Violet Breed has released “Sing,” the project’s fifth single. The band is a collaboration between Brian Wheat, founder and bassist of the multi-platinum rock band Tesla, and Alex Gonzato, an emerging U.K. singer-songwriter. Wheat handled production and engineering on the track, which he and Gonzato co-wrote. The prior four singles — “Awake,” “10 Years Sober,” “Endless Days” and “Stay Away” — have accumulated more than 960,000 combined music video views.
“Sing” is described as a rock anthem built around a chant-like hook, an anthemic chorus layered in melodic vocal harmonies, gritty guitars and thunderous drums. Lyrically, the song is about using your voice as a rallying cry — speaking up for yourself and others as an act of defiance against the restrictions of everyday life. Wheat and Gonzato have spent five years developing material for a debut album that draws from their own life experiences. Shared musical touchstones include The Beatles, Paul McCartney, Queen and My Chemical Romance.
Wheat has spent more than four decades in the music industry as the founder and bassist of Tesla, managing the band alongside his own recording work with side projects including Soul Motor and now Violet Breed. He is also the author of the autobiography Son of a Milkman.
Avatar has announced the “Don’t Go In The Forest ’26” European headline tour — 23 dates running from November 20 through December 19, 2026, with Danish death metal band Neckbreakker in support on all dates. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, May 26 at 10 a.m. local time here. The tour follows a summer that sees the Swedish theatrical metal band supporting Metallica on their global run and playing major European festival stages before heading to Australia.
Vocalist Johannes Eckerström said: “A Europe in November. A Europe in December. Cold, wet and dark. We all know what it’s like, and we know exactly what you’ll need. The first European leg made us feel very lucky to be doing this. This time around, we will do everything within our power to make you feel lucky to participate. We live by but one ethos: Better than ever. I really want to see you, and you really don’t want to miss this.”
Avatar released its tenth studio album, Don’t Go In The Forest, in October 2025 via Black Waltz Records. The follow-up to 2023’s Dance Devil Dance was produced by Jay Ruston, who has previously worked with Anthrax, Steel Panther and Uriah Heep, among others. Ruston first worked with Avatar mixing Hail the Apocalypse and has since produced Avatar Country and Hunter Gatherer. Dance Devil Dance featured a guest appearance by Lzzy Hale of Halestorm on “Violence No Matter What” and included the single “The Dirt I’m Buried In,” which reached No. 1 on Billboard‘s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart.
Eckerström founded Avatar in Gothenburg, Sweden in 2001, and the band’s lineup has remained largely unchanged since — save for guitarist Tim Öhrström, who joined roughly a decade later. The current lineup is Eckerström (vocals), Jonas Jarlsby (guitar), Öhrström (guitar), Henrik Sandelin (bass) and John Alfredsson (drums).
“Don’t Go In The Forest ’26” European tour dates with Neckbreakker:
Nov. 20 — Wolverhampton, England — KK’s Steelmill
Nov. 21 — Southampton, England — O2 Guildhall
Nov. 22 — Cardiff, Wales — Depot
Nov. 24 — Dublin, Ireland — National Stadium
Nov. 25 — Belfast, Northern Ireland — Limelight
Nov. 27 — Norwich, England — UEA
Nov. 28 — Newcastle, England — Northumbria University
Nov. 29 — Edinburgh, Scotland — Corn Exchange
Dec. 1 — Amsterdam, Netherlands — Gashouder
Dec. 3 — Oberhausen, Germany — Turbinenhalle
Dec. 5 — Budapest, Hungary — Barba Negra Red
Dec. 6 — Prague, Czechia — Sasazu
Dec. 8 — Innsbruck, Austria — Musichall
Dec. 9 — Linz, Austria — Posthof
Dec. 10 — Ulm, Germany — Roxy
Dec. 11 — Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg — Rockhal
Dec. 12 — Zürich, Switzerland — Komplex
Dec. 13 — Frankfurt, Germany — Zoom
Dec. 15 — Padova, Italy — Hall
Dec. 16 — Ljubljana, Slovenia — Cvetlicarna
Dec. 17 — Zagreb, Croatia — Boogaloo
Dec. 18 — Bratislava, Slovakia — Majestic Music Club
Polish black metal outfit Piołun has returned with their second full-length album, “Exolvuntur”, which is out now via Malignant Voices. Listen to the album: On “Exolvuntur”, Piołun remains deeply inspired by the Scandinavian and Polish black metal scenes of the 90s, while incorporating a refined, contemporary edge. It follows the band’s 2022 debut, “Rzeki Goryczy”. “Stylistically, it is […]
It’s been six years since Rogga Johansson’s Megascavenger released their last album, the acclaimed Songs In The Key Of Madness – but then the relentlessly creative explorer of the realms of death metal has been more than busy in the interim, releasing albums with Ribspreader, Revolting, Putrevore, Paganizer, Grisly, Furnace and Eye Of Purgatory, to name just a fraction of […]
(Andy Synn, who spent the whole weekend at MDF, still found time to handle today’s premiere) In my opinion, the job of an article like this – one that’s simultaneously both a premiere and a review (you might even call it a preview) – is not so much to tell you what to think as […]
Portland, Oregon progressive metal outfit Psyclops just released their newest album, "Bound to Burn: Melody of the Martyr," on May 22nd, 2026. Forming in 2015, the band follows their 2020 album, "Amalgam". Psyclops is made up of members Alex Flatt (drums and synth), Brandon Peterson (bass), Ian Burnett (guitar), and Guerd Alberts (guitar).
"Bound to Burn" is also a cross-media collaboration with local comic artists Ben House and Morgan Hickman, who created the stylized artwork for the band's accompanying graphic novel that goes further in visual and storytelling elements.
The first track, "The Explorer-Errant" starts with a powerful atmosphere as distant wind and footsteps soon build into thumping bass, ambient clean guitar, and gentle drums that create a sound that reminds me of a dystopian, western desert. Singing vocals soon join the fray as orchestral strings add more melody and an epic vibe to the song. Unexpectedly, the band launches into slamming riffage and heavy vocals that alternate from ferocious lows to goblin-like high screams.
Next up is "Consequences I: The Instinct to Survive" which starts seamlessly from the previous track, showing how much thought was put into the songs to blend perfectly into the next. This track starts with a much more aggressive note as drum blast beats and galloping guitar riffs are matched by explosive screams as distant guitar leads fill the background of the soundscape. If the last song was prog metal, "Consequences" takes on a form that is more reminiscent of modern death metal while still keeping the technical, atmospheric touch that was built in the first song.
Next is "Consequences II: Warning from the Wise" which begins with a woman speaking over radio comms, giving orders to characters from the book while growing angrier at mistakes made by other people. The track acts as an interlude that builds into "Consequences III" as the song bursts into wildly fast double bass drum and technical death metal sweep picking that builds a sci-fi sound that shows the band's instrumental prowess. Psyclops picks things up with some of the heaviest pacing of the album before slowing things down with robotic, vocoder vocals being complemented by energetic guitar runs.
"Presence From Beyond" slows things down from the last track with an atmospheric vibe that reminds me of space jazz? Pretty interesting. Gentle panning synths create an extraterrestrial sound as reverbed guitar and haunting vocals add to the sound. At just under 4 minutes, "Presence From Beyond" is the longest song of the album, but it does a great job of staying dynamic throughout as instruments and layered vocals are added and taken away to create a sense of growing contrast while staying consistent with the spacey sound.
Introduced next is "Clarity" which continues the interplanetary sound as a quick traveling arpeggiated synth melody climbs up and down while distorted guitar riffs and clean vocals work together to create a balance of melody and heaviness. By the end of "Clarity" thing, pick up with double bass drumming and more intense guitar, which perfectly leads into "Indomitable I: Depths of Dissent" which brings back the more intense, death metal side of the band. Vocals swap between low growls and dark singing while visceral instrumentals and grooving drum beats keep the rhythm going.
"Indomitable II: Binding Purpose" starts with a deep synth bass before introducing ambient progressive guitar and drums, while pop-esque vocal melodies create a catchy but technical sound. The short interlude leads seamlessly into the next song, "Indomitable III: The Fight That Lies Before" as guitar melodies are continued before introducing crowd chatter. Bright vocal melodies are placed over top of energetic guitar strumming, while the song grows more cinematic as double bass drumming and even horns are brought in. A soaring guitar solo as distorted chugging takes the background, leading into a breakdown with brutal vocals to end the track.
"Manifest I: Seeing is Believing" begins with left-panned guitar before dramatic drum fills with intentional silences soon burst into full-speed metal action as grandiose guitar leads slash through the mix in a way that reminded me of power metal. Layered vocal chants continue an epic sound that feels sludgy and cinematic, similarly to the previous track.
"Manifest II: Warranted Transgression" begins with isolated drums and a clicking percussive instrument that sounds like it could be a castanet. Soon lead guitar is brought in alongside multiple vocal harmonies that alternate between ears creating a hectic yet melodic sound. The chanting is brought back alongside distorted, dark guitar riffs, creating an ominous and intense sound to fade out the song as vocals grow heavier. "Manifest III: The Ouroboros Chorus" uses eccentric vocals that give me a circus-like vibe as orchestral and epic instrumentals are continued, creating a huge, theatrical sound. Progressive guitar leads follow the other instruments, building with technical elements upon the rest of the soundscape.
The final song, "Begin Anew" introduces itself with dark singing and a piano composition that soon grows in theatrics to match the grandiosity of the previous songs. Choir and chanted vocals are used alongside distorted talking samples to build a masasive sound before Psyclops launches into death metal once more as slamming drum grooves, fierce vocals, and crushing guitar riffs create an equally symphonic and intense sound.
Overall, "Bound To Burn" is an impressive album from Psyclops, melding influences from progressive metal, death metal, symphonic metal, and more in a sound that is at different times, eclectic, cinematic, technically impressive, and wildly heavy. You can stream Psyclops newest album available on all streaming platforms now!
Rivers Cuomo just provided fans with a treasure trove of fascinating musical scraps. Under the banner of “randum cuverz,” the Weezer frontman uploaded 15 solo acoustic covers to YouTube. They sound like Voice Memos, though some of them are old enough to predate smartphones. Some are only a few seconds. But on the whole, they’re…
The journey of this single begins with an energetic rhythm that builds anticipation for the verse. As the song evolves, it introduces a beat that encourages head-bobbing. The female vocals add quality, enhanced by the choice of singing in Russian. This linguistic choice elevates the song’s charm and distinctiveness. The rhythm showcases influences reminiscent of Red Hot Chili Peppers, yet this band leans heavily towards alternative rock, distinguishing itself from the California-based group.
The verse features a dystopian quality in the melody’s progression, adding depth to the musical narrative. This complexity invites listeners to engage physically and mentally with the track. When the chorus hits, it expands beautifully, propelled by dynamic guitars and a driving drum set that emphasizes the cymbals. The energy created by these elements feels electric, perfectly balancing intensity and melody.
The composition captures the essence of 1990s music while bringing a modern twist. This blend creates a refreshing sound that resonates with nostalgia yet feels current and relevant. The listener is not just caught up in the energetic rhythm; there’s a reflective aspect that prompts thought and contemplation. The track speaks to the mind and the body, allowing for a multifaceted musical experience.
Даже – Sound and Atmosphere
This band demonstrates a strong chemistry among its members, which translates into powerful emotional delivery through their music. Each element of the song works cohesively to evoke feelings of excitement and introspection. The synergy in their performance allows them to craft a sound that is energetic and emotionally resonant, achieving a balance that many artists strive for but few accomplish.
The layering of the instruments adds a rich texture to the song. The guitars offer a robust foundation, while the drums keep the momentum going, making it impossible to resist moving along with the beat. The female vocals soar above the instruments, lending an ethereal quality that complements the music’s energetic undercurrents.
The song’s structure is well-paced, allowing space for reflection and celebration. This duality creates a unique listening experience, where one can appreciate the craftsmanship while also engaging physically with the music. It is the kind of track that invites repeated listens, as each play reveals new nuances.
Даже – Performance and Production
The production enhances the listening experience without overshadowing the artistry. Each instrument has its own space in the mix, allowing listeners to appreciate the intricacies of the arrangement. The clarity in sound ensures that all elements contribute to a harmonious whole.
This single is a cool discovery, showcasing a band that possesses a strong artistic vision. Their ability to channel emotions effectively through their music is commendable. The way they blend elements of past and present creates a fresh sound that invites exploration. This is not just a track for passive listening; it’s one that engages the mind and body in equal measure, making it a substantial addition to any music lover’s playlist.
Multinational melodic hard rock trio Rising Alma have announced the upcoming release of their brand-new five-track EP, Your Own Story, scheduled to drop independently on 24th July 2026. The conceptual record serves as a highly focused follow-up to the band’s acclaimed 2025 studio album, Cracking The Moment. Formed in 2021 and currently operating out of … Continue reading Rising Alma announce upcoming new EP ‘Your Own Story’
The album opens with the intense intro “Prayer.” This piece begins with a beautiful piano loop. The vocals softly introduce listeners to the song, which serves as an short opening to the album. It seamlessly leads into “False Alarms,” a continuation that builds on the first track’s atmosphere. This song presents vibes reminiscent of the 1980s, featuring an engaging melody accompanied by a nostalgic and intense rhythm.
Following this, “Black Honey” emerges as a track imbued with dystopian undertones. It showcases Brian Connolly’s compositional skills. He serves as the primary architect of this musical project. The bassline is particularly impressive, alternating between a rhythmic pulse in the verses and a more ethereal quality in the chorus.
Another notable track is “Turn the Car Around.” It evokes the feeling of a long drive, one of those moments when solitude lets you reflect on your thoughts. The music serves as an ideal backdrop for personal introspection.
Not How You Color – Sound and Atmosphere
“Everlasting Company” starts with a remarkable drum groove that beats in sync with your heart. The atmospheres in this song feel somewhat twilight-like, invoking dreamlike imagery. There is a melodic line here that resonates with influences from U2, yet the overall style is distinctive. The track beautifully fuses emotion and technical skill.
The energy ramps up with “Real Impersonations.” This song illustrates the artist’s creative vision. It features compelling syncopation, combined with 1980s flair that is evident in the choice of sounds. This makes for a visionary and intense musical experience.
The album concludes with “Better Day,” a mysterious track that bears some influence from Radiohead. Here, minimalism prevails; a delicate balance of piano and vocals guides the piece. Another instrument is introduced now and then, but it remains minimalist throughout. This culminates in a gentle and sublime listening experience.
Not How You Color – Performance and Production
One of the album’s greatest strengths lies in its production and the immersive atmosphere it creates from beginning to end. The sound feels carefully sculpted to evoke emotion rather than simply showcase technical ability.
Every instrument occupies its own space within the mix, allowing the songs to breathe naturally while maintaining a cohesive sonic identity. There is a warm analog quality throughout the record that gives the music a timeless character, particularly in the use of reverberated guitars, spacious synth textures, and subtle layering techniques.
The production often balances intimacy with cinematic scope. At times, the listener feels as though they are inside a private moment, hearing fragile vocals and minimalist arrangements unfold in near silence.
In other moments, the sound expands dramatically, surrounding the listener with dense atmospheres and emotionally charged textures. This constant movement between restraint and intensity gives the album a dynamic emotional flow.
By the time the album reaches its final moments, Not How You Color leaves behind a lingering sense of reflection, proving that its true strength lies not only in its melodies, but in the emotional world it quietly builds around the listener.
If you love this music: 