After recording in Nashville at Sienna Studios with producer Kile Odell (Papa Roach, Nothing More) and singer Jaycee Clark, the band headed to New York to collaborate with video director Tom Flynn (Lamb Of God, Killswitch Engage).
Max is best recognized as the lead guitarist of Falling In Reverse from 2018 until 2024. Prior to that he played with Escape The Fate, New Years Day, and Gemini Syndrome.
He attended the world renowned classical music camp Domaine Forget in 2006 & 07 to study under Roland Dyens, whom Guitar World Magazine voted in the Top 100 greatest players of all time.
In 2016, Max recorded a classical guitar solo album called Exorcism: Chapter One.
Born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, he moved to Los Angeles in January of 2015 to join Westfield Massacre with Tommy Vext and Doc Coyle who shortly after joined Bad Wolves.
New Album “Something Borrowed…Something New” Out Dec 5th, 2025
Australian hard rockers Greystone Canyon return with a powerful new single – a bold rendition of Thin Lizzy’s “Suicide”, available worldwide now. The track is the first glimpse into the band’s forthcoming album Something Borrowed…Something New, due out December 5th, 2025, from Rockshots Records, marking their most authentic and organic release to date.
Faithful to the spirit of Phil Lynott and Thin Lizzy’s timeless legacy, Greystone Canyon delivers a warm, punchy, and honest version of “Suicide”, enriched by their signature blend of melodic rock and gritty hard-edged groove. Recorded live with no click tracks or studio trickery, the single captures the raw chemistry of a band feeding off one another in the room – a true celebration of rock ‘n’ roll energy.
Produced by the band and engineered by Joel Taylor at Black Lodge Studio (Melbourne), “Something Borrowed…Something New” represents a turning point in Greystone Canyon’s journey. As the title suggests, it’s a hybrid record – a mix of new original songs and hand-picked classics from the bands that shaped their sound, including Thin Lizzy, Led Zeppelin, ZZ Top, UFO, and Neil Young. The album bridges past and present, combining heartfelt tributes with fresh, road-worn originals such as “Drives Us,” “Friend of the Fox,” and “Stealing Our Freedom”.
Track Listing: 1. Doctor, Doctor (UFO cover) – 04:16 2. Just Got Paid (ZZ Top cover) – 03:35 3. Drives Us – 05:06 4. Immigrant Song (Led Zeppelin cover) – 02:21 5. Friend of the Fox – 03:57 6. Suicide (Thin Lizzy cover) – 05:14 7. Hey, Hey, My, My (Into the Black) (Neil Young cover) – 03:22 8. AAF – 1:47 9. Stealing Our Freedom – 04:26 Album Length: 33:54
Vocalist/guitarist Darren Cherry comments:
“This is our most honest record so far, real instruments, real performances, all captured live in one room. We wanted to remind listeners of the warmth and punch that only true rock bands can create together. It’s pure, old-school energy and we had an absolute blast making it.”
Following the success of Iron & Oak (2024), which reached #18 on the Australian iTunes Hard Rock chart and earned multiple 10/10 media scores, the band is poised to bring their music to a new global audience with a record that’s equal parts homage and evolution.
Recommended for fans of Led Zeppelin, Thin Lizzy, and ZZ Top, Greystone Canyon‘s new album Something Borrowed…Something New is out December 5th, 2025
Frontman Darren Cherry, who also performed with Paul Di’Anno’s (ex-Iron Maiden) Australian touring band in 2024, leads the lineup featuring Richard Vella (guitars, vocals, keyboards), David Poulter (bass), and Sham Hughes (drums, keyboards, mastering). Together, they embody the spirit of traditional rock music, played with authenticity, precision, and passion.
The band also performed alongside US heavy metal pioneers The Rods, further cementing their reputation for powerful and emotionally charged live shows.
The band released their debut album While the Wheels Still Turn in 2018, earning critical acclaim from both Australian and international press. The record was named “Debut Album of the Year” by Australia’s national TV program The Hard Rock Show, and received outstanding reviews across the board – including 10/10 from Rock ’n’ Load Magazine and 99/100 from The Metal Mag. Supported by multiple singles and videos amassing over 450,000 views, the album firmly established Greystone Canyon as one of Australia’s most promising rock acts.
Their sophomore record, Iron & Oak, followed in 2024, entering the Australian iTunes chart at #18 for Hard Rock and #82 across all genres, as well as reaching #1 on CFUR North American college radio. The album was praised by the international rock media, with several 10/10 scores, and produced over 250,000 video views within weeks of release.
SKULLD have signed with Time To Kill Records for the release of their new album, Abyss Calls To Abyss. After a classic grind through the underground scene, the Italian band is ready to deliver the most complete and intense record of their artistic journey so far.
Their old-school Swedish death metal roots are reinforced by a strong crust punk/hardcore influence, giving the sound a raw, urgent edge. Yet, melodic deviations and dynamic shifts punctuate the album, highlighting the band’s growing maturity and stylistic range.
More details on the album and the first single will be revealed soon.
SKULLD formed in Romagna, Italy, in 2019 with the ambitious goal of blending old-school Swedish death metal with shamanic and esoteric overtones, all rooted in a strong feminist, anti-fascist, and anti-racist stance. Hailing from cities such as Cesena, Forlì, Bologna, Imola, and Milan, the members of the band have deep roots in the DIY punk and hardcore scene; a defining element of their artistic identity.
In 2020, they released their debut EP Reinventing Darkness, a DIY co-production with various Italian and international labels, distributed throughout the underground network. The lineup featured Pamela (vocals), Montiand Rappo (guitars), Ciufs (bass), and Teo (drums).
The songs, fast and razor-sharp, combine Scandinavian death metal with crust and stenchcore, evoking dark and pagan atmospheres. The EP was well received for its raw and original sound, as well as for its lyrical themes, most notably the track “Satanic Feminism”, which explicitly ties death metal to political and gender awareness.
On March 20th, 2024, the band released their first full-length album The Portal Is Open, via the French label World Eater Records. Recorded in Imola and mixed/mastered by Ulf Blomberg at Hobos Studio in Lund, Sweden, the album features eight tracks merging death and black metal with hardcore/crust influences and punk-infused vocals. The lyrics delve deeper into the concepts introduced on their debut, exploring pagan traditions, mythology, feminine archetypes, and esoteric and literary references.
In 2024, guitarist Moqi joined the band as a live replacement for Rappo, who had relocated to Berlin. He later became the sixth full-time member, contributing to the writing and recording of the band’s latest effort, Abyss Calls To Abyss.
Indoor Enthusiast, the outstanding third record from TUESDAY THE SKY, the instrumental-driven project from guitarist Jim Matheos, arrives this Friday, October 24th via Metal Blade Records!
TUESDAY THE SKY has been described as a “beautifully weird solo project” by Sonic Perspectives, while Dead Rhetoric dubbed it a “kaleidoscope of atmospheric songs.” With eleven songs of pure Matheos-patented playing and passion, this year’s Indoor Enthusiast features Dutch drummer Dennis Leeflang on “The Nearest Exit May Be Behind You,” “Bend Toward Light,” and “Set Fire To The Stars.”
Matheos, famed for his work with progressive metal giants Fates Warning, alongside projects such as OSI and his collaboration with John Arch, Arch/Matheos, planted the seeds of TUESDAY THE SKY around 2016. The impetus came from a Fates Warning bonus track that Matheos felt didn’t fit for the band. He kept writing in that vein, and the result was TUESDAY THE SKY. The initial offering was 2017’s Drift, a record that drew influence from the likes of Brian Eno, Sigur Ros, Boards Of Canada, and Explosions In The Sky.
The second TUESDAY THE SKY album was 2021’s The Blurred Horizon, a mixture of ambient, electronica, post-rock, and more. The Blurred Horizon is perhaps best described as a beautiful record, having a natural grace to it. The closing track “Everything Is Free” is a cover of a Gillian Welch and David Rawlings song, and the only song with vocals, supplied by Tim Bowness.
Indoor Enthusiast is entirely instrumental, produced and mixed by Matheos, and mastered by Jacob Hansen.
Watch a visualizer for the track “The Nearest Exit May Be Behind You” HERE.
TUESDAY THE SKY’s Indoor Enthusiast will be available on CD and digital formats at: metalblade.comtuesdaythesky.
This says it all: the last time a Rock band performed at a Super Bowl halftime show was Coldplay, back in 2016 for Super Bowl 50. That was 9 years ago, folks. 9 years and counting. So much for inclusiveness that the mainstream media and the NFL is always lecturing about.
The Who played the halftime show for Super Bowl 44 back in 2010. That was 15 years ago. 15. Years.
There has never been a true Heavy Metal band that performed at a Super Bowl halftime. KISS did a pre-game show at Super Bowl 33, on January 31, 1999. KISS played ONE SONG. It was their signature song: “Rock and Roll All Nite”. That wasn’t halftime. Plus, that was 27 years ago.
Aerosmith did their halftime show for Super Bowl 35 way back in 2001 and still had to share the stage with a crowded field of Pop and Hip-hop artists; thus making certain that their Hard Rock was watered down as much as possible.
Bonus Sad Fact: Country Music has taken a genuine beating with Super Bowl halftime shows. The last country artist to perform one was Shania Twain for Super Bowl 37, back in 2003. 22 years ago. Sting and No Doubt also performed.
Enough with the embarrassing timeline. My point has been made. Frankly, I really don’t give a shit about the Super Bowl halftime show anymore. My only goal here is to point out the ignorance, intolerance and bias of the decision makers behind the Super Bowl halftime event. If the tables were reversed, just how would the bubble-gum Pop and Hip-hop world respond? I’m stopping there.
Thank you for visiting Metal Odyssey and reading this opinion of mine. I greatly appreciate all the visitors! Metal be thy name. – Stone
I listen to music across a wide array of mediums, both physical and streaming. With that said, I’ve found myself listening on Spotify more this year than any other before it. With the ease of use and plethora of Metal choices, Spotify has been keeping me in the know. I’ve discovered more new bands, albums and songs like never before, due to the daily recommendations I receive from Spotify.
I actually feel spoiled with such easy access to my favorite music and yet I also feel gratitude. Technology can be more than a Pandora’s box as all the digital music platforms have proven. We’ve come a long way since those Napster days. Music is to be heard, enjoyed and not hidden from being celebrated. Spotify gives music to the masses, whether a user pays a monthly subscription (free from ads) or not.
My growing up during the late 70’s and into the early 80’s as a teenager in America had limited access to music on television; with MTV eventually changing the game. Beforehand there was American Bandstand, Soul Train and USA Networks’ Night Flight. I was a fan of all three! Had to be. It’s all we had for music on TV along with tidbits of related news.
The physical media was the mainstay back then, along with radio, of course. I never in a billion years could’ve foreseen such a remarkable future of music accessibility, via a hand-held phone, back in the day. That was Science Fiction back then. Star Trek stuff.
When it comes to how much artists are compensated from Spotify for listens, I have no clue. I’ve read about the negative blowback that many artists have toward the pay scale Spotify uses. All I can say, in my opinion, is you either use it as a means to get your music heard or you don’t. Admittedly, I will at times purchase physical music media based on what I discover from Spotify. This platform affords artists to sell merch from there as well.
On a side note, I have zero clue about how YouTube compensates musicians and bands. YouTube is easily the one digital platform I use the least for music. After I watch a newly released music video, I’m done, unless the video is worth my time to revisit. That’s just me.
I do know Bandcamp is honestly a tremendous platform for artists to make money; especially with the monthly Bandcamp Friday. I do love Bandcamp! I have purchased a nice collection of digital music, physical media and other merch over the years from Bandcamp. I so highly recommend checking out this platform if you haven’t already.
Thank you for visiting and reading about my thoughts on music streaming. I greatly appreciate all of you visitors! Please feel free to comment! Metal be thy name. – Stone
Infinity Dream recently announced a new alliance with Nameless Grave Records for their upcoming album Silver Lining on October 17, 2025. To mark their return, the band has unleashed the album’s first single and music video, “Lost Embrace,” available HERE.
Silver Lining builds upon the band’s acclaimed 2022 debut, Memories, expanding their sound with greater atmosphere, soaring harmonies, and the seamless interplay of male and female vocals. The band members are no strangers to metal though, as they call have been part of the incredible power metal band WIDOW, who have released their work via Cruz del Sur and Pure Steel previously.
Formed in 2019, Infinity Dream draws from the dark grandeur of Tony Martin era Black Sabbath, the drama of Dio, and the mysticism of Warlord and Rainbow; all while crafting songs with their own voice and emotional weight. Their music blends the heaviness of doom with the melodic spirit of classic metal, making Silver Lining a compelling listen for both devoted underground fans and the new legion of fans who have come to love bands like Ghost and Witchcraft.
Silver Lining was recorded at Wootensound Studios with drums tracked at Sonark Studios, produced by John Wooten III and Chris Bennett, and mixed by Steven Raets of Sonark Media. The album’s striking artwork and visual design were created by Chris Harris.
“Taan ti le Xibalba” now available on all streaming/download platforms
Guadalajara-based Ancestral folk metal group CEMICAN – hailed by Revolver as “an ancient Mexican answer to The Hu or Heilung” – are proud to bring you their latest opus, ‘U_k’u’uk’ankil_Mayakaaj.’ Much anticipated, this album comes out Oct. 31st and the pre-order for it is here: http://lnk.to/cemican
Available on digital, as well as jewelcase CD with 20-page booklet and limited-edition colored 2LP gatefold vinyl featuring two variants – the N. American variant on K’Awiil (300 blue orange haze) representing the celestial fire/lightning and abundance or the European variant Itzamna (200 purple) for he who embodies the cosmos – the god of the heavens who taught the Mayan people language. We’ve even added the two singles released mid-cycle (one created for Adult Swim programming) as bonus tracks.
“Cemican’s new album, ’U k ‘u’ uk’ankil Mayakaaj’ (translated as the Mayan Resistance) is based on Mayan ideology, worldview, mysticism, and the universe. It contains various legends and stories of ancestral gods, the duality of life and death, as well as stories based on the band members, transformed with that touch that identifies us,” explainsdrummerTlipoca.
“The concept was taken as a way to revive what our warriors and their Mayan people were, honoring this great Mayan culture and representing the worldview and mysticism of this great ancestral empire.”
“The album contains a dark and aggressive atmosphere, as well as some songs with tranquil melodies. A sound that embodies that language of music with ancestral instruments that Cemican has achieved as its own unique and hallucinatory sound, fused with lyrics that blend Spanish with Yucatan Mayan. This new album is a tribute to our ancestral peoples, their stories and their customs, giving a valuable message of their language and their ancestral glory.”
Today, we also reveal the cover art to ‘U k ‘u’ uk’ankil Mayakaaj’ created and designed by Tlipoca.
“It depicts the great creation of the Mayan universe and the elements of life (water, fire, wind, and earth) by the great supreme Itzamnaaj… raising the great Temple of Kukulkan for the worship of the Mayan people. Among the immensity of the ocean, the first sacred man emerges, creating the inter-dimensional chaos between trails and nebula. In the right hand of the great Itzamnaaj, a black hole is born, representing the great infinite darkness. In his left hand, a whirlwind of fire represents the beginning of light or the dawn of life and the beginning of it. At the top, between an avalanche of meteors and stellar earth, two faces are drawn: that of a woman or mother, who gives life or the birth of humans; and on the other side, the face of death, representing the cycle of earthly man in his passage through this life.”
The album has been preceded by two single/music video releases: the thundering “Taan ti le Xibalba” and “KUKULKÁN WAKAH CHAN” with its corresponding epic music video.
The music of CEMICAN – whose name means “the duality of life and death” in the Aztecan language of Nahuatl (spoken by 2 million people in Central Mexico) – incorporates elements of the legends, mysticism and ideologies of ancient Mexican culture. Compared by Revolver to “Slipknot scoring Mel Gibson’s ‘Apocalypto,’” while praised by Brooklyn Vegan for “combining indigenous instrumentation with Headbanger’s Ball-worthy riffage” the group combine the modern instrumentation of a metal band with traditional pre-Hispanic instruments.
Since releasing their third album, In Ohtli Teoyohtica In Miquiztli, in 2019, and M-Theory Audio debut, CEMICAN have performed alongside some of metal’s top names (Amon Amarth, Korpiklaani, Ensiferum, Eluveitie, etc.) in their native Mexico.
In addition, the six-piece group became a regular fixture of European festivals like France’s Hellfest and the Paris edition of Download Festival, Germany’s Wacken Open Air, Spain’s Resurrection Fest and Leyendas Del Rock, as well multiple festival performances in their homeland – Hell & Heaven Fest, Force Fest, Mexico Metal Fest, Dragon Rojo Fest, Tattoo Fest, Knotfest and countless more; as well as appearances in Central and South America. CEMICAN have received regular airplay on Sirius XM Liquid Metal, and composed an original song, “Yóok ‘ol kaab Maya,” for the Adult Swim network. 2025 will mark more opportunities and breakthroughs are in store for the extremely original, creative and epic act.
Lead single “Down to Hell (Black Cat Bar)” features banjos, distorted guitars, percussion, chains and “lots of alcohol.”
Guests on album to include Okoi Thierry Jones (Bölzer), Perikis Tikof (Opened Paradise) and Ioanna Noir Zacharopoulou (Glitter Grotesque).
The Harvest – a Southern Gothic-inspired record about dead lovers, serial killers and lost souls, will be released on 17 October and is available for pre-order.
The Dark Americana outfit :Skull & dawn: will release their second full-length album, The Harvest, on 17 October 2025, through The Circle Music. The first single, “Down to Hell (Black Cat Bar)“, is now out with a new video.
An introductory track to the album’s sound, “Down to Hell (Black Cat Bar)” tells a story of late-night revelry and a dark descent. The band describes it as an “urban ceremony” filled with banjos, distorted guitars, percussion, chains and “lots of alcohol”, culminating in a fall into a “dark well” that leads straight to hell.
Watch the video for “Down to Hell (Black Cat Bar)”:
:Skull & dawn: are: Manos Six – Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Banjo, Electric Guitar, Percussion Stamos A. – Electric Bass Chris Abatis – Electric Guitar Alex Tabakakis – Drums + Percussion Vassilis Kemanidis – Violin
The upcoming album The Harvest dives deep into a mysterious world of Southern Gothic horror, featuring songs about dead lovers, serial killers, lone cowboys, and lost souls. The album blends the band’s neofolk past with a true Americana sound and a Southern Gothic atmosphere.
The Circle Music said: “Although at first glance the style of :Skull & dawn: might seem out of step with The Circle’s previous releases, for some inexplicable yet undeniable reason, The Harvest felt destined (from the moment of its creation) to be released by us.
“It’s not just the fact that :Skull & dawn: have shared the stage with several of The Circle’s artists during live performances; it’s the very atmosphere of the album itself. From the very first listen, we all had the same instinctive reaction: The Harvest had to be released by us. There was simply no other way.”
The Harvest will be released in digital and CD formats, with the CD version including two bonus tracks: “Kingdom of the Corn (Live)” and “St. James Infirmary (Live)”. A limited edition black LP (250 copies) and a limited edition gold LP (250 copies) with a printed insert will also be available.
Guests on the album include: Okoi Thierry Jones (Bölzer), Perikis Tikof (Opened Paradise), Ioanna Noir Zacharopoulou(Glitter Grotesque) and Vasso Jism.
Founded in 1999 under a different name as a trio in Athens, Greece, the band started by creating industrial noise music using hammers and electric screwdrivers. From 2002 to 2009, they embraced the heritage of Old Europe and folk instruments under the name Défilé des Âmes. They released the full-length LP Lust & Stone, a split EP, and several DIY EPs. They also collaborated with notable artists like Sieben.
The band reformed in 2009 as :Skull & dawn:, shifting their sound to be influenced by the American South. Their debut album, Zombie Horses (2016), fused their industrial roots with American folklore, creating a sound inspired by artists like The Bad Seeds and Hank 3. They have maintained a strong live presence over the years, performing with a wide range of artists, including Jarboe, Chelsea Wolfe and Psychic TV.
The Harvest – track-listing: 1. Down to hell (Black Cat Bar) 2. Knoxville Girl 3. Kingdom of the Corn 4. Born Dead 5. GG Allin 6. Gold is the Metal 7. Trouble was her Name 8. Old Testament 9. Hail to the King 10. Kingdom of the Corn (Live) (CD Bonus Track) 11. St. James Infirmary (Live) (CD Bonus Track)
NORTH AMERICAN TOUR BEGINS SEPTEMBER 4th – CHELSEA WOLFE SUPPORTS
Aug. 13, 2025 — Following their headlining performance at Fire in the Mountains, Norwegian collective Wardruna have donated $14,000 to Firekeeper Alliance, a non-profit committed to reducing suicide rates among the Blackfeet Nation and other indigenous communities.
The funds were raised through the creation and sale of a limited-edition t-shirt, designed by a student in the Blackfeet Nation. More than 500 shirts were sold both online and at the festival.
“It makes us profoundly happy and proud to see that the Wardruna community all over the world responded with a genuine desire to support the Firekeeper Alliance, their cause, purpose and work,” the band shared. “True light-work is about daring to name and face the shadows, the dark and the pain. Thank you Firekeeper Alliance for your important work with suicide prevention. It was deeply moving to see the positive ripples of this work at Fire in the Mountains. Keep the fire burning!”
Photo credit: Bobby Cochran
“As for many others, our experience is hard to put into words. It was one of those events that changes people and views,” adds Wardruna’s Einar Selvik.
Charlie Speicher, director of Firekeeper Alliance, says: “The connection between FITM, FKA, Wardruna, By Norse and AISAmusic is one of the most powerful relationships I’ve been a part of. This support of our mission and the work we are doing means a lot to us. From the very bottom of our hearts, thank you. This gesture, and everything else you have supported us with, is going to translate directly to creating a safer world here for our loved ones. Please know that your love, support, and generosity has lifted our organization to allow us to help our community in ways we never dreamed would be possible.”
Wardruna returns to North America next month in support of their recently released album, Birna. Chelsea Wolfe opens on all dates except Los Angeles.
Wardruna North American tour dates:
September 4 Fort Worth, TX Will Rogers Memorial Auditorium September 5 San Antonio, TX Tobin Center for the Performing Arts September 7 Phoenix, AZ Ikeda Theatre at The Mesa Arts Center September 8 Los Angeles, CA The Greek Theatre * September 9 Oakland, CA Paramount Theatre September 11 Portland, OR The Keller Auditorium September 14 Seattle, WA The Moore Theatre September 16 Salt Lake City, UT Capitol Theatre September 17 Colorado Springs, CO Pikes Peak Center September 19 Minneapolis, MN Orpheum Theatre September 20 Chicago, IL The Auditorium Theatre September 22 Toronto, ON Massey Hall September 23 Rochester, NY Kodak Center September 24 Boston, MA Wang Theatre September 26 New York, NY Beacon Theatre September 27 Philadelphia, PA Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts September 28 Washington, DC Warner Theatre
*-No Chelsea Wolfe
Photo credit: Morten Munthe
From the Runaljod album trilogy (2009, 2013, 2016), exploring old Norse myths, traditions, and language through the 24 proto-Norse runes, the sound of Wardruna evolved and blended into the stripped down, acoustic compositions on Skald (2018). The group’s most recent album, Birna (2025), explores man’s relationship via the Bear.
Wardruna has performed at multiple manmade historical locations including Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Acropolis, Bulgaria’s Ancient Theater of Philipoppolis, as well as locations set amidst natural wonders such as Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado.
Alongside his work with Wardruna, Einar Selvik has composed music for large tv and game productions such as Vikings and Assassin’s Creed – Valhalla. He also gives tutorials and lectures on Old Norse literature, musicology, instruments and philosophy, and has worked with renowned artists such as Mari Boine, Tina Guo, Matoma and Eivør, including appearances on Norwegian, Danish and Polish national television.
Tokyo Alt-Rock Artist To Follow Up Single With Fierce Music Video and New EP Announcement
Tokyo, Japan – Sarina, an upcoming alt-rock artist from Tokyo, dropped her new single “If you need me to be the villain (Then maybe I am),” a song that outlines the remorseful, contrite feelings an abundance of women undergo, particularly in relationships. Between passionately compelling lyrics and prominent outlooks, Sarina displays wicked, encapsulating themes of surrendering as well as rallying cries. “If you need me to be the villain (Then maybe I am)” is now available for streaming, and a music video for the song will be released on August 20th.
Sarina is also announcing her long-awaited EP, The Fool, out on September 12th. “If you need me to be the villain (Then maybe I am)” marks the first single from the upcoming EP.
Produced by Kevin Thrasher(Panic! At The Disco, Blink-182, Avril Lavigne), the tune promotes confidence and tenacity, setting the scene for a ferocious and unapologetic vindication. Sarina explores relationship conflicts alongside internal dilemmas and adversities, highlighting emotional health. “‘If you need me to be the villain (Then maybe I am)’ is about an experience so many women have, especially in relationships, where we are made to feel like everything is ours to take responsibility for,” she explains. “No matter the issue, we feel like we have to apologize regardless of who was in the wrong. We reassure and apologize despite being the ones hurt.”
At the heart of the track is Sarina’s acceptance of the villain role being cast upon her. This is exhibited throughout the bridge and chorus, coming to the revelation that it’s alright to claim your authority and own your strength. “The song is a surrender just as much as it is a battle cry. In the same breath, I embrace my role as villain in your story, I question whether or not I’m the villain in my own story,” Sarina confesses.
Photo Credit: Andrea Hunter
The eloquent and high-powered energy fills up every melody, leaving audiences wanting more. With thunderous instrumentation and roaring vocals, Sarina creates the ultimate feminist anthem, grabbing the attention of those who have been equally cast as the bad guy in their own lives. The single was mastered by Grammy-nominated engineer Maor Appelbaum, known for his work with metal icons like Faith No More, Dream Theater, Sepultura, Rob Halford, and more.
Growing up in Tokyo with artistically gifted parents, Sarina developed an interest in music from a very young age, leading her to chase a career in the industry. The bilingual artist, who was born in Hawaii with a Japanese father and Lebanese mother, became immersed in different cultures, which guided the orchestration of her music. Diving into personal challenges and mental health, her music leads listeners into profound reflection and relatability.
Under the Sony RED label, Sarina released multiple singles, music videos, and an EP titled Foreward. After working with Sony, she teamed up with her mother, a flourishing music business entrepreneur in Japan, to launch a new label, SyrenSong, and earlier this year, she signed a distribution deal with Warner/ADA. With infectious, tuneful melodies and provocative lyrics, she has gained coveted playlist spots on Spotify’s “New Music Friday,” Ones To Watch’s “Now Watching,” Apple Music’s “New In Rock” and “New in Alternative” and features in New Noise Magazine, Music Connection Magazine, Tokyo Noise, antiMusic, V13, Lock Magazine, and more. Sarina has also been involved in a video game company, Square Enix’s JRPG Triangle Strategy, in collaboration with eminent composer Senju Akira.
Blending feral alt-rock with a dash of pop-punk, the track serves as a call to arms and tells listeners to embrace being the villain to feel powerful, even when they’re not the one in the wrong. “If you need me to be the villain (Then maybe I am)” is now available to stream and download. Subscribe to her YouTube channel and stay tuned for the accompanying music video on August 20th and the release of The Fool EP on September 12th. Follow along with Sarina’s career on: Instagram @SarinasMusic and TikTok @sarinamusicofficial.
Powerhouse Group Features Chris Adler, Myrone and Girish Pradhan
Today hard rock and heavy metal powerhouse FIRSTBORNE return with “Again” – the second single from the group’s awaited album. There’s an accompanying lyric video for the track viewable HERE:
“It’s an inner battle… choosing between sinking to their level or rising above the noise. When someone insults you without knowing who you are, it hurts. But the real strength lies in rising above the pettiness and channeling that energy into something greater… growth, purpose, and peace,” explains singer Girish Pradhan.
“Again” will be serviced to commercial/active rock radio and is the first cut off FIRSTBORNE’s new album, Lucky. It follows “Wake Up” which was a welcome introduction to the group’s penchant for infectious hard rock with a humorous and relatable twist, found especially entertaining by the first music video HERE: https://youtu.be/-vgQE4NKgds
The full-length, produced by the renown producer Machine (Clutch, King Crimson, Crobot) will be released on M-Theory Audio on August 8th. It will be available from all digital outlets, as well as on CD and limited-edition (300) amber wave colored vinyl. Pre-order now HERE: https://lnk.to/firstborne
FIRSTBORNE features legendary drummer Chris Adler (Lamb of God, Megadeth), virtuoso guitarist Myrone (known by some as the originator of soft shred), and electrifying vocalist Girish Pradhan who just performed last night on America’s Got Talent with his other band Girish and the Chronicles: https://www.facebook.com/reel/717507967417196
Formed in 2019, FIRSTBORNE blend high-energy riffs, soaring vocals, and thunderous rhythms to create a modern yet timeless sound rooted in classic metal, hard rock, and shred guitar. The band first gained attention through a series of independently released singles and EPs between 2020 and 2023, showcasing their signature fusion of melody, technical precision, and relentless groove.
Guitarist Myrone explains how the album came together: “When Chris, Girish, and I got connected in 2019 I said my number one goal in life was to get us all in the same room to jam. Four years later not only did we get in the same room, we went to Machine’s barn in Texas for a month to create 10 piping hot metal jams for the whole world to enjoy. I had written around 150 song ideas before stepping in the studio, and we ended up using none of them. What you hear on the record was entirely written and recorded in Texas.”
With Adler’s iconic drumming, Myrone’s signature guitar work, and Pradhan’sdynamic, powerhouse vocals, FIRSTBORNE are a force to be reckoned with in the hard rock and metal scene; delivering high-energy anthems that bridge the gap between old-school metal and modern intensity.
L- R – Aidan Desmarais – Lead vocals, Guitars – Chris LoNigro – Guitars – Hunter Raymond – Drums, Vocals – Jacob Chase – Bass | Photo Credit: Hunter Raymond (self-timer)
+ Limited Edition Cassette For EP “Fatal Attraction” Out June 2025
High intensity, no filler rockers, Calgary’s LOVER announces they will be performing at this year’s Armstrong Metal Fest (July 11/12), one of Canada’s loudest mountain moshpits nestled in the beautiful backdrop of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley.
The band is playing in support of their latest EPFatal Attraction, which the thrashback metallers will be releasing on limited edition cassette on June 20th, 2025. “Fatal Attraction” is fast, it’s real, and it’s meant to kick you in the face! Even though the EP is only two tracks, this is a sampler of more to come.
The opening title track is an energetic rush of sound that captures the ups and downs of being overwhelmed by desire. The lyrics feed this feeling by talking about lust and substance abuse. Track 2. “Bad Love” lyrically is a tough and mean reality check. It’s based on a true story of love gone wrong. It has aggressive riffs, mean solos, and is meant to capture the strain of a mind in love and turmoil.
“For real though, we used our real-life experiences of love, hardship, and lust to tell a story, and it just happens to be set to the tune of high-energy rock n roll,” adds the band.
Recommended for fans of Scorpions, Riot City, Wasp, Judas Priest, Van Halen, and Thin Lizzy, listen to “Fatal Attraction” at the following links:
The esteemed Melvins performed at one of my favorite large clubs in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, May 15th. Napalm Death was also a headline act! I took these photos with my iPhone, sitting up in the balcony. My bad knees and legs forbid my wanting to be on the floor and up-close, nowadays. I was accompanied by my Metal Buddy Troy. This was my second time seeing the Melvins, duringmy Metal life. I was pumped from start to finish!
Buzz Osborne was on top of his game! The legend never slowed down for a second! Entire band and crowd was lit! I didn’t want their set to end; yet it was comforting to know Napalm Death was at the ready! I hope you enjoy some of these photos; it was difficult with the lightingand distance. Regardless, I’m grateful I have these to share with you all. Thank you for stopping by and Metal be thy name!
SPECIAL GUESTS INCLUDE GWAR, HATEBREED, BODY COUNT, POWER TRIP, CAVALERA, SHADOWS FALL, FROZEN SOUL, AND HARMS WAY ON SELECT DATES
April 1, 2025 — RICHMOND, Va. – Lamb of God have added several headlining dates to their already packed 2025 schedule, bringing their ferocious live show to select cities, including a special performance in their hometown of Richmond, as well as stops in Springfield, Mass., Monterrey, Mexico, and more.
Newly announced shows:
July 18 Springfield, MA @ MassMutual Center – with special guests: Hatebreed and Shadows Fall
July 24 Richmond, VA @ Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront – with special guests: GWAR and Hatebreed
September 20 Hinkley, MN @ Grand Casino Hinkley – Amphitheater – with special guests: Body Count and Harms Way
September 25 Durant, OK @ Choctaw Grand Theater – with special guests: Power Trip and Frozen Soul
September 27 Hammond, IN @ Horseshoe Hammond Casino – with special guests: Cavalera and Power Trip
November 6 Monterrey, Mexico at Showcenter
Tickets are on-sale this Friday, April 4, at 10 a.m. local time via Lamb-of-god.com.
The newly announced dates round out what is a busy end of the year for the band. Lamb of God will also join Black Sabbath for their historic Back to the Beginning send-off, and headline several festivals including Inkcarceration, Unhinged, Louder Than Life, and Aftershock.
In addition, the band returns to the high seas this Fall with the return of their Headbangers Boat cruise (Oct. 31 to Nov. 4), a four-day floating festival departing from Miami with a stop in Cozumel, Mexico. The cruise features performances from Clutch, Kublai Khan TX, Power Trip, Obituary, Devil Driver, Fear Factory, The Black Dahlia Murder, The Exploited, Crowbar, Nekrogoblikon, Eighteen Visions, Gideon, Walls of Jericho, Category 7, Brat, comics Josh Potter and Saul Trujillo, with appearances from Jose Mangin and Riki Rachtman. Tickets are available at Headbangersboat.com.
Lamb of God – tour dates:
July 5 – Birmingham, UK Back to the Beginning with Black Sabbath July 18 – Springfield, MA MassMutual Center July 20 – Mansfield, OH Inkcarceration Festival July 24 – Richmond, VA Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront July 27 – Denver, CO Unhinged Fest September 18 – Louisville, KY Louder Than Life Festival September 20 – Hinkley, MN Grand Casino Hinkley – Amphitheater September 25 – Durant, OK Choctaw Grand Theater September 27 – Hammond, IN Horseshoe Hammond Casino October 3 – Sacramento, CA Aftershock Festival November 6 – Monterrey, MX Showcenter
Photo credit: Travis Shinn
Lamb of God is Randy Blythe (vocals), John Campbell (bass), Mark Morton (guitar), Willie Adler (guitar) and Art Cruz (drums). Formed in 1994, the Richmond, Virginia based band have released nine critically-acclaimed albums, received five GRAMMY Award nominations and are widely regarded as one of the most influential and innovative forces in heavy music.
The band’s most recent collection, Omens, arrived in late 2022 with Kerrang! noting that the album finds the band “as reliably heavy, violent, and pissed off as ever,” and Consequence saying the “album will break you down to nihilistic pieces.”
The wait is over! Vallorch returned on March 14, 2025, with their highly anticipated album, The Circle, which is the band’s most ambitious and immersive work to date. Building upon their folk and symphonic metal roots, the band refines its signature sound into a dynamic fusion of powerful riffs, enchanted melodies, and cinematic orchestration.
Following the release of the anthemic “Circle Of The Moon” and the raucous folk metal celebration “Drink Some More!”, The Circle delivers an even broader spectrum of emotions and soundscapes. The album revolves around the theme of the night, capturing its dual nature, a time for reflection and solitude but also revelry and connection. From grandiose symphonic arrangements to festive folk elements, each track immerses the listener in a journey through legends, emotions, and the band’s signature sonic landscapes.
Compared to their previous works, Neverfade (2013) and Until Our Tale Is Told (2017), Vallorch has evolved their songwriting, crafting an album that is tightly composed and emotionally resonant. The folk influences remain, but with an even more polished and cinematic touch, elevating their sound to new heights.
Fans of Nightwish, Eluveitie, Alestorm, Epica, and Wind Rose will find themselves drawn into Vallorch’s world, where folk traditions and symphonic metal collide in an unforgettable experience. With myth-inspired lyrics, powerful storytelling, and an undeniable passion for their craft, Vallorch cements their place as one of the most exciting acts in modern folk metal.
March 14th marked a new era for Vallorch. The Circle isn’t just an album, it’s an invitation to journey through the night, to embrace the contrasts of light and dark, and to lose yourself in the magic of Vallorch’s sound. Prepare to step into The Circle!
Vallorch Line Up: Sara Tacchetto – vocals, choirs, tin whistle, bagpipe Leonardo Dalla Via – vocals, harsh vocals, choirs, bass, programming Marco Povolo – vocals, choirs, keyboards, bouzouki, programming Massimo Benetazzo – Drums Mattia Buggin – electric and acoustic guitars
Guests:
Serena Zucco (Adgarios) – violin Glorya Lyr (Eard) – Celtic harp in “Antermoia”
Directed, shot, and edited by Simone D’Addazio. Shooting assistance by Sara Vescia. MUA by Erica Pillon. Band attire designed and crafted by Verdiana Biffis.
New album from the multi-instrumentalist comes out April 11
Genre-bending one-man band SAMTAR is set to return with The Bog of Cosmic Delusions. The seventh full-length album by the multi-instrumentalist and songwriter comes fresh off the heels of the acoustic-centric A Second Chapter Made of Wood.
The Bog of Cosmic Delusions stands out as SAMTAR‘s heaviest album to date. With loud and crushing sounds, psychedelic influences, melodic guitars, and grand soaring vocals, this album is sure to satisfy rock and metal listeners alike.
SAMTAR has released three singles from the album. Stream “The Mire,” “Desert Creature” and “Refuse” on Spotify.
The Bog of Cosmic Delusions will be available on digital and limited-edition CD on April 11. Pre-order the album at samtarofficial.com
The Bog of Cosmic Delusions was written, performed, recorded, mixed, and mastered by SAMTAR.
Track-listing:
1. Desert Creature
2. Fickle Fortune
3. All You Ever Wanted
4. Speaker
5. Distant Voices
6. Refuse
7. Destiny is a Lie
8. The Whispers
9. Vicarious Voodoo
10. The Mire
11. Broken Sparrow
12. Drowning the Goddess
SAMTAR, a music-obsessed virtuoso, plies his craft with an unrepentant vigor and passion. Navigating the forests of genre, SAMTAR follows a path to sounds unknown by combining style and influence from all sources. SAMTAR chose to eschew chasing traditional mediums of promotion and instead focused on loving his life through creating music, exploring the outdoors, and translating the ethereal into song. The music SAMTAR creates is human and close, it has a momentum of its own and entreats the listener to be a traveler along the journey to their own peace.
SAMTAR grew up on System of a Down, Nine Inch Nails, The Black Dahlia Murder, Opeth, Sonata Arctica, Muse, Jimi Hendrix, Sublime, and Nirvana. Now he unites these divergent influences with driving bass lines, hook-heavy guitar melodies, powerful vocals, and a healthy dose of synthesizers. He notes some of his biggest vocal influences being from artists like Mike Patton (Mr. Bungle/Faith No More), and Tony Kakko (Sonata Arctica). He also takes inspiration from sci-fi/fantasy films and literature.
Watch MISS LAVA’s lyric video for “Under A Black Sun” HERE.
Like distant moons spitting fire, Lisbon, Portugal-based rock unit MISSLAVA forged their new album Under A Black Sun. Carrying a darker and heavier emotional weight than their previous outings, the band’s fifth album is set to be released through Small Stone Recordings on April 25th, today unveiling the record’s first single and preorders.
“It’s a pretty intense record,” says singer Johnny Lee. “Our life experiences over the past years have made us delve into a darker matter. We explored new territories and had a blast creating this album.”
The release of Under A Black Sun will celebrate the band’s longevity, marking their 20th anniversary. It’s sonic flame with many cosmic swirls that urges to be unleashed live. “It has been a hell of a ride since we started rehearsing in a small studio in Lisbon back in 2005,” confirms guitarist K. Raffah. “Having this record come out twenty years later with a partner like Small Stone is the best thing we could wish for. Now we just need to get out there and play these songs live everywhere we can!”
This mystical rite of creation was the first record with drummer Pedro Gonçalves, bringing a heavier vibe to the band. Under A Black Sun was recorded and engineered once again with Miguel “Veg” Marques, who handled the band’s previous record, Doom Machine, produced by MISS LAVA and Marques, mixed by Steve Lehane, and mastered by Chris Goosman.
In advance of the record’s release, today the band unveils, Under A Black Sun’s title track. Comments Lee, “This song is about falling under a dark influence and the duality of this situation. For some, it’s total absence of light, but others manage to orbit around it.”
Watch MISS LAVA’s lyric video for “Under A Black Sun” HERE.
Under A Black Sun includes guest keys on “Blue Sky On Mars,” “Dark Tomb Nebula,” “Elara,” “Evil Eye Of The Witch,” and “Woe Warrior” by Miguel “Veg” Marques, guest vocals on “Elara” by Alexandra Quintas “Bebé,” and artwork by João Filipe.
The record will be released on CD and digital formats as well as limited vinyl. Find all preorders on the official Small Stone Recordings Bandcamp page HERE.
Under A Black Sun – Track Listing:
1. Dark Tomb Nebula
2. Neon Gods
3. Evil Eye Of A Witch
4. Chaos Strain
5. Woe Warrior
6. The Bends
7. Fear In Overdrive
8. I Drown
9. Blue Sky On Mars (Bonus Track – CD/Digi)
10. Elara
11. Under A Black Sun
MISS LAVA: Johnny Lee – vocals K. Raffah – guitars P. Gonçalves – drums Ricardo Ferreira – bass Hugo Jacinto – guitars
Over the years, the band has played live in clubs and festivals in the UK, Spain, Germany, and of course Portugal. MISS LAVA even made a one-off appearance at the legendary Whisky a Go-Go in Los Angeles. The band has shared stages with the likes Of Queens Of The Stone Age, Slash, Graveyard, Ufomammut, Greenleaf, Kyuss Lives!, Fu Manchu, Valient Thorr, Entombed, Truckfighters, and many more. The band, now a five-piece with two guitar players, has confirmed shows throughout the Spring and Summer months with more to be announced in the weeks to come.
MISS LAVA Live: 4/26/2025 Lav – Lisboa, PT w/ Graveyard 4/30/2025 A Cofradia – Vilanova De Arousa, ES 5/01/2025 Grc Amigos De Seixas – Seixas, PT 5/02/2025 Pub Transylvania – Vigo, ES 5/03/2025 O Bar Queiro – Mañón, ES 6/06/2025 Bafo De Baco – Loulé, PT 6/07/2025 TBA – Oliveira De Frades, PT 6/26/2025 Wurlitzer – Madrid, ES 6/28/2025 Chatnoir – Badajoz, ES 7/02/2025 Antwerp Music City – Antwerp, BE 7/03/2025 Pitchers – Düsseldorf, DE 7/04/2025 Rare Guitar – Münster, DE 7/05/2025 Ostpol – Dresden, DE 7/06/2025 Dirty & Dancing – Osnabrück, DE
Finland’s hard rocking Wishing Well have released new music for the first time after their Sin And Shame album, that came out in March 2023. “Boys Will Be Boys” is a simple good mood rocker, made seriously tongue-in-cheek and in good spirit to celebrate rock music and pure joy and camaraderie of playing in a band. This positive and cheerful song is a rare release from the band, who usually write more serious and complex songs. The song is released together with a music video, recorded at Magnusborg Studios in Porvoo, filmed and edited by Jussi Koskinen.
“Boys is an old song that goes way back but we wanted to release something in between albums and this song is perfect for that. First we thought it’s too simple and silly but when we worked on it and it took off like a rocket to the moon we decided to give it a go. Somebody then came up with the idea of asking previous Wishing Well vocalists to sing the gang vocals and when they agreed and even Graham Bonnet promised to join we knew it’ll work out great. We decided to shoot the video while in the studio and we had a great time. We’re pleased with the result and the song is also good fun to play live”, says Anssi Korkiakoski, guitar player and songwriter of the band.
“Things should not always be too serious, at the end of the day it’s all about doing what you love, together with your friends. We’re all old metalheads and hard rockers, we share the same thoughts and memories about music, from early years to ‘80s metal and beyond. It’s great that we can do our thing together and share it with each other and our audience as well. This song is a homage to all of us childlike rockers, music lovers and band musicians. There are many of us, naturally lots of girls and women too, despite the song title”, says Korkiakoski.
Composition & Lyrics by Anssi Korkiakoski
The song is released under Wishing Well & The Wheelers And Dealers, since the choir with its old school veterans plays an important role in the song.
At the moment the band is working on their fifth album, due to be released in the spring of 2026. Wishing Well will perform live at On The Rocks Club in Helsinki on the 27th of March. For more news updates visit their social media channels.
Wishing Well are: Pepe Tamminen – vocals Arto Teppo – Hammond-organ Matti Kotkavuori – bass Juha Kivikanto – drums Anssi Korkiakoski – guitar
Wheelers And Dealers choir are: Rick Becker Graham Bonnet Rafael Castillo Peter James Goodman
If you’re a band or musician and would like your music reviewed or be interviewed by Stone, please click the link under the “ALBUM REVIEWS ARCHIVES” section below!
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