For the past few years, the New York-based singer-songwriter known as June McDoom has been making spacey, elegant indie-folk. McDoom grew up in a Jamaican family in South Florida, absorbing reggae and folk, before moving to New York to study jazz performance. She started putting out her own music in 2022, and she collected her early EPs on a self-titled compilation last year. She also toured with people like Nick Hakim and Brittany Howard, and she took part in Sub Pop’s 2024 Margo Guryan tribute compilation Like Someone I Know. Now, McDoom has signed with Jagjaguwar and announced her full-length debut Follow The Light, out this fall.
REVEL IN FLESH have unleashed another track from their new full-length album “Flesh For The Kult Of Death“, scheduled for September 18th 2026 via War Anthem Records. “Priest Of Flesh” is REVEL IN FLESH‘s homage dedicated to the Gods of British Steel, Judas Priest! Check it out here: https://youtu.be/4xgiCgOpfng With “Flesh For The Kult Of Death“, which introduces the band’s revamped line-up, […]
In support of their upcoming self-titled album release, due out on November 6th, US veterans Prong have shared a brand new track “The Banner”. Read more…
Maryland-based Death/Thrash crew, Ninth Realm, have partnered with Toilet ov Hell for the premiere of “Imbued in Hellfire,” a track from forthcoming album, Damnation’s Veil. Stream it below! toiletovhell.com/premiere-ninth-realm-imbued-in-hellfire Sophomore album, Damnation’s Veil, is out August 28 on Transcending Obscurity Records. Damnation’s Veil is a consistent blend of death-thrash, metallic hardcore, black metal, and traditional heavy metal. The album will be available […]
Today, French black metallers Hanternoz stream the entirety of their highly anticipated third album, A Hed an Noz, a Noz, a Noz, at the Black Metal Promotion YouTube channel. Set for international release on August 7th via Antiq, hear Hanternoz‘s A Hed an Noz, a Noz, a Noz in its entirety exclusively HERE. This album presents you six songs in the form of six devils of […]
Toilet Ov Hell has uncorked the grimy new auditory dispatch from San Francisco gore metal crew CARTILAGE, today premiering “The Sanguine Fiend.” The song is found on the band’s impending third full-length slab of sinewy gore metal, Operating Altar, nearing release on Everlasting Spew Records. Despite being the first foray into the world of concept albums for CARTILAGE, Operating […]
Beat will return to U.S. stages this fall with a new lineup addition and an expanded setlist. The progressive rock project featuring King Crimson veterans Adrian Belew and Tony Levin alongside Steve Vai has announced a 40-date American tour, with Terry Bozzio taking over drum duties for the run.
General ticket sales begin Friday, August 7 at 10 a.m. local time. An artist pre-sale starts Tuesday, August 4 at noon Eastern using the password “BEATTOUR” and continues until Thursday, August 6 at 10 a.m. local time. VIP packages will also be available.
Fans who caught Beat during its previous tours can expect more than a repeat performance. According to Adrian Belew, the group has added material from another era of King Crimson‘s catalog.
Belew said: “For those of you who’ve seen Beat live, it’s important to note we’ll be adding some material from ’90s Crim to our U.S. tour; along with the addition of Superman drummer TerryBozzio, we feel this will result in a new experience for our audience. We’re very excited to play for you again. Don’t miss it!”
The upcoming tour also introduces Terry Bozzio as the band’s drummer. Danny Carey remains part of the Beat family, but commitments with Tool prevent him from participating in the fall dates.
Steve Vai welcomed the change, saying: “Terry is one of the truly legendary drummers of our time, whose remarkable career and unique musical voice make him the perfect artist to join us for this tour. He brings his own extraordinary artistry to Beat, and that’s something worth celebrating.”
Belew also paid tribute to the drummer who helped launch the project by stating: “Our deepest appreciation goes to our brother Danny Carey — a true Beat-poet. His extraordinary musicianship, generosity, humor, and explosive creativity helped establish Beat as something far beyond a tribute. He helped create its identity. While Tool commitments keep him from joining us this fall, he remains an essential part of our family.”
Since making its debut in April 2024, Beat has built a strong following by performing fresh interpretations of King Crimson‘s celebrated 1980s material. The original concept focused on the albums Discipline, Beat and Three Of A Perfect Pair. Initial U.S. dates sold quickly, leading to additional concerts and an opening run that eventually reached 65 shows across the country.
From there, the project expanded internationally with performances in Mexico, South America and Tokyo’s Budokan before completing an extensive European tour that included 31 cities earlier this year.
The next U.S. run promises more changes than simply a new drummer. Alongside selections from the 1990s King Crimson catalog, the band plans to rotate songs throughout the tour, introducing different classics into the nightly setlist.
The tour begins on October 9 at Quarry Amphitheater in Santa Cruz, California, and concludes on December 3 at Municipal Auditorium in Riverside, California.
Each stop will also feature VIP experiences with Adrian Belew, Steve Vai, Tony Levin, and TerryBozzio. Fans can choose from three package levels.
The premium “BEAT On-stage Experience” includes a reserved ticket, on-stage viewing during the performance, early venue access, a pre-show meet-and-greet and group photo with the band, access to the soundcheck, an autographed tour poster, commemorative ticket magnet, specially designed record bag, exclusive merchandise item, and an official side-stage laminate and lanyard.
The “BEAT Meet & Greet / Soundcheck Experience” offers seating within the first five rows along with early entry, the meet-and-greet, group photo, soundcheck access, signed poster, commemorative merchandise and VIP laminate.
The third option, the “BEAT VIP Tour Package,” includes a premium reserved seat within the first 15 rows, an autographed tour poster, commemorative ticket magnet, specially designed record bag, exclusive merchandise item and commemorative laminate.
With Terry Bozzio joining Adrian Belew, Tony Levin, and Steve Vai, plus the addition of material from the 1990s King Crimson era, Beat‘s upcoming U.S. tour is shaping up as more than an extension of its previous runs. Returning fans can expect a refreshed performance while newcomers will get another opportunity to hear music spanning one of progressive rock’s most influential catalogs performed by the musicians who helped create it.
From the start, “Rock is Dead,” it becomes clear that Hifi Riff Raff delivers a sound that is direct and honest. This band offers pure, raw rock steeped in intensity. The lead vocals draw intriguing parallels to the legendary Lemmy, while the music evokes the spirit of classic rock from the past.
Following this impactful opening, “My People” brings a different flavor to the EP. This track introduces funk-infused vibes while still incorporating psychedelic and rock elements reminiscent of the 1970s. The upbeat nature of the song makes it impossible not to enjoy, and it showcases the excellent chemistry within the band. The collaborative energy translates into a buoyant listening experience, marking the track as a highlight on the EP.
One of the standout songs is “Detour.” It speeds along with an invigorating rhythm that channels punk influences. The energy captured within this piece carries a dark undertone, reminiscent of hard rock from the 1980s. It presents a rawness that speaks volumes about the band’s ability to blend genres while maintaining their distinctive style. This track is bound to resonate with listeners looking for something that pushes the boundaries of traditional rock.
The Cool Kids – Sound and Atmosphere
A very interesting addition is the band’s rendition of “Come Together,” originally by The Beatles. Hifi Riff Raff manages to infuse their personality into this iconic song while paying homage to the original. The cover offers fresh energy while creating a wonderful atmosphere that engages listeners from start to finish. The band knows their craft, effectively breathing new life into a classic without losing its essence.
Rounding out the EP is “Moonshiner,” a track that creates an intense connection to the Appalachian region. This song feels a bit rebellious, capturing an intense spirit that combines alternative rock with subtle hints of country influences. While the country elements are restrained, they add depth to the overall listening experience. It serves as an excellent contrast to the heavier tracks and provides a reflective moment as the EP draws to a close.
Hifi Riff Raff displays their ability to create solid music. They take a stance against contemporary generative music, emphasizing the value of genuine rock. This is music that conveys passion and authenticity. Each track on “The Cool Kids” is a declaration of the band’s identity and commitment to producing true art.
The Cool Kids – Performance and Production
Listeners seeking authenticity and skillful musicianship will find Hifi Riff Raff an exciting discovery. The EP speaks volumes about the direction and aspirations of the band. With its blend of rock, funk, and punk elements, it offers a little something for everyone. This collection clearly showcases the band’s versatility while staying true to its roots.
If you are passionate about real, unadulterated rock music, the “The Cool Kids” EP is an essential listen. Hifi Riff Raff invites you on a journey through sound that is nostalgic and fresh. It is recommended for anyone who appreciates meaningful music that does not shy away from intensity. This band is undoubtedly one to watch in the evolving landscape of rock.
Italian cult doom metal band Cultus Sanguine are pleased to announce that they will put out their next full-length effort, Tears Painted Sky, on October 9th, 2026 via My Kingdom Music . The 9-piece outing was recorded, mixed and mastered at MoonHouse Studio by Danilo Dilorenzo. Read more…
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