Guitarist Joel Hoekstra, known for his work with Whitesnake, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and Revolution Saints, has announced the next chapter in his solo project. The fourth album from Joel Hoekstra’s 13, From The Fade, is set for release on February 27, 2026 through Frontiers Music Srl.

For the new record, Hoekstra once again teamed up with a lineup of seasoned rock musicians. The sessions feature drummer Vinny Appice of Black Sabbath and Dio, bassist Tony Franklin from The Firm and Blue Murder, keyboardist Derek Sherinian of Dream Theater and Sons Of Apollo, and vocalist Girish Pradhan, best known for Girish And The Chronicles and The Nail.

The band has already shared a taste of the album with the release of a music video for the second single, “You Can Give”, which appears on From The Fade.

Hoekstra explained the song’s approach and meaning in detail, focusing on both its sound and message: “”You Can Give” is a heavy, riff-driven track. Although some of the riffs could be described as metal, it still falls under the category of melodic hard rock. Vinny Appice and Tony Franklin do an amazing job laying out a strong, creative foundation. Girish Pradhan delivers a powerful, emotional vocal performance while Derek Sherinian and Jeff Scott Soto provide the perfect complimentary parts on keys and backing vocals respectively. Lyrically, the song is based on music itself singing to me and essentially highlights what can be the downside of an attempt to maintain a strong work ethic”.

Musically, From The Fade leans on a mix of classic hard rock and modern melodic metal. The album emphasizes sharp arrangements, technical skill, and performances that carry a strong emotional edge. Each song reflects Hoekstra’s established writing style, drawing from traditional influences while still aiming for a current and forward-looking sound.

Hoekstra’s career outside this project has remained just as active. He has previously released three instrumental solo albums along with three well-received records under Joel Hoekstra’s 13. More recently, he appeared as a guest guitarist on the “hair metal” episode of Dancing With The Stars and performed with Cher during her Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction as well as the SNL 50 homecoming concert.

From The Fade recording lineup:

Joel Hoekstra: Guitars
Girish Pradhan: Lead Vocals
Vinny Appice: Drums
Tony Franklin: Bass
Derek Sherinian: Keyboards
Jeff Scott Soto: Backing Vocals

The post JOEL HOEKSTRA’s 13 Shares Second Single “You Can Give” From Upcoming Solo Album “From The Fade” appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

Arizona extreme metal trailblazers Soulfly are set to join intergalactic shock rock legends Gwar on their extensive spring headlining run, “The Gor Gor Strikes Back Tour”. This 34-date journey begins March 19th in Richmond, Virginia, and will include performances in major markets like Boston, Green Bay, and Portland before concluding in Charlotte, NC, on April 29th. Australian grind icons King Parrot will serve as the opening act for all dates.

Max Cavalera states: “I can’t wait for Soulfly to storm the gates with Gwar!! I’m excited to be part of one of the coolest tours of 2026! Soulfly bringing the Chama tribal energy and Gwar, the ultimate theatrical madness band! I have been a fan of Gwar for a long time. It will be an honor to support them! Come on out and party with us every night!!”

Gwar‘s lead vocalist The Berserker Blothar states: “Gwar, Soulfly and King Parrot. This tour will be a ritual orgy of death, sex, violence and rock and fu**ing roll!! Let the severed heads rain, bouncing down the pyramid onto a heap of human skulls. Be there humans, or be left to suffer on this planet while we party in the stars!”

Tickets for “The Gor Gor Strikes Back Tour” go on sale this Friday, December 19that 10am local time; purchase them here.

Confirmed dates for Soulfly joining headliners Gwar on “The Gor Gor Strikes Back Tour” with King Parrot are:

03.19.2026 Richmond, VA @ The National
03.20.2026 Reading, PA @ Reverb
03.21.2026 Albany, NY @ Empire Live
03.22.2026 Huntington, NY @ The Paramount
03.24.2026 Hartford, CT @ The Webster
03.25.2026 Wilmington, DE @ The Queen
03.26.2026 Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom
03.27.2026 Boston, MA @ House Of Blues
03.28.2026 Buffalo, NY @ Town Ballroom
03.29.2026 Columbus, OH @ Newport Music Hall
03.31.2026 Louisville, KY @ Mercury Ballroom
04.01.2026 St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant
04.02.2026 Chicago, IL @ Concord Music Hall
04.03.2026 Fort Wayne, IN @ Piere’s
04.04.2026 Saginaw, MI @ The Vault
04.05.2026 Green Bay, WI @ EPIC Events Center
04.07.2026 Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
04.08.2026 Des Moines, IA @ Val Air Ballroom
04.09.2026 Tulsa, OK @ Cain’s Ballroom
04.10.2026 Lawrence, KS @ The Granada
04.12.2026 Grand Junction, CO @ Mesa Theater
04.14.2026 Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater
04.15.2026 Boise, ID @ Treefort Music Hall
04.17.2026 Sacramento, CA @ Channel 24
04.18.2026 Los Angeles, CA @ The Belasco
04.19.2026 San Diego, CA @ House of Blues
04.20.2026 Tucson, AZ @ Rialto Theater
04.21.2026 Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theater
04.23.2026 Austin, TX @ Emo’s
04.24.2026 Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live
04.25.2026 Mobile, AL @ Soul Kitchen Music Hall
04.27.2026 Chattanooga, TN @ The Signal
04.28.2026 Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel
04.29.2026 Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore

Worldwide dates:

01.24.2026 AU Mt Claremont @ Froth & Fury Fest – Perth 2026
01.26.2026 AU Brisbane @ The Tivoli *
01.27.2026 AU Newton @ Enmore Theatre
01.30.2026 AU Melbourne @ Forum Melbourne
01.30.2026 AU Wayville @ Froth & Fury Fest – Adelaide 2026

*with Nailbomb and Snot

The post SOULFLY And KING PARROT Join Headliners GWAR On “The Gor Gor Strikes Back Tour” appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

Finnish metal group Battle Beast has confirmed a major lineup change, announcing that longtime vocalist Noora Louhimo has officially exited the band.

The update was shared earlier today, Monday, December 15, through the band’s social media channels, where the remaining members addressed the split directly and at length. In their message, they explained the reasons behind the decision and what it means going forward.

“After six albums and 13 incredible years together, we announce that Noora Louhimo is leaving Battle Beast to focus on her solo career. While we are saddened by her departure, we fully support her decision to pursue new creative paths — something she hasn’t been able to explore wholeheartedly with the demanding schedule of Battle Beast“.

“We are deeply thankful for the music, the tours, and the magic we created together. These memories will never be tarnished nor forgotten, and we wish Noora nothing but success and happiness on her path forward”.

“We know you — our fans — will miss Noora as much as we do. But rest assured: the flight of Battle Beast continues, and so does Noora’s, now simply on a different trajectory”.

“A new era begins. We will announce the new voice of Battle Beast tomorrow on December 16th. With gratitude and love, Noora, Janne, Eero, Juuso, Joona & Pyry“.

Shortly after the band’s announcement, Noora Louhimo also shared her own statement, reflecting on her time with the group and the reasons behind her decision to move on.

“For 13 years I got to grow, learn, develop and explore with Battle Beast who I am as a musician and as a person. And now my heart desires more adventures, and flying with my own wings towards my dreams that I can only pursue if I give them my full attention. Life is full of different eras and now it is time for a new one. I am forever grateful and love Battle Beast and our fans. This is not the end, this is a beginning of a new adventure for both of us. See you soon Little Beasts!”

While the departure marks the end of a long-running chapter for Battle Beast, both sides have made it clear that the split is amicable. Fans won’t have to wait long for the next development, as the band has already confirmed that its new vocalist will be revealed on December 16.

The post After 13 Years Finnish Metallers BATTLE BEAST Parts Ways With Singer NOORA LOUHIMO appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

Good Day Noir Family,
Listening to The Light In The Dark by The Thundercracks for the first time feels like diving into a futuristic narrative where heavy music meets cinematic ambition.

The Light In The Dark is The Thundercracks’ Album Out Now

Right away, the album makes its intentions clear. It doesn’t aim to sit quietly in the background. Instead, it pulls you into a vivid, high-energy world that balances fantasy, power, and modern production choices.

The opening track, “The One,” establishes the tone. An intense atmosphere surrounds the listener, while the lead vocal delivers a dramatic and commanding presence. As a result, you instantly sense that this record wants to be experienced as a journey rather than a loose collection of songs. The mood leans futuristic, yet it remains grounded in solid hard rock foundations.

Next, “Follow You Anywhere” expands the scope. Sweeping orchestral elements enter the frame, and the baroque-style strings add weight without overwhelming the guitars. Moreover, the song moves fluidly between epic sections and melodic metal passages, creating a strong sense of forward motion. The balance between heaviness and melody feels carefully measured.

Then, “All For One” pushes the emotional energy further. The rhythm hits hard, while the chorus opens into a nostalgic melodic space. At times, the vocal phrasing recalls the dramatic approach of bands like Evanescence, yet The Thundercracks maintain their own identity. Meanwhile, the dynamic contrast between verses and chorus keeps the song engaging throughout.

“No Time To Cry” introduces progressive elements into the mix. Syncopated rhythms and deliberate pauses give the track an unpredictable edge. Consequently, the chorus feels even more powerful when it finally breaks free. The guitar work here deserves special mention, as it blends technical precision with expressive phrasing.

Later on, “Count Me In” shifts into darker territory. The opening intensity and mechanical pulse evoke an industrial mood that briefly recalls bands like Rammstein. However, the track soon evolves, revealing layers of melody beneath its heavy exterior. Similarly, “Everything You Got” delivers a relentless surge of energy while sneaking in subtle Americana influences, which add warmth to the aggressive framework.

The album closes with “Lucky 13,” a standout finale. A retro-flavored guitar riff nods to classic rock traditions, yet it integrates seamlessly into the modern production style. As a result, the ending feels nostalgic and forward-looking.

Overall, The Light In The Dark succeeds because of its coherence, ambition, and attention to detail. The thoughtful use of AI enhances the production rather than distracting from the songwriting.

The Light In The Dark is The Thundercracks’ Album Out Now!

Epic!

The Light In The Dark is The Thundercracks’ Album Out Now

Emerging from the radioactive dust of a post-apocalyptic future, The Thundercracks are a virtual, all-female heavy rock band built for survival. Armed with crushing riffs, thunderous drums, and custom zombie-slaying gear, they don’t just play shows — they fight back.

Vex (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Jax (lead guitar), Lyra (rhythm guitar, backing vocals), Rhea (bass), Zoe (drums), and Echo (keyboards) form a digital strike unit where music is both weapon and warning. Their sound is raw, relentless, and defiant — the soundtrack to a new dawn after the fall.

The Thundercracks don’t entertain the apocalypse. They survive it.

Find The Thundercracks Here:

Spotify
Instagram

Discover New Bands Click Here

The post The Light In The Dark is The Thundercracks’ Album Out Now appeared first on Edgar Allan Poets – Noir Rock Band.

Gliding into London after a breathless week of shows across the UK (with special mention given by the band to Coventry’s Just Dropped In, a venue I NEED to visit), LA quintet Mo Dotti dissolved The Shacklewell Arms with their rapturously received shoegaze soundscapes.

From the opening rip of debut album highlight Lucky Boy it was clear we were witnessing a band fully locked in and aware of the giddy power they were harnessing. Smiles exchanged on stage, players completely lost in the sonic dreams they were weaving, it was a joy to behold.

Older EP tracks such as Waiting For You and storming set closer Loser Smile highlighted the band’s glorious beginnings, whilst the new material weaved into the set hinted at a glorious future to come. Mo Dotti are truly one of the best live bands out there doing it, there was no better way to see out my gig-going year.

Mo Dotti are: Gina Negrini (vocals, guitar), Guy Valdez (guitar), Sophie Negrini (guitar, backing vocals), Greg Shilton (bass) and Andrew James MacKelvie (drums).

At the time of writing, UK readers can pick up the band’s early EP collection Blurring/Guided Imagery here. You can check out the band’s full length debut Opaque over at Bandcamp.

Story of the Year and Senses Fail brought their co-headliner Scream Team Tour 2025 to the House of Blues Anaheim for a sold-out show on Friday, December 12 before wrapping it up the the next night in Riverside. This was the first time touring together for the bands, but they have a long history of sharing festival bills going back for years on Warped Tour. While Senses Fail didn’t play this year’s When We Were Young Festival, a teaser video from the festival amped fans up for the tour.

Opening the show was Armor for Sleep. Like Senses Fail, the band started in New Jersey and is down to one original member. However, vocalist Ben Jorgensen has always been the lifeblood of Armor for Sleep, like Buddy Neilsen is to Senses Fail. Jorgensen handles rhythm guitar duties, so he can’t cover the stage the way the co-headliner frontmen can. He makes up for it with his emotive vocals and expressions. Guitarist Erik Rudic and bassist Chad Sabo up the energy on stage. By the time the band ended the set with fan favorite “Car Underwater,” the audience was primed and ready.

The always fun and hilarious Story of the Year came out on Razor scooters and played a bit of “Chariots of Fire” as their intro. Then they launched into their new single “Gasoline (All Rage. Still Only Numb),” which may be their heaviest song yet. It’s a banger and could arguably replace “Until the Day I Die” as the fan favorite. However, the balls to the wall energy made it a perfect opening song. This band gets better every time. They sounded like a CD played through Marshall stacks. Somehow Dan Marsala managed to keep the vocals clean without sacrificing the pop-punk physical performance. A.R.S.O.N. will be out in February on SharpTone Records.

Senses Fail handled headlining duties on this date. Last year, the band played Still Searching in full at When We Were Young and Let it Enfold You on the New Jersey Vs. The World tour. This set devoted about a third of the set to each album. The rest of the set list was split between their catalog with fan-voted picks filling out the setlist. Nielsen didn’t give the perfect vocal performance of Marsala, but he made up for it with showmanship. Make no mistake, Nielsen isn’t just playing dress up and resting on his laurels. He’s having a great time up there, and it’s infectious. Senses Fail and Story of the Year will both be on the Emo’s Not Dead cruise in January. 

Latest flyer for a show at The Caz, 2221 Seneca St, Buffalo, NY, United States, New York 14210

Latest flyer for a show at The Caz, 2221 Seneca St, Buffalo, NY, United States, New York 14210