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Norwegian black metallers URARV have unveiled “Operation Genocide,” the second track from their forthcoming third album, Nychta Psychis. The five-track record arrives on October 16, 2026, through Darkness Shall Rise Productions. The song examines human greed and the wars it fuels. Its subject matter specifically addresses the horrors of Wounded Knee in 1890, while also […]

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Brazilian extreme metallers BLASPHEMANIAC will release their second album, Ataque Diabólico a Sacralidade Brasileira, on November 25, 2026, through Adirondack Black Mass. The CD release marks their first full-length since 2021, following a succession of splits and singles. The advance track “Odioso Manifesto Anti o Monumentalismo Sacro abraâmico” is now streaming on the label’s Bandcamp […]

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Downes Braide Association, the duo comprised of award-winning songwriter and vocalist Chris Braide and legendary keyboardist of Asia, The Buggles and Yes, Geoff Downes, has now been creating music together for nearly 15 years. Better known simply as DBA, the pair return with their sixth studio album, Trauma, another stellar collection of melodic pop and progressive rock built around strong songwriting, memorable melodies and storytelling.

Most of the pair’s albums follow a similar style and flow with a mix of pop-infused anthems, along with some mid-tempo numbers and a few longer proggy tracks. This album follow a similar trajectory. But it does boast more memorable material than their previous release, stacking up with their best work like 2017’s Skyscraper Souls and 2021’s Halcyon Hymns.

Downes unique keyboard flourishes are ever present and his choice of chords and sounds are unmistakable. Braide’s vocals are wonderful and while he is a succesful songwriter for other singers, it’s always a pleasure when is in the vocal front seat. Meanwhile, the supporting lineup of Dave Bainbridge on guitars, Andy Hodge on bass and Ash Soan on drums return to join DBA, with additional drums provided by Tim Weller. Their contributions give the album the feel of a genuine band performance while providing a strong foundation for the distinctive musical partnership between Downes and Braide.

The album gets off to an immediate high point with “Hello, Hello,” a soaring pop/arena-rock anthem and arguably one of the duo’s finest tracks to date. Driven by a huge, memorable chorus and an instantly accessible melody, it’s the kind of song that demonstrates just how effortlessly Braide and Downes can combine classic pop songwriting with the grander scale associated with progressive rock.

The title track, meanwhile, moves further into progressive territory, highlighting DBA’s ability to weave sophisticated arrangements and ideas into songs that never lose sight of melody. The tracks recalls some of their previous longer title tracks like “Suburban Ghosts” and “Skyscraper Soul.” It’s a wonderful song.

First single “Wonderland” takes a more measured approach, delivering a wonderfully catchy mid-tempo ballad that showcases the duo’s melodic instincts. While “King of Karma” has a slight Steven Wilson feel about it and is another highlight.

At the other end of the spectrum is “Lakes of Memories,” one of the longest pieces DBA have recorded, clocking in at around 14 minutes. It gives Downes and Braide the opportunity to stretch beyond the more concise songwriting found elsewhere on the album while maintaining the emotional and melodic qualities at the heart of their music.  Despite being known as a pop-hit maker, Braide excels in the long-form type of songs that being in DBA allows him to create.

The album als has an impressive collection of guests. The late David Longdon, a longtime DBA collaborator, is also present through flute performances recorded during the band’s 2018 sessions, adding an especially poignant connection to DBA’s past. Marc Almond appears on “Juliet,” while Emmi contributes to “Love and Loss,” and Delilah Barrett provides narration. Elsewhere, Andy Partridge, Barney Ashton-Bullock and Dean Johnson each contribute original poems to the album booklet, also adding another element. Completing the package is another striking Roger Dean cover. His artwork has become closely associated with DBA and once again provides an appropriately distinctive visual companion to the music.

Six albums into their career, Downes Braide Association continue to occupy their own space between progressive rock and sophisticated melodic pop and ‘Trauma’ is a welcome addition to their wonderful catalog.

Released on Sept 25th. 2026

ORDER LINK HERE: https://cherryred.co/Trauma

Tracklisting:

1.Hello, Hello – 4:57
2.Trauma – 8:20
3.King of Karma – 4:53
4.Wonderland – 5:12
5.Love and Loss – 3:16
6.I Wish I’d Known – 4:11
7.Do You Remember? – 4:54
8.Juliet – 2:24
9.Lake of Memories – 14:29
10.Wherever You Are Now – 5:44

Written & Produced by Chris Braide & Geoff Downes. Paintings and logo by Roger Dean

The post Downes Braide Association – Trauma (Album Review) appeared first on The Prog Report.

Day 2 of Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival from the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, is now available on demand. The concert was streamed live for free at thenextguitar.com.

The second day of Crossroads 2026 was headlined by Eric Clapton.

DAY 2 LINEUP

Bill Murray with Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi
Sonny Landreth
Kurt Rosenwinkel
Tommy Emmanuel
Del McCoury Band with Sierra Hull
Taj Mahl and Keb’ Mo’
Robert Randolph with Eric Gales
Jimmie Vaughan
Marcus King with Sierra Hull, Marvin King, Joe Bonamassa, Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi
Doyle Bramhall II with Elle Bramhall
Trey Anastasio with John Mayer, Nathan East, Noah East, Sonny Emory, and Doyle Bramhall II
Gary Clark Jr.
Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi
Eric Clapton with John McLaughlin and Kurt Rosenwinkel
Group jam (Going Down)

WATCH DAY 2 BELOW

Photo Credit: David Brendan Hall for Crossroads Guitar Festival 2026 / @davidbrendanhall

The post Watch Day 2 of Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival for free appeared first on Blues Rock Review.

Album Review: Defects – Artificial Icons

Reviewed by Matthew Williams

My first introduction to metalcore band Defects was when I was doing some research into them ahead of their support slot on the recent Allegaeon/Gorod tour. My initial impression was a bit “meh, their ok” however, that changed to “I really like these” after seeing them live, as they were very impressive that night in Manchester, so I decided to dig deeper and review their latest album.

That evening they played several songs from “Artificial Icons” and it was the variety of soaring melodies juxtaposed with aggressive rhythms, allowing frontman Tony Maue to display his vocal range, which impressed me most. The album explodes into life with the album title track, and introduces the listener to subjects such as “homelessness, addiction and broken connections.”

It’s a powerful start with new drummer Rowan Jack giving his kit one hell of a thumping with a stinging guitar tone from James Threadwell punctuating the rhythm throughout. The socio-political commentary continues through “Heresy” with a deep throaty scream of “let’s go” as they pummel you into submission. Maue explains that these songs are about not giving up as he’s “given up before, I know what it looks like and I’m not doing that again”.

Their transfixing sound purrs even louder during the excellent “Where Did I Go Wrong” which sees his vocals come to life ahead of the hard hitting “Signs” featuring Matt Heafy from Trivium. Maue says that he “wants to write songs that matter” and this places the listener in a war-torn setting and it demonstrates their expansive guitar riffs with another new recruit, Orlando Morris-Winmill, facing off against Threadwell in a twin guitar assault, whilst being controlled and carefully crafted.

After a brief futuristic song called “Interlude”, which, in my opinion should have been expanded upon further they come back with the thunderous “Critic”. This was one of the songs that I really liked when I heard it live as its stacked with powerful notes and vocals that pack a punch. In contrast, there’s a softer edge to “State of Mind” as the band demonstrate how they’ve grown and evolved as a band, with a gentler solo adding to the sombre narrative.

“Hollow” is just straight up aggressive with a sinister, slower mid-section, before “The Other Side” and “Afterglow” reflect on the storm clouds that lurked over the band, with Maue reflecting on suicidal thoughts as life complications piled up on him, and he accepted that “he was flawed” but “I’m fine now”. Both are meaningful and personal songs, whilst sandwiched between the two is “All For Nothing” another that sees the vocalist look inwards as “when I was younger, overthinking led me to drugs” and “I nearly died”.

I for one am glad that the frontman appears in a much better place now, as without him, this album probably doesn’t exist and that would be the real tragedy, as it’s damn fine piece of music.

For all the latest news, reviews, interviews across the heavy metal spectrum follow THE RAZORS’S EDGE on facebook, twitter and instagram.

The post Album Review: Defects – Artificial Icons appeared first on The Razor's Edge.

Next month, VA-based songwriter/producer James Goodson, who releases music as Dazy, is dropping a compilation album titled MAXIMUMBLASTSUPERLOUD Vol. 2: 24 Songs From 2023-2026. The album collects singles and EPs from the past three years, and it also includes seven new songs. The Artist To Watch alum already shared the new track “Beat Change,” which is a big, brassy thing with a clanging melody. Today, he’s released the new single “Ugly.”

The post Dazy – “Ugly” appeared first on Stereogum.

SATANIC WARMASTER will release their eighth full-length album, Drachenkreuz, on November 13, 2026, through Werewolf Records. The eight-track record will be available on CD, vinyl LP and cassette, with a virtual advance tape now available on the label’s official YouTube channel. The album’s origins stretch back to the sessions for 2022’s Aamongandr. Founder Werwolf initially […]

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Like many aging rock bands, nu-metal veterans Slipknot have a Ship of Theseus quality to them. A decent chunk of the classic lineup has departed, most recently longtime DJ Sid Wilson, who was kicked out about a month ago for reportedly being a jerk. Before that, a decade after taking over the kit from founding drummer Joey Jordison, Jay Weinberg got the ax in 2023, which left him “heartbroken and blindsided.” But Slipknot are more equipped for membership changes than some bands, owing to the grotesque masks each member wears. The quasi-anonymity also affords them a Daft Punk-like ability to not look old onstage, which surely amplifies their already considerable appeal to younger audiences. When you add all those teenagers rocking Slipknot tees to the pool of longtime fans, you apparently have enough people to fill up a bunch of stadiums.

The post Slipknot Announce 2027 Tour, Events Tonight In LA & London appeared first on Stereogum.

Washington state post-black metal band EUSAPIA have released “Relapse,” the lead single from a two-stage release culminating in Mercy on December 21, 2026. The track combines progressive depressive black metal, post-rock and blackgaze to explore addiction and isolation in the Pacific Northwest. Recorded in the band’s home studio, “Relapse” was mixed and mastered by Somnium […]

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Much like his old Saddle Creek labelmate Conor Oberst, longtime Cursive frontman Tim Kasher is a director now. A couple of years ago, Kasher made his directorial debut with an independent found-footage horror feature called Who’s Watching. I haven’t seen it yet, but you can imagine that a film about a creepy, obsessive stalker might have certain resonance with some of Kasher’s lyrics. Kasher also did the music for Who’s Watching, and a soundtrack album is coming next month. Today, Cursive share the new song that they recorded for the movie.

The post Cursive Share “Wounded Animal” From <em>Who’s Watching</em> Soundtrack appeared first on Stereogum.