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Today, the world’s fastest band speeds up and into its biggest, boldest and most electrifying era to date: DragonForce have announced Alissa White-Gluz as their newest member and first frontwoman. In a momentous union of two storied and unstoppable forces, the preeminent pioneers of extreme power metal will now be joined by one of metal’s legendary vocalists, unleashing both an intrepid evolution of the genre and the start of a seismic year ahead.

Beginning this Saturday, May 9th, at Welcome To Rockville, and Sunday, May 17th, at Sonic Temple, DragonForce’s debut live performances with Alissa White-Gluz will also kick off the 20th Anniversary of Inhuman Rampage. As the 2006 album that birthed the Platinum-selling global phenomenon of “Through the Fire and Flames,” which spent 23 consecutive weeks on the Billboard 200 and was certified Gold, Inhuman Rampage introduced the band and their music to tens of millions of new fans and counting. With extensive touring plans to be revealed, and a 10th studio album currently in the works, DragonForce are bringing more listeners than ever into this next chapter of their eternally joyous, adrenaline-filled journey. 

Listen to DragonForce‘s recent collaboration with Alissa White-Gluz, “Burning Heart,” and see her tease “Through the Fire and Flames“: HERE 

“Alissa joining the band is an expansion of everything we’ve done up to this point,” says DragonForce co-founder and lead guitarist Herman Li. “Twenty years is a long time to do anything, let alone survive the music industry and still be so inspired to continue doing what we love. Together we will honor what made Inhuman Rampage matter, while showing people exactly where we’re going next. Having Alissa in the room changes everything. She doesn’t just sing, she makes all aspects of our music better. And she sounds incredible live! I can’t wait for the fans to see her and hear what we have been working on.”

Through her work with everyone from The Agonist to Kamelot, Arch Enemy and her newly launched Blue Medusa, Alissa White-Gluz has become an icon synonymous with strength, independence, versatility and creative fearlessness, representing a new standard for women at the highest levels of heavy music. Over two decades spent on the stage, blending ferocious and melodic theatricality with lyrical themes of philosophy, psychology, ethics and the human experience, she has built a history spanning 15+ hours of recorded music, 60+ music videos, 40+ collaborations and 2,000+ concerts across a myriad of subgenres.

On her new partnership with DragonForce, and pairing her vocal prowess with the band’s time-warping precision and live show spectacle, Alissa White-Gluz says, “I am beyond excited to be bringing such iconic music to life with these amazingly skilled musicians in such a fun and inspiring environment. It feels great to showcase all the colours of my voice and utilize all my singing styles in technically challenging, deeply energizing, highly addictive songs. I am so thankful for the amazing support I have been lucky enough to receive from the metal world over this wild career I’ve built; I want to keep pushing my boundaries and delivering exceptional music and live experiences to the fans that I cherish so much.”

Founded in 1999 and based between Los Angeles and London, DragonForce have rewritten the rules of heavy metal, while redefining the possibilities of their respective instruments. Since the release of Inhuman Rampage and its signature anthem “Through the Fire and Flames” – the notoriously unbeatable final boss of Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock – the GRAMMY®-nominated band have continued to blow the minds of musicians and gamers everywhere. They have been heard in Despicable Me 4, Fortnite Festival, Brawl Stars, Asphalt Legends and beyond, and seen on the covers of dozens of magazines. They have played for millions of fans and shared stages with Iron Maiden, Ozzy Osbourne, Slipknot, Metallica and many more, but one thing has always been certain: the fastest band in the world will not slow down.

DragonForce Members

Herman Li – Guitar, Backing Vocals

Sam Totman – Guitar, Backing Vocals

Alissa White-Gluz – Lead Vocals

Marc Hudson – Lead Vocals

Alicia Vigil – Bass

Gee Anzalone – Drums

The post DragonForce announce new vocalist & frontwoman, Alissa White-Gluz first appeared on FemMetal – Goddesses of Metal.

Let’s be honest, before even starting a music career, every artist or band imagines what sonic direction they

Pride & Joy Music announces the signing of Hungarian Power Metal band Burning Sun. Founded in 2022 in Hungary by bassist Zoltán Papi, Burning Sun is a rising force in the underground Power Metal scene. He was then joined by singer/guitarist Pancho Ireland (also known from Merciless Law). Inspired by the ’90s golden era of […]

The post Hungarian Power Metal Band Burning Sun Sign With Pride & Joy Music appeared first on ROCKPOSER DOT COM.

Posted on May 6th 2026, 3:27p.m.

LISTEN: Latest Metal News on the Loaded Radio Daily Podcast

 

The long-standing war of words between mgk and Slipknot frontman Corey Taylor has surfaced once again, with the “Lost Americana” artist offering a blunt perspective on the friction that divided the rock world. Speaking on a newly released episode of The Garza Podcast, mgk (Machine Gun Kelly) addressed the 2021 fallout, describing his retaliatory comments as a natural reaction to being “punched in the face” by the veteran metal vocalist.

TL;DR: The Key Takeaways

• The Perspective: mgk insists he was merely “punching back” after Taylor publicly criticized his transition from hip-hop to the rock genre.
• The Catalyst: The feud stems from mgk‘s 2021 comments regarding the rock scene’s lack of “attitude” and Taylor’s subsequent dismissiveness of artists who “failed in one genre” before moving to rock.
• The Collaboration: New details confirm Taylor was asked to guest on Tickets to My Downfall but opted out over creative differences.
• Current Status: Machine Gun Kelly reveals the two have still never spoken in person despite years of media barbs and public tension.

“I Punched Back”: mgk on the Corey Taylor Backlash

The rift between the 36-year-old mgk and 52-year-old Corey Taylor remains one of the most polarizing moments in recent rock history. While metal purists largely stood behind Taylor, mgk explained to Suicide Silence guitarist Chris Garza that he felt he was simply defending himself against an unprovoked attack from a peer he once admired.

“What do you do if someone punches you in the face?” Kelly asked Garza during the interview. “That’s what happened, right? I got punched in the face and I punched back, and that’s crazy? That’s exactly what you would do, too.”

The “punch” in this context refers to Taylor’s 2021 interview with Billboard, where he lambasted artists who “failed in one genre and decided to go rock,” a comment widely seen as a direct shot at Machine Gun Kelly’s pop-punk transition.

We Also Recommend – Slipknot Albums Ranked: Every Masked Masterpiece From Worst to Best

The Failed Collaboration and the Fallout

Interestingly, the animosity may have been fueled by a collaboration that never came to be. mgk clarified that Taylor was originally approached to appear on the Tickets to My Downfall record. While the Slipknot singer ultimately “opted out,” Kelly claims he initially respected the decision—until the public criticism began once the album achieved chart-topping success.

“Then to go on to see… someone that I looked up to shitting on me, like I said, it’s a punch in the face. What you gonna do?” mgk stated, defending his decision to later mock Taylor’s stage presence and mask during a 2021 Riot Fest performance.

A Legacy of Verbal Warfare

Taylor hasn’t been quiet about his side of the story either, famously telling a ShipRocked audience in 2022 that Machine Gun Kelly was acting like a “weird substitute teacher” trying to dictate the rules of a genre he just joined.

As of May 2026, mgk continues to push the boundaries of the genre with his latest work, while Slipknot remains a dominant force following the release of their Look Outside Your Window project. While the “punches” have moved from social media to podcast reflections, the tension between the two generations of rock remains palpable.

Check This Out – The 13 Most Brutal Slipknot Songs Ever Recorded (Ranked)

FAQ: mgk & Corey Taylor Feud

Did Machine Gun Kelly start the feud with Corey Taylor? mgk claims Taylor started the feud by criticizing his move into rock music. However, Taylor maintains that the conflict began when mgk made disparaging comments about the rock scene and veterans like those on the Warped Tour.

What did Corey Taylor say about mgk? Taylor famously referred to mgk as a “failed” artist in his original genre and later criticized him for trying to tell established rock bands how to dress and behave.

Have mgk and Corey Taylor ever met? According to mgk‘s 2026 interview on The Garza Podcast, the two have never spoken or met in person.

Band Bio: Slipknot

Founded in 1995, Slipknot is a cornerstone of modern heavy metal. Led by frontman Corey Taylor, the Des Moines collective is world-renowned for their aggressive sound and theatrical, masked imagery. With multiple platinum records and a global following, they remain one of the most formidable acts in the heavy music landscape.

STAY LOUD: Catch the full breakdown of today’s stories on the Loaded Radio Daily Podcast, or crank the 2026 hard rock and metal hits 24/7 on our digital stream at LoadedRadio.com.

The post mgk Defends Corey Taylor Feud: “I Got Punched in the Face and I Punched Back” appeared first on Loaded Radio.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Red Vinter Unleash New Single “Cryptic Site” From Upcoming Album Ghost In The Fog
St. Paul, MN – Doom and death metal crushers Red Vinter are back with a vengeance, dropping their brand new single “Cryptic Site” today, April 24, 2026. Serving as the first glimpse into their forthcoming second full-length album Ghost In The Fog , the track hits like a slow-moving freight train wrapped in fog and fire.
Recorded at Minneapolis’ renowned 14:59 Studios , Ghost In The Fog marks a serious step forward for the band. The album was co-produced by vocalist/bassist Mike Bullock alongside engineer Will Maravelas , the same force behind their debut Lumbering Menace . This time around, Red Vinter lean even harder into the abyss, delivering eight tracks that push deeper into weight, atmosphere, and emotional impact.
“Cryptic Site” sets the tone right out of the gate. It’s tense, suffocating, and cinematic in all the right ways. Built on crawling riffs and a sense of looming dread, the song drags listeners into a nightmarish scene of confusion, fear, and survival. Lines like “What, what is this place? Where, where am I?” and the desperate cry of “RUNNNNNNNNNNN!!!!” paint a vivid picture of being trapped in something unknown and dangerous, while the band’s signature low-and-slow heaviness drives it straight into your chest.
The single also shows how far the band has come since Lumbering Menace , which continues to gain traction across underground radio. Tracks like “Ashes” and “Insurgent” have been circulating on stations including WXAX, KFAI, KMSU, and more, building a loyal following the old-school way, one spin at a time.
Also worth noting

Preorders for Ghost In The Fog are live now exclusively on Bandcamp: https://redvinter.bandcamp.com/album/ghost-in-the-fog
“Cryptic Site” will also appear on Metallurg Music Comp #7 , releasing May 15, 2026
Live debut incoming: Red Vinter hit the stage at the legendary Amsterdam Hall in St. Paul on May 30 alongside Pronoya, Uxia, and VolsungaSaga for the official Pre-Midsommar Bash
Fans won’t have to wait long to hear “Cryptic Site” in its natural habitat either. Red Vinter are set to bring the new material to the stage at Sinkfest II, where they’ll debut the track live alongside crowd favorites. Expect it to be loud, slow, and absolutely punishing.
With Ghost In The Fog on the horizon and “Cryptic Site” now out in the wild, Red Vinter are doubling down on what they do best, heavy, haunting, no-frills doom that sticks with you long after the speakers stop shaking.

For more information, music, and updates, visit:
https://redvinter.com

Jawdropped have announced their signing to Transgressive Records and shared their first single at their new label home.

After the success of last year’s debut EP ‘Just Fantasy’, the fast-rising LA power-pop band the news comes shortly before they make the trip across the Atlantic for their first UK headline shows.

New single ‘Monday’ marks their arrival at the label, and it’s a fuzzed-up dose of pure energy and dizzying catchiness.

On the track, the band have shared:

“Monday is about treading the waters of anticipation, but deciding to face your feelings head on. The truth will set you free, even if it’s just the Sunday scaries.”

Catch Jawdropped in the UK this summer for a handful of festivals and headline shows.

Check out the full list of dates below.

MAY

14: BRIGHTON The Great Escape Festival
15: BRIGHTON The Great Escape Festival
16: SHEFFIELD Get Together Festival
18: LEEDS Brudenell Social Club
19: LONDON George Tavern
22: CARDIFF Clwb Ifor Bach
23: BRISTOL Dot To Dot Festival
24: NOTTINGHAM Dot To Dot Festival

The post Jawdropped Announce Signing To Transgressive Records With Fuzzy Single ‘Monday’ appeared first on Rock Sound.

After 18 years, Danish folk metal collective Svartsot and whistles, accordion, mandolin player Hans-Jørgen Martinus Hansen have parted ways.
Read more…

Revolts against the music industry have lost on the immediacy front, both regarding the speed at which music is made and how quickly it worms itself into your brain, and AI is the culprit. Rallying cries must now be unpredictable and not generalizable. Experimental, haphazard, off-putting, and stream-of-consciousness are traits that generative AI cannot co-opt into its sphere. Last year, Kayo Dot attacked the issue with their spell-binding, improvisational mumblings of Every Rock, Every Half-Truth Under Reason. I mention Kayo Dot to highlight the different angles one can adopt for this problem, as A Plague of Lighthouse Keepers’ new EP, Towers of Silence, which we’re premiering today ahead of its release this Friday, is the diametrical opposite of mumbling or spellbinding. It’s brash and free from organized thought, including those that dictate cowardly concepts like “music scales” and “song structures.” Listen to it below. 

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All that being said, and in spite of how the Dutch group regularly improvises on their debut EP, Towers of Silence has a skeletal system that connects all the moving pieces. The system differs from track to track, but there’s enough of a rhythmic floor to gain your footing. “I Fuck People” is purely expressive music that’s as much sludge metal as it is free jazz, with the former’s tepid tempo making it easier to follow along. By contrast, “Towers of Silence” is transcendental, more in line with a ritual than a doom metal song. The EP as a whole can only come from frustration and frayed nerves overdosed on outrage porn, its form intentionally undefinable as a means of resistance, which is why the title track is key to Towers of Silence. The anger and confusion must plant itself somewhere if they’re to be fruitful in any sense, and “Towers of Silence” is that fertile ground. Let’s see Claude try to replicate it. 

The band comments:

While recording Towers of Silence, we attempted to invent our very own, new approach to extreme, yet emotionally charged music. We tried to free ourselves from the usual constraints that are so commonplace in the genre, and instead incorporated extended techniques, improvisation and uncommon instruments. The result might be a somewhat challenging listen at times, but it’s rewarding and honest nonetheless. In times when AI basically rids the need for anyone to create generic, overproduced music, we feel that the future of countercultural music lies in the raw, unfiltered and authentic.

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Towers of Silence releases May 9 via Lay Bare Recordings.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DOPE / STATIC-X / MISFITS GUITARIST ACEY SLADE RESPONDS AS MEPHISTO ODYSSEY’S MIKAEL JOHNSTON ALLEGES INTERFERENCE IN “CRASH” ANNIVERSARY RELEASE

LOS ANGELES, CA –  A public dispute has emerged surrounding the anniversary release of “Crash,” featuring late vocalist Wayne Static, as Acey Slade ( Acey Slade ), known for his work with Dope, the Murderdolls, and Misfits, responds to allegations made by Mikael Johnston of Mephisto Odyssey.
At the center of the controversy are Johnston’s claims that Edsel Dope may have attempted to influence Warner Bros. Records and Rhino Entertainment regarding the release of the project.
Slade addressed the situation with a brief public comment:
“Releasing material at the same time is always a bad idea. You should know that…”
Johnston responded with a detailed statement outlining his account of the project’s development, including early discussions involving members associated with Static-X, later changes in participation, and what he describes as concerns raised during the label process.
Johnston claims the project ultimately faced potential disruption before moving forward after extended production efforts involving archival material and previously unreleased footage of Wayne Static.
The situation has since sparked discussion among fans of Static-X regarding archival releases and the handling of Wayne Static’s musical legacy.
At press time, Edsel Dope and representatives for Static-X have not issued a public response to Johnston’s statements.
Links to Mephisto Odyssey’s “Crash” feat. Wayne Static 2026 videos: