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Acclaimed vocalist RUSSELL ALLEN, best known as the powerhouse frontman of progressive metal legends Symphony X, has released a deeply personal new ballad titled “Love Her Like I Do (Ava’s Song)” in recognition of Autism Awareness Month. The heartfelt track offers an intimate glimpse into Allen’s experience as a father raising a daughter on the autism spectrum, delivering a moving message of empathy, acceptance, and unconditional love.

“Love Her Like I Do (Ava’s Song)” reflects the emotional journey of watching his daughter grow, navigate social challenges, and find her place in the world. The song blends Allen’s signature vocal intensity with a tender, vulnerable performance, resulting in one of the most personal recordings of his career.

“The song was written over several years navigating the evolution of our daughter’s life on the spectrum,” Allen explains. “Observing her behaviors that most would consider quirky became normal to me and my family. It became increasingly difficult for her to make friends in her life, though we tried several groups and activities for her to explore. Her social anxiety would overwhelm her senses and she would just retreat into her ‘world’ and stim a lot.”

Allen continues, “The heartbreaking moment for me was when she came home from school and asked, ‘Why are the kids playing and having fun but not with me?’ The fact that she was so aware of her situation was both enlightening and difficult for us, because we knew she couldn’t change who she was for acceptance of her peers. But why should she? So the song became my wish, a father’s wish, for my daughter to find a world full of people who would accept her and love her the way we do.”

Released during Autism Awareness Month, the track aims to shine a light on the experiences of families navigating life on the spectrum while encouraging compassion and understanding. Through “Love Her Like I Do (Ava’s Song),” Allen hopes to foster greater awareness and celebrate the beauty of individuality.

“Love Her Like I Do (Ava’s Song)” is available now on all major streaming platforms.

Stream “Love Her Like I Do (Ava’s Song)”: 
Spotify | Apple Music | Youtube

Listeners interested in learning more about autism and how to support individuals and families in their communities are encouraged to explore resources from organizations such as the Autism Society of America and Autism Speaks. These groups provide educational materials, support networks, and guidance on advocacy, inclusion and understanding life on the autism spectrum.

About RUSSELL ALLEN:

Russell Allen is an American heavy metal vocalist celebrated for his powerful voice, commanding stage presence, and exceptional versatility across progressive metal, power metal, and hard rock. Born on July 19, 1971, in Long Beach, California , Allen has earned international recognition as one of the most respected and influential singers in modern metal.

Allen is best known as the longtime frontman of Symphony X, which he joined in 1995. With Allen at the helm, the band achieved global acclaim through landmark albums such as The Divine Wings of Tragedy (1997), V: The New Mythology Suite (2000), The Odyssey (2002), and Paradise Lost (2007). His commanding vocal range and emotive delivery have been central to the band’s signature blend of technical precision and melodic intensity.

Beyond Symphony X, Allen has showcased his versatility through numerous collaborations and side projects. He formed the melodic metal supergroup Allen/Lande alongside Norwegian vocalist Jørn Lande, releasing several critically acclaimed albums that highlighted his ability to balance power with melody. He also fronted the hard rock band Adrenaline Mob, further demonstrating his adaptability across heavier and groove-oriented styles.

In addition to his work in the metal and rock scenes, Allen has captivated audiences worldwide as a vocalist with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO). Known for its elaborate live productions and symphonic rock sound, TSO has provided Allen with a platform to reach millions of fans through extensive arena tours, particularly during the holiday season. His performances with the orchestra showcase not only his vocal power but also his theatrical presence and emotional expressiveness.

Continuing to evolve artistically, Russell Allen is embarking on an exciting new chapter with the launch of a new rock-focused project. This venture marks a return to his hard rock roots, emphasizing powerful melodies, blues-infused vocals, and high-energy songwriting while retaining the intensity and passion that have defined his career.

Allen’s vocal style is often compared to legendary singers such as Ronnie James Dio, characterized by its rich tone, emotional depth, and commanding presence. His lyrics frequently explore themes of mythology, philosophy, and personal struggle, contributing to the epic and narrative-driven nature of his music.

With a career spanning decades, Russell Allen continues to influence the metal and rock communities through his recordings and electrifying live performances. His dedication to his craft and unmistakable voice have solidified his status as one of the premier vocalists in the genre.

Follow RUSSELL ALLEN:
Facebook | X | Instagram | FM Music Management

“End It is talented, intentional, and purely Baltimore hardcore.” – Baltimore Beat “End It continues to be one of hardcore’s most coveted prospects for good reason.” – Knotfest “Short, fast, primitive songs with a vocalist that you can’t turn your eyes or ears away from.” – BrooklynVegan “The greatest moments on Wrong Side are exactly what you’d hope: The anthemic singalongs […]

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Today, AOP Records announces June 26th as the international release date for Duir‘s highly anticipated second album, Catarsi. Duir is an atmospheric folk / black metal band formed in 2013 by MK, aiming to blend personal influences with folk and black metal elements. The band’s moniker comes from the Celtic word for “oak,” a symbol of longevity and wisdom. After […]

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You can hear the featured performance of “Forgotten In Space” from it now.

The post Voivod’s “Symphonique” Live Album With The Quebec Symphony Orchestra Due In June appeared first on Theprp.com.

NOOSED – MISERY EPLABEL: ROAD TO MASOCHISTRELEASE DATE: MAY 15th 2026 There’s no denying that humanity is circling the drain. We live in a world where truth itself has become a mutable concept, where hatred and violence have become accepted means of social interaction. Respect and rational thinking have been cast into the gutter while greed […]

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Nine Inch Nails and recent tourmate Boys Noize have teamed up for a killer remix album to commemorate their Coachella sets

Death metal band CARNATION return sharper, heavier, and more focused than ever. Today, they unveil their new single “Kingdom Of Dreams”, alongside a high-impact video, and announce their fourth full-length album, “Symphony In Flesh”, set for release on October 16th, 2026. “Kingdom Of Dreams” is CARNATION stripped to its essence; razor-sharp riffs, relentless drive, and a suffocating atmosphere. It’s a deliberate return […]

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Philip Sayce has released a new live performance video for “Spanish Castle Magic (Live),” offering a preview of his upcoming album Scorched Earth Vol. 2 LA / London, which arrives May 1, 2026 via Atomic Gemini.

The video was recorded at The Garage in London, England, capturing Sayce and his band in a high-energy setting. The lineup for the performance features Sayce on vocals and guitar, Bryan Head on drums, and Sam Bolle on bass. Known for his explosive playing style and tone, Sayce delivers a fiery rendition of the Spanish Castle Magic classic, originally written by Jimi Hendrix.

“It was a very special night,” Sayce told Blues Rock Review.

The upcoming Scorched Earth Vol. 2 LA / London continues Sayce’s live series, showcasing performances captured across different cities. The London recording highlights the chemistry between the trio, with extended guitar passages and a tight rhythm section driving the performance forward.

The track was mixed by Mark Rains at Station House Studio in Los Angeles and mastered by Brian Lucey at Magic Garden Mastering.

Sayce produced the release himself, continuing his hands-on approach to both the creative and technical aspects of his music. The album is currently available for pre-save ahead of its May 1 release.

“These shows were pure electricity,” says Sayce. “There’s something powerful about capturing a moment when the band, the songs, and the audience are completely locked in. LA and London brought that magic. We lit the fuse, and you can feel it.”

Scorched Earth: Volume 2 Live in LA / London Track Listing:

1. One Foot In The Grave (3:19)
2. Once (3:35)
3. Bitter Monday (5:52)
4. Peace Machine (9:30)
5. Lady Love Divine (3:56)
6. 5:55 (1:53)
7. Morning Star (5:07)
8. Spanish Castle Magic (5:07)

Philip Sayce – May/June 2026 UK Tour Dates

May 19 – Bristol, UK – The Fleece
May 20 – Nottingham, UK – Rescue Rooms
May 22 – Holmfirth, UK – Picturedrome (Special guests: Chantel McGregor and Tom Moriarty)
May 23 – Glasgow, UK – St Lukes
May 24 – Newcastle upon Tyne, UK – Anarchy Brew
May 27 – Basingstoke, UK – Haymarket
May 28 – Bury St Edmunds, UK – The Apex
May 30 – Chester, UK – The Live Rooms
May 31 – Cardiff, UK – The Globe
June 3 – London, UK – Islington Assembly Hall

The post Philip Sayce pays tribute to Hendrix with “Spanish Castle Magic” appeared first on Blues Rock Review.

It’s a hit. That’s my first takeaway from “drop dead.” There’s a lot to say about the lead single from Olivia Rodrigo’s third LP, but first and foremost it does what a lead single is supposed to do, drilling itself into your brain immediately. After one listen this morning, the chorus was playing in my head on loop.

The post “drop dead”: Gorgeous appeared first on Stereogum.

Melbourne’s premier purveyors of crust-infused death metal, Küntsquäd, are back with the release of their shocking new music video, “Piss and Purge.” The track is taken from their critically acclaimed album Satan’s Cock, out now via Wormholedeath. Piss and Purge is a song … challenging the ideology around the normalisation of humanity’s excesses and its obsessions […]

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