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Cancer Bats have revealed the details of their 8th full-length album, the follow-up to 2022’s ‘Psychic Jailbreak’.

Titled ‘Give Me Dirt’, it will be released on August 07 via the band’s new label home at Marshall Records.

On the news of their partnership, the band have shared:

“We are beyond excited to be joining the Marshall Records Roster! From the amps that helped define the sound of our favourite bands, to their support of independent venues and their absolute punk rock approach to everything they do, we feel like this is the perfect home for Cancer Bats! Can’t wait to work with them on our new album and many more to come!”

The album will include Cancer Bats’ latest single ‘Stay Stuck’, which arrives alongside a hilarious video that finds the band stepping into a series of day jobs.

Check it out below.

Speaking on ‘Stay Stuck’, the band’s Liam Cormier has said:

“‘Stay Stuck’ was such a fun song for us to write. It was one of the first songs that we finished while working on the new record, and we really all felt like we had tapped into the classic Cancer Bats bouncy fun element we’ve had in songs since the beginning… The lyrics explore the idea that, at any age or moment in life, we all reach a point where we realise something has to change. Maybe it’s the path we’re on, or just the way we see things, but there’s that instant where we say to ourselves, I’M NOT WASTING ANY MORE TIME! We’re all moving towards something bigger, chasing goals and dreams that the world can’t take away from us. That’s what keeps us going.”

On creating the video, he added:

“The idea is that we were always having fun and staying positive in those jobs, thinking of the future that we knew was coming for us. I think a lot of times those jobs can feel like a grind, and we wanted to look more at the fun times and how it’s really just that stepping stone to really living your dreams. Cancer Bats as a band also just really like an excuse to make fun and funny music videos, so that was our whole thinking for the concept. A great cinematic vehicle for us to all have a really good time.” 

Take a look at the artwork and full tracklisting for ‘Give Me Dirt’ below.

1. World Wild Fire Death Race (Feat. Nate Newton)
2. Stay Stuck
3. Don’t Trip
4. Bright Eyes Of Gold (Feat. Chris Creswell)
5. Give Me Dirt
6. Long Tooth (Feat. Brooklyn Doran)
7. Speed Wizard
8. Ocean Crash
9. Positive Grid
10. Prognosis
11. Fool Like You (Feat. Efrem Schulz)

The post Cancer Bats Announce New Album ‘Give Me Dirt’ appeared first on Rock Sound.

Sugar, Bob Mould’s truly awesome post-Hüsker Dũ ’90s power trio, are back together, putting out new songs and playing shows. On Saturday night, they played their first gig together in 31 years. Drummer Malcolm Travis collapsed mid-show, but they still finished the set and played the next two, so it seems like he’s fine. That show was the opening of a sold-out three-night stand at New York’s Webster Hall. On Monday night, Sugar finished out that run by bringing out three of their admirers to sing a few songs with them.

The post Sugar Bring Out Craig Finn, Patterson Hood, & Jason Narducy At NYC Reunion Show appeared first on Stereogum.

Zakk Wylde is reviving the Berzerkus Festival for 2026 with Lamb of God headlining both scheduled dates. Continue reading…

Plus Suicidal Tendencies, Zakk Sabbath & more.

The post Zakk Wylde’s 2026 ‘Berzerkus’ Festivals To Feature Lamb Of God, Black Label Society, Down & More appeared first on Theprp.com.

Posted on May 5th 2026, 3:00p.m.

LISTEN: Latest Metal News on the Loaded Radio Daily Podcast

 

NASHVILLE, TN — British gothic metal titans Cradle Of Filth have officially cemented their lineup with the permanent addition of guitarist Joff Bailey, effectively ending months of speculation following a tumultuous period of internal legal warfare. Bailey, a veteran of the UK thrash and power metal scene, joins the fold as the band simultaneously battles a high-profile lawsuit filed by several former members, including Bailey’s predecessor, Marek “Ashok” Šmerda.

TL;DR: The Key Takeaways

• New Blood: Joff Bailey (formerly of Savage Messiah) is now a permanent member of Cradle Of Filth, replacing long-time guitarist Marek “Ashok” Šmerda.
• Legal Battle: The band remains embroiled in a lawsuit filed by Ashok, Zoe Marie Federoff, and three other former members over allegations of poor pay, defamation, and copyright infringement.
• Studio Update: Bailey has already contributed to the band’s forthcoming 15th studio album, which frontman Dani Filth describes as “heavier and more brutal” than their 2025 release.
• On The Road: The new lineup is currently headlining the “Majestic In Death Tour” across the U.S. alongside Suffocation, Ghost Bath, and Cultus Black.

A “Majestic” Debut: Joff Bailey Takes the Stage

The announcement comes as Cradle Of Filth continues their North American campaign on the Majestic In Death Tour. Joff Bailey’s addition was confirmed via the band’s official social media channels, welcoming the East Sussex-born shredder into the fold. Bailey is best known for his work with the London thrash outfit Savage Messiah, where his intricate lead work and aggressive rhythm style earned him a reputation as one of the UK’s premier technical guitarists.

Bailey’s first run with the group has been nothing short of intensive, showcasing material from the band’s 14th studio album, The Screaming Of The Valkyries (released March 2025), while integrating his own style into the band’s storied catalog. Fans attending recent stops in Houston and Oklahoma City have praised Bailey’s stage presence and his custom Schecter Flying-V attack, which fits seamlessly into the theatrical chaos of a Dani Filth production.

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The Fallout: Lawsuits and “Psychopathic” Contracts

The shadow looming over this transition is the ongoing legal fallout from the departures of guitarist Marek “Ashok” Šmerda and his wife, keyboardist Zoe Marie Federoff. The couple exited the group in August 2025 amidst a flurry of public accusations. Federoff infamously quit mid-tour, later alleging “low pay” and “stressful” working conditions, while Ashok claimed his firing was a retaliation for raising concerns about management and contractual issues.

The drama escalated in late 2025 when a lawsuit was filed in Arizona naming Dani Filth, The Oracle Management, and Cradle Of Filth LLP as defendants. The plaintiffs—which include Ashok, Federoff, and former members Paul Allender, Richard Shaw, and Lindsay Matheson—allege copyright infringement, misappropriation of likeness for merchandise, and unpaid royalties. The suit even contains specific allegations regarding the “destruction of equipment,” including a microphone belonging to Federoff. While Dani Filth has largely remained silent on the litigation, he recently noted that the band has “moved the goalposts” creatively, focusing entirely on the future rather than the courtroom.

The 15th Studio Album: Heavier, More Brutal

Despite the legal distractions, Cradle Of Filth is moving forward with clinical efficiency. Dani Filth has confirmed that the band’s 15th studio album is already deep in development, with Joff Bailey playing a key role in the songwriting process.

“The new album… is a step up from [The Screaming Of The Valkyries],” Filth recently told Australia’s Metal On Tap. “I think it’s heavier. There’s some really brutal parts in it.” The band is expected to enter the studio in full force this summer following their Australian dates with DevilDriver, with a potential release window in early 2027. For Bailey, who helped craft the thrash-laden anthems of Savage Messiah, this new record represents a chance to leave a permanent mark on the Cradle Of Filth legacy.

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FAQ: Cradle Of Filth Lineup & Tour

Why did Marek “Ashok” Šmerda leave Cradle Of Filth?

Ashok was officially fired in late 2025 following a period of tension after his wife, Zoe Marie Federoff, quit mid-tour. He is currently one of several former members suing the band over contractual and financial disputes.

Who is the new guitarist for Cradle Of Filth?

Joff Bailey is the permanent replacement. He is formerly of the thrash/power metal band Savage Messiah.

When is the new Cradle Of Filth album coming out?

The band is currently recording their 15th studio album. While no official date is set, a 2027 release is anticipated following the completion of their 2026 touring cycle.

Band Bio: Cradle Of Filth

Founded in 1991 in Suffolk, England, Cradle Of Filth is one of the most successful and influential extreme metal bands in history. Led by the unmistakable vocals of founding member Dani Filth, the band evolved from raw black metal into a highly theatrical, gothic, and symphonic powerhouse. With landmark releases like Dusk… and Her Embrace and Cruelty and the Beast, they have maintained a career spanning over three decades and 14 studio albums.

STAY LOUD: Catch the full breakdown of what’s happening in metal news today on the Loaded Radio Daily Podcast, or crank the hard rock and metal 24/7 on our live digital stream.

 

 

 

 

 

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The post LEGAL SHADOWS & BRUTAL RIFFS: Cradle Of Filth Officially Welcomes New Guitarist Joff Bailey Amid Ongoing Lawsuit appeared first on Loaded Radio.

(April was a sorry month in many ways for many people, but it still yielded a lot of good heavy albums, and in his latest monthly roundup of reviews our friend Gonzo picks out four of them.) These days, it feels like I’m behind on everything: Behind on new heavy music, behind on listening to […]

The post GONZO’S HEAVY ROUNDUP, APRIL 2026 appeared first on NO CLEAN SINGING.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ANTIPOPE CROWNED BAND OF THE MONTH AFTER MASSIVE 721,717 VOTE VICTORY
Finland — Underground titans Antipope have been officially crowned Battle of the Bands Champions and Band of the Month for May 2026, crushing the competition with an overwhelming 721,717 votes in one of the most decisive wins to date.
Forged in 2004 by vocalist and guitarist Mikko Myllykangas, Antipope have spent over two decades carving their own path through the metal underground, refusing to follow trends and never playing by anyone else’s rules. Rooted in classic heavy metal and black metal, their sound has evolved into a fearless fusion of styles, blending elements of prog, death, doom, and industrial metal into something truly their own.
From early demo releases that built a cult following in the online underground to a reputation as a relentless live act across Finland’s club and festival circuit, Antipope have consistently pushed boundaries. Their debut album Desert (2010) laid the foundation, followed by the critically praised House of Harlot (2011) and 3 Eyes of Time (2013) through Violent Journey Records.
After a brief silence, the band returned stronger than ever with Denial/Survival (2017), marking their international presence and a renewed progressive edge. That momentum carried into their breakthrough release Apostle of Infinite Joy (2020), where they sharpened their signature blend of melody, darkness, and raw intensity.
Their latest album, Rex Mundi (2022), stands as their most ambitious work yet, a full-scale concept album set during the 13th century Albigensian Crusade. Packed with atmosphere, historical weight, and unrelenting energy, the record solidifies Antipope as one of the most daring and uncompromising acts in modern extreme metal.
With over 720,000 votes backing them, this victory is more than just a title. It’s a statement. Antipope aren’t just surviving the underground. They’re shaping it.
Antipope is:
Mikko Myllykangas – Lead Vocals, Lead & Rhythm Guitar
Antti J. Karjalainen – Lead & Rhythm Guitar
Joni Tauriainen – Bass
Tuska E. – Drums

Sometimes, you see your reflection in a snow-covered hill and you notice that you’re wearing the most elaborate and ridiculous costume that anyone has ever seen. Also, maybe there’s a parasitic billionaire oligarch standing next to you. Last night, the Met Gala brought many, many fancy people out to New York’s Metropolitan Museum Of Art. The theme for this year’s big party was “Costume Art” — or, to be more maddeningly vague, “Fashion Is Art.” Many, many pop stars were in attendance, and a couple of them performed together.

The post Sabrina Carpenter And Stevie Nicks Sing “Landslide” At The Met Gala appeared first on Stereogum.

Nashville singer-songwriter Langhorne Slim talks about touring in a musical clown car and why there is no mountain top in music.