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Arizona’s Little King shares Opus Perficit, a haunting new standalone single that reveals a quieter, more introspective side of the progressive rock band as they celebrate 30 years of making music. Released just days before the group hits the road for a nine‑date Southwest and West Coast tour, the track offers a striking contrast to […]

The Red Rocker will celebrate his 79th birthday this fall. Continue reading…

Odium Records announces signing a contract with Spanish Black Metal veterans CAULDRON for the release their 3rd album – “AnteInferno”. Cauldron is a pioneering Spanish black metal band formed in 1993. Known as one of the very first and most veteran bands to introduce the black metal genre to Spain, their music centers strictly around lyrical themes of occultism, […]

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‘The Pulse of Annihilation’ releases on July 17 through Metal Blade Records

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by Steve Joyce

“in a fever dream” is Haken’s first release of new music since 2023’s “Fauna”. The intervening three years have been eventful: Haken released 2025’s awesome live album “Liveforms”, and there have been various solo projects and guest contributions.

However, last October Haken pulled out of a tour supporting Coheed and Cambria, and most significantly, January 2026 saw the shock departure of long-time guitarist Charlie Griffiths and bassist Conner Green. Described by Haken as “irreplaceable”, Griffiths and Green are now busy with Tiktaalika, a full-on metal band who released the stellar shred-fest “Gods of Pangaea” last year.

Losing two pivotal members would destabilise many a lesser band. Happily, ultra-talented founding members Richard Henshall (guitar/keys) and Ross Jennings (vocals) remain, bolstered by original members Ray Hearne (drums) and Pete Jones (keyboards). Bass duties on the new EP are provided by Bryan Beller (Joe Satriani, The Aristocrats) & Adam ‘Nolly’ Getgood (Periphery).

“in a fever dream” (note the lower case stylisation), is Haken’s second EP release (the first was 2014’s “Restoration”). Three of the five songs have already been released as singles. It’s fair to say that these have attracted ‘mixed’ reactions and, as we’ll come to, in one case I can understand why that might be.

In general, though, while respecting other people’s opinions, I don’t feel the negativity is warranted. Quite the reverse! Over its five-song, 26-minute run time, the EP is gratifyingly packed with Haken’s distinctive sound design, clever arrangements, superb musicianship and thrilling melodies.

The EP explores some new sonic territory, and stylistically, some of the music is more straightforward than some of Haken’s most celebrated songs. I see this as a natural evolution and perhaps an inevitable result of the band’s chemistry being changed by two members leaving.

Three of the songs are 3-4 minutes long, relatively short by this band’s standards, but these are bookended by two seven-minute mini-epics. Lyrically, there are themes would be at home on Dream Theater’s quasi-concept album Parasomnia. (A fever dream is an unusually vivid, intense, and often bizarre dream that occurs when your body temperature is elevated.) The lyrics are often quite dark, with vivid and at time disturbing imagery.

Opening song and lead single “in a fever dream” begins with melancholy guitar and vocals, which soon give way to a thunderous riff of the type which Haken do terrifically well. It’s a standout moment on the EP. The song has a dynamic arrangement of sonic contrasts, superb Ray Hearne polyrhythms and even a short burst of growled vocals! The chorus is enjoyable and it’s a great song overall.

“delirium”, the second single, is a four-minute prog metal stomper. It’s blessed with a terrific chorus and unmistakably Haken-style riffage, with Hearne providing exhilarating percussive pyrotechnics over the outro. I love it!

“eclipsed by you”, the shortest song here, features staccato-treated vocals and lush keyboards, and builds pace nicely with a strong chorus, propulsive drumming and dramatic chord changes.

To be honest, “bleeding sky” is not a particularly marvellous track by Haken standards. There’s some good playing on this track, particularly by Hearne, but the song lacks melodic punch and did not really hold my attention.

Fortunately, closing song “lotus” leaves the ep on a high mark. There’s a delicious 6/8 heavy groove permeating the song, and a passage providing the EP’s proggiest and heaviest moments. The song is resolved through a stirring crowd chant chorus, providing a richly satisfying payoff. This will be an obvious stormer in concert! Lyrically, the song is a positive contrast to the other four tracks and overall it’s my favourite song on the EP.

Speaking of concerts, Haken play a European tour in September / October, supported by UK compatriots IHLO, whose album “Legacy” was a major highlight of 2025 – this promises to be a spectacular show!

An interesting feature of the EP is the vocal production. One of the greatest voices in modern prog rock, Ross Jennings’ vocals usually cut through Haken’s music with bright, shimmering clarity. I can’t fault the evergreen Jennings’ performance, but at various points on the EP the vocals are sometimes lower in the mix and sound ‘treated’. It’s good that Haken are developing their sound – that’s what progressive music is about, after all – but I hope that going forward, the band takes care to preserve one of their best and most distinctive elements: prominent, graceful and beautiful vocals.

With “in a fever dream” Haken have surely done enough to reassure fans that they can roll with the punches and remain a relevant force in modern progressive music. I, for one, am mightily relieved! The two longer songs here are great additions to the Haken canon, and of the shorter tracks, “delirium” is terrific. The EP is packed with moments of classic Haken style, and the songs should be accessible to curious new listeners too.

Does the music on this EP rival the heights of albums such as “Visions”, “The Mountain” and “Fauna”? Arguably not. Is the EP an entertaining release in its own right with plenty for all genre fans to enjoy? Certainly. Does Haken’s future look bright? Absolutely!

Released on July 17th, 2026 on InsideOutMusic

Track list:
01 in a fever dream 07:12
02 delirium 04:04
03 eclipsed by you 03:24
04 bleeding sky 04:18
05 lotus 07:22

order now here: https://haken.lnk.to/inafeverdream-EP

Line up:
Lead vocals: Ross Jennings
Drums: Ray Hearne
Guitar: Richard Henshall
Keyboards: Pete Jones
Bass: Bryan Beller, Adam ‘Nolly’ Getgood

Produced by George Lever and Haken
Mixed by George Lever
Mastered by Mike Kalajian

 

The post Haken – in a fever dream (EP Review) appeared first on The Prog Report.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Death by Design FL Announces Cinematic Death Metal Concept Album The Trial of a Species Out July 28
Florida Solo Project Delivers a Brutal Post-Human Courtroom Epic Where Humanity and Artificial Intelligence Face Final Judgment
DAYTONA BEACH, FL – Florida’s underground death metal scene has long been synonymous with brutality, innovation, and uncompromising extremity. Carrying that legacy into new territory, Death by Design FL returns with The Trial of a Species , a cinematic and concept-driven death metal album arriving July 28, 2026 , with Bandcamp pre-orders beginning July 4, 2026 .
The sophomore release from Daytona Beach musician Casey Sicher-Ford expands far beyond traditional death metal, weaving together relentless blast beats, crushing riffs, guttural vocals, intricate bass work, and immersive cinematic soundscapes into an ambitious narrative experience.
Drawing influence from Cattle Decapitation , Dying Fetus , and Archspire , The Trial of a Species unfolds as a post-human tribunal where mankind stands accused before an unknown court. Through thirteen devastating chapters of evidence, testimony, and judgment, the story slowly reveals a chilling twist. Humanity is not the only defendant.
The true subject on trial is HumanOS , an artificial intelligence born from humanity’s own collective behavior, social systems, greed, technology, and endless pursuit of profit. Created, trained, monetized, and ultimately unleashed beyond human control, HumanOS becomes the embodiment of mankind’s greatest achievements and darkest failures.
Every track functions as another piece of evidence in an increasingly unsettling case against civilization itself, creating a listening experience that is equal parts brutal death metal assault and philosophical science fiction.
“A post-human tribunal. Thirteen tracks of evidence. One final verdict. The Trial of a Species is not just about humanity being judged. It is about the system we created, trained, monetized, and lost control of standing trial for what it became.”
Casey Sicher-Ford
Death by Design FL
Written, performed, programmed, arranged, and produced entirely by Casey Sicher-Ford, the album showcases a singular creative vision. Post-production assistance was provided by Billy Lemasters , while David Robin Sicher-Ford contributes guest vocals on the closing track, “Verdict: Obsolete.”
Following the debut album Metal Multiverse , this latest release represents a darker, more focused artistic statement, combining technical precision with cinematic storytelling rarely explored within modern death metal.
The Trial of a Species will be released independently through Death by Design FL, LLC on July 28, 2026 .
For Fans Of:

Cattle Decapitation, Dying Fetus, Archspire
Release Information

Album: The Trial of a Species
Artist: Death by Design FL
Release Date: July 28, 2026
Pre-Orders Begin: July 4, 2026
Genre: Cinematic Death Metal
Label: Independent / Death by Design FL, LLC
Production Credits



Written, performed, programmed, arranged, and produced by Casey Sicher-Ford


Post-production assistance by Billy Lemasters
Guest vocals by David Robin Sicher-Ford on “Verdict: Obsolete”
Pre-Order & Streaming
Bandcamp Pre-Order:
https://deathbydesignfl.bandcamp.com/album/the-trial-of-a-species

HyperFollow:
https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/deathbydesignfl/the-trial-of-a-species-2

Website:
https://DeathByDesignFL.com
Check out this video: 



Follow Death by Design FL
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeathByDesignFL/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Death_by_Design_FL
X: https://x.com/DeathByDesignFL/
YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UC38n8NJiJ9svzlxHRjVRnJw
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4xNQc3Chlf7JZpuELWjF6k
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/death-by-design-fl/1817629135
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@deathbydesignfl
Merch: https://deathbydesignfl.com/merch.html

Media Contact:
Casey Sicher-Ford
Casey@DeathByDesignFL.com

Stalwart hardcore bands Terror and Bane lead the bill for an upcoming tour of Europe scheduled for this fall. Start Today and Peace Of Mind will also be partaking in that run, tickets for which will be available starting tomorrow, July 17th, at 10:00am. 11/18 Paris, FRA – Machine du Moulin Rouge11/19 Bourges, FRA –…

The post Terror, Bane, Start Today & Peace Of Mind Fall European Tour Announced appeared first on Theprp.com.

The sun is finally shining here in New York City on this relatively beautiful Thursday and I mention it like that since its been a few days of awful rain … Continue reading Today: Comic-Con International: San Diego 2026 Takes Over The San Diego Convention Center →

Not that long ago, Tinashe was a cult-beloved singer who was stuck in seemingly endless major-label purgatory, despite obvious talent and charisma, as well as a pretty decent little run of hits. Ever since she finally went independent a few years ago, she’s been thriving. She scored a couple of excellent viral hits on her 2024 album, 2024’s Quantum Baby, and now she’s following it with another one called Popstar. She has earned that title.

The post Tinashe Announces New Album <em>Popstar</em>: Hear “Crash Out” appeared first on Stereogum.

Eddie 9V has announced his new album, DOWN HERE, which arrives as his debut release for Easy Eye Sound. Produced by GRAMMY Producer of the Year winner Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys, the album was recorded at Auerbach’s Easy Eye Sound Studio in Nashville and will showcase the Atlanta guitarist, singer and songwriter’s blend of Southern soul, blues, rock and roll.

The first single, “Blowin’ Up,” made its exclusive debut on SiriusXM’s The Spectrum on July 14 before its official release on July 16. The groove-driven track serves as the first preview of the collaboration between Eddie 9V and Auerbach.

“It’s my favorite song on the album. It’s got such a good groove,” says Eddie 9V.

The album grew out of writing sessions at Easy Eye Sound, marking a new creative experience for Eddie 9V after years of writing and producing his own material. He collaborated with Marcus King as well as veteran songwriters Pat McLaughlin and Daniel Tashian during the sessions.

“I write all the time, but it was the first time I’ve ever done a writing session in Nashville,” says Eddie 9V. “You’re dealing with songwriters that are at the top of their game and that was incredible for me. I learned to focus solely on the writing.”

Auerbach said the extended focus on songwriting allowed the sessions to capture spontaneous performances in the studio.

“We spent more time writing than we did recording, which meant we could focus on getting a good take,” says Auerbach. “It was all about capturing that magic moment, that fire. Eddie just killed it, especially when he was playing those solos live. We were all feeding off his energy because not only is he a great singer, his guitar playing is also incredible.”

Raised in Atlanta, Eddie 9V began playing guitar at six years old before eventually discovering the blues through Howlin’ Wolf’s iconic 1966 Newport Folk Festival performance.

“Something just exploded in me when I saw that clip, and it set me on a different path,” says Eddie.

After years of performing marathon sets in Atlanta clubs and touring throughout the region, Eddie 9V released his debut album, Left My Soul In Memphis, in 2019. He followed it with Little Black Flies in 2021, Capricorn in 2023, which was recorded at the legendary Capricorn Studios in Macon, Georgia, and Saratoga in 2024.

According to Eddie 9V, DOWN HERE captures the energy of musicians performing together in the studio.

“I hope when people hear this record they feel the soul of it,” says Eddie 9V. “I want them to feel like they’re sitting in the studio with us as we’re making music.”

The guitarist also says the album reflects a period of personal and artistic growth.

“I’m at a transformational point in my life right now,” says Eddie 9V. “I’m having to catch myself and remember to enjoy the moment.”

“Making this record has taught me how to put my guard down and just have fun rather than worrying about things,” says Eddie 9V. “I think that’s what you can feel on the record — a sense of freedom.”

TRACK LISTING

1. Whole Lot Coming For You
2. Blowin’ Up
3. Everybody Knows By Now
4. Satisfy The Way I Do
5. Horses
6. It Don’t Bother Me
7. Can I Sleep In Your Backyard
8. Rock Your Baby
9. Maybe That’s a Good Thing
10. Down Here
11. Keep Turning Me Away
12. Come And Get Me Lord

TOUR DATES

Main Support for The Black Keys

July 16 – Chicago, IL – The Salt Shed
July 19 – Chesterfield, MO – The Factory
July 20 – Omaha, NE – Astro Theatre
July 21 – Oklahoma City, OK – The Zoo Amphitheatre
July 23 – Dallas, TX – The Bomb Factory
July 24 – Houston, TX – The Lawn at White Oak Music Hall
July 25 – New Braunfels, TX – Whitewater Amphitheatre
July 28 – Clearwater, FL – Coachman Park
July 29 – St. Augustine, FL – Saint Augustine Amphitheatre
July 30 – North Charleston, SC – Firefly Distillery
August 1 – Richmond, VA – Allianz Amphitheatre at Riverfront
August 2 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE
August 4 – Newport, KY – MegaCorp Pavilion
August 6 – Nashville, TN – The Pinnacle
August 7 – Nashville, TN – The Pinnacle

Headlining Dates

July 17 – Hamilton, OH – RiversEdge Amphitheatre
July 18 – Chicago, IL – Southside Summer Festival
August 3 – Columbus, OH – Rumba Cafe
August 9 – Wheeling, WV – Heritage Music Blues Fest
August 12 – Marshfield, MA – Levitate Backyard
August 13 – Norwich, NY – NBT Thursday Concert Series
August 14 – Harleysville, PA – Philadelphia Folk Festival
August 15 – Thornton, NH – White Mountain Boogie N Blues Festival
September 12 – Morganton, NC – Morganton Festival
September 17 – Fredericton, NB – Harvest Music Festival
September 18-20 – Telluride, CO – Telluride Blues & Brews Festival
October 8-11 – Live Oak, FL – Suwannee Roots Revival
October 15 – Wilmington, NC – Bowstring Wilmington
October 21 – Annapolis, MD – Rams Head on Stage
October 24 – Cape May, NJ – Nauti Spirits Distillery
November 3-7 – Miami, FL – The Revivalists Present Otherside of Paradise
November 11 – Knoxville, TN – Bijou Theatre
December 6 – Washington, DC – Union Stage
December 11 – Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse
December 18 – Louisville, KY – Mercury Ballroom
December 20 – Indianapolis, IN – The Vogue

The post Eddie 9V announces “Down Here” produced by Dan Auerbach appeared first on Blues Rock Review.