Blog

Kamelot has released the last single ahead of its new album Dark Asylum, due out August 28 via Napalm Records. “Sanctuary” rides a wave of driving riffs and orchestral swells, with Kamelot frontman Tommy Karevik trading verses with Visions Of Atlantis vocalist Clémentine Delauney and Decessus frontwoman and current Miss World Chile Ignacia Fernández, stacking three distinct voices into one soaring performance. It’s a big, theatrical closer that finds the band planting its flag before launching into a victory lap.

Dark Asylum unfolds in a Neo Victorian-tinged setting, pulling listeners inside RavenHill Asylum — a onetime cathedral repurposed into a place where science, faith and madness collide uneasily.

Kamelot guitarist and founding member Thomas Youngblood broke down the song’s meaning: “‘Sanctuary’ represents the moment when the darkness of RavenHill is finally left behind. The song is about hope, freedom and finding your way back to yourself after everything you’ve endured.

“The video takes the story beyond the walls of RavenHill and gives us a glimpse of life after the escape, a new beginning, but one still shaped by the memories and scars of the past.

“With Tommy, Clémentine and Ignacia bringing three distinct voices to the song, it gives ‘Sanctuary’ an emotional depth that perfectly reflects the journey from darkness into light.”

The album is landing across a sprawling range of formats — standard gold, solid silver and classic black vinyl, plus certified white-label, white splatter and blood-filled variants that each come packaged with a 24-page booklet. Multiple CD digipak configurations are also planned, including a two-disc edition with an instrumental version of the album, alongside cassette and digital releases.

Dark Asylum pushes Kamelot further into cinematic, atmospheric territory while holding onto the hooks the band built its reputation on. The record is populated by a cast of guest voices familiar to fans of the genre: Avantasia mastermind Tobias Sammet, Eluveitie‘s Lea-Sophie Fischer, Delauney, Fernández, Rannveig Sif Sigurðardóttir, Sólveig Sara Leupold and Billy King. Across the record, identity fractures and reality bends as its central figure descends into psychological darkness on a path that ultimately bends toward transformation, and maybe sanctuary. Between the sweep of “Ashen World,” the introspection of “Sanctuary” and the layered mystery of “Ivy, My Dear,” Dark Asylum plays out as a full concept piece, stitching orchestral scale, haunting melody and theatrical storytelling into a single arc.

Youngblood elaborated on the concept: “‘Dark Asylum’ follows a soul trapped inside a world of masks, fractured memories, and psychological torment, wandering the endless halls of RavenHill in search of truth, identity, and redemption. What begins as a descent into darkness gradually transforms into a journey of awakening, where beneath the fear, illusion, and chaos lies the possibility of healing, hope, and ultimately a path out of the shadows into Sanctuary. The album explores the duality between despair and salvation, blurring the lines between reality and madness through theatrical storytelling, haunting atmospheres, and deeply emotional themes.”

Karevik added his own take: “‘Dark Asylum’ invites listeners into the hidden chambers of the human mind. A journey where every door reveals a different story, yet all remain deeply connected. At its core, the album explores the duality of human nature: the constant tension between fear and hope, chaos and stillness, destruction and healing. ‘Dark Asylum’ reflects the struggle to remain sane within a cold and barren world, while ultimately discovering that salvation is not something found externally, but something that already exists within us all. Through self-exploration, awareness, and inner peace, healing becomes possible. This concept opened the door to a more cinematic and haunting sonic landscape, allowing us to experiment with darker, more eerie musical themes.”

Longtime Kamelot producer Sascha Paeth returned to helm the record, with Jacob Hansen handling mixing and mastering.

Karevik closed with a note on the album’s visual identity: “The imagery was intentionally painted with delicate strokes, capturing the fine line between beauty and disorder, and the way chaos and tranquility coexist within the same space. The result is an immersive experience that feels both unsettling and deeply human. A descent into darkness that ultimately searches for light.”

Formed in Florida in the early 1990s, Kamelot grew into one of the defining names in symphonic and progressive power metal through albums like The Fourth Legacy, Karma, Epica, The Black Halo, Ghost Opera, Silverthorn and The Awakening. Over three-plus decades, the band has built a global following on conceptual storytelling, orchestral arrangements and ambitious live shows.

The post KAMELOT Unleashes Final “Dark Asylum” Single “Sanctuary” Featuring Three-Way Vocal Showdown appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

Where in the world do I even begin when talking about someone like Steve Cropper, his travels, accomplishments, and musical history? I am certain that there is enough information out there about him to fill up a thick book. He was an accomplished musician, songwriter, producer, and engineer. When our music world lost him on December 3, 2025, he was still involved in doing what he loved, which was creating great music.

He and a special group of fellow musicians were wrapping up the finishing touches on what would be his last project, Watching The Tide. Cropper was actually hospitalized when bandmate, songwriter, and producer Jon Tiven delivered a copy for him to listen to. Tiven said that Cropper phoned him on the night before he passed, telling him how much he loved the recording and how it was the best record he’d ever made. That is an immense statement for someone like Steve Cropper to make.

Let me take you on a brief, condensed journey. Steve Cropper, known as “Colonel” or just “Cropper” to friends, was born in Dora, Missouri, and moved to Memphis at age nine. He received his first guitar at age fourteen. While in Memphis, he was exposed to lots of Black gospel music that was impactful to his playing style. Some of his early guitar-playing influences came from Chuck Berry, Chet Atkins, Lowman Pauling, and Jimmy Reed.

He was an early member of the Royal Spades, which later became The Mar-Keys, who began playing on recording sessions. Cropper later became a founding member of Stax Records’ house band, Booker T. & the M.G.’s. His early contributions to major hit recordings as a songwriter or co-songwriter included “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay,” “Green Onions,” “In the Midnight Hour,” “Knock on Wood,” and many, many others.

Cropper was also a member of the Blues Brothers Band. He worked with so many major artists that it would be nearly impossible to name them all. He was nominated for seven Grammy Awards and won twice. Rolling Stone ranked him thirty-sixth on its list of the 100 greatest guitarists. He was voted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005, and in 2010, he was voted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. I can best sum up Steve Cropper’s music history and accomplishments by saying, “He’s legit.” Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones said this about him: “Perfect, man.”

Watching The Tide will be the last recording released by Steve Cropper and the Midnight Hour, unless there are songs secured away that were recorded but never released. Considering Cropper’s vast productivity, it would not surprise me to see that very thing happen. The album title is from lyrics of one of his most popular co-written songs, “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay,” and the band’s name, Steve Cropper and the Midnight Hour, is taken from another of Cropper’s co-written songs, “In the Midnight Hour.”

Allow me to plug the band before we talk about the music. The band consists of Steve Cropper (guitar), Jon Tiven (keyboards, bass, vocals), Roger C. Reale (lead vocals), Ana Grosh (vocals), Nioshi Jackson (drums/percussion), and Eddie Gore (keyboards, percussion). This group really does an outstanding job on this album. Also making guest appearances are Eric Clapton, Brian May, Billy Gibbons, and Ronnie Wood.

Watching The Tide is a collection of twelve tracks of masterfully performed and recorded music that serve as a proper send-off for this member of musical majesty.

“Ticket First” is a cut that features more guitar royalty, with Eric Clapton helping out. It’s a bluesy number with some serious guitar playing going on. Roger C. Reale and Ana Grosh provide outstanding vocal performances on this one, too. Reale sings, “If you want to win the prize, you got to get a ticket first.” It’s reported that this song came from a joke Cropper had about a woman who rubs a magic lamp and the genie gives her one wish. Her wish is that she wants to win the lottery. The genie tells her that she has to have a ticket first. I’m thinking maybe she should have just asked for the cash. This one will be one of those tunes that you feel like you should be up and dancing to.

The third song is “My Angels Are Calling,” and Brian May wrote the lyrics for this one from Steve Cropper’s perspective. He also provides the lead vocal and does a super job at it. Billy Gibbons provides some righteous guitar work on this piece, and the result is a jewel being added to Watching The Tide.

The ocean sounds usher in May as he sings, “I’m here to thank you Lord for taking me on board; I been a lucky man.” He continues later with, “but now my angels are calling, my angels are calling me home. My angels are calling to bring me back where I belong.” This song also gets a guest appearance by Billy Gibbons.

I’m just going to speak as plainly as I can. This is a beautiful piece, especially considering the circumstances. It deserves a wide listening audience from those who were Steve Cropper fans and those who knew him personally, as well as new listeners.

“Until Now” features Ronnie Wood providing some killer slide guitar work. It’s a blues rocker for sure, and Roger C. Reale does another great job with the lead vocal here. He sings, “Until now it was hard to get me down. The wind at my back, I was right on time; until now.” He continues by asking, “Who’s gonna come and chase these blues away?” If these are the kind of blues that need chasing away, I hope nobody comes to chase them away.

Track seven on this release is “It’s Gonna Get Worse,” and it’s a funky number that opens with the lyrics, “It’s gonna get worse, before it gets better.” This one has some great groove going on in it. I believe that this song is saying what a lot of us are thinking. I’m hoping and praying that things don’t get worse, but none of us know about tomorrow. “We got to ride out, some stormy weather,” Reale sings, and that may be some great advice.

Watching The Tide is a fitting farewell to Steve Cropper and the Midnight Hour as we know them. I’m sure we’ll still be able to enjoy the future efforts of the other musicians featured on this recording, but we’ll only be able to visit the past concerning Cropper.

It is usually here that I recommend going out and catching an artist live. I also usually list concert dates or direct readers to the artist’s social media pages for upcoming concerts. I can’t do that here. However, Steve Cropper has left a treasure trove of past recordings in addition to this one. Allow this album to motivate you to go back and revisit his earlier work. I’m surely going to take my own advice on that.

Until then, I will conclude with lyrics that I intentionally didn’t mention earlier from the track “My Angels Are Calling”: “My angels are calling, they’re calling to take me away. They’re taking me back to my sea on the dock of the bay.”

Rest in peace, Steve Cropper, and thanks for the great music.

The Review: 9.5/10

Can’t Miss Tracks

– Ticket First
– My Angels Are Calling
– Until Now
– It’s Gonna Get Worse

The Big Hit

– My Angels Are Calling

The post Steve Cropper and the Midnight Hour: Watching The Tide Review appeared first on Blues Rock Review.

In February 2027, the Swedish ensemble Thrown will embark on a headlining tour over Australia. Support acts on this trek will be Boundaries, 156/Silence and Volatile Ways
Read more…

Amon Amarth have premiered a music video for their new single “Eight Legs Of Thunder”. The track will appear on The Allfather Awakens, the band’s upcoming new album due for release on October 2nd 2026 via Metal Blade Records. Watch the video below.
Read more…

Hatebreed are unveiling a visualizer for “Fatal Paradox”, the second advance single and title-track off their forthcoming studio album.
Read more…

– August 27th, 2026 –

New Album The Allfather Awakens Out October 2 via Metal Blade Records – Pre-Order / Pre-Save

Credit: Sylwia Makris & Christian Martin Weiss

AMON AMARTH return with “Eight Legs of Thunder,” a steamrolling new anthem inspired by Sleipnir, the legendary eight-legged steed of Oden. Driven by a galloping main riff and a powerful, sing-along chorus, the track charges headlong through Norse mythology while its accompanying video transports the tale into an unexpected new world: a gritty, modern American Western of cowboys, pickup trucks and open roads, with the mythical Sleipnir himself emerging in a surreal dream sequence.

Director Dariusz Szermanowicz enthuses, “With ‘Eight Legs Of Thunder’, together with the band, we wanted to break the traditional metal music video mold once again. We fused the raw, dusty vibe of a modern western with the epic, dark mythology of Oden’s eight-legged steed. It’s a high-octane, cinematic ride packed with cowboy tension, raw action, and a touch of dark humor. We didn’t just want to make a music video-we wanted to deliver a visual knockout.”

“Eight Legs of Thunder” is the final preview ahead of their forthcoming album The Allfather Awakens which sees its release October 2 via Metal Blade Records. The ten-song masterwork marks the beginning of a new world and further cements the legacy of the Swedish metal titan’s spectacularly memorable riffs and unflinching melodic aural power.

As with Amon Amarth‘s previous records, Oden, the Norse “all father” who is a deity of war, wisdom, death, magic, and poetry, is the through-line in Amon Amarth‘s lyrics and artwork. Once again, Oden is the band’s inspiration, but The Allfather Awakens is not a concept album, rather a collection of historically inspired epic tales of conflict and sacrifice for a greater good.

Listen / Share / Playlist “Eight Legs of Thunder” | Watch Music Video

“Eight Legs of Thunder” follows the release of Amon Amarth‘s first-ever acoustic excursion “Upphaf” and epic tale of “Gjallarhorn“. Where the stripped-back “Upphaf” carried the solemnity of an oral history whispered under the shadow of the Allfather, “Gjallarhorn” arrived as a furious Amon Amarth classic. To gain wisdom beyond mortal comprehension, Oden made the ultimate sacrifice – gouging out his own eye and casting it into the Well of Wisdom, Mímisbrunnr, in exchange for cosmic insight and foresight that would shape the fate of gods and men alike. Now, Amon Amarth bring that ancient reckoning to life and they are extending Oden’s offer to you. Those who received the eye know what must be done. Those who did not: seek it out. Sacrifice your sight. Gain your foresight.

Amon Amarth took a new songwriting approach for The Allfather Awakens. The album came to life across two recording sessions, months apart, at producer Jacob Hansen’s studio in Denmark. Amon Amarth began writing songs while touring, rather than waiting until they were off the road. The writing and recording process allowed the musicians to intensely focus on each track, resulting in an album where each song was treated as a single. Guitar-wise, Amon Amarth opted for a slightly less modern approach sonically, moving away from 5150 amps and back to Marshalls. The music was written before the lyrics, setting the tone for the words.

Pre-Save / Pre-Order The Allfather Awakens HERE

The Allfather Awakens is yet another step up, introducing previously untried efforts, an impressive and conscious musical and lyrical feat after three decades of band-dom. This autumn, The Allfather Awakens will take physical form on stage as the band unveils an entirely new production inspired by Oden’s legendary Golden Hall, transforming their iconic concert experience into a living extension of the new album. Amon Amarth perform across the U.K. and Europe. See below for a full list of worldwide dates; visit HERE for tickets and more info.

The Allfather Awakens Artwork by Tom Thiel

The Allfather Awakens Tracklist:
01. Gjallarhorn
02. Eight Legs of Thunder
03. Kvasir’s Blood
04. We Rule the Waves
05. Upphaf
06. Die With a War Cry
07. Raven God
08. The Allfather Awakes
09. Oden’s Hunt
10. Ascending Like an Eagle

Amon Amarth Live Dates:
UK:
Oct 09: England – Manchester, O2 Apollo
Oct 10: England – London, Eventim Apollo
Oct 11: England – Wolverhampton, Civic Hall
EU:
Oct 13: France – Paris, Zenith
Oct 14: Luxembourg – Esch sur Alzette, Rockhal
Oct 16: Germany – Stuttgart, Schleyer-Halle
Oct 17: Germany – Frankfurt, Festhalle
Oct 18: Belgium – Antwerp, Lotto Hall
Oct 20: Netherlands – Den Bosch, Mainstage
Oct 21: Germany – Hamburg, Sporthalle
Oct 23: Sweden – Gothenburg, Scandinavium
Oct 24: Sweden – Stockholm, Hovet
Oct 26: Finland – Helsinki, Ice Hall
Oct 27: Estonia – Tallin, Unibet Arena
Oct 29: Poland – Gliwice, PreZero Arena Gliwice
Oct 30: Germany – Leipzig, Quarterback Immobilien Arena
Oct 31: Germany – Oberhausen, Rudolf Weber Arena
Nov 02: Hungary – Budapest, Barba Negra
Nov 03: Austria – Vienna, Gasometer
Nov 04: Germany – Bamberg, Brose Arena
Nov 06: Czech Republic – Prague, O2 Universum
Nov 07: Germany – Berlin, Velodrom
Nov 08: Germany – Munich, Zenith
Nov 10: Italy – Milan, Alcatraz
Nov 11: Switzerland – Zurich, The Hall
Nov 13: Spain – Barcelona, Sant Jordi Club
Nov 14: Spain – Madrid, Vistalegre
Nov 15: Portugal – Lisbon, Sala Tejo

Amon Amarth Lineup:
Johan Hegg – Vocals
Olavi Mikkonen – Guitar
Johan Söderberg – Guitar
Ted Lundström – Bass
Jocke Wallgren – Drums

More about Amon Amarth and their cultural influence
Over 30 years later, Amon Amarth remains a band of brothers, and that loyalty and unity allow for harmony and a united front that conquers both the stage and record. Frontman Johann Hegg’s powerfully rendered lyrics on The Allfather Awakens‘ on “We Rule The Waves” sum up the band’s unrelenting intent. “From cradle until the grave / As long as the sun sets in the west / We rule the waves / Our restless hearts / Have brought us far / As far as Vinland’s shores / We’ve gone further / Than any man has ever gone before.”

From Amon Amarth‘s 1992 formation in Tumba, Sweden, to the worldwide fame they’ve found in the ensuing years, their lyrical, live and recorded musical legacy speaks for itself. Over the past few years the band have performed globally and alongside legendary acts such as Slayer, Iron Maiden, Slipknot, Pantera in addition to monumental takeovers of Los Angeles’ The Forum and Denver’s historic Red Rocks Amphitheatre to name a few. Across seas, Amon Amarth have headlined multiple major rock and metal fests including an epic performance at Germany’s Wacken in 2024 for 85,000. Elsewhere on UK/European soil, the Viking lords have twice headlined the UK’s storied Bloodstock festival, made four appearances at Download (2008 – 2019), and performed at Summer Breeze eight times (2003 – 2024) – six of them as headliner.

Their rapidly increasing sales and touring numbers, plus pre-release buzz to Amon Amarth‘s 2026 North American tour with Dethklok and Castle Rat, has managed to garner mainstream success without sacrificing either of their constantly evolving creativity or heaviness. Audience demographics run the gamut from pre-teens to 60-somethings, an inclusive metal experience for those who appreciate epic positivity and powerfully inspirational lyrics.

Their cultural influence cannot be overstated. To wit: The Row. The consensus is that the legendary “Viking row” by audience members first began during the 2009 Amon Amarth set at Bloodstock. Fans get on the ground and, in unison, imitate rowing an invisible longship in a powerfully unifying experience. With the 2022 release of the single and video “Put Your Back into the Oar,” Hegg said, “we thought it was a good idea to write a song about The Row! This one is for you, the fans, wherever you are-and may Oden guide you as you row to your destiny in uncharted seas!“

Over the years the phenomenon has spread to other artist’s’ concerts and global events including 2026 World Cup audiences – but thanks to video footage, it’s safe to say Amon Amarth audiences began the now-iconic trend. Last month, Hegg spoke to Norway’s public broadcaster NRK about the The Row‘s origin, read the interview HERE.

Amon Amarth | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | X | YouTube

Buy iTunes Artist Page Artist News

(written by Islander) In early 2020 we hosted the premiere of a thought-provoking debut EP by the Berlin-based band Pyre of Descent. Later that same year they released another EP (Love’s Sombre Death), and now they have a debut album named Albedo that’s headed for release by two labels and the band this coming September. […]

The post AN NCS PREMIERE: PYRE OF DESCENT — “LOVE’S SOMBRE DEATH” appeared first on NO CLEAN SINGING.

Next month, woolly Cincinnati underground rockers the Drin will release I Lost My Way For Centuries, their absolutely massive new 23-song, 74-minute album. It’s a beautiful example of blown-out maximalism on a DIY budget, and it’s going to knock a lot of people sideways when they get to hear it in its totality. We already posted lead single “Haven’t Lived It Yet,” and now they’ve also shared “Prophets Of Doom,” a towering riff-rock stomp with some extremely cool harmonica honks in the mix. More basement bands should try to sound like Deep Purple. Check it out below.

The post The Drin – “Prophets Of Doom” appeared first on Stereogum.

Mud Teeth carries the history of the Cuban underground, was constructed in Switzerland and received its final sonic treatment in Uruguay. SECTARIUM will release the nine-track album digitally on October 9, 2026. It follows Ad Infernum from 2023 and marks the band’s first full-length recording with Doomslayer on guitar and vocals, joining founding member Oliva. […]

Source

With their new single “Eight Legs of Thunder,” Amon Amarth unleash the next anthem from their upcoming album The Allfather Awakens Inspired by Sleipnir, Oden’s (Note: Oden is the Swedish form of the name Odin and is deliberately spelled this way here) legendary eight-legged steed, and driven by a galloping riff and a powerful chorus,… Continue Reading →