Category: news

Disney just dropped a metal-inspired villains merch collection in the parks that features the Evil Queen in a black metal font, Hades in gothic metal and more. Continue reading…

Glenn .

The post Glenn Hughes announces his retirement from touring and live performances first appeared on Sleaze Roxx.

Traditionalism thrives in an unexpected place.

Old school enthusiasts of the blackened sonic craft are quick to say that the original spirit of the 2^nd wave passed out of existence roughly 3 decades ago. But the point that tends to elude most of those who cleave to the days when the likes of Immortal, Emperor, and Darkthrone were shunning conventional definitions of extreme metal for something more primeval is that the philosophy behind the sound can manifest in different ways.

Sometimes all that is needed to discover the ties that bind the new to the old is looking past the modern coat of paint that even rugged DIY outfits enjoy due to greater interest in the subgenre and studio accessibility, thus revealing the same devotion to pre-modern lore with the same signature style. This is the place where Hulder, the brainchild of Belgian-turned-Washington-state-based multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Marliese Osborne, resides amid a scene more readily associated with 3rd-wave naturalism and progressive contemplation, and their third studio LP Verbolgen presents the clearest presentation of the traditional northern European approach.

At its core, this is an album that is born of a mixture of diabolical mysticism and northern coldness that contrasts with a dank naturalism and meditative quality. There is a peripheral flavoring of folksy/medieval period instrumentation and corresponding woodland tunes that runs somewhat parallel to the former, but the predominant character of how Hulder’s brand of auditory grimness is executed is more in line with the melodic and frosty demeanor of the elder Scandinavian masters of the snowy mountains of might.

Indeed, apart from Marliese’s and/or bassist/husband Sam Osborne’s sepulchral barks, epic forays into the arcane black such as “The Crowning” and “View From Nemeton” strike a very similar chord to the seminal mid to late 90s odes to Norse warfare. Then again, the more controlled and methodical character of the instrumentation and the quasi-symphonic character of the keyboards also point to a strong influence from Emperor’s In The Nightside Eclipse.

Even from its very beginning, this is an album that communicates a sentiment that is as spiritually centered as it is defiant. The instrumental prelude “Drie Raven” has all the makings of a Viking Age overture performed at a campfire with mead in hand and a grand tale to tell, though what follows is quite different from the folk metal stylings that one would normally expect. At best, Hulder dabbles in the sort of pomp and bluster associated with Heidevolk or Ensiferum, as the dancing melodic character and more mid-paced feel of “Thy Binding Oath” and “In Blood And In Earth” is draped in a far more morbid atmosphere.

By contrast, the blast-happy and war-torn title anthem “Verbolgen and its longer brother “…And We Shall Sing” are full-on master classes in pure blackened violence that seldom veer into folksy trappings save for a faint chant during its closing moments of the latter that sounds like it’s buried in an avalanche of guitars. Round it out with a thrashing beast of an entry in “Den Nacht Zijn Lied”, featuring some flashy guitar moments out of Obsequiae’s Tanner “Keld” Anderson, and a closing melancholic fanfare dubbed “The Glow Of Dawn,” and an intricate circle of 2nd-wave-inspired power is fully drawn.

In every relevant respect, Verbolgen is among the more compelling examples of an American-based band fully embracing the European aesthetic and making it accessible to mid-2020s listeners. Much of this likely owes to Marliese’s close proximity to where said sound was born prior to her move to the U.S., and is clearly reflected in her prior band Bleeder’s music bearing heavy similarities to the early blackened trails blazed by Celtic Frost and Bathory.

But whether this air of old school authenticity arises from one’s roots or just a desire to walk a similar path to the bands that one identifies with, the result is an impressive anthology of odes that are possessed of the same general character and effectively balance the cold atmospheric character of said sound with a more impact-based and heavy execution. Fans of classic 90s albums like Dark Medieval Times, Blizzard Beasts and In The Nightside Eclipse that don’t mind a 2026 studio upgrade and some Falkenbach and Windir elements along for the ride will definitely want to warm their travel-weary selves by Hulder’s campfire.

Release Date: August 7, 2026
Record Label: 20 Buck Spin
Genre: Black Metal

Musicians:

• Hulder / Vocals, Electric & Acoustic Guitars, & Keyboards
• Necreon / Bass, Vocals

Guest Musicians:

• Januaria / Flute
• Vapula / Drums (Tracks 4, 5, 8, 9)
• Vrolok / Drums (Tracks 2, 3, 6, 7)
• Keld / Hurdy Gurdy, Keyboards, & Lead Guitars

Verbolgen Tracklist:

1. Drie Raven (Intro)
2. The Crowning
3. Thy Binding Oath
4. Verbolgen
5. …And We Shall Sing
6. In Blood and In Earth
7. Den Nacht Zijn Lied
8. View From Nemeton
9. The Glow of Dawn

Order the album here.

The post HULDER – Verbolgen (Album Review) appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

The Deep Purple and Black Sabbath star expressed gratitude for his long career. Continue reading…

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member and former Deep Purple bassist and vocalist Glenn Hughes has announced that he is stepping away from touring and live performances after doctors advised him to undergo another open-heart surgery.

Hughes, who turns 75 later this month, made the decision following a series of medical examinations that revealed the need for the procedure. As a result, he will be putting his live career on hold for the foreseeable future.

Sharing the news, Hughes said: “This past year, I’ve had some health issues. The results from numerous MRIs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram have alerted my medical team that I need another open-heart surgery. I really have no option and no choice, as health is my number one priority. Grateful to have been chosen with a life full of the gift of music… Thank you for walking beside me.”

Hughes‘ most recent appearance on stage came on May 30, 2026, at the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, Illinois, where he reunited with The Dead Daisies for a special performance under The Purple Daisies banner. Joined by Doug Aldrich, Tommy Clufetos, and David Lowy, the group performed a set divided between The Dead Daisies material and Deep Purple classics. Following the sold-out show, a second performance had been scheduled for October 2 at The Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, California.

Earlier this year, Hughes had already postponed his planned spring 2026 U.S. tour because of what was then described as a minor health issue requiring medical attention.

That canceled run was built around The Chosen Years, a career-spanning live show featuring music from Trapeze, Deep Purple, Hughes/Thrall, Iommi/Hughes and Black Country Communion. Hughes had planned to perform alongside guitarist Søren Andersen and drummer Ash Sheehan.

Born in Cannock, England, Hughes developed a style shaped by British hard rock, American soul and R&B, as well as the influence of The Beatles. His first major breakthrough came with Trapeze before joining Deep Purple in 1973 alongside David Coverdale during one of the band’s most significant lineup changes.

The new lineup quickly established itself with the release of Burn, followed by performances including the legendary California Jam and world tours aboard the band’s private jet, The Starship. Hughes also appeared on Stormbringer and Come Taste The Band before Deep Purple split in 1976.

His solo career began with the release of Play Me Out in 1977. A few years later, Hughes teamed up with former Pat Travers guitarist Pat Thrall to form Hughes/Thrall, releasing their self-titled album in 1982.

Throughout the following decades, Hughes remained active as both a solo artist and collaborator, contributing vocals, bass, and songwriting to projects involving musicians including Gary Moore, John Norum, and Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi.

Beginning in the early 1990s, Hughes expanded his solo catalog with more than a dozen studio albums while continuing to collaborate with artists such as Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers, Dave Navarro and John Frusciante. He also became a member of projects including California Breed, Black Country Communion, and The Dead Daisies.

In 2025, Hughes reunited with Tony Iommi on Robbie Williams‘ single “Rocket”, marking their first recorded collaboration since Fused in 2005. More recently, he contributed vocals and lyrics to “I Wanna Play My Guitar”, the debut single from SatchVai, the collaboration between Joe Satriani and Steve Vai.

Although Hughes‘ touring career has now come to an end, his body of work across Trapeze, Deep Purple, his solo releases and numerous collaborations leaves behind one of the most influential catalogs in hard rock.

The post GLENN HUGHES Announces Retirement From Touring For The Foreseeable Future appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

Two b-side tracks will be included with select pressings.

The post Taking Back Sunday’s “Louder Now” To Receive 20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition In October appeared first on Theprp.com.

As the World Dies have had an interesting year since the release of Nebula through Reaper Entertainment. Ending up as a three-piece and after a couple of months’ hiatus, drummer Chris, bassist Bill, and guitarist Scott got together and planned for a new beginning. Requiring a new vocalist that will not just sound like previous … Continue reading Video Interview: As the World Dies announce new vocalist Sonja Rosenlund Ahl

Official ticket-request period for newly announced concerts is underway. Continue reading…

Hana Stretton releases her second album tiarn this Friday. So far the British-Australian ambient-folk artist has unveiled “Stove,” “Salt,” “Seagull Theory II,” and “As It Was Before This,” and now she’s back with another captivating preview called “From.”

The post Hana Stretton – “From” appeared first on Stereogum.

The ‘Ursa Major Tour’ launches in mid-September.

The post Witch Ripper & Friendship Commanders Set For Fall U.S. Tour appeared first on Theprp.com.