Category: news
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Yungblud Breaks Down During Tribute to Ozzy Onstage in Birmingham
An emotional Yungblud paid tribute to Ozzy Osbourne in the late rocker's hometown, calling him a "dear friend in the sky." Continue reading… -
The Flavor That Kills Thunderbird Lodge Review
The Flavor That Kills Thunderbird Lodge Review
The album opens with the sound of wind, setting the stage for the first track, “Skinwalkers.” This song transports listeners back to the 1970s. It features high-frequency sounds that are somewhat delirious and visionary. The band’s unique perspective is evident throughout the track. Its influences range from alternative styles to funky undertones, with elements of desert rock. Bands like Queens of the Stone Age come to mind when listening to this piece.
Next is “Evaporate,” which is truly fascinating. The vocal line carries an unsettling quality. It does not rely on common tonal bases. Instead, it challenges the listener’s sense of stability. The guitar weaves behind the vocals, creating kaleidoscopic dissonance at times. This song is nothing short of genius.
In “Swimming in a Paradox,” the funk vibes come alive, drawing comparisons to the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The energy here fuels a funky atmosphere that propels the song forward. Then, “Ouroborus” brings a brilliant riff that immediately infects the listener. This track creates an atmosphere steeped in a renegade spirit. It also maintains a relentless rhythm that evokes a psychedelic trip.
The song “Spin” evokes nostalgia, reminiscent of soundtracks from 1970s television series like Batman. These tracks contain references to comic book styles, adding to the entertaining nostalgia. “Boots” is one of my favorites, starting with a unique introduction. The atmosphere quickly transforms, becoming expansive and visionary. The doubled vocal layer adds a radio-quality effect, creating a unique sound.
Thunderbird Lodge – A Unique Sonic Experience
“Shadows” continues with the same vision, offering a mirage-like atmosphere that this band excels in creating. “FooLOL” possesses hints of Led Zeppelin, particularly evident in its riff and rhythm. “Slight Return” boasts a communication from the future that feels delirious and forward-thinking.
“Mirror” begins as a grunge-inspired song, featuring a roaring distorted guitar. While this band is not overly aggressive, they sometimes channel the visionary compositional style of Naked City. The album cannot end without “Too Much Acid.” This final track encapsulates an alternate view of reality. It presents a surreal experience that is undeniably ingenious.
This band carves its own path, showing a refusal to follow trends. They have crafted a fantastic album that I highly recommend to everyone. The consistent vision and creativity throughout the tracks make it a noteworthy addition to the modern music landscape.
Visionary
If you love this music: Discover More
For fans of:
Queens of the Stone Age • Red Hot Chili Peppers • Led Zeppelin • Naked City
The post The Flavor That Kills Thunderbird Lodge Review appeared first on Edgar Allan Poets – Noir Rock Band.
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SHARON OSBOURNE Resolves Dispute With BLACK SABBATH’s First Manager Over Early Recordings
A dispute over early recordings connected to Black Sabbath has been settled, with the band now back in control of the material. Sharon Osbourne confirmed, on the latest episode of The Osbournes podcast, that ownership of the demos has returned to the original lineup.
The issue centered on plans from former manager Jim Simpson to release a set of 1969 recordings tracked before the band adopted the Black Sabbath name. At the time, they were still performing as Earth, and the material was lined up for release under the title Earth: The Legendary Lost Tapes. Legal action led by Osbourne stopped that from moving forward.
Speaking on The Osbournes podcast, Sharon said the situation has now been resolved: “We settled with Jim Simpson and the band now have their demos back. And all four of them [the original members of Black Sabbath] own it, which is where it should be. All of that stuff should be theirs. So it all ended well. So, yeah, they own them. We’re gonna talk about what everybody wants to do with it, and we’ll go from there.”
The recordings capture the original lineup — Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward — at an early stage, before the band’s defining shift into heavy metal.
Sharon pointed out that the material reflects a different side of the group compared to what followed: “I just think it’s historically important – for music lovers of that genre. And then we got [the rights to] the pictures that were taken at that time too. So, that is all so important.
“I mean, listen, you [Jack] want those pictures. Everybody in the band’s kids and grandkids would love to see [them]… It’s special. And I’m just happy that it’s where it should be – with the band, and [they can decide] what they wanna do as a band, what they’re gonna do with it. So that’s great.”
Along with the demos, rights to photos from the same period have also been returned. These items document a key moment in the band’s early development and carry weight both for fans and for those close to the group.
Simpson, who originally backed the sessions in 1969 and later worked on restoring the tapes, had maintained that the recordings held historical value. He also said he had approached the band about being part of a release, though that offer was turned down.
Despite the earlier dispute, Sharon acknowledged how things concluded: “He did the right thing at the end of the day. He did the right thing for the band.”
The post SHARON OSBOURNE Resolves Dispute With BLACK SABBATH’s First Manager Over Early Recordings appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.
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Skepta Is Making House Music Now
The world of UK grime is way more rooted in club culture than US rap is. Grime evolved directly out of the rave and pirate radio scenes, and plenty of UK rappers have had their biggest pop successes on EDM tracks — Dizzee Rascal on “Bonkers” and “Dance Wiv Me,” Wiley on “Wearing My Rolex,”…
The post Skepta Is Making House Music Now appeared first on Stereogum.
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The Homesick – “Esperanto”
Dutch art-pop trio the Homesick (Elias Elgersma, Jaap van der Velde, and Erik Woudwijk) are back with a quirky little single “Esperanto.” The new song arrives alongside the announcement that they signed to independent Austrian label Siluh Records. “Esperanto” is wacky in a new wave/Devo way. It has rubbery synths and bouncy vocal shouts. The…
The post The Homesick – “Esperanto” appeared first on Stereogum.
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Slam Dunk Festival Founder Accused: Serious Allegations Surface Against Ben Ray Ahead of 2026 Event
The UK alternative music scene has been rocked by a series of high-profile allegations directed at Ben Ray, the founder and primary organizer of the massive Slam Dunk Festival. British actress and showgirl Jenny Miller has come forward on social media, detailing a harrowing account of alleged sexual assault and misconduct involving Ray. These public statements arrive at a critical juncture for the festival, as Slam Dunk prepares for its 20th-anniversary season next month with a lineup featuring some of the biggest names in rock and punk.
As initially reported by Lambgoat, the allegations center on a fractured professional and personal relationship, with Miller claiming that Ray’s behavior crossed severe legal and ethical boundaries on multiple occasions.
Disturbing Allegations of Misconduct
In a detailed statement shared across Instagram and Facebook, Jenny Miller described a history of interactions with Ray that began under the guise of professional opportunities. Miller, who worked as a performer, claimed she initially trusted Ray due to his standing in the music community and his connections to various high-profile bands. However, she alleges that this trust was betrayed during private encounters where she claims Ray provided illicit substances and ignored explicit lack of consent.
According to Miller’s public posts, the assaults occurred while she was in a compromised physical state. She stated that despite her repeated demands for him to stop, Ray persisted. “He was my friend and I trusted him,” Miller wrote. “I was in the process of pressing charges against him for all the trauma he gave me.” Miller also shared screenshots of alleged text exchanges where Ray seemingly acknowledges a lack of “anger” regarding her decision to come forward to his family members about the incidents.
We Also Recommend – The 13 Most Brutal Metal Breakdowns Ever Recorded (Ranked)
The Industry Connection: Slam Dunk and VIP Plans
Beyond the personal accusations, Miller’s statements shed light on alleged plans Ray had for the Slam Dunk Festival brand. She claimed Ray approached her with a job offer to manage a stripping/dance component in the festival’s VIP area for performing “rockstars,” and that he harbored ambitions to open his own strip club.
These claims add a layer of professional scrutiny to Ray, who has been the face of Slam Dunk since its inception as a club night in 2006. Over the last two decades, the festival has grown into a cornerstone of the UK festival circuit, hosting legendary acts like Paramore, Fall Out Boy, and Turnstile.
Check This Out – The Black Book of Metal: 13 Heavy Metal Scandals That Shook the Music World
The Future of Slam Dunk 2026
As of this report, Ben Ray has not issued a public response to Miller’s accusations. The 2026 installment of Slam Dunk, scheduled to take place next month, features a massive bill including Good Charlotte, Knocked Loose, Sublime, and Taking Back Sunday.
With the festival just weeks away, the community is awaiting word on how the organization will handle these serious allegations against its founder. The “one-day, two-site” festival model is currently one of the most successful independent operations in the UK, but these claims represent the most significant controversy in the event’s 20-year history.
For the latest developments on this story and deeper analysis of the industry impact, make sure you tune into the Loaded Radio live stream and subscribe to the Loaded Radio Podcast.
TL;DR:
Jenny Miller, a British actress and performer, has publicly accused Slam Dunk Festival founder Ben Ray of sexual assault and rape. Miller alleges the incidents occurred during private encounters involving illicit substances. While Miller claims to be in the process of pressing charges, Ray has yet to respond. The allegations come just weeks before Slam Dunk’s 2026 event featuring Good Charlotte and Sublime.
The post Slam Dunk Festival Founder Accused: Serious Allegations Surface Against Ben Ray Ahead of 2026 Event appeared first on Loaded Radio.
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Sharon Osbourne Claims Legal Dispute Between Black Sabbath and Their Ex-Manager is Resolved
A legal battle over some rare early recordings of a little known band that would one day become Black Sabbath has come to an end, with the band now gaining full control of those tapes. And we know this because Sharon Osbourne shared the details on the recent The Osbournes podcast.
For those that don’t recall, the whole thing originates with former Black Sabbath manager Jim Simpson. The guy had originally planned to release a series of demos recorded back in 1969 featuring a band named Earth. Of course, diehard metal fans know that band ultimately became Black Sabbath, so such recordings would be a major find/release since they feature Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward during the early years.
Plans for their release went so far as it got the title Earth: The Legendary Lost Tapes. Yet when word of those plans got out, a law suit was filed by Osbourne to stop the release of those tapes. Now, during the most recent episode of The Osbournes podcast, Sharon revealed that everything’s been settled and Black Sabbath are now in control of those recordings:
“We settled with Jim Simpson and the band now have their demos back. And all four of them [the original members of Black Sabbath] own it, which is where it should be. All of that stuff should be theirs. So it all ended well. So, yeah, they own them. We’re gonna talk about what everybody wants to do with it, and we’ll go from there.”
Sharon said the tapes carry an extremely important significance for metalheads everywhere. Especially since the settlement also included photos that were taken during that time period. Being able to see and hear the men that ended up shaping heavy metal as a genre in their youth is a pretty unique opportunity.
“I just think it’s historically important – for music lovers of that genre. And then we got [the rights to] the pictures that were taken at that time too. So, that is all so important.
“I mean, listen, you [Jack] want those pictures. Everybody in the band’s kids and grandkids would love to see [them]… It’s special. And I’m just happy that it’s where it should be – with the band, and [they can decide] what they wanna do as a band, what they’re gonna do with it. So that’s great.”
In the past, Simpson financed the 1969 sessions and later had the tapes restored. He argued, much like Sharon does, that the tapes had historical significance. He also claimed that he offered to cut the band in for the release, but that offer was reportedly declined.
Sharon ultimately commended Simpson for deciding to settle the matter and give the tapes over to Black Sabbath.
“He did the right thing at the end of the day. He did the right thing for the band.”
The post Sharon Osbourne Claims Legal Dispute Between Black Sabbath and Their Ex-Manager is Resolved appeared first on MetalSucks.
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Rupert Träxler Fear Factory Review
Rupert Träxler Fear Factory Review
This song begins with an atmospheric pad, inviting the listener to vocalize in the vast space. Following this ethereal introduction, an intense and mysterious guitar arpeggio emerges. This segment builds tension effectively, setting the stage for what unfolds next.
Then, an intricate drum rhythm joins the mix, showcasing the artist’s refined vision and creative capabilities. The drums add depth, transforming the song into a multifaceted experience. Soon after, a female vocal enters, reminiscent of Enya’s style. Her voice introduces a haunting quality that merges seamlessly with a male vocal, generating a dystopian effect. The harmony between these two vocals creates a memorable auditory experience.
Around the 1:35 mark, the song experiences a notable shift. Initially melodic, it morphs into something almost industrial, evoking the styles of Nine Inch Nails and a softer Korn. This transformation is striking, displaying a bold artistic direction that challenges the listener. The music is visionary and unpredictable, continuously engaging with harmonic and rhythmic changes that leave one breathless.
Fear Factory – Sound and Atmosphere
The composition demands attention through its dynamic shifts and unexpected turns. A futuristic perspective permeates the sound, inspiring and challenging the audience alike. The sonic elements traverse electronic vibes, metal rhythms, alternative influences, and melodic richness.
An atmospheric quality defines the essence of this track; it transports the listener to distant places. Noteworthy is the guitar solo that appears after the 3:30 mark, which adds a beautiful layer to the composition. The entire piece is a fantastic journey, showcasing the artist’s ability to craft an unforgettable experience.
From beginning to end, “Fear Factory” embodies a unique blend of genres and styles. The intricate layers and emotional interplay make the listening experience intensely immersive.
Fear Factory – Performance and Production
For those seeking music that challenges conventions and pushes boundaries, this piece is highly recommended. The merging of electronic and metal influences is executed with precision, reflecting the artist’s deep understanding of various musical elements. The compelling transitions throughout the track keep listeners on their toes, ensuring they remain fully engaged.
“Fear Factory” is an impressive work that illustrates Rupert Träxler’s innovative approach to music. The atmospheric introduction, followed by striking melodic and rhythmic shifts, creates a piece that resonates on multiple levels. Anyone interested in exploratory music will find much to appreciate here.
Dystopian
If you love this music: Discover More
For fans of:
Nine Inch Nails • Korn
The post Rupert Träxler Fear Factory Review appeared first on Edgar Allan Poets – Noir Rock Band.
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ENSIFERUM Sets September 2026 North American Tour With FIREWIND
Finnish folk metal mainstays Ensiferum are heading back to North America this fall with the Winter Storm Over North America 2026 tour, kicking off in September. Joining them on the run is Firewind, led by guitarist Gus G, widely recognized for his time playing with Ozzy Osbourne.
The tour kicks off on September 9 at ProgPower USA XXV and wraps up a few weeks later on September 27 at the El Corazon in Seattle, WA. Tickets go on sale Friday, April 24 at 10 a.m. local time.
The tour continues the push behind Winter Storm, released in October 2024 via Metal Blade Records. The album took shape during the COVID lockdown, when founding guitarist Markus Toivonen focused on expanding his songwriting approach. He handled nearly all the material, with bassist Sami Hinkka contributing the track “Fatherland”.
Vocalist and keyboardist Pekka Montin continues to play a key role in the band’s evolving sound. After making an impression on Thalassic, his range is more fully integrated on Winter Storm, which follows a fantasy-driven concept written by Hinkka. The record leans into a more expansive and melodic direction without losing the band’s core edge.
Production on Winter Storm was handled by Janne Joutsenniemi, with mixing and mastering by Jens Bogren. The album also features guest spots from Lassi Logrén on nyckelharpa and violin, Mikko Mustonen on orchestration, and Eleine vocalist Madeleine Liljestam, who appears on “Scars In My Heart”.
The post ENSIFERUM Sets September 2026 North American Tour With FIREWIND appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.
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The Lazz Observer Review
The Lazz Observer Review
“Observer” grabs you with an intense guitar riff that paves the way from the start. The atmosphere created is immersive and playful, drawing listeners into an intricate sonic environment. As the song transitions into the verse, the female vocal enters, enhancing the epic and dystopian quality reminiscent of a sci-fi film soundtrack or a video game score.
The production quality shines with a polished finish, while the track’s rhythmic and harmonic shifts constantly command attention. This musical journey feels like a roller coaster, full of emotional ups and downs. There are moments where the sound seems to withdraw, only to surge forth again, flooding the listener with new layers of emotion and sonic texture.
The track exemplifies melodic rock, offering a unique experience that envelops you fully. At around two minutes and fifty seconds, a guitar solo emerges that showcases the interplay between the guitar and the steady rhythm of the drums. This interplay creates a remarkable diversion in the energy of the song.
The guitar is doubled an octave higher, producing an almost metallic effect that is both mesmerizing and captivating. This technical and melodic solo stands out, contributing significantly to the overall impact of the composition. The hard rock and melodic metal elements blend seamlessly throughout the piece.
Observer – Sound and Atmosphere
Listeners are likely to find themselves enthralled by the craftsmanship displayed in “Observer.” The song invites repeated listens, as each play reveals new subtleties in the arrangement and performance. The dynamics shift skillfully, leading to soaring moments that heighten the emotional stakes.
Throughout the track, the instrumental and vocal elements communicate effectively, enhancing the storytelling aspect of the music. The sense of dramatic tension is palpable, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. Each section is impeccably timed, allowing for both anticipation and release.
Observer – Performance and Production
The Lazz has created a remarkable piece of art that resonates with hard rock enthusiasts and newcomers alike. With influences that can appeal to a diverse audience, “Observer” deserves a place on any hard rock or metal playlist. The emotive power of the lyrics combined with the intense instrumental arrangements results in a well-rounded musical experience.
“Observer” is a masterful exploration of sound and emotion, emerging as a highlight in The Lazz’s catalog. It embodies the essence of hard rock and melodic metal, delivering a powerful statement through its artistry. This single is highly recommended for all music lovers seeking depth and excitement in their playlists.
Powerful
If you love this music: Discover More
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