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  • ANASARCA presents “In Memoriam” video; pre-orders open now

    Renowed German death metal force ANASARCA unveils In Memoriam, the first single and video from upcoming, long awaited full-length album, ACHLYS. The album will descend upon the world in April through Selfmadegod Records.  Mike Dormann comments on the track: In Memoriam lyric is based on In Memoriam A.H.H. (Part XIII) by Alfred, Lord Tennyson and was written in response to the sudden death of […]

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  • MÖHRKVLTH set release date for new ANTIQ album, reveal first track

    On May 5th internationally, Antiq is proud to present Möhrkvlth‘s highly anticipated second album, Gwenojennoù An Ankounac’h. Formed in 2014, Möhrkvlth is a Breton black metal band located in Finistère, France. With influences spanning Scandinavian black metal, French pagan / black, and Metal Noir Québécois, the band released a demo in January 2016, a split with Garhelenth in December […]

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  • Randy Blythe Has Words for Those That Say Art Shouldn’t Be Political: “Go F*ck Yourself”

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    If there’s one thing that political discourse over the last decade or so has proven, it’s that nuance is fucking dead. Those in power aren’t even hiding their disdain for the general public and people are getting more frustrated by the day. And you know who’s got things to say about all that? Lamb of God‘s Randy Blythe, that’s who.

    And though that’s a completely unsurprising thing to know about the Richmond, Virginia native, there will undoubtedly be some smooth-brained MAGA chuds that parrot the same tired old criticisms whenever an artist shares a political thought. “Shut up and play,” they all cry. “I don’t want politics in my metal music,” they’ll belly-ache. But none of that matters to Randy — in fact, in an interview with Kerrang!‘s Sam Law, he put his thoughts out there.

    “To those people, I say ‘Go fuck yourself.’ I’m an American citizen and a world traveler. More than that, I’m a human being. I’m not some dancing monkey put here for your entertainment. If you have any sort of moral compass at all, it’s irresponsible to not exercise your right to speak up.

    “If people are willing to compartmentalize something like a child sex trafficking ring because they think it might better their bank account, they’ve lost a component of their humanity. They’ve lost an integral part of what it is to be a righteous human being. At that point, it’s time to stop and reassess and reevaluate. You’re not going to be able to carry your money into the grave, motherfucker, but you will be able to carry the memories of silently going along with people that enabled child sex predators. How are you going to feel about that on your deathbed?”

    He’s 1,000% correct, too. Musicians, actors, and artists of all kinds can speak their mind just as much as the next person. It’s also impossible to make non-political metal. It’s baked into its genes thanks to the works of Judas Priest and Black Sabbath. All art is political, even when its trying desperately not to be.

    In recent months, Blythe has garnered some of the right’s ire with things like his Substack, Randonesia, where he once published a post titled All The Horrors Happening Around Us. In that post, he highlights all the ways the Trump administration has put America on the slippery slope toward authoritarianism and fascism. Looking at how MAGA handles reality by often ignoring the truth and just following whatever Trump and his cronies say, Blythe told Law that his own political thoughts have caused people to become absolute fucking assholes online.

    “How do I rationalise that? I don’t. It’s a fucking cult. Cognitive dissonance is a motherfucker. It’s disheartening to see that for a lot of people it isn’t the point where they will draw the line, but I do believe that a lot of other people do see how truly fucked up all of this is. Also, it’s exposing the levers of power that are being pulled. Once again, those are things I can’t believe are sustainable.”

    Ultimately, Blythe said he knows his music and lyrics often talk about the dismal side of the world. After all, a lot of the band’s early work dealt with criticizing the Bush administration’s wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. It’s that need to use his voice that he thinks more Americans need to embrace these days. If you don’t and become apathetic to everything, you’re ultimately giving the ultra rich and powerful exactly what they want.

    “It’s okay to pay attention to what’s going on and be worried, but you need to do your best to change it. Everyday citizens in a functional democracy have a right to vote and they need to not become apathetic. I have a lot of problems with our American system. There are things that are archaic such as the electoral college, which should be abolished. But that is the only system we have right now. And if I do not engage in it and do my best to be a force for positive change, then I am abdicating responsibility and handing what little bit of control I have — my agency — over to someone else.

    “In general, I see that fatalist, defeatist attitude in people and it bums me out. Like, ‘Oh, it doesn’t make a difference…’ Well, you’re right, because if you don’t do anything, then that won’t make any difference at all. So please carry yourself to the voting booth and do what you can. I don’t understand politics in the U.K., but I do know that you need to vote. Don’t just be an apathetic slug and complain when everything turns to shit.”

    The post Randy Blythe Has Words for Those That Say Art Shouldn’t Be Political: “Go F*ck Yourself” appeared first on MetalSucks.

  • BLOODSTOCK teams up with Stowford Press for Metal 2 The Masses

    BLOODSTOCK is raising a glass to a brand new partnership for 2026, as Westons Stowford Press comes on board as the official sponsor of the […]

    The post BLOODSTOCK teams up with Stowford Press for Metal 2 The Masses appeared first on Metal-Rules.com.

  • Midnight is Richard Green’s Single Out Now

    Good Day Noir Family,
    Richard Green’s “Midnight” paints a nocturnal scene that feels alive rather than nostalgic.

    Midnight is Richard Green’s Single Out Now

     Instead of dwelling on memory, the composition suggests a city that refuses to sleep, a place where strange adventures unfold in quiet corners and neon-lit streets.

    The music evokes the mood of an Edward Hopper painting: you glance through illuminated windows, you notice silhouettes interacting inside late-night cafés, and for a fleeting moment you wonder about their hidden stories.

    The track unfolds entirely through instrumental language, yet it speaks clearly. Strings and piano engage in a dialogue that feels almost baroque in character. Their harmonic variations carry a subtle tension, slightly plucked and articulated in a way that gives the piece a bright, almost playful undertone. At the same time, the nocturnal theme remains central. There’s a pulse beneath the surface, suggesting movement—cars passing by, lights flickering on in distant apartments, conversations happening just beyond your reach.

    Green demonstrates careful compositional control. The piano introduces motifs that the strings later reinterpret, creating continuity without repetition. This interplay generates depth while maintaining clarity. The harmonic shifts feel deliberate, and they guide the listener through a sequence of emotional colors. The piece never becomes heavy. It balances introspection with curiosity.

    As the music progresses, the atmosphere expands gently. One moment feels intimate, like standing alone on a sidewalk; the next opens into a broader urban panorama. The absence of lyrics allows the imagination to roam freely. Each listener can project their own narrative onto the unfolding musical canvas.

    The classical foundation remains evident throughout. The arrangement avoids stiffness, embracing fluidity and warmth. The joy embedded in the harmonic phrasing adds lightness to the otherwise shadowed setting. This duality gives “Midnight” its distinct personality.

    Richard Green crafts an instrumental work that guides the listener through a living, breathing cityscape after dark. It’s a refined and imaginative composition.

    Midnight is Richard Green’s Single Out Now!


    Nocturnal!


    Midnight is Richard Green’s Single Out Now

    Richard Green is an Italian guitarist, composer, and musician based in London since 2012. After moving to the city, he earned a higher diploma in guitar and a musician’s degree, further shaping his artistic direction. His debut track, Dark Horses (2020), introduced an experimental approach with a dark tone. He later released the EP A Journey, a collaboration with pianist Irene Veneziano and the Archimia Strings Quartet, blending classical elements with modern influences such as jazz and blues. This project marked the beginning of his trilogy, completed with The Circle Closes (2023) and First Light (2024). Green’s music explores a wide spectrum of styles, ranging from electro and indie to funk-pop, chillout, and neoclassical.




    Find Richard Green Here:

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    The post Midnight is Richard Green’s Single Out Now appeared first on Edgar Allan Poets – Noir Rock Band.

  • File under: Dadrock is Dominik Wrana’s EP Out Now

    Good Day Noir Family,
    Dominik Wrana & States of Matter introduce their EP File under: Dadrock with a breeze of desert air and open-road freedom.

    File under: Dadrock is Dominik Wrana’s EP Out Now

    The opening track, “On the Road,” carries a renegade spirit that evokes Easy Rider.

    There’s a spacious, dusty quality to the arrangement; subtle hints of Dire Straits emerge in the guitar phrasing and relaxed confidence. The song invites movement, physical and emotional, and it sets the tone for what follows.

    “Looking Back,” which continues to explore American rock textures. Here, Dominik Wrana’s vocal interpretation stands out. As the architect of this project, he delivers each line with conviction and credibility. His tone feels lived-in and direct. Moreover, the guitar solo adds a burst of melodic clarity, reinforcing the track’s reflective edge without overwhelming its structure.

    Then “Mofuday” shifts the atmosphere slightly. The opening solo carries echoes of Santana, not through imitation but through warmth and fluidity. The rhythm unfolds with a gentle sway that evokes a seaside sunset. The instrumentation feels balanced and organic. The interplay between guitar and rhythm section highlights the band’s cohesion.

    One of the EP’s strongest moments arrives with “Midlife Crisis.” This alternative ballad reveals Wrana’s compositional depth. The arrangement slows down, allowing space for introspection. His voice takes on an almost oracular quality, warm yet slightly mysterious. As the melody develops, it draws the listener inward rather than outward. The dynamics feel controlled and purposeful.

    Finally, “Opus#1” closes the EP with an enigmatic tone. The atmosphere turns misty and nocturnal, encouraging contemplation. The band leans into subtle textures and measured pacing. The track lingers long after it ends.

    Overall, File under: Dadrock presents refined, intense songwriting delivered by skilled musicians. Dominik Wrana & States of Matter balance nostalgia with originality, crafting a cohesive and thoughtful EP that resonates beyond its runtime.

    File under: Dadrock is Dominik Wrana’s EP Out Now!


    Reflective!


    File under: Dadrock is Dominik Wrana’s EP Out Now

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    Dominik Wrana & States of Matter is a Mannheim-based five-piece band crafting intentional, handmade rock rooted in strong musicianship and authentic performance. Their sound draws inspiration from the warm grooves of ’70s West Coast rock and the dynamic energy of ’90s alternative, blending loud-quiet contrasts with rhythmic touches of funk and Latin-influenced grooves. With a style that feels both classic and contemporary, the band delivers music that connects with rock purists, alternative listeners, and anyone who appreciates honest, groove-driven songwriting.




    Find Dominik Wrana Here:

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    The post File under: Dadrock is Dominik Wrana’s EP Out Now appeared first on Edgar Allan Poets – Noir Rock Band.

  • Who Are The Members Of Sleep Token? What We Actually Know (And What We Don’t)

    sleep-token-members

    Do We Actually Know Who The Members Of Sleep Token Are?

    No — Sleep Token have never officially confirmed the identities of the musicians behind the masks, and maintaining that anonymity is a core part of the band’s mythology and artistic concept.

    TL;DR:

    Sleep Token has become one of the fastest-rising bands in modern heavy music, yet the identities of its members remain officially unconfirmed. The band is fronted by the masked figure Vessel, supported by musicians known as II, III, and IV, but the real names behind those roles have never been formally revealed. While fans have speculated for years about who might be behind the masks, the band has intentionally kept that mystery intact — focusing attention on the music, the mythology of the deity “Sleep,” and the immersive world the band has built.

    If you want to dive deeper into the mythology behind the band, check out our breakdown of 13 facts that finally explain Vessel, the cult, and the real story behind Sleep Token.

    Sleep Token Was Built On Mystery From The Start

    From the moment Sleep Token first appeared in 2016, the project was presented differently from most bands.

    Instead of introducing musicians and personalities, the band introduced a concept.

    According to the mythology surrounding the group, the masked frontman Vessel serves an ancient deity known as Sleep, delivering songs as offerings of devotion.

    The band’s anonymity — masks, stage names, and minimal interviews — is not an afterthought. It is part of the artistic identity.

    Fans aren’t meant to focus on the individuals behind the music. They’re meant to experience the songs, the symbolism, and the emotional atmosphere of the project.

    That decision has turned Sleep Token into one of the most intriguing acts in modern metal.

    Loaded Radio Recommends – Sleep Token Lore Explained: The Story Most Fans Only Half Understand

    sleep-token-2024-european-tour-

    The Known Members Of Sleep Token (Stage Identities)

    While the real identities remain secret, the band performs publicly under a set of symbolic stage names.

    The lineup is generally understood as:

    Vessel — vocals, piano
    The band’s central figure and songwriter, Vessel delivers both haunting clean vocals and emotional performances that define the band’s sound.

    II — drums
    The masked drummer known as II has gained a huge following among musicians thanks to incredibly technical and dynamic playing.

    III — bass
    III handles bass duties and contributes to the band’s live atmosphere with expressive stage presence.

    IV — guitar
    IV performs guitar in the band’s touring lineup, helping recreate the layered instrumentation heard on the studio recordings.

    These identities appear in live performances and official imagery, but the band has consistently avoided linking them to real names.

    sleep-token-new-masks-2024

    Why Sleep Token Keep Their Identities Secret

    The mystery isn’t just marketing.

    It serves a purpose.

    By removing traditional celebrity identities from the equation, the band encourages listeners to engage with the music and emotional storytelling rather than the personalities behind it.

    The approach also strengthens the band’s mythology.

    Songs become “offerings.”
    Concerts become “rituals.”
    Fans become participants in the experience.

    This immersive concept is a big reason Sleep Token has developed such a passionate following.

    The Internet Has Spent Years Trying To Solve The Mystery

    Of course, the lack of official information hasn’t stopped fans from trying to figure it out.

    Online communities have spent years analyzing:

    • songwriting credits
    • touring lineups
    • musical styles
    • interviews and production details

    Various theories about the identities behind the masks have circulated across forums and social media.

    However, it’s important to understand something crucial:

    None of these identities have ever been officially confirmed by the band.

    That distinction matters.

    Speculation may exist, but Sleep Token themselves have never publicly revealed the real names behind Vessel or the other masked musicians.

    Check This Out – What Genre Is Sleep Token? The Debate Explained

    sleep-token-lore

    Why The Mystery Works So Well For Sleep Token

    Most bands that attempt anonymity eventually reveal themselves.

    Sleep Token hasn’t.

    And the mystery has only helped the band grow.

    It creates intrigue, encourages discussion among fans, and strengthens the unique world the band has built around its music.

    More importantly, it reinforces the central idea behind the project:

    The focus isn’t supposed to be the musicians.

    The focus is the experience.

    Will Sleep Token Ever Reveal Their Identities?

    Right now, there’s no indication the band plans to abandon the concept.

    If anything, the success of the group suggests the opposite.

    The band has grown into one of the most talked-about acts in modern heavy music while keeping their identities hidden.

    That alone shows the idea works.

    And in a genre where authenticity matters, the fact that Sleep Token has stayed committed to the mystery may be exactly why fans continue to find it so compelling.

    The Internet Thinks It May Have Solved The Mystery

    Despite the band’s strict silence, internet sleuths have spent years trying to piece together the musicians behind Sleep Token using songwriting databases, old performances, and touring evidence. One of the most widely circulated conclusions among fans points to Leo George Faulkner, formerly of the project Blacklit Canopy, as the likely figure behind Vessel.

    Supporters of that theory often cite ASCAP songwriting registrations that list Faulkner alongside Adam Pedder, as well as old Blacklit Canopy footage where listeners say they can hear early similarities in the vocal style that would later define Sleep Token. Fans also point to lyrical references on Take Me Back To Eden — particularly lines in songs like “Ascensionism” and “Euclid” that appear to reference “blacklit” imagery and “ancient canopies,” which some interpret as nods to Faulkner’s earlier project.

    Similar fan-driven investigations have attempted to identify the other masked members. Drummer II is widely speculated online to be Adam Pedder, with enthusiasts pointing to old performance videos from his previous band Belial and similarities in drum setups used in Sleep Token playthroughs.

    Bassist III is often connected to musician Dave Ball, partly through touring photos and equipment cross-references shared by photographers and crew members. Guitarist IV is frequently linked by fans to Rhys Griffiths, who previously performed with the U.K. bands Continents and Mourn.

    Importantly, none of these identities have ever been officially confirmed by Sleep Token themselves — and the band has consistently chosen to keep the mystery intact.

    Sleep-Token-members-2023-New

    FAQ

    Who Is The Singer Of Sleep Token?
    The singer performs under the stage name Vessel, but the real identity behind the mask has never been officially confirmed.

    How Many Members Are In Sleep Token?
    Sleep Token performs as a core group built around Vessel and supporting members known as II, III, and IV.

    Has Sleep Token Ever Revealed Their Identities?
    No. The band has consistently kept their real identities private since forming.

    Why Does Sleep Token Hide Their Identities?
    The anonymity supports the band’s mythology and encourages listeners to focus on the music rather than the individuals performing it.

    Band Bio

    Sleep Token is a British metal band formed in London around 2016. The group blends elements of metal, post-rock, R&B, and atmospheric music into a unique sound centered around emotional storytelling and immersive mythology. Fronted by the masked vocalist known as Vessel, the band presents its music as offerings to a fictional deity called Sleep.

    Sleep Token gained widespread attention through albums such as Sundowning (2019), This Place Will Become Your Tomb (2021), and Take Me Back To Eden (2023), becoming one of the fastest-growing acts in modern heavy music while maintaining complete anonymity.

    The post Who Are The Members Of Sleep Token? What We Actually Know (And What We Don’t) appeared first on Loaded Radio.