Last month, several allegations against Yves Tumor circulated online, accusing the musician of sexual assault and abusive behavior. One allegation of groping was accompanied by video evidence. Yves Tumor, also known as Shanti or Sean Lee Bowie, denied the allegations and said he would be taking “extreme legal action.” Now, he’s been removed from Turnstile’s tour.
Orbit Culture have premiered a music video for “Nuclear God”, a track featured on the upcoming deluxe edition of their 2025 album, Death Above Life, which is due October 9th via Century Media Records. “Nuclear God” originally appeared on the Japanese edition of the album. Read more…
Denmark’s Hexis will be touring Europe next month. The tour commences on October 1st in Dortmund, Germany. Confirmed dates and venues can be found via flyer below. Read more…
JOHN MITCHELL, guitarist, singer-songwriter and producer known for his work with It Bites, Frost*, Arena and Asia, has released the new single “The River,” from his forthcoming Lonely Robot album, An Ending. An Ending will be released on September 11th, 2026, via White Knight Records, on CD and limited-edition coloured double vinyl, and is available to pre-order now: www.lonelyrobot.co.uk
The River is one of two tracks on An Ending written by Mitchell and Jez Fielder, a longtime friend and live collaborator who also plays guitar on the track. The pair regularly perform together at Songs & Stories concerts, intimate shows centred around Mitchell’s music and the stories behind it.
The River, which also features Mitchell’s longstanding musical collaborator, Craig Blundell, is released today and is accompanied by a lyric video which can be viewed here:
The song uses a river to explore the changing nature of a relationship. Its course shifts over time, just as feelings between two people can change. The river keeps moving.
The collaboration also has a more personal story behind it. Both Mitchell and Fielder are adopted, and that shared experience found its way into the song. Memory, identity, loss and a sense of belonging are central themes within the lyrics.
Mitchell comments, “The River represents the first time within the Lonely Robot universe that I have embarked upon a writing collaboration with someone, which in turn somewhat ironically renders the process a little less lonely. Writing and recording The River with Jez proved to be a most fruitful partnership centred around themes of memories and loss born of our shared life experience as a pair of adopted kids.”
Fielder adds, “I was extremely flattered when John asked me to collaborate with him, and The River was one of the first songs we wrote together. The way it tends to work is we discuss concepts, I hand him a bunch of lyrics, suggest a top line, then he tells me to go away while he does his thing. I come back a couple of hours later, and he’s created an entire soundscape. Remarkable.”
John Mitchell – Vocals, guitars, bass guitar, keyboards.
Craig Blundell (Frost*, Steve Hackett, Steven Wilson) – Drums
Jez Fielder – Additional Guitar on The River and Rearview
Track List
This World Window
Show The Way
Back To The Middle
In Ocean Light
Ad Astra
Where In The World
Twin Suns
The River
Rearview
Bending Light
The Iron Sea
Oblique
Synthetic (Bonus track – vinyl only)
While touring the world, Orbit Culture worked on Death Above Life (Deluxe Edition), the director’s cut of their cinematic and highly successful latest studio album, which will be released on October 9.
Today, the band, would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to their fans with the release of the new single and video, “Nuclear God.”
The band comments: “‘Nuclear God’ was originally released as a bonus track on the Japanese edition of Death Above Life. When we started going through all the footage we had gathered from the summer festivals, we wanted to turn it into something that felt like a tribute to our fans and the community that has grown around this band. The relentless chaos of ‘Nuclear God’ perfectly matched those moments. Riivata took all of that footage and brought it together into the video you see today.”
Death Above Life (Deluxe Edition) is available in the following formats and is available to pre-order here.
Both the vinyl and 2CD editions include four additional tracks and a 40-page booklet. For this special release, the band opened up their photo archives, offering an intimate collection of live shots and behind-the-scenes moments.
The release of the deluxe edition also marks the beginning of another touring cycle for Orbit Culture. First, they will join Amon Amarth‘s The Allfather Awakens Tour alongside Soilwork in Europe. Immediately afterward, they will embark on the second leg of Trivium‘s The Crown in the Grave Tour in the USA/Canada, which also features In Flames and Frozen Soul. Check out all dates here.
Hailing from the small town of Eksjö, Sweden, situated between the renowned metal hubs of Gothenburg and Stockholm, the quartet of guitarist and vocalist Niklas Karlsson, guitarist RichardHansson, bassist Fredrik Lennartsson, and drummer Christopher Wallerstedt has evolved into a global force. Blending thrash, death metal, and industrial influences, the band combines crushing riffs with unforgettable hooks and a richly layered atmosphere. While inviting comparisons to Gojira, Metallica, and Static-X, Orbit Culture continues to forge a sound that is unmistakably their own.
Beast In Black are back with a brand new single, “Fear The Beast”. You can check it out via YouTube player below with a music video, directed by Katri Ilona Koppanen. Read more…
The journey begins with “Questions,” a mesmerizing piece that immerses the listener in an ancient Middle Eastern cultural experience. The opening arpeggio feels timeless, reminiscent of a caravan moving through the desert. This is a powerful introduction, setting a tone that is reflective and exploratory.
Following this, “The Pull Of Time” draws you deeper into the album’s atmosphere. This track is hypnotic, marked by elongated pauses that create a mysterious environment. It beautifully encapsulates the flow of time, inviting the listener to ponder the transient nature of existence. The composition here blends simplicity and depth, creating a reflective moment that resonates deeply.
Next comes “Biography of a Bubble,” where strings create an atmosphere filled with tension. This track evolves with the oud in conjunction with violin, cello, and percussion. Throughout the album, these instruments interlace, giving rise to a dialogue that occasionally takes on a baroque quality. The intriguing arrangements allow each instrument to shine while simultaneously contributing to a unified sound.
Dandelion – Sound and Atmosphere
“Samaie” emerges as a personal favorite. The oud’s arpeggio is enchanting, its melody seemingly opening the listener’s soul. This piece transports you, inviting a deep connection with its ancient feel. The allure of the oud captures the essence of tradition while invoking a sense of nostalgia, making it a profound listening experience.
Another remarkable track is “II. & Blossoms.” This composition offers a fantastical and delicate journey. One can easily visualize graceful dancers moving sinuously, embodying the music’s ethereal quality. The refinement in this piece enhances its beauty, inviting listeners into a dreamscape filled with imagery and movement.
The album culminates with “Enchanted Weavers,” a stunning conclusion that feels like a lullaby. This song is a fitting end to such an instrumental journey, encouraging meditation and escapism. It allows listeners to momentarily forget about reality, providing a gentle close to the exploration of sound.
Dandelion is an intimate and evocative album where ancient traditions meet contemporary classical expression. Rihab Azar allows the oud to speak with a voice that feels rooted in history and free to explore new horizons. Delicate, mysterious, and deeply atmospheric, this record invites listeners to slow down, surrender to its rhythms, and travel through a world shaped by memory, time, and imagination.
Melodic black metallers Istapp are pleased to announce that they have joined forces with Hammerheart Records. The band’s last full-length, Sól Tér Sortna, was released in 2025. Read more…
The song begins with an overwhelming rush of energy that envelops listeners. It draws them into a dystopian atmosphere through a dynamic interplay between harsh male screams and a delicate female voice. This stark contrast creates a unique auditory experience. The song emits an energy that feels like an unstoppable wave, reminiscent of a tsunami, sweeping listeners along.
The hard rock and metal influences are immediately apparent and invigorating. Each transition is filled with rapid rhythmic changes that enhance the song’s intensity. This exciting pace keeps listeners engaged, urging them to lose themselves in the music. There is an adrenaline-inducing quality that makes it a perfect soundtrack for an intense workout session. It offers a surge of vitality that one might think is unattainable.
The production shines with a futuristic appeal. Technical aspects are executed with refinement, which adds depth to the listening experience. This sophistication complements the raw energy of the performance. Clearly, this song aims to energize its audience, and it succeeds remarkably well.
The Crown – Sound and Atmosphere
The combination of powerful instrumentals and emotive vocals creates a resonance that is thrilling and invigorating. The lyrical content, though not explicitly analyzed here, reinforces the song’s energetic message. Every element works cohesively to maintain an electrifying atmosphere throughout.
Listeners can expect to feel an immediate rush of excitement. This relentless drive could motivate anyone to push through physical or emotional barriers.
The Crown – Performance and Production
Fans of hard rock will appreciate the intense instrumentation and aggressive vocals. The blend of genres appeals to a wide range of listeners while remaining true to its roots. It serves as an energizing anthem for those seeking motivation in their daily lives.
“The Crown” represents a refined fusion of energy and musical craftsmanship. It is a powerful piece that perfectly encapsulates the feelings associated with facing challenges head-on. The Lazz has undoubtedly succeeded in creating a song that not only entertains but also inspires action.