Dying Wish brought a stacked lineup to the sold-out Flesh Stays Together tour stop at the Regent Theater in Los Angeles on December 9, 2025. Opening the show was fellow Portland band Boltcutter. Playing their self-proclaimed “NW Idiotic Brutal Slamming Homicidal Catalytic Semitruck Grooving Slam Chuggery,” the band played tracks off their debut full-length album Still Broke out on Barbaric Brutality now. Vocalist Tristen Storm made an appearance later during the Dying Wish set.

Nashville nu metalcore band Orthodox was up next with a pulverizing set. The self-proclaimed “BIG PANTS MUSIC” (verfiied with a JNCO collab) blends hardcore and groove metal into their nu metal/metalcore signature sound. The set was mostly comprised of songs from their latest album A Door Left Open released earlier this year on Century Media. Vocalist Adam Easterling also made an appearance during the headliner’s set. Orthodox will be at the LBD Fest in Louisville, KY in February.

Florida’s Gouge Away was up next with a fast-paced set of post-hardcore punk. While their albums have some breathing room with indie rock noise, the live set was all gas, no brakes. About half the songs were from last year’s Deep Sage, with almost as many from 2018’s Burnt Sugar. Both albums were released on Deathwish Inc. Gouge Away will be opening some dates for the Foo Fighters next year.

British emo metalcore band Static Dress played in the direct support slot. They opened the set with their latest single “face.” There’s no new album at the moment, but the band recently restocked Rouge Carpet Disaster, and the Redux version is currently available through Roadrunner Records. The band will tour Europe with Paleface Swiss and Stick to Your Guns starting in January and will play Slam Dunk Festival in May.

Dying Wish finally took the stage with a brutal set of hardcore metal. The set was fully comprised of their post-pandemic material, with a strong showing from their latest release Flesh Stays Together. In addition to guest vocals by fellow tourmates previously mentioned, the band also brought out Courtney LaPlante for “Revenge in Carnage.” The band didn’t need any help keeping the sold-out crowd engaged, but the crowd went insane for the Spiritbox singer. The next U.S. date after this run ends in Portland for Dying Wishmas is currently slated to be Sick New World in Dallas after the European festival circuit this summer. Flesh Stays Together is out not on SharpTone.

Good Day Noir Family,
Burning Plains drive straight into their new EP, Empired Collapsed, with a sense of danger that never loosens its grip.

Empired Collapsed is Burning Plains’ EP Out Now

“Your Eyes” opens with a piano line that seems ready to offer comfort, yet the illusion lasts only a moment. Soon, a primal scream cuts through the atmosphere and shifts everything into high gear.

The contrast between serenity and raw force becomes a key part of the EP’s identity, and this band thrives on that tension.

As the record moves into the title track, the mood grows even more intense. A helicopter-like effect sets the scene, almost as if warning that impact is near. Then the guitars enter, heavy and sharp, supported by intricate drumming that shows real intention. The group shape their metal with a modern attitude, adding bold experiments such as flashes of Auto-Tune that highlight emotional peaks rather than distract from them. The core remains energy—dense, fierce, and ready to surge at any moment—yet the hooks still land with precision.

Next comes “Into the Violet Sky”, which begins with a gentle arpeggio before exploding again. The vocalist deserves special mention; he moves between screams, guttural power, and clean melodic lines with confidence, and that range strengthens every shift in momentum. Because of this versatility, the track never settles into predictability. Instead, it keeps climbing, twisting, and rising until its final seconds.

Finally, “Surrender” closes the EP with a theatrical edge. The sound choices are striking, the choral accents expand the space, and the overall mood slides into a dystopian darkness. Yet the real punch arrives with the sudden rhythmic surge that hits like an avalanche, proving once more that Burning Plains excel at designing impact.

Empired Collapsed feels like a storm engineered with care, shaped by musicians who understand force as well as nuance. It is a thrilling work and a strong display of vision.

Empired Collapsed is Burning Plains‘ EP Out Now!

Ferocious!

Empired Collapsed is Burning Plains’ EP Out Now

Founded in a garage in 2008, Burning Plains forged their identity through heavy, direct, and uncompromising metal. Born from raw rehearsals and a prophetic sense of purpose, the band blends crushing riffs, cinematic atmospheres, and a deep emotional intensity rooted in their Ukrainian background. Led by frontman Stan, Burning Plains channel themes of chaos, survival, and human resilience, shaping a sound that is both visceral and visionary. Today, they stand as a metal act defined by grit, conviction, and a fire that never burned out.

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Good Day Noir Family,
“Captain Daredevil” arrives with the force of a steel door kicked wide open, yet the band chooses not to rush anything.

Captain Daredevil is New Laconia’s Single Out Now

 Instead, New Laconia sets the stage with a gritty guitar riff that immediately shapes a bold and slightly futuristic mood.

The opening chords feel dense, almost like they’re sketching out the edges of some shadow-drenched world before the story begins. Meanwhile, the lead guitar moves with a subtle prog sensibility, hinting at twists to come without revealing too much too early.

As the intro stretches past the one-minute mark, tension builds with purpose. When the vocals finally enter, the payoff is striking. The voice sits right on the line between masculine and feminine, delivering a tone that’s sharp and smooth, creating a sense of ambiguity that enhances the track’s otherworldly identity. It carries confidence, but also an edge of detachment that works beautifully with the heavy instrumental foundation.

Furthermore, the mix between distortion and precision becomes the engine of the track. While the riffs grind forward with hard-rock weight, the melodic lines dart in and out with surprising fluidity. This combination keeps the listener alert, since the song constantly hints at different genres—touching metal, brushing alternative rock, and leaning into modern cinematic tension—yet it never feels scattered. Instead, New Laconia shows a clear understanding of how to balance impact and detail.

The chorus elevates that sense of energy, expanding the atmosphere without losing the tight distortion that drives the song. It has a pulse that pushes you forward, almost urging movement, which adds to the track’s adventurous spirit. Additionally, the rhythm section deserves specific praise: the drums strike with muscular clarity, while the bass provides a solid foundation that prevents the arrangement from becoming chaotic. Even during moments when the guitars rise into more expressive lines, the track remains anchored.

What makes “Captain Daredevil” especially engaging is its narrative feel. The structure moves like a short sci-fi chapter—dark corridors, neon flickers, and the hint of a mission unfolding—but the band avoids over-explaining anything. Instead, they rely on tone, tension, and dynamics to draw the listener into this world. The blend of aggression and sleekness keeps the track surprising in the best way.

Ultimately, New Laconia delivers a single that feels familiar in its rock foundation and boldly forward-looking in execution. “Captain Daredevil” rides that line with confidence, marking the band as one that understands how to shape identity through texture, tone, and atmosphere rather than clichés.

Captain Daredevil is New Laconia’s Single Out Now!

Epic!

Captain Daredevil is New Laconia’s Single Out Now

New Laconia presents “Captain Daredevil” — a metal track about travelers, freedom, and the fight for a lost ship. The music project, known for its ambitious Sci-Fi multiverse, continues to develop its story saga, showcasing the genre versatility and contrasting nature of its approach.

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A new collaboration is setting the stage for one of 2026’s most anticipated metal tours. Visions Of Atlantis and Warkings have joined forces for a shared single titled “Pirates & Kings”, released ahead of their co-headline run of the same name. The track blends the strengths of both groups, combining dual vocals with soaring, triumphant lyrics. It launches directly into a driving hook as the two bands craft what feels like a modern battle anthem. “Pirates & Kings” heats up the fight – be brave or be gone.”

The partnership arrives just in time for their upcoming “Pirates & Kings Over Europe” Tour, which begins February 5, 2026. The journey kicks off in Pratteln, Switzerland, and brings the two acts to 21 cities throughout Europe as they continue building their shared musical identity.

Clémentine Delauney of Visions Of Atlantis offered insight into the themes fueling the new track. She explained: “This is no longer a time for division or competition. When threats and tensions rise, the answer is to unite and become allies.”

She continued by addressing the broader mood as the year closes: “This year ends with fear and dark projections; next year is about showing the right response. Tyrants will not prevail, manipulation will not work. We will see through the smoke screen and claim our own truth.”

Elaborating further on the idea of solidarity, she added: “We believe that unity is strength. This is a time for collaboration, for opening ourselves to others, and for gathering like-minded souls. We can face anything when we stand with our tribe and our tribe is growing. We’re welcoming new warriors and shield-maidens aboard. “Pirates and Kings” are launching the movement, leading the charge. Now it’s your turn to join the call. Brave your fear, bring a friend, and reserve your seat for the most epic adventure, a place where a new world is forged, where courage is honored, where emotions run deep, and where your power is real.”

Warkings echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need for unity across kingdoms and seas. They stated: “When the tides of chaos swell and the winds whisper of war, the kings must look beyond their own thrones. So we joined forces with Visions Of Atlantis — warriors of the endless sea — to remind the world that unity is the strongest weapon. “Pirates & Kings” is the pact we seal in fire and storm.”

The joint single and tour mark a bold step for both bands as they rally fans behind a message of strength, connection, and resilience.

The post VISIONS OF ATLANTIS Share Latest Music Video For “Pirates & Kings” Featuring WARKINGS appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

Rock fans are in for a surprising reunion as Creed and Limp Bizkit, two multi-platinum acts with a famously tense history dating back to the early 2000s, prepare to headline the third annual Summer Of ’99 And Beyond Festival. The event takes place Saturday, July 18, and Sunday, July 19, at the Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre in Tinley Park, Illinois.

The festival, now in its third consecutive year and coming off two previous sell-outs, once again brings together an extensive lineup of rock heavyweights and emerging acts. On Saturday, July 18, Limp Bizkit leads the “Higher” main stage, joined by Cypress Hill, Sevendust, Kittie, and Puddle Of Mudd. The “Are You Ready” side stage will showcase Magnolia Park, The Pretty Wild, Slay Squad, and several others.

Sunday, July 19, shifts the spotlight to Creed, who will close out the festival with a main-stage bill that includes Bush, Mammoth, Candlebox, and Hoobastank. Day two of the “Are You Ready” side stage will feature sets from Sleep Theory, Big Wreck, The Verve Pipe, and Ashes Of Billy.

Two-day passes go on sale beginning with the artist presale on Tuesday, December 16 at 10 a.m. CST. Additional presales roll out through the week, with general onsale opening Friday, December 19 at 10 a.m. CST HERE.

Fans seeking an elevated experience can opt for VIP upgrades, which include access to a private lounge with specialty bars, an exclusive merchandise area, commemorative laminate, charging stations, and a 360-degree photo booth. VIP ticketholders will also receive Red Carpet Entry with a photo opportunity, concierge text support throughout the weekend, and additional perks designed to enhance the festival atmosphere.

As anticipation builds, the Summer Of ’99 And Beyond Festival continues to cement its reputation as a must-attend event for dedicated rock listeners — and this year, the reunion of Creed and Limp Bizkit is set to make it the most talked-about edition yet.

The post CREED Will Be Joined By LIMP BIZKIT As Co-Headliners For Their Third Annual “Summer Of ‘99 And Beyond Festival” appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

The legendary English rock collective Asia is preparing to release a new live recording titled Asia – Live In England, arriving March 13, 2026 through Frontiers Music Srl. To mark the announcement, the group has shared a live rendition of their hit “Heat Of The Moment,” accompanied by a performance video.

This upcoming release captures the band during the first of three shows at Trading Boundaries in Sussex in April 2025. The performance features Asia playing their full 1982 debut Asia along with a selection of fan-favorite tracks. The current lineup includes Geoff Downes on keyboards, Virgil Donati on drums (formerly of Planet X), John Mitchell handling guitar duties (Arena, It Bites), and Harry Whitley on bass and vocals. Together, they revisit the foundational material with a mix of respect and renewed energy.

The setlist includes well-known pieces such as “Heat Of The Moment,” “Only Time Will Tell,” “Sole Survivor,” “One Step Closer,” and “Time Again.” It also incorporates songs tied to the band’s video and bonus track era, including “Ride Easy,” “Video Killed The Radio Star,” “The Heat Goes On,” and “Daylight.”

Geoff Downes reflected on the origins of the track at the heart of the announcement: “”Heat Of The Moment” has an interesting story behind it. It was actually the final track John and I wrote for the Asia album, and it ended up being the opening track and lead-off single. We threw it together in one afternoon. I had the verse, John had the chorus, although this was a guitar picking country-style piece in 3/4 time. We straightened it all out and bingo, there it was! A couple of days later we wrote the middle 8 section, rehearsed it in the studio and recorded it straight down with band. Ironically, it still remains our most famous track to this day. Without it, I doubt the album would have been as big as it was, so I am very grateful to have been a part of the creation of “Heat Of The Moment”. It’s still a really fun track to play live, and I hope it will bring back memories, and give pleasure to the listeners and fans all over the world for many years to come”.

Harry Whitley also spoke about performing the song: “Playing “Heat Of The Moment” live is always such an incredible experience. It’s always electrifying, and this recording was no different. It was such an exciting night and a thrill to revisit all of Asia’s catalog over the three nights. We’re really looking forward to fans hearing this whole live album and the others to follow…”

Virgil Donati shared his own thoughts: “This song carries decades of history – every note, every moment – and we hope listeners feel the same passion we pour into it night after night”.

John Mitchell added his perspective on the track: “”Heat Of The Moment” is a very dear song close to my heart. Having performed it a vast number of times over the years both previously with the John Wetton solo band and with John and Geoff in ICON, from the quiet introspective acoustic version at The Borderline to the full band amped up version in front of 12000 strong in St Petersburg, it is both an uplifting anthem and a quiet tonic for the soul which never fails to bring warmth to the many”.

With more than four decades of musical history—spanning multi-platinum releases such as Asia, Alpha, and Astra—the group’s current incarnation continues to revisit significant moments from their catalog while appealing to a new audience. This live album marks the first of three releases from the Trading Boundaries shows, each dedicated to one album from the band’s early trilogy.

Geoff Downes reflected further on revisiting their debut: “Revisiting the entire first Asia album brought all the great memories flooding back from 43 years ago. In the studio with John, Steve, Carl and, of course, the great Mike Stone at the production helm. I think at the time we knew we’d made a good album but could not have predicted the enormous success that followed, that made the band a household name across the world, and particularly in America. That said, it was a result of much hard work and effort from everyone involved. So, when I had the opportunity to put together the live album with the current and fantastic lineup of Asia and in collaboration with Frontiers Music, it was really a no-brainer”.

He continued: “I was reminded of what a collection of great songs and performances made up the album — variety and musical dynamics to the fore. When we recorded it again earlier this year, I was drawn to some of the less featured tracks and realized how much they played an important part of overall album, in addition of course to the signature tracks such as “Heat Of The Moment”, “Only Time Will Tell”, etc”.

Downes added one final note: “We did this for you, the fans, and hope you really enjoy hearing these songs in the live setting performed in their entirety once again and enjoy it as much as we did creating and performing it”.

The post ASIA Announces New Live Album “Live In England” And Shares Live Video For “Heat Of The Moment” appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

Bochum-based guitarist and composer Axel Rudi Pell is gearing up to release his next studio album, Ghost Town, arriving March 20, 2026 through SPV/Steamhammer.

The new record continues the sound that has defined Pell’s long career: a blend of heavy, driving guitar riffs paired with memorable melodies, all delivered by his longtime band — American vocalist Johnny Gioeli, former Rainbow drummer Bobby Rondinelli, bassist Volker Krawczak, and keyboardist Ferdy Doernberg. Even after more than three and a half decades, Pell still finds ways to add fresh moments or unexpected collaborations, and Ghost Town follows that tradition with eleven new tracks.

One of the most notable songs is “Breaking Seals”, which features a standout duet between frontman Gioeli and German metal icon Udo Dirkschneider. It marks the first time Pell has paired these voices together, further highlighting the respect he commands within the rock and metal community.

Pell handled production duties on Ghost Town, while Tommy Geiger — known for work with Blind Guardian and Helloween — recorded and mixed the album at Blind Guardian Studios in Grefrath, helping shape its overall sound.

The record’s first single, the title track “Ghost Town”, offers a strong introduction to the album. It’s an energetic and tightly written piece that recalls the spirit of classic early Rainbow material, giving listeners a clear sense of what they can expect from Pell’s latest chapter.

Ghost Town will be released in the following configurations and it can now be pre-ordered here.

• CD DigiPak incl. poster
• CD Jewel case
• 2LP Gatefold, 140 g, black vinyl, padded inner sleeves, colored insert
• Exclusive CD/2LP Bundles with a shirt and exclusive vinyl only at the Steamhammer shop
• 2LP Gatefold exclusive coloured edition only at the Napalm shop
• 2LP Gatefold exclusive coloured edition only at the EMP shop
• Download + Streaming

The post AXEL RUDI PELL Shares Title Track From Upcoming Album “Ghost Town” appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

DD Verni & The Cadillac Band are known for marrying rock ‘n roll’s visceral energy and succinct songwriting to suave, swinging throwback arrangements and aesthetics. Yesterday, December 10, they’ve released a new video for “I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas.” Taken from their current and second album Buckle Up (Deko, 2025), the high-energy song has a red-hot arrangement with searing guitar lines, galloping rhythm, pumping horns, and infectious female backing vocals. “I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas” follows the album’s previous singles “So Long”, “Two Of A Kind”, and “Lucky 13”.

“Whenever you’re doing big band music, especially when it’s fused with 50’s style rock n roll, you have to consider doing a Christmas song,” the singer, songwriter, and guitarist explains about the song that was originally made famous by the 10-year-old Gayla Peevy back in 1953. “I had seen my niece do this song at a holiday concert when she was 4 or 5 years old—it was the first time I heard it and thought she was so damn cute. I got to thinking about how I could do a rockin’ big band version of it. Putting on a guitar and singing along to a new arrangement just came together quickly, and with Kingston and Greystar in the band adding female vocals, it just kind of made the whole thing make sense.”

For the recording of the song, DD did a demo mix of the song and sent it to the great Jim McMillen to create the horn arrangements. He just picked up on it very quickly and it all gelled together,” he explains. “Since he had done some Christmas songs in the past, Jim had a good feel for what types of arrangements would make it feel more like a holiday song. He had some great ideas for some of the background vocals,” adds DD. “The girls and I were screaming his name quite a bit as we were doing them. There are a ton of harmonies and in interesting spots…we had a lot of fun trying to put them together. And I mean c’mon, how can you be smiling when you’re singing you have a two-car garage to keep your hippo in ??!!”

When it came to creating the video, DD says he knew it had to be pure fun. “We wanted the spirt of NYC on the holidays, so we filmed all over Manhattan. Our video people had a great costumer, and we had our Hippo mascot (named Peevy, a tribute to Gayla Peevy who sang the song like 70 years ago) made to accompany us all around the city. We just had a night of laughter and fun. I love the holidays and having our own song and video to roll out each year as time goes on is a really cool thing. And there is nowhere like NYC at Christmas. I have been all over the world, to all the great Christmas Markets in Europe, but NYC is still the benchmark.”

“I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas” marks the second holiday song by DD Verni & The Cadillac Band; it follows the group’s 2023 release “We’re A Couple of Misfits”. “I wanted to do a Christmas song that had not been done so many times,” DD says of the song that was featured in the 1964 Rankin/Bass Christmas special “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” “At the heart of a lot of Christmas music is a blues progression on the chords which lends itself great to what we do. We had a friend come and do a rocking video for it and it’s a song we now play now at our holiday shows, so very very fun.”

For DD, the holidays have always revolved around family. “I have so many wonderful Christmas memories—I have seven brothers and sisters, so growing up Christmas was a madhouse at the Verni house. Tearing open boxes, just mayhem, and we loved it. I can remember one year when I was maybe 14 or so. We used to put albums we wanted on our Christmas list and my mom would go to Tower Records and ask the clerk and get the records we wanted. Well, that year I put down Black Sabbath’s We Sold Our Souls for Rock n Roll and Nazareth’s Expect No Mercy and got em both! Now my mom, God rest her soul, could not have been pleased to be making those purchases, but wanted me to have a great day and so I got ‘em. With my own kids,” he adds, “I carried on so many family traditions. We did the typical things. Every year I’d take my kids to pick out a real tree and we’d stuff it in the car and bring it home. My kids are grown but we still do stockings every year. I live at the beach now so there are different things available in a beach town rather than in the suburbs where I grew up, but it’s still pretty traditional. Of course, there’s always a massive spread of Italian food on Christmas day.”

The post DD VERNI & THE CADILLAC BAND Releases High-Energy Holiday Single And Video For “I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas” appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.