When I was in high school, a Marlboro beach towel or jean jacket was the mark of a real scumbag. If one of your friends had something like that, it was proof that they’d saved up their Marlboro Miles — coupons that came with each pack of smokes, which you could cash in for all sorts of scuzzy merch. Camel had something similar with Camel Cash, but Marlboro Reds were the true bad-kid cigarettes. Our society gone downhill since then in all sorts of ways, but at least tobacco companies don’t have such an easy time marketing their wares to children who wanted to broadcast their rebelliousness. (If there’s a vape-cartridge equivalent for Marlboro Miles, I am blissfully unaware of it.)
The Dead Daisies are pleased to welcome Kelly Hansen (ex-Foreigner, ex-Hurricane) as their new full-time vocalist. The Australians also present a brand new song “Lift Me Up”, the first one with the new vocalist, which serves as a first taste of their next studio record. Additionally, The Dead Daisies have also revealed 2027 touring plan in Europe and United States. Read more…
Legendary rock vocalist Graham Bonnet and his own group, the Graham Bonnet Band are thrilled to announce the release of their new studio album, Circuit Breaker, out on March 26, 2027, via Frontiers Music Srl.
For the album’s first single, Graham joins forces with none other than Iron Maiden frontman BruceDickinson on “The Fifth Force Of Nature.”
Graham Bonnet comments: “Having Bruce Dickinson perform a duet with us on this album was a thrill; he is an incredible singer and our voices blend together so beautifully. Truly an experience of a lifetime!”
“It was an honour to sing this terrific song with Graham, truly a vocal legend!” adds BruceDickinson.
Few voices in rock are as instantly recognizable as GrahamBonnet’s. Across a career spanning more than five decades, the legendary vocalist has left his unmistakable mark on some of hard rock’s defining records, from Rainbow’s ‘Down To Earth’ and Michael Schenker Group’s ‘Assault Attack’ to his own ‘Alcatrazz’ and an extensive solo career.
Now, with Circuit Breaker, the Graham Bonnet Band delivers a remarkable new album that both celebrates that extraordinary musical legacy and pushes it firmly into the present.
Graham Bonnet states: “I think people will be surprised by the variety of the new album. There are lots of hidden gems in here and something for everyone.”
Built around Bonnet‘s unmistakable voice and an inspired collection of melodic, powerful hard rock songs, Circuit Breaker finds Graham sounding as distinctive and defiant as ever, backed by the formidable line-up of Beth-Ami Heavenstone on bass, Conrado Pesinato on guitar, ShaneGaalaas on drums and Alessandro Bertoni on keyboards.
Executive produced by Beth-Ami Heavenstone and produced by Conrado Pesinato, the album showcases the band’s musical chemistry and creative vision, delivering a powerful collection of songs that honours Bonnet’s remarkable legacy while looking firmly towards the future. Adding to the album’s impressive musical credentials is an extraordinary cast of special guests.
Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson joins him for the explosive “The Fifth Force Of Nature,” a historic meeting of two of hard rock and heavy metal’s most unmistakable voices. Dickinson also appears alongside Graham in the accompanying music video, making the collaboration an even more unique event.
The album also marks a special reunion with Graham‘s former Rainbow bandmate and longtime friend Roger Glover, bringing the two musicians together for the first time since Rainbow’s landmark 1979 album Down To Earth, which Glover produced. His distinctive bass playing brings an additional dimension to “Wait For The Day To Break,” reconnecting two musicians whose work together helped shape a defining chapter in hard rock history.
Helloween and Gamma Ray icon Kai Hansen also makes a guest appearance on “The Captain,” while another legendary musician contributes to the album, with further details to be revealed at a later date.
There is another fascinating thread connecting Circuit Breaker to one of the landmark albums of Bonnet’s career. Russ Ballard, whose songwriting provided Rainbow and Graham with the immortal “Since You Been Gone” on 1979’s Down To Earth, contributes songs to the new album, reconnecting the two more than four decades later and providing a direct link between an essential chapter of Graham’s past and his music today.
But Circuit Breaker is far more than an exercise in nostalgia. From the immediate punch of “No One Is Talking” and “Feel The Power” to the melodic drive of “Landslide,” the intensity of “Vengeance Is Mine” and the commanding title track, this is an album alive with the combination of melody, muscle and personality that has always set Bonnet apart.
At an age when most artists would be content to celebrate their past, Graham Bonnet continues to add to it; Circuit Breaker is not simply another chapter in the Graham Bonnet story. It is the sound of one of rock’s great voices still moving forward, surrounded by a superb band, exceptional songs, and a few legendary friends.
The album begins with “Graveyard Blues,” creating a unique journey right from its atmospheric opening. This track employs slide guitar and a modern keyboard motif that transports listeners to a parallel dimension. The atmosphere feels open and slightly hypnotic. It is an instrumental piece with avant-garde elements, purposefully designed to introduce the album. The sonic textures invite a meditative state through the use of arpeggiators and slide guitars.
Following this is “Bread & Circus,” another atmospheric piece where the vibes shift towards a darker, more mysterious tone. Here, the music hints at dystopian themes, creating an engaging experience for the audience. The contrast between the previous track and this one sets the stage for a deeper exploration of emotions and ideas.
“Hell In Paradise” opens with pads that evoke the sensation of wind sweeping across deserts. The airy quality resonates throughout the piece, drawing listeners into its ethereal embrace. Occasionally, a subtle female vocal emerges, delivering elongated notes that enchant and hypnotize, reminiscent of the sirens luring Ulysses. This adds a layer of depth and intrigue to the overall atmosphere.
Requiem for “NOVA” – Sound and Atmosphere
The atmospheric journey progresses with “Rest In Music.” This track injects a sense of instability and tension. The music fluctuates, pulling the listener through a series of controlled highs and lows. This contrast keeps the audience engaged and creates an overarching emotional complexity within the album.
Next comes “Dressed Up for the Devil.” This track stands out as a visionary and intense piece. The artist strives to provide not just a musical journey but also an opportunity for reflection. The layering of sounds creates an immersive experience that allows the listener to ponder personal and collective themes.
The album concludes with “Holocausts and Slavery.” This final track serves as a powerful reminder of the past. Through its music, the artist aims to instigate introspection and open consciences. The gravity of the themes explored is profound, showcasing the artist’s dedication to causing listeners to reflect deeply on significant historical events.
Requiem for “NOVA” – Performance and Production
Throughout “Requiem for ‘NOVA’,” Orshina features contributions from notable musicians. Violinist Maianne Tur adds depth, while drummer Roey Brosh establishes rhythmic momentum. The voices of Idit Eshel and Shiran Tzfira enhance the emotional landscape, enriching the overall experience. Together, they bolster the intricate layers of Orshina’s already imaginative approach to composition.
What emerges from this album is a visionary and unique artistic statement. The blend of atmospheric elements and thought-provoking themes ensures that “Requiem for ‘NOVA’” is not just music but an experience. It invites listeners to engage with the material on multiple levels. Each track complements the next, creating a cohesive narrative that transcends mere auditory enjoyment.
This artist’s goal goes beyond entertainment; Orshina seeks to encourage listeners to reflect on their own experiences and the broader human condition. The profound themes embedded in the music speak to universal truths. This kind of introspective artistry is increasingly rare in today’s musical landscape.
“Requiem for ‘NOVA’” is a remarkable work that showcases Orshina’s artistic vision. It challenges listeners and invites them to explore complex emotions. The delicate balance between atmosphere and substance makes this album worthy of attention.
The dreamy Seattle rockers Spiral XP will release their new EP Blue Earth on Friday, and its title track was one of our favorites on the week that it came out. Today, the band shares the blearily pretty new song “Faith Electric,” which stands as another reason to pay attention. Over a huge bass-and-drums groove, the band layers organ sustain, sheets of guitar noise, and echoed-out ba-ba-ba harmonies, giving me flashbacks to late-’90s Yo La Tengo. Here’s what the band says about it:
(written by Islander) The Catalonian band Cerebral Curse made their first mark with a three-song promo of delirious death-doom released last year on the Rotted Life label. Wasting no time, they will follow that promo this year with a debut album titled Abominant Incarnations of Sepulchral Depths, to be co-released on November 13th by Rotted […]
Likuy Meorot (eclipse of the luminaries) Shokeáa (Sinking) Review
The song opens with an intense sound that sets a powerful tone. The guitars explode with energy, making the music significantly more intense. The song plays dynamically, filling and emptying to leave space for the vocals in the verses. In contrast, the choruses swell with a grand, epic feel that enhances the overall interest of the piece.
At around one minute and twenty seconds, there is an impressive change in rhythm. The tempo becomes compelling for a moment before settling into a more measured pace. This switch creates a sense of instability, aligning perfectly with the song’s thematic concerns.
The lyrics, sung in Hebrew, illustrate a person slowly being overwhelmed by a flood. Water seeps in gradually, then rises until the speaker can no longer breathe or see clearly. They find themselves unable to escape the encroaching darkness. By the end of the song, the world seems to fade away as they are pulled into an abyss.
Shokeáa (Sinking) – Sound and Atmosphere
This flood likely serves as a metaphor for feelings of panic, despair, or psychological collapse. It conveys the experience of losing control and the inability to persist. The themes encapsulate both a struggle with literal drowning and the deep psychological turmoil of the speaker. Lines referring to uncertainty about whether it is the world or the speaker trembling reflect a profound inner crisis.
Interestingly, this song is generated using AI technology, yet it feels genuine and heartfelt. The artist has skillfully conveyed their deeper introspective emotions through this piece. It does not carry the artificial quality often associated with AI-generated music.
The genre is hard rock metal, characterized by its raw energy and emotional vulnerability. This genre effectively allows for the expression of chaos and intensity that matches the lyrical content. The instrumentation complements the themes of the song, with heavy guitar riffs and dynamic shifts contributing to the overall narrative.
Shokeáa (Sinking) – Performance and Production
The harsh atmosphere of the music mirrors the suffocating feeling described in the lyrics. The intricate layering of the guitars and drums creates a dense wall of sound that enhances the overwhelming emotions portrayed. Even as the verses provide moments of clarity, the intensity of the chorus returns with force, emphasizing the cyclical nature of struggle depicted in the lyrics.
Despite being born from technology, this tune feels organic and genuine. This authenticity is crucial, as it allows the audience to engage with the music on a personal level. The AI-generated aspect of the piece does not detract from the artist’s ability to express their emotional landscape effectively.
“Shokeáa (Sinking)” by Likuy Meorot (eclipse of the luminaries) is a formidable single that explores themes of inner turmoil and despair. The dynamic shifts and intense instrumentation combine to create an immersive listening experience.
Sixteen years ago, a unique concert concept sparked great enthusiasm among In Extremo fans. Under the title “Tranquilo,” the band presented their songs for the first time in unusually calm, acoustic arrangements, revealing a completely different side of their artistry. The response was overwhelming, and ever since, many fans have been hoping for a continuation… Continue Reading →
Seattle sludge trio Stricken emerge from the underground once again to release their second album, From Dark Dimensions An Unspeakable Presence Awakens, next month. In the lead up, they’ve shared the video for “Dust from the Grave,” a 12-minute slab that takes listeners through Stricken’s sludge-doom-post-blackened sound.
The accompanying video jumps around quite a bit, showing various conspiratorial imagery involving religion, politics, nuclear war and ancient philosophy and alchemy. If you’re looking for something bold in its approach to a familiar genre, then Stricken’s “Dust from the Grave” is a good place to start.
If you dig what you see and hear in the video below, you can score a copy via HPGD.
If you love this music: 