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With Burning Witches, the lineup for The Hard Circle Festival 2026 is complete! Over the past few years, the Swiss band has made a huge impact on the European metal scene with their uncompromising heavy metal, razor-sharp riffs, and high-energy live shows. Classic metal meets modern power—loud, passionate, and uncompromising. Whether it’s thunderous anthems, rousing… Continue Reading →

Originally taken from a 2003 compilation.

The post Shiner Announce Rarities Set “The Y Section” For October Release, Stream My Bloody Valentine Cover appeared first on Theprp.com.

The Laser’s Edge will release the self-titled debut album by Dutch progressive rock trio Gates of Kiev on October 2. The announcement is accompanied by the lead single “Hamlet Burns,” available now on YouTube and Bandcamp. Pre-orders are live at the Laser’s Edge webshop and Bandcamp.

Gates of Kiev was founded in the Netherlands by childhood friends and longtime collaborators Tomas Mesman (organ) and Hessel Braat (drums), whose shared passion for classical and vintage music took root in late-night hard rock sessions in a small garage during their teenage years. While performing on the Amsterdam live music circuit, the duo connected with bassist Eszl De Vois, an established presence in the Dutch underground psychedelic scene whose background in unconventional jazz completed the band’s sound. The trio took their name from the iconic closing piece on Emerson, Lake & Palmer’s 1971 live album Pictures At An Exhibition — itself an adaptation of Modest Mussorgsky’s suite of the same name.

Heavily inspired by Emerson, Lake & Palmer alongside the early years of ’70s progressive rock and the energy of the contemporary Amsterdam garage and punk scene, Gates of Kiev’s live performances are described as loud, high-energy and over-the-top in intensity. Their songs are long and largely instrumental; what lyrics exist address personal struggles and societal themes delivered in a whimsical and sometimes direct manner, with the dynamics and atmosphere of the instrumental passages closely tied to the narrative arc of each song.

Drummer Braat described the lead single: “‘Hamlet Burns’ is a dramatic, ecstatic song inspired by the scenery of barren fields in Dutch Winter. The music and lyrics follow a journey of loss, deep experience and transformation. Almost as if portraying the unfolding of destiny within a human life.”

Gates Of Kiev was recorded by Ahmad Mansour at Ijland Studios in the Netherlands, mixed and mastered by Jacob Holm-Lupo, guitarist and primary composer of Norwegian progressive rock act White Willow, in Norway. Cover artwork was created by Italian heavy psych illustrator Mont Doom. The debut presents 40 minutes of music across four tracks.

The post GATES OF KIEV Announce Self-Titled Debut Album & Shares Lead Single “Hamlet Burns” appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

Ein weiteres Mal hat der Schädel gesprochen und mit dabei sind 2027 BLUE MEDUSA, CARNIFEX, ELECTRIC CALLBOY und HEAVEN SHALL BURN. 

HIRAES, IMMINENCE, JINJER, MAKE THEM SUFFER, MALEVOLENCE und MITTEL ALTA.

SHADOW OF INTENT feiern zehn Jahre „Reclaimer“ mit einem exklusiven 10 Year Anniversary Special Set. SYLOSIS, THE BROWNING und THE NARRATOR vervollständigen die heutige Bandankündigung.

Die nächste Prophezeiung nimmt Gestalt an.

Return tomorrow.
 

Der Beitrag Des Schädels zweite Prophezeiung erschien zuerst auf Live, laut, legendär!.

Five hardcore bands are gathering in Chicago next month to honor the life of late Harms Way guitarist Bo Lueders. Continue reading…

Texas Headhunters have released “Rise and Shine,” the title track from the band’s upcoming sophomore album, Rise and Shine, which is scheduled for release on October 9 via Hardcharger / Blue Élan Records.

The trio of Ian Moore, Johnny Moeller, and Jesse Dayton follows up its self-titled debut with a new collection of songs that continues to blend blues, rock, country, and Americana while showcasing the band’s three-guitar lineup.

Written by Johnny Moeller, “Rise and Shine” is built around a shuffle groove and incorporates social commentary. Moeller sings the opening verse before Jesse Dayton and Ian Moore each take a turn on lead vocals. The three musicians come together on the harmonies, while Moore delivers the song’s guitar solo.

“This battlefield we call our home, it won’t be long, and it could all be gone,” Moeller sings.

“It’s got some heavy lyrics,” says Moeller. “It’s like Stephen Stills playing a blues shuffle. There’s some Pops Staples influence, too.”

Moeller, who has been a member of The Fabulous Thunderbirds since 2007, said working with Texas Headhunters has changed the way he approaches writing songs.

“I’ve never thought of myself as a real songwriter before, but being in this band has taught me a lot—and quickly. We seem to work on deadlines—’We’re going in the studio!’—and that lights a fire under my ass.”

Each member of Texas Headhunters has established a long career across multiple genres. Moore is known for blending blues with psychedelic and soulful influences, Moeller has built his reputation through his work in the Texas blues scene, and Dayton has combined rock, country, and Americana throughout his solo career.

TOUR DATES

7/29 – St. Louis, MO – The Old Rock House
7/30 – Kansas City, MO – Knuckleheads
8/01 – Ohama, NE – In the Market for Blues 2026 – Omaha’s Blues Fest
8/22 – Thunder Bay, Canada – Thunder Bay Community Auditorium
9/8   – Ruidoso, NM – Downshift Brewing Company – Riverside
9/10 – 9/13 – Las Vegas, NV – Big Blues Bender 2026
9/10 – Phoenix, AZ – Rhythm Room
9/12 – Escondido, CA – Dragonfly Music Festival 2026
9/15 – Fresno, CA – Fulton 55
9/16 – Morro Bay, CA – The Siren
9/17 – Agoura Hills, CA – The Canyon – Agoura Hills
9/18 – Bakersfield, CA – World Records
9/19 – Napa, CA – Napa Music Hall
9/20 – Menlo Park, CA – Menlo Music Hall
9/23 – Bend, OR – Tower Theatre
9/24 – Seattle, WA – Hiddene Hall
9/27 – Portland, OR – Show Bar
April 24-28, 2027 – Little Steven’s Underground Garage Cruise

More dates TBA

The post Texas Headhunters announce “Rise and Shine” appeared first on Blues Rock Review.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
REAPING ASMODEIA Release Crushing New Single “Terminal Lucidity” Via Cardinal Sun Records
Twin Cities technical death metal force unleashes blistering new anthem exploring humanity’s final moment of clarity before collapse.
Twin Cities technical death metal powerhouse Reaping Asmodeia have officially released their crushing new single, “Terminal Lucidity,” available now through Cardinal Sun Records in partnership with Blood Blast Distribution .
Built on relentless speed, razor-sharp precision, unforgettable hooks, and the band’s trademark controlled chaos, “Terminal Lucidity” pushes Reaping Asmodeia’s sound further into the extreme while delivering one of their most thought-provoking lyrical statements to date.
Stream “Terminal Lucidity” now:
https://bfan.link/terminallucidity
The title draws inspiration from the medical phenomenon often referred to as “the rally,” in which terminally ill patients experience an unexpected return of clarity, memory, strength, or awareness shortly before death. Reaping Asmodeia transforms that haunting concept into a larger metaphor, asking a disturbing question:
What if humanity itself is experiencing one final moment of lucidity before impact?
Lyrically, “Terminal Lucidity” explores mental health, spiritual awakening, modern distraction, and the growing sense that society is accelerating toward disaster while refusing to acknowledge the warning signs.
Vocalist Eric Keyes explains:


“The medical phenomenon itself is fascinating, but what hit me harder was the metaphor. I feel more awake, more alive, and in some ways more healed than I have in years, while also feeling like the world around us is getting closer to some kind of violent breaking point. We’ve traded so much of ourselves for convenience, distraction, and this endless attention economy. We’re more connected than ever, yet somehow easier to divide, manipulate, and herd.”


Written collaboratively, the song was designed to showcase Reaping Asmodeia’s blistering musicianship without sacrificing memorable songwriting.
Keyes continues:


“This song is very fast, very pissed off, and built to hit immediately. But underneath that, there’s still a human message. Most people are not your enemy, no matter how badly the world wants to convince you otherwise. We need to stand closer together as artists, friends, family, neighbors, and total fucking strangers, because if we don’t, the people and systems built on division will keep walking us straight to the slaughterhouse floor.”


With “Terminal Lucidity,” Reaping Asmodeia deliver an adrenaline-fueled dose of technical death metal crafted to cut through the endless doomscroll, reward repeat listens, and remind listeners that clarity means little if it arrives too late.
Fans can stream “Terminal Lucidity” now on all major digital platforms. Limited edition CD pre-orders are also available through the band’s official channels.
CD pre-orders:
https://reapingasmodeia.limitedrun.com
Upcoming Live Dates

July 16  – Rock Fest, Cadott, WI
with Machine Head, Hatebreed, Upon A Burning Body & more
July 25  – Earth Rider Festival Grounds, Superior, WI
August 1  – Zhora Darling, Minneapolis, MN
“Terminal Lucidity” Release Show
September 11  – Wooly’s, Des Moines, IA
with All Shall Perish & Carnifex
September 12  – Manitowoc Metal Fest, PetSkull Brewing, Manitowoc, WI
with Born of Osiris, Jungle Rot, Cognitive & more
Release Information

Single:  Terminal Lucidity
Artist:  Reaping Asmodeia
Release Date:  July 31, 2026
Label:  Cardinal Sun Records
Distribution:  Blood Blast Distribution
Stream: https://bfan.link/terminallucidity
CD Pre-Order: https://reapingasmodeia.limitedrun.com

 Connect:
https://www.facebook.com/reapingasmodeia/
https://www.instagram.com/reapingasmodeia/
Contact: reapingasmodeia@gmail.com

Guitarist explains why he chose the musicians who appear on ‘From the Dark.’ Continue reading…

Sunday 26th July was a great night to head over to the Classic Grand: with the Commonwealth Games in full swing, international flags, colourful jerseys, and murals dotted around the city centre, celebrating diversity, inclusivity, and sportsmanship – people make Glasgow, indeed. Too Red, a duo from Glasgow, started off the night. Formed in 2019, … Continue reading Gig Review: Tuk Smith & the Restless Hearts / PowderKeg / Too Red – Classic Grand, Glasgow (26th July 2026)

Sweden has some musical diversity, at least in the eyes of Allt guitarist Olle Nordström. Continue reading…