It's Black Sabbath Vs. Metallica and Pantera Vs. Slipknot in the Final 4 of the tournament. Continue reading…

Blaze Bayley has been confirmed as a headliner for the Maidenville stage on the Friday night of Iron Maiden‘s Eddfest, taking place at Knebworth Park this summer. The former Maiden vocalist — who fronted the band from 1994 to 1999 — will perform a set drawing exclusively from the two albums he recorded with them: The X Factor and Virtual XI.

Bayley said: “I’m so excited to be invited to headline Friday night at Eddfest, celebrating 50 years of Iron Maiden. I am so proud of my two albums with the band and I’m really looking forward to playing some of the songs that we recorded together. Can’t wait to see you all at the hallowed grounds of Knebworth!”

The Friday night Maidenville stage has been personally curated by Iron Maiden bassist and founder Steve Harris, who co-wrote several of the tracks from that era alongside Bayley. Harris has also invited Gypsy’s Kiss — the band he formed in 1974 with singer and guitarist David Smith, and the very first group he ever played in — to appear on the same stage.

Harris said: “Having the opportunity to put together our very own festival at Knebworth, and celebrate 50 years of Iron Maiden, has given me a chance to bring together friends past and present and create a really special weekend for the fans.

“I’m very pleased that Blaze is able to join us and perform some of the songs we wrote and recorded in the ’90s. He has been a big part of Iron Maiden‘s career, and I know the fans will be really excited to see him on stage at Eddfest.

“It’s also great to have Gypsy’s Kiss playing with us at Knebworth too. They were a big part of my musical heritage, and it’s really exciting to have them play at the Maidenville stage.”

Eddfest is built around Iron Maiden‘s 50th anniversary and promises a fully themed weekend experience at Knebworth, including the Infinite Dreams Museum Experience — a walk-through display of stage props and relics tied to the Sunday Times bestseller Infinite Dreams — plus Eddie’s Dive Bar, an Unfair Funfair with Eddie-themed rides and games, and Eddie’s Extended Emporium. Camping is available for both nights, with Friday afternoon access included for weekend ticket holders.

Iron Maiden manager Rod Smallwood said: “After the monumental shows in the U.K. last year, we knew that if we were going to play the U.K. in 2026, it had to be very different. So we chose Knebworth Park as it gives us the space required — which is just not available in stadiums — to put together something groundbreaking for our fans by creating a ‘Maiden world’ for them.”

“We are excited to reveal the details of this one-off event now to celebrate the band’s 50-year career, which we are now calling Eddfest, because, as everyone knows, Eddie is the true star of the show! We also know Maiden fans are basically a huge gang, and we want to give them a weekend to remember at Knebworth.”

“For the last couple of tours, we have been arranging the Eddie Dive Bars for our fans, both pre- and post-show. Some of these took over the entire centres of towns with thousands of fans gathered there, enjoying the fun, the music, and each other’s company. So Eddfest is going to expand on that concept in a huge variety of ways, to create a truly unmissable ‘Maiden world’ over the whole weekend!”

“There will be a whole host of great music, great beer (of course!), lots of exciting and varied fun things to do, great souvenirs and merch, some unique and fantastic photo opportunities to create unbeatable Maiden memories, and of course, the true camaraderie that comes from being a Maiden fan.”

The post BLAZE BAYLEY Added To IRON MAIDEN’s Eddfest Festival — Will Play Exclusive Set From His Era appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

(written by Islander) Devenial Verdict’s new record could be considered a retrospective on a 20-year career, but also a reimagining of their past. As a reflection of that concept, the name of the record (which is a combination of two EPs) is Old Blood – Fresh Wounds. To explain, here’s this Finnish band’s statement about […]

The post AN NCS PREMIERE: DEVENIAL VERDICT — “RITUALS OF IGNORANCE” appeared first on NO CLEAN SINGING.

Where they from?
Whittier, CA. I awoke this morning to a text from my dad informing me that the Vegas Golden Knights had fired their coach and hired…JOHN TORTARELLA! For those of you who don’t know, Tortarella is a hockey coach full of piss and vinegar who routinely curses out reporters after his team loses. I personally can’t wait to see him implore some poor sap to “FUCK OFF!” after they lose to the Stars at home.

Why the hype?
I was listening to this album while waiting in the TSA line at the Orlando airport (wouldn’t recommend any of that) and decided that I like goregrind, which is weird because I’ve been writing about it for eight years, but this band officially pushed me over into the ‘like’ status. Casket Mush in particular does it rather well, augmenting the vicious gorey blasts with doom-ish dirges and a tin can snare that would sound at home on the newest Sangushoogabooger album. All Blast Worship approved.

Latest Release?
Evocation of Paranoia, self-released. The interesting thing about this album is that there is an actual “vibe” to be had here rather than just the usual feeling of a collection of songs. Everything sounds like it was recorded in a massive, empty cathedral at midnight, and those aforementioned deviations into doom territory or even classical music really help create an overall stomach-churning atmosphere. Once again, Blast Worship approved.

The post Blast Worship: Casket Mush appeared first on Decibel Magazine.

Two summers ago a bunch of the best artists in the underground contributed music to Just Cause Vol. 1, a compilation benefitting the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund. Just Cause Vol. 2 is out today, this time supporting another righteous cause. All proceeds in perpetuity will be directed to the Immigrant Defense Project, an organization devoted…

The post Shallowater, Allegra Krieger, Agriculture’s Leah B. Levinson, & Dozens More Share New Songs On Immigrant Defense Project Benefit <em>Just Cause Vol. 2</em> appeared first on Stereogum.

Japanese death metal mainstays Defiled have announced their ninth studio album, Altered State, arriving June 12, 2026 via Season of Mist.

The post DEFILED Announces New Album Altered State, Streams "Portal" appeared first on Metal Injection.

It’s about time we had some proper Celtic punk on these pages. Vancouver’s legendary kilt-wearing hellraisers, The Real McKenzies, have just resurfaced with a brand new single that’s every bit as mental as the title suggests. “I Wanna Eat Sardines (With Yer Mother)” is our first look at their upcoming full-length record, On Yer Bike, … Continue reading The Real McKenzies serve up “I Wanna Eat Sardines (With Yer Mother)” ahead of new album – video streaming now

Last year, Third Man Records reissued Ted Lucas’ 1975 cult classic self-titled album. It was the only record the late Detroit musician had put out, but it turns out he’d made another. It was called Impossible Love, and now it’s finally being released in a new box set through Jack White’s label. Impossible Love was…

The post Ted Lucas’ Lost 1979 Album <em>Impossible Love</em> Being Released On New Third Man Box Set appeared first on Stereogum.

Chris Oledude – THE CHOICE Review

There’s something immediate about “THE CHOICE ” as Chris Oledude shapes its identity.

THE CHOICE is Chris Oledude ‘s Single Out Now

Chris Oledude THE CHOICE opens with a striking organ sound that recalls 1970s and 80s prog rock. The organ delivers a psychedelic, intense introduction that immediately captures attention.

The background vocals shine with gospel-like energy, adding rich textures and a choir effect. The harmonies often recall the grandeur of a Broadway musical chorus. These layered voices enrich the haunting vocal lead and intensify the experience. Production highlights each instrument clearly, balancing complexity with clarity. Chris Oledude employs a dynamic arrangement that never feels overcrowded. The musical landscape opens and contracts, following the lyrical and emotional climb.

Midway through, subtle ethnic percussion enters, enhancing the track’s global spirit. The fusion of world rhythms with classic prog rock forms a unique sonic blend. Toward the end, a delicate flute emerges, injecting a peaceful, pastoral tone. This bucolic element softens the song’s intensity and nods toward nature’s calm. The flute’s gentle melodies contrast beautifully with earlier robust riffs and textures. The final moments leave the listener thoughtful and immersed in a dreamlike mood.

Vocals range from intimate whispers to soaring declarations, reinforcing the song’s dramatic arcs. The singer’s expressive delivery conveys vulnerability and strength at once. The intricate lyrics complement this vocal dynamism, making for a compelling storytelling experience. Chris Oledude’s songwriting here proves ambitious and evocative. He crafts an immersive journey rather than just a pop song. Listeners may find themselves caught in the music’s cinematic sweep.

Overall, THE CHOICE forms a visionary mosaic of sounds and emotions. It moves fluidly between psychedelia, ethnic influences, gospel energy, and prog rock complexity. The careful attention to instrumental detail and vocal layering creates a vivid, theatrical atmosphere throughout. This single demands focused listening to appreciate its many facets. Fans of expansive, concept-driven music will likely embrace this track. THE CHOICE marks an impressive statement of artistic vision and craft.

THE CHOICE is Chris Oledude ‘s Single Out Now!

---

Visioanry!

---

Explore More Reviews
HERE

---

Chris Oledude is a socially conscious songwriter blending folk, funk, R&B, and rock. Inspired by Pete Seeger and bands like Jethro Tull and Rush, his music focuses on justice, environment, and human choices.

After performing in 1980s New York and years of activism, he returned in 2020 with a renewed vision. His work, including THE CHOICE and PREACHER MAN – VOL. 1, delivers honest storytelling with a message of change.

---

Find Chris Oledude Here:

Spotify
Instagram

---

The post THE CHOICE is Chris Oledude ‘s Single Out Now appeared first on Edgar Allan Poets – Noir Rock Band.

We named knitting a Band To Watch back in 2024, coinciding with the release of their excellent debut full-length Some Kind Of Heaven. Today the Montreal indie rockers have announced its follow-up Souvenir, which they’re teasing with the brooding, lightly grungy lead single “I Want To Remember Everything.” “I Want To Remember Everything” is about growing…

The post knitting Announce New Album <em>Souvenir</em>: Hear “I Want To Remember Everything” appeared first on Stereogum.