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Blacklist .

The post Blacklist Union unveil video for cover of Johnny Cash’s “Jackson” feat. Femme Fatale singer Lorraine Lewis first appeared on Sleaze Roxx.

In a year that’s seen At the Gates release a seminal album that stands not only as a career touchstone but as a fitting swansong for Tomas “Tompa” Lindberg, the bar for Swedish melodic death metal is pretty high in 2026. This fact, however, did not deter Trollhättan’s fledgling act, Abandon Agony, from entering The Jester Race to flex some Gothenburg muscle of their own. Assembled in 2023, Abandon Agony released their first music a year later on the Dark Matter EP, and are now ready to unveil their debut long-player, Endbringer. As a group of relative unknowns, free from the confines of expectation that comes with an established amount of pedigree, Abandon Agony have gambled on themselves, choosing to release Endbringer independently. Will Endbringer signal the start of a long and successful career for Abandon Agony, or will it serve as a cautionary tale, relaying the slaughter of yet another up-and-coming melo-death soul?

Abandon Agony do melodic death metal really well. Endbringer passes everything that makes In Flames and Dark Tranquility exciting through a Mors Principium Estuary of modern, thrashy, power-melodic slickery before hitting open waters teeming with Amon Amarthic life.¹ Guitarists Tobias Järvelä and Christoffer Tönnäng² have the Gothenburg sound nailed down, their dual guitar assault wrecking necks, employing all the expected tropes: galloping, moody riffs, emotive, hooky leads, and tons of great solo work. Like the arms of Endbringer’s reaper slowly opening, the folds of his robe unfurl, inviting us in with the majestic power chords of album opener, “The Truth,” which then crank up a notch to catch Robin Toresson’s speedy double-bass rolls. Johan Hedström’s excellent vocals—a hybrid of Johan Hegg (Amon Amarth) and Randy Blythe (LoG)—fade in from a rumbling growl to a scream that’s met by some of Tönnäng’s nifty solo work and the song’s first fleet-footed verse; Endbringer is up and running. This track embodies everything about the Abandon Agony experience, which is one that offsets powerful, deathly aggression with atmospheric and melodic subtlety.

Endbringer is a potent, hard-driving melodeath album crammed with talented performances, all its poignant beauty revealed through the ghostly wisps of nuance rather than any overt melodic device. Whether it’s a hint of keys here (“The Truth”), the ghost of crystalline guitars there (“Dissolved”), or actual cleans that are both credited—Liv Jagrell’s (Liv Sin) gritty vocals are a great counterpoint to Hedström’s roars on album highlight “Entropy”—and uncredited (“Blind Intentions,” “Polar Shift”), these barely-there accompaniments serve to elevate many of Endbringer’s masterful moments. And it’s this beauty-and-the-beast balancing act that works so perfectly in Abandon Agony’s favor, drawing the listener deeper into Endbringer’s world without devolving into overwrought symphonia. Tönnäng’s excellent guitar work shines; his leads, ranging from the neo-classical (“Blind Intentions”) to the melancholy (“Lunar Storm”), acoustic work (“Rise From the Ashes,” “Polar Shift”), and wonderful solos (insert pretty much any song here), unleash a depth of emotion that enhances Endbringer’s heavy edge.³ And as vocalists go, Hedström’s growls and screams have fast become some of my favorite, period; a far cry from the shaky cleans he employs in his power metal project, Memoria.⁴

What pains me most, however, is that Abandon Agony have managed to run afoul of one of my biggest pet peeves, which is to pack half of Endbringer with songs that were originally released nearly two years ago.⁵ As annoying as it is to consider Abandon Agony have essentially mashed a couple of EPs’ worth of tunes together, I must still admit the level of continuity between the two sets of songs bridges an impressive gap in time rather seamlessly. Beyond this fact, though, my only real critique of Endbringer falls on its modern production, which renders nearly all Jonathan Wagerland’s bass work inaudible.

Outside the context of my petty-est of peeves, Abandon Agony have released a damn fine melodeath album in Endbringer. Had they chosen to release an EP of five new songs rather than combining everything, not only might I have missed out on Abandon Agony for an even longer amount of time, but I certainly wouldn’t have put them on anyone’s radar here. As it stands, readers, take note, for another Gothenburg titan has arrived, and by the seeing eye of the great Whoracle herself, you can bet your ass I’ll be watching closely for what comes next.

Rating: 3.5⁶/5.0
DR: 5 | Format Reviewed: 320kbps mp3
Label: Self-Release
Websites: Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram
Releases Worldwide: May 22, 2026

The post Abandon Agony – Endbringer Review appeared first on Angry Metal Guy.

Outdoor concerts bring people together in a way few events can match. Friends laugh near the stage, and fans sing every lyric with total joy. A smooth concert setup helps guests stay focused on the music instead of long lines, crowded walkways, or poor seating. Identifying great ways to improve the attendee experience at concerts starts with smart event choices that help guests feel welcome from the first step through the gate. Learn how you can create an unforgettable event below.

Design a Comfortable Layout

A crowded venue can drain energy fast. Guests need room to move, chat, eat, and relax without constant shoulder bumps or blocked walkways. Clear paths between food vendors, restrooms, seating areas, and stage zones help the entire event feel calm and organized.

Tent placement also shapes the mood of the concert. For instance, using tents for shade is among the best ways to keep attendees cool throughout an event. Lounge tents with tables and chairs create a place for short breaks between sets.

A thoughtful layout helps people stay longer since they feel more comfortable throughout the event. Large concerts benefit from separate zones for families, VIP guests, and general admission crowds. VIP ticket holders will enjoy a more private area with premium seating and better views. These details help guests feel valued instead of packed into one giant crowd.

Rely on High-Quality Equipment

Concert guests notice event quality right away. Saggy tents, shaky tables, or worn-out chairs create a poor first impression before the music even starts. Clean equipment with a polished look helps the venue feel professional and inviting.

Weather also affects the guest experience more than many planners expect. Rain, harsh sun, and strong wind can push guests toward frustration fast. Durable tents provide shelter and help concerts continue with fewer disruptions. Fans will stay more relaxed when they know they have protection from sudden weather changes.

Lighting also adds comfort and atmosphere after sunset. Soft string lights near seating areas create a warm social space. Pathway lights help guests move around the venue without confusion or safety concerns. Small details like this shape the overall mood of the night.

Keep Food and Drink Areas Easy to Access

Nobody enjoys long food lines at a concert. Hungry guests grow impatient fast, especially during popular performances. A smart vendor setup helps traffic move smoothly and keeps guests in good spirits.

Food tents should sit in several spots around the venue instead of one crowded section. Shorter lines create a more relaxed atmosphere and reduce heavy congestion near the stage. Drink stations also work better with multiple access points spread throughout the grounds.

Place tables near food areas to give guests a place to sit, eat, and recharge before the next performance. Trash and recycling stations should stay visible and easy to reach. A clean concert space feels far more enjoyable than one filled with overflowing garbage bins.

Add Spaces for Relaxation

Concerts bring excitement, noise, and constant activity. Guests still appreciate a quiet corner where they can take a short break from the crowd. Relaxation areas help people recharge without leaving the event early.

Covered lounge sections with comfortable seating create a casual social space between performances. Fans can cool off, chat with friends, or enjoy snacks without crowd pressure. These areas also help older guests and families with children feel more at ease during long events.

Some events add lawn games, photo booths, or shaded picnic areas near the lounge sections. These features create more than just a concert. Guests enjoy a full event experience that feels memorable and enjoyable.

Improve Restroom Access

Restroom frustrations can sour the mood of even the best concert lineup. Long waits and poorly maintained facilities leave guests annoyed and uncomfortable. Clean restroom setups help people stay relaxed and focused on the event itself.

Portable restroom trailers offer a much better experience than standard portable units alone. Guests always appreciate clean interiors, better lighting, sinks, and more space. High-end restroom trailers work especially well for upscale music events and VIP concert areas.

Placement matters, too. Restrooms should stay close enough for convenience without crowding food or seating areas. Remember that clear signs help guests find facilities quickly instead of wandering through packed pathways.

Focus on Guest Flow and Crowd Movement

Concert traffic will easily become chaotic without proper planning. Bottlenecks near entrances, food stations, or exits create frustration and slow movement across the venue. A smooth flow keeps guests relaxed and helps staff manage the crowd more effectively.

Wide walkways reduce congestion and help people move between areas with less stress. Entry gates should allow enough room for ticket checks without huge backup lines. Exit routes also deserve close attention since large crowds tend to leave all at once after the final song.

Create Better Seating Options

Not every concert guest wants to stand for hours. Comfortable seating gives attendees a chance to relax and enjoy the show at their own pace. Flexible seating options also help concerts appeal to a wider group of guests. Chair setups near the stage work well for older attendees and VIP guests.

Picnic table areas near food tents create a casual place for groups to gather between performances. Lawn seating sections give guests the freedom to spread out with blankets and enjoy a more laid-back atmosphere. Covered seating areas also provide relief from direct sun or light rain. Guests stay far happier when they have a dry, comfortable place to sit during unpredictable weather.

Keep the Venue Clean Throughout the Event

One of the best ways to improve the attendee experience at concerts is to keep every area as clean as possible. Easier said than done during a crowded concert, but a messy venue can damage the whole experience fast. Overflowing trash bins, dirty tables, and littered walkways create a stressful atmosphere that distracts from the event.

Cleaning crews should empty trash stations throughout the concert instead of waiting until the end of the night. Staff can also wipe down seating areas and food tables during slower periods. Small cleanup efforts help the venue feel fresh and organized for the full event.

Great concerts create memories that last long after the final encore. Guests remember comfortable seating, smooth entry lines, clean facilities, and relaxed social spaces just as much as the music itself. Use the tips above to create the perfect environment for any performance.

The Charli XCX rollout continues. This month we got “Rock Music” and its b-side “I Keep Thinking About You Every Single Day And Night,” followed by “SS26,” whose b-side, “Playboy Bunny,” is here now. Like “I Keep Thinking About You Every Single Day And Night,” “Playboy Bunny” is only available on her b-sides Instagram account…

The post Charli XCX – “Playboy Bunny” appeared first on Stereogum.

Shakra .

The post Shakra drop video for title track from upcoming album ‘Just Live Loud!’ first appeared on Sleaze Roxx.