(Here’s DGR’s enthusiastic review of a new EP released last month by Pennsylvania’s Dissentience.) For being such a short month, February was a wildly creative time for heavy metal. Perhaps, for all our prognosticating and bullshit being pulled from a hat in regards to how the year was starting, it was time for the dam […]
The post DISSENTIENCE: “KAIJU” appeared first on NO CLEAN SINGING.
This article was brought to you by new Seattle-based occasional columnist, KAOS_agent, who is making it a point to make his way to some of the more unique metal festivals out there.
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A little over a decade ago, I started noticing a trend in the American metal scene and festivals as a whole: the necessity to create something of a spectacle. Whether it’s assembling a bunch of stoner rock bands to play in a casino, a cavalcade of genres on a cruise ship, or performing animistic rituals in the Cascadian wilderness, festivals have been attempting, with varying levels of success, to create unique and memorable backdrops that justify the difficulty and viability of attracting some of Europe’s best acts. We certainly aren’t making things easier for overseas bands to tour these days.
At a certain point, I got tired of waiting for the density of European metal talent to come stateside, which is how Fortress Festival 2026 caught my eye. Now in its fourth year, Fortress continues to bring together exclusive and relatively obscure performances in a venue with a black metal aesthetic; a Victorian-era building located on the shores of Scarborough, UK.
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From its inception, founder Gary Stephenson had a clear vision for Fortress: to coax some of the world’s most eccentric names in black metal to the small seaside town of 60,000. Unlike many festivals, as the lineup gradually trickled out, a couple of eyebrow raisers made me utter, “Well, that’s interesting.”
As the festival has grown, it has also shown a willingness to take risks, including full-album exclusive sets and specialty stages, with this year introducing a dedicated dungeon synth seated theater third stage.
Whether I am right or wrong in this, I think making sure this festival has those worldwide exclusives, live debut performances and rare appearances from acts you thought you would never see live, are crucial.
-Gary Stephenson, Curator & Founder
Fortress Festival takes place this year on May 30-31, and attendees also have the advantage of getting access to a pre-show the night before at The Cask & Keg (I’m very happy to finally see Wode for that). Tickets are in low supply and most likely will sell out, so make sure to keep an eye on what Reaper Agency is up to, including a newly announced beer-fueled festival, Tynebound. Read on for a small selection of tracks from bands that I’m particularly excited to be seeing, and I’m sure I’ll be getting an education on dungeon synth as well.
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Fluisteraars – “Zijsselt”
Aeon Winds – “Molpir”
Vespéral – “IV – Lorsqu’une Chandelle S’atténue”
A Forest of Stars – “Drawing Down the Rain”
Mesarthim – “Interstellar”
Gallowbraid – “Ashen Eidolon”
Dødheimsgard – “Et smelter”
Whoredom Rife – “Pilgrim”
Misþyrming – “Algleymi”
–KAOS_agent
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The rest of the Fortress Festival line-up is as follows:
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Fortress Festival tickets are available here.
DEICIDE – HEADLINING SHOWS & FESTIVALS
w/ support from Rotting Christ & Immolation:
4/09 – Baton Rouge LA – Chelsea’s Live
4/10 – Houston TX – White Oak Music Hall
4/11 – San Antonio TX – Vibes Event Center
4/13 – Las Vegas NV – Fremont Country Club
5/01 – Reading PA – Club Reverb*
5/03 – Albany NY – Empire Live
5/07 – Daytona Beach FL – Welcome To Rockville #
5/14 – Columbus OH – Sonic Temple After-Party
5/22 – Tucson AZ – The Rialto #^
5/23 – El Paso TX – Rockhouse Bar & Grill #
5/24 – Albuquerque NM – Sunshine Theater #
5/26 – Little Rock AR – The Hall #
*Deicide only
#No Rotting Christ
^With Cattle Decapitation
Source: Deicide Facebook
Elegant Weapons have unveiled their new single Bridges Burn after signing with Exciter Records, with the band’s second album Evolution scheduled for release on 24 April 2026.
“This record represents growth in every sense,” Richie Faulkner told us. “When the four of us come together, we sound like Elegant Weapons. We’ve spent time on the road, we’ve developed a chemistry, and you can hear that evolution in the performances. I’m proud of what we’ve built, and I’m excited to begin this next chapter with Exciter Records.”
Led by Judas Priest guitarist Richie Faulkner, the hard rock and Heavy Metal outfit also features vocalist Ronnie Romero, bassist Dave Rimmer and drummer Christopher Williams. Evolution will be released digitally and on CD on 24 April, with a special edition vinyl pressing due later in the year.
“Richie Faulkner is not only one of the most respected guitarists as a member of Judas Priest, but he is also a leader in forming and developing Elegant Weapons,” Michael Closter, Founder and President of Exciter Records, said. “Signing Elegant Weapons is a natural step for Exciter Records as we continue to honour metal’s heritage while investing in its future.”
The album includes tracks such as Evil Eyes, Generation Me, Bridges Burn and the instrumental Rupture, which was inspired in part by Faulkner’s life-threatening onstage medical emergency in 2021. Evolution was co-produced by Richie Faulkner and Andy Sneap, with recording taking place in Nashville, Europe and France.
You can pre-save and pre-order Evolution from https://exciter-records.ffm.to/elegantweapons-evolution.
1. Evil Eyes
2. Generation Me
3. Bridges Burn
4. Holy Roller
5. Come Back to Me
6. The Devil Calls
7. Thrown to the Wolves
8. Shooting Shadows
9. Rupture
10. Mercy of the Fallen
11. Keeper of the Keys
French modern-rock artist Laura Cox returns with a brand-new, previously unheard single, “Not Your Story,” out now via earMUSIC / verycords. Released in the middle of her current tour, the track delivers a relentless surge of raw rock energy – a fresh chapter that continues the spirit of her acclaimed album ‘Trouble Coming‘ (review here) […]
The post Laura Cox Releases New Single ‘Not Your Story’ Ahead Of May 2026 UK Tour appeared first on ROCKPOSER DOT COM!.
Next month, San Diego nouveau shoegazers Sparkler will release a new album called Glidewinder, and we already posted the bliss-drunk lead single “Postal.” Today, Sparkler share a smeary, pretty new track. It’s called “Come Today,” and it does the things that shoegaze tracks are supposed to do. The sighing harmonies and sculpted guitar noises are…
The post Sparkler – “Come Today” appeared first on Stereogum.
Blues-rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter Artur Menezes has released his powerful new single “Once Again,” available now on all digital platforms. The track arrived March 13 and serves as the first single from his upcoming full-length album, dropping just ahead of his highly anticipated performance at Lollapalooza.
“Once Again” showcases a bold step forward in Menezes’ evolving sound. Built around down-tuned guitars, thick walls of fuzz, and immersive psychedelic textures including synthesized guitars and synth bass, the song leans into a heavier and darker sonic direction while maintaining the groove and feel that define his artistry. Menezes’ commanding vocals sit at the center of the track, revealing a new level of maturity and control. Lyrically, the song explores heartbreak and the emotional aftermath of a breakup, capturing the weight of being unable to move on and the tension between memory and reality.
The single was produced by Pops Magellan, whose vision helps shape the sonic identity of both the track and the forthcoming album. Magellan brings a focused and expansive production style that balances raw power with depth and atmosphere, allowing the heavy riffs, layered textures, and dynamic shifts to feel cinematic while maintaining the grit at the core of Menezes’ sound.
All material for the upcoming album was written and performed by Menezes on vocals and guitars, highlighting his hands-on and personal creative approach. He also contributes bass on “Once Again.” The track additionally features Pops Magellan on bass and synth bass, Aaron Haggerty on drums, and Sara Williams on background vocals. The single was mixed by Randy Emata and mastered by Fili Filizzola.
Known for his electrifying guitar work and fearless stage presence, Menezes has earned a reputation for pushing beyond traditional blues boundaries. With “Once Again,” he continues that approach, expanding into heavier and more alternative territory that bridges blues roots with modern rock and psychedelic elements.
The upcoming album will be released independently, reflecting Menezes’ commitment to artistic freedom and direct connection with his audience.
Born in Brazil and based in Los Angeles for the past decade, Menezes recently became a U.S. citizen and continues to build international momentum as he prepares to release new music and bring his evolving sound to stages around the world.
The post Artur Menezes unleashes “Once Again” appeared first on Blues Rock Review.
It’s that time of the week again. Time to get through one last day of work before the weekend comes and saves us all. With that in mind, we’ve got some of today’s new releases here that we think you should check out.
Shadow Arc Suite (Self-released)
This ain’t your regular inclusion on our weekend STCOT. No, this is an avant-garde piano composition — albeit one coming straight from the mind of Imperial Triumphant keyboardist/bassist/vocalist Steve Blanco. That may sound like a little out of our regular wheelhouse, but this is enough of a wild ride that we think at least some of you guys will enjoy the hell out of it.
Starveil (Self-released)
Eluveitie co-vocalist and harpist Fabienne Erni put out her own solo work and it’s a proggy, symphonic, and sorta poppy slab of music. She’s incredibly talented and this new release proves that in spades.
Into Oblivion (Epic)
We’ve been talking about this album for long enough that I don’t need to get too deep into this. It’s chock full of grooves and it’s pissed off at the state of the world. Play it loud.
Screams From Beneath The Surface (Metal Blade Records)
After eight years away and a massive shift in their lineup, Florida technical death metal outfit Monstrosity is back with a new release. It’s hard, fast, and brutal in all the right ways, so if you like incredibly destructive death metal, this is it.
A Sinner’s Child (Heavy Psych Sounds)
This new EP from Swedish psych rock band Witchcraft features all kinds of chilled out, groovy riffs. That’s not to say they don’t get heavy on this thing too.
Other Shit That Comes Out Today:
Against I, Anti Life (Twisted Flesh Recordings)
Alkhemia, Häxen (Non Serviam Records)
Blood Red Delusion, Bloodlust Awakening (Blood Red Delusion)
Eihwar, Hugrheim (Season Of Mist)
Fallath, Nälkäiset aaveet (Naturmacht Productions)
Kallohonka, Lazer Blood (Memory Terminal Records)
Magnolia Park, NIGHTS AFTER VAMP (Epitaph)
No/Más, No Peace (Redefining Darkness Records)
Senki, Szilánkok (Wormholedeath Records)
UnityTX, Somewhere, In Between… (Pure Noise Records)
The post Sh*t That Comes Out Today: March 13, 2026 appeared first on MetalSucks.
My Chemical Romance were arguably the most theatrical band of the ’00s Myspace emo boom; their only possible competition is, what, Panic! At The Disco? And given that there has already been a Broadway musical based on Green Day’s American Idiot, it’s pretty easy to imagine another one being built on the bones of 2006’s The Black Parade, that decade’s other mega-successful punk concept album. When MCR first toured behind that LP, their show already looked something like a Broadway musical. Now, it looks like an actual MCR theater spectacle is in the works.
The post My Chemical Romance Reportedly Working On Secret Theater Project appeared first on Stereogum.