Former Bauhaus and Love & Rockets mainstay David J continues his remarkable run of recent singles (“Christmases When You Were Mine,” “Night of the Vampire” and his acclaimed duet with Melanie on her own “Beautiful People”) with a shimmering, fragile take on the immortal “My Funny Valentine.”
Taken from Cleopatra Records’ upcoming Gothic Valentines album, “My Funny Valentine” was first heard in the Rodgers/Hart musical Babes In Arms back in 1937. Since that time, this love song for a less than lovely-looking paramour… “your looks are laughable, unphotographable, yet you’re my favorite work of art”… has been covered by upwards of 600 artists in the years since teenager Mitzi Green first voiced it, from Frank Sinatra and Julie London to Elvis Costello and Nico.
It was also inducted into the Library of Congress’s National Recording Registry in 2015, in recognition of the song’s “cultural, artistic and/or historical significance to American society and the nation’s audio legacy.”
“I’ve always loved this classic song,” says David J, “and thought that a ‘cold wave’ synth version in collaboration with my talented friend, Jon Bernstein, would suit the tone of the album.”
The Gothic Valentines album itself, as the title suggests, is, a seasonally sensitive gathering of exclusive new recordings and much-loved classics by Switchblade Symphony, Iggy Pop, David J, Ministry, Cinderella, Leæther Strip, Soft Cell, and Joy Division – plus, in case you missed it, David J and Melanie’s “Beautiful People,” casting David J as the Lee Hazelwood to Melanie’s Nancy Sinatra.
Elsewhere across the two CDs, goth legends Rosetta Stone, Sex Beat, the Skeletal Family, Christian Death and Gene Loves Jezebel join upcoming favorites Lebanon Hangover, Sonsombre and The KVB in redrafting February 14 in the blackest of hearts and the finest of fishnets.
Calva Louise burst into 2025 with the release of their relentlessly captivating new single, “WTF. ” The song delves further into their own cinematic universe. Watch the incredible video for “WTF.” It’s out now on Mascot Records.
Fresh from a breakout performance at Shiprocked Festival last week alongside the likes of Parkway Drive, Nothing More, The Ghost Inside, Kid Kapichi and more, they’re setting the start of the year alight with the new single produced by Pendulum’s Gareth McGrillen along with Mazare and Calva Louise’ Jess Allanic.
They will also join Bloodywood on their European tour starting in Copenhagen, Denmark on 21 February, which will call through Norway, Sweden, Poland, Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium, Czech Republic, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, France and finishing in London, UK on 27 March.
The band have picked up support from BBC Radio 1, including spins on the Rock Show, Introducing Rock Show, Future Alternative, and Future Artists, playlisting at Kerrang! Radio and Primordial, as well as support at Metal Hammer, Rock Sound, Kerrang and Revolver magazine who in November, delved into their “multinational roots and multiple-worlds-spanning vision.”
The video is set in January 1994, and “WTF” introduces the protagonist, Louise, who is experiencing bizarre happenings inside her home. Set in the universe laid out in their previous singles, Louise encounters a feeling of dread signalling danger: someone is inside her home and stalking her.
She catches glimpses of what has been stalking her: an uncanny version of herself, her “double.” We follow her as terror and courage take hold as she experiences a glitch through reality: the real world is not what she had been told. Aligning herself with those circumstances, she voluntarily accepts contact with her double, exclaiming, “WTF!”
Talking about the song, Jess Allanic says, “WTF is about that feeling of powerlessness that occurs when we are in situations beyond our control. Even being stoic or positive is not enough to withstand and face the challenges thrown at us, but at the same time, we don’t want to completely give up. The song deals with that limbo of falling apart while not wanting to succumb to nihilism. It’s an angry cry at whatever forces are listening, asking: “WTF am I meant to do?”
2024 was a big year for the band, which saw them tour the US with Vukovi along with festival slots at Welcome to Rockville, So What? and Sonic Temple. They pulled off phenomenal performances at Download Festival (UK), 2000Trees (UK) and Vainstream Rockfest (Germany) – not to mention a breathtaking UK headline tour.
Once again, Allanic directs, edits and does the VFX for the video. “WTF” is linked to the previous single,La Corriente, where the two are entwined into the story ofUnder The Skin. Talking about the songs, Allanic says,” ‘La Corriente’ is indirectly part of the sequel of ‘Under The Skin’, as the beginning of the prequel takes place in 1994: the day a young Jonnie had to agree to become an apprentice to a commander coming from the Fractalworld. ‘La Corriente’ takes place at the show where his fate is sealed, setting the tone of the story that unfolds on ‘WTF'”
The British-based band is truly International, with its members hailing from across the globe. It has been ripping through the UK underground for the past few years, driven by the creative vision of Venezuelan-born Jess Allanic (Vocals/Guitar/Keyboard), French-born Alizon Taho (Bass/Backing Vocals—France), and New Zealander Ben Parker (Drums/Backing Vocals).
European Tour With Bloodywood.
21-Feb – Copenhagen, Denmark – Amager Bio – TICKETS 23-Feb – Oslo, Norway – John Dee – TICKETS 24-Feb – Stockholm, Sweden – Debaser – TICKETS 25-Feb – Malmo, Sweden – Plan B – TICKETS 27-Feb – Warsaw, Poland – Proxima – TICKETS 28-Feb – Berlin, Germany – Huxleys – TICKETS 02-Mar – Hamburg, Germany – Docks – TICKETS 03-Mar – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Melkweg – TICKETS 05-Mar – Antwerp, Belgium – Trix – TICKETS 06-Mar – Cologne, Germany – Live Music Hall – TICKETS 07-Mar – Frankfurt, Germany – Batschkapp – TICKETS 08-Mar – Stuttgart, Germany – Longhorn – TICKETS 09-Mar – Leipzig, Germany – Täubchenthal – TICKETS 11-Mar – Prague, Czech Republic – Roxy – TICKETS 12-Mar – Munich, Germany – Backstage Werk – TICKETS 14-Mar – Vienna, Austria – Gasometer – TICKETS 15-Mar – Milan, Italy – Teatro Principe – TICKETS 16-Mar – Zurich, Switzerland – Komplex 457 – TICKETS 17-Mar – Lyon, France – La Rayonne – TICKETS 19-Mar – Paris, France – Bataclan – TICKETS 20-Mar – Lille, France – L’Aeronef – TICKETS 22-Mar – Birmingham, UK – Institute – TICKETS 23-Mar – Glasgow, UK – SWG3 Galvanizers – TICKETS 25-Mar – Manchester, UK O2 Ritz – TICKETS 26-Mar – Bristol, UK – O2 Academy – TICKETS 27-Mar – London, UK – O2 Kentish Town Forum – TICKETS
DIRKSCHNEIDER are gearing up for the release of their eagerly anticipated album “Balls To The Wall Reloaded,” scheduled for release on February 28, 2025 through RPM. Alongside this, they are excited to showcase ‘Winter Dreams,’ the second single from their anniversary re-recording of the cult ACCEPT record. This track reveals a softer side of the album while preserving a meaningful lyrical depth, making it an emotional anthem of freedom. The single stands out not only for its significance but also for featuring the legendary ‘Metal Queen,’ Doro Pesch, alongside Udo Dirkschneider. This collaboration highlights the album’s unique approach, underlining the long-running inspiration for the whole scene and renowned metal figureheads and companions alike.
Udo comments: “It was a very special experience for me to re-record ‘Winter Dreams’ with Doro Pesch. Doro and I have spent so many years together in the scene and there is a deep, almost familial connection between us. Her voice gives this song an incredible magic and emotionality that takes it to a whole new level. It was like a reunion with an old friend for me and together we made ‘Winter Dreams’ even more intense and personal. It just feels right to share this moment together!”
““Balls To The Wall” has always been one of my absolute favourite albums. I was really happy to sing the wonderful ‘Winter Dreams’ as a duet with Udo Dirkschneider and to shoot a great video for it. We have a long friendship and it is always special to work with him,”Doro adds.
Taking fans to the vaults of Castle Reifenstein (Freienfeld, Italy), located in a beautifully wintry mountain landscape, the ‘Winter Dreams’ music video, starring both vocalists Udo Dirkschneider and Doro Pesch, can be watched here:
“Balls To The Wall Reloaded” can still be pre-ordered in various physical formats and digitally or pre-saved on your favourite digital service provider (DSP) worldwide: https://dirkschneider.rpm.link/bttwrPR
This ambitious reinterpretation not only revitalises the original tracks but also emphasises their timeless impact on the metal genre. More than a revival, this project serves as a celebration of the album’s enduring legacy, enriched by the enthusiasm and contributions of some of metal’s most influential voices.
“Re-recording “Balls To The Wall” was a big challenge for me. The album is a milestone of my career, of course, that’s why it was even more important to me to make the original songs shine in a new light without losing their initial essence. All guests have put their individual stamps on these classic tracks, and collaborating with such outstanding vocalists has moved them into a fresh and exciting dimension. The result is a powerful homage to all fans but also an invitation to the next generation to experience the songs not minorly passionate than I was when I recorded them back in the day. It’s a never-ending personal journey for me – “Balls To The Wall” will always be a part of me,” states Udo.
This reimagined “Balls To The Wall” is a fitting tribute to heavy metal history, proving that its power and influence remain as potent today as they were four decades ago.
Additionally drawing near is DIRKSCHNEIDER’s release accompanying European “Balls To The Wall” 40th anniversary tour: 4 out of 32 shows are already sold-out, and another bunch of venues is running out of tickets fastly, so everyone aiming to attend this historic series of shows should secure their tickets now before they’re gone. Support at most of the dates (except Croatian, Greek, Turkish & Bulgarian stops) will come from Finnish metallers CROWNSHIFT as well as DIRKSCHNEIDER’s up-and-coming label mates ALL FOR METAL.
“Balls To The Wall” – 40th Anniversary Tour w/ CROWNSHIFT, ALL FOR METAL Presented by Contra Promotion & Metal Hammer
25.02.2025 HR Zagreb – Boogaloo * 26.02.2025 AT Vienna – SiMM City 27.02.2025 DE Munich – Backstage LOW TICKETS 28.02.2025 DE Leipzig – Haus Auensee LOW TICKETS 01.03.2025 CZ Prague – SaSaZu 02.03.2025 HU Budapest – Barba Negra 04.03.2025 RO Bucharest – Quantic Club 06.03.2025 PL Kraków – Klub Studio 07.03.2025 PL Warsaw – Progresja 08.03.2025 LT Vilnius – Kablys 09.03.2025 EE Tallinn – Helitehas 10.03.2025 FI Helsinki – Kulttuuritalo 11.03.2025 FI Tampere – Tavara-asema 13.03.2025 NO Oslo – Rockefeller 14.03.2025 SE Gothenburg – Trädgår’n 16.03.2025 DE Berlin – Huxleys Neue Welt 17.03.2025 DE Frankfurt – Batschkapp 18.03.2025 BE Antwerp – Trix 19.03.2025 FR Paris – Le Trabendo 21.03.2025 ES Pamplona – Sala Totem SOLD OUT 22.03.2025 ES Madrid – Mon LOW TICKETS 23.03.2025 ES Barcelona – Razzmatazz 2 LOW TICKETS 25.03.2025 CH Pratteln – Konzertfabrik Z7 26.03.2025 DE Stuttgart – LKA Longhorn SOLD OUT 27.03.2025 DE Oberhausen – Turbinenhalle 28.03.2025 DE Hamburg – Große Freiheit 36 SOLD OUT 29.03.2025 DE Geiselwind – MusicHall SOLD OUT 30.03.2025 DE Geiselwind – MusicHall 08.04.2025 GR Athens – Fuzz Live Music Club * 09.04.2025 GR Thessaloniki – Principal Club Theater * 11.04.2025 TR Istanbul – IF Performance Hall Beşiktaş * 12.04.2025 BG Sofia – Hristo Botev Hall *DIRKSCHNEIDER only 30.07. – 02.08.2025 DE Wacken – Wacken Open Air *SOLD OUT*
– 17.08.2025 CH Cudrefin (VD) – Rock The Lakes
“Hell, Fire And Steel” Tour w/ SAXON
04.11.2025 UK Belfast – Ulster Hall 05.11.2025 IE Dublin – 3Olympia Theatre 07.11.2025 UK Manchester – O2 Apollo 08.11.2025 UK Sheffield – The Octagon Centre 09.11.2025 UK Glasgow – O2 Academy 11.11.2025 UK Newcastle – O2 City Hall 13.11.2025 UK Bristol – Beacon 14.11.2025 UK Wolverhampton – Civic Hall 15.11.2025 UK London – Eventim Apollo Hammersmith 16.11.2025 UK Cardiff – The Great Hall
LO-PAN unveil the performance video ‘Ozymandias‘ as the next advance single taken from the American hard rockers’ forthcoming album “Get Well Soon“. The new full-length from the long-running foursome from Columbus, Ohiowill hit the streets on April 4, 2025 via Magnetic Eye Records. Pre-order your copy at:http://lnk.spkr.media/lo-pan-get-well
The title ‘Ozymandias’ refers to the Greek version of the name of the Egyptian warrior-pharaoh Ramesses II, which inspired a sonnet by English Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley as well as the mass-murdering antagonist of the acclaimed graphic novel “Watchmen” (1986) by writer Alan Moore and artist Dave Gibbons.
On further news, LO-PAN have just announced five album release shows in Ohio and Kentucky. All confirmed dates are listed below.
Video credits
Directed by Lo-Pan & Joe Fortunato Cinematography by Joe Fortunato & Nikki Fortunato Editing & visual effects by Joe Fortunato Acting models: The Moms
“We wrote ‘Ozymandias’ as the last song for the album and when I came up with these riffs, I immediately knew that they belonged on this record, and the rest of the guys ultimately agreed“, guitaristChris Thompson states, while drummer Jesse Bartz explains the most striking visual aspect of the video:“Our female parental units are the true rockstars in all of our lives. This video was an amazing experience and a great opportunity to bring them all together and to celebrate our music.“Jeff Martin gets the final word: “Basically, this song is about acknowledging the impermanence of power and also the existence of objective truth“, the vocalist adds.“Just take a look around at global events, if you need examples.“
Tracklist
The Good Fight
Northern Eyes
Wormwood
Ozymandias
Rogue Wave
Harpers Ferry
Stay with the Boat
God’s Favorite Victim
Six Bells
Recording by Joe Viers at Sonic Lounge, Grove City, Columbus OH (US) Mix by Andrew Schneider at ACRE Audio, New York City, NY (US) Mastering by Carl Saff at Saff Mastering, Chicago, IL (US) Cover photography by Heidi Shapiro Layout & Art Direction by Chris Smith (Grey Aria Design)
Up for a catchy tune? LO-PAN deliver them in droves! The four-piece from Columbus, Ohio in the United States have long been known for their powerful blend of driving rhythms, melodic vocals, and immersive sonic landscapes, and with “Get Well Soon”, they add captivating songwriting to the list.
Since 2005, LO-PAN have laboured hard to earn a reputation as one of the most consistent and compelling acts in the modern heavy scene with their blue-collar ethic and singular artistic vision, which is strongly felt on “Get Well Soon”.
On this album, LO-PAN further define their brand of American Hard Rock, a wicked stylistic mix of deep fried heaviness sprinkled with metal and grunge, all fused through captivating songwriting into an irresistible fifth album.
LO-PAN came together in the vibrant underground Columbus scene out of a shared love of vintage rock, stoner metal, and modern heaviness. The four musicians were united by a passion for pushing boundaries. It was no accident that they took their name from the sorcerous villain in the cult film “Big Trouble in Little China” as the band set out to blend cinematic drama with larger-than-life energy.
From their earliest days, LO-PAN distinguished themselves with an intense live presence and a sound that combined classic rock grit with the crushing weight of stoner and doom influences. LO-PAN‘s 2009 debut album “Sasquanaut” was an immediate breakout, earning praise for its infectious hooks and monumental grooves, and established the band as a force to be reckoned with in the heavy underground.
The sophomore full-length “Salvador” (2011) solidified their reputation, showcasing a more refined sound and greater musical maturity. 2014’s “Colossus” represented a significant leap forward, pushing into new territories with tighter arrangements and more expansive production by Andrew Schneider (PELICAN, UNSANE et al.).
In 2019, LO-PAN released “Subtle”, which marked another evolution of their sound. The band dared to take risks by exploring new emotional depths through a more introspective and atmospheric approach, which paid off with critics and fans alike.
LO-PAN have toured and shared stages with such heavyweights as HIGH ON FIRE, TORCHE, and RED FANG, among many others, and have taken their high-energy performances to audiences across the United States and Europe.
“Get Well Soon” heralds another great leap forward for LO-PAN. Heavy, cool, catchy, and with a marked emotional resonance developed through experience and maturity, “Get Well Soon” will take the Americans to new places around the globe.
LO-PAN Album Release US Tour 04/04/2025 Columbus, OH (US) Ace of Cups 05/04/2025 Dayton, OH (US) Blind Bobs 18/04/2025 Newport, KY (US) Southgate House 19/04/2025 Lexington, KY (US) Al’s Bar 25/04/2025 Cleveland, OH (US) Grog Shop
Line-up Jeff Martin – vocals Chris Thompson – guitar Scott Thompson – bass Jesse Bartz – drums
SARS is a band from Rzeszów, Poland, active since 2018. The group is known for its unique sound, which they describe as “Blastematicgroove-core.” This genre is a fusion of intense blast beats, intricate mathematical time signatures, and slow, groove-oriented core elements. The result is an experimental and dynamic musical style that pushes the boundaries of traditional metal and core genres.
SARS’ music explores complex rhythms and structures while maintaining a strong focus on groove, offering listeners a fresh and engaging experience.
Music for “Synthetic Domination” album was recorded at BLAStudio. Whole was mixed and mastered by Marcin “Cinek” Jasiewicz. Cover artwork by Maciej Janas from experimental metal band Ketha. “Synthetic Domination” was officially released as digipak CD on December 1, 2024 (buy CD&merch) and will be available for listening at major streaming platforms on March 1, 2025.
Musicians comments: “This release marks a significant evolution of the sound, showcasing growth as musicians and commitment to pushing the limits of their craft. Fans can expect intricate compositions, powerful performances, and thought-provoking themes“.
Tracklist:
1. Submission 2. On Corpses and Ashes 3. We were so used 4. The Race 5. Sinister Roar 6. Dissertation 7. Von Ekelhaften 8. Alpha-Phthalimido Glutarimide
Line-up:
Marcin “Dyvan” Pitorak – vocal Marcin “Cinek” Jasiewicz – guitar Marcin “Baran” Barański – bass Maciej “Surovy” Surowiec – drums
FINAL SIEGE is back with the video for “Psychological Maceration,” taken from their explosive album Nuclear Doom State (out now via Wormholedeath).
If you missed it the first time, now’s your chance to witness the full force of Final Siege’s relentless energy and chaos. This video is a montage of the band’s live performances, capturing the savage intensity that has become their trademark. The video is an immersive dive into the heart of their powerful stage presence.
“Psychological Maceration” is just one of many tracks from “Nuclear Doom State” that embodies the band’s unyielding commitment to themes of rebellion, war, and the psychological toll of living in a world gripped by chaos. Final Siege is known for delivering brutal, aggressive music, and this track is no exception, combining Death, Thrash, and Groove metal for a high-octane, headbanging experience.
Since their formation, Final Siege has shared the stage with legends like Suffocation, Atheist, and Warbringer, establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the metal world. Their full-length album “Nuclear Doom State” is a sonic apocalypse, and Psychological Maceration serves as a prime example of the power and intensity that fans have come to expect.
THE ROCK ALCHEMIST – Italian Rock Band from Turin with a strong sonic identity that blends modern rock with progressive, hard, alternative, and pop elements!
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
