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STREAM THE METAL BREAKDOWN DAILY BELOW:

NEW ORLEANS, LA — The smoke is rising from the bayou once again. Heavy metal supergroup DOWN has officially shattered the silence, announcing the “Strap It Down” North American tour for Summer 2026. Featuring the powerhouse lineup of Philip H. Anselmo, Pepper Keenan, Kirk Windstein, Jimmy Bower, and Pat Bruders, the band is set to tear through a two-week headlining trek with support from alternative icons Helmet.

This isn’t just a tour; it’s a full-scale sonic assault that includes a high-stakes direct support slot for Slayer and a headlining appearance at Zakk Wylde’s Berzerkus Festival. With a remastered legend in the chamber and whispers of new music on the horizon, the NOLA kings are reclaiming their throne.

The Remastered Resurrection: ‘Over The Under’ Hits the US

The tour announcement coincides with a major move from Nuclear Blast Records. For the first time ever, DOWN’s 2007 masterpiece Over The Under—an album forged in the sonic frustration of Hurricane Katrina’s aftermath—is getting an official, remastered US release on June 19.

This 2026 edition features a total audio overhaul by Eric Koondel and includes the rare bonus track “Invest In Fear,” marking its debut on US physical formats and global streaming platforms. To sweeten the swamp-water deal, the band has also dropped a heavy-as-lead cover of Dr. John’s “Right Place, Wrong Time,” paying homage to their New Orleans roots.

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Presale and Ticket Warning

Expect high demand as the “live lore” of DOWN continues to grow. Fans looking for the full experience can snag VIP ticketless packages featuring soundcheck access and a meet-and-greet with the band.

• Artist Presale: Wednesday, May 27 at 12:00pm ET (Code: DOWN2026).
• General On-Sale: Friday, May 29 at 10:00am local time via this location.

The “Strap It Down” 2026 Tour Dates

08/15 Atlanta, GA – The Eastern
08/16 Greensboro, NC – Piedmont Hall
08/19 Cleveland, OH – House Of Blues
08/20 Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE
08/22 Royal Oak, MI – Royal Oak Music Theatre
08/23 Toronto, ON – HISTORY
08/25 Montreal, QC – MTELUS
08/26 Worcester, MA – The Palladium
08/28 Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, PA – Montage Mountain Amp (‘Berzerkus‘) (no Helmet)
08/29 New York, NY – Jones Beach Amp (‘Berzerkus‘) (no Helmet)
08/30 Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore
09/01 Cincinnati, OH – Bogarts
09/02 Chicago, IL – Ramova Theatre
09/04 Shakopee, MN – Mystic Lake Amphitheater (Down only) (with Slayer, etc.)

FAQ: DOWN ‘Strap It Down’ 2026 Tour

Is Helmet playing the whole tour with DOWN? Helmet and Spirit In The Room provide support on most headlining dates, but they will not appear at the festival slots or the Slayer support show on September 4.

When is the new DOWN music coming out? While the band is currently promoting the remastered Over The Under, they have officially told fans to “stand by for updates on new music” expected later in 2026.

Where can I get the remastered version of ‘Over The Under’? The remastered LP and CD drop on June 19, 2026, via Nuclear Blast. Pre-orders are currently live.

STAY LOUD: Catch the full breakdown of the DOWN tour announcement and Phil Anselmo’s upcoming plans on the Loaded Radio Daily Podcast. Visit LoadedRadio.com or download our free app now.

Also Recommended – TYPE O NEGATIVE STATUS 2026: Johnny Kelly and Kenny Hickey Reveal Lost Tracks, Album Rankings, and New SUN DON’T SHINE & SILVERTOMB Details

TL;DR:

DOWN has announced the “Strap It Down” North American tour for August 2026 with Helmet. The run includes major festival spots and a show with Slayer. Additionally, a remastered 20th-anniversary edition of “Over The Under” drops June 19. Artist presales begin May 27 with the code DOWN2026.

Is the remaster of ‘Over The Under’ just a victory lap, or is this the final setup before DOWN drops their first new album in over a decade? Let us know in the comments.

The post “Strap It Down”: Phil Anselmo and DOWN Confirm Massive 2026 Return to the Road appeared first on Loaded Radio.

fanclubwallet, the Ottawa indie band who released the 2024 EP Our Bodies Paint Traffic Lines, started out as Hannah Judge’s solo project and grew into a full band. One of the members who joined up was Judge’s partner Michael (Miki) Watson, who makes their own music under the name Preloved. This summer, Watson will release…

The post fanclubwallet’s Michael (Miki) Watson Announces Debut Preloved Album <em>Willow</em>: Hear “Motorcycle” appeared first on Stereogum.

Posted on May 27th 2026, 4:35p.m.

Metal Allegiance, Krisiun & Sacred Reich will be opening thus far.

The post Sepultura’s Final Live Show Announced For November In São Paulo appeared first on Theprp.com.

Sorry, but I can’t resist: It was in the month of May that I sat down to review the newest album by the British folk-rockers Albion, titled It Was In The Month of May I.¹ This gaggle of self-declared whippersnappers blew this reviewer away with their 2024 album Lakesongs of Elbid. What started as an unassuming filter piece grew on me more and more to the point it made my (and my co-conspirator Killjoy’s) end-of-year list. Albion’s timeless, joyful folk-rock music has enjoyed constant rotations in the Hugebeard tower since then, and so a new album has been a hotly anticipated affair. Now that it’s in our hands, has Albion continued their trend for quality?

For those unfamiliar with Albion, they play a flute-heavy, wistful sort of progressive folk-rock that draws an obvious comparison to Jethro Tull and reminds me a great deal of Big Big Train. For those a little more familiar, it’s worth mentioning that It Was In The Month of May has somewhat toned down the already limited metal crunch that graced Lakesongs of Elbid. Rest assured, this is no criticism, as this album remains energetic and adventurous in all the right ways. The opening prelude, “Mis Mai,” followed by the first true foray into the album’s essence, “The Green Knight,” demonstrate Albion’s sonic strengths right out of the gates. “Mis Mai” highlights the dulcet pipes of Joe Parrish-James as he lathers the song’s Welsh lyrics in decadent velvet, while “The Green Knight” starts the album in usual Albion fashion with grandiose flute melodies explored atop galloping guitar strumming.

What I love about Albion’s music, and what they maintain in It Was In The Month of May, is a sense of effortlessness. The music is fun, it’s accessible, it’s breezy, it’s comfortably warm and full of well-crafted little moments so crisp and yet so obvious it almost makes you wonder how no one else thought of it first. The pub-rock verse of “Down With The Hero” and the epic call-and-response between the flutes and guitars in the middle of “Calan Mai” come especially to mind. In the album’s longer songs, Albion are quite eager to just let the music run free through the meadow in spacious explorations of riffs and solos, but it never feels aimless. The melodies of “The Green Knight” and “Eldest” in particular see the guitars and flutes bounce merrily along in an endless up-and-down like the rolling hills stretching before you as you prepare for adventure. The closer, “Calan Mai,” is the longest at ten minutes, but even at its most unrestrained, the song’s melodies wield graceful finality in a way that always feels satisfying.

It Was In The Month of May is almost 20 minutes shorter than its predecessor, Lakesongs, which makes for an overall cleaner listening experience. However, the album’s pacing does waver a little by over-saturating the latter half with lower-energy tunes. I really quite love “Hymn to Elbereth,” as it has this gently twisting nature to it that happily makes me think of Glass Hammer, but it’s misplaced between the otherwise pleasantly acoustic “She Is The River” and the ballad “Cherry Hill,” making for an overly languid sequence of songs. “Cherry Hill” in particular leans a bit too heavily on chorus repetition for its six-minute runtime. Still, the album ends on the right note with “Calan Mai,” and there are no other noteworthy structural issues or damaging patterns affecting the album. However, I simply must mention the “la-da-da’s” and “doo-do-do’s” in the chorus of “Down With The Hero.” I don’t mind vocalizations at all and they work perfectly well as little interstitial passages like in “Eldest,” but I find it to be a heavily misguided choice for them to carry the chorus of the album’s most upbeat song.

It Was In The Month of May is warm, adventurous, inviting, and once again, and I simply cannot stress this enough, extraordinarily British. While this album never gripped me quite like Lakesongs of Elbid did, the final word on this review is nevertheless one of eager positivity. Albion is a band I tend to think of no matter the musical flavor I’m looking for, and It Was In The Month of May only furthers that trend. This is music that is just so pleasant to listen to, no matter the day, and there are some damn good bangers to be found here for any fan of folk, British rock, or prog.

Rating: Good!
DR: 8 | Format Reviewed: FLAC
Label: Self-Release
Websites: official | facebook | bandcamp
Releases Worldwide: May 26th, 2026

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Killjoy

In the year 2021, I unexpectedly became acquainted with the debut EP of a very special folk rock group from England. The potential that Albion showed on Pryderi was immediately obvious, and I longed for more. My wish was granted in 2024 by the whopping 70-minute full-length debut Lakesongs of Elbid, for which my esteemed colleague (and now review partner), Mystikus Hugebeard, wrote a splendid filter piece. Albion has wasted no time since then, here to regale our ears again with cheery tunes. It Was in the Month of May seeks to honor the magical time of year when spring sunsets and will soon cede to warmer temperatures.

Albion’s music is wholesome for the soul, whispering to the part of human consciousness that yearns for carefree meadows and being in nature. They primarily achieve this through the exquisite pairing of flute and guitars (both acoustic and electric). This, of course, invites comparisons to Jethro Tull,² although Albion perhaps hews a bit closer to folk music. Take, for example, the beautiful acoustic guitar fingerpicking and Welsh singing³ in “Mis Mai.” Further, Albion plays a more modernized style of rock than Jethro Tull. “Down with the Hero” is a rousing, ultra-catchy pub rock number and the guitarwork in “The Green Knight” is elaborate, sounding like a slightly slower and proggier Dark Forest. The way that Albion harmoniously blends the old with the new is genuinely refreshing.

It Was in the Month of May similarly succeeds in striking a balance between humble and epic. In both the quiet and upbeat moments, there is an air of unassuming regality. Therefore, it makes perfect sense that Albion composed a pair of songs about Tolkien’s characters Tom Bombadil and his wife, Goldberry. “Eldest (Tom Bombadil)” contains gorgeous guitar and flute swells evoking endless verdant hillsides, as well as a Celtic folk-influenced jig reminiscent of Tuatha de Danann or Braia. “She Is the River (Goldberry)” is entirely acoustic and percussion-less (save for hand claps), with sunny guitar strumming and pleasantly poetic lyrics. Continuing with Tolkien subject matters, “Hymn to Elbereth” features vocal harmonization by Joe and Rhiannon Parrish-James which is as fair as the elves who Frodo, Sam, and Pippin overheard singing these very words in The Fellowship of the Ring. Rhiannon adds her voice to Joe’s at various other times throughout the record, and I would love to hear her take center stage in the future.

Overall, It Was in the Month of May is sharper and more focused than its predecessor. As much as I loved Lakesongs of Elbid, opening with a 9-and-a-half minute instrumental track didn’t help it find its footing. “The Green Knight,” the first full song here, isn’t much shorter but its structure is more disciplined, never wavering from its gallant, galloping theme. The other 8+ minute songs, “Eldest (Tom Bombadil)” and “Calan Mai,” also mostly justify their lengths, although the latter feels a bit meandering towards the end. But the larger issue with “Calan Mai” has to do with the track that precedes it. “Cherry Hill (Maya II)” hits like a lullaby, which might have been okay if it were 3 minutes instead of 6, so it ends up stifling the momentum leading into the ornate concluding track. I do appreciate that, with a total runtime of 52 minutes, It Was in the Month of May is easier to listen to in one sitting.

It Was in the Month of May is great for drifting away and forgetting one’s troubles for a while. The uplifting compositions are easy on the ears while offering bountiful details to uncover during return visits. “Cherry Hill (Maya II)” is the main thing holding it back from unqualified greatness. That said, if Albion continues refining their songcraft at this pace, the next album will surely shatter our score safety counter. So, kick back and enjoy time outside with loved ones. It Was in the Month of May is an excellent way to ring in summer in the Northern Hemisphere.

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Rating: 3.5/5.0

The post Albion – It Was In The Month of May I Review appeared first on Angry Metal Guy.

The post Album Review: Serpent Lord – The Once Forgotten Ways of Old appeared first on The Razor's Edge.

Armored Saint and Metal Church have announced “The Metal Saint Tour 2026,” a 16-date co-headlining North American run with Livekill in support on all dates. The tour begins Nov. 2 in San Juan Capistrano, Calif., and concludes Nov. 21 in Agoura Hills, Calif. Tickets go on sale May 29 at 10 a.m. local time.

Armored Saint vocalist John Bush said: “Two classic metal bands from the ’80s on tour together doing headline sets and both with brand new awesome records out [Armored Saint with Emotion Factory Reset and Metal Church with Dead To Rights]. If you call yourself a metalhead and you don’t come to this show when we roll into your town, you’d better have a damn good excuse. AS and MC. Let’s do this!”

Metal Church guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof said, “It’s incredibly exciting to be getting back on the road with our friends and an honor to be sharing the stage with one of America’s finest metal bands! Definitely a show you won’t want to miss!”

Emotion Factory Reset, Armored Saint‘s ninth studio album, was produced by bassist Joey Vera — as were the previous four albums — and mixed by Jay Ruston (Anthrax, Stone Sour). Songs include “Close To The Bone,” “Hit A Moonshot,” and “Every Man-Any Man.” A special European edition of the CD digipak includes the bonus track “One Chain (Don’t Make No Prison)” — originally written by Dennis Lambert and Brian Potter and first released by People in 1970, subsequently covered by The Four Tops (1974), Santana (1978), and The Doobie Brothers (1989). Cover art is by DDKing.

In July 2023, the band was inducted into the Metal Hall of Fame at the Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood, Calif. In May 2023, the long-awaited documentary Armored Saint: Band of Brothers had its world premiere in Hollywood.

Metal Church released its 13th studio album, Dead To Rights, on April 10 via Rat Pak Records. The album marks the first release from the band’s latest lineup, featuring founding guitarist Vanderhoof alongside longtime guitarist Rick Van Zandt, former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson, drummer Ken Mary, and new vocalist Brian Allen. The album was produced by Vanderhoof and mixed and mastered by Chris “Zeuss” Harris at Planet Z.

Born from the West Coast metal scene of the early ’80s, Metal Church signed with Elektra Records and released two landmark albums — their self-titled debut and its follow-up The Dark — both of which remain essential listening in the heavy metal canon. The band toured with labelmates Metallica as the U.S. metal wave surged. Metal Church continued to evolve with vocalist Mike Howe on the acclaimed Blessing In Disguise and The Human Factor. In 2016, the band reunited with Howe for XI, which debuted at No. 57 on the Billboard Top 200 and charted internationally; its 2018 successor, Damned If You Do, continued that momentum. Howe died in July 2021; Marc Lopes joined in the summer of 2022 as his replacement and recorded one album with the band, Congregation of Annihilation, released in May 2023 via Rat Pak Records.

The post ARMORED SAINT & METAL CHURCH Announce “The Metal Saint Tour 2026” — 16 North American Dates With LIVEKILL As Support appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

STREAM THE METAL BREAKDOWN DAILY BELOW:

John Bush isn’t asking you to come to his show; he’s telling you. In a bold move that has the West Coast metal scene buzzing, Armored Saint and Metal Church have officially united for “The Metal Saint Tour 2026.” But this isn’t just another legacy run. With Metal Church debuting a “lethal” new lineup featuring Megadeth legend David Ellefson and Armored Saint riding the high of their most aggressive record in a decade, the stakes have never been higher for the ’80s titans.

The Resurrection: Armored Saint’s ‘Emotion Factory Reset’

Armored Saint’s ninth studio album, Emotion Factory Reset, serves as a masterclass in musical diversity. Produced by bassist Joey Vera and mixed by Jay Ruston (Anthrax, Stone Sour), the record finds the classic lineup—featuring vocalist John Bush and guitarists Phil Sandoval and Jeff Duncan—challenging their legacy while staying rooted in the present.

“Two classic metal bands from the ’80s on tour together doing headline sets and both with brand new awesome records out,” says John Bush. “If you call yourself a metalhead and you don’t come to this show, you better have a damn good excuse!”

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Metal Church: A New Era with David Ellefson

For Metal Church, the 2026 tour marks a pivotal moment following the April 10 release of their 13th studio album, Dead To Rights. The record introduces a powerhouse new lineup: founding guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof and drummer Ken Mary are now joined by former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson and dynamic new vocalist Brian Allen. Produced by Vanderhoof and mixed by Zeuss, the album reaffirms the band’s reputation for the precision and power that originally saw them touring alongside Metallica in the mid-80s.

Ticket and Presale Information

Tickets for “The Metal Saint Tour 2026” are expected to move quickly as fans flock to see this rare pairing of 80s heavyweights.

• General On-Sale: Friday, May 29, at 10:00 a.m. local time.
• Touring Support: Hard hitters Livekill will open all dates.

The Metal Saint Tour 2026: North American Dates

Nov. 02 – Coach House – San Juan Capistrano, CA
Nov. 03 – The Glass House – Pomona, CA
Nov. 04 – The Nile – Phoenix, AZ
Nov. 06 – Sunshine Theater – Albuquerque, NM
Nov. 07 – Sunshine Studios – Colorado Springs, CO
Nov. 08 – The Federal – Denver, CO
Nov. 10 – Neurolux – Boise, ID
Nov. 11 – The Newberry – Great Falls, MT
Nov. 13 – Dantes – Portland, OR
Nov. 14 – Redwood Theater – Bremerton, WA
Nov. 15 – Rickshaw Theater – Vancouver, BC
Nov. 17 – Great America Music Hall – San Francisco, CA
Nov. 18 – Goldfield Trading Post – Roseville, CA
Nov. 19 – Whisky A Go Go – Los Angeles, CA
Nov. 20 – Observatory North San Diego – San Diego, CA
Nov. 21 – Canyon Club – Agoura Hills, CA

FAQ: Armored Saint & Metal Church 2026 Tour

What are the new albums being supported on this tour? Armored Saint is touring behind Emotion Factory Reset, while Metal Church is supporting their April 2026 release, Dead To Rights.

Who is the new singer and bassist for Metal Church? The current lineup features vocalist Brian Allen (who previously fronted the band) and legendary bassist David Ellefson (ex-Megadeth).

When did Armored Saint join the Metal Hall of Fame? Armored Saint was officially inducted into the Metal Hall of Fame in July 2023 at a ceremony held at the Whisky A Go Go.

STAY LOUD: Catch the full breakdown of the Armored Saint/Metal Church tour and exclusive interviews with John Bush and Kurdt Vanderhoof on the Loaded Radio Daily Podcast. Visit LoadedRadio.com or download our free app now.

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TL;DR:

Armored Saint and Metal Church have announced “The Metal Saint Tour 2026,” a co-headlining North American run this November. Supporting new albums ‘Emotion Factory Reset’ and ‘Dead To Rights,’ the tour features David Ellefson in the Metal Church lineup and kicks off November 2 in California. Tickets go on sale May 29.

Does the addition of David Ellefson to Metal Church make this the most “musically sophisticated” tour of the year, or is the Armored Saint 1989 lineup still the ultimate draw? Let us know in the comments.

The post “No More Excuses”: Why This 2026 Armored Saint & Metal Church Tour is a ‘Must-See’ Event appeared first on Loaded Radio.

A perfect surprise?

The post A Perfect Circle Premiere New Single “Starless” Ahead Of Their European/UK Tour appeared first on Theprp.com.

Last year, Austin psych veterans Holy Wave impressed us with “Time Crisis Too,” their contribution to a split with Suicide Squeeze labelmates Chastity Belt. The lead single from Holy Wave’s upcoming album is even more impressive, and you can hear it now. In July, the band will release i’m DADA, the follow-up to 2023’s Five…

The post Holy Wave Announce New Album <em>i’m DADA</em>: Hear “s33.u.in/HAL” appeared first on Stereogum.