I read a comment online today from someone claiming the Coachella audience didn’t deserve the set Nine Inch Noize just unleashed at the festival, and I nearly sprained my retinas from rolling my eyes so hard. The unmitigated gall required to dictate what a group of people is allowed to enjoy is the absolute pinnacle of musical snobbery. It did, however, remind me that it has been quite a while since I’ve showcased the music that has been in my ears of late.

While diversity is always at the forefront due to my ever growing respect for all genres, the mood of the music has definitely shifted. Here we move away from the frost bitten dirge of winter, and into fresher, more enthusiastic soundscapes. While they might not be your cup of tea, thats totally okay, rest assured you will never find me judging you based on what moves you personally.

I may be an arrogant prick for dozens of reasons, but I am not the kind of elitist douchebag who thinks music needs a velvet rope. Let’s move on, shall we?

Neurosis

Last Light

A band that deserves to evolve, and an album that nobody expected would be here in 2026, let alone with such an iconic singer on vocal duties. Last Light is the final track on the new album, and one of the lengthier tunes this band has ever put out that’s certainly not short on emotion.

Converge

Hum of Hurt

I’ll be damned if I wasn’t shocked to see Converge announcing yet another new album this year after delivering this past February, but hey, it’s not like fans would turn down the opportunity to hear some of the heaviest hitting music you can find these days.

Nine Inch Noize

Closer

The entire album highlights how such a collaboration between Nine Inch Nails and Boys Noize is a genius way to modernize such a classic industrial back catalogue. It’s a fresh entry for new fans, and a great rediscovery for old ones.

Black Sabbath

Hole In the Sky

With Ozzy being gone, it definitely leaves an eternal bruise on the heart of heavy metal, but songs like this remind us why his legacy will outlive us all. The remastered version also breathes new life into a dated production that was still great to hear, but in much need of sonic evolution to bring out its full potential.

Nevermore

Born

Their newfound revival is taking hold of the metal world, so it’s no surprise one of my favorite bands landed on this list with a track that encompasses everything they stood for. Outstanding guitar work with extraordinary vocals built over a solid rhythm section that solidifies Nevermore as some of the best to ever stand in the genre.

NOFX

Stickin In My Eye

Back when I was deeply hooked on NOFX, they were busy evolving from a chaotic mess into a tight, energetic machine. This track is a perfect snapshot of the sound that helped launch the 90s punk revival into the stratosphere.

Soul Asylum

Somebody to Shove

It would be sacrilege to put out a playlist without highlighting the heavy hitters of 90s rock, and Soul Asylum often gets unfairly glossed over in favor of their grungier counterparts. Make no mistake, they are incredible songwriters with melodic depth that proves they were far more than just the one hit wonders the mainstream tried to label them as.

Spectre General

Nothin’s Gonna Stand In Our Way

As if I needed a reason to watch the Transformers animated movie again? Take all your best cheesy 80s metal songs and toss em’ in the trash, because they don’t hold a candle to the tunes on this soundtrack.

Mobb Deep

Survival of the Fittest

Dirty NYC hip hop will always have a home in my playlist, and this entire album is one of the best examples of how hauntingly poetic this sonic landscape can get. I’m a sucker for grungy production too, which is painted throughout all the vibes this album carries with it.

Deadmau5 and Kaskade

I Remember

A hypnotic dance classic that always warms my soul every time it comes on, and another great example of collaboration gone right, with two titans of the industry pairing up to create an iconic song.

Grateful Dead

Bertha

It’s probably the loss of Bob Weir that has me nostalgic for old dead tunes, but this 1971 performance at the Fillmore remains one of my favorite tracks the band ever released. Such a great groove, with equally great melodies soaring over top.

Cleveland Eaton

Slipping Into Darkness

I’m a sucker for great funk music, and this album delivers on levels reminiscent of anything the Isley Brothers or Herbie Hancock did back in those glory days of 70s funkadelic. There is so much going on in the production, it only gets better and better with each listen.

Sorceress

Return to Forever

Legendary musicians Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke, Al Di Meola, & Lenny White got together to make music, and the result was nothing more than some of the greatest jazz fusion this side of sanity. It’s almost telepathic how well they were able to vibe together all those years ago, and create music that still stands the test of time.

The Beatles

I’ll Follow the Sun

There are so many fond memories I have of time spent with my mom years ago as a kid with The Beatles playing somewhere in the background. This was one of those tracks, and it’s one of the ways I stay connected to her after she’s been gone.

Enigma

Prism of Life

I’ve always been a massive fan of Enigma, even long before the Pure Moods disc tormented us all at 2am back in the 90s, but this track always brings a huge smile to my face. It’s such an uplifting tune with a soundscape so unique, I still ponder how Michael Cretu comes up with this stuff.

The post Whats In My Ears: Spring 2026 appeared first on Autumns Eyes.

Melodic rockers Frontline have unveiled a new single, “After You’re Gone”, along with an official video, ahead of the release of their new studio album, Rebirth, out on May 15, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl.

The band stated: “The song shows a more emotional and reflective side of Rebirth. It’s about that moment when the pain begins to clear, when silence replaces the noise, and you finally see things for what they are. There are both sadness and strength in it, relief, and a sense of moving forward. For us, it’s a song about letting go without losing what was real, wrapped in the kind of melody and atmosphere that has always been part of Frontline’s identity.”

With Rebirth, German melodic rock pioneers Frontline return with a powerful and emotional statement, opening a new chapter in a career that has helped define European AOR since the late 1980s.

The band commented on the record, by saying: “Rebirth truly reflects what this album stands for. After more than 20 years of silence, it’s our resurrection as a band. We wanted to honor our legacy and, most importantly, the fans who kept Frontline alive all these years, while bringing our signature melodies, hooks, and emotions into the present. This album opens a new chapter without forgetting where we come from”.

Founded in Nuremberg in 1989, Frontline quickly established themselves as one of the genre’s leading acts, built around the unmistakable voice of Stephan Kämmerer and a songwriting approach rooted in strong melodies, big hooks and album-oriented vision.

Over the years, Frontline released a string of acclaimed albums including the genre-defining debut The State Of Rock (1994), followed by Two Faced, Heroes, Right Attitude, Against The World, The Seventh Sign, and Circles, earning an international reputation as one of Germany’s most respected AOR exports. Their sound blends soaring vocals, melodic guitar work and polished production, inspired by the golden era of late ’80s and early ’90s hard rock, with a distinct European character.

Following the passing of guitarist and songwriter Robby Böbel in 2022, Rebirth represents both a tribute to the band’s legacy and a step forward into new creative territory. The album features the original singer Stephan Kämmerer alongside new guitarist and producer Christian Mühlroth, whose fresh energy and musical vision play a key role in shaping this new era of Frontline.

Comprised of 14 brand new AOR tracks, Rebirth delivers a direct, no frills melodic rock approach, driven by anthemic, uplifting and sparkling choruses, emotional performances and confident songwriting. The singles “Two Tickets To The Afterglow”, “Burning Horizon” and “After You’re Gone” highlight the band’s ability to balance classic AOR values with renewed intensity and focus.

Rebirth is more than a comeback – it is a reaffirmation of Frontline’s identity and a celebration of melody, emotion and the timeless spirit of AOR, reborn for today and ready for the future.

Pre-order Rebirth here.

The post FRONTLINE Unveils New Single “After You’re Gone” From Upcoming Album “Rebirth” appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

For headbangers, these metallic marijuana strains are a must (if you're of legal age in an area that the sticky icky is legal). Continue reading…

Lorde, Geese and more have also been booked for the Arizonan fest.

The post Turnstile To Play 2026 ‘FORM’ Festival appeared first on Theprp.com.

Billy Strings has postponed four shows after breaking a leg from a skateboarding accident. The bluegrass singer-songwriter says that before walking onstage for his encore in Charlottesville, Virginia on Saturday night, he did an impromptu celebratory skate trick backstage and fell, snapping his leg. He shared the news in an Instagram carousel of hospital photos (complete with X-rays), writing:

The post Billy Strings Breaks Leg Skateboarding During Charlottesville Show appeared first on Stereogum.

Lock up your daughters and get the leather jackets out! The Godmother of Punk is finally coming back. Joan Jett And The Blackhearts have officially announced their first UK headline run in 16 years, set to tear through the country this July. Joan Jett has a long history with the UK, having written and recorded … Continue reading Joan Jett And The Blackhearts announce first UK headline tour in 16 years

Italian death metal purveyors Helslave have recently released a new single, “Burning Rebirth”. It was recorded at SPVN Studio by Stefano Santi and 16th Cellar Studio by Stefano Morabito. Mixed and mastered at SPVN Studio by Stefano Santi.
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Lil Wayne was everywhere in the late 2000s and early 2010s. On the heels of his historic mixtape run, a radio-saturating run of guest verses, and the multiplatinum success of Tha Carter III, the self-appointed Best Rapper Alive was a fixture of the biggest music industry events. But his stature isn’t what it used to be.

The post Lil Wayne Calls Coachella & Grammy Snubs “Humbling,” Fred Durst Responds appeared first on Stereogum.

Portrayal Of Guilt‘s new track “Total Black” has received a premiere just ahead of their fifth studio album “…Beginning Of The End“. The blackened post-hardcore band will have that record out this Friday, April 24th. Those hoping to catch some of this new material live don’t have too long of a wait to endure, as…

The post Portrayal Of Guilt Stream New Song “Total Black” appeared first on Theprp.com.

Germans Maladie are all set to unleash their next studio album, The Dance Of Tragedies, on May 29th via Apostasy Records. Other details, tracklist and cover artwork, can be checked out below.
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