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  • Pink Eye Club – “Small Talk”

    The latest single from Pink Eye Club, Windmill scene mainstay and disco luminary Haydn Davies, reminded me that I have an unfinished podcast I must listen to. The other day I started listening to Dr. Laurie Santos’ latest hot take on her podcast The Happiness Lab, which eloquently broke down why small talk sucks. Now Davies’ new track — which previews his forthcoming album Emotional Dance Music, due out in October — made a spunky soundtrack for this opinion.

    The post Pink Eye Club – “Small Talk” appeared first on Stereogum.

  • Echo & The Bunnymen Announce First New Album In 12 Years Apples For Isaac: Hear “Brussels Is Haunted”

    It has been 46 years since Liverpool lads Echo & The Bunnymen started making theatrically bummed-out psychedelic goth-pop anthems, and they aren’t done quite yet. For half a decade, Echo & The Bunnymen have been talking up a new studio album, their first record of new material since 2014’s Meteorites. (They also dropped a collection of re-recordings called The Stars, The Oceans & The Moon in 2018, but that’s not what we’re talking about here.) Now, they’re finally ready to announce the impending arrival of that album, which is called Apples For Isaac.

    The post Echo & The Bunnymen Announce First New Album In 12 Years <em>Apples For Isaac</em>: Hear “Brussels Is Haunted” appeared first on Stereogum.

  • Psycroptic Unleashes “Ashes of a New Dawn” Video/Single + Band to Host Reddit AMA

    – July 16th, 2026 –

    “The Pulse of Annihilation” Full-Length To Drop This Friday On Metal Blade Records!

    Watch/stream PSYCROPTIC’s “Ashes Of A New Dawn” HERE

    Ashes Of A New Dawn” is the latest single from technical death metal architects PSYCROPTIC. The track, and accompanying video, comes off the band’s new full-length, The Pulse Of Annihilation, set to drop this Friday, July 17th on Metal Blade Records.

    Comments bassist Todd Stern, “Loooooove this song. It’s the type of song that gives you imagery as you listen. Slow, melty intro… next thing you know you have to run for your life. Great moments of intensity, all in good fun. It’s aggressive as fuck but it’s also like a party song! Highly recommended.”

    Adds vocalist Jason Peppiatt, “Lyrically, this song is kind of a sequel to ‘Ashes Of Our Empire’ off the Divine Council album but musically it’s a total Joe Haley riff fest!

    Watch PSYCROPTIC‘s “Ashes Of A New Dawn” video HERE

    Watch PSYCROPTIC‘s previously released video for “Gathering A Venomous Herd,” HERE and “No Blade Of GrassHERE

    Photo by Rae Chatten

    Across The Pulse of Annihilation, PSYCROPTIC sounds focused, disciplined, and fully aware of their trajectory. Complexity remains foundational, but it is now guided by compositional restraint and veteran confidence. With this release, the band reaffirm their status not merely as technical death metal stalwarts, but as architects actively shaping its future, proving that mastery, sharpened by time, only grows more lethal.

    Notes Stern, “My favorite thing about the catalog of this band is that it truly gets more mature with each release. Our newest material is the most ‘grown,’ so to speak. This record maintains the razor-sharp wit that PSYCROPTIC is kinda known for, but it also has this element to the song writing that feels a bit more masterful than ever before. Hopefully everyone is as excited to hear The Pulse Of Annihilation as we are to share it with the world!!

    In advance of its release, The Pulse Of Annihilation will be streaming in its entirety on YouTube tonight, July 16th at 7:00pm PT / 10:00pm ET where fans can join the band in a live chat! Stop by HERE and join the fun!

    The Pulse Of Annihilation features cover art by Belial Necroarts (Gaerea, In Aeternum) and will be available on digipak CD and digital formats as well as vinyl in the following color variants:

    World Ablaze (Tiger’s Eye) – (US)
    Sleepy Hollow (Radioactive Dust) – (US)
    180g Black – (EU – Ltd. 500)
    Barren Waste (Swamp Green Gold Melt) – (EU – Ltd. 250)
    Fires Of Time (Gold Black Splatter) – (EU – Ltd. 250)

    Find all pre-orders at: metalblade.com/psycroptic

    In celebration of the record’s release, PSYCROPTIC will host a special Reddit AMA on Friday, July 17th at 6:00pm PT / 9:00pm ET at THIS LOCATION. Don’t miss it!

    The Pulse Of Annihilation Track Listing:
    01. Ashes of a New Dawn
    02. Gathering a Venomous Herd
    03. A Sword of Me
    04. No Time for the Weak
    05. Our Pillars Fall
    06. Annihilation Pulse
    07. No Blade of Grass
    08. To Embrace This Curse
    09. Forging the Crown

    PSYCROPTIC will join labelmates Rivers Of Nihil for a short run of Australian dates with support provided by Growth and Slaughtercult. From there, PSYCROPTIC will unite with The Zenith Passage (also on Metal Blade) for four shows in Japan. See all confirmed dates below and stay tuned for additional live dates to be announced in the weeks to come.

    PSYCROPTIC w/ Rivers Of Nihil, Growth, Slaughtercult:
    8/13/2026 Magnet House – Perth, AU
    8/14/2026 Lion Arts – Adelaide, AU
    8/15/2026 Max Watts – Melbourne, AU
    8/21/2026 Manning Bar – Sydney, AU
    8/22/2026 Necrosonic Festival – Brisbane, AU

    w/ The Zenith Passage:
    8/24/2026 Socore Factory – Osaka, JP
    8/25/2026 3Star Imaike – Nagoya, JP
    8/26/2026 Space Odd – Tokyo, JP
    8/27/2026 Space Odd – Tokyo, JP

    For over two decades, PSYCROPTIC has operated at the vanguard of technical death metal, defined by instrumental precision, structural intelligence and an uncompromising creative ethic. From their Tasmanian origins to commanding stages worldwide, the band have built a reputation on rhythmic complexity, exacting musicianship, and a refusal to plateau.

    At the core of this next phase is guitarist and principal songwriter Joe Haley. Over time, Haley’s compositional voice has evolved from pure technical density into something more architecturally deliberate. On The Pulse Of Annihilation, riff construction feels sharper, transitions more fluid, and thematic motifs more intentional. Haley’s writing demonstrates a seasoned understanding of pacing-knowing when to constrict, when to expand, and how to weaponize silence and space within otherwise relentless arrangements. Experience has not diminished intensity; it has refined its delivery.

    The record features the dual-vocal assault of Jason Peppiatt and Jason Keyser (Origin), a partnership that debuted on PSYCROPTIC‘s previous full-length, Divine Council. Peppiatt’s commanding growl intertwines with Keyser’s razor-edged articulation, creating a dynamic vocal interplay that adds dimension and contrast to the band’s dense instrumentation. This twofold approach heightens the record’s impact, featuring layered, confrontational elements that remain tightly synced with the band’s intricate foundation.

    …an outstanding addition to their legacy, one that both exemplifies and builds on their musical talent without ever losing what makes them a unique band in the local and international scene.” – Wall Of Sound

    …exactly what a veteran band should sound like: confident, focused and inspired. Rather than chasing trends or attempting a dramatic reinvention, PSYCROPTIC double down on their greatest strengths -world-class riff writing, elite musicianship, and impeccable songwriting. The result is an album that stands comfortably alongside the finest releases in their catalogue and may ultimately be remembered as one of the defining technical death metal records of 2026.” – Metal-Roos

    …these Tasmanian juggernauts have delivered something special on The Pulse Of Annihilation. That pulse grows faster every day, never knowing when the tipping point will inevitably come and the annihilation of the world we know, and love, mostly, will begin our abrupt and bloody end. The world is facing its toughest battle yet. The survival of humanity rests upon the shoulders of the very people who want to see us annihilated. We are the pulse. They are annihilation. This album kicks ass.” – Crannk

    Where sheer density once dominated, a clearer structural approach now prevails: riffs land with greater precision, and transitions flow more organically. Even amidst the complexity, there is room for dynamics and deliberate moments of calm. This controlled approach sacrifices none of the music’s intensity; instead, it makes it more impactful.” – Deaf Forever

    The Pulse Of Annihilation demonstrates that brutality and technical sophistication can be a blast. Lean, hard-hitting tracks like ‘Ashes Of A New Dawn,’ ‘Gathering Of A Venomous Herd,’ ‘No Blade Of Grass,’ and ‘To Embrace This Curse’ combine blistering precision with genuine impact.” – Metal Hammer (DE)

    …beyond their resilience and staying power, PSYCROPTIC has come to realize that speed isn’t always about tempo, nor technicality solely about riff writing… Pacing and timing are as crucial to the band as their awareness of when to pull back or push forward. They carefully choose bass frequencies to enhance or diminish impact and utilize space to build tension in songs designed to intensify and overwhelm. While a steady, relentless percussion anchors the sound, dual vocals, guttural and sharp, add nuanced interplay that reflect the undulating moods created through perception and grace. During moments without blast beats, guitar riffs feature well-placed notes that feel natural rather than shoehorned in.” – Asphyxium

    …like a ball of steel rubber bands that if you agitate, it will explode. Long time fans will not be disappointed with the high level of energy and aggression on the album, and their musicianship might win them over some new fans also.” – Metal Temple

    An album of intricate, complex, and, above all, exciting guitar riffing.” – Metal Addicts

    …how brutally heavy music should sound.” – Devolution Magazine

    Fingers and limbs fly at high speed as if with accelerated insectile minds of their own, discharging demented and diabolical flurries of sound accentuated by rapidly pulsating thrusts and knee-capping beats.What a riff-packed thrill-ride this is, but that will come as no surprise to the band’s fiendish fans. It’s also infectious despite its brain-scrambling effects, but that’s no surprise either, is it?” – No Clean Singing on ‘Gathering A Venomous Herd’

    PSYCROPTIC:
    David Haley – drums
    Joe Haley – guitars
    Todd Stern – bass
    Jason Peppiatt – vocals
    Jason Keyser – vocals

    https://www.psycroptic.com
    https://www.facebook.com/psycroptic
    https://www.instagram.com/psycroptic_official
    https://www.nightshiftmerch.com/collections/psycroptic
    https://www.impericon.com/collections/psycroptic

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  • Rock Bands Accused Of Satanism + The Shows That Got Canceled

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  • 60 Years Ago: Cream Forms, A Supergroup Is Born

    Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce joined forces to create one of the most influential British blues rock bands of its time. Here's how it happened. Continue reading…
  • Queens Of The Stone Age – Release New Song ‘East Street’

    US stoner rock band Queens Of The Stone Age have released a video for their new song “Easy Street”. It’s their first single in three years and you can check it out below. The song features vocals from country singer/songwriter Nikki Lane.
    Read more…
  • Bloodstock Bound: Descendancy

    Bloodstock Bound: Descendancy

    As Bloodstock gets closer, we delve deep into the line up to find out more about some of the bands playing the New Blood and EMP stages at this years event.

    Today we chat with Descendancy

    Hi, I’m Lewis, I play rhythm guitar and do vocals.
    I’m Jack, I play bass, shout down a microphone and drive these idiots around.
    I’m Harry, I hit things, sometimes at the right time.
    Hi, I’m Marcus and I play lead guitar and drink copious amounts of monster.

    If you grew up listening to metal from 2004-2012 then you will feel right at home with Descendancy. Riffs, chugs, shredding and vocals that range from the pits of Hell to the pearly gates and everything in between!

    We won M2TM in Sheffield and had 200+ metal heads in attendance for what was one of our most chaotic shows to date. What a rush!

    We have done M2TM for the past five years [since the world reopened!] and have made Sheffield our home away from home since 2021. Each year the competition gets stiffer and stronger however this year, in what was possibly our toughest year yet, we managed to secure the win.

    Being on a festival with bands that we have grown up listening to is one thing, but also being able to share it with other bands in the scene that we have shared a stage with makes Bloodstock feel incredibly wholesome and like one big family.

    Descendancy shows are chaos, we are always running around on stage…not you Harry, get back behind the kit! We love to get our fans and the crowd involved with sing alongs, mosh pits and communal head banging! We can’t wait to bring our HATRED HEADBANG segment to our new friends at Bloodstock! Expect high energy riffage, shredding solos and huge sing along anthemic choruses!

    Saturday

    Bleed From Within, Death Angel, Saxon, Judas Priest, Orbit Culture, Nevermore and our good friends ATARKA on Friday’s New Blood Stage!

    We are currently working on writing our next EP. Once we have Bloodstock out of the way we also have a few select dates this year towards the last quarter of 2026 including one of our favourite places to play, Sheffield Corporation on Saturday the 24th October. We are now working with Mosaic Music so anyone reading this and wanting to book us, contact Conall and lets make a show happen!

    I believe we are in artist camping but if there’s a party we will hunt it down and guzzle some beers with whoever we can find! Harry says he can’t wait to get leathered with our friends new and old! Midgard might be the place you find us stumbling at 3am…

    We really like to drink Monster, Carling and Newcastle Brown, hopefully we have enough with six crates of each! Stowford Press will be a great thirst quencher whilst we are on stage too! Jack loves a good cider!

    See YOU at the New Blood stage on SATURDAY

    For all the latest newsreviewsinterviews across the heavy metal spectrum follow THE RAZORS’S EDGE on facebooktwitter and instagram.

    The post Bloodstock Bound: Descendancy appeared first on The Razor's Edge.

  • Bloodstock Bound: Meet Your Maker

    Bloodstock Bound: Meet Your Maker

    As Bloodstock gets closer, we delve deep into the line up to find out more about some of the bands playing the New Blood and EMP stages at this years event.

    Today we chat with Meet Your Maker

    Hey! I’m Matt McKay, vocalist for MEET YOUR MAKER. We have guitarist Dylan Myhill, bassist Dave Boyle, and drummer Pete Cornell.

    Our debut album, released last year, would be described as Metalcore, but we’re moving in a slightly different direction for our next record as we venture into the realm of ‘Nu-Metalcore’. We all have different tastes in music, from melodic hardcore and beatdown to Djent, so we’re finding common ground in the Nu Metal and Metalcore crossover. If we had to pin down our influences, I’d say we’re FFO: Alpha Wolf, Thrown, Wage War, Gideon.

    We won the Coventry regional M2TM. The competition was really tough, particularly going up against a band called Thaumblast who were wizard metal. They were very fun and entertaining. We got through to the Semi and Grand Final both times by Wildcard, and ultimately won the hearts of the judges.

    For us it’s an incredible opportunity to share our message of hope and what we stand for as a band. We’ve lost too many friends to suicide over the years, so to be able to speak positively into the lives of thousands of people… Who knows, maybe what we say resonates with just one person and saves one soul. That’s the biggest win in this whole thing.

    We come out swinging, so don’t expect to stand around! We’re a band with a positive message, but our music is aggressive and energetic. Stretch well before our set, it’s gonna be a workout!

    We have the honour and privilege of opening the NewBlood Stage on Friday 7th August.

    Graphic Nature is non-negotiable, as is Northlane. Bleed From Within, Dream State, Stampin’ Ground, and of course Lamb Of God.

    We have a bunch of other festivals lined up this year, including The Sanctum (B’ham) + Amplified (Sheffield). Album #2 is well underway, and one of our main goals is to get over to the States to play to our American fanbase.

    Dylan and Dave will be hanging around for the weekend for sure – make sure to say hi if you see them!

    WHITE MONSTER ALL DAY. “Can you taaaaaake meeee hiiiiigher!”

    Prepare to mosh!

    For all the latest newsreviewsinterviews across the heavy metal spectrum follow THE RAZORS’S EDGE on facebooktwitter and instagram.

    The post Bloodstock Bound: Meet Your Maker appeared first on The Razor's Edge.

  • Lily Allen Downsizes US Tour Venues

    This spring, Lily Allen brought her tour supporting West End Girl, her recent concept album about the breakdown of her marriage, to theaters across America. She was set to bring the show stateside again in September, this time in arenas. That plan has since been adjusted.

    The post Lily Allen Downsizes US Tour Venues appeared first on Stereogum.