Earlier this year, Nikki Nair collaborated with the Avalanches on the single “Together.” Now he’s back with new music of his own. Yesterday, he announced that he had joined George Daniel’s dance-focused Dirty Hit sublabel, dh2, and said he attempted to make house music but failed. Still, he “ended up with four mistakes that I will package as an EP,” he deadpanned in a funny social post.
The post Nikki Nair Signs To dh2, Announces New EP <em>The Sick Dimension</em> appeared first on Stereogum.
Hard rock icon and founding Skid Row bassist Rachel Bolan has issued a definitive, final blow to decades of persistent classic-era reunion rumors. Appearing on SiriusXM‘s “Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk”, the multi-platinum musician confirmed that a reconciliation with former frontman Sebastian Bach is completely off the table. Bolan directly targeted online keyboard warriors demanding a classic-lineup return, confirming that the multi-platinum outfit is instead forged ahead with an extensive, global live audition process to select a permanent new lead vocalist.
STREAM THE METAL BREAKDOWN DAILY NEWSCAST BELOW:Want the unfiltered inside scoop on what the breaking stories are in hard rock and metal? Find out on today’s episode of the Metal Breakdown Daily! Lock into every breaking rock development by streaming directly inside the free Loaded Radio App available on Apple iOS and Google Play.
The foundational update emerged during Bolan’s June 17, 2026 appearance on SiriusXM’s Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk. Bolan detailed the current operational tracking parameters of the band’s groundbreaking corporate alliance with Sweetwater, the world’s leading online musical instrument and pro-audio retailer. The joint global initiative invited aspiring rock singers from every corner of the planet to submit video auditions performing the band’s multi-platinum masterpieces, “18 and Life” and “Monkey Business.”
The digital open-call completely flooded the camp’s intake vectors, presenting a massive technical screening process for the veteran rock group.
“Well, the campaign we did with Sweetwater Music was overwhelming, to say the least,” Bolan shared transparently. “We’ve gone through the video submissions, about close to 400. And there’s a lot of really talented people out there, a lot of great singers. We’ve also been outside of that — friends from bands may have seen someone while they were on the road or whatnot, and we check everybody out.”
Rather than relying strictly on polished, heavily edited digital studio tracks, Bolan revealed that the selection process has officially transitioned into a rigorous, face-to-face live audition phase inside their native home state.
“What we do is once we see or hear — we get a batch together, like four or five people, and we’ll bring them into New Jersey, and we’ll get in a rehearsal room and check ’em out live,” Bolan explained. “Because it’s cool when you hear them in a studio situation, but it’s a studio situation, so everything is nice and got a lot of takes and stuff. We’ve done that three or four times so far, so we’re at that point right now again where we’re gonna bring a few guys into Jersey, get into a room and see what they got.”
LIVE & LOUD: Stream the World’s Hardest Radio Station 24/7 Below:Inevitably, the dialogue shifted toward the relentless contingent of rock purists who consistently flood social media platforms demanding the reinstatement of original singer Sebastian Bach. Bach originally fronted the group through their commercial zenith before his highly publicized firing in 1996, and fans have continually weaponized the band’s recent vocalist vacancies to pressure the core members into a legacy stadium tour.
Bolan made it aggressively clear that the online pressure has zero influence over the band’s executive decision-making parameters.
“It is what it is. People could like us or they could not like us. I really don’t give a shit. I want people to be at our shows. We’ve been doing fine. We’ve been doing great,” Bolan stated flatly. “I don’t really get it, the reunion thing much more, unless we have to look for a singer, and then some people, like the keyboard warriors, tell me exactly what I should be doing. And then, ‘One tour and then call it a day and quit because you suck.’ [Laughs] It’s just, like, yeah, but I wake up and I’m still in Skid Row. What do you do? You know what I mean? So it’s just like a non-issue for us anymore.”
When Trunk pressed further on whether any scenario exists that could spark a nostalgic reunion campaign with Bach, Bolan’s conclusion was total: “It’s not gonna happen.”
The current singer search marks the band’s first major transitional phase since the amicable departure of Swedish powerhouse Erik Grönwall in March 2024. Grönwall, who achieved massive critical acclaim fronting the band on their The Gang’s All Here studio cycle, made the difficult choice to step aside to protect his immune system following an intense battle with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Following his departure, Halestorm frontwoman Lzzy Hale briefly captained the ship, delivering a celebrated four-show run as guest vocalist.
Unlike previous eras where the band was forced to hastily find a replacement due to rigid routing constraints, Bolan emphasized that the core writing lineup—including guitarists Dave “Snake” Sabo and Scotti Hill, alongside drummer Rob Hammersmith—are intentionally taking an extraordinarily slow approach.
“We have the luxury of time,” Bolan concluded. “The four of us promised each other, okay, we’re going to take our time. Now, for Skid Row, two years for me personally — two years is a long time for anybody, but for Skid Row, we put out albums every eight years. We’re just taking our time, and we’re going through every single person that submits something, and we’re listening to it… We have time, and we’re not in any rush.”
Why won’t Skid Row reunite with Sebastian Bach? Bassist Rachel Bolan explicitly confirmed that a reunion will never happen, noting that the band wants to do things their own way and views the reunion demands from internet commentators as a non-issue that has no bearing on their current operations.
How is Skid Row currently looking for a new singer? Skid Row launched an official worldwide talent search in collaboration with Sweetwater. The campaign generated nearly 400 video submissions of singers covering “18 and Life” and “Monkey Business.” The band is currently bringing the top candidates to a rehearsal room in New Jersey for live auditions.
Why did the previous singer Erik Grönwall leave the band? Grönwall stepped down in March 2024 because the demands of international touring made it increasingly difficult to prioritize his health, full physical recovery, and overall well-being following his 2021 battle with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
The classic era belongs strictly to history books. As Skid Row slowly filters through hundreds of international voices inside their New Jersey rehearsal room, they are proving that their gaze is locked strictly on the future rather than looking backward.
Are you completely on board with Rachel Bolan and the band taking their time to find fresh, new blood through the Sweetwater auditions, or do you think they are making a massive mistake by permanently slamming the door on a stadium-level reunion with Sebastian Bach? Fire off your vocalist predictions, favorite classic era memories, and thoughts in the comments section below!
The post Skid Row Co-Founder Rachel Bolan Issues Definitive Decision on Potential Sebastian Bach Reunion appeared first on Loaded Radio.
Dancing into the new year.
The post Electric Callboy Add UK & European Stops To Their Early 2027 Touring Plans appeared first on Theprp.com.
The album opens with “Hello!” This introduction features sound effects reminiscent of an office environment. After this peculiar intro, the album swiftly transitions into “Her Great Escape.” This track unleashes the band’s rock vibes, evoking a strong sense of 90s composition.
The following track, “Addictive Taste,” begins in an atmospheric manner. This song is far more introspective and profound than its predecessor. Jamie Wiltshire’s voice fills the sonic space with a warm and intense timbre.
The third track, “Monster,” introduces Clara Clasen’s vocals. Her feminine touch adds an epic feel to the compositions crafted by Philipp Huemmerich. The song itself is an engaging rock track, infused with nostalgic elements emphasized by the singer’s beautiful vocal quality.
Next is “Now & Then,” again with Clara on vocals. This is one of my personal favorites. It possesses a touch of psychedelic and slightly dystopian elements, making it particularly intriguing. The rhythm builds steadily, featuring dynamic moments where the song empties before restarting powerfully.
“DAMNATIO MEMORIAE” returns to Jamie Wiltshire’s voice. This track emphasizes a nocturnal vibe, complemented by a refined chord progression. The atmosphere leaves listeners contemplating deeply.
The album concludes with “Piñata Island,” a song that hints at punk and alternative influences, rendering it urgent and interesting. This track serves as a fitting finale to a remarkable album.
The album is a result of collaboration between the three musicians. Philipp Huemmerich’s vision as the architect of this musical project shines through. He effectively identified the ideal elements to translate his ideas into music, resulting in a coherent and impressive album.
Last Night’s Keepsake’s self-titled album showcases the diverse talents of each member. The smooth transitions from rock anthems to introspective ballads allow listeners to experience different emotional layers. From the office ambiance of “Hello!” to the dynamic elements of “Now & Then,” this project captures the essence of modern rock while remembering the past.
The vocal performances stand out significantly throughout the album. Jamie Wiltshire’s warm tone contrasts beautifully with Clara Clasen’s airy yet resonant voice. Together, they create a variety of sonic textures that enrich each song.
The lyrical content also plays a crucial role. Each track presents themes of escape, introspection, and nostalgia. The thoughtful lyrics draw listeners in, prompting reflection on their own experiences.
Last Night’s Keepsake delivers a cool album that blends various influences. From the nostalgic rock elements to the introspective lyrical themes, this album deserves recognition.
Listeners searching for fresh yet familiar sounds will find much to appreciate within this collection. It is a strong debut that highlights the collaborative effort and distinct artistic vision of its creators.
The album reflects the growing synergy among band members, indicating a promising future. Their ability to combine personal influences creates a dynamic musical landscape.
Last Night’s Keepsakes, with a range of engaging tracks, invites listeners to explore the musical journey of this artistic project deeply.
Intense
If you love this music: Discover MoreThe post Last Night‘s Keepsake Self-Titled Album Review appeared first on Edgar Allan Poets – Noir Rock Band.
‘Hellfest’ sets from Papa Roach, Sepultura, Rotting Christ and more will also be livestreaming throughout the weekend.
The post Bring Me The Horizon’s Headlining 2026 ‘Hellfest Open Air’ Set To Livestream On YouTube Today appeared first on Theprp.com.
When one pictures Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, post-metal is probably not among the imagery that readily springs to mind. But the more I think about it, the more the birthplace of Loneshore makes sense. Just as post-metal is often defined by striking contrasts, so is Rio, a city where mountains and beaches coexist alongside favelas and wealthy communities. This diversity is mirrored in Loneshore’s sophomore record, Nothing Left to Deconstruct, which arrives nearly eight years after their 2018 debut, From Presence to Silence. How have the members of Loneshore matured as musicians during this time?
It turns out that Loneshore wasn’t always primarily a post-metal group. From Presence to Silence blended somber, doomy melodeath similar to Eternal Storm with Opethian melodies. Nothing Left to Deconstruct, however, squarely straddles the line between post-metal and Explosions in the Sky-esque post-rock, while adopting Amenra’s silvery-smooth buildups and releases. Loneshore retains some progressive metal, although this time it’s closer to The Ocean, especially during some of the clean-sung passages in “To Stride the Black Earth.” In fact, Luiz Felipe Netto’s clean and harsh vocal styles both cover a wide array of registers. Nothing Left to Deconstruct is no less lush from an instrumental perspective, making it an enjoyable listen from front to back.
Nothing Left to Deconstruct flows like a river, though don’t expect many whitewater rapids. Intro track “Self Oscillations” is like a gentle tributary, its dreamy vocal harmonies, mild guitar notes, and mesmerizing tom drum percussion rolling fluidly into “Straylight.” Loneshore makes good use of three guitarists and a bassist by overlapping their lines together sumptuously (“Parhelion,” “Of Lost Waters”). The 10-minute centerpiece “Birth of a Mountain” features a laid-back recurring melody that rises and falls like a sea of sand dunes. That said, there are sometimes surges of vehemence in the form of blackened snarls and forceful riffs (“Straylight,” “To Stride the Black Earth,” “Parhelion”). Because Loneshore doesn’t overly favor hooks or heaviness, Nothing Left to Deconstruct is a bit of a slow burn, requiring a few complete spins to sink in for me.
As relaxing as Nothing Left to Deconstruct is overall, most of its individual songs last longer than their contents can support. The majority hover around the 8-minute mark, and all of these have lengthy outros that don’t add much. “Of Lost Waters” begins with a pristine and serene post-rock tune, which is diminished by the minute-and-a-half meandering conclusion of “Birth of a Mountain” that came before. Likewise, concluding track “With Nothing We Part” is the most languid and least memorable despite a momentary injection of vitality at the halfway point. On the other hand, “To Stride the Black Earth” is the punchiest and has no noticeable fluff. While the total runtime sits at a fairly reasonable 52 minutes, there is a stronger 40 to 45-minute record lurking within.
It’s not uncommon for artists’ priorities to shift during a lengthy absence; in this case, Loneshore is the better for it. The post/prog metal hybrid Nothing Left to Deconstruct passes by like a pleasant ocean breeze in Rio de Janeiro. It took some time for me to fully appreciate it, but I’m glad I did. The main deficiencies holding back Nothing Left to Deconstruct are a lack of decisive conclusions and a bit of bloat. Nevertheless, if Loneshore continues to develop in this manner, I anticipate great things from album number three.
Rating: 3.0/5.0
DR: 8 | Format Reviewed: 320 kbps mp3
Label: Willowtip Records
Websites: loneshore.bandcamp.com | facebook.com/Loneshore
Releases Worldwide: June 19th, 2026
The post Loneshore – Nothing Left to Deconstruct Review appeared first on Angry Metal Guy.
Barth played with the band from 2002 to 2006.
The post Belphegor Comment On The Passing Of Their Ex-Bassist/Vocalist Bartholomäus “Barth” Resch appeared first on Theprp.com.
BMG, in partnership with Rhino Entertainment, announces the release of the 40th Anniversary of RATT’s third studio album, ‘Dancing Undercover‘, in a limited edition zoetrope, to be released on July 31st 2026. This Limited Edition Gatefold LP features reimagined cover artwork, and a zoetrope vinyl with moving images of the iconic band’s logo and the members themselves, all […]
The post BMG & Rhino Entertainment, Announce Release Of 40th Anniversary Of RATT’s ‘Dancing Undercover’ appeared first on ROCKPOSER DOT COM.