The song opens with an epic guitar riff that transports listeners back to the grandeur of 80s rock. The infectious energy of the track quickly surrounds the audience. A driving rhythm creates an atmosphere that compels you to raise your horns skyward.
The music is solid, where the bass and drums lock in to create a strong rhythmic foundation. This solid groundwork allows the lead vocalist to deliver a soaring melody. His voice is robust and conveys a vibrant energy. He showcases impressive vocal variations and range, and he is able to reach incredible high notes that align perfectly with the genre.
The absence of artificial intelligence in production leaves a raw, genuine sound. The band has clearly spent considerable time in rehearsals to refine their chemistry and develop this pure, straightforward sound. The commitment to their craft is palpable in each note played.
Coup d’éclat – Sound and Atmosphere
Around the two-minute and forty-five-second mark, an astounding guitar solo emerges. It demonstrates exceptional technique from the guitarist, evoking vibes reminiscent of Slash. However, this guitarist exhibits a quicker, more effervescent style. The solo features soaring notes that burst forth with tremendous energy, showcasing the guitarist’s skill.
The entire composition is a flawlessly constructed rock song, reflecting energy and technical expertise. This track deserves to be shared and experienced by all rock lovers. The combination of exquisite melodies, driving rhythms, and powerful vocals creates a superb musical journey.
Coup d’éclat” is a celebration of the rock genre’s roots. It captures the essence of what makes rock music so appealing. The listener is taken on a thrilling ride, encountering not just sound, but an emotion.
Coup d’éclat – Performance and Production
Those looking for a revitalizing experience should look no further. This song encapsulates everything one may hope for in contemporary rock.
Ermyte has truly delivered a piece that is nostalgic and fresh. Their commitment to staying true to the essence of rock music while pushing boundaries is fantastic.
This single is likely to resonate with seasoned rock enthusiasts and newcomers to the genre. It stands as a confident declaration from a band ready to make its mark.
The vibrant performances and the solid arrangement ensure that this track remains memorable. It is an exhilarating experience from start to finish, making it a must-listen. Ermyte’s commitment to crafting something real shines through in this remarkable single.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mephisto Odyssey Raises Concerns Over Recent YouTube Copyright Strikes on “Crash” and “Crash Reborn” Videos
Los Angeles, CA – May 26, 2026 – Mephisto Odyssey is addressing recent developments surrounding the temporary removal of its official “Crash” and “Crash Reborn” videos from YouTube following copyright claims filed by Bobby Cannon.
According to materials provided to the project team, including a recorded phone call and accompanying screenshots, Cannon allegedly references communications with individuals connected to the team producing an upcoming documentary centered on Wayne Static. Mephisto Odyssey notes that Cannon has not been previously affiliated with Static-X, Wayne Static, or associated publishing entities beyond past interactions with co-writer Mikael Johnston.
The “Crash” and “Crash Reborn” videos, which have collectively accumulated nearly two million views in just over four months, were removed following the disputed claims. A counter-notification has since been filed by Mikael Johnston, co-writer and rights holder associated with the composition, supported by U.S. Copyright Office registration PA0001050574, which lists Johnston and Warner-Tamerlane Publishing as rights holders.
Mephisto Odyssey states that it is currently pursuing standard legal remedies available under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) and maintains that all filings are being reviewed through proper legal channels.
The same composition is also scheduled to appear in filmmaker Matt Zane’s upcoming documentary project focused on Wayne Static and Tera Wray.
Mephisto Odyssey emphasizes that it will continue to protect its creative work and publishing rights through appropriate legal processes.
View the related video statement and audio excerpt here:
About Mephisto Odyssey
Mephisto Odyssey is the electronic/rock project of Mikael Johnston, known for the 2000 release “Crash,” featuring Wayne Static and Koichi Fukuda of Static-X.
Media Contact
Mikael Johnston Pop Twist Records mephistoodysseyofficial@gmail.com
Proud Mary BBQ sits right down on the water on the Fayette County side of the Kentucky River, right between two bridges. On one side is the Clay’s Ferry bridge, all steel and concrete, covering six lanes of I-75, a couple hundred feet above the water, towering over the bar and the river. On the other side is the Old Clay’s Ferry Iron Bridge, less than 50 feet above the water, all metal, a single lane. Proud Mary used to be Riptide, a local honkytonk, before being bought by Tommy Walters and his daughters Emily and Hayley. It’s a cool spot, high on my list of favorite local venues. The view of the river is great, there’re indoor and outdoor stages, different seasons, and always good local beer and local food.
Proud Mary and the larger Clay’s Ferry Bridge in the foggy eventing at the end of the festival
It turns out that the indoor stage saved the 17th Blues Between the Bridges festival on May 24 this year. Originally planned to be outdoor, the team at the Central Kentucky Blues Society and Proud Mary scrambled to beat the rain and keep the show going. It’s not the first time heavy rain has hit Proud Mary hard; they’ve had three catastrophic floods since 2024, and have bounced back each time better than ever. Historically the bend in the Kentucky River where Proud Mary sits has only flooded maybe once every 15 years or so, but the venue has now done a ton of work to shore up their facility. They serve local freshwater fish, BBQ, beer; host live music from local artists three nights a week; and put on a number of music festivals throughout the year.
The rained-out outdoor stage and audience area
The hard work of the festival organizers paid off. The food and drinks were good, the music was transcendent. The roster of bands was cut short by the weather, but the day was more than salvaged by a procession of excellent local artists: The Messina Brothers, a family groove act consisting of a couple twin brothers and their father and grandfather; the Robert Frahm Band, a stellar guitar and horn-heavy act more on the intellectual side; The Cheryl “Goddess of the Blues” Renee and Shorty Starr Show, an old school fun and tongue-in-cheek duo with a ton of energy; Dobro LSD, a one man show with a resonator and stomp box doing excellent slide work; and the Dane Sadler Band, a rocking set with a lot of New Orleans influence and some killer harmonica work.
The Messina Brothers
The Messina Brothers opened the show at noon with an hour of groove-heavy blues covers, with a couple originals for spice. The band is made up of John Messina on guitar, Robert Messina on bass and vocals, Troy Messina on drums and vocals, and Sam Messina on saxophone and guitar. John and Robert have been gigging since 1966, especially around Texas, and came to Kentucky in 2028. Their set included notable fun covers of Freddy King, Taj Mahal, Muddy Waters, and Willie Dixon. Their original “Gray,” a fun tune about aging and ailments, was a particular standout.
The Robert Frahm Band
Robert Frahm, the second act of the day, is undoubtedly a virtuoso on guitar, expressive and versatile with a ton of flavor. In addition to solid bass and drum support, he’s backed by a trio of saxophones that are nothing short of thrilling to hear and see live. As good as Frahm’s playing is, the horn section are real scene-stealers. Albert King featured heavily in the Robert Frahm set list, and every time, the band hid Mr. King real justice with their interpretations.
The Cheryl and Shorty Show
Keyboardist-vocalist Cheryl “Goddess of the Blues” Renee and drummer Shorty Starr were the biggest highlight of the day, standing out even in the presence of the other stellar artists of the day for their enthusiasm, energy, and humor. Renee sells her double entendres with wit and charm, making an atmosphere that’s as funny as it is touching. Her vocals are impeccable, tremendous belting power and a low growl when she wants it. Starr is a solid and entertaining percussionist, holding the rhythm down for Renee’s intricate keys work with ease and adding her own personality to the performance. The standout song from their set was a raucous and jumping cover of Fats Waller’s “Your Feet’s Too Big.”
Dobro LSD
Dobro LSD is a one-man showstopper, Larry Scott Dixon. With just a resonator and a stomp box, Dixon blasts out delicious swampy goodness with a southern grown while putting his slide skills to excellent use. His entire set had that haunting classic feel that only real traditional Delta blues can create. He was never better than his opening tune, an absolutely perfect rendition of Robert Johnson’s “Crossroads Blues.”
The Dane Sadler Band
Dane Sadler, who largely organized the music and ran sound for the festival, closed the evening out with his band. Sadler is a veteran guitar player who has toured nationally with blues acts for a couple decades. He’s backed by a tremendous band, including Troy and John Messina on drums and bass, respectively. The Sadler Band started out with a rollicking instrumental jam featuring local drummer Josh Anglin (my personal drum teacher) sitting in before swapping out for Messina. Every single player on stage was stellar, but Sadler’s Harmonica player Scott “Woody” Wilson was the real stand out musician, especially in moments when the band leaned hard into their New Orleans inspirations with tunes like “Hey Pockey Wey.”
Kentucky Blues Outlook
In speaking with the artists and organizers of the festival, a common theme emerged: concern for the survival of live blues locally in Central Kentucky. The pandemic was catastrophic for venues that hosted blues jams and open mic nights in and around Lexington, KY, and the number of places and performers to play blues has dwindled in the last five years. Ray Jr. and Mindy Current are holding down the fort still through the Central Kentucky Blues Society, sponsoring festivals, loaning equipment to blues players, and helping send local bands to the International Blues Competition in Memphis. Proud Mary is doing their share, regularly hosting this blues festival and regular blues acts to play on music nights.
Several artists expressed worry that the crowds at local blues shows trend towards the older and whiter side, noting that even with some young up-and-coming blues artists, the audience is often much older than the performer. As one blues player put it after the show, “when teenage girls aren’t dancing at your shows, you know you’re in trouble.” Demographics aside, Proud Mary had an excellent crowd, full with a wait from noon to 9pm. Owner Tommy Walters confided in me that in the past they expect around 3,000 heads in the crowd when the event is outside in the sunshine, but from my eyes, it seems like they didn’t lose much attendance this year despite the rain and moving the performers to the dining room stage.
A packed house of blues fans in the main dining room.
Conclusion
The 2026 Blues Between the Bridges Festival was nothing short of incredible. The crowd and staff were engaged and enthusiastic, the musicians were skilled and passionate, the food was hot and delicious, the beer was cold and refreshing. Every band on the roster had standout moments with real soul and scale that only live music played with love can deliver. Let it be known that neither the rain nor the changing of the times can keep the blues down in Central Kentucky.
In recent years, there’s been a lot of talk in the music industry about how to combat the bots that routinely buy up concert tickets on behalf of scalpers. One prominent rock band’s solution involves ticket buyers having their eyeballs scanned to prove they’re human.
Daltrey shares his reasons for thinking they were the first heavy metal band, including a nod from Deep Purple's Ian Paice backing his argument. Continue reading…
In a move that has blindsided the alternative metal world, A Perfect Circle has surprise-released a brand new single titled “Starless”. This marks the band’s first new music since 2018’s Eat the Elephant, ending an eight-year silence that had fans wondering if the project would ever return to the studio.
“Starless” arrives just ahead of the band’s highly anticipated 2026 UK and European tour dates. The track is a haunting, atmospheric journey that leans into the ethereal side of the Maynard James Keenan and Billy Howerdel partnership, blending intricate melodic layers with a dark, driving rhythm that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking.
A Masterclass in Atmosphere
The surprise drop has already sent shockwaves through the community, with many speculating that “Starless” is the precursor to a full-length album. While the band has remained characteristically cryptic about their future plans, the release of such a high-caliber track suggests that the creative spark between Howerdel and Keenan is as potent as ever.
For those who have waited nearly a decade for a new chapter from A Perfect Circle, “Starless” is a reminder of the band’s unique ability to command attention without saying a word. The stars may be dark, but the future of APC has never looked brighter.
Experience the official visualizer for “Starless” above and prepare for the return of one of metal’s most enigmatic forces.
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