Finnish folk metal mainstays Ensiferum are heading back to North America this fall with the Winter Storm Over North America 2026 tour, kicking off in September. Joining them on the run is Firewind, led by guitarist Gus G, widely recognized for his time playing with Ozzy Osbourne.
The tour kicks off on September 9 at ProgPower USA XXV and wraps up a few weeks later on September 27 at the El Corazon in Seattle, WA. Tickets go on sale Friday, April 24 at 10 a.m. local time.
The tour continues the push behind Winter Storm, released in October 2024 via Metal Blade Records. The album took shape during the COVID lockdown, when founding guitarist MarkusToivonen focused on expanding his songwriting approach. He handled nearly all the material, with bassist Sami Hinkka contributing the track “Fatherland”.
Vocalist and keyboardist Pekka Montin continues to play a key role in the band’s evolving sound. After making an impression on Thalassic, his range is more fully integrated on Winter Storm, which follows a fantasy-driven concept written by Hinkka. The record leans into a more expansive and melodic direction without losing the band’s core edge.
Production on Winter Storm was handled by Janne Joutsenniemi, with mixing and mastering by Jens Bogren. The album also features guest spots from Lassi Logrén on nyckelharpa and violin, Mikko Mustonen on orchestration, and Eleine vocalist Madeleine Liljestam, who appears on “Scars In My Heart”.
“Observer” grabs you with an intense guitar riff that paves the way from the start. The atmosphere created is immersive and playful, drawing listeners into an intricate sonic environment. As the song transitions into the verse, the female vocal enters, enhancing the epic and dystopian quality reminiscent of a sci-fi film soundtrack or a video game score.
The production quality shines with a polished finish, while the track’s rhythmic and harmonic shifts constantly command attention. This musical journey feels like a roller coaster, full of emotional ups and downs. There are moments where the sound seems to withdraw, only to surge forth again, flooding the listener with new layers of emotion and sonic texture.
The track exemplifies melodic rock, offering a unique experience that envelops you fully. At around two minutes and fifty seconds, a guitar solo emerges that showcases the interplay between the guitar and the steady rhythm of the drums. This interplay creates a remarkable diversion in the energy of the song.
The guitar is doubled an octave higher, producing an almost metallic effect that is both mesmerizing and captivating. This technical and melodic solo stands out, contributing significantly to the overall impact of the composition. The hard rock and melodic metal elements blend seamlessly throughout the piece.
Observer – Sound and Atmosphere
Listeners are likely to find themselves enthralled by the craftsmanship displayed in “Observer.” The song invites repeated listens, as each play reveals new subtleties in the arrangement and performance. The dynamics shift skillfully, leading to soaring moments that heighten the emotional stakes.
Throughout the track, the instrumental and vocal elements communicate effectively, enhancing the storytelling aspect of the music. The sense of dramatic tension is palpable, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. Each section is impeccably timed, allowing for both anticipation and release.
Observer – Performance and Production
The Lazz has created a remarkable piece of art that resonates with hard rock enthusiasts and newcomers alike. With influences that can appeal to a diverse audience, “Observer” deserves a place on any hard rock or metal playlist. The emotive power of the lyrics combined with the intense instrumental arrangements results in a well-rounded musical experience.
“Observer” is a masterful exploration of sound and emotion, emerging as a highlight in The Lazz’s catalog. It embodies the essence of hard rock and melodic metal, delivering a powerful statement through its artistry. This single is highly recommended for all music lovers seeking depth and excitement in their playlists.
Beth Hart has announced a digital deluxe edition of her 2024 album You Still Got Me, set for release on June 17 via Provogue Records.
The expanded edition adds six tracks that were previously only available on a limited-edition box set. Among them is the jazzy blues track “Mean Ole Man Of Mine,” along with “Stuff For You” and extended versions of “Savior With A Razor,” which features Slash. Additional tracks include “Wonderful World,” “Wanna Be Big Bad Johnny Cash,” and “Don’t Call The Police.”
The original release of You Still Got Me topped the Billboard Blues Album chart and the UK Jazz and Blues chart, while also reaching the Top 10 in multiple European markets. The album has amassed more than 11 million streams worldwide.
TRACK LIST
Savior With A Razor (feat. Slash)
Suga N My Bowl (feat. Eric Gales)
Never Underestimate A Gal
Drunk On Valentine
Wanna Be Big Bad Johnny Cash
Wonderful World
Little Heartbreak Girl
Don’t Call The Police
You Still Got Me
Pimp Like That
Machine Gun Vibrato
BONUS TRACK LIST
Savior With A Razor (feat. Slash) (Extended Version)
Wonderful World (Extended Version)
Mean Ole Man Of Mine
Wanna Be Big Bad Johnny Cash (Extended Version)
Don’t Call The Police (Extended Version)
Stuff For You
Hart will support the release with an extensive European tour running from May through July, followed by a return to Europe in November. A U.S. tour is expected to be announced for September 2026.
TOUR DATES
May 4, 2026 – Auditorium Parco della Musica – Rome, Italy May 7, 2026 – Gran Teatro Geox – Padova, Italy May 9, 2026 – Dom Muzyki i Tanca – Zabrze, Poland May 11, 2026 – Hala Orbita – Wroclaw, Poland May 14, 2026 – The Beacon – Bristol, UK May 16, 2026 – Usher Hall – Edinburgh, UK May 18, 2026 – Royal Concert Hall Nottingham – Nottingham, UK May 20, 2026 – The Glasshouse International Centre for Music – Gateshead, UK May 24, 2026 – De Roma – Antwerp, Belgium May 26, 2026 – Rockhal – Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg May 28, 2026 – Prague Congress Centre – Prague, Czechia May 30, 2026 – Freiluftarena B – Graz, Austria June 2, 2026 – De Roma – Antwerp, Belgium (sold out) June 4, 2026 – New Theatre Oxford – Oxford, UK July 1, 2026 – Lycabettus Theatre – Athens, Greece July 4, 2026 – Donaubühne – Tulln, Austria July 6, 2026 – Posthalle – Würzburg, Germany July 8, 2026 – Jahrhunderthalle – Frankfurt am Main, Germany July 10, 2026 – Parkbühne (Clara Zetkin Park) – Leipzig, Germany July 14, 2026 – COS Torwar – Warsaw, Poland July 16, 2026 – Veszprémfest 2026 – Veszprém, Hungary July 18, 2026 – Yunak Stadium – Sofia, Bulgaria July 21, 2026 – Schwabenhalle Augsburg – Augsburg, Germany July 23, 2026 – Z7 Open-Air – Pratteln, Switzerland July 25, 2026 – Winterbach Zeltspektakel – Winterbach, Germany July 27, 2026 – Stadthalle – Rostock, Germany July 29, 2026 – Seebühne Bremen – Bremen, Germany
September 2026 – Dates to be announced
November 4, 2026 – Helsingin Jäähalli – Helsinki, Finland November 7, 2026 – B-K – Stockholm, Sweden November 9, 2026 – Sentrum Scene – Oslo, Norway November 11, 2026 – Fiskepiren – Stavanger, Norway November 13, 2026 – USF Verftet – Bergen, Norway November 16, 2026 – Falkoner Salen – Frederiksberg, Denmark November 18, 2026 – Musikhuset Aarhus – Aarhus, Denmark November 21, 2026 – Kuppelsaal IM HCC – Hannover, Germany November 23, 2026 – Leverkusener Jazztage – Leverkusen, Germany November 25, 2026 – Lokschuppen Dillingen – Dillingen, Germany November 27, 2026 – Halle Münsterland – Münster, Germany November 29, 2026 – L’Olympia – Paris, France
A beautiful guitar riff opens this track, immediately engaging the listener. It features a rhythm that envelops you in an energetic, slightly nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of The Beatles and The Lemonheads. The guitar tone is fuzzy and crunchy, creating a blend of retro punk mixed with 1960s and 1970s rock. This infectious sound keeps you entertained throughout the song.
The vocals carry the right energy. The singer’s voice tells a story without exaggeration. It rests comfortably on the melody, guiding listeners through this musical journey. You can feel the camaraderie among the musicians. They enjoy playing together, and this joy radiates throughout the track. The song cultivates positive vibes by highlighting the magic that happens when a dream is realized.
Bringing together various musicians sparks creativity and fosters collaboration. This cooperative spirit is evident in the final product, as they create something that is destined to be memorable. The overall vibe of the song is quite uplifting, perfectly embodying the essence of good times and rocky vibes.
Days Like These – Sound and Atmosphere
The rhythm section complements the overall energy, driving the song forward. Drumming adds a lively flourish with each hit, enhancing the track’s dynamic. Together, the instruments work seamlessly. There is genuine chemistry present. The beat makes it hard to resist bobbing your head or tapping your feet along with the music.
Matt Law demonstrates a firm understanding of how to create a joyful experience through music. His skilled craftsmanship shines through the production. The overall mixing allows each element to shine without overshadowing others. Nothing feels out of place; everything aligns perfectly.
Days Like These – Performance and Production
The combination of retro influences and modern sensibilities makes the song intriguing. It connects generations with its timeless appeal. The blend of styles speaks to young listeners and those fond of classic rock. This fusion reflects the sincerity of an artist striving to honor his influences while creating something fresh.
One of the standout features is the anthemic quality of the chorus. It invites listeners to sing along, creating a collective experience. It evokes the feeling of togetherness that’s often found in great rock music. This quality is precious and makes “Days Like These” memorable.
The musical arrangements are tight, showcasing the band’s skills. Each section flows effortlessly into the next, holding the listener’s attention. The dynamics ebb and flow, keeping the song engaging throughout. This attention to detail adds depth and sophistication.
As the song wraps up, it leaves listeners with a sense of fulfillment. The infectious spirit of the music lingers in the air, creating a lingering sense of happiness. It truly reflects how collaboration can lead to beautiful, timeless creations.
“Tadow, Queens be the birthplace/ Turn you to a fuckin’ cheeseburger at a children’s birthday/ Yeah, I deserve a mermaid/ So I could buy my bitch fake Hermes.” It’s Bam Bam! No rapper other than Action Bronson would write those lines in a million years or deliver them with such casual panache. That’s the Action…
The singer-songwriter’s “Stick Season” was an unexpected smash. On its follow-up he sings about fame, complex relationships and the future with a sharper perspective.
After bringing debut album All Hell back online a few months back, Daughn Gibson is now rolling out Lake Mary not mysterious, his first digitally available album in over a decade. (He released the limited-edition physical-only The Bergundy Daughns in 2024, but you didn’t hear that one, did you?) This week brings the second single…
The song launches directly into action without an introduction. Vocals quickly establish the melody over a delicate piano arpeggio. From the outset, there are hints of Paul McCartney in its style. Ian Roland once again showcases his signature refined melodies. Joined by his skilled band, the intensity of their performance evokes strong emotions. The members include Ian Roland on vocals and 12-string guitar, James Chapman on drums, Dave Coomber on bass and backing vocals, and Sonny Crowe on lead guitar, keys, and backing vocals.
“The Real Thing” presents a powerful meditation on consumerism. As the lyrics unfold, they resonate with a sense of urgency. We live in an era where reality often feels obscured by material possessions. The song simultaneously addresses this issue while offering a glimmer of hope. Perhaps this optimism is infused in the music itself, which inspires listeners with its upbeat melodies.
The chorus, with its harmonies and backing vocals, creates a delicate yet intense auditory experience. It feels almost like a mirage, attempting to awaken consciousness. The arrangement underscores the complexity of life in a materialistic society. A balance exists between addressing consumerism and suggesting a path forward. The use of instrumentation enhances the message, making it more relatable.
The Real Thing – Sound and Atmosphere
Ian Roland excels in evoking strong feelings through music. His sound is sophisticated and expressive, a hallmark of his artistry. The seamless integration of instruments amplifies the lyrical themes. Each section flows naturally into the next, maintaining listener engagement. The lead guitar adds layers, further enriching the listening experience. It serves as an emotional anchor, tying together the song’s core message.
Drums pulse steadily, reinforcing the lyrical invitation to reflect on authenticity. Bass lines provide depth, grounding the track while allowing the melody to soar. The 12-string guitar adds a shimmering quality, enhancing the overall atmosphere. Roland’s vocals glide smoothly over the instrumentation, capturing attention.
Roland does not shy away from exploring uncomfortable truths. Instead, he offers a voice of clarity and sincerity, challenging listeners to examine their surroundings. The song ultimately invites introspection and encourages a deeper understanding of life. There is a conscious effort to break through the facade that often surrounds us.
The Real Thing – Performance and Production
Ian Roland’s ability to combine technical skill with emotional honesty is notable. His music consistently manages to convey rich narratives. As listeners absorb the sounds and messages, they are likely to feel a connection. This song stands not only as a reflection of contemporary issues but as an artistic endeavor that inspires hope. The fusion of talent within the band elevates the track, making it memorable.
“The Real Thing” showcases Ian Roland’s abilities as a songwriter and performer. The hope evident in the music encourages a quest for authenticity and meaning in everyday existence.
Two years have passed since STATUS QUO issued the “The Early Years 1966-69” collection that, as fans assumed, was a standalone dive into the British ensemble’s psychedelic era, yet they were wrong, because July 3rd will see the release of … Continue reading →
Los Angeles hard rock outfit Stitched Up Heart is set to release its next full-length record, Medusa, on June 12 through Judge & Jury Records, the label launched by producer HowardBenson and Three Days Grace drummer Neil Sanderson.
The band has also rolled out a lyric video for the latest single, “Beast”, which features Nonpoint frontman Elias Soriano. The track leans into the group’s established mix of heavy guitar work and hook-driven songwriting, with an added vocal contrast from Soriano.
Founded in 2010 by vocalist Alecia Demner, better known as Mixi, Stitched Up Heart has built its identity around a balance of aggressive instrumentation, strong melodic structure, and lyrics that focus on personal themes.
On the live front, Stitched Up Heart closed out 2025 with a run alongside Eyes Set To Kill, LaurenBabic, and Lylvc. The band returned to touring earlier this spring, joining Sebastian Bach on the road.
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