Blog

  • Zephyring Announce London Debut Show At The Troubadour

    Zephyring Announce London Debut Show At The Troubadour

    LA grunge band Zephyring have announced their first UK live performance with a headline show at London’s Troubadour on June 10th 2026. Tickets are on sale now.

    The show follows the release of their debut EP Hydraphantasy, produced by the late Steve Albini and released via Grunge Pop Records. Recorded on analog tape over two days, the EP captures a raw, live energy rooted in ’90s grunge while blending punk, garage rock and indie influences.

    The trio – Taz (vocals, guitar), Billy (bass) and Eric (drums) – channel a heavy, distorted sound reminiscent of Nirvana, The Lemonheads, The Meat Puppets and Fugazi, while carving out their own modern identity.

    Reflecting on the experience, Taz paid tribute to Albini’s legacy, describing him as one of the most important figures in rock ‘n’ roll. “His sad and untimely death left a massive void in the music world,” Taz said. “No one will ever get to make an album with him again. I witnessed a heated phone call between him and Bono of U2, where Bono literally was begging Steve to record their ‘rock comeback’ album.

    “That’ll never happen now. Nor for any other band. He epitomised integrity and art and was a voice for the real music loyalists. I put him on the same level of respect and admiration as I do Kurt Cobain and John Lennon, and I’m so grateful that I had the opportunity to have him grace my music.”

    With their debut UK show, Zephyring bring their intense live energy to London for a one-off performance that celebrates the enduring spirit of grunge and underground rock.

    “There are many other songs apart from the Hydraphantasy EP that we did together,” Taz said, “and I’ll do my best to honour his legacy with those unreleased recordings

    “Steve went out of his way to create a sound and environment for us so we could create something timeless and magical. We even got to use the drum set that Dave Grohl gave him, as he said the sound would be perfect for us.

    “He cared so much about making records. Rest in peace, my dear friend Steve Albini.”

    This is a show not to be missed for fans of heavy, raw and uncompromising music.

    10jun7:30 pm11:00 pmZephyring / LondonTroubadour

    Zephyring Announce London Debut Show At The Troubadour
    Zephyring Announce London Debut Show At The Troubadour
    The post Zephyring Announce London Debut Show At The Troubadour first appeared on MetalTalk – Heavy Metal News, Reviews and Interviews.
  • Stonedead Festival 2026 Features An Explosive Line-Up

    Europe - The Civic at The Halls, Wolverhampton – 21 October 2023

    Stonedead Festival 2026 will bring an explosive linup to this years festival, led by headline legends Europe, joined by Accept, Magnum, Battle Beast, Armored Saint, The Damn Truth, Crobot, Asomvel and Aethoria.

    Taking place at Newark Showground on August 29th 2026, the one-day festival continues to cement its reputation as a key date in the UK rock and Heavy music calendar.

    Europe, known globally for The Final Countdown, will headline with a career-spanning set showcasing their powerful blend of melody and hard rock energy. Magnum also join the line-up, bringing a special performance alongside the release of new material honouring their late songwriter Tony Clarkin.

    Magnum, Cambridge Junction - Monday 28 March 2022
    Magnum, Cambridge Junction – Monday 28 March 2022. Photo: Steve Ritchie/MetalTalk

    Canadian rockers The Damn Truth, groove-driven outfit Crobot and Yorkshire Metal act Asomvel completed the initial announcement, promising a diverse and high-energy bill. Opening Poll winners Aethoria we then added, with subsequent announcements highlighting Battle Beast and Armored Saint, all hosted by the awesome Krusher.

    With tickets already in high demand and the event sold out, fans are encouraged to join the waiting list. Stonedead remains a fan-focused festival, offering a unique one-stage experience with a strong sense of community.

    The Damn Truth - The Waterfront, Norwich - 24 October 2023
    The Damn Truth – The Waterfront, Norwich – 24 October 2023. Photo: Steve Ritchie/MetalTalk

    Stonedead 2026 continues to grow as one of the most anticipated events for Heavy music fans. A one day, one stage, monster show by fans for the fans recreating the vibe of Donington of old, Stonedead is one that we always look out for.

    29aug10:00 amStonedead Festival 2026Newark Showground

    You can read all of our previous Stonedead coverage here.

    Following the triumphant display of Metal Heaven in 2024 with Doro, KK’s Priest and Saxon, there were fears that Stonedead had peaked and everything that followed would be an anticlimax. But this is Stonedead Festival, and in 2025, we found that they know how to put on a lineup that everyone wants to see. You can read all of last year’s coverage here.

    MetalTalk fully expects Stonedead 2026 to top that.

    Stonedead 2026 Festival Poster
    Stonedead 2026 Festival Poster
    The post Stonedead Festival 2026 Features An Explosive Line-Up first appeared on MetalTalk – Heavy Metal News, Reviews and Interviews.
  • Behemoth Announce One Night London Show At O2 Academy Brixton

    Behemoth - O2 Academy Brixton - 12 April 2025.

    Polish extreme Metal pioneers Behemoth have announced their only UK headline show of 2026. Set to take place at London’s O2 Academy Brixton on 17 October, this is part of their In League With Satan tour.

    The tour will see the band share stages with Dimmu Borgir and Dark Funeral across Europe, alongside major festival appearances including Download Festival at Donington Park.

    Behemoth - O2 Academy Brixton - 12 April 2025.
    Behemoth – O2 Academy Brixton – 12 April 2025. Photo: Manuela Langotsch/MetalTalk

    Behemoth continue to push boundaries with their latest album The Shit Ov God, widely regarded as one of their most extreme and ambitious releases to date. The record explores themes of humanity, divinity and defiance, delivering a powerful and uncompromising sonic statement.

    In celebration of the festival season, the band have also released a cover of Bathory’s The Return Of Darkness And Evil, which serves as the official anthem of Mystic Festival 2026.

    17oct7:00 pm11:00 pmBehemoth, LondonO2 Academy Brixton

    Tickets for the London show go on pre-sale from April 15th, with general sale starting April 17th. Tickets and VIP upgrades are available from behemoth.pl.

    With over three decades of influence, Behemoth remain one of the most formidable forces in Heavy music, bringing their intense live performance to one of London’s most iconic venues.

    Behemoth - In League With Satan - London
    Behemoth – In League With Satan – London

    Behemoth – In League With Satan Tour 2026

    (with Dimmu Borgir, Dark Funeral)

    07.05.26 – USA – Florida, Welcome To Rockville Festival
    14.05.26 – USA – Ohio, Sonic Temple Festival
    03.06.26 – Poland, Mystic Festival
    13.06.26 – UK, Download Festival
    20.06.26 – France, Hellfest

    09.10.26 – Zurich, Switzerland – Halle 622
    10.10.26 – Zwickau, Germany – Sparkassen-Arena Zwickau
    11.10.26 – Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg – Rockhal
    13.10.26 – Milan, Italy – Alcatraz
    14.10.26 – Munich, Germany – Zenith
    16.10.26 – Paris, France – Zenith
    18.10.26 – Den Bosch, Netherlands – Mainstage
    20.10.26 – Cologne, Germany – Palladium
    22.10.26 – Hamburg, Germany – Inselpark Arena
    23.10.26 – Berlin, Germany – Columbiahalle
    24.10.26 – Brno, Czech Republic – Hala Vodova
    27.10.26 – Helsinki, Finland – Ice Hall
    29.10.26 – Stockholm, Sweden – B-K
    30.10.26 – Copenhagen, Denmark – K.B. Hallen

    The post Behemoth Announce One Night London Show At O2 Academy Brixton first appeared on MetalTalk – Heavy Metal News, Reviews and Interviews.
  • Źrenice – Śnienie CD

    The Polish underground has a reputation for being one of the most fertile grounds for heavy music in
  • Iron Maiden, Billy Idol & More Inducted Into Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame

    The 2026 inductees into the Rock and Rock Hall of Fame have been revealed, and there is a heady mix of legends getting their flowers.

    Iron Maiden have been inducted after being placed on the long list back in 2021 and 2023, their only two nominations despite being eligible for 22 years. The news comes as the band prepares to kick off their Run For Your Lives world tour.

    Billy Idol will be joining them, marking his second nomination. When asked by Rolling Stone how it feels to be inducted, he stated, “To be recognised by your peers is incredible. You don’t really know what people think about you, but this gives you an indication.”

    Other inductees include Oasis, following their sensational comeback tour in 2025, Wu-Tang Clan, Phil Collins, Joy Division/New Order, Sade and Luther Vandross. A little bit of everything and all iconic.

    Fela Kuti, Gram Parsons, Queen Laifah, MC Lyte, and Celia Cruz will be inducted within the Early Influence Category, whilst Rick Rubin, Linda Creed, Arif Mardin, and Jimmy Miller will receive gongs within the Musical Excellence category.

    The ceremony will take place at the Peacock Theater, Los Angeles on November 14, with a recording of it premiering on Disney+ in December.

    The post Iron Maiden, Billy Idol & More Inducted Into Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame appeared first on Rock Sound.

  • “I got called into the principal’s office because our songs didn’t say ‘Jesus’ enough.” Halestorm’s Lzzy Hale opens up about stepping away from church as a teenager

    The singer/guitarist formed her band while attending a Christian school, but she quickly found that organised religion wasn’t for her
  • Mr Punch Bring Fish-Era Marillion Magic to Camden’s Underworld This Friday

    Mr Punch - Misplaced Childhood - The Underworld, Camden - 29 March 2025. Photo: Steve Ritchie/MetalTalk

    This Friday, The Underworld in Camden will host Mr Punch, the best Fish-era Marillion tribute band there is. This has been an annual pilgrimage for the MetalTalk team in recent years to experience the band focus on an album per tour, with other greatest hits thrown in.

    “This year we’ve decided to take the opportunity of ‘freedom’ from official anniversaries,” Marco Vincini told MetalTalk, “and we’re building a dynamic setlist. The show covers all the Fish-Era with tracks we haven’t played in quite a long time.”

    Mr Punch - Misplaced Childhood - The Underworld, Camden - 29 March 2025. Photo: Steve Ritchie/MetalTalk
    Mr Punch – Misplaced Childhood – The Underworld, Camden – 29 March 2025. Photo: Steve Ritchie/MetalTalk

    The addition of keyboard player Licia Missori, who made her London debut with Mr Punch last year, has added a fine sprinkle of Marillin magic to the lineup. When the band covered Misplaced Childhood last year, she filled stage left with grace, style and big smiles.

    Drummer Marco Fabbri will be there once again, resplendent in his kilt, as you expect, with Luca Cristofaro and his bass underpinning the Pete Trewavas bass parts.

    Mr Punch - Misplaced Childhood - The Underworld, Camden - 29 March 2025. Photo: Steve Ritchie/MetalTalk
    Mr Punch – Misplaced Childhood – The Underworld, Camden – 29 March 2025. Photo: Steve Ritchie/MetalTalk

    I have written before how Fish is not only an unbelievable lyricist, but his delivery is unique. One of the key successes of Mr Punch is Marco’s phrasing. It is this attention to detail that makes these evenings special.

    Of course, with guitarist Marcella Arganese, you have the icing on the cake as she delivers the Steve Rothery guitar parts wonderfully.

    Mr Punch - Misplaced Childhood - The Underworld, Camden - 29 March 2025. Photo: Steve Ritchie/MetalTalk
    Mr Punch – Misplaced Childhood – The Underworld, Camden – 29 March 2025. Photo: Steve Ritchie/MetalTalk

    Mr Punch play The International on 18 April and The 1865 in Southampton on 19 April as part of the annual UK trip. If you have not seen them before, below is some footage from last year’s show at Poppodium Boerderij in Zoetermeer.

    April

    17apr7:30 pm11:00 pmMr Punch, LondonThe Underworld

    18apr7:30 pm11:00 pmMr Punch, LeicesterThe International

    19apr7:30 pm11:00 pmMr Punch, SouthamptonThe 1865

    If you are a fan of Fish-era Marillion, then this is a must-see. You will hear Grendel, and you will love it.

    “We can’t wait to be back in Camden Town,” Marco Vincini said. “It is one of the most joyful events of the year, every year.”

    Tickets are available from mrpunch.net.

    Mr Punch - April 2026
    Mr Punch – April 2026
    The post Mr Punch Bring Fish-Era Marillion Magic to Camden’s Underworld This Friday first appeared on MetalTalk – Heavy Metal News, Reviews and Interviews.
  • Can ‘Michael’ Help Restore Jackson’s Image? His Estate Is Banking on It.

    A new biopic is the latest move in the Jackson estate’s posthumous — and lucrative — rehabilitation campaign.
  • 7 metal songs from the year 2000 that were way ahead of their time

    Metal was in a time of serious evolution as the New Millennium dawned, and these seven bands were already getting ahead of the pack