Tough on Fridays, the powerhouse alt-rock band hailing from Austin, Texas, is set to kick off 2025 with a bang, dropping their latest single, ‘Nosedive,’ on January 31st via Golden Robot Records. To celebrate the release, the band will be hosting a single launch show in Austin – details to come.
‘Nosedive’ delves into the thrill and turmoil of a relationship that’s as intense as it is doomed. With its driving beats, soaring melodies, and poignant lyrics, the track captures the euphoria of passionate highs, juxtaposed with the bittersweet reality of inevitable lows. This raw, electrifying anthem is a testament to Tough on Fridays’ signature sound – blending heartfelt emotion with unrelenting energy. “This song is about embracing the beautiful chaos of a love that feels almost too good to last,” shares lead vocalist Caleigh. “It’s that push and pull between knowing the crash is coming but refusing to hit the brakes because the ride is just too exhilarating.”
The single launch show promises to be an unforgettable night, giving fans the chance to hear ‘Nosedive’ live and experience the magic that the Tough on Fridays girls bring to the stage. Don’t miss this chance to dive headfirst into the latest chapter of their journey. Mark your calendars for January 31st!
Caleigh, Carly and Bella became best friends and started playing music together in 2023. Ever since, they’ve enjoyed playing shows, writing music and touring around with each other as well as the community of extremely talented musicians they’ve entered into. Tough on Fridays exists to validate the ones who feel forgotten and alone and provide a space to be seen and heard.
The renowned melodic death metal virtuoso BURIED REALM, led by the talented Josh Dummer, is excited to announce the release of their new single, “Where the Armless Phantoms Glide, Pt. II.” This single is a precursor to their eagerly awaited album The Dormant Darkness, slated for release on April 4, 2025.
Where the Armless Phantoms Glide, Pt. II. marked the beginning of the album’s journey—a foundation upon which the rest of the material would grow. It began with a vision for gritty power metal vocals and ‘spider-esque’ riffing that seemed tailor-made for clean, commanding vocals. As the track evolved, it took a turn towards a darker, more cinematic tone, which led me to collaborate with Björn Strid, whose vocal style perfectly matched the transformed spirit of the music. The inclusion of Heikki’s powerful drumming and Francesco’s orchestral elements further enhanced the cinematic quality of the track.
The upcoming album The Dormant Darkness is not just a collection of songs but a showcase of global metal talent, featuring an impressive lineup of guest artists:
Björn “Speed” Strid (SOILWORK) on tracks “Human Code” and “Where the Armless Phantoms Glide, Pt. II”
Christian Älvestam (ex-SCAR SYMMETRY) on tracks “Bloodline Artifice,” “Futuristic Hollow Nation,” “Jaws of the Abyss,” and “The Dormant Darkness”
Christopher Amott (ex-ARCH ENEMY/ ex-DARK TRANQUILLITY) on “Futuristic Hollow Nation”
Daniel Freyberg (ex-CHILDREN OF BODOM) on “A Futile Endeavor”
Dean Arnold (ex-VITAL REMAINS) on “Bloodline Artifice”
Francesco Ferrini (FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE) with orchestration and additional synth across the album
Gus G (ex-OZZY OSBOURNE/FIREWIND) on “The Dormant Darkness”
Heikki Saari (FINNTROLL) with drums throughout the album
Per Nilsson (SCAR SYMMETRY) on “Human Code”
The Dormant Darkness marks a significant milestone in the band’s over a decade-long journey in the melodic death metal scene. This album, deeply personal and dynamic, showcases a blend of raw emotion and technical precision, with contributions from an impressive roster of guest artists, enhancing its complexity and reach.
The Dormant Darkness Tracklist:
Bloodline Artifice
Futuristic Hollow Nation
Human Code
A Futile Endeavor
Where the Armless Phantoms Glide, Pt. II
Ophidian Dreams
Jaws of the Abyss
The Dormant Darkness
The album opens with “Bloodline Artifice,” setting a powerful tone with themes of betrayal and corrupted innocence. It progresses through tracks like “Futuristic Hollow Nation,” exploring themes of isolation, and “Human Code,” a high-energy anthem featuring Björn Strid. The mood shifts with “A Futile Endeavor,” delving into regret and loss, while the centerpiece, “Where the Armless Phantoms Glide, Pt. II,” presents a transformation into a cinematic masterpiece with intense orchestration and emotive vocals.
“Ophidian Dreams” offers a brooding, atmospheric experience, and “Jaws of the Abyss” highlights a collaboration with Christian Älvestam, integrating clean vocals and growls. The album concludes with “The Dormant Darkness,” a triumphant finale embodying the album’s collaborative spirit and showcasing guest solos and dynamic performances.
Overall, The Dormant Darkness represents a new chapter of creative exploration for Josh Dummer and BURIED REALM, celebrating the band’s evolution, artistic growth, and the collaborative spirit within the modern metal landscape.
BURIED REALM is:
Josh Dummer – all instruments and vocals (with the exception of guest appearances)
Still unrepentant after all these years, SoCal punk legends Smash Mouth probably aren’t the first band you’d ask to serenade your Valentine. But that’s because you haven’t heard this – or maybe you have, but it didn’t sound like this.
“Blinding Lights” was a mega hit for The Weeknd back in 2020, a Single of the Year at the Juno Awards, Top Radio Song at the Billboard beanfeast, and MTV’s Video of the Year.
But what was once synth-whipped and tender is now Mach 2 mayhem, a thunderous collision of riff and rhythm that encapsulates all the emotion of the original recording, but simply dares you to deny its sincerity.
Smash Mouth’s Paul DeLisle recalls how the performance came about. “When I first started hearing ‘Blinding Lights’ on the radio all the time, several things inspired me about the song. First of all, my 12 year-old daughter loved it – always a good sign. And then there was The Weeknd’s voice, a wonderfully fresh and beautiful instrument. But most of all, I heard it as a rock song. One that could be transformed using the “quiet/loud” dynamic of a Nirvana or Smashing Pumpkins song. It’s an intense and urgent song, and I wanted to pronounce that dynamic. I’m very pleased with the result and I hope people like it.
“Blinding Lights” is not alone in its assaultive lonesomeness, either. There’s an entire album’s worth of Valentine crunchers heading straight towards you, and Smash Mouth are just one of the two dozen-plus punk legends lining up to eat your chocolates and scratch your arms with red rose thorns.
From British originals like The Vibrators, The Members and Slaughter and the Dogs, to universal legends Iggy Pop, the New York Dolls and the Flaming Groovies; from The Dickies, The Vandals and Fear to The Ataris, Samiam and Blink-182, Punk Rock Valentines is exactly what you need to hear when you wake up on Feb 14, whether “Your Boyfriend Sucks” or you’re “Looking for a Kiss” – and Smash Mouth… ah, Smash Mouth; you’ve not heard the last of them, because their punk rock Beatle classic “Love Me Do” is here as well.
But back to “Blinding Lights” for a moment, and yes, it really is blinding. And even Cupid is pogo-dancing while it plays.
German Thrash-Teutons DESTRUCTION strike again with their second single, “A.N.G.S.T.”. As one of the biggest names in thrash metal with a 40+ year career, they unleash raw paranoia, shredding guitar solos and Schmier’s intense vocals while criticizing evil forces who prey on the weaknesses of others. Tackling fear, the song urges fans to confront their inner demons and break free from mental chains. Taken from their 16th studio album, Birth Of Malice, out March 7, 2025 via Napalm Records, “A.N.G.S.T.” proves fear is no match for thrash! The single is accompanied by an incredible music video that honors the horror genre and its iconic special FX – images taken from your deepest nightmares creeping in your head to stay.
Fans all over the world worship DESTRUCTION alongside fellow German thrash icons Sodom and Kreator, celebrating their influence on generations of bands worldwide. On Birth Of Malice, scene-legend and original member Schmier once again combines his dual vocal/bass attack with crashing riffs from battle axe masters Martin Furia and Damir Eskić, while Randy Black blasts pummeling drums to new heights. As witnessed on their previous thrash-fest Diabolical (2022), DESTRUCTION return with their uniquely raw and brutal sound, delivering merciless songs with a touch more variety and groove this time. All twelve songs from the butchers hit with a direct, clean sound – resulting in addictive metal anthems for a new generation of thrashers!
Schmier on “A.N.G.S.T.”: “Our very first German song title is one of two very different tracks on this new album. I wanted to write a groovin’ live track with staccato riffs, evil bloodcurdling vocals and dark atmosphere.”
Schmier adds about the elaborate music video: “We wanted to create a music video like a horror movie that plays with our natural fears, and to create a scary vibe that gives you the chills. It will make you press REPEAT and think, ‘What was that? Let’s watch this freak show again!’ We hope you’re entertained!”
The band’s newest onslaught is opened by the brutal “Destruction”, with a luring intro transforming into a true thrashing hymn with razor sharp guitars honoring the band’s 40+ year legacy, where mastermind Schmier reflects on the old days. Like the title Birth Of Malice suggests, lyrically, Schmier delves deep in human errors – like selfish behavior on “Greed” and “Evil Never Sleeps”. A clear statement is made with carnage on “Scumbag Human Race”, exploring the mistakes mankind makes and pushing authorities in its memorable chorus “I will count your days!”. The same rebellious attitude can be witnessed on the banging “No Kings – No Masters”. DESTRUCTION also shifts to futuristic topics on the album, like the unconscious influence of technology and new forms of war on “Cyber Warfare”. To close this brutal tour de force on a positive note, the thrashing legends celebrate their strong allyship with metal colleagues Accept by presenting their own version of classic neck breaker “Fast As A Shark”.
All of these heavy topics are combined in the brutal cover artwork, designed by talented Hungarian artist Gyula Havancsák, known for his works for bands like Accept, Kreator and Blind Guardian. Birth Of Malice was recorded at Switzerland’s Little Creek Studio by V.O.Pulver, and guitarist Martin Furia mixed and mastered the masterpiece at The Black Mancave in Hannover, Germany. DESTRUCTION mark themselves once again as a tight metal-machine, switching between ruthless thrash and pounding melodic moments, proving they are more than ready to slaughter again on this new album, and at their upcoming shows all over the world!
Birth Of Malice tracklisting:
1. Birth Of Malice 2. Destruction 3. Cyber Warfare 4. No Kings – No Masters 5. Scumbag Human Race 6. God Of Gore 7. A.N.G.S.T. 8. Dealer Of Death 9. Evil Never Sleeps 10. Chains Of Sorrow 11. Greed 12. Fast As A Shark
DESTRUCTION live on tour 2024/2025: 31.01.25 GR – Thessaloniki / Principal Club Theater 01.02.25 GR – Athens / Gagarin 205 22.03.25 BE – Aalst / Sint Annazaal vzw
Festivals 2025 11-14.06.25 DE – Gardelegen / Metal Frenzy Open Air 2025 30.07-02.08.25 DE – Wacken / Wacken Open Air 2025 13-16.08.25 DE – Dinkelsbühl / Summer Breeze Open Air 2025
DESTRUCTION are: Schmier – Bass, Vocals Martin Furia – Guitars Randy Black – Drums Damir Eskić – Guitars
Logic Il Logic Records & Burning Minds Music Group are glad to announce that “An Emptied Soul”, a track from Eugenio Sambasile‘s solo project, is now available for streaming and download on all digital platforms. The release is accompanied by a video, shot by Bzk_Prod.
Eugenio Sambasile states: “I wrote this song a few years ago. It’s a very intimate and delicate tune that talks about depression and self-harm. Having experienced this first-hand, I wanted to address the theme through a reflection of myself”.
Eugenio Sambasile is an Italian musician, guitarist, music teacher, and composer. He’s the founder and leader of the death metal band Embryo, with which he is currently composing the new album. He shared the stage with famous metal artists on countless gigs all across Europe and collaborated with international musicians such as Marty Friedman and George Kollias during several educational events and seminars. His musical interests range from extreme metal to rock, with influences of blues and country music.
Three-time Grammy-nominated hard rock heavyweights and platinum-selling band Killswitch Engage – Jesse Leach, vocals; Adam Dutkiewicz, guitar; Joel Stroetzel, guitar; Mike D’Antonio, bass; and Justin Foley, drums – are gearing up for the release of their new album THIS CONSEQUENCE out February 21 via Metal Blade. Pre-order it here.
Today, they have shared the video for the new single “I Believe.”
“‘I Believe’ is about undying hope,” shares Leach. “During difficult times perspective is everything. Knowing deep down that ‘this too shall pass’ has been a beacon of light for me. I do believe there is meaning behind suffering. If we are able to push through difficult times and come out the other side, there is a renewed sense of purpose.”
He continues, “I know there are much more commonalities between all of us as humans than there are differences. The good far outweighs the bad. This is my message to anyone who’s listening, things will get better! However you have to believe that they will!. There is power in faith, there is power in manifestation and prayer! Keep the faith and push forward with the confidence of better days ahead. Do not let this world pull you down into despair. Tomorrow is a new day and a new possibility for change!“
THIS CONSEQUENCE TRACK LISTING: “Abandon Us” “Discordant Nation” “Aftermath” “Forever Aligned“ “I Believe“ “Where It Dies” “Collusion” “The Fall of Us” “Broken Glass” “Requiem”
KsE are also returning to the road this winter and spring.
Their upcoming winter headline tour features support from Kublai Khan TX, Fit For a King and Frozen Soul, and kicks off on March 5 in Nashville and runs through April 12 in Portland, Maine. The band has also announced dates for May, which will feature support from Shadows Fall, Fit for a King, and Boundaries. Tickets and VIP packages are available here.
KILLSWITCH ENGAGE ON TOUR: WITH KUBLAI KHAN TX, FIT FOR A KING, + FROZEN SOUL: 3/5 – Nashville, TN – The Pinnacle 3/6 – Chesterfield, MO – The Factory 3/8 – Fayetteville, AR – JJ’s Live 3/9 – Oklahoma City, OK – The Criterion 3/11 – El Paso, TX – Don Haskins Center Arena 3/13 – Las Vegas, NV – The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas 3/14 – Reno, NV – Grand Theatre at The Grand Sierra Resort 3/15 – Wheatland, CA – Hard Rock Live 3/17 – Garden City, ID – Revolution Concert House 3/18 – Seattle, WA – The Paramount 3/19 – Vancouver, BC – PNE Forum 3/21 – Penticton, BC – South Okanagan Events Centre 3/22 – Tsuut’ina, AB – Grey Eagle Resort & Casino 3/24 – Winnipeg, MB – Burton Cummings Theatre 3/27 – Peoria, IL – Peoria Civic Center 3/28 – Waukee, IA- Vibrant Music Hall 3/29 – La Vista, NE – The Astro 3/30 – Kansas City, MO – The Midland Theatre 4/1 – Grand Rapids, MI – GLC Live 20 Monroe 4/3 – Corbin, KY – The Corbin Arena 4/4 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE 4/5 – Philadelphia, PA – Franklin Music Hall 4/6 – Greensboro, NC – Greensboro Special Events Center 4/8 – New Haven, CT – College Street Music Hall 4/9 – Buffalo, NY – Buffalo RiverWorks 4/11 – Laval, QC -Place Bell 4/12 – Portland, ME – Cross Insurance Arena
WITH SHADOWS FALL, FIT FOR A KING, + BOUNDARIES: 5/8 – Columbus, OH- Sonic Temple* 5/10 – Indianapolis, IN – Egyptian Room @ Old National Centre 5/11 – Memphis, TN – Minglewood Hall 5/13 – New Orleans, LA – The Fillmore New Orleans 5/14 – Birmingham, AL – Avondale Brewing Company 5/16 – Daytona Beach. FL – Welcome To Rockville* 5/17 – Myrtle Beach, SC – House of Blues 5/18 – Virginia Beach, VA – The Dome *Festival Date
ABOUT KILLSWITCH ENGAGE: Killswitch Engage first shook the structure of heavy music upon climbing out of snowy industrialized Western Massachusetts in 2000. A musical outlier, the band pioneered a union of thrashed-out European guitar pyrotechnics, East Coast hardcore spirit, on-stage hijinks, and enlightened lyricism that set the pace for what the turn-of-the-century deemed heavy. 2002’s Alive Or Just Breathing became avowed as a definitive album, being named among “The Top 100 Greatest Metal Albums of the Decade” by Decibel and celebrated by everyone from Metal Hammer to Revolver. Not only did they bust open the floodgates for dozens to follow, but they also garnered three GRAMMY® Award nominations in the category of “Best Metal Performance” in 2005, 2014, and 2019, respectively, a gold certification for The End of Heartache [2004], and a platinum certification for As Daylight Dies [2006]. The group landed three consecutive Top 10 debuts on the Billboard Top 200 with Killswitch Engage [2009], Disarm The Descent [2013], and their career high best bow at #6 with Incarnate [2016]. The latter two releases, along with 2019’s Atonement, would also both capture #1 on the Top Rock Albums and Top Hard Rock Albums charts. The band’s total streams are nearing 3 billion to date, while they’ve remained consummate road warriors who’ve sold out countless headline tours and have shared stages with everyone from Iron Maiden to Slipknot to Slayer to My Chemical Romance to Mastodon to Parkway Drive, which is a testament to their ability to cross genres and appeal to all fans of hard rock. KsE have remained a featured attraction at every major North American and European festival through the years. The band is celebrating an astonishing, 25-year career as one of the most vital and genre-defining bands of the ’00s and continues its incredible legacy.
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s ASA unveil the long-overdue release of "Collective Failure" + first music video for title-track! Check it out and stay tuned for more news! Click image to watch the video
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
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Visionary artist KIMMO KUUSNIEMI's ANCIENT STREAMING ASSEMBLY (ASA) have released “Aurora Nuclearis”, a powerful 12-minute audiovisual experience, dedicated to the Late Keyboardist Esa Kotilainen. - Click image to watch the video