Adrian Smith of Iron Maiden and Richie Kotzen of The Winery Dogs, performing together as Smith/Kotzen, have released a new official lyric video for the track “Blindsided.” The song appears on their latest album, Black Light / White Noise.

The duo’s second album, Black Light / White Noise, earned widespread praise and reached No. 1 on the U.K. Official Rock & Metal chart. Building on that momentum, Adrian Smith and Richie Kotzen are preparing to tour the U.K. and Europe in February and March of 2026.

Their partnership began with the self-titled 2021 album Smith/Kotzen, which broke into the U.K. Top 20 and found strong audiences across Europe as well as North and South America. After playing well-received shows on both sides of the Atlantic, the pair reunited in 2024 to create their second full-length record. Released this past April, the album triggered heightened demand from rock listeners eager to see the two musicians return to the stage.

Reflecting on the fan response, Adrian Smith says: “We’ve been blown away by the reaction to Black Light / White Noise! We’re extremely proud of it, and to know that it’s been received so enthusiastically by fans old and new has been amazing. We can’t wait to hit the road next year with Julia (Lange – bass) and Bruno (Valverde – drums) of course, and start playing some of these songs live.”

Richie Kotzen shares similar enthusiasm: “From the moment we finished the record, we knew we had something special on our hands. It’s been a joy for us both to play together in the studio and on stage, and to write some of the most exciting music we’ve ever done. Bringing it to bigger stages and even more people in the UK & Europe next year is going to be great. We’ll see you all down the front!”

Ahead of unveiling the tour schedule, Smith/Kotzen received awards celebrating the No. 1 position of Black Light / White Noise on the U.K. Rock & Metal Album Chart—a milestone they were delighted to acknowledge.

Black Light / White Noise Tour Dates:

February 2026
3 – La Riviera – Madrid, Spain
4 – Apolo – Barcelona, Spain
6 – Le Trianon – Paris, France
7 – Zik-Zak – Ittre, Bekgium
9 – Rockhal Club – Esch-Sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
10 – Philharmonie – Haarlem, Netherlands
12 – Rock City – Nottingham, UK
13 – O2 Ritz – Manchester, UK
15 – SWG3 Galvanizers – Glasgow, UK
17 – KK’s Steel Mill – Wolverhampton, UK
18 – 1865 – Southampton, UK
20 – O2 Academy – Bristol, UK
21 – O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire – London, UK
23 – Carlswerk Victoria – Köln, Germany
24 – Volkhaus – Zurich, Switzerland
26 – Live Club – Milan, Italy
27 – Backstage Werk – Munich, Germany

March 2026
1 – Lucerna Music Bar – Prague, Czechia
2 – Progresja – Warsaw, Poland
4 – Columbia Theater – Berlin, Germany
5 – Gruenspan – Hamburg, Germany
7 – Berns – Stockholm, Sweden
8 – Pustervik – Gothenburg, Sweden

Tickets for all shows are on sale now here.

The post SMITH/KOTZEN Share New Lyric Video For “Blindsided” appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

I’m currently in drum mode, writing, recording, and arranging drum parts for the new Autumns Eyes album. Drums have always been the foundation of my life as a musician, and I always go to great lengths to ensure the parts I write are up to the standards my musical mentors have instilled upon me over the years. In doing so, I’m forced to reference modern drum techniques and recordings to get an idea of what todays percussive landscape looks like. What bugs me about modern drum recordings is how fluffy they sound, much like most modern metal music.  It’s all produced in such a familiar way, that it just kind of blends together into this mushy/fluffy garbage. I can’t identify one band from the next because they’re all using the same sounds and techniques. Snare drums are pillowy and over-compressed, while kick drums might as well be a completely separate instrument, and the cohesion of the entire kit seems like an afterthought. I’m not saying my catalogue of recorded drums is perfect, many of them sound like shit, but at least there is a unique variety amongst them. Perhaps this is the grumpy old man aging its way out of me, but I truly feel as though modern metal drum trends are poisoning the landscape of heavy music.

Bitching and moaning aside, I’ll dive a bit more into the foundation this new album is finding via its percussive roots. Overall, it has a feel similar to the 2017 album Ending Life Slowly, in that it’s more simplistic and driving, rather than complex or challenging. You’ll find more engaging grooves that reinforce the guitar parts in a way that makes you want to bang your head, rather than count math equations on your fingers. The sonic characteristics of the drums also find themselves fitting nicely into the entire mix, something that proved quite challenging on the last album Grimoire of Oak & Shadow. The density of those songs created a tight sonic landscape which made it difficult to sit the drums in a space that wasn’t competing with the other 900 instruments playing at the same time. So, Im quite fortunate to have found a kit that plays nicely with the guitars, bass, and keys. It makes things that much easier once it comes time to mix everything, and put the finishing touches on the album as a whole.

I should also mention that song titles are all wrapped up as well, a detail usually procrastinated until the last phases of recording are complete. To my shock and surprise, the lyrics and song titles revolve around, DEATH! What a unique perspective for an Autumns Eyes album, where almost every album revolves around the same somber reflections on ones own mortality. To be fair, there is a bit of levity in these lyrics, with many bits of uplifting thoughts to help contrast those of dread. All details any therapist would love to overanalyze, had I ever committed myself to paying someone to listen to my demented thoughts, rather than just have the world listen to them willfully. Either way, Im relieved to have gotten these thoughts out of my mind and into melodies. While the album itself doesn’t have a title yet, all bets could be placed on something morose and melancholy. Any suggestions?

You would think someone with such twisted thoughts would have to be living a life reflective of such despair, but honestly, life has been beautiful. There are always challenges, but thats what you want, isn’t it? How would we ever grow and learn if we immediately had everything we wanted in life? I’m a big believer in that phrase “the obstacle is the way”, which boils down to turning challenges into chances. Opportunities to capitalize on setbacks by learning how to manage them better, thus making it easier to navigate when those problems inevitably arise again and again throughout your life. Having the ability to channel frustration and fear into music is a gift I am always thankful for, but keeping the mind strong with motivation is a task only achieved through practice and purpose. I am surrounded by people whom I not only love, but who make me a better person day in and day out. The same goes for all of the fans of this music. The people who continue to share their support over the years who reinforce my desire to explore such an obsession with spooky songwriting. Without them, this project exists in a void that dies the moment it’s born, so to them I am forever grateful. On that note, I return to the studio where drums await my attention. For there is much noise to make, and more music waiting to be summoned.

The post Avoiding Trends to Forge a Strong Foundation appeared first on Autumns Eyes.

Rufus Publications has revealed Pantera, an officially sanctioned coffee table book created by renowned rock photographer Ross Halfin.

In recent years, Halfin has had complete access to the band while they were touring, backstage, during downtime, and onstage at major shows. This new authorized project highlights the current lineup through Halfin’s recent photography, while also pulling from his deep archive of images featuring the original four members — including “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott and Vinnie Paul Abbott. Together, the material offers what the publisher calls a raw and often previously unseen perspective on one of metal’s most influential groups.

Designed as a large A3 portrait-style book with more than 300 pages, the collection gives the photos room to stand out. The edition comes housed in a diamond-plate embossed slipcase, with only 666 numbered copies being produced. Each copy is individually signed by Pantera’s current touring members: Philip Anselmo on vocals, Charlie Benante on drums, Rex Brown on bass, and Zakk Wylde on guitar.

Pantera remains one of heavy metal’s most successful acts. The classic lineup of Philip Anselmo, Rex Brown, Dimebag Darrell, and Vinnie Paul released a run of groundbreaking albums, culminating with the 1994 LP Far Beyond Driven, which entered the Billboard 200 at No. 1. The band ultimately surpassed 25 million albums sold worldwide. In 2022, Billboard announced that Brown and Anselmo were coming together again for Pantera’s first major tour in over two decades. The revitalized lineup returned to the stage later that year with shows across Latin America and has continued touring internationally.

Pantera by Ross Halfin will be available for pre-order here on Thursday, December 4 at 3 p.m. U.K. time. The limited-edition book is priced at £250 plus shipping and is expected to be released in spring 2026.

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With the release date of their eighth studio album approaching on January 9, 2026, Alter Bridge has unveiled a new single titled “Playing Aces”. The song opens with the group’s familiar dual-guitar energy, with Myles Kennedy on vocals and guitar, Mark Tremonti on guitar and vocals, Brian Marshall on bass, and Scott Phillips on drums. Together, they build a tense, driving rhythm that leads into a sweeping chorus anchored by Kennedy’s line: “If I risked it all, I hope you’ll understand that I had to play my hand…”

The track is now available on all major streaming platforms. A music video directed by J.T. Ibanez has also been released and can be viewed below.

Kennedy explains the theme behind the song, noting that “The term ‘Playing Aces’ ties in with the gambling analogy of risking everything regardless of how many times you’ve failed in life. It’s a last-ditch effort to come out on top.”

After more than twenty years together, Alter Bridge continues to maintain its reputation for heavy riffs, memorable melodies, and their signature two-guitar interplay. The band aims to build on its longstanding global following with the arrival of its self-titled eighth studio album, set for release through Napalm Records.

The forthcoming self-tilted album, Alter Bridge, contains twelve new tracks, several of which the band feels will stand alongside their most recognizable songs. Titles such as “Rue The Day”, “Disregarded”, and “Scales Are Falling” reflect the band’s familiar energy. “Trust In Me” features a vocal trade-off with Myles Kennedy handling the verses and Mark Tremonti taking the chorus. That approach reverses on “Tested And Able”, where Tremonti delivers the verses and Kennedy leads the choruses following what is described as one of the group’s most forceful intros.

Another track, “Hang By A Thread”, is expected to resonate strongly in the live setting, evoking elements of fan favorites from earlier in the band’s catalog. The album closes with “Slave To Master”, a lengthy and expansive piece that marks the longest composition Alter Bridge has recorded.

The post ALTER BRIDGE Drops Latest Single “Playing Aces” From Upcoming Self-Titled Album appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

After close to fifty years as one of rock’s most recognizable bass players, Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers has finally carved out the time to pursue a long-held musical ambition. He’s stepping away from the instrument that defined his career and revisiting his first musical passion — the trumpet — for a new album arriving in 2026 through Nonesuch Records. Ahead of the release, he has shared a preview in the form of his original track “A Plea”, which is now available to hear below. Additional details about the full album are expected early next year.

The song, written and performed entirely by Flea, encourages listeners to “build a bridge, shine a light, make something beautiful and see somebody, give it to somebody.” Performing on electric bass, vocals, and trumpet, he’s joined by an ensemble that includes double bassist Anna Butterss, guitarist Jeff Parker, drummer Deantoni Parks, percussionist Mauro Refosco, alto flutist Rickey Washington, and trombonist Vikram Devasthali. Chris Warren contributes vocals, as does producer Josh Johnson, who also plays alto saxophone.

A music video directed by Los Angeles photographer and filmmaker Clara Balzary, featuring choreography by Sadie Wilking, has also been released today.

Reflecting on the lyrics, Flea explains that they deal with the tension and division he sees both in the United States and worldwide. He describes them as “yearning for a place beyond, a place of love, for me to speak my mind and be myself. I’m always just trying to be myself.” He adds: “I don’t care about the act of politics. I think there is a much more transcendent place above it where there’s discourse to be had that can actually help humanity, and actually help us all to live harmoniously and productively in a way that’s healthy for the world. There’s a place where we meet, and it’s love.”

Born Michael Peter Balzary, Flea became widely known as the founding bassist of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Alongside his decades with the band, he has collaborated with artists such as Tom Waits and Johnny Cash, appeared in films including The Big Lebowski, My Own Private Idaho, and Boy Erased, and authored the 2019 bestselling memoir Acid For The Children. In 2001, he co-founded the Silverlake Conservatory of Music, a nonprofit focused on expanding access to music education.

Over the course of his career, Flea has earned six Grammy Awards, collected twelve No. 1 singles, and sold 80 million records with the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

The post RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS Bassist FLEA’s Shares Newest Single ” A Plea” From Upcoming Solo Album appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

Good Day Noir Family,
Omer Netzer rarely repeats himself, and “Holiday Blues” proves it once again.

Holiday Blues is Omer Netzer’s Single out now

 Instead of leaning into the dusty saloon mood that often colours his work, he turns toward something far more intimate.

The track steps into the holiday season with a gentle sway, yet it never loses the grit and sincerity that define his songwriting.

A soft arpeggio sets the stage and instantly hints at a winter scene instead of a desert horizon. Soon after, Netzer’s unmistakable voice enters with a warmth that feels comforting and slightly weathered, as if shaped by the same winds that run through his more country-leaning material. However, this time he slows the pace, favouring reflection over fire. Because of this, the song feels like a conversation you have with yourself during a quiet December night, while the world outside settles under fresh snow.

As the arrangement grows, subtle layers of acoustic guitar create a delicate pulse, and the bass adds depth without ever overwhelming the softness. Additionally, the drums remain relaxed, giving the piece a flowing movement that suits its introspective nature. These choices underline how carefully Netzer shapes his atmosphere.

Furthermore, Netzer’s delivery elevates the entire piece. He sings with restraint, yet he still conveys the familiar raw edge that fans appreciate. That contrast gives the chorus a unique glow: it feels like a holiday song, but one grounded in real feelings rather than seasonal clichés. Instead of sleigh bells and glitter, he offers honesty and a quiet sense of renewal.

“Holiday Blues” ultimately captures the strange mix of warmth and melancholy that often arrives during winter celebrations. It carries the sweetness of togetherness, yet also the weight of memory. Netzer balances these moods with remarkable clarity, crafting a song that invites you to breathe, listen, and let yourself drift.

Holiday Blues is Omer Netzer’s Single out now!

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Winter-hearted!

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Holiday Blues is Omer Netzer’s Single out now

Born in Nahariya, Israel, Omer Netzer grew up in his family’s music shop, shaped by artists like Johnny Cash and B.B. King. After serving as a combat medic and later working as an equine therapist for trauma survivors, he broke into the music scene with his debut album Goodbye Song, which produced three Israeli radio hits and led to tours across Europe—including shows with Kendrick Lamar and Mumford & Sons.

In 2019 he opened for Bon Jovi, a moment that eventually brought him to Nashville. Since moving in 2023, Netzer has signed with White Knuckle Productions, become the first Israeli artist to perform at CMA Fest, and begun working with producer David “Messy” Mescon. His hit single “Midnight Blue” spent 18+ weeks on Apple Music Country’s Country Roads playlist.

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The post Holiday Blues is Omer Netzer’s Single out now appeared first on Edgar Allan Poets – Noir Rock Band.

Good Day Noir Family,
“Stars” by Lynney Williamson unfolds with the quiet shimmer of something fragile yet deeply intentional.

Stars is Lynney Williamson’s Single out Now

 The opening sound resembles a soft shower of stardust, creating a gentle glow that immediately draws you inward.

Although the arrangement is sparse, it carries a striking emotional clarity, allowing every note to breathe while forming a space that feels almost sacred.

Lynney’s voice enters with remarkable presence. She sings with a balance of warmth and subtle tension, and the tone she delivers reveals a rare ability to communicate truth without vocal excess. Her performance is steady, intimate, and expressive without ever pushing too far. The phrasing carries echoes of the art-pop world, and at times one can sense faint shades of Tori Amos in the emotional detailing. Yet, despite any fleeting comparison, Lynney stands firmly in her own universe, shaping her lines with a unique artistic signature.

As the track progresses, the minimalist foundation becomes its greatest strength. The piano forms the backbone while gentle textures drift through the mix like thin strands of silver. Each small shift matters, and every sound feels chosen rather than simply added. Because of this restraint, the listener remains close to the emotional core of the piece. Moreover, the production supports the narrative without overpowering it, leaving enough air for the performance to remain personal and unfiltered.

A beautiful transformation arrives around the 2:15 mark. The music subtly blossoms into something that resembles a futuristic music box. This change expands the emotional range of the song, introducing a dream-state moment that feels unexpected and meaningful. The shift invites the listener to step even further into the reflective world Lynney has created, making the final stretch of the track especially memorable.

In the end, “Stars” stands as a quiet triumph. It blends vulnerability, elegance, and thoughtful composition in a way that speaks directly to the heart. Lynney Williamson offers a piece that feels timeless yet modern, soft yet full of intent.

Stars is Lynney Williamson’s Single out Now!

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Intense!

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Lynney Williamson is a Glasgow-born singer-songwriter whose music channels the ethereal power of Stevie Nicks, the emotional mystique of Kate Bush, and the raw intensity of Heart. Her sound blends dream-pop, soft rock, and lyrical storytelling—crafted to resonate with anyone who’s ever stared out a window searching for clarity.

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Find Lynney Williamson Here:

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The post Stars is Lynney Williamson’s Single out Now appeared first on Edgar Allan Poets – Noir Rock Band.

The Pretty Reckless have released the official music video for “Where Are You Christmas?” from the band’s holiday EP Taylor Momsen’s Pretty Reckless Christmas, out now through Fearless Records. The video leans heavily into nostalgia, featuring Taylor Momsen stepping back into her well-known role as Cindy Lou Who from the 2000 film Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas. The visual blends warmth and seasonal sentiment, offering something meaningful for both longtime supporters and those discovering the band for the first time.

The video begins with a vintage broadcast clip of Jay Leno introducing Taylor Momsen’s appearance on The Tonight Show during the film’s original release. This moment sets the tone for a full-circle experience as Momsen connects her present-day self with the younger version of her that first embodied the character. From there, the visual shifts into a modern portrayal of her musical persona — a more intense and electrified version of who she has become.

Momsen is seen performing alongside her childhood self before taking center stage, launching into a rock-focused and reimagined take on the holiday classic. The performance unfolds on a Christmas-themed stage, complete with festive decor.

Midway through the video, the track “When We Were Young” from the EP blends in, offering a smooth transition before Momsen closes with “Christmas, Why Can’t I Find You?” The final scene features her performing alone in a vivid red Christian Siriano dress, marking the first time in 25 years she has sung the song’s final notes. The result is a heartfelt tribute to her artistic journey and a celebration of where The Pretty Reckless stand today in their continued evolution of sound.

The Pretty Reckless remain a history-making rock band led by Taylor Momsen, whose vocals shift easily between intensity and emotional subtlety. Their dynamic live shows have taken them around the world, sharing stages with artists such as AC/DC, The Rolling Stones, and Soundgarden. Since their debut album Light Me Up, the group has earned widespread recognition with standout tracks like “Heaven Knows,” and became the first female-fronted band to achieve eight No. 1 singles on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart.

Their album Death By Rock And Roll explores themes of resilience, grief, and the enduring pull of rock music, while their track “For I Am Death” also climbed to the top of Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart. Most recently, the band released their holiday EP Taylor Momsen’s Pretty Reckless Christmas, led by a refreshed version of Momsen’s well-known song “Where Are You Christmas?”

The post TAYLOR MOMSEN Brings Cindy Lou Who Back to Life in THE PRETTY RECKLESS’ New Holiday Video appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

Foo Fighters have announced a special benefit concert scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles. Proceeds from the event will go toward organizations long supported by Dave and Jordyn Grohl and the band, including Hope The Mission and Los Angeles Mission.

The only pre-sale opportunity for the show will take place on Sunday, December 7. This advance ticket sale requires in-person participation at the Forum and will double as a donation drive. Attendees taking part in the pre-sale are asked to bring items requested by Hope The Mission, which will be present to collect contributions.

Requested items include socks and underwear for men, women, and children in new, packaged condition; bagged dried pinto beans; bagged or boxed pasta such as spaghetti or macaroni; and bagged dried rice. The organizations have asked that no canned or perishable food items be brought.

Both Hope The Mission and Los Angeles Mission will use donations and concert proceeds to assist Angelenos experiencing homelessness or food insecurity. Funds will help provide essential services, clothing, meals, and shelter to those in need.

Rowan Vansleve, president of Hope The Mission, reflected on the significance of the event. He said that Dave, Jordyn, and Foo Fighters demonstrate what can happen when people choose to step up and give back: “Dave, Jordyn and Foo Fighters are a striking example of what’s possible when we decide to show up and give back. This concert will be more than just a celebration, it’s a statement that it will take all of us working together to end homelessness in our city so that no one is left suffering on our streets. We’re incredibly grateful to partner with the band. Foo Fighters and their fans have a reputation of always stepping up to help when people need it, and this concert will be no different.”

Dennis Oleesky, CEO of Los Angeles Mission, also commented on the concert’s impact: “The impact of this event goes far beyond one night of incredible music. Every ticket purchased and every donation will directly help feed and house our unhoused neighbors. We’re honored Foo Fighters are joining to bring real help and real hope to people across Los Angeles.”

The performance coincides with Dave Grohl’s birthday, and he encouraged fans to contribute however they can — whether through donations, volunteering, or raising awareness.

Grohl shared his excitement, saying: “What better way to spend my 57th birthday than making a bunch of noise with a bunch of friends for a good cause.”

He added: “This ain’t just a big-ass rock show, it’s a big-ass party with a heart. Turn up the volume, turn up the hope, but most of all….TURN UP. The best gift is TO GIVE. Can’t friggin wait x”.

For those unable to attend the event or the pre-sale donation drive, additional information about supporting the featured charities is available here.

The post FOO FIGHTERS Announce a One-Night Event Fans Won’t Want to Miss And It’s All for a Powerful Cause appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

Mammoth — formerly known as Mammoth WVH led by Grammy-nominated songwriter, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Wolfgang Van Halen — has revealed plans for its first headlining tour of 2026.

The group will embark on a 19-date run beginning March 5 in Buffalo, New York, continuing through April 4 with a final stop in Prior Lake, Minnesota. The tour will travel through multiple regions, with shows scheduled in Toronto, Ontario on March 8; Wallingford, Connecticut on March 15; Knoxville, Tennessee on March 24; and Cincinnati, Ohio on April 1, among additional cities.

Supporting acts on the tour will include 10 Years and James And The Cold Gun, both joining the full stretch of dates.

Ticket information and VIP package is available here.

Mammoth 2026 “The End” Tour Dates:

Mar. 5 – Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom
Mar. 7 – Ottawa, ON – Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Ottawa
Mar. 8 – Toronto, ON – HISTORY
Mar. 10 – Montral, QC – L’Olympia
Mar. 11 – Portland, ME – State Theatre
Mar. 13 – Atlantic City, NJ – Tropicana Showroom at Tropicana Atlantic City
Mar. 14 – Bethlehem, PA – Wind Creek Event Center
Mar. 15 – Wallingford, CT – The DOME at Toyota Oakdale Theatre
Mar. 18 – Baltimore, MD – Nevermore Hall
Mar. 19 – Myrtle Beach, SC – House of Blues Myrtle Beach
Mar. 22 – Jacksonville, FL – FIVE
Mar. 24 – Knoxville, TN – The Mill & Mine
Mar. 25 – Asheville, NC – The Orange Peel
Mar. 27 – Grand Rapids, MI – The Intersection
Mar. 28 – Sault Ste. Marie, MI – Kewadin Casino DreamMaker’s Theater
Mar. 31 – Indianapolis, IN – Egyptian Room at Old National Centre
Apr. 1 – Cincinnati, OH – Bogart’s
Apr. 3 – Bloomington, IL – The Castle Theatre
Apr. 4 – Prior Lake, MN – Mystic Lake Casino Hotel (10 Years Only)
Jul. 18 – Omaha, NE – The Astro Theater (Rescheduled from November 29)

The post MAMMOTH Announces 2026 North American Headlining Tour appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.