Blog

Holding Absence are celebrating the release of new album ‘Modern Life Is Lonely’, and its final single has a little bit of everything we love about their band.

Titled ‘Heaven’, it’s another fantastic example of how Holding Absence have grown with their latest era, whilst still retaining all the charm and pure emotion that first made the scene fall in love with them. Complete with another epic chorus that’s bound to feel utterly euphoric when it’s belted out at their live shows, it’s looking like this next chapter could be one of their brightest.

Vocalist Lucas Woodland had this to say about the latest single:

“For our fourth and final single from MLIL, we’re ecstatic to release our song ‘Heaven’! This one feels like a classic HA song, with a heart-wrenching message and an epic chorus, but of course, repackaged into our newer style. The verses lean heavily into dainty electronic styles, before we throw the mid-section back to an OG Holding Absence shoegaze breakdown. The video itself is the final instalment of our Y4 narrative, where we get to see our friend touchdown on earth and experience nature and music for the first time.”

‘Modern Life Is Lonely’ will out now via Sumerian Records.

Holding Absence will be hitting the road as support for Enter Shikari later this year alongside The Callous Daoboys.

Here are all of the dates:

NOVEMBER

03 – HAMBURG Sporthalle
04 – MUNICH Zenith
05 – LEIPZIG Haus Auensee
06 – DUSSELDORF Mitsubishi Electric Hall
07 – BERLIN Columbiahalle
10 – BRUSSELS Forest National
11 – TILBURG 013
13 – NOTTINGHAM Motorpoint Arena
14 – CARDIFF Utilita Arena
15 – HULL Connexin Live
18 – GLASGOW OVO Hydro
19 – MANCHESTER Co-op Live
20 – LONDON Alexandra Palace
21 – LONDON Alexandra Palace

The post Holding Absence Unleash Emotional New Track ‘Heaven’ appeared first on Rock Sound.

Death metal representatives Master are streaming a brand new track, “Among The Seeds Of Death”, as part of their upcoming full-length effort Among The Seeds Of Death.
Read more…

Sun Echo’s First Sign of Morning is a gentle piece of ambient composition that feels less like a song and more like a landscape slowly coming into focus. It begins with the subtle presence of the outdoors, allowing the sounds of crickets, birds and flowing water to sit naturally beneath the music. From there, strings, flute and celeste gradually enter, each new layer adding another shade without disturbing the track’s delicate balance. Rob McAllister approaches the piece with a cinematic ear, but there is nothing overly grand about it. The arrangement remains patient, spacious and deeply connected to its organic starting point. As the darkness gives way to the first suggestion of daylight, the music quietly grows around it, creating a small but vivid sense of awakening. First Sign of Morning is ambient music with a pulse that comes from nature itself.

When the world wakes, the music follows.

Connect:

Instagram

After recent signing with Scarlet Records, Germans Eternity’s End have now revealed details and first single in what will be their fourth studio record. Entitled Titanblood, it will land in stores on November 6th, 2026
Read more…

Stoke-on-Trent doom mongers Mushroom Beard are ready to unleash their debut album on an unsuspecting public. Their monster riffs and groove-based noise are a revelation. I knew they would be something special as they hail from the all-powerful Pail Wizard camp.

Mushroom Beard – Mushroom Beard

Release Date: 30 October 2026

Words: Kenny Kendrick

The album is a concept album taking us on a journey laced with mystical beings, cosmic layers and full-on psychedelia. I get glimpses of Mastodon, Sabbath, Cathedral and COC. I fully immersed myself in the experience of Mushroom Beard, headphones on, candles lit, and incense burning. The album is a trip without actually ingesting the shrooms. I found myself transported to another plane. Absolutely glorious. 

The band were formed by three members of Quiet The Thief, and they set out to make heavier sounds. We get six tracks of world class doom that needs to be heard.

The album opens with the epic March Of The Shroom Elephant, and I feel like I am transported to another realm of consciousness. The spoken word intro gives way to a gargantuan riff of Iomminess. The production is perfect. You FEEL everything. Wondrous.

Elden Beard begins with a gut-wrenching bass riff and melancholy chords before we are lifted to a melodic state of heaviness. The track clocks in at a colossal ten minutes and 34 seconds, but it feels like the track is still over too quickly.

Bringer utilises some Hammond organ to spectacular effect. Mushroom Beard feels like a band that has been around for a long time. They have found their niche and should now stick to it like glue. Guitarist/vocalist Stig Chell plays an absolute blinder throughout the six tracks of the album. His playing is top class, and his vocal style fits perfectly. 

Speech Of The Leaf And Beard features a guest appearance by Dan Flitcroft from Sergeant Thunderhoof, one of my favourite bands. His vocals are a welcome addition to the sound of Mushroom Beard. The track chugs along nicely. Drummer Norbert Hussey plays wonderfully throughout the album. He accents the riffs beautifully.

Fungal Haze is my favourite track on the album. I feel like I am floating on a giant mushroom in a rainforest. I am not joking! The ethereal feelings I get from Mushroom Beard are otherworldly.

Trust me, when you listen in the right setting, you will see what I mean. The beautiful album artwork by Vic Silverchild is amazing. It fits the music perfectly. 

The album closes with the instrumental Khala – Shai, which is another epically long track. More superb bass work from Gareth Harding helps build the track to a huge, crushing riff from Chell. Layer after layer of awesome sounds drift through my headphones before the track floats away.

Mushroom Beard have accomplished something special here. Do not take my word for it. Go and find your new favourite band.

I know it is mushroom season at the moment, but if you cannot get your hands on any, the Mushroom Beard album is a damn good substitute.

Mushroom Beard is released on 30 October 2026. For more details, visit the band at Bandcamp.

The post Mushroom Beard / A Glorious Doom Trip Without The Shrooms first appeared on MetalTalk – Heavy Metal News, Reviews and Interviews.

Posted on September 18th 2026, 10:30am

 

Swedish singer, songwriter, and guitarist Kaj Pousar returns with “Somebody to Love,” an uplifting melodic rock anthem about finding love, embracing change, and stepping into a fresh direction. After years of juggling music alongside a day job, Pousar is officially going all-in on rock ’n’ roll. Following standout singles “Hunger (For Your Touch)” and “Revolution,” this new track marks the next chapter of his upcoming second English-language album.

The release carries a deeply personal weight: during production, Kaj lost his close friend and producer, Samuel Waermö—an internationally acclaimed songwriter whose credits include Bon Jovi and John Farnham. Choosing to honor his legacy by finishing the record, “Somebody to Love” stands as a testament to taking bold chances and cherishing the time we have. Musically, it’s a total powerhouse featuring a sleek, professional arrangement, a insanely catchy chorus, and a breathtaking guitar solo section that elevates the entire track.

Give it a go by clicking on the Spotify player below and follow Kaj Pousar if you like what you hear. 

Home: http://www.kajpousar.se/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kaj-Pousar-Official-287611306446
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kajpousar/

South Arcade have unleashed a brand-new single that’s guaranteed to be stuck in your head for days.

After one of the busiest summers imaginable, the four-piece are showing no signs of slowing down.

Titled ‘F.A.M.O.U.S’, their latest track is a sucker punch of pure Y2K energy, which some lucky fans have already been given the chance to hear live during the band’s recent festival appearances.

Speaking about ‘F.A.M.O.U.S’, the band have said:

“It feels like everyone around you sometimes has an opinion on how you could be ‘bettering’ yourself or what you do. People love to chime in and tell you their negative opinions of you but when you strip it back, it always comes from a place of their insecurity. This song is essentially a big F you to outside fickle opinions. This track is basically saying ‘what have you got to lose’ and go for it – if you’ve got something different or an ‘edge’, make that your strength and leave those types of people behind.”

Take a listen below.

Having recently wrapped up a huge run of US shows as part of the Summer School Tour, South Arcade will be back in the UK for some of their biggest shows to date early next year.

Here’s where you can catch them.

FEBRUARY

7: BELFAST Limelight
8: DUBLIN 3Olympia
10: LEEDS O2 Academy
12: MANCHESTER Academy 1
13: NEWCASTLE NX
14: GLASGOW Barrowlands
16: BIRMINGHAM O2 Academy
18: NOTTINGHAM Rock City
19: NORWICH UEA
21: CARDIFF Great Hall
22: BRISTOL O2 Academy
25: LONDON O2 Brixton

The band are also part of Pop Sound, Vol 1, where they have recorded their iconic cover of Justin Timberlake’s ‘Sexyback’, exclusively for Rock Sound.

You can pick up your copy, alongside a special magazine, at SHOP.ROCKSOUND.TV

The post South Arcade Unleash Irresistibly Infectious Single ‘F.A.M.O.U.S’ appeared first on Rock Sound.

Not only will you win tickets to see Metallica in Kansas City, you'll get to interview them, too! Continue reading…

Not only will you win tickets to see Metallica in Kansas City, you'll get to interview them, too! Continue reading…