VINDICTA support bands announced for their first Aussie tour. Support the local bands with their discounted access codes. Use the code word SUPPORT at checkout and you will receive a $10 discount.
ADELAIDE – Wednesday 24th June – The Gov For VINDICTA‘s FIRST EVER show, and in the “City Of Churches” no less, we have local Metallers SPECTRAL DOMINION opening proceedings.
These Adelaide based Extreme Metal Monstrosities are well prepared to warm up the masses for the first ever show from VINDICTA. Spectral Dominion – Reality Entwined Faerytales: www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdC7uZA3xlo
MELBOURNE – Thursday 25th June – Max Watts For what is looking like to be a HUGE show, we have direct from New Zealand,local legends BULLETBELT.
These folks just go from strength to strength, with a bunch of shows already booked in Oz, we just had to get them on this show. Bulletbelt – Arminius: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vbCV0eBe9g
SYDNEY – Saturday 27th June – Crowbar One of Sydney’s leading Dark Industrial bands, NOVEAUX never ceases to impress.
We have worked with these guys before, and you will not be disappointed. Get in early to witness one of the best. Noveaux + Sentinel Complex – Clinical Comfort: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uw35XRW-7WA
BRISBANE – Sunday 28th June – Crowbar These dark Gothic Punk Rockers with a twist, TERROR PARADE will blow you away.
Performance-driven and light on distractions, the music video captures exactly what Terror Parade show looks like, intense, direct, and uncompromising.
For fans of industrial rock, shock rock, and alternative metal. Terror Parade – The Exorcist: www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0yF2FtrtvE
Australian Tour Dates:
Wednesday 24th June – ADELAIDE, The Gov
Thursday 25th June – MELBOURNE, Max Watts
Saturday 27th June – SYDNEY, Crowbar
Sunday 28th June – BRISBANE, Crowbar
Cinema Stereo (L-R): Seb Borysek, Jeff Lageveen & Ian Rayha. Photo by John Gilhooley.
Nashville rockers Cinema Stereo return with their brand-new single, “Now We Feel Special,” released on Wednesday June 10th. Available now across all major streaming platforms HERE, the infectious song arrives alongside an official music video, available to watch on YouTube HERE.
The single offers a tantalizing preview of Cinema Stereo’s new studio album, arriving in October. It also sets the stage for the band’s first-ever UK Headline Tour, which will see them take to the road across the UK throughout November and December. Tickets are on sale via The Gig Cartel and Cinema Stereo.
“Now We Feel Special is heavily inspired by our indie rock influences,” says Cinema Stereo’s lead singer, bassist, and keyboardist, Ian Rayha. “We wanted to channel the sounds of Vampire Weekend and Two Door Cinema Club but make it rock. We always try to follow what excites us. From the moment Sebastian played the opening riff, we knew it had to be a Cinema Stereo song.
Continues Ian, “The lyrics tell the story of two people who enter each other’s lives to save one another. We have always liked the idea that certain people are meant to cross our path—that the universe has a way of introducing new characters into our lives when we need them most, helping us to grow, heal, and move forward. In many ways, the marriage between the lyrics and the music feels just as destined as the relationship between the characters in the song.”
Coinciding with the release of the new single, Cinema Stereo have announced their first-ever European & UK Tour, beginning on 15 October 2026. Tickets are available now through Cinema Stereo. The landmark run represents a significant step in the band’s journey, taking their acclaimed high-energy live show to international audiences for the first time.
Originally hailing from Orlando, Florida, and now based in Nashville, Cinema Stereo are comprised of Ian Rayha (lead vocals, bass guitar, keyboards), Seb Borysek (guitars, backing vocals), and Jeff Lageveen (drums, backing vocals).
Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of influences, including Queen, The Police, Cheap Trick, Aerosmith, and The Killers, Cinema Stereo have forged a sound that is both timeless and distinctly their own. Renowned for their fearless creative approach, emotional honesty, and compelling songwriting, the band continue to establish themselves as one of the most exciting emerging voices in contemporary rock.
Cinema Stereo’s previous single “So Sorry, My Dear” is available on all streaming platforms HERE and as a limited edition 7-inch vinyl available HERE. Watch the music video HERE.
The band’s previous single “Lean On You” is available on all streaming platforms HERE. Watch the music video on YouTube HERE.
For the latest music and tour date updates follow Cinema Stereo on social media and streaming platforms. Details are available at www.cinemastereo.us.
THE GIG CARTEL IN ASSOCIATION WITH TEENAGE HEAD MUSIC PRESENTS
CINEMA STEREO
15-Oct-2026 Verviers Belgium – Spirit of 66
16-Oct-2026 Krefeld Germany – Kulturrampe
17-Oct-2026 Bully-les-Mines France – Bully On Rocks festival
20-Oct-2026 Santander Spain – Niagara
21-Oct-2026 León Spain – Babylon
22-Oct-2026 A Coruña Spain – Mardi Gras
23-Oct-2026 Ourense Spain – Café Cultural
24-Oct-2026 Sevilla Spain – Sala Even
25-Oct-2026 Jerez Spain – La Guarida del Angel
27-Oct-2026 Orihuela Spain – La Gramola
28-Oct-2026 Valencia Spain – Loco Club
29-Oct-2026 Castellón Spain – Sala Because
30-Oct-2026 Zaragoza Spain – Rock ‘n Blues Café
31-Oct-2026 Valles Spain – AMC Bocanegra
1-Nov-2026 Vitoria Spain – Urban Rock Concept
3-Nov-2026 Barcelona Spain – Razz 3
4-Nov-2026 Chambèry France – Brin de Zinc
5-Nov-2026 Eppstein Germany – Wunderbar Weite Welt
6-Nov-2026 Regensburg Germany – VAZ
7-Nov-2026 Lauchhammer Germany – Real Music Club
10-Nov-2026 Frankfurt Germany – Nachtleben
11-Nov-2026 Bremen Germany – Meisenfrei
12-Nov-2026 Dortmund Germany Musiktheater Piano
14-Nov-2026 Heilbronn Germany – Umma23
15-Nov-2026 Norderstedt Germany – Music Star
18-Nov-2026 Hamburg Germany – Cowboy un Indianer
21-Nov-2026 Coevorden Netherlands – MFC
25-Nov-2026 Faversham UK – The Old Brewery Store
26-Nov 2026 Manchester UK – Deaf Institute
27-Nov-2026 Sheffield UK – Yellow Arch
28-Nov-2026 Leek UK – Foxlowe Arts 29-Nov-2026 Trecco Bay UK – Planet Rockstrock
1-Dec-2026 Glasgow UK – Slay
2-Dec-2026 York UK – Fulford Arms
3-Dec-2026 Norwich UK – Waterfront
4-Dec-2026 Frome UK – Treehouse
5-Dec-2026 London UK – O2 Academy 2
FIRST WINNERS OF METAL 2 THE MASSES FINALS REVEALED
ONE BAND OUT, ANOTHER BAND IN
CHARITY TREASURE HUNT ON SITE FOR 2027 TICKETS
WATCH DEVIN TOWNSEND’S THE MOTH – AND HAVE YOUR SAY ON OTHER MOVIES!
With just eight weeks to go til you can finally scream, “BLOODSTOCK we’re home!” there’s an ever constant stream of news to share.
Have you been following the first batch of the METAL 2 THE MASSES finals? Cue much excitement and a drum roll please, for the first group of winners landing slots on the Stowford Press New Blood Stage can now be revealed!
On Friday, bear witness to East Anglian aggressors REGICIDE, offering a blend of thrash/groove metal with hardcore elements, Belfast death/thrash champions MICROTONAL, modern melo-death crew ATARKAwho won the Birmingham round, and explosive hardcore five-pieceBAILED OUT from Leeds.
Saturday welcomes Sheffield metalcore victors DESCENDANCY and cathartic Northants noiseniks DEAD BAIT.
Sunday adds diverse Scottish top dogs CHEKHOV’S GUN (whose striking sound is matched by a visceral live show, fronted by a flamboyant Lithuanian ballroom dancer!), Manchester’s prog metal quintet TECHNOLOGIST, doom-inspired SUNK who came first for the South Coast region, collaborative Cyprus conquerors JOAKEM, and formidable death metal unifiers KA’APER, comprised of both Russian and Ukrainian musicians.
Lots more bands to be confirmed still as the METAL 2 THE MASSES finals around the country continue! Make your way to the one nearest you and help shape the festival line-up!
BLOODSTOCKers, unfortunately, we also have to share that OF MICE & MEN have cancelled performing, sending this note: “Due to circumstances beyond our control we sadly won’t be able to make it out to Europe this summer as planned. Thanks to all the fans, festivals & promoters we were looking forward to playing for.” BLOODSTOCK wishes the band well.
While we know that is disappointing news, BLOODSTOCK has lined up excellent death metal squad SANGUISUGABOGGto step into their shoes. The band declare, “Hey mate! Seems like your favorite death dealing degenerates just hocked up their hairball of a logo all over your Bloodstock flyer! We can’t wait to be in England to melt faces and rock out at Bloodstock, so pack up your broomsticks and your toast and beans and let’s party together – we couldn’t be anymore psyched!” You can catch them as direct support to LEPROUS on Saturday on the Sophie Lancaster stage. Rumours you can win a prize for correctly spelling their name in a BLOODSTOCK Spelling Bee are unfounded.
How about an on site treasure hunt to win BLOODSTOCK 2027 tickets? Are you a master of the side quest?!
Get yourself over to the Sophie Lancaster Foundation charity stand (next to the main stage) to get an entry form and then get hunting for 10 special S.O.P.H.I.E. signs around BLOODSTOCK.
If you are able, a recommended donation to the charity is £2. One winner will get a pair of BLOODSTOCK 2027 weekend tickets! Competition closes at 4pm on Sunday.
For early birds, Wednesday night is movie night in the Midgard campsite!
Kicking off at 7:30pm, the first showing at MIDGARD MOVIES will be DEVIN TOWNSEND’S THE MOTH! The Moth tells the story of the human experience from birth to death. The narrative is brought to life with the Noord Nederlands Orkest (North Netherlands Symphony Orchestra), a sixty-member choir, and his band. Best known for his groundbreaking metal, progressive rock, and ambient music, Devin Townsend has pushed the boundaries of genre across his 30-year career and established an unparalleled artistic legacy.
Two more movies will follow and you can have your say on which ones! Head to BLOODSTOCK’s Facebook for the post about movies to cast your vote.
BLOODSTOCK can also confirm that the popular Black Beer Bar, sponsored by Motorhead’s Dance With The Devil stout, will return in 2026 as one of eighteen bars on site! The full line-up of beverages on site across all bars is still being finalised, but to wet your whistle you can expect to see options from at least the following: Westons Cider, Molson Coors, Camerons, Oakham, Thornbridge, Titanic, Lilleys, and Dancing Duck, with more to come.
Got your ticket and making plans already? BLOODSTOCK’s dedicated one-stop-shop with PREO is now up and running, featuring an array of festival goodies from nice-to-have to downright essential! From beers, ciders, and wine (for the first time!) to merch, airbeds, duvets/pillows, and more, you can secure your items in advance from one online shop. There’s also a limited edition sun hat from Fat Franks for just £5, with all proceeds going to the Samaritans. No lugging it from your car, just collect on your arrival, ice cold from the Midgard campsite bar at BLOODSTOCK! For more info and to explore the online shop, visit the Bloodstock Festival Preo store.
SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL – Planning your route to BLOODSTOCK yet? For the closest drop-off on site and also eco points, why not come via a carbon-neutral BIG GREEN COACH? There are pick-up points all across the U.K.! And for the first time ever, you can now book your official coach travel to arrive on Wednesday as well as Thursday, helping you to take advantage of the add-on Wednesday Early Bird ticket option for an extra night of metal shenanigans! For those coming by train into Tamworth station, BLOODSTOCK can also confirm that the shuttle bus to site will also run on Wednesday! Get full info & book your seat with Big Green Coachhere. You can also travel by car using LIFTSHARE! Liftshare connect metal loving drivers and passengers going in the same direction. By sharing a spare seat or two, this reduces the number of cars on the road travelling to the festival and subsequently reduces carbon emissions as well as traffic jams. Explore more here. BLOODSTOCK’s 25th anniversary is going to be truly unforgettable. BLOODSTOCK 2026 is delighted to present RJD headliners LAMB OF GOD, SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL, JUDAS PRIEST, and SAXON. Sophie Lancaster stage headliners will be CRYPTOPSY (None So Vile 30-year anniversary set), WEDNESDAY 13, LEPROUS, and CARPENTER BRUT. You’ll also be able to see BODY COUNT, SEPULTURA, MUNICIPAL WASTE, DEATH ANGEL, TESTAMENT, NORTHLANE, BLEED FROM WITHIN, VENDED, ORBIT CULTURE, THE SCRATCH, IMPERIAL AGE, LIFE OF AGONY, OF MICE & MEN, BIOHAZARD, 200 STAB WOUNDS, THE HELL, BLACK SPIDERS, SHINING, NEVERMORE, EVIL SCARECROW, HEAVYSAURUS, SKYND, PARTY CANNON, BATTLESNAKE, INHUMAN NATURE, KITTIE, CASTLE RAT, GRAPHIC NATURE, BOOTYARD BANDITS, EXCREMENTORY GRINDFUCKERS, HIDDEN INTENT, SELLSWORD, NECKBREAKKER, SEETHING AKIRA, HAMMER, STAMPIN GROUND, URNE, CELESTIAL SANCTUARY, THROWN INTO EXILE, VIKING SKULL, BOUND IN FEAR, IMPERIUM, FROGLORD, MUSHROOMHEAD, DREAM STATE, TRIVAX, MANTIS DEFEATS JAGUAR, BLOOD COUNTESS, GURT, OUTERGODS, FLAYED DISCIPLE, NOISEPICKER, ACID THRONE, ALUNAH, VOID BELOW, TEMPLES ON MARS, CONCRETE AGE, THRASHERWOLF, IMPERIAL DEMONIC, CHAINED SAINT, IMBRIUM, OVERPOWER, UNTAMED SILENCE, CHANGE PERSONA, AFTER SMOKE CLEARS, SOULRIDE, VANITAS, GOAT MAJOR, CANCEL THE TRANSMISSION, TEMPEST SAINT, TROLLMOTHER, DOSED, STITCHED, WREX, FOLLOWING THE SIGNS, THE CARTOON CARTEL, AETHORIA and more. See the full lineup at the official website. There’s still more bands to be announced. All weekend tickets (including Kyrr) are now sold out, but you can still snap up day tickets for £99 (+fees) to be part of the fun! Not been to the festival before? A day ticket is a perfect taster to see what you think! Child tickets are also available and under 4’s attend for free. Head over to the ticket store to see all options and if you’re coming by car, pre-book to save on car parking! For the most up to date festival information, visit the official website atbloodstock.uk.com. BLOODSTOCK 2026 will take place at Catton Park, Derbyshire on 6th – 9th August, 2026.
(Severely) hard rock veterans -(16)- put out a cover album last month, and as indicated by the title track, “I Can’t Get Enough”. These covers are not intended to sound like the originals, but to sow the band’s appreciation for them. In their words: “We’ve always believed that a great cover is not mimicry but revelation. It’s finding a song that’s already lived inside you since youth and letting it crawl out, bruised and changed. “
Check out the variety of covers here:
Yes, the Bee Gees’ Tragedy is smack dab in the middle. And what a choice of Scorpions tune! Matthias let it rip on his first Scorpions album, especially on that tune.
Anyway, here are a couple for your perusal:
And how about the album art, by the legendary Marald Van Haastern? Definitely in contention for album cover of the year.
-(16)- are from California, and have been putting out devastatingly heavy music since 1992.
You’re Pretty When You Panic is the lead single from KISS KISS CUT CUT, the debut EP from UK darksynth project VHS PANTY RIOT. KISS KISS CUT CUT is a five-track slasher story told entirely in synth. This is chapter one. The track was mastered by Thibault Chaumont at Deviant Lab, whose credits include Carpenter […]
Young alt-metal artist Madison Violett is wearing her 2000s alternative influences on her sleeve. Following the release of her nostalgic track “BLEED FOR ME” featuring Kellin Quinn, we caught up to talk about her post-hardcore roots, the inspiration behind her music video, and the reality of navigating the metalcore scene.
Reuel
Hello Madison! Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions. The ‘BLEED FOR ME’ song and video completely brought back my teenage nostalgia. What is it about the 2000s alternative scene that inspires you so much today?
MADiSON ViOLETT
100% the authenticity. There’s nothing quite like 2000s pop-punk/post hardcore because of its rawness and pure emotional power. A lot of the modern music I like is so good because it was inspired by this era & the innovation that came with it. The lyrics are so beautifully crafted, and the riffs and instrumentation never miss.
Reuel
What was it like working with a scene legend like Kellin Quinn?
MADiSON ViOLETT
It was absolutely incredible working with him. He’s one of the reasons why I’m doing what I do today, and my vocal technique is very much inspired by a lot of his music. The whole process was so much fun, he’s a very kind soul, every second of the project was a blast. I really love how he supports independent artists/music & the up-and-coming music scene in general. It’s so cool to be on a song with one of the voices that motivated and inspired me to get to that point. BLEED FOR ME wouldn’t exist without him!
Reuel
That’s incredible! How would you describe your sound using emojis?
MADiSON ViOLETT
🕸️🗡️💋🖤
Reuel
Which bands and artists did you grow up listening to that had the biggest influence on how you view and create music?
MADiSON ViOLETT
Some earlier post-hardcore/pop-punk/metal bands that inspire me include Evanescence, My Chemical Romance, Paramore, Bring Me The Horizon, Sleeping With Sirens, The Used, Underoath, Linkin Park, to name a few.
I also love modern alt metal, especially bands like Spiritbox, Architects, Thornhill, Loathe, Dying Wish, and Silent Planet. I love the seamless combination of heaviness with polished and experimental production.
Reuel
Many artists draw inspiration from outside of music, like movies, books, or comics that they enjoy. Were there any non-musical works that heavily inspired your music in general or this release specifically?
MADiSON ViOLETT
I’m an artist all around. I love to write (non-music too!) and draw. I create all of my graphics for this project as well.
Specifically, this music video was heavily inspired by MCR’s ‘I’m Not Okay’ music video, which is a 2000s high school movie parody. I guess you could say that the visual inspiration behind the whole music video and song was a combination of that video as well as the 2000s nostalgic films themselves, such as Mean Girls, 10 Things I Hate About You- basically any movie where there’s a jock, nerd, and a dramatic hallway/house party scene lol. I really wanted to lean into that nostalgia and tropey campiness that gives those movies that feel-good familiarity when you watch them.
Reuel
If you could jump on a tour tomorrow and open for any active band, who is your dream lineup to share a stage with?
MADiSON ViOLETT
One hundred percent Evanescence and Spiritbox. They’re actually currently doing a tour for their new album Sanctuary, and I’d like to say that those two bands are fundamental inspirations for my sound and music-wise. Vocally, it’d be a powerhouse night along with crazy instrumentation, visuals, and mosh-pit-ready heaviness.
Reuel
The alternative and metalcore scenes are still heavily male-dominated. As a 19-year-old woman, do you find yourself having to fight harder to be taken seriously by promoters, sound engineers, or other bands?
MADiSON ViOLETT
All the time. There’s always a sound guy or promoter who thinks I can’t plug in my own gear or know how my own guitar works lol. I think, though, the fact that I’m a woman in metal is metal in and of itself. It’s a common thought that femininity and heaviness are incompatible. Since the scene is so male-dominated, breaking that mold with an unapologetic boldness is what art is all about. In addition, I love supporting my fellow female artists, not only the bigger acts (Spiritbox, Evanescence, Dying Wish, Entheos, etc.) but the local ones too. Our togetherness and resilience are what makes us strong.
Reuel
Thank you for your time, Madison! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
MADiSON ViOLETT
Make sure to check out the song on your favorite music streaming platform! Stay tuned on my social media as well- @venomous.violett on everything. I have a lot of super awesome so-cal local shows coming up this summer, as well as a merch drop!
Maybe I’ll be releasing some new tunes soon as well 😉
Here’s my linktree: https://linktr.ee/madison.violett