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In early 2027, Australian heavy metal collective Sabïre will put out their second long player dubbed You Are All You’ll Ever Need. Other details, tracklist and cover artwork, can be found below.
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Dieth have a new bassist, a new single and a new video, and all three arrive together. “Pound Of Flesh” is out now, and it marks the first release of the band’s next chapter.

Swedish bassist Tobias Cristiansson (Grave, Necrophobic, ex-Dismember) makes his debut with Dieth on the track. The song also previews the band’s second studio album, due in March 2027 through Fireflash Records.

Stylistically, “Pound Of Flesh” pushes Dieth deeper into a mix of death and thrash metal that is fast, aggressive and built to hurt.

The lyrics draw on the Sack Of Magdeburg in 1631, one of the bloodiest atrocities of the Thirty Years’ War, and set it beside the conflicts still raging today. The song skips any glorification of war and focuses on what is left behind: ruined cities, unmarked graves and people paying with their lives. Its recurring refrain drives home the idea that, past the politics, borders and ideology, the real price of war is counted in human lives.

The official video carries that message visually. It pairs a high-energy full-band performance with raw imagery of flesh being steadily cut, torn and ruined. That mirrors the lyrical arc, which moves from a beating heart to a body ripped apart and finally to a world torn and marred.

Vocalist and guitarist Guilherme Miranda said, “Pound Of Flesh” is brutal, and that’s exactly what I wanted this song to be. Musically and lyrically this is one of my favorite things we’ve done, and I’m very excited because it is a new chapter for Dieth. New song, new lineup, new video, new album coming. I really can’t wait for you guys to hear and see what we’ve been working on.”

Dieth formed in 2022 in Gdansk, Poland, and issued the debut album To Hell And Back in 2023 through Napalm Records. The band spent that summer on European stages, playing headline dates and festivals including Graspop Metal Meeting, MotoCultor, Metal On The Hill and Vagos, along with support slots for Testament and Sepultura.

North America got its first look at the band in January 2024, when Dieth opened for Metal Allegiance at the House Of Blues in Anaheim, Calif. In July 2024, the band hit European dates with KK’s Priest.

Dieth Lineup:

Guilherme Miranda / Guitar and Vocals
Michał Łysejko / Drums
Hubert Więcek / Guitars
Tobias Cristiansson / Bass

The post DIETH Unleashes Latest Single “Pound Of Flesh” & Shows Off A Brand-New Lineup appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

‘More Than Misery’ arrives November 6 via Sumerian Records

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The post fakemink & Skepta – “Chiltern Firehouse .” appeared first on Stereogum.

Bass guitar gives music its pulse, connecting the rhythm of the drums with the melodies of other instruments. Whether you’re playing heavy metal, funk, or classic rock, developing precision and control helps bring every bass line to life.

Musicians who want to improve their bass guitar playing skills will benefit from practicing techniques that strengthen their timing, refine their sound, and expand their musical abilities. With consistent effort, small adjustments will turn into habits.

1. Develop Proper Fretting Technique

Every note begins with accurate finger placement along the fretboard. Position the thumb behind the neck, roughly opposite the index or middle finger, and allow the fretting fingers to curve naturally toward the strings. When pressing down on a note, place the fingertip immediately behind the fret wire, avoiding direct contact with the metal. This positioning minimizes unwanted buzzing and reduces the pressure necessary to produce a clean sound.

Practice fretting individual notes on each string, paying attention to how much pressure produces a consistent tone. Excessive force strains the hand and limits finger movement. Gradually increase the pace of each exercise, concentrating on precise placement before attempting complex bass lines.

2. Strengthen Your Plucking Technique

The plucking hand controls much of the bass guitar’s tone, volume, and rhythmic consistency. For traditional fingerstyle playing, alternate between the index and middle fingers as the fingertips pull through the strings. Allow each stroke to move toward the adjacent string, maintaining a relaxed wrist and consistent attack. Practice alternating fingers on a single string before introducing patterns that travel across the fretboard.

Pay attention to where the fingers contact the strings because plucking position influences tone. Playing near the neck produces a rounded sound with prominent low frequencies, whereas plucking near the bridge emphasizes attack and definition. Experiment with both positions to understand how subtle movements affect the sound. Metal and rock bassists who prefer a pick can practice alternating downstrokes and upstrokes to maintain consistency during rapid passages.

3. Improve Your Timing With a Metronome

Rhythm forms the foundation of bass playing, especially when performing alongside a drummer. A metronome provides a steady reference for developing rhythmic accuracy and recognizing inconsistencies in note placement. Begin at 60 beats per minute, playing one note on each click until every attack aligns precisely with the beat. After getting a consistent rhythm, introduce eighth notes by playing two evenly spaced notes per click.

For an additional challenge, configure the metronome to represent beats two and four of a four-beat measure. This exercise encourages musicians to maintain the underlying pulse independently, similar to playing alongside a snare drum.

4. Master String Muting

Unwanted string vibrations interfere with note definition, particularly when playing through amplification or using distortion. Effective muting prevents unused strings from ringing and allows each note to stand out. Use the plucking-hand thumb to rest against lower-pitched strings, adjusting its position when moving across the instrument. Meanwhile, the fretting hand can lightly contact adjacent strings to prevent accidental vibrations.

Practice muting by playing short, separated notes across all four strings. After striking a note, release fretting pressure without lifting the finger completely away from the string. The sound should stop immediately, producing a controlled silence before the next note. Once this technique becomes familiar, incorporate it into riffs with frequent string changes. Precise muting is particularly valuable for aggressive metal bass lines, where unwanted resonance can muddy the sound.

5. Practice Scales Across the Fretboard

Understanding scales helps bassists recognize note relationships and navigate the fretboard. Begin with the major scale, practicing its familiar whole-step and half-step pattern in one position. Use a consistent fingering arrangement and play each note slowly, both ascending and descending. Once the pattern becomes familiar, move it to another root note and repeat the exercise.

Next, explore the natural minor and minor pentatonic scales, which appear frequently in rock and metal music. Rather than memorizing finger positions alone, identify the root notes and intervals that shape each pattern. Practice connecting scale positions across neighboring areas of the fretboard, maintaining smooth transitions between notes. This approach develops fretboard knowledge and prepares musicians to construct bass lines beyond familiar shapes.

6. Refine Your Bass Guitar Setup

Instrument adjustments influence playability and the accuracy of every note. String action refers to the distance between the strings and frets, and excessive height forces the fretting hand to apply unnecessary pressure. Conversely, extremely low action increases the likelihood of fret buzz. Check the instrument’s action by playing individual notes along the neck, listening for unwanted vibrations and identifying areas that require attention.

Intonation deserves equal consideration because it determines whether fretted notes remain in tune across the instrument. Compare the pitch of an open string with its note at the 12th fret using an electronic tuner. If the fretted octave sounds sharp or flat, the bridge saddle position may require adjustment.

7. Play Along With Drum Tracks

Practicing alongside drums develops the relationship between bass lines and percussion patterns. Select a straightforward drum track with a consistent tempo. Then, listen closely to the kick drum and snare before introducing any notes.

Begin by matching bass notes to the kick drum, allowing both instruments to emphasize the same rhythmic accents. This coordination reinforces the groove and demonstrates how bass contributes to the song’s overall momentum.

As timing improves, experiment with placing occasional notes between kick drum strikes. Listen carefully to how these rhythmic variations interact with the percussion without disrupting the established pulse. The benefits of learning to play guitar extend beyond mastering individual notes. Skills truly develop when you gain rhythmic awareness through collaborative playing. Drum tracks are useful for practicing those musical relationships independently.

8. Record and Evaluate Your Playing

Listening to a recording reveals details that sometimes escape attention during a performance. Connect the bass to an audio interface or use a recording device to capture short exercises and familiar riffs. Record a passage at a manageable tempo, and listen for uneven note volume, inconsistent timing, and unwanted string noise.

Review recordings from previous practice sessions to recognize progress and identify techniques that still require attention. For instance, a bass line that initially contained uneven plucking may sound rhythmically consistent after several focused sessions. Musicians seeking to improve their bass guitar playing skills benefit from evaluating actual performances because recordings provide a reliable reference beyond personal impressions.

Turn Practice Into Musical Progress

Developing proficiency on bass guitar takes dedication, curiosity, and a genuine appreciation for rhythm. Even experienced musicians continue refining their techniques as they explore new genres and challenging compositions. Choose a favorite bass line, identify the techniques involved, and dedicate time to mastering the musical details that give it character.

Above all, enjoy the process of making music. Every successful riff and memorable groove represents another opportunity to develop a distinctive playing style.

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The Tangent – Was (October 2nd, 2026)

Progressive rock veterans The Tangent return with their 14th studio album, Was, released on White Knight Records. Main composer, singer, and keyboardist Andy Tillison, is joined again by guitarist Luke Machin alongside longtime collaborator Theo Travis on saxophone and flute. The ambitious double album finds the band exploring nostalgia, memories of the 1970s, and historical and social change through their signature blend of progressive rock, jazz, and classical influences. Disc one features two epic compositions exceeding 20 minutes, beginning with the title track, which opens with a wonderful orchestral movement that sets the stage for what follows. The 70s funk-inspired “Follow the River” offers a catchy, 70s-funk-inspired change of pace, while the sprawling “Was Not” closes the first disc with The Tangent at their very best. Meanwhile, Disc two, La Suite Ce qu’était, is an expansive instrumental suite that blends 20th-century classical music, jazz, prog, funk, and brass arrangements. The result is another musically adventurous release from an artist and band that continues to deliver bold and ambitious prog rock. Fans of The Tangent should enjoy this one.

Order here: https://magenta.bandcamp.com/album/was

1.Was 22:08
2.Follow The River 04:55
3.Was Not 20:48
4.L’Aperitif 06:23
5.Steak de chevreuil et Le Fermier 04:27
6.Danse 08:19
7.La Route cotiere 09:35
8.Multi partisanisme 15:44
9.Laisses moi chanter 08:25

Andy Tillison / keyboards, vocals, lyrics
Luke Machin / guitars, backing vocals
John Jowitt / bass, backing vocals
Theo Travis / saxophones, flutes, wind instruments
Steve Roberts / drums, percussion, gongs
Rob Groucutt / keyboards, backing vocals

 

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The Ocean – Solaris (Sept. 25th, 2026)

German progressive metal band The Ocean return with their 12th studio album, Solaris, the follow-up to 2023’s Holocene. The nearly 70-minute sci-fi-inspired concept album, based on Andrei Tarkovsky’s cinematic masterpiece of the same name, marks a new era for the band following a major lineup overhaul that saw the departure of two-thirds of its previous members, including longtime vocalist Loïc Rossetti. New additions include guitarists Emmanuel Jessua (Hypno5e) and Marco Gennaro, along with vocalists Enrico Tiberi and Lane Shi. The album also features contributions from Tangerine Dream’s Thorsten Quaeschning on modular synthesizers. Following a brief atmospheric intro, “Departure Song” kicks things into gear, showcasing the dynamic vocal pairing of Tiberi and Shi. The first single, “Light Pollution,” finds the band in familiar territory, while the album’s second half ventures into more experimental territory. Much of Solaris unfolds through three multi-part suites: “Simulacra,” “Belligerence,” and “Ultima Esperanza,” allowing the band to explore new musical directions while retaining their signature intensity. There’s certainly a lot to take in across the album’s nearly 70 minutes, but Solaris is a rewarding and ambitious musical journey that signals an exciting new chapter for The Ocean.

Order here: https://theocean.bandcamp.com/album/solaris

1.52°30’11″N, 13°26’12″E 02:10
2.Departure Song 07:52
3.Light Pollution 09:55
4.Simulacra 17:18
5.Belligerence 10:45
6.Ultima Esperanza 11:49
7.Milk Of My Dream 04:16
8.51°28′30″S, 73°6′11″W 05:20

Robin Staps – guitars, programming, backing vocals
Mattias Hägerstrand – bass
Jordi Farré – drums
Enrico Tiberi – vocals
Lane Shi – vocals
Emmanuel Jessua – guitar
Marco Gennaro – guitar

 

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John Holden – Threshold – (Oct. 2nd, 2026)

Multi-instrumentalist John Holden returns with his seventh studio album, Thresholds, arriving on the heels of last year’s The Great Divide. Once again, Holden expertly handles all the instrumentation, joined by an impressive lineup of guest vocalists including Peter Jones (Tiger Moth Tales), Sally Minnear (Dave Bainbridge), That Joe Payne (The Enid, Jordan Rudess), and Sertari (Karnataka). Inspired by themes of crossings, awakenings, conflicts, and the experiences that shape our lives, Thresholds is a majestic and uplifting collection of symphonic progressive rock. The songs have a soaring, anthemic quality, filled with rich melodies and sweeping arrangements at times sounding like Magenta. A particular highlight is the 13-minute epic “Mohawk River,” featuring a powerful vocal performance from That Joe Payne that is sure to please progressive rock fans. Thresholds is an excellent release from Holden, and while his music may still fly under the radar, this is an album that certainly deserves more attention.

Order here: https://johnholden.bandcamp.com/album/thresholds

1.Seven Ages 08:25
2.Shape Remains 05:44
3.Mohawk River 13:08
4.Zero Minus 05:22
5.Surrender 06:43
6.A Silent Spark 05:08
7.If I Knew 10:43

John Holden All Instruments, Production & Artwork
Vocals:
Pete Jones ( tracks 1, 5, 7 )
Sertari ( tracks 2, 4, 6 )
Joe Payne ( track 3 )
Sally Minnear ( track 5 )

 

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Dreadnought- Wars of Spirit/Wards of Light (Sept. 11th, 2026)

American progressive metal quartet Dreadnought return with their sixth studio album, Wars of Spirit // Wards of Light, released on Vesperian. With a newly focused lineup, the band takes its sound in an ambitious new direction, blending lush synthesizers and keyboards with crushing progressive metal and cinematic arrangements. The album explores the conflict between technological dystopia and the human spirit, creating a powerful and immersive musical journey. The opening track, “Tiamat’s Gate,” immediately showcases this new direction, with atmospheric soundscapes providing the backdrop for Kelly Schilling’s ethereal vocals. These moments of beauty contrast with the brutal intensity of Ryan Sims’ guttural growls, blast beats, and explosive instrumentation. The result is an album that is both majestic and punishing, balancing cinematic grandeur with relentless heaviness. Wars of Spirit // Wards of Light is an ambitious and compelling release that pushes Dreadnought’s progressive metal sound into exciting new territory.

Order here: https://dreadnoughtdenver.bandcamp.com/album/wars-of-spirit-wards-of-light

1.Tiamat’s Gate 09:13
2.The Archive 04:35
3.Colors Of Our Broken Hearts 04:38
4.Serpents Of The Moon 06:57
5.Aeonwar 07:02
6.The Twilight Protectorate 07:31

Jordan Clancy – Drums, Percussion
Kevin Handlon – Bass Guitar
Kelly Schilling – Vocals, Guitars, Keys, Synth
Ryan Sims – Vocals, Guitars

The post New Release Spotlight: The Tangent / The Ocean / John Holden / Dreadnought appeared first on The Prog Report.

Posted on October 16th 2026, 4:30pm

New album ‘The Interpretation of Nightmares’ drops November 13

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Live Nation are delighted to announce the surprise return to North America of Iron Maiden and their spectacular Run For Your Lives show in the spring of 2027 for a very special third and final leg of the tour.

Following the packed shows and rave reactions across Canada and the USA for the recently concluded North American leg of their 50th Anniversary Run For Your Lives Tour, Iron Maiden will return to North America in 2027 to play a further 16 shows.

Maiden, a 2026 inductee into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, will play mainly in regions that the current tour missed, in a mix of indoor and outdoor venues, and will conclude with two festival headline performances at Sonic Temple and Boardwalk Rock. They will, of course, be bringing their full, dramatic production for each and every performance.

Says Steve Harris, “As many of our fans know, Maiden were planning on taking a break from live performances in 2027, but we’ve been enjoying this last leg in the USA and Canada so much that we all had a chat and decided we should take the show to parts we missed, particularly the North West and South East. It just seems fair to our many fans there who have given us tremendous support for so many years. We can’t get everywhere but we can try! Also, we have always enjoyed playing the many great festivals that are in Europe and wanted to experience a couple more in the USA which we will do at the end of the tour in Columbus and Maryland. At festivals you are not just playing to your own fans so it’s always a challenge and we all love a challenge!”

Manager Rod Smallwood comments, “The first leg was terrific, huge sell-out crowds of all ages spanning multi-generations, some of the biggest shows we have ever played in North America with rave fan and media reactions, and just a great all round vibe and camaraderie from our fans, including in our Eddie’s Dive Bars everywhere. And I know as I go to every one of them! In fact it was so good we just have to come back and play some places we missed and bring Eddie’s Dive Bars with us!

“It is amazing that even after all these years we played to many more people per show than ever before and headlined our first stadium shows in the USA. We have been selling out arenas in all parts of North America since 1983 – bar a short period in the 90s – and the band’s following here continues to grow despite an almost total lack of mainstream radio support and never even having a track reach the Billboard Hot 100! For that we have to thank our amazing fans, and it proves that word of mouth still means a lot. We look forward to seeing you all again next Spring”.

These shows will DEFINITELY be the last of the already legendary Run For Your Lives Tour which by the end will have played 107 shows to well over 3 million fans in 36 countries – now that really is the proper way to celebrate your 50th anniversary!

Special Guests on the tour will be fellow Brits, Bullet for My Valentine who recently announced their new album Social Apocalypse due out on March 19 2027. This tour will be the band’s first highly anticipated shows in North America since their co-headline tour with Trivium early last year. Rounding out this exciting all-British bill will be The Raven Age, who recently supported Maiden on several South and Central American shows. Not since 1983 has Maiden chosen a three-band British bill and this return to their roots suits this final celebration of their early years and their 50th Anniversary!

The tour dates are as follows:

Run For Your Lives North American Tour Dates:

April 2027

14 Tacoma, WA – Tacoma Dome
16 Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena
18 Portland, OR – Moda Center
20 Wheatland, CA – Toyota Amphitheatre
22 Chula Vista, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
24 San Bernardino, CA – Glen Helen Amphitheater
26 Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
28 Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion

May 2027

01 Tampa, FL – Benchmark International Arena
02 West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
05 Atlanta, GA – Lakewood Amphitheatre
07 Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
09 Hartford, CT – The Meadows Music Theatre
11 Belmont Park, NY – UBS Arena
14 Columbus, OH – Sonic Temple *
16 Ocean City, MD – Boardwalk Rock *

*Festival

Tickets will be available starting with the artist presale beginning on Monday, October 19 at 10 am local time. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on sale beginning on Friday, October 23rd at 10 am local. For festival on-sales, check their respective websites. Go here for the latest info.

The tour will also offer a VIP package and experience for fans to take their concert experience to the next level. The package includes a seated ticket, VIP access to the official Iron Maiden TROOPER pre-show party, exclusive TROOPER merchandise & more. For more information, visit VIP Nation.

The post IRON MAIDEN Makes Surprise Return To North America In 2027, Continuing Their Highly Acclaimed “Run For Your Lives Tour” appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

Blackened thrashers Devastator have recently put out a video clip for “Goathammer”, the newest single title-track off their upcoming EP.
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