The landscape of extreme power metal has been fundamentally altered as Alissa White-Gluz (ex-Arch Enemy) officially joins DragonForce as a permanent member. In a world-exclusive deep dive, White-Gluz explains the “now or never” decision-making process that led to this historic lineup shift, the creative chemistry currently fueling a new studio album, and the sobering reality of Marc Hudson’s ongoing battle with incurable hearing loss and tinnitus.

STREAM THE METAL BREAKDOWN DAILY BELOW:

The Decision That Shook the Metal World

The transition of a world-class vocalist from one legendary camp to another is rarely a smooth process, but for Alissa White-Gluz, the move to DragonForce felt like destiny. Following a massively successful 2025 collaboration on an alternate version of the DragonForce anthem “Burning Heart,” the creative “vibe” between the Canadian powerhouse and the London-based speed-shredders became impossible to ignore.

In a comprehensive new interview with Local Band Smokeout, White-Gluz detailed the internal momentum that propelled her to accept the permanent mantle. “I think we all kind of agreed that we got a really good vibe from working together, and that the music could be really cool to combine everything that DragonForce is known for and what I’m known for, and play on our strengths,” she explained.

Alissa’s joining isn’t merely a temporary fix for a tour; it represents a bold new era. She emphasized that “in life, you’re never really ready to do something; you just have to do it and then figure it out.” This “jump and the net will appear” philosophy resulted in the band immediately entering the studio to begin work on the follow-up to 2024’s Warp Speed Warriors.

Marc Hudson: The Silent Struggle with Tinnitus

While the excitement surrounding Alissa is palpable, it is tempered by the health of longtime vocalist Marc Hudson. Hudson, who has been the voice of DragonForce for over a decade, was recently forced to sit out festival appearances at Welcome To Rockville and Sonic Temple.

Alissa provided a transparent and empathetic update on Hudson’s condition, noting that they speak frequently. “He’s an amazing singer. His technique is so interesting to me ’cause it’s so different than my technique,” she noted. However, the technicality of his “head-dominant mix” makes performing under the shadow of tinnitus nearly impossible.

Tinnitus, a persistent ringing in the ears with no known cure, is a musician’s nightmare. Alissa acknowledged the “insane frustration” of trying to sing when you cannot hear your own pitch or the monitor mix. While Hudson remains a professional in the DragonForce camp, his focus is currently on managing this debilitating condition.

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Inside the Studio: Rehearsals and New Arrangements

For those worried that Alissa’s growls might overshadow the band’s melodic roots, the singer offered reassurance. The writing process has been a collaborative effort in the same room—working on chord structures, lyrics, and arrangements. “We worked on stuff and then we listened back and we were like, ‘Ooh, okay. We’re really on to something here.’ So it was great.”

The chemistry is reportedly translating into some of the most technical and satisfying work of their respective careers. Alissa mentioned that finding the balance between “challenging” and “satisfying” is the key to longevity on the road. If a song is too simple, it becomes a nightly chore; if it is too hard, the performance becomes a source of anxiety. According to the camp, the new material hits the sweet spot.

The ‘Inhuman Rampage’ 20th Anniversary Tour: Full Itinerary

DragonForce’s largest North American tour in more than two decades kicks off this November. This is a massive 22-city trek celebrating the album that brought “Through The Fire And Flames” to the global stage via Guitar Hero III. Alissa is particularly excited to perform “Storming The Burning Fields,” a deep cut that she claims is “very satisfying to sing.”

Every single confirmed date for the 2026 North American Tour is listed below: Support from Ensiferum and Rhapsody of Fire

Date	City	Venue
Nov 13	San Diego, CA	Observatory
Nov 14	Las Vegas, NV	House of Blues
Nov 15	Phoenix, AZ	Van Buren
Nov 17	Albuquerque, NM	El Rey Theater
Nov 18	New York, NY	Palladium Times Square
Nov 20	Boston, MA	Big Night Live
Nov 21	Philadelphia, PA	Franklin Music Hall
Nov 23	Montreal, QC	MTELUS
Nov 24	Toronto, ON	History
Nov 26	Detroit, MI	The Majestic
Nov 27	Columbus, OH	Newport Music Hall
Nov 29	Nashville, TN	Marathon Music Works
Nov 30	Atlanta, GA	Tabernacle
Dec 02	Dallas, TX	Factory in Deep Ellum
Dec 03	Houston, TX	Warehouse Live Midtown
Dec 05	Chicago, IL	Riviera Theatre
Dec 06	Minneapolis, MN	First Avenue
Dec 08	Denver, CO	Ogden Theatre
Dec 10	Salt Lake City, UT	The Complex
Dec 12	Los Angeles, CA	The Wiltern
Dec 13	San Francisco, CA	The Regency Ballroom
Dec 15	Seattle, WA	Showbox SODO

The Cultural Legacy of Inhuman Rampage

Since its release in 2006, Inhuman Rampage has remained a cultural touchstone. It spent 23 consecutive weeks on the Billboard 200 and birthed a platinum-selling anthem that redefined what fans expected from guitar speed. By bringing Alissa White-Gluz into the fold for this anniversary run, DragonForce isn’t just celebrating the past; they are evolving for a future that looks bigger and bolder than ever before.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why did Alissa White-Gluz join DragonForce? Following a 2025 guest appearance, Alissa and the band discovered a unique creative chemistry that led to a “now or never” decision to make the partnership permanent.

What is the status of Marc Hudson? Marc Hudson is currently battling hearing loss and tinnitus. While he is still part of the band’s professional circle, Alissa is handling lead vocal duties for the 2026 world tour.

What support bands are on the DragonForce 2026 tour? The 22-city North American tour features direct support from Ensiferum and Rhapsody of Fire.

About DragonForce

Founded in 1999, DragonForce is a Grammy-nominated extreme power metal band known for their unmatched speed and technical precision. Based between London and Los Angeles, they have shared stages with Metallica, Iron Maiden, and Slipknot.

About Alissa White-Gluz

Alissa White-Gluz is a world-renowned Canadian vocalist, formerly of Arch Enemy and The Agonist. Known for her blue hair and versatile vocal range, she is one of the most influential women in the history of heavy metal.

TL;DR: The Titan 3.0 Summary

• Alissa White-Gluz is now a permanent member of DragonForce.
• Longtime singer Marc Hudson is struggling with tinnitus/hearing loss.
• The band is already working on a new studio album (the follow-up to Warp Speed Warriors).
• A 22-city “Inhuman Rampage” 20th Anniversary tour kicks off this November with support from Ensiferum and Rhapsody of Fire.

The post ALISSA WHITE-GLUZ Reveals ‘Now or Never’ Decision to Join DRAGONFORCE, Shares Heartbreaking Marc Hudson Health Update appeared first on Loaded Radio.

Italians Frozen Crown are all set to release their next long player, The Legend Of The Six Kings, on October 2nd 2026 through Napalm Records. Additional details can be found below.
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Samantha Fish has released a live performance video for “Paper Doll” from her upcoming live album, Paper Doll Live, which arrives June 12.

Recorded at Knoxville’s historic Bijou Theatre, Paper Doll Live marks Fish’s first official live album. The release features backing vocals from Nashville gospel legends The McCrary Sisters and showcases the raw intensity that has become a hallmark of Fish’s concerts.

The live version of “Paper Doll” offers fans another preview of the album. The project follows the success of Fish’s studio album Paper Doll, which received a Grammy nomination and was voted Blues Rock Review’s #1 album of 2025.

“There’s a fire that comes across in live performance that doesn’t always translate in studio albums,” says Fish. “The stage lays all of that bare.”

The two-time GRAMMY nominee has built her reputation through relentless touring and electrifying performances.

“If Paper Doll was a declaration of artistic power,” Fish says, “Paper Doll Live is the sound of that power unleashed.”

Fish will support the release with an extensive run of tour dates across North America and Europe.

TOUR DATES

5.29   Lebanon, NH   Levanon Opera House
5.30   Augusta, NJ   Michael Arnone’s Crawfish Fest
5.31   Buffalo, NY   Babeville
6.19   Grolloo, Netherlands   Holland Intl Blues Festival
6.20   Dortmund, Germany   Musiktheater Piano
6.21   Chiari, Italy   Istituto Salesiaino “San Bernadino”
6.23   Loceri, Italy   Parco Urbano
6.25   Rubigen, Switzerland   Muhle Hunziken
6.27   Vienne, France   Jazz a Vienne
6.28   Erlangen, Germany   E-Werk Kino
6.30   Mannheim, Germany   7er-Club
7.01   Aschaffenburg, Germany   Colos-Saal
7.02   Hamburg, Germany   Fabrik
7.04   Helsinki   Puisto Blues
7.07   Warszawa, Poland   Klub Hydrozagadka
7.08   Gdynia, PL   Podeorko Art
7.23   Rochester, NY    Party in the Park
9.11   New Braunfels TX  Brauntex Theater
9.12   Dallas TX   Kessler Theatre
9.13   Houston TX Heights Theatre
9.16   Colorado Springs CO   Phil Long Music Hall +
9.17   Boulder CO   Boulder Theater +
9.19   Telluride CO Telluride Blues & Brews
9.20  Telluride CO Telluride Blues & Brews
9.23  Monterey CA  Golden State Theatre +
9.24   Napa CA   Uptown Theatre +
9.25   San Luis Obispo CA   Fremont +
9. 26  Grass Valley CA    Center for the Arts +
9.27   Menlo Park CA    Guild Hall +
9.29   Portland OR    Revolution Hall +
10.1   New York NY Buddy Guy Event @ Radio City Music Hall 
10.3,  Everett WA    Kings Hall +
10.4   Sandpoint ID    Panida Theater +
10.31 West Hollywood, CA   Whisky A Go Go***
 
  **  Christone “Kingfish” Ingram
 ***  Jesse Dayton
    + Zac Schulze Gang

The post Samantha Fish reveals “Paper Doll Live” performance video appeared first on Blues Rock Review.

With Planning For Burial opening.

The post Boris’ “Pink” 20th Anniversary Tour To Hit Europe & The UK In October appeared first on Theprp.com.

Greek power metal unity The Silent Rage are pleased to welcome Vasilis Batilas (guitars) and Constantin Maris (vocalist) as the band’s new full-time members. The Silent Rage will make their debut with renewed line-up at An Club in Athens, Greece, on June 6th.
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The post TIAHN LiFe iS wEiRd Review appeared first on Edgar Allan Poets – Noir Rock Band.

Entering sharp new sonic terrain as they approach the release of their eighth studio album, emo-metalcore icons Sleeping With Sirens have stunned fans with a surprise drop of a brand new single Paralyzed, releasing the fresh track ahead of their upcoming new record An Ending In Itself, due out on June 12 via Rise Records.

Stream: PARALYZED

Showcasing a powerful expansion on their trademark sound, Paralyzed finds Sleeping With Sirens leaning into their heavier roots without sacrificing their trademark modernity and flair. Fresh on the heels of previous single Forever/Always, Paralyzed showcases the band’s most crushing new entry to date from their forthcoming album, with caustic and palpitating verses, soaring choruses, and throwback alternative and metal nods that reflect an amalgamation of shared influences, as frontman Kellin Quinn elaborates, “Paralyzed is one of the heaviest songs on the new record. We had a blast making it and really leaned into the bands that shaped and inspired us growing up – artists like Thrice, The Used, and Haste The Day. It’s aggressive, emotional, and captures a side of us we’ve always loved exploring.”

Produced by Will Yip (Turnstile, Circa Survive, Movements), Paralyzed offers a towering peek further into what lies in wait on album #8 for Sleeping With Sirens, with the new record set act as both a homecoming and a reckoning for the band, reviving the restless spirit of their classic sound with the nuanced experience of recent years, and also marking their first album to be released with Rise Records since 2013’s Feel. Described by Kellin as both a culmination and a continuation, An Ending In Itself will also complete the recent emotional and thematic arc of How It Feels to Be Lost and Complete Collapse while reconnecting with the spirit that first propelled the band forward, capturing lightning in a bottle, Sleeping Sirens-style, like never before across the space of twelve tracks.

“It feels like a final chapter to the last couple of records,” Kellin shares “But it also has a lot of our second record, Let’s Cheers to This, in it. That energy where we weren’t trying to fit in anywhere and we just made the record we wanted to make. A lot of what this record is about is not giving up hope,” adds Kellin, “and finding faith in the middle of hardships.”

Poised at the crossroads of post hardcore, pop and alternative rock, Sleeping With Sirens have spent fifteen years sharpening their signature sound, constantly stupefying airwaves and fans alongside releasing seven studio albums, one EP and one live album. With thousands of shows under their belts, Sleeping With Sirens have also become infamous for their future-forward perspective, as well as for their magnetic live performances and a deep connection with their audience that has catapulted the quintet into a generational global fixture.

A band now in command of gold and platinum certifications, chart success, millions of streams, sold out shows and a long-term commitment to trusting their intuition along the way, Sleeping With Sirens ultimately offer catharsis against the uncertainties of life, rallying with moments of calm and chaos armed with the urgency of punk, melodic ambition and vulnerability. Whether helping to define the early mid-2000s Warped Tour era or redefining new creative frontiers to this very day with long-time fans and an entire new surge of younger audiences in tow, Sleeping With Sirens are truly an immersive force to be reckoned with; and their most recent sonic outings further elevate the pursuit for meaning in a world gone mad.

The brand new release of surprise single Paralyzed is a resounding declaration of sonically transcending the past, present and future in a way only a band like Sleeping With Sirens can. A haymaker coated with raw emotion and oscillating dynamics, part confessional portal and instantly daring to become a fan-favourite, Paralyzed is another home-run primer ahead of the hotly-anticipated release of An Ending In Itself.

Paralyzed is out now.
An Ending In Itself is due out June 12.

Exclusive colored vinyl with signed inserts, and a zine CD featuring 24 pages of behind-the-scenes photos and handwritten lyrics are available to pre-order now here.

The post SLEEPING WITH SIRENS Release Heaving New Single ‘PARALYZED’ Taken From Upcoming Album ‘AN ENDING IN ITSELF’ appeared first on The Rockpit.

San Vito Ryder’s Room Two Five sounds as if somebody checked into a cheap motel with a guitar, a cracked nerve, and enough unpaid emotional rent to keep the front desk suspicious until sunrise. Ryder, a London-based alternative artist raised between London and Cork, has been calling his zone “Black Drip Blues,” which is the sort of phrase you either roll your eyes at or accept because, frankly, what else do you call this stuff? It is rock ’n’ roll with the curtains drawn, post-punk boiled down to bare wire, gothic tension with a hangover and a faded, failing key card.

Ryder takes a grand idea –  isolation turning into theatre – and keeps it mean, lean, and slightly absurd. There is a little Nick Cave in the theatrical stink, a little Birthday Party in the bad wiring, a little Smashing Pumpkins in the guitar abrasion, and maybe a little Nirvana in the cockroach skittering over the bathroom sink.

“The song came from thinking about the strange rituals people create when they’re isolated for too long,” he says. “In Room Two Five, the motel room becomes a stage where boredom, paranoia and self-invention all start bleeding together.”

That is the setup, and the track follows through with a pleasing lack of polite behaviour. Produced by Kristian Bell of The Wytches at The Hit Dungeon in Peterborough, Room Two Five has a dry, nasty kick, like a busted AC unit rattling beneath a window that looks out over a construction site. The guitars arrive with a burnt-chrome scrape, while Ryder’s raw, rough voice rides hard over the top.

The video, directed by Simon Hedges, strips the scene down further. Shot in black and white, it places Ryder in a sparse room, seated in a cane chair, performing straight into the camera with manic intensity.  The monochrome look makes the performance feel blunt and almost embarrassingly direct, as if the clip has decided decoration would only get in the way of the twitch. Ryder stares, sings, and works the frame as though he is hosting a cabaret for one person – which could very well be himself after three days without proper sleep.

Room Two Five sharpens Ryder’s speakeasy punk pose into something more convincing: a song about artificial intimacy that has the good sense to sound slightly unwell. It turns a motel room into a cheap little chapel for boredom, delusion, and self-invention. Amen, check-out is at eleven.

Watch the video for Room Two Five below:

Listen to Room Two Five below:

Catch San Vito Ryder on tour throughout the UK, including the Y Not? Festival.

Tour Dates:

• June 10 — Old Blue Last — London (Single Release Show)
• July 25 — The Washington — Sheffield (Tramlines Fringe)
• July 31–August 2 — Y Not? Festival
• August 28 — Farm Fest
• September 4 — The Peer Hat — Manchester
• October 29 — Dead Wax — Norwich
• November 7 — Hallamshire Hotel — Sheffield

Follow San Vito Ryder:

• Instagram
• TikTok
• Facebook
• Spotify
• YouTube
• Bandcamp

The post London’s San Vito Ryder Explores the Strange Rituals of Isolation in Video for “Room Two Five” appeared first on Post-Punk.com.

To promote their upcoming studio album Souls Of The Fallen, due on June 26th, power metal ensemble Prime Creation present a video clip for the third and last single “Ashes Of Trust”.
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Alter Bridge have announced the second leg of their ‘What Lies Within’ tour across the United States. The 18-city trek will go through in November and December with Canadian rock outfit Big Wreck and Tim Montana as support.
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