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  • Shaky Debuts New Single “In A Heartbeat” From Anticipated Album “Kinda Wild” II

    February 6, 2026, marks the official streaming release of “In a Heartbeat,” the lead single from Shaky’s much-anticipated sophomore album, Kinda Wild II. Released via Shaky Records, the single arrives with the b-side track “Bait.” Fans who visited Shaky’s YouTube channel last week already got a sneak peek via the Joe Lee-directed music video, which […]
  • Skid Row Opens Auditions for New Vocalist.



    Photo Credit: Duff Press



    Have you ever dreamed of becoming the lead singer of an Eighties’ Classic rock band? Do you imagine being Sebastian Bach and reminisce about those wild days of your youth? Well, you might be in luck. Legendary hard rock band Skid Row have teamed up with USA company Sweetwater, the world’s leading online retailer of musical instruments and pro-audio equipment, to search worldwide for their next lead vocalist. The collaboration invites singers from around the world to audition for the opportunity to front one of rock’s most enduring and respected bands.


    This year marks the 40th anniversary of Skid Row. Over four decades, the band has delivered some of hard rock’s most iconic anthems, including “18 and Life”, “I Remember You”, “Monkey Business” and “Youth Gone Wild”.With multi-platinum albums, chart-topping releases, and a global touring legacy, the band has remained a defining force in rock music. Now, Skid Row is opening the door to a new era by seeking a vocalist who can honour their legacy and shape the future.




    “This is not a contest or a gimmick,” the band emphasises. “It’s a genuine search for the right voice, presence, and authenticity to carry Skid Row forward.”


    Formed in New Jersey, Skid Row quickly rose to prominence with their self-titled debut album, followed by Slave to the Grind, which made history as the first heavy metal album to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 album chart. Beyond commercial success, the band built a reputation for uncompromising live performances and shared stages with some of the biggest names in rock.



    “I first saw Skid Row play in New Jersey before they were signed, and they totally blew me away with the sheer quality of their songs and the infectious high-energy of their performance,” commented Sweetwater’s resident rocker and content creator Nick Bowcott. “We at Sweetwater are excited to partner with the group to host this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity”




    Over the years, Skid Row’s music has continued to evolve, resonating across generations. Recent performances featuring guest vocalists—including standout appearances by Halestorm’s Lzzy Hale—have reinforced the timeless power of the band’s catalogue and its ability to transcend eras. Today, their songs still light up arenas, films, playlists, social media and radio waves, proving that Skid Row’s blend of ferocity and melody has stood the test of time.




    Worldwide auditions officially opened February 5, 2026, with no submission deadline. Skid Row will continue reviewing submissions until the right singer is found.




    For full submission details, visit:
    https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/skid-row-the-next-chapter/



  • A View From The Back Of The Room: Jinjer (Alex Tobias)

    Jinjer, Unprocessed & Textures, O2 Institute, Birmingham, 30.01.26



    My first time seeing all three bands this evening as Jinjer return to the UK on their Duel 2026 tour with support from Unprocessed and Textures on a wet and windy night in the UKs second capitol city Birmingham, lets get to it.

    First up we have Textures (7) from Netherlands, after 2023’s reunion and this years release of the bands new album Genotype, the band return to the UK, being this my first ever experience of this band live I was eager to witness the Math Metal madness up close. 

    The O2 Institute must of been at least three quarters full by the time the band hit the stage and we get underway to a pretty quiet crowed to begin with. That does not last however, by the time the band finish the first song, Closer To The Unknown, a very hard hitting song from the bands latest album release. Some fantastic and very impressive singing and screaming from vocalist Daniël de Jongh, the energy and power oozes from all members but Daniël seems to have a presence about himself that resonates with me being a vocalist myself. Really hitting all the high notes perfectly and the growls really hit you in the guts. 

    As we move through the set we get more from the latest album but also get some earlier songs like Awake from the bands 2008 album Silhouettes, a catchy sing along song that blesses your soul with a great melody and then smart sprinkles of that prog and slightly djent heavy breakdowns that switch your brain into mosh your head off mode very quickly. The band have a very good stage presence all being not having a lot of space on stage to go crazy due to the pile up of gear behind them for the upcoming bands. A very enjoyable experience and a dam good live band that will not fail to get your body moving and heart pounding, I would definitely see them again when they are next around, and so should you. 

    After a short break we get our next band, the heavy German prog metallers Unprocessed (8), the band come to the stage after a long build up intro and we get straight into 111, the first track from the bands latest album from last year, Angel. This song really gets everyone going here tonight with its relentless pumping and bouncing bass slaps from bassist David John Levy and some really evil growls and screams from vocalist and guitarist Manuel Gardner Fernandes, who not only is a dam good guitarist but seems so at ease switching from earth breaking screams to Angelic like singing. 

    A bit more room for Unprocessed to move about and get into the groove of this now fully packed hot and sweaty O2 Institute. The band go straight into the second song from the latest album, Sleeping With Ghosts, a very brutal heavy song that has a really insane bit of fast almost hardcore style lead but still has all the hallmarks of that technical prog style they are known for. Completing a great opening for the band with a quick guitar change for vocalist Manuel Gardner Fernandes we get the third song from the bands last album, Beyond Heavens Gate. This is a song that had me staring in amazement at the musicianship from all members and I highly recommend you have a listen to it if you haven’t yet. 

    We do get some older material in the rest of the set in the form of Thrash and Lore from the bands 2023 album And Everything In Between, Thrash being a song that will most certainly leave your gob wide open throughout the entire song with just pure amazement. The only thing for me that let this set down was the fact that it wasn’t longer. My first time hearing and viewing Unprocessed and I was very very much impressed by what I saw and heard. 

    For me this was going to be one hell of a set to top what I just saw and Jinjer (8) really didn’t disappoint musically at all. The band hit the stage to roars of excitement and deafening cheers from the crowed, with all members coming to the stage to start the bands first song, the title track from the bands last album and tour name Duel, with vocalist Tatiana Shmayluk coming on a little later to a huge roar from everyone to give us her very impressive vocal range for the rest of the night. 

    The Ukrainians are here to tear up Birmingham and from what I witnessed they most certainly did that, we plough straight on to the next song, a soul searching song called Green Serpent also from the band latest album release Duel. Dreamy singing turns to evil gut wrenching screams with ease and some really impressive footwork from drummer Vladislav Ulasevich on the half time break downs and perfect ghost notes on the snare that keep your body moving throughout. Jinjer have such a wide a varied range of songs it really helps to keep everyone engaged and always anticipating what songs will come next but whatever song that does come like Vortex from the bands 2021 album Wallflowers or the reggae influenced Judgement (& Punishment) from the bands 2019 album Macro they hit every beat and have such a spot on sound that its as close as it can be to listening to the band on record that you can get live. 

    The end of the night comes around way to quick with the band ending on the critically adored song Pisces which has every single person apart from security and bar staff singing along, including myself. We get a encore after that with the awesome and brutal song Sit, Stay And Roll Over from the bands album King Of Everything which gets the crowed even more crazy than they have been all night with even more pits and circling around, all members on stage tonight have been so at ease and confident that its no surprise that when all is over we get a more more more chant from the crowed but unfortunately that is it for the night.

    If I could some up Jinjer in one word for the live performance I just witnessed it I would have to go with WOW.
  • I Gave It All For You is Will Sims’ Single Out Now

    Good Day Noir Family,
    Hearing “I Gave It All For You” for the first time, it’s clear that Will Sims knows exactly how to open a door and pull the listener inside without hesitation.

    I Gave It All For You is Will Sims’ Single Out Now

    The song greets you with a warm, forceful guitar riff that hits with confidence and invites a classic rock gesture—horns in the air, eyes closed, volume up.

    That riff doesn’t overstay its welcome, though. Instead, it strips back while keeping its melodic core intact, allowing the verse to breathe as Sims’ voice steps forward and sets the emotional tone.

    The vocal delivery feels direct and human, never overstated, yet firmly anchored in a strong melodic sense. There’s a noticeable ’90s influence running through the track, not as nostalgia for its own sake, but as a natural language that Sims seems fluent in. As the song moves toward the chorus, the atmosphere shifts. Suddenly, the space opens up, and layered vocals intertwine in a way that recalls the harmonic tension and release associated with bands like Alice in Chains. Even so, the comparison never overwhelms Sims’ identity; it simply provides a familiar emotional reference point.

    Rhythmically, the track plays a smart game. While the dynamics rise and fall, the tempo remains steady and grounded. Because of this choice, the song feels solid and reliable, keeping the listener engaged rather than disoriented. At the same time, small changes in intensity ensure it never turns flat or predictable. The guitar tone stands out as particularly aggressive yet controlled, giving the track its edge without sacrificing clarity.

    Also worth noting is how the vocal lines are shaped and emphasized. The melodies sit comfortably in the mix, supported by harmonies that enhance rather than distract. This balance allows the emotional weight of the song to come through naturally. Overall, “I Gave It All For You” is the kind of track that rewards casual listeners and those who pay close attention.

    I Gave It All For You is Will Sims’ Single Out Now!


    Electric!


    I Gave It All For You is Will Sims’ Single Out Now

    Based in Baltimore, MD, United States, Will Sims is making waves in the music scene with his latest original single, “Full Speed Ahead.” Recorded by Tony Corelli at Deep End Studio in Middle River, MD, this track features dynamic drumming from Cody Cook and showcases Will’s versatile musical talent as he plays all other instruments. With influences ranging from My Sharona to Elton John, Will has crafted a high-energy track that captivates listeners with its edgy vibe and powerful message.




    Find Will Sims Here:

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    Discover New Bands Click Here


    The post I Gave It All For You is Will Sims’ Single Out Now appeared first on Edgar Allan Poets – Noir Rock Band.

  • Life of a Man is Andy Smythe’s Single Out Now

    Good Day Noir Family,
    Hearing Andy Smythe and his single Life of a Man is like walking into a dimly lit club where the band already found its groove, and nobody wants the night to end.

    Life of a Man is Andy Smythe’s Single Out Now

    The song kicks off with a rhythm that lifts your mood. At the same time, the brass line sets a confident tone.

    The arrangements briefly hint at Michael Jackson–style pop instincts, yet it quickly moves into jazz territory with a more mature and refined attitude.

    Smythe’s songwriting takes center stage. The lyrics are sharp and observant, and they paint a picture of today’s world without sugarcoating anything. Money struggles, social imbalance, and the growing gap between those who have everything and those who scrape by form the backbone of the narrative. The song never turns bitter. It carries a sense of awareness that feels grounded.

    Musically, the track blends noir, blues, and jazz influences with natural ease. The rhythm section swings without forcing it, and the arrangement breathes. The use of harmonica and trumpet solos adds warmth and character. These moments feel spontaneous, almost improvised, yet they remain perfectly placed within the structure. Because of this, the song creates the impression of musicians playing together in real time, reacting to one another rather than following a rigid script.

    As the track unfolds, the atmosphere grows richer. Each instrumental layer reinforces the mood rather than competing for attention. In addition, the groove stays consistent, which allows the listener to sink deeper into the story. You can easily imagine a room full of people dancing slowly, glasses clinking, and musicians smiling at each other between phrases.

    What stands out most is Smythe’s compositional confidence. He understands how to mix accessibility with sophistication. While the melody stays memorable, the arrangement never becomes predictable. Also, the jazz elements never feel decorative; they are essential to the song’s identity.

    By the end, Life of a Man sounds timeless yet connected to the present. It celebrates musicianship, storytelling, and social awareness in one elegant package. Andy Smythe proves that thoughtful songwriting and rich arrangements can still feel fresh and alive.

    Life of a Man is Andy Smythe’s Single Out Now!


    Refined!


    Andy Smythe is a London-based UK songwriter and independent artist with over 20 years of experience. He has released eight albums, performed more than 1,000 shows across the UK, and received praise from Mike Scott of The Waterboys. Known for reflective, melody-driven songs, his recent releases include Life of a Man, Leviathan, and Emergency, following the album Poetry in Exile (2024). His new album Quiet Revolution arrives in March 2026.




    Find Andy Smythe Here:

    Spotify
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    Discover New Bands Click Here


    The post Life of a Man is Andy Smythe’s Single Out Now appeared first on Edgar Allan Poets – Noir Rock Band.

  • This Is What It Feels Like is Cries of Redemption’s Single Out Now

    Good Day Noir Family,
    Listening to Cries of Redemption and the single This Is What It Feels Like for the first time is like being part of a staged ritual where atmosphere and emotion move in deliberate waves.

    This Is What It Feels Like is Cries of Redemption’s Single Out Now

     This time, Ed Silva joins forces with Maria Duque, and that collaboration becomes the emotional axis of the track.

    The song opens with a cascading guitar figure that immediately sets a wide, airy frame. It creates space for Maria Duque’s vocal entrance, which arrives soft, controlled, and floating. Her performance is ceremonial and hypnotic, as if she is guiding the listener into a suspended state. At this point, the track leans toward the ethereal, and the restraint works in its favor. The reverb applied to her voice adds depth without obscuring clarity.

    As the minutes pass, the arrangement begins to expand. The drums gradually gain weight, shifting from subtle pulse to a firmer presence. At the same time, the guitar layers thicken, and the tension rises with patience. Because of this slow build, the transition into the chorus lands with real impact. Here, the song takes on an operatic character, driven by a dramatic harmonic progression that recalls the darker theatricality of bands like Ghost. Still, Cries of Redemption never loses its own identity.

    Around the 2:30 mark, the song pivots sharply. Ed Silva takes full control with a fierce scream that cuts through the arrangement. This moment represents release rather than shock. After that surge, the track wisely pulls back again. The return to atmosphere restores balance and prevents exhaustion. In addition, subtle keyboard and string-like textures enrich the upper range, widening the emotional field.

    What stands out most is the contrast between fragility and force. Maria Duque’s voice brings vulnerability and grace, while Silva’s delivery injects raw intensity. Together, they create a dialogue rather than a duel. Furthermore, the production supports this interplay by keeping every element defined and purposeful.

    This Is What It Feels Like succeeds because it understands pacing and emotional architecture. It does not rely on constant heaviness. Instead, it trusts dynamics, contrast, and collaboration.

    This Is What It Feels Like is Cries of Redemption‘s Single Out Now!


    Cathartic!


    Cries of Redemption is a recording project founded in 2007 in Savannah, GA by songwriter and guitarist Ed Silva. A fiercely independent artist, Silva has built his work outside trends and algorithms, with a documented history that predates today’s instant-content culture.

    The project blends Modern Rock and NuMetal with electronic and cinematic elements, with Ed writing all lyrics, melodies, and guitar parts. Working with select session vocalists and modern production tools, Cries of Redemption embraces a hybrid, forward-thinking approach while staying rooted in complete creative control.




    Find Cries of Redemption Here:

    Spotify
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    Discover New Bands Click Here


    The post This Is What It Feels Like is Cries of Redemption’s Single Out Now appeared first on Edgar Allan Poets – Noir Rock Band.

  • THE AMITY AFFLICTION Announce New Album, Share Lead Single ‘House of Cards’

    Embracing a new chapter of artistry as a band, THE AMITY AFFLICTION announce their long-awaited new studio album, HOUSE OF CARDS. Released via PURE NOISE RECORDS on Friday 24 April, HOUSE OF CARDS is the first full-length outing from THE AMITY AFFLICTION to feature clean vocalist JONNY REEVES, who became a permanent addition to the […]
  • RORONOAH Unleash New EP SHORES OF DESOLATION

    Brisbane technical deathcore band Roronoah announce the release of their new EP Shores of Desolation, arriving February 20. The four-track record stands as a statement of crushing precision, bleak atmosphere, and the band’s most technical work yet. Shores of Desolation fuses cinematic darkness with blistering speed and aggression, exploring themes of hate, fury, and unrestrained […]
  • HEAVY AUSSIE CONTENT DIGIMAG #253

    VIEW HEAVY AUSTRALIAN CONTENT DIGIMAG #253 HERE Regurgitator are doing the rounds with a massive national tour at the moment, and to get the low down and find out just what is going on in the ‘Gurge camp, HEAVY sent Ali Williams in for a chat with frontman Quan Yeomans that was so good we […]
  • Siren Section – Separation Team

    Let’s be honest, when someone mentions post-punk, you immediately think of jangly guitars, loud basslines, and groovy beats, but what if I told you there are bands that managed to escape cliches and create a distinctive sound that goes far beyond anything you could stumble upon in the contemporary scene nowadays? Surely, there are artist […]