Bring Me The Horizon made sure that their headline set at Sonic Temple this weekend was one to remember with a very special guest joining them.
Photo by Nathan Zucker
That guest was MAPHRA, the incredible vocalist who has gone viral for her cover of the band’s 2015 track ‘Doomed’. The version has spent the last nine weeks in first and second position on the Billboard Hot Hard Rock Songs Chart, only recently been knocked off the top spot by mgk and Fred Durst’s ‘Fix Ur Face’. It has racked up over 19 million streams on Spotify alone, and the one-take video on YouTube has been viewed over 21 million times.
Basically, it is a phenomenon.
And for BMTH to notice and appreciate what is taking place with their song showcase just how they continue to have their ear to the ground in terms of what is going on in the scene. So, on stage at Sonic Temple in Columbus, OH, the two worlds collided in a spine-tingling, unifying, triumphant manner. With Oli Sykes and MAPHRA pushing each other further and further vocally, the result is undeniable. It also demonstrates what happens when you put yourself out there. Your heroes do take notice, you know?
You can check out fan footage of the performance below:
And here is the cover in its own right, because it deserves to have even more eyes on it:
Let me set the scene. I am sitting here on a beautiful April evening, listening to the reinterpretation of my favourite album by The Virginmarys, the wonderful The House Beyond The Fires, while the sun shines in through the window. Not bad being a writer for MetalTalk? I am absolutely dumbstruck because even though I know these songs well, it sounds like a completely different record.
I actually get quite emotional while the songs drift into my headphones. While the original tracks work superbly, the stripped-down versions are more immersive and strike a very different nerve.
My initial thoughts were why mess with perfection? This is why. Beyond The House Of Fires works so well that I think every band should do it.
The Virginmarys release Beyond The House Of Fires on 22 May 2026.
Imagine having two amazing versions of your favourite records that can fit different moods. Take There Ain’t No Future, for example. The original is a frenetic, punk rock Arctic Monkeys/Royal Blood-tinged banger. Here, it becomes something fragile, beautiful and cathartic. A totally different song, but the same wonderful. That is not to say that we lose any of the power of the original songs. In fact, I would argue that they are more powerful in their more vulnerable states.
The band cite their love of the ’90s phase of artists performing on MTV Unplugged as frontman Ally Dickaty explains. “Growing up in the ’90s, we used to really love the MTV unplugged albums that the big rock bands would release, showcasing a completely different and more intimate side of the songs, often with different instrumentation.
“This is what we’ve done with Beyond The House Of Fires, and it’s been great to bring all those influences we’ve often cited, Neil Young, Pink Floyd, the Beatles, Peter Green, more to the forefront. I am extremely proud of this piece of work, and I hope the fans love it as much as we do.”
The Virginmarys – O2 Academy Islington – 7 March 2025. Photo: Gina Smith/MetalTalk
My favourite reimagined track here has to be the sublime When The Lights Go Down. I have one of those moments when I know that music is touching my very soul. The goosebumps on the arm reaction. Absolutely euphoric.
How are the duo going to make this work live on their upcoming UK tour? I’ll let Dickaty explain. “This will be a tour unlike any we have done before, recreating the intimacy of the ’90s MTV unplugged shows and showcasing all the songs from the upcoming album. We’ll also be joined by one of our favourite guitar players, Gareth Price, whilst I will be playing piano throughout the set.”
The Virginmarys – O2 Academy Islington – 7 March 2025. Photo: Gina Smith/MetalTalk
What Virginmarys have delivered here is something very special. They have delved deep into the core of these songs and given us much more than we were aware of in their original form.
The strength and power remain. Have a listen for yourself.
The Virginmarys release Beyond The House Of Fires on 22 May 2026. For pre-orders, visit thevirginmarys.com/store. Following performances at Beaverfest and Breaking Bands Fest, the band hit the road on tour on 28 May 2026. Tickets are available from thevirginmarys.com/tour. Dates in Norwich, Wolverhampton and Barnoldswick are already sold out.
May
The Mash House, Edinburgh37 Guthrie St, Edinburgh EH1 1JQ
Alt-rock power duo Virginmarys have announced a new album, Beyond The House Of Fires, due out on 15 May 2026, alongside a run of UK tour dates.
The record is a
Event Details
Alt-rock power duo Virginmarys have announced a new album, Beyond The House Of Fires, due out on 15 May 2026, alongside a run of UK tour dates.
The record is a bold, atmospheric reinterpretation of the band’s 2024 release The House Beyond The Fires. By stripping away much of the distortion, the new version places greater focus on songwriting, mood and emotion, reshaping familiar songs into immersive new forms.
The band will also hit the road with a UK tour starting in Edinburgh on 28 May, recreating the intimacy of 90’s unplugged shows. Guitarist Gareth Price will join, while Dickaty will play piano throughout the set.
Alt-rock power duo Virginmarys have announced a new album, Beyond The House Of Fires, due out on 15 May 2026, alongside a run of UK tour dates.
The record is a
Event Details
Alt-rock power duo Virginmarys have announced a new album, Beyond The House Of Fires, due out on 15 May 2026, alongside a run of UK tour dates.
The record is a bold, atmospheric reinterpretation of the band’s 2024 release The House Beyond The Fires. By stripping away much of the distortion, the new version places greater focus on songwriting, mood and emotion, reshaping familiar songs into immersive new forms.
The band will also hit the road with a UK tour starting in Edinburgh on 28 May, recreating the intimacy of 90’s unplugged shows. Guitarist Gareth Price will join, while Dickaty will play piano throughout the set.
Alt-rock power duo Virginmarys have announced a new album, Beyond The House Of Fires, due out on 15 May 2026, alongside a run of UK tour dates.
The record is a
Event Details
Alt-rock power duo Virginmarys have announced a new album, Beyond The House Of Fires, due out on 15 May 2026, alongside a run of UK tour dates.
The record is a bold, atmospheric reinterpretation of the band’s 2024 release The House Beyond The Fires. By stripping away much of the distortion, the new version places greater focus on songwriting, mood and emotion, reshaping familiar songs into immersive new forms.
The band will also hit the road with a UK tour starting in Edinburgh on 28 May, recreating the intimacy of 90’s unplugged shows. Guitarist Gareth Price will join, while Dickaty will play piano throughout the set.
Alt-rock power duo Virginmarys have announced a new album, Beyond The House Of Fires, due out on 15 May 2026, alongside a run of UK tour dates.
The record is a
Event Details
Alt-rock power duo Virginmarys have announced a new album, Beyond The House Of Fires, due out on 15 May 2026, alongside a run of UK tour dates.
The record is a bold, atmospheric reinterpretation of the band’s 2024 release The House Beyond The Fires. By stripping away much of the distortion, the new version places greater focus on songwriting, mood and emotion, reshaping familiar songs into immersive new forms.
The band will also hit the road with a UK tour starting in Edinburgh on 28 May, recreating the intimacy of 90’s unplugged shows. Guitarist Gareth Price will join, while Dickaty will play piano throughout the set.
Alt-rock power duo Virginmarys have announced a new album, Beyond The House Of Fires, due out on 15 May 2026, alongside a run of UK tour dates.
The record is a
Event Details
Alt-rock power duo Virginmarys have announced a new album, Beyond The House Of Fires, due out on 15 May 2026, alongside a run of UK tour dates.
The record is a bold, atmospheric reinterpretation of the band’s 2024 release The House Beyond The Fires. By stripping away much of the distortion, the new version places greater focus on songwriting, mood and emotion, reshaping familiar songs into immersive new forms.
The band will also hit the road with a UK tour starting in Edinburgh on 28 May, recreating the intimacy of 90’s unplugged shows. Guitarist Gareth Price will join, while Dickaty will play piano throughout the set.
Alt-rock power duo Virginmarys have announced a new album, Beyond The House Of Fires, due out on 15 May 2026, alongside a run of UK tour dates.
The record is a
Event Details
Alt-rock power duo Virginmarys have announced a new album, Beyond The House Of Fires, due out on 15 May 2026, alongside a run of UK tour dates.
The record is a bold, atmospheric reinterpretation of the band’s 2024 release The House Beyond The Fires. By stripping away much of the distortion, the new version places greater focus on songwriting, mood and emotion, reshaping familiar songs into immersive new forms.
The band will also hit the road with a UK tour starting in Edinburgh on 28 May, recreating the intimacy of 90’s unplugged shows. Guitarist Gareth Price will join, while Dickaty will play piano throughout the set.
Alt-rock power duo Virginmarys have announced a new album, Beyond The House Of Fires, due out on 15 May 2026, alongside a run of UK tour dates.
The record is a
Event Details
Alt-rock power duo Virginmarys have announced a new album, Beyond The House Of Fires, due out on 15 May 2026, alongside a run of UK tour dates.
The record is a bold, atmospheric reinterpretation of the band’s 2024 release The House Beyond The Fires. By stripping away much of the distortion, the new version places greater focus on songwriting, mood and emotion, reshaping familiar songs into immersive new forms.
The band will also hit the road with a UK tour starting in Edinburgh on 28 May, recreating the intimacy of 90’s unplugged shows. Guitarist Gareth Price will join, while Dickaty will play piano throughout the set.
Alt-rock power duo Virginmarys have announced a new album, Beyond The House Of Fires, due out on 15 May 2026, alongside a run of UK tour dates.
The record is a
Event Details
Alt-rock power duo Virginmarys have announced a new album, Beyond The House Of Fires, due out on 15 May 2026, alongside a run of UK tour dates.
The record is a bold, atmospheric reinterpretation of the band’s 2024 release The House Beyond The Fires. By stripping away much of the distortion, the new version places greater focus on songwriting, mood and emotion, reshaping familiar songs into immersive new forms.
The band will also hit the road with a UK tour starting in Edinburgh on 28 May, recreating the intimacy of 90’s unplugged shows. Guitarist Gareth Price will join, while Dickaty will play piano throughout the set.
Alt-rock power duo Virginmarys have announced a new album, Beyond The House Of Fires, due out on 15 May 2026, alongside a run of UK tour dates.
The record is a
Event Details
Alt-rock power duo Virginmarys have announced a new album, Beyond The House Of Fires, due out on 15 May 2026, alongside a run of UK tour dates.
The record is a bold, atmospheric reinterpretation of the band’s 2024 release The House Beyond The Fires. By stripping away much of the distortion, the new version places greater focus on songwriting, mood and emotion, reshaping familiar songs into immersive new forms.
The band will also hit the road with a UK tour starting in Edinburgh on 28 May, recreating the intimacy of 90’s unplugged shows. Guitarist Gareth Price will join, while Dickaty will play piano throughout the set.
Alt-rock power duo Virginmarys have announced a new album, Beyond The House Of Fires, due out on 15 May 2026, alongside a run of UK tour dates.
The record is a
Event Details
Alt-rock power duo Virginmarys have announced a new album, Beyond The House Of Fires, due out on 15 May 2026, alongside a run of UK tour dates.
The record is a bold, atmospheric reinterpretation of the band’s 2024 release The House Beyond The Fires. By stripping away much of the distortion, the new version places greater focus on songwriting, mood and emotion, reshaping familiar songs into immersive new forms.
The band will also hit the road with a UK tour starting in Edinburgh on 28 May, recreating the intimacy of 90’s unplugged shows. Guitarist Gareth Price will join, while Dickaty will play piano throughout the set.
Kingdom Collapse create the soundtrack to survival. The San Antonio, TX hard rock band alchemizes unfathomable tragedy, trauma, and loss into massive and magnetic anthems powered by pummeling instrumentation and arena-size hooks that remind you to never give up. The band is thrilled to announce its new album ‘Survivor‘, which arrives October 30th via Mascot […]
A new exhibition devoted to Ian Curtis will open in New York City this summer, bringing rare archival material from the late Joy Division frontman to the United States for the first time.
According to the university, the exhibition will feature handwritten lyrics, photographs, personal letters, ephemera, and artifacts tied to Curtis’ life, writing, and creative legacy — including material connected to Joy Division’s landmark “Love Will Tear Us Apart.” Many of the pieces will be shown publicly in the U.S. for the first time.
“Joy Division singer, Ian Curtis, is a seminal figure in the history of UK popular culture,” says Mat Bancroft, Curator of the British Pop Archive at The John Rylands Library. “A lyricist and performer of great emotion and energy, who for many – defined post-punk. His personal archive contains handwritten lyrics, his personal record and book collections, fan letters and ephemera. Ian Curtis: Insight brings a selection of these materials to public view for the first time.”
“This exhibition is part of The University of Manchester’s remit to share our Special Collections globally,” says Professor Christopher Pressler, University Librarian and Director of The John Rylands Library. “The Ian Curtis archive is of national significance, and Joy Division are one of the UK’s most important and iconic bands. The exhibition in New York forms part of a series, showcasing the archive and promoting the University’s ‘From Manchester for the world’ strategy.”
“We are delighted to work with the University of Manchester to showcase the archive materials of Ian Curtis, debuting in the USA for the first time,” says Voltz Clarke Gallery. “With 50% of Voltz Clarke Gallery’s ownership British, the gallery has always invested extra time with artists from the UK and is honored to collaborate on a project with such history and importance.”
Exhibition details: Ian Curtis: Insight Voltz Clarke Gallery 195 Chrystie Street New York, NY 10002 June 25 – July 22, 2026 Admission is free.
The Voltz Clarke Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 6 PM, and on Saturdays from 12 PM to 5 PM.
Review: Vision Divine – A Clockwork Reverie Scarlet Records – May 22nd, 2026 Reviewer – David Pearce Italian Power Metal band Vision Divine were formed in 1998 by guitarist Olaf Thorsen who has been their one ever present member over the past 27 years. They have released nine albums and two EPs over the years. Their […]
American keyboardist still loves the Yes album that was his favourite in the 70s, and explains where he satisfies his craving for writing complex songs
Austrian deathcore/metalcore outfit Florian Eisenhut premiere their new single titled "Plöschberger 2026", streaming via YouTube and Spotify for you now below. The track is a cover version of Austrian punk/industrial metal band Drahdiwaberl's "Plöschberger".
Tells mastermind Florian Eisenhut about the song: Read More/Discuss on Metal Underground.com
Colombian brutal death metal five-piece Executioner premiere a new music video for "Manipulating Weak's Mind", streaming via YouTube and Spotify for you now below. The track is taken from their current EP "Bursting from the Flesh for Malevolent Exaltation" (2025).
Read More/Discuss on Metal Underground.com
