Theory Of A Deadman is back with a new single, “Barricade”, signaling a fresh phase for the band while sticking to the elements that built their following. The track leans into their familiar mix of heavy riffs, big hooks, and direct songwriting, but with a sharper edge.
“Barricade” runs on a tense, controlled build before opening into a wide, release-heavy chorus. The contrast between the verses and the payoff keeps the song grounded while still aiming for a live setting.
Frontman Tyler Connolly explains the meaning behind the track: “”Barricade” is about the frustration of a one-sided relationship with someone that just won’t let you in, is non-responsive and makes you want to rip your hair out.
“I loved the idea of using the word ‘barricade’ in a song since we stare at them at every show. It made so much sense.”
The single was produced by Chris Baseford and Tyler Connolly, with mixing handled by Baseford alongside Irene Genova at Lucky Dog Sound. Mastering was done by Ted Jensen at SterlingSound.
Over the years, Theory Of A Deadman has built a reputation for consistency and adaptability, balancing radio-ready songwriting with a more unfiltered tone. “Barricade” continues that trajectory and reinforces that the band is still actively pushing forward.
New tour dates are expected to be revealed in early May. Check for an updated list of events here.
With a catalog that includes tracks like “Santa Monica”, “All Or Nothing”, “Hate My Life”, “Bitch Came Back”, and “Not Meant To Be”, the band has maintained a steady presence on rock radio. They’ve notched twelve Top 10 hits on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart, including four No. 1 singles: “Bad Girlfriend”, “Lowlife”, “History Of Violence” and “Rx (Medicate)”. The latter became their biggest hit and earned a nomination for “Rock Song Of The Year” at the iHeartRadio Music Awards.
Beyond singles, Theory Of A Deadman has secured two Top 10 debuts on the Billboard 200 and four Top 5 entries on the Canadian Albums chart, along with multiple Juno Award nominations. Coverage from outlets like American Songwriter, Billboard, and Classic Rock magazine has followed their run, reflecting their staying power in modern rock.
Produced by Will Yip, the record is also set to include freshly dropped single ‘Forever/Always’.
Speaking on that track, frontman Kellin Quinn has shared:
“Forever/Always to me is a thank you to the person or the people in your life that are there for you in good and in challenging moments. I’m thankful for the people I love, for my friendships, for the people that keep me grounded, for the people that lift me up. My hope is that this song brings you and your friends closer together.”
Take a listen below:
Check out the artwork and tracklisting for ‘An Ending In Itself’ below:
An Ending In Itself
Forever/Always
God In My Head
Need You Here
Left On Repeat
House Of Matches
Waiting For You
Paralyzed
Process
PTSD
Looking Back At Me
Storm Clouds
Rock Sound recently had a quick catch-up with Kellin to find out a little more about the band’s new era.
Rock Sound: Where did this new song stem from for you? What does it represent in terms of how Sleeping With Sirens functions these days?
Kellin: It’s funny, because the song is called ‘An Ending In Itself’, but it’s actually the first song we wrote together as a band with Will Yip. I think the biggest thing for us was returning to our origins. Getting together in a room, playing together as a band and bouncing off each other. In the past, it was more of Jack [Fowler, former guitarist] and me doing everything in the studio with a producer. That’s kind of how a lot of bands operate now. For me, I knew that I didn’t want to do that again; I wanted to get back together and have everybody contribute and work organically as a band.
Everything feels like a return to form and a reminder of why we do this in the first place. You get to a point, as any artist or band, where you have to think back to why you started it. It can become very confusing to understand who you are. That’s especially the case with the resurgence of this genre of music and with everybody who is now discovering it for the first time, or who remembers what it was like to be a fan of this music. I think the best thing for us to do is to go back to where we started, and this song is the leading track towards doing that.
RS: What would you say were some elements within that thought process that uncovered themselves whilst you were writing it? What does stepping back into those old shoes, but from wearing them in the way that you function now, show you?
Kellin: To me, it felt a lot like being back in the days of ‘Let’s Cheers To This’. I don’t know what it was about us at that time, but we put out our first record, ‘With Ears To See And Eyes To Hear’, and I feel like we were dismissed as this certain sort of band. Told we were a poor man’s this or that. Going into ‘Let’s Cheers To This’, we had much more of a carefree attitude. We’re being dismissed anyway, so let’s make music that makes sense to us. We then threw the kitchen sink at that. I think a lot of it came from being unprepared going into it. We had three or four songs going in, and then the rest were just written on the spot
This song returns to that same carefree mindset. Let’s focus on what we want to make, and it should be something that makes sense to us, regardless of what everybody else is doing. I think in a lot of ways, this song and the attitude of the band are who we want to be right now.
RS: Lyrically, it’s a song that talks a lot about struggle, and serves as a song for anybody who is going through any struggle right now. What was it within your own life at the moment that made you focus on that word and experience? What was it that made you feel like it was the right time to write a song to let people know that they can overcome whatever is in front of them?
Kellin: The perspective that I’m starting to realise is that the determining factor of how you see life is realising that it doesn’t always get easier. It actually gets harder as you get older. To understand that, in whatever moment you’re in, you can break everything down, take it one day at a time, and focus on what you can do today is one of the most important things you can do. If you think about it in that way, then it makes it a lot easier to overcome challenges and struggles that you’re going through. But if you’re making this some larger-than-life thing, it can weigh you down and feel like a burden all the time.
Trying to think in terms of what I can do today, how I can approach it, and how I can change my thoughts and be a better example has been my mentality as of late.
RS: The first hurdle is being able actually to tell yourself that. Question your own way of viewing yourself. People will look to you for that guidance, but if you’re not practising what you preach, then how can you hope to help anyone else?
Kellin:I mean, it’s not always easy. I definitely have days when I say, ‘Screw this, I’m going back to bed’. It’s just the act of trying, I guess. That’s all you can really do. I think now more than ever, we build on each other as humans through the way we connect and interact. If we can be vulnerable and honest, then I think that we can change a lot more things. I think that’s the hardest thing about navigating life nowadays, like we have to put our best foot forward all the time. If we can do away with that and just be honest about what we are going through, it makes it easier for other people to say, ‘Okay, I can do that too’.
Ken Woods and the Electric Reckoning Eyes Shut Review
The song immerses the listener in a blend of blues and noir vibes. From the outset, the guitar resonates, introducing vocals that enter with a near-prophetic quality. The rhythm is solid yet measured, creating an atmosphere of patience and suspension. This pacing allows the listener to feel as if they are being slowly “cooked,” enveloped in a time-stopped ambience.
A standout moment occurs when what can be perceived as an instrumental chorus, the same as the intro, that unveils almost primal and psychedelic vibes. This section transports the listener, evoking the sensation of an altered state of consciousness, as if witnessing another dimension unfold. The artist, along with the musicians of The Electric Reckoning, evokes profound emotional responses through this track.
The song delves into themes of ignorance—reflecting on times when individuals choose not to see the truths around them. It builds tension, hinting at the realization that it may soon be too late, a moment of missed opportunity that lingers heavily. It conveys an intense and sharp commentary on human behavior and regret.
Eyes Shut – Sound and Atmosphere
The arrangement features intense solos, notably around the two-minute and fifty-second mark. These moments resonate like flipping through a photo album, with each note portraying the song’s narrative in vivid imagery. The musical journey allows listeners to visualize the unfolding story, making it an immersive experience.
This is a deep and thoughtful song, with universal themes that resonate with many. It would be a worthwhile listen for anyone seeking something profound in their music. The blend of emotion, musicianship, and lyrical depth makes it a must-experience track.
Ken Woods and the Electric Reckoning create a strong collaboration, where each element complements the others. The band showcases a range of musical styles while maintaining an unmistakable identity. The careful layering of instruments highlights the artistry involved in this piece, showcasing their commitment to quality and depth in songwriting.
Eyes Shut – Performance and Production
Overall, “Eyes Shut” stands as a strong entry in their musical repertoire. It beckons listeners to engage with its depth and intricacies, making it a rich addition to the contemporary music landscape. There’s an urgency to the emotions conveyed. It is reflective and intense, ensuring that it will linger in the minds of those who listen.
Whether you’re a fan of blues, rock, or thoughtful music, this song has something for everyone. The ability to blend different styles while maintaining a coherent message is no easy feat. Ken Woods and the Electric Reckoning navigate this with finesse.
For fans of pushed boundaries in music, this single exemplifies the heights that can be achieved through collaborative effort. It engages the listener fully, inviting them to ponder their own experiences and reflections.
“Eyes Shut” not only entertains but also encourages introspection. It serves as a reminder of the importance of awareness in our lives. This track is sure to leave a lasting impact on its audience.
Its skilled execution and sincere emotion elevate it beyond mere entertainment. A perfect mix of artistry and reflection, it undoubtedly earns a place in any true music lover’s rotation.
Transcending the ordinary, this track invites listeners to sit with their feelings. The blend of solid instrumentation and thoughtful lyrics creates a memorable experience. It is a song that demands attention and rewards those willing to listen closely.
The music community should take note of this release from Ken Woods and The Electric Reckoning. Their ability to create art that reflects the human experience is commendable. This track is a noteworthy addition and comes highly recommended.
The battle for the holy grail of heavy metal history has officially ended in a ceasefire. Sharon Osbourne has confirmed that the high-stakes legal dispute with Jim Simpson—Black Sabbath’s original manager—over a cache of unreleased 1969 recordings has been settled.
In a move that secures the legacy of the “Prince of Darkness” and his Birmingham brothers, the rights to the “Earth” era tapes have been returned to the four original members of the band. This resolution prevents the unauthorized release of a collection that Simpson had intended to drop via his own label, Big Bear Records.
For the uninitiated, these aren’t just mere demos; they are the genetic code of heavy metal. Before the world knew them as Black Sabbath, the quartet of Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward performed under the name Earth. These recordings capture the raw, blues-drenched transition of four young men from the streets of Birmingham into the icons who would eventually invent a genre.
The collection in question, titled Earth: The Legendary Lost Tapes, has been a point of massive contention since Simpson announced the project last year—just weeks prior to the passing of Ozzy Osbourne. The material includes rare covers and original tracks that reveal a side of the band most fans have never heard. Sharon Osbourne, appearing on the latest episode of The Osbournes podcast, emphasized the historical weight of the find, noting that the settlement also included rare photographs taken during that formative 1969 period.
“We settled with Jim Simpson and the band now have their demos back,” Sharon told her son, Jack. “All four of them own it, which is where it should be. We’re gonna talk about what everybody wants to do with it, and we’ll go from there.” Sharon noted that while the sound is significantly more blues-oriented than the crushing doom of Black Sabbath (1970), the historical importance is immeasurable for music lovers and the band’s descendants alike.
The Tracklist: From Blue Suede Shoes to the Rare Flute Solos
Jim Simpson, now in his late 80s, claimed to have personally funded these recording sessions in 1969 when the band members were still teenagers. Before the legal block, Simpson had painstakingly restored and remastered the tracks, which he viewed as a “gift to the music world.” While Simpson initially faced aggressive legal warnings from the Osbourne camp after claiming the band declined involvement, the final settlement sees Sharon thanking him for “doing the right thing” by returning the masters to the musicians.
Blues Covers: “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Evenin’,” and “Wee Wee Baby.”
“Song For Jim”: Two versions of a track dedicated to Simpson himself. The first features Tony Iommi’s signature guitar work, while the second features a rare performance on the flute.
Originals & Demos: “Free Man,” “Wicked World,” “Warning,” and an “Untitled” track.
The Future of the Legendary Lost Tapes
With the legal shackles removed, the ball is now in the court of Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, Bill Ward, and the Osbourne estate. While there is no confirmed release date, the prospect of an official, band-sanctioned box set featuring the Earth demos and the newly recovered photography is the most anticipated archival release in metal today. After decades of being held in a private vault, the “Legendary Lost Tapes” are finally home.
For the latest updates on heavy metal history and exclusive deep-dives into the Osbourne legacy, make sure you tune into the Loaded Radio live stream and subscribe to the Loaded Radio Podcast.
TL;DR:
Sharon Osbourne has settled the legal battle with Black Sabbath’s first manager, Jim Simpson, over the 1969 “Earth” demos. The recordings, which feature a blues-heavy sound from the band’s pre-Sabbath days, are now officially owned by the four original members. The settlement includes rare master tapes and historical photographs, ending a dispute that had blocked the release of Earth: The Legendary Lost Tapes.
Joe Bonamassa has released “Tattoo’d Lady (Live),” the latest single from his upcoming live album and concert film The Spirit Of Rory Live From Cork, due out June 19 via J&R Adventures. The performance was recorded during a series of sold-out shows in Cork, Ireland, as part of Bonamassa’s tribute to the late Rory Gallagher.
Originally appearing on Gallagher’s 1973 album Tattoo, “Tattoo’d Lady” is one of his defining early songs, reflecting life on the road through vivid storytelling and a loose, driving groove. Bonamassa’s live version stays true to the spirit of the original, leaning into the song’s narrative and energy while capturing the strong connection between the Cork audience and Gallagher’s legacy.
The Spirit Of Rory Live From Cork features 14 tracks spanning Gallagher’s catalog, including “Walk On Hot Coals,” “Bullfrog Blues,” and “A Million Miles Away,” the latter serving as the album’s focus track upon release. The project was recorded over a three-night run that expanded from an initial single tribute show into a larger event due to overwhelming demand.
In addition to the release of “Tattoo’d Lady,” Bonamassa has released “I Fall Apart” as a single.
The release will be available in multiple formats, including digital, CD/DVD, CD/Blu-ray, and double 180-gram vinyl. The DVD and Blu-ray editions will also include bonus content such as The Inspiration of Rory, featuring a conversation with Brian May and Slash, along with additional behind-the-scenes footage.
CD Track Listing
Cradle Rock (Live)
Walk On Hot Coals (Live)
Tattoo’d Lady (Live)
I Wonder Who (Live)
Calling Card (Live)
Who’s That Coming? (Live)
Messin’ With The Kid (Live)
Bullfrog Blues (Live)
Treat Her Right (Live)
Bad Penny (Live)
I Fall Apart (Live)
A Million Miles Away (Live)
As The Crow Flies (Live)
Back On My Stompin’ Ground (Live)
EU/UK Spring Tour 2026
April 22 – Hamburg, DE – Barclays Arena April 24 – Rotterdam, NL – Rotterdam Rtm Stage April 25 – Paris, FR – La Seine Musicale April 27 – Esch-sur-Alzette, LU – Luxembourg Rockhal April 29 – Mannheim, DE – SAP Arena May 1 – Chemnitz, DE – Stadthalle Chemnitz May 2 – Nürnberg, DE – PSD Bank Nürnberg Arena May 3 – Zürich, CH – Hallenstadion May 6 – London, UK – Royal Albert Hall May 7 – London, UK – Royal Albert Hall
U.S. Summer Tour 2026
June 26 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts w/ JJ Grey & Mofro & D.K. Harrell June 27 – Atlantic City, NJ – Ocean Casino Resort June 28 – Newark, NJ – New Jersey Performing Arts Center July 29 – Vienna, VA – Wolf Trap w/ Gov’t Mule July 31 – Bangor, ME – Maine Savings Amphitheater w/ Gov’t Mule August 1 – Gilford, NH – BankNH Pavilion w/ Gov’t Mule August 3 – Hyannis, MA – Cape Cod Melody Tent August 5 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater w/ JJ Grey & Mofro August 7 – Selbyville, DE – Freeman Arts Pavilion August 8 – Baltimore, MD – Pier Six Pavilion w/ Gov’t Mule August 9 – Youngstown, OH – The Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre w/ Gov’t Mule August 11 – Huber Heights, OH – Rose Music Center at The Heights August 12 – Highland Park, IL – Ravinia Festival August 14 – Interlochen, MI – Kresge Auditorium August 15 – Welch, MN – Treasure Island Resort & Casino w/ Gov’t Mule August 16 – Lincoln, NE – Pinewood Bowl Theater w/ Gov’t Mule August 19 – Cheyenne, WY – Cheyenne Civic Center August 21 – Salt Lake City, UT – Eccles Theater August 23 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre September 26 – Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival @ Moody Center
EU Fall Tour 2026
October 21 – Helsinki, FL – Veikkaus Arena October 23 – Stockholm, SE – Stockholm Avicii Arena October 24 – Oslo, NO – Oslo Spektrum October 25 – Gothenburg, SE – Göteborg Partille Arena October 27 – Copenhagen, DK – K.B. Hallen København October 29 – Rostock, DE – Stadthalle Rostock October 30 – Berlin, DE – Uber Arena October 31 – Dortmund, DE – Westfalenhalle November 3 – Basel, CH – Baloise Session November 4 – Milan, IT – Unipol Forum November 6 – Toulouse, FR – Zenith Toulouse Metropole November 7 – Barcelona, ES – Barcelona Sant Jordi Club November 8 – Madrid, ES – Madrid Palacio Vistalegre
Faith, the latest album from NYC ambient electronic trio Purelink, was one of the best records anyone released last year, and this week they released a couple more incredible tracks. For “Barrons Hotel (I, To, Thee.)” and “Yellow Bones,” the group teamed up with Rainy Miller, an artful young British singer-songwriter whose atmospheric, post-Blonde aesthetic…
It’s been a little more than a month since Spirit Adrift played what was supposed to be their final show ever. But thanks to Nate Garrett being one of the good guys in metal, that plan has been tossed to the wayside to help some fellow musicians in need, as the band is replacing Fulci on the Decibel Tour.
Through some unforeseen circumstances regarding visa processing issues here in the U.S., the Italian death metal band couldn’t make it to the states for the Decibel Tour. With the potential vacancy causing some major headaches for the tour’s organizers, Garrett opted to help out and hop on the bill with Spirit Adrift, giving fans one last chance to catch them live amidst a killer tour of death metal acts.
“We were sorry to hear that our friends in Fulci are unable to make it to the States for the Decibel tour. But we’re honored to step in on short notice and make this happen. Since we announced the end of Spirit Adrift, a lot of y’all have been clamoring for a farewell tour, so here you go. Decibel Magazine has always been so supportive of Spirit Adrift, so this was an offer we simply could not refuse.
“We’re psyched to be the black sheep of the tour, old school doom/heavy metal smack in the middle of a powerhouse lineup of incredible death metal bands. We’ll be playing songs from our new (and final) album Infinite Illumination, as well as highlights of the back catalog. Hopefully we’ll see some of you long time Spirit Adrift fans out there, and maybe we can even win over the more extreme metal fans. We’ll definitely be breaking our necks to ‘Slit Your Guts’ with y’all every night. Can’t wait!”
Though it’s not exactly how Garrett drew up the end of Spirit Adrift, it’s a fortuitous turn of events. Not only does it ensure that the tour’s lineup is full of killer bands, but it’s also a chance for Spirit Adrift to properly say goodbye to fans while supporting their final album Infinite Illumination.
You can catch Spirit Adrift one last time on the Decibel Tour, but only as long as you check out the full list of tour dates below and get your tickets today.
April 30: Worcester, MA • Palladium Upstairs May 1: Brooklyn, NY • Brooklyn Monarch May 2: Baltimore, MD • Baltimore Soundstage May 3: Philadelphia, PA • Decibel Magazine Metal & Beer Fest: Philly 2026 May 5: Atlanta, GA • Masquerade (Hell) May 7: Houston, TX • White Oak Music Hall May 8: Dallas, TX • The Studio May 9: Austin, TX • Come and Take It Live May 12: Los Angeles, CA • The Belasco May 13: San Diego, CA • Brick By Brick May 14: Berkeley, CA • Cornerstone May 16: Portland, OR • Hawthorne Theater May 17: Seattle, WA • El Corazon May 20: Denver, CO • Oriental Theater May 22: Minneapolis, MN • Fine Line Music Cafe May 23: Chicago, IL • Bottom Lounge May 24: Detroit, MI • Crofoot Ballroom May 25: Cleveland, OH • The Grog Shop May 26: Pittsburgh, PA • Preserving Underground May 27: Toronto, ON • Lee’s May 28: Montreal, QC • Fairmount Theatre
Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman and cold brew innovator Anthony Kiedis has a long history of dating women much, much younger than him. He’s been doing that ever since he was young. At 24, for instance, Kiedis was involved with the 16-year-old movie star Ione Skye, and his 2004 memoir Scar Tissue is full of disturbing stories like that. Today, Kiedis is 63 years old. His current girlfriend is at least an adult, but she’s less than half of his age. She’s writing about it, too.
Photo by Svetlana Goncharova Finnish folk metal goliaths ENSIFERUM will return to US and Canadian stages on a two-week headlining tour. The Winter Storm Over North America tour begins on September 9th with their appearance […]
