(written by Islander) On June 12th the Dusktone label will release the fourth album by the Australian black metal band Woewarden (the first two were released when the band was known as Cancer). Titled The Roots Of My Neglect, the new one follows the band’s 2022 full-length, In The Art Of My Caged Existence. Dusktone […]
The post AN NCS VIDEO PREMIERE: WOEWARDEN — “AS DEEP AS THE KNIFE GOES” appeared first on NO CLEAN SINGING.
Canadian progressive metal innovators Protest the Hero have officially shattered a six-year release drought with the massive announcement of their upcoming studio album Within, due out on July 17, 2026. Launching a relentless assault against corporate media control, the band has paired the announcement with an incredibly complex, politically charged lead single titled “Mouthpiece,” drawing a line in the sand and declaring complete independence from restrictive record label models.
Stream today’s full show on the Loaded Radio Podcast network for an aggregated breakdown of Protest the Hero’s corporate rebellion, alongside your daily extreme music updates, rock news, and exclusive audio content with Scott Penfold.
Let’s be entirely honest: very few bands can disappear for more than half a decade and return with their technical precision, razor-sharp wit, and underground respect completely untouched. For over two decades, Ontario’s Protest the Hero have thrived at the absolute outer boundaries of progressive extreme music. They are a rare breed of musicians whose technical proficiency collides head-on with an irreverent, punk rock spirit that flat-out refuses to conform to generic genre rules.
With Within, the group is pushing out into completely uncharted territory, delivering an expansive, sonically cinematic body of work that acts as a profound reflection on the chaos of the modern world.
The opening track and lead single, “Mouthpiece,” is a dizzying display of shimmering, spiraling progressive riffs, blistering tempo changes, and soaring vocal hooks from frontman Rody Walker. Lyrically, the song doesn’t pull a single punch, standing out as an incredibly aggressive macro-level critique of modern society’s obsession with division.
“On the record focused on the micro, ‘Mouthpiece’ is the only song from a macro perspective,” Walker shares regarding the single’s conceptual architecture. “This is not without reason. It is about the controlling powers that have convinced us that everything needs to be divided into binaries despite the fact that very few things truly exist within them. It describes a world of brilliant color reduced to black and white by charlatans like podcasters and corporate media. It suggests the only true binary we should pay attention to is the very wealthy and everyone else.”
The tracking session’s staggering auditory scale is visually matched by a brilliant music video directed by Troy Maher and produced by Matt Power. Captured utilizing breathtaking drone cinematography against the incredibly rugged, dramatic natural landscapes of Newfoundland and Labrador, the visual presentation acts as a gorgeous homage to one of the band’s absolute favorite touring destinations.
The underlying lyrical concepts governing the record dive deeply into ancient hermetic philosophy, explicitly adapting a historical maxim to explore modern mental health and societal anxiety.
“Most people are pretty familiar with the hermetic maxim ‘as above so below’ but the entire passage isn’t quite as well known,” the band explains. “‘As above so below, as within so without, as the universe so the soul.’ Obviously, I focused on the middle portion of the quote. ‘Within’ represents the individual inner world, which is largely defined by our thoughts, emotions, and beliefs. The songs are all representative of how external factors affect our inner world. With that being said, it’s probably the most personal stuff we’ve ever released.”
LIVE & LOUD: Stream the World’s Hardest Radio Station 24/7Beyond the complex musicianship, Within represents a monumental turning point in the business framework of Protest the Hero’s career. This record stands proud as their very first truly global independent release—a total, unapologetic reclamation of creative and financial authority after years of navigating standard, restrictive industry contracts.
“We are excited to have this record as the first in our catalogue that we fully own,” notes guitarist Tim MacMillar. “We’ve paid to make our own albums and do everything on our terms. Owning our intellectual property is incredibly important to us. In the past, we signed away those rights and saw firsthand how that hands control to someone else, sometimes to the point where we couldn’t even access or manage our own work. That’s something we’re no longer willing to accept. This record is us putting our foot down. We’re not interested in participating in that system anymore. We’re focused on the future. And for the first time, it’s completely in our hands.”
The record was painstakingly built from the ground up across an interconnected web of specialized home studios and creative writing spaces. Guitar tracks were engineered alongside Derya Nagle (Good Tiger) in Boulder, Colorado, while Walker’s complex vocal sessions were tracked directly in his home studio in Whitby, Ontario, under the direction of Milen Petzelt-Sorace. Longtime band collaborator Cameron McLellan stepped up to handle bass duties and direct the rhythm production in Toronto alongside drummer Nathan Bulla, who tracked his sessions at Jukasa Studios.
To elevate the album’s cinematic depth, the band brought in stunning orchestral compositions from William Lamoureux (Nelly Furtado), seamlessly weaving classical movements into the chaos before handing the entire mix over to world-renowned studio icon Adam “Nolly” Getgood (Periphery, Haken).
Q: When is the release date for the new Protest the Hero album?
A: The new studio album, Within, will be officially released on July 17, 2026, across all physical formats and digital streaming platforms.
Q: Who directed the music video for their new single “Mouthpiece”?
A: The visually stunning music video was directed by Troy Maher and produced by Matt Power, utilizing sweeping drone footage shot on location in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Q: Is Protest the Hero still signed to a record label?
A: No. Within marks the band’s very first 100% independent global release. The band completely funded the recording sessions themselves and retains full ownership of their intellectual property and master tapes.
Q: Who handled the mixing and production for the new album?
A: The album features production from Derya Nagle, Milen Petzelt-Sorace, and Cameron McLellan, and was mixed by acclaimed producer Adam “Nolly” Getgood.
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How do you feel about Protest the Hero’s bold leap into 100% artist independence, and does the blistering direction of “Mouthpiece” live up to the standard set by Palimpsest six years ago? Join the conversation and give us your track ratings in the comments section below!
The post Prog Metal Pioneers Protest The Hero Blindside Music Industry with Fierce New Independent Album ‘Within’ appeared first on Loaded Radio.
Mon Rayon‘s One of a Kind is a beautifully orchestrated piece of baroque pop that effortlessly bridges vintage elegance and timeless songwriting. Enriched by Vira Milton’s soulful guest performance, the track unfolds through lush arrangements, cinematic flourishes, and a melodic warmth that recalls the golden age of European pop while remaining distinctly contemporary. The chemistry between the vocalists elevates the song’s emotional resonance, while its rich instrumentation and meticulous craftsmanship create a sense of understated grandeur. Charming, sophisticated, and undeniably memorable, One of a Kind offers an enchanting preview of what promises to be a remarkable debut album.
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Posted on June 5th 2026, 3:37p.m.
Last night, Phoebe Bridgers played Madison Square Garden. For the past month, Bridgers has been playing last-minute pop-up shows and performing new songs all over the US. Those gigs have mostly been in smaller cities and smaller venues. Fans have had to line up to buy physical tickets, with only one per person, and recording devices have been banned from the venue. It’s one thing to keep recordings off the internet when you’re only dealing with a few hundred people in a room in Toledo. It’s another when you’re playing the same room that’s about to host game three of the NBA Finals, but that’s what Phoebe Bridgers did. And when she was onstage at the Garden, she told the crowd that she’s about to play a bunch of other arenas.
The post Phoebe Bridgers Announces 2026 Arena Tour: “No Phones” appeared first on Stereogum.
Swedish power metal icons Sabaton have officially shattered expectations by announcing a massive second chapter to their groundbreaking live concept, locking down a sprawling 15-country European arena crusade for Spring 2027 under “The Legendary Tour – Part 2” banner. Armed with a full symphonic orchestra and a newly upgraded lineup of world-class elite instrumental soloists, the band is preparing to bring an unprecedented level of weaponized theatrical production to arenas across the continent.
Stream today’s full show on the Loaded Radio Podcast network for an aggregated breakdown of Sabaton’s massive touring blueprint, alongside your daily extreme music updates, rock news, and exclusive audio content with Scott Penfold.
When Sabaton launched the initial leg of “The Legendary Tour” in late 2025, they didn’t just play concerts; they staged full-scale historical military campaigns. The jaw-dropping stage production completely reinvented the limits of live arena rock, featuring a literal massive on-stage castle and an automated, 24-meter flying drawbridge hanging directly over the heads of stunned crowds.
The jaw-dropping trek drew more than 260,000 fans across 13 countries, utilizing 20 transport trucks and a massive 200-person road crew to move a staggering 420 tons of audio, lighting, and structural gear. Rather than scaling back after such a monumental achievement, the band is doubling down on the madness.
“After completing one of the biggest arena tours with 20+ trucks and 200+ crew members, we couldn’t simply stop at chapter one!” Sabaton stated in a joint press brief. “We’re excited to announce that ‘The Legendary Tour – Part 2’ is coming to Europe in 2027! Once again, we’ll be joined by ‘The Legendary Orchestra’ with talented special guest stars Noa Gruman, Tina Guo, and Mia Asano, whose powerful performance will bring our music to life on an immense scale.”
The addition of world-renowned cellist Tina Guo alongside electric violinist Mia Asano and vocal powerhouse Noa Gruman marks a massive creative evolution for the touring package. Guo, globally famous for her intense acoustic and electric cello work on massive cinematic soundtracks, replaces previous folk elements to bring an aggressive, razor-sharp symphonic edge to Sabaton’s battle-heavy discography.
The spring 2027 arena routing spans 15 different nations, purposefully targeting massive markets and upgraded sports stadiums the group bypassed during their initial tour run. Key stops include high-profile nights at Dublin’s 3Arena, Glasgow’s OVO Hydro, and Birmingham’s BP Pulse Live.
“Get ready for tons of explosives, epic storytelling, and very loud heavy metal,” the band warns. “If you missed out the first time, this is your chance to witness the theatrical, larger-than-life experience — the ultimate Sabaton evening. And if you’re joining us once again, expect new surprises and twists!”
Tickets for the entire European campaign are scheduled to go on general public sale on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 9:00 AM local time. The confirmed arena routing blocks are listed below:
Formed in Falun, Sweden, Sabaton has carved out an untouchable empire within modern heavy metal by dedicating their entire musical output to epic historical storytelling, military history, and legendary battlefield heroism. Fronted by the instantly recognizable, armor-clad vocalist Joakim Brodén, the band has spent more than two decades converting historical archives into anthemic, riff-heavy power metal classics.
Renowned globally for their unmatched dedication to live presentation—frequently featuring actual military tanks functioning as drum risers—Sabaton has risen to become a premier global festival headliner and arena draw, successfully bringing history to life for millions of passionate fans worldwide.
Q: When do tickets for Sabaton’s 2027 European tour go on sale?
A: General public tickets go on sale starting Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 9:00 AM local time across all primary ticketing platforms.
Q: Who is touring with Sabaton as special guests on Part 2?
A: Sabaton will be joined live by The Legendary Orchestra, featuring elite soloists Tina Guo (cello), Mia Asano (violin), and Noa Gruman (vocals).
Q: What makes “The Legendary Tour” production unique?
A: The production is widely considered the largest arena setup ever attempted by a rock band, utilizing over 420 tons of equipment to construct massive on-stage medieval castles and functional, mechanical flying drawbridges over the crowd.
Q: Will Sabaton be playing songs from a new album?
A: Yes. This tour cycle directly supports their eleventh studio album, Legends, which debuted globally in October 2025.
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Are you planning on fighting for tickets to see Sabaton’s massive 2027 arena production live, and how do you think the addition of Tina Guo will change the dynamic of the Legendary Orchestra? Let us know your touring predictions in the comments section below!
The post Sabaton Blindsides Fans with Mind-Boggling 2027 Arena Production Announcement appeared first on Loaded Radio.
Right now, Madonna is building up to the release of her new album Confessions II, the sequel to her 2005 club classic Confessions On A Dance Floor. She’s been working hard to sell this thing, too. We’ve posted the advance track “I Feel So Free” and the Sabrina Carpenter collab “Bring Your Love,” which Madonna and Carpenter debuted at Coachella. She’s making appearances at random clubs and at the World Cup Finals. Last night, she dropped a new single and performed for an estimated 50,000 people in Times Square.
The post Madonna Shares “Love Sensation,” Plays Times Square Grindr Pop-Up appeared first on Stereogum.