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Sturgill Simpson wants to clear something up — and no, it’s not the origins of his teenage rap video that just hit the internet.

The post Sturgill Simpson Disputes Fan Reports That Johnny Blue Skies Ticket Prices Went Up appeared first on Stereogum.

Swedish gothic doom metal entity Draconian reveal their new single, “Misantrophe River”, the second offering cut from their upcoming full-length, In Somnolent Ruin, to be released on May 8 via Napalm Records.

“Misantrophe River” confronts listeners in true Draconian fashion with life’s hardest questions, exploring feelings of alienation when swimming against the stream, and the search for direction in unfamiliar territory.

Ander Jacobsson comments about the new single: “‘Misanthrope River’ was the first song written for this album. The initial idea goes back to the early days of Under a Godless Veil, but it remained dormant until work on this record began. It’s an emotional gothic doom track- fairly minimalist, yet expansive in feel, with subtle touches that hint at post-metal and give the atmosphere a broader sense of depth. There’s a suggestion of something ancient and mysterious running through it. Although interactive, at its core, the song deals with separation and isolation in a world where the larger truth has been kept from you and how those feelings slowly turn into resentment. You’re pushing against the current wading upstream while doubting the way forward. In that struggle you’ll be grasping at straws for any sense of peace while unintentionally shutting out the one closest to you. Shot in the Faroe Islands, the video places its actors within vast, striking landscapes. It was directed by Gaui H., the same director behind “Cold Heavens””.

In Somnolent Ruin promises to be one of the most personal records in Draconian‘s discography, revealed through a dream-like journey across 9 tracks and the poetic lyricism of vocalist Anders Jacobsson. The new album also marks the return of long-time vocalist Lisa Johansson — the band’s vocalist for their first five records.

The album captures the essence of a band that no longer needs to prove anything — and yet still does. Active since the mid-1990s and having released their debut album, Where Lovers Mourn, in 2003, Draconian have continuously demonstrated their unmatched ability to craft otherworldly doom melodies and searing heavy instrumentation, complemented by lyrics that read like poetry. Their art cuts deep, compelling listeners to confront their inner demons, wander through the darkest shadows, and even embrace emotional numbness, only to emerge with a sense of inner peace. This album confronts listeners with life’s hardest questions, exploring feelings of alienation and the search for direction in unfamiliar territory.

In Somnolent Ruin will be available in the following formats:

• 2 CD 36-page Earbook incl. In Somnolent Ruin & Bonus CD with 2 Tracks only available with this format (exclusively available via Napalm Records Mailorder)
• 2 LP Gatefold Picture Vinyl incl 24 pages 12″’ booklet (exclusively available via Napalm Records Europe Mailorder)
• 2 LP Gatefold Splattered Black Smoke/White Orange Black Vinyl incl 24 pages 12″ booklet (exclusively available via Napalm Records Mailorder)
• 2 LP Gatefold Gold Vinyl incl lyric sheet (exclusively available via Napalm Records Mailorder)
• 2-LP Gatefold Black Vinyl incl lyric sheet
• 1 CD Digipak
• Digital Album

Six years have passed since the band released its predecessor, Under a Godless Veil, Draconian‘s most successful record to date. Much has changed since then, yet everything feels familiar: After introducing new guitarist Niklas Nord (Myteri, DeathTrap, The Random Victims) in spring 2022, the band announced the return of vocalist Lisa Johansson, who now once again shares vocal duties with Anders Jacobsson, promising even more enigmatic music to come.

Johansson had been the band’s vocalist for their first five records before leaving Draconian in 2011 for personal reasons. In Somnolent Ruin marks her official comeback, following several live performances at festivals over the past years. The band’s renewed lineup is rounded out by Daniel Johansson (Antikult, ex-Wormwood), who joined Draconian as a full member in 2025 following Jerry Torstennson’s departure. Prior to that, Johansson had served as the band’s session drummer since 2019. It’s the first album on which longtime member Daniel Arvidsson can be heard on bass, to which he switched from guitar in 2022.

In Somnolent Ruin’s journey begins with “I Welcome Thy Arrow,” which captivates from the very first seconds through haunting melodies and a vocal interplay that embodies fragility and strength alike. Tracks such as “The Monochrome Blade” and “The Face of God” introduce increased tempo and eruptive vocal dynamics. “Anima” features Swedish artist Daniel Änghede, adding layers of emotional depth and confronting listeners with their darker impulses, capturing the sense of being lost and questioning one’s place in the world. “Asteria Beneath the Tranquil Sea” serves as a transitional interlude between “I Gave You Wings” and “Cold Heavens”, the latter exploring the delicate balance between life and death and not finding relief in any of both, while delivering the album’s most intense vocal performance. “Misanthrope River” opens with an extended instrumental passage and narration by Simon Bibby, slowing the tempo but by no means reducing the emotional weight, reflecting life’s daily struggles and obstacles. The closing track, “Lethe,” references the river of forgetfulness in Greek mythology. Those who drank from it would lose all memory. “Oh, shooting star… Drown in me! Drink. Forget. Repeat,” mourns Jacobsson through devilish growls. And yet, In Somnolent Ruin remains a work of art one wishes not to forget — not a single blink of an eye.

Pre-order In Somnolent Ruin here.

The post DRACONIAN Shares Second Single “Misantrophe River” From Upcoming Album “In Somnolent Ruin” appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

proun are an Austin trio who put a dreamy, emo-folk spin on classic alternative rock. The band started as the solo project of singer/guitarist Jamie Weed, and after putting out a couple of EPs in the past few years and welcoming bassist Dante Zatto and drummer/engineer Alex Peterson into the fold, their debut album Maybe…

The post proun Announce Debut Album <em>Maybe Luck</em>: Hear “Miracles” appeared first on Stereogum.

The second song of her Sumerian Records era has arrived.

The post Vana Streams Her New Single “In Your Name” appeared first on Theprp.com.

Fans of thrown may recall that the Swedish nü-metalcore outfit ended 2025 with a tease of new music to come in 2026. As we now enter the fourth month of the year, the group are set to finally deliver on that promise. A new track titled “split” is scheduled to premiere next week, with a…

The post Thrown To Premiere New Song “Split” Next Week appeared first on Theprp.com.

German heavy metal veterans Mob Rules have announced Stories From The Verdant Vale, set for release on August 21 via Roar – A Division Of Reigning Phoenix Music. To mark the announcement, the band unveil the first single, “Master of The Black Crow”, a high-energy track that pulls no punches.

Driven by a striking, Celtic-inspired guitar hook, the song stands out for its uncompromising compactness. In its direct approach and razor-sharp structure, the track recalls the raw energy of Black Sabbath’s classic Paranoid: not a single ounce of excess, no detours: the song gets straight to the point and unleashes its full impact in the shortest possible time.

With Stories From The Verdant Vale, Mob Rules return to the narrative world introduced with their latest album Rise Of The Ruler (2025), which was widely praised and marked a major milestone in the band’s career. The material originates from songs written during the final stages of those sessions, now presented as a special standalone release.

As vocalist Klaus Dirks explains: “During the final stages of completing the album, we discussed possible bonus material for the earbook edition with the label. We were reluctant to use demo versions or similar material. This motivated us to write a few new songs. We were well aware of what we were getting ourselves into, but we also wanted to challenge ourselves a little.”

The songs reveal a slightly more direct and compact approach compared to Rise Of The Ruler while staying true to the band’s signature blend of melodic power metal, atmosphere and storytelling. Expanding the original concept from a different perspective, the material forms a natural extension of Rise Of The Ruler, while each track also stands strong on its own.

Originally conceived in part as exclusive material, Stories From The Verdant Vale now receives a proper release on vinyl and digital platforms. The record was mixed by Markus Teske, with artwork created by Stan W. Decker.

Pre-order Stories From The Verdant Vale here.

Formed in Northern Germany in the early 1990s, Mob Rules have established themselves as a constant force in melodic power metal. Known for their concept-driven albums, strong melodies and atmospheric depth, the band has built a loyal international following over the decades.

With ten studio albums to date, including the critically acclaimed Rise Of The Ruler, Mob Rules have continuously refined their sound while staying true to their roots. Their blend of classic heavy metal influences and modern production has secured them a lasting place within the genre.

Mob Rules is:

Klaus Dirks: Vocals
Sven Lüdke: Guitar
Florian Dyszbalis: Guitar
Markus Brinkmann: Bass
Jan Christian Halfbrodt: Keys
Sebastian Schmidt: Drums

The post MOB RULES Announces “Stories From The Verdant Vale” And Releases First Single “Master Of The Black Crow” appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

Featuring current and former embers of Suffocation, Sanguisugabogg & Dehumanized.

The post Death Metal Supergroup Ablation Stream “Lethal Abuse” From Their Upcoming Debut EP appeared first on Theprp.com.