Billy Woodhouse and Elliot Dryden, the Newcastle-upon-Tyne duo known as Lots Of Hands, released their Fire Talk debut into a pretty room early last year. They’ve since seen their 2020 album mistake go TikTok-viral, leading to a streaming surge and a deluxe reissue. Now they’re preparing for a co-headline tour with fellow viral artist Hudson…
The post Lots Of Hands – “Grapevine” appeared first on Stereogum.
The anticipation we reported on earlier this week has finally culminated in a “Number of the Beast” sized explosion on the global stage. On the April 28, 2026, edition of NXT on The CW, Lizzy Rain officially transitioned from the “most watched prospect” to a bona fide WWE Superstar. In a high-impact televised debut that saw her stand tall over Nikkita Lyons, Rain didn’t just showcase her technical brilliance; she brought a piece of heavy metal history into the ring, honoring her late uncle—legendary Iron Maiden drummer Clive Burr—in a way that only a true “Maiden of Metal” could.
While we’ve been tracking Rain’s journey to the Performance Center for months, the emotional weight of her debut was truly felt when she appeared wearing a piece of rock history. Shortly before stepping through the curtain, Rain revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that her entrance jacket belonged to her late uncle, Clive Burr.
Burr, the rhythmic engine behind Iron Maiden’s first three iconic albums—including The Number of the Beast—passed away in 2013 after a long battle with MS. During a previous interview on Wrestling With Johners, Rain admitted she missed out on the “amazing conversations” about the band due to his illness, but noted, “It must run in my family, this whole rock music thing.” Wearing his jacket isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a 1-of-1 artifact of heavy metal history.
Lizzy Rain’s path to the CW was paved with gold. Formerly known as Rayne Leverkusen, she established herself as a premier technical striker in London’s PROGRESS Wrestling, eventually holding their World Women’s Championship.
Her transition to the US began in earnest during the August 2025 SummerSlam tryouts, where she so thoroughly outclassed the competition that WWE social media accounts officially dubbed her the event’s MVP. After a few “dark match” warm-ups—including a victory over Layla Diggs on April 14—the company clearly felt she was ready for the “deep end” against a powerhouse like Nikkita Lyons.
The match itself was far from a “squash.” Lyons utilized her size and strength advantage early on, but Rain’s independent circuit grit took over. Utilizing a series of “Maiden-inspired” high-velocity strikes and a ring awareness that belies her newcomer status, Rain weathered the storm to secure the three-count. The win establishes her immediately as a top-tier threat in the NXT Women’s Division.
STAY LOUD: From Iron Maiden to the heaviest bands on the planet, get your 24/7 fix of non-stop metal on the Loaded Radio live stream. [Launch the player].
SCREAM FOR LIZZY RAIN
— WWE (@WWE) April 29, 2026@LizzyRain_wwe pic.twitter.com/DRcJsFKaiA
Lizzy Rain is the perfect bridge between the mosh pit and the mosh-pit energy of the squared circle. By integrating the Clive Burr legacy into her persona, she has instantly endeared herself to the global metal community. As Iron Maiden prepares for their 2026 “Run For Your Lives” world tour, they have a spiritual representative in the WWE that is already proving to be a force of nature. If this debut is any indication, the “Rain” has only just begun.
An IMPRESSIVE debut from @LizzyRain_wwe!!
— WWE (@WWE) April 29, 2026pic.twitter.com/ZYRfyxjB05
The post THE MAIDEN OF METAL ARRIVES: Watch Lizzy Rain Honor Late Iron Maiden Uncle During Dominant WWE NXT Debut appeared first on Loaded Radio.
“Kompromat” is an album built on reinvention. Earlier material is dismantled and rebuilt with artistic intent that reshapes the band’s entire work. The title itself is KGB slang for compromising material used to manipulate or rewrite narratives. Instead of preserving their past, NERVED has deconstructed it, asking what these songs could become once freed from their original constraints.
The roster of guest artists reflects the scale of that ambition. Leading Swedish metal voices like Jens Westin (Corroded), Zak Tell (Clawfinger) and Richard Sjunnesson (The Unguided) bring distinct vocal identities from across the heavy‑music spectrum, while guitarists such as Pontus Norberg (Hammerfall) and Thobbe Englund (Sabaton) add both precision and personality.
The album consists of 9 songs for 32 minutes of music. The first track Don’t Lie opens with an Industrial mood and with a heavy riff (what a sound!). The vocals are punchy, energetic, and catchy at the same time. A great opener and a great start. Takin’ Its Tall has a Punk Rock attitude with the usual quality on vocals, with a super catchy chorus. Great drumming and slower pace for Set Fire to The Rain, intense and epic with a fantastic chorus. This is probably my favourite song on the album, if I have to choose one.
Track number four, Disclosure, delivers head-banging energy, and the switch between vocals is fantastic (great guitar solo too), and I love the energy and the drumming on the following I Rise. After an intro, The Lid starts with a “Dance” vibe to go back to a heavy mood very soon, with a very interesting contrast between the heavy music and the melodic vocals, very inspired. Another intro brings us to the last track, Scars, with a heavy and full arrangement and with another fantastic chorus, amazingly performed and inspired. There is an unexpected rap part in the second half of the song, overall very interesting and catchy.
Mopar Stars are a relatively new Philadelphia band, but a couple of their members might be familiar. Singer/guitarist Nao Demand is in Poison Ruïn, and drummer drummer Evan Campbell from Sheer Mag. Both Demand and Campbell are also in the Philly horror-punk band Zorn, but Mopar Stars aren’t anything like Zorn. Instead, Mopar Stars specialize…
The post Mopar Stars Announce Debut Album <em>Official Researchers Of The NJ Devil</em>: Hear “Feast For The Smile” appeared first on Stereogum.
Finn Wolfhard released his debut solo album Happy Birthday last June. The Stranger Things star, PUP music video regular, and Replacements superfan had played in a couple of bands before, but Happy Birthday came about because he challenged himself to write 50 songs within a calendar year. I guess that challenge did him good, because Wolfhard…
The post Finn Wolfhard Announces New Album <em>Fire From The Hip</em>: Hear “I’ll Let You Finish” appeared first on Stereogum.
The opening slide guitar sets the stage for an authentic American experience. It immerses the listener in genuine emotions, unfiltered and free from complications. The song engages with a lively rhythm, reminiscent of bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd and Hootie and the Blowfish. However, there are also hints of English influences. The chorus evokes a sense of an American interpretation of The Beatles. This versatility is one of the strengths of Peningo Riders, showcasing their broad compositional vision.
The verses incorporate a flow that nods to rap, echoing elements from the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The lyrical meter reflects this influence while maintaining its own character. This fusion creates a unique listening experience, highlighting the band’s eclectic style. Each element contributes to a body of work that is genuine and heartfelt.
What truly sets this song apart is its authenticity, stemming from musicians who play with passion. This is not a product of artificial intelligence but rather the result of skilled artists coming together. The bridge introduces an intriguing blend of rap with a violin background. This unexpected combination exemplifies the band’s willingness to experiment with genres.
Listeners will find a refreshing mix of influences throughout the track. The music resonates with an energy that is invigorating and relatable. Each transition feels seamless, showcasing the band’s craftsmanship. The blend of rock, rap, and traditional instrumentation creates a rich auditory experience.
Lyrically, the piece reflects real-life emotions and reflections. The musicians convey honesty through their words, connecting with the audience on a deeper level.
The chorus offers a catchy hook, inviting sing-alongs and shared joy. It strikes a balance between melodic appeal and lyrical depth. The band skillfully navigates this territory, showing their artistic range. Peningo Riders successfully creates an atmosphere that celebrates musical diversity.
This dedication to innovation sets them apart in a crowded music scene. Their willingness to cross boundaries and fuse genres is evident throughout “Pawn Shop Guitar.” The track communicates a sense of unity, drawing listeners from various musical backgrounds. Each listen reveals new layers of complexity, encouraging repeated engagement.
The dedication and hard work of the band shine through every note played. Their ability to combine seemingly disparate elements into a cohesive piece is commendable. The closing moments of the song leave a lasting impression, encouraging further exploration of their music.
The collective experience of listening to this track is enhanced by its dynamic structure and emotional resonance. “Pawn Shop Guitar” is a true celebration of musicianship and artistic freedom. With this release, Peningo Riders invites listeners on a journey filled with genuine emotion.
Unique
If you love this music: Discover MoreFor fans of:
Lynyrd Skynyrd • Hootie and the Blowfish • Red Hot Chili Peppers • The Beatles
The post Peningo Riders Pawn Shop Guitar Review appeared first on Edgar Allan Poets – Noir Rock Band.
Single-day “Just Metal” tickets are now included in the Summer of Live Sale! Courtesy of Live Nation, you can enjoy the sober side of our festivities for just $30 a day! Catch special sets from Municipal Waste, Cro-Mags and Cryptopsy, the final Philly show of Spirit Adrift, the long-awaited return of Power Trip and Kylesa, and some of the most exciting bands in underground metal for less than the price of an underwhelming delivery burrito. Daily lineups and ticket links below!
MAY 2
Municipal Waste (special The Art of Partying set)
Cro-Mags (special The Age of Quarrel set)
Kylesa
Haggus
No/Más
MAY 3
Power Trip
Cryptopsy (special None So Vile set)
Necrot
Spirit Adrift
Blood Monolith
The post $30 Decibel Metal & Beer Fest: Philly Tickets Now Available as Part of ‘Summer of Live’! appeared first on Decibel Magazine.
The Menzingers are back with the details of their 9th full-length album, the follow-up to 2023’s ‘Some Of It Was True’.
Titled ‘Everything I Ever Saw’, it will be released on July 17 via Epitaph.
Vocalist/Guitarist Tom May had this to say about what the record represents for the band, explaining, “So much changed in our lives and in the world while we were making this record, and somehow, it all pulled us deeper into the band and deeper into our friendship. Twenty years in and this is the most connected we’ve felt to what we’re doing. I’d always heard ‘bigger kids, bigger problems,’ and there’s truth in that, but there’s also bigger answers and deeper meaning. There’s a kind of hard-won hope you can only find on the other side of real change. In all the uncertainty of life and the world, it’s easy to go straight to cynical. Easy to say fuck it all. With ‘Everything I Ever Saw,’ we wanted to lean into all of it, head on. The whole damn thing.”
The artwork looks like this:
Whilst the tracklisting is more like this:
1. Chance Encounters
2. Better Angels
3. Romanticism
4. Other People’s Money
5. Gasoline & Matches
6. The Fool
7. Nobody’s Heroes
8. Breathe With Me
9. When She Enters My Dreams
10. Parade Day
11. Everything I Ever Saw
As you can see, it will feature the recently released ‘Nobody’s Heroes’ and the newly dropped ‘Chance Encounters’.
A heart-on-sleeve opening gambit, it’s a track that cements the power we have when we are together. Whether it is for the first time in six months or the fourth time you’ve hung out with someone this week, the result is the same. At a time in the world when all we truly have is each other, the song serves as a ointment for the endless dark. A beacon in the night that reminds us of how wonderful, surprising and unifying this life can truly be.
The band are set to play a handful of festivals in Europe over the coming months. Here is when you can catch them:
MAY
23 – HATFIELD Slam Dunk Festival
24 – LEEDS Slam Dunk Festival
JUNE
25 – YSSELSTEYN Jera On Air
26 – MUNSTER Vainstream
27 – LEIPZIG Impericon
28 – TÁBOR Mighty Sounds Festival
The post The Menzingers Announce New Album ‘Everything I Ever Saw’ appeared first on Rock Sound.