
    https://bfraid.bandcamp.com/album/combat-zone
    About B.F. Raid

    B.F. Raid is a Massachusetts heavy metal band featuring Bill Kotowski on vocals, Bruce Owens on guitar and keyboards, Matt “Moose” Howard on bass, and Jamie Forbes on drums. Combining traditional heavy metal with progressive composition, punk energy, unconventional harmony, melodic foundations, and story-driven songwriting, the band has developed a sound that is heavy, unpredictable, and deeply rooted in the character of Greater Boston.
    Their second full-length album, Combat Zone , was released July 30, 2026.
    For Fans Of: Motörhead, Iron Maiden, Pantera

    Connect: 
    https://linktr.ee/BFRAID
  • EINAR SOLBERG Releases Deluxe Edition Of “Vox Occulta”

    Einar Solberg of Leprous has released a new deluxe digital edition of his latest solo album, Vox Occulta. The expanded version is available to stream and download now here, adding instrumental editions of every track to the original release.

    Recorded with the Norwegian Radio OrchestraVox Occulta combines heavy progressive rock with large-scale symphonic arrangements. The instrumental versions put the orchestral work further into focus, offering a different perspective on the arrangements that shape the album’s cinematic sound.

    The record is rooted in Solberg’s long-standing interest in classical music and film scores, which he has followed for more than two decades. Its subject matter is equally personal, making Vox Occulta a thematic continuation of his solo debut, 16.

    While 16 dealt with the death of Solberg’s father and his own experiences with anxiety, Vox Occulta takes a broader look at his personality, outlook and relationship with the world in 2026. The result is a more direct portrait of the Leprous frontman away from his main band.

    Einar Solberg will support the album with his first-ever European headline tour this September. For the live shows, he has assembled an expanded lineup featuring Quentin Godet (Ten56) on guitar, Eero Maijala (Royal Sorrow) on bass, Harrison White (LeprousNovena) on keyboards, and Keli Guðjónsson (Agent Fresco) on drums.

    The touring ensemble will also include violinist Chris Baum (Bent Knee) and cellists Maya Fridman and Raphael Weinroth-Browne.

    Royal Sorrow, Raphael Weinroth-Browne, and Jovian Moons will provide support on the headline dates.

    The post EINAR SOLBERG Releases Deluxe Edition Of “Vox Occulta” appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

  • The Flower Kings announce 18th studio album HOPE;First single “In A World Of Fools” out now!

    After more than three decades of pushing the boundaries of progressive rock, The Flower Kings return with the new album, HOPE, due out on the 23rd October, 2026 on InsideOutMusic. The follow-up to 2025’s LOVE, stands as both a celebration of their legacy and a bold artistic statement. The album also finds the band returning to the side-long epic, with tracks clocking in at 18 and 28 minutes.
     
    Rather than chasing trends or revisiting past glories, the band has crafted a work that comfortably exists between refined musicianship and fearless ambition.

    Founding member Roine Stolt explains, “At a certain point in life – you arrive at a place where outside opinions matter less – and the process gravitates towards making an album that YOU yourself would LOVE but would perhaps normally not be viewed as a commercial attempt at all. We, the band – trust YOU, the audience – to be curious and to trust us that we want to bring you a grand glowing adventure.”
     
    To celebrate the release, the band has released the video for the first single titled
    “In A World Of Fools.”
     
    You can watch the video now here:
    https://youtu.be/hlRgAYzu1x0

    HOPE serves as a timely meditation on a turbulent time in the modern world. Without venturing into overt political commentary, its songs reflect on an era often marked by division and diminishing empathy while ultimately offering a message rooted in hope, acting as a roadmap, how to get there and re-ignite love in our hearts and our society.
     
    The album’s compositions come from Stolt and keyboardist Lalle Larsson, with its centerpiece being the nearly 30-minute epic “The Gods of Rome.” Originally conceived from orchestral ideas developed more than a decade ago, the piece took an unexpected creative journey, at one point nearly becoming the musical foundation for another Anderson & Stolt project before ultimately finding its true home with The Flower Kings. Reimagined for the full band, it has evolved into a powerful reflection on contemporary life, using the imagery of ancient Rome to explore enduring themes of power, conflict, and the human cost of ambition.
     
    Joining Stolt and Larsson once again are Hans Fröberg on vocals, Michael Stolt on bass, and Mirko DeMaio on drums. Supported by heartfelt performances from every member of the band, along with a number of special guests, the resulting album unfolds as a rewarding listening experience that reveals new details with each return. Stolt explains, “Like I said 37 years ago – ‘This is the band I will be in for the rest of my days’ – but I wouldn’t dream of us making one of our finest albums ever in 2026!”

     Tracklisting:
        1.World Spinning – The Final Curtain (18:45)
        2.In a World of Fools (5:35)
        3.Mars & Minerva (4:40)
        4.The Gods Of Rome (28:15)

    HOPE will be available as Ltd.CD + Blu-Ray Digipak, featuring Dolby Atmos & 5.1 Surround Sound mixes by Rich Mouser, a first for the band. The album will also be available as Standard CD Jewelcase, Gatefold 2LP & Digitally.

    THE FLOWER KINGS online:
    WEBSITEFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMSPOTIFYX

    INSIDEOUT MUSIC online:
    WEBSITESTORE FACEBOOKINSTAGRAMSPOTIFYX

  • Watch Bryan Adams and Pat Benatar Cover Stevie Wonder

    The pair were joined by guitarist Neil Giraldo for a special performance during a recent concert in Detroit. Continue reading…
  • MAIAH WYNNE RELEASES NEW VIDEO FOR “SEE THE WATER”

    Photo by Digital Sorcery

     New Single Taken From Upcoming Album, Into The Waves, Out September 25th via Kscope

    Maiah Wynne has unveiled the official video for her new single “See The Water,” the latest glimpse of her forthcoming studio album, Into The Waves, due September 25th via Kscope.

    Directed and edited by Wynne herself, the video brings the song’s imagery of being hunted, haunted and overwhelmed to life, reflecting a track she originally wrote at just 16 years old.

    I wrote ‘See the Water’ in a handful of minutes when I was 16. I had just been gifted a dulcimer and found my hands quickly dancing around a folky melody in D minor. What came out was the manifestation of my inner critic. That voice inside my head that always told me I wasn’t enough, no matter how hard I tried. I decided to create a character out of her to represent the feeling of being hunted and haunted by that voice everywhere I went. The imagery of water and drowning in those feelings kept coming up and in a moment of quick inspiration, the song came out fully formed and has only changed slightly in the years since. It’s nice to finally have a studio version of it out in the world close to how I always pictured it in my head.” – Maiah Wynne

    WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ‘SEE THE WATER’

    Credits:
    Cinematography: DS
    Drone: John Schmitt
    Creature actors: Evelyn Gail, Avery Schmitt
    Editing/Directing: Maiah Wynne

    STREAM/DOWNLOAD THE NEW SINGLE ‘SEE THE WATER’

    See The Water” appears on Wynne’s newly announced album Into The Waves, a deeply personal collection written, self-produced and largely recorded by Wynne during a period of major change. Much of the album took shape while she was on the road, with recordings captured in hotel rooms using a laptop and Wynne performing more than a dozen instruments across the record. The album was completed with mixing and additional production from Justin Abel (Noelle Johnson, The Talbott Brothers) and mastering by Alan Douches (Sufjan Stevens, Motörhead, LCD Soundsystem). Into The Waves also brings together an expansive cast of collaborators, including cellist Bethany Joyce, violinist Avelyn Reynolds, guitarist Brooks Berg, drummers Adam Brzycki and Randy Cooke, flugelhorn player Henry Sheppard, and Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson, further connecting Wynne’s solo work with her role as vocalist in Envy of None. Speaking to Rolling Stone about working with Wynne, Lifeson remarked:

    I’ve never had that kind of inspiration working with another musician.”

    Maiah Wynne – Into The Waves

    1. Nothing Stays The Same [04:06]
    2. Satellites [03:31]
    3. In A Dream [04:03]
    4. Creatures In The Night [03:33]
    5. False gods [03:25]
    6. Another Step (Featuring Dan Avidan) [03:58]
    7. See The Water [03:00]
    8. Underwater [02:40]
    9. Don’t Want To Say Goodbye [04:48]
    10. Breathe [02:38]
    11. Don’t Wait [04:42]
    12. Girl Dinner [04:03]
    I’ve never had that kind of inspiration working with another musician.”

    Wynne has toured extensively across the United States, sharing stages with Brandi Carlile, Indigo Girls and Tanya Tucker, as well as appearing at festivals including Red Ants Pants and Timber Music Festival. Her music has received coverage from Rolling Stone, Billboard, Guitar World and NPR Music.

    Maiah Wynne’s new album Into The Waves will be released September 25th via Kscope.

    Maiah Wynne’s new album Into The Waves will be released on 25th September, pre-orders are now available here.

    Maiah Wynne website
    Facebook
    Instagram
    YouTube
    Spotify
    Apple Music
    Kscope artist page
    Download images

  • WDR ROCKPLAST Shares ULI JON ROTH’s “All Along The Watchtower” Performance From Rock Hard Festival 2026

    WDR Rockpalast has released professionally filmed footage of German guitar legend Uli Jon Roth performing “All Along The Watchtower” at Rock Hard Festival 2026. The song was written by Bob Dylan and became widely known through The Jimi Hendrix Experience.

    Uli Jon Roth, also known as Ulrich Roth, was born in Düsseldorf and joined Scorpions as guitarist and songwriter in 1973, remaining with the band until 1978. He eventually left to pursue a solo career and explore different musical directions. Jimi Hendrix and Cream have remained among his key influences throughout his career.

    Following his time with Scorpions, Roth continued his work with Electric Sun while also expanding into classical music, composing symphonies and concertos.

    Roth’s approach has consistently crossed the boundaries between blues, rock, classical music and metal. His playing influenced a generation of guitarists, including Yngwie Malmsteen and Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett.

    In the early 1980s, Roth developed the Sky-Guitar, a six-octave instrument designed to allow him to play violin compositions in their original register. The instrument helped him become the first guitarist to perform Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” with an orchestra.

    Away from music, Roth has also pursued oil painting and philosophy, adding further dimensions to an already wide-ranging career.

    Uli Jon Roth is also confirmed for the 2027 edition of 70000 Tons Of Metal, The Original, The World’s Biggest Heavy Metal Cruise. The festival cruise will depart from Miami, Florida, sailing to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, before returning to Miami from January 14 through January 18, 2027.

    The post WDR ROCKPLAST Shares ULI JON ROTH’s “All Along The Watchtower” Performance From Rock Hard Festival 2026 appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

  • Judiciary – Release Another New Single

    Judiciary have released a new music video for their new song “Death Knell”, the closing track from their upcoming EP, Stalagmite Angels. Check it out below.
    Read more…
  • 2026 ‘This Is Hardcore’ Festival Set For December

    It’s absence this summer has been the cause for speculation.

    The post 2026 ‘This Is Hardcore’ Festival Set For December appeared first on Theprp.com.