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Watch the pair perform "I've Done Everything for You" together and check out the first part of UCR's exclusive tour report. Continue reading…

It’s been 21 years since Miranda Lambert released Kerosene, which means she’s been one of our greatest mainstream country stars for a very, very long time. She’s not slowing down. This year, Lambert co-wrote and sang backup on Ella Langley’s gigantic crossover hit “Choosin’ Texas,” and she buried the hatchet with her old adversary Kacey Musgraves in grand fashion on the duet “Horses And Divorces.” Now, she’s ready to release of an album of her own.

The post Miranda Lambert Announces New Album <em>Crisco</em>: Hear “Till The Going’s Gone” appeared first on Stereogum.

The Boston-based hardcore band just played their first Australian tour earlier this month.

The post Haywire Announce Australian Headlining Tour With Feel The Pain appeared first on Theprp.com.

The Los Angeles slime merchants are back

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FAR FROM YOUR SUN’S ACCLAIMED ALBUM A DREAM OF HELL OUT NOW

A haunting, immersive journey through shadow, emotion, and existential depth

Streaming: https://www.submithub.com/link/far-from-your-sun
Far From Your Sun ‘s third studio album, A Dream of Hell , is available now, delivering an emotionally powerful and atmospheric progressive rock experience that has already earned praise from critics around the world. Known for their deeply immersive sound, the project continues to carve its own lane within modern progressive rock, drawing comparisons to Porcupine Tree, Anathema, and Riverside.
Far From Your Sun (FFYS) is not built around spectacle or performance culture. Instead, it exists as an artistic philosophy centered on authenticity, emotional truth, and multidisciplinary expression. Rooted in the belief that art is a universal language, FFYS seeks to connect people beyond borders, trends, and identity, favoring introspection over image and depth over visibility.
A DARKER, MORE URGENT CHAPTER

Following In the Beginning Was the Emotion (2016) and The Origin of Suffering (2021), A Dream of Hell emerges as a more immediate and instinctive work. Described by the project as “an uncontrollable surge, a flame sparked by necessity,” the album captures a raw creative urgency that feels both unplanned and essential.
What makes A Dream of Hell especially compelling is its emotional honesty. The album does not smooth over its darker edges or soften its impact. Instead, it leans fully into internal conflict, vulnerability, and existential weight, offering listeners a deeply human experience that is both confronting and cathartic.
Yet even within its darkest moments, the record carries a sense of direction. Rather than lingering in despair, FFYS uses emotional turbulence as a pathway toward transformation, revealing a form of light that can only emerge through darkness.
CRITICAL RECEPTION

Since its release, A Dream of Hell has received praise from progressive rock and music publications for its immersive, cinematic approach and emotional depth.
Prog Critique describes the release as a work of “chiaroscuro,” where music constantly shifts between shadow and light, favoring atmosphere and imagination over literal interpretation.
Teethsound praises the album’s sincerity, calling it “an immersive progressive rock experience that explores emotional darkness with uncommon sincerity,” framing it as an examination of what remains when illusion collapses.
Allen Peterson Reviews calls it a deeply emotional journey, writing that the album transforms suffering into connection and beauty rather than confinement.
Musocasa further emphasizes FFYS’s commitment to authenticity, highlighting A Dream of Hell as a fearless and emotionally rich statement in modern progressive rock.
Across all perspectives, one theme remains consistent: this is not background listening. It is an experience designed to be felt as much as heard.
TRACKLIST

Hell
Eternity
Laeta
Tyger
Each composition functions as a chapter in a larger psychological narrative, moving through silence, vastness, melancholy, and existential questioning.
ARTISTIC PHILOSOPHY

Far From Your Sun continues to reject conventional industry expectations. There are no concerts, no interviews, and no traditional artist identity reveal. Instead, the project expands into multidisciplinary collaboration, incorporating photography, painting, and poetry to create immersive artistic environments where sound interacts with visual and literary expression.
This approach reinforces FFYS’s central belief: meaning is found not in exposure, but in experience.
PRODUCTION DETAILS

Produced by: Far From Your Sun
Mix Engineer: Sandro Enciso
Mastered by: Brett Caldas-Lima (Tower Studio)
Stream the album: https://www.submithub.com/link/far-from-your-sun
ABOUT THE RELEASE

A Dream of Hell stands as a bold and uncompromising artistic statement, immersive, cinematic, and deeply human in its exploration of truth. Rather than offering easy answers, it invites listeners to confront darkness, embrace vulnerability, and discover meaning through the journey itself.
For those willing to lose themselves in an unforgettable progressive rock experience, A Dream of Hell is available now.


Connect: 
Official Website: https://farfromyoursun.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FarFromYourSun
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farfromyoursun/
X (Twitter): https://x.com/FarFromYourSun
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/farfromyoursun
Bandcamp: https://farfromyoursun.bandcamp.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1wIybSA1nKjT89hj0R8Ey0
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/en/artist/far-from-your-sun/715372159
Band Contact: Mahtai
Email: farfromyoursun@gmail.com

Almost a year ago, Dovetail released a very beautiful track called “raining here, too.” In the fall, I caught them at New York’s beloved Night Club 101 opening for Ken Park; the two Vassar students wore angel wings on their backs and played dreamy songs that swallowed the whole room. Now, the duo is sharing a new tune titled “if you let me (nsii).”

The post Dovetail – “if you let me (nsii)” appeared first on Stereogum.

Blues Rock Weekly highlights new music from The Rolling Stones, Ghost Hounds, Texas Headhunters, and Bywater Call.

The post Blues Rock Weekly – June 26, 2026 appeared first on Blues Rock Review.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dimension Of The Abandoned Unveil Self-Titled Debut Album on Digital and Vinyl

Sacramento Progressive Melodic Blackened Metal Project Delivers Cinematic, Six-Track Debut

SACRAMENTO, CA – Sacramento-based progressive melodic blackened heavy metal project Dimension Of The Abandoned presents their self-titled debut album, a cinematic and emotionally driven six-track release that blends progressive metal complexity, melodic songwriting, atmospheric blackened textures, and classic heavy metal influence.
The album is available now in both digital format and limited edition vinyl LP , offering listeners a physical and immersive way to experience the record’s layered sound and dynamic range.
Led by the official lyric video single “Journey To The Ethereal,” the album introduces a world of expansive arrangements, dark melodic themes, and immersive storytelling, showcasing the band’s focus on strong composition and long-form songwriting.
Guitarist, bassist, composer, and producer Rick Stallkamp describes the vision behind the project:


“After leaving Niviane, I wanted to prove to them and to myself that the songs I had written, which were rejected, really were the next step forward and could connect with metal fans of any style. The main goal with Dimension is to write songs that last, pieces that mix different metal worlds but still feel unified and honest.”


Originally conceived in 2022 as a solo creative outlet, Dimension Of The Abandoned evolved into a full collaboration with the addition of Blake Lamoureux (Ophidian Memory), whose vocal performance and lead guitar work helped define the final identity of the album.
The band adds:


“This album brings together our shared love for progressive metal, melodic and atmospheric blackened metal, and classic heavy metal. We wanted to create something that feels timeless, emotional, and built for repeated listening.”


Across six tracks, the album moves through sweeping progressive structures, haunting atmospheres, and powerful melodic hooks. Songs such as “The Onyx Tower,” “Deimos,” and “Touch Of The Meaningless” highlight the band’s emphasis on depth, dynamics, and memorable songwriting.
Produced and mixed by Rick Stallkamp , and mastered by Dan Spencer (Audio Sorcerer) , the record delivers a balanced sonic experience that allows each layer to breathe while maintaining impact and clarity. The visual identity is anchored by the artwork “Corruption” by Chris Cold , alongside logo and graphic design by Luciferium War Graphics , reinforcing the album’s themes of isolation, decay, and inner transformation.
With the release now available on vinyl and digital platforms, Dimension Of The Abandoned invites listeners into a fully realized sonic world that bridges progressive metal, melodic blackened metal, atmospheric metal, and classic heavy metal.
Step into the Dimension Of The Abandoned.



Album Details

Artist: Dimension Of The Abandoned
Title: Dimension Of The Abandoned
Available Now: Digital + Limited Edition Vinyl LP
Origin: Sacramento, California, USA
Genre: Progressive Melodic Blackened Heavy Metal


Tracklist



Journey To The Ethereal
The Onyx Tower
Deimos
Spires Of Flame
The Abandoning
Touch Of The Meaningless



Lineup



Rick Stallkamp – Rhythm Guitars, Bass, Keyboards, Synths, Drum Programming
Blake Lamoureux – Vocals, Lead Guitars

Guest Musician:


RJ Stallkamp – Additional Guitar Contributions



Credits



Written by Rick Stallkamp & Blake Lamoureux
Additional writing by RJ Stallkamp on select tracks
Produced & Mixed by Rick Stallkamp
Mastered by Dan Spencer (Audio Sorcerer)
Artwork: Chris Cold
Design: Luciferium War Graphics



Watch & Listen

“Journey To The Ethereal” Official Lyric Video

Bandcamp (Vinyl + Digital):
https://dimensionoftheabandoned.bandcamp.com
YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/@DimensionOfTheAbandoned


About Dimension Of The Abandoned

Dimension Of The Abandoned is a Sacramento-based progressive melodic blackened metal project founded by guitarist, bassist, songwriter, and producer Rick Stallkamp (ex-Niviane). The project blends cinematic atmosphere, progressive composition, melodic blackened metal, and classic heavy metal influences into emotionally driven and expansive songwriting. Joined by vocalist and lead guitarist Blake Lamoureux (Ophidian Memory), the band delivers a debut built for depth, dynamics, and lasting impact.


Press Contact: zach@metaldevastationradio.com


Connect: 
https://dimensionoftheabandoned.bandcamp.com/album/dimension-of-the-abandoned
Contact: dotametal@icloud.com

One of metal’s most universal and recognizable traits is loudness. But, as obvious as this statement is, it’s the way that this loudness is utilized that differentiates individual artists from one another. In the promo sheet for Sotera, Joseph E. Martinez describes Junius as “heavy music that prioritizes movement and melody over aggression for its own sake,” a mission statement that aligns perfectly with what I prize in any metal subgenre that I listen to. It’s been nine years since 2017’s Eternal Rituals for the Accretion of Light, the final installment in a previous trilogy of albums. On Sotera, these Bostonians have settled on a looser concept revolving around an assortment of feminine divine figures. All that remains to be seen is how strong a celestial connection Junius will forge with longtime and prospective fans.

The passage of time has wrought a few changes to Junius’s sound. Their post-metal core is still largely intact, but it is now laced with considerable shoegaze influence. The resulting effect is an augmentation of the wall-of-sound techniques upon which both genres rely. This hazy combination frequently reminds me of Holy Fawn’s ebb and flow between ethereal and enraged. Sotera is slightly punchier than its predecessors as well. This is not exactly in a poppy way, although Martinez’s singing often adopts a dark, brooding tone like that of Depeche Mode. Also, at times, the guitar riffs are meaner, and the growls are fiercer. The culmination of these alterations causes Sotera to exude a larger-than-life sensation, which I imagine is even better experienced via concert speakers than in a recorded setting.

Sotera unfolds like a ritualistic energy transfer. The opening songs (“Disciple” and “The Oracle”) are characterized by radiant singing atop a swirling undercurrent of guitars, which periodically take on a harsher edge. But, as the album advances, most of this melodic power transitions from the vocals to the guitars. The leads that open “Serpent” uncoil and slither to expose subtle intricacies as the vocals become a low, gravelly incantation. Ultimately, “Scythian” arrives like a resplendent rebirth with catchy guitar riffs and the drumming briefly dipping into blast beats for the first and only time. “Initiatrix,” placed squarely in the middle of Sotera, is the intersection of these melodic entities as they produce the highlight of the record.

In other ways, Sotera’s sense of progression is less than cohesive. The most conspicuous example is “Lucifera,” a wistful dream pop-tinged number which doesn’t fit in as well stylistically, but probably would have worked better if it were only 3 minutes long instead of nearly 6. Overall, though, Junius remains very good at self-editing—no track on Sotera exceeds 7 minutes, and the entire runtime is a modest 40. Additionally, a few of the transitions (“Scythian,” “Darkwater”) and conclusions (“Initiatrix,” “Serpent”) within certain songs are abrupt, creating a momentarily jerky flow. That said, when I mentally lean back and let the mood envelope me, I don’t notice it much. I would believe it if someone told me that these are minor scars from many revisions over a long writing period.

Like an onion, Sotera may not appear auspicious on the surface, but repeated dissection uncovers many layers. Depending on your emotional frame of mind, it might even cause you to tear up a bit at times. Junius has crafted some of their most engaging soundscapes to date, possibly as a result of focusing more on individual songs. Although a few of these end before (“Initiatrix”) and after (“Lucifera”), I would like all of Sotera’s melodic elements to join together in fascinating ways. Whatever one’s preferred form of spirituality may be, Junius offers food for thought as well as the soul.

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Rating: 3.5/5.0
DR: 7 | Format Reviewed: 320 kbps mp3
Label: Prosthetic Records
Websites: junius.bandcamp.com | juniusmusic.com | facebook.com/juniusmusic
Releases Worldwide: June 26th, 2026

The post Junius – Sotera Review appeared first on Angry Metal Guy.

The all-ages show takes place at The Underground inside Carteret PAC in Carteret, NJ during Hellfest 2026 weekend

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