(written by Islander) A decade has passed since the Finnish metal band Rapid released their first demos, eventually leading to their 2022 debut EP Blackstar Oppression Regime. The music captured in those four songs has rightly been described on behalf of their label as an electrifying collision of “the urgency of hardcore punk, the hook-oriented […]
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This past Saturday, there was a Title Fight-fake out at Manchester hardcore fest Outbreak. The crowd gathered around the stage were awaiting the reveal of the fest’s mystery guest. “Oh my God. No fucking way!” a man screams in a video, as blurred letters appear on the screen. If you squint, you might think that they’re about to come into focus reading Title Fight — the legendary hardcore band from Kingston, Pennsylvania that have been been on hiatus since 2018. If you listen, you can also make out the beginning of the “Safe In Your Skin” from 2011’s Shed. Could it be? Could their indefinite break be over? Is God real?
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Danny Wimmer Presents have officially kicked off plans for next year’s festival season, with early bird passes for two of their special events now being on sale.
Welcome To Rockville will be taking place between May 6-9 in Daytona Beach, Florida, whilst Sonic Temple will be returning May 13-17 in Columbus, Ohio.
In 2026, Welcome To Rockville celebrated its 15th anniversary with a mammoth event, featuring160 bands playing across five stages. Boasting performances from Foo Fighters, My Chemical Romance, Guns N’ Roses, Bring Me The Horizon, TURNSTILE, The Offspring, A Day To Remember, Parkway Drive and many more, if 2027 is anything like this year, we’re in for a huge treat.
Whilst Sonic Temple saw My Chemical Romance, Shinedown, Bring Me The Horizon and Tool headline, alongside the likes of Pierce The Veil, Good Charlotte, The Offspring, Coheed And Cambria, Motionless In White, Black Veil Brides, Yellowcard, Lamb Of God, Rise Against and Halestorm to name a few.
You can secure your tickets right now from HERE and HERE
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Bad Wolves are kickstarted a new era with the first piece of music to feature their new album Sara “Killboy” Skinner.
That track is called ‘Paint It Red’ and is a brilliantly catchy and rage-fuelled piece of hard rock majesty. KILLBOY slots into the fold in some style, delivering the sort of smooth melodies and gritty barks that make the band what they are, whilst instrumentally the band sway between bruising and soaring like its second nature.
It’s a big statement of intent from a bad that are looking to keep their flag waving as high as possible.
Drummer John Boecklin had this to say on the track and search for a vocalist, explaining, “When we started looking for the next voice of Bad Wolves, we weren’t looking for someone to fill a spot; we were looking for someone who could help push this band into its next chapter. The first time I heard Sara sing, I knew she was different. She has an incredible voice, undeniable presence, and the kind of versatility that allows us to take our songwriting to places we’ve never gone before. Beyond the talent, she’s brought a renewed energy and excitement into this band. Sara isn’t here to recreate the past, she’s here to help us build the future. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome her to the Bad Wolves family and for everyone to hear what we’ve been working on together.”
Whilst KILLBOY had this to say about the track:
“‘Paint It Red’ is about being unafraid to tear everything down and start over — again and again if that’s what it takes. With blood, sweat, and tears, every single time. To live authentically and follow your heart, you have to be willing to rebuild when something no longer serves who you are. You can’t be afraid of change, failure, or starting from scratch. Sometimes growth means letting go of what you’ve built so you can create something even better. ‘Paint It Red’ is about having the courage to burn away what’s holding you back and the strength to begin again.”
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Posted on June 29th 2026, 5:04pm
The bassist in the band that evolved into System Of A Down says that he was let go from the lineup for not being “angry enough”.
Talking in the current issue of Metal Hammer, David Hakopyan, who played alongside Tankian and Malakian in Hollywood rockers Soil during the early 90s, likens the expulsion to being “being a kid and your friends ask you to stop coming to the clubhouse”.
“I was asked to leave,” he remembers. “I remember them telling me, ‘You aren’t angry enough, you don’t play angry.’ I was like, ‘I’m sorry, I’m not that angry a person.”’
He adds that he was “sad” over being let go from the fledgling band, which also featured drummer Domingo Laranio, but not bitter. As Soil regrouped and re-branded themselves as System Of A Down, Hakopyan urged fellow bassist and Soil’s unofficial manager Shavo Odadjian to try out for the job. Odadjian would be a member of System from their 1995 founding through to the present day.
“I called Shavo and said, ‘I think you could step in as bass player – you’re incredibly excited about the project as well as just managing it,” recalls Hakopyan. “He thought it was a cool idea.”
As for Laranio, he left at roughly the same time. He tells Hammer that the 1994 San Francisco Valley earthquake, which killed approximately 60 people, “scared the shit” out of his then-pregnant wife and led to them moving to Hawaii.
“She wanted out of L.A.,” he remembers. “I had to prioritise my family. Serj was like, ‘What do I need to do to keep you here? Find you a place to live?’ It wasn’t a matter of not wanting to stay. It was either leave the band or get divorced.”
Soil lasted between eight months and a year (depending on which member you ask) and only played one concert, which took place at a blues club called Fais Do-Do in Mid-City, Los Angeles in 1994. Malakian fell off the stage during the calamitous performance.
Hakopyan says: “Right as we started, I’m holding this big bass chord and I realise, ‘Shit, there’s no guitar!’ I look over, and Daron has fallen off the stage and was on the ground. He had completely lost himself in the intensity of the performance, and hadn’t realised the stage rug ended where it did. He finally climbed back up, and we went straight back in it.”
After disbanding Soil and forming System, the members signed a deal with Rick Rubin’s American Recordings and got the legendary producer to oversee the recording of their 1998 self-titled debut album. System Of A Down topped the US Heatseekers chart and has now been certified two-times Platinum in the United States.
Alongside releases by such peers as Korn, Limp Bizkit and Deftones, System… helped to usher in the nu metal age (even though System did not associate with the term). Their second album, 2001’s Toxicity, catapulted them to even greater success, topping the Billboard 200 before being certified six-times Platinum in the US.
The four-piece, who released three additional albums before splitting in 2006 then reuniting in 2011, are now on the cusp of a European tour. The shows kick off at Strawberry Arena in Stockholm, Sweden on June 29, and the band will play two dates at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, UK on July 13 and 15. Queens Of The Stone Age and Acid Bath will support.
As well as an interview with Hakopyan and Laranio about the early days of System, the new Hammer features a conversation with Bruce Dickinson and Steve Harris of Iron Maiden as the band prepare to headline their own festival at Knebworth House. Order your copy now and have it delivered directly to your door.
The album begins with “Miss Melody,” a song that bursts with energy. Its rapid tempo combines with a distinct voice reminiscent of Neil Young. This vocal style possesses an ability to evoke belief in the lyrics. Following this opening track is “Cocaine Soul,” which displays intriguing blues influences. It brings to mind those rowdy bars in New Orleans, where dancing and bourbon flow freely. The atmosphere is celebratory, as the song captures a unique essence rooted in its rhythm.
Next is “Peter Pan,” which unfolds in a suspended mirage. It embodies an ethereal quality and showcases the writer’s composition style. The accompanying video evokes memories of “Yellow” by Coldplay. This song takes its time; it does not rush, yet the chorus is memorable and will linger in your thoughts. Nostalgic vibes from the 1990s can also be felt in its sound.
“Paracetamol” follows, and in this track, there are noticeable influences from the Smashing Pumpkins. The artist demonstrates a refined style, blending iconic songwriters with a more alternative sound. His hypnotic voice draws you in, capturing your attention with compelling storytelling. Each line invites listeners to engage deeply with the lyrics.
“Doll Eyes” emerges as an enigmatic piece. It transports the listener with its unique lyrical approach. The artist often employs repetition in the chorus, which solidifies the melody and meaning in one’s mind. This technique keeps the listener tethered to the song, making it an engrossing experience.
The album concludes with “White Picket Fence.” The opening delivers a more driving rhythm reminiscent of The Doors. This track has a sly quality that gradually immerses the audience into its sound. It unravels slowly, allowing for deeper appreciation of its layers.
Overall, the artist showcases a distinctive talent and possesses a unique vision. His music takes listeners on a singular auditory journey. Each track offers something fresh, carefully balancing energy and introspection. The songwriting combines personal narratives with broader themes, resulting in a rich listening experience.
This album is a compelling exploration of sound and emotion. With its varied influences and styles, it appeals to a wide range of listeners. The artist successfully creates a cohesive body of work. The ability to merge different genres enhances the album’s overall charm.
“Nostalgia is fine…but…” is an album worth experiencing. It invites listeners to reflect. Each song connects on some level, ensuring the journey is not just about listening but also feeling. This artist is definitely one to watch, as his vision unfolds throughout each track.
Genuine
If you love this music: Discover MoreFor fans of:
Neil Young • Smashing Pumpkins • Coldplay • The Doors
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