Following the release of their first single “La Stessa Idea”, Italian post-stoner rockers ALLUME return with “Espressionismi”, unveiling the second track from their forthcoming album Ex Luto, due out September 18th, 2026 via Octopus Rising / Argonauta Records on deluxe colored vinyl and digital.
With “Espressionismi”, ALLUME reveal another facet of Ex Luto. Urgent, hypnotic and emotionally charged, the new single pairs crushing post-stoner riffs with immersive atmospheres, further showcasing the band’s evolution towards a heavier, more focused and uncompromising sound.
Recorded almost entirely live during the summer of 2024, Ex Luto captures the band’s raw chemistry and dynamic intensity, embracing the imperfections and energy of a genuine live performance while pushing their songwriting into darker and more expressive territory.
The band says
“Recorded almost entirely live during the summer of 2024 at Villa Ridente, Ex Luto marks a defining moment in our evolution, bringing our post-stoner sound to its most visceral and refined form.
Most of the material was written during the suspended months of the pandemic and became a cathartic process, a necessary journey through loss, change and transformation. Compared to our debut O.D.E., this album is far more direct, both musically and lyrically. The guitars became towering walls of sound, the bass carved deep psychedelic textures, while the rhythm section embraced heavy, obsessive grooves rooted in stoner rock.
Every song is meant to hit with raw impact. Recording live allowed us to preserve the urgency, tension and imperfections that define who we are. Ex Luto isn’t about perfection. It’s an album that breathes, pulses and leaves its mark.”
Out September 18th, 2026 via Octopus Rising / Argonauta Records
Crossbone Skully announce new single and ‘Thunder Love’ feat. Phil Collen through earMUSIC.
Capturing a thunder-shaking midnight encounter between two sinners, the song is a shot of lightning and lust fuelled chemistry, delivering the first strike from their upcoming sophomore album, ‘Condemned to Rock n’ Roll’.
Fronted by Tommy Henriksen (Alice Cooper, Hollywood Vampires), Crossbone Skully are a gritty hard rock band, featuring fellow Alice Cooper guitarist Anna ‘Blackthorn’ Cara and a revolving cast of Rock n’ Roll Misfits. By teaming up with Phil Collen and legendary producer Mutt Lange, Henriksen has crafted the perfect storm on ‘Thunder Love’. The track also features powerhouse studio drumming from Glen Sobel (Alice Cooper, Hollywood Vampires), whose thunderous performance helps drive the song’s explosive energy. With Collen saying:
‘It’s great to be singing with Mutt again. It’s a vocal blend we’ve shared for many years, and having Tommy’s voice in the mix adds another dimension. ‘Thunder Love’ is pure fun rock n’ roll – loud, thunderous guitars, huge drum sounds, and punchy vocals. Tommy’s got a powerful rock voice, but what really stands out is how versatile he is. He can shape his voice to fit whatever a song needs, and that’s a rare gift. He brings incredible energy to everything he does, which makes him so easy to collaborate with. He and Mutt share the same philosophy: it’s all about the vibe. When you get that right, everything else falls into place, and I think that’s a big part of what makes Crossbone Skully unique.’
Having Phil Collen come in to play and sing on this track was the icing on the cake for Henriksen, who said ‘Phil is one of my heroes as a guitarist, singer and songwriter so to bring Phil and Mutt together again for the track ‘Thunder Love’ was a really special moment for me, their generosity and influence made this dream a reality. Making records with Mutt Lange has been the greatest lesson of my life – I have infinite respect and love for Mutt. I can never thank him enough for his belief, generosity, and friendship. I’ll carry it with me forever.’
Collen also stepped in front of the cameras for Crossbone Skully’s latest video shoot. Joining Tommy and Anna on set were bassist Jennie Vee (Courtney Love, Eagles of Death Metal) and returning drummer Tuesdai, forming a powerhouse lineup that helped bring the band’s cinematic vision to life. Reflecting on the experience, Phil said: ‘Crossbone Skully are bringing back the sound and spirit of classic rock. You just don’t see many videos like this anymore – it’s becoming a lost art, and being part of something that celebrates that has been a lot of fun.’
With the release of ‘Thunder Love featuring Phil Collen’, Crossbone Skully also mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter with earMUSIC. As the first taste of the forthcoming album ‘Condemned to Rock n’ Roll’, the single sets the tone for a record that captures the pure essence of Rock n’ Roll in all its raw power, energy and attitude. More details will be revealed soon.
With ‘Welcome To Life’, Kai Hansen releases the second single from his upcoming solo album ‘Born With A Hammer’. Following the powerful ‘Feeding The Beast’, the song reveals another side of the musician who, as co-founder of Helloween and founder of Gamma Ray, has played a defining role in European heavy metal, and power metal in particular, for decades.
Driving guitars, striking changes in tempo and strong melodies come together in a direct blend of heavy metal, punk and rock’n’roll. As the second track on the album, ‘Welcome To Life’ makes it clear early on just how diverse ‘Born With A Hammer’ is set to be.
Lyrically, the song is about accepting life as it is, not dwelling on what is missing and making the most of what you have. Hansen combines this outlook with his unmistakable guitar playing, an infectious sense of spontaneity and the spirit of a road trip through life.
The official lyric video brings this idea to life as a Mustang tears through a heightened, hell-tinged world. Its imagery follows the song’s shifting dynamics and puts its sense of freedom firmly on the road.
‘Born With A Hammer’ was produced by Eike Freese, Kai Hansen and Alexander Dietz. The album was recorded with Eike Freese on guitar, Heaven Shall Burn’s Alexander Dietz on bass, Carcass drummer Dan Wilding and Induction guitarist Tim Hansen.
Across ten songs, ‘Born With A Hammer’ combines powerful heavy metal with punk attitude, hard rock drive and strong melodies. ‘Welcome To Life’ represents the album’s more immediate and carefree side, expanding the picture of this new solo chapter following ‘Feeding The Beast’.
Following the worldwide success of Helloween’s recent reunion era and its major international tours, ‘Born With A Hammer’ sees Kai Hansen return his focus to his own musical world. ‘Welcome To Life’ shows that this world is firmly rooted in his history while continuing to forge a path entirely of its own.
After a period of changes and transition, DESERT are returning to full activity with a new lineup, a new creative chapter, and a new album currently in the works.
The band is proud to announce Yohai Davidoff as its new vocalist and welcomes back longtime former guitarist Sergei Metalheart, who returns to the band on bass.
“Some things you plan, and some things you never see coming.”
A year ago, if someone had told us this would be the DESERT lineup, we’d probably have said, “Nah, no way.” But here we are.
Yohai is hardly a stranger to DESERT. The band has known him for many years, sharing festival stages, tribute shows and various projects. He has also appeared as a guest vocalist with DESERT on several occasions, both live and in recordings. Over the years, his musicianship, creativity, passion and personality earned the band’s respect, making his addition feel like a very natural step.
The band is also welcoming back Sergei Metalheart, who spent ten years with DESERT as guitarist, from 2009 to 2019. Although their musical paths separated in 2019, the friendships within the band remained strong.
His return doesn’t feel like bringing in someone new. It feels like welcoming back a brother who never really left.This time, however, Sergei is taking on bass duties.
The new lineup quickly proved that the chemistry was already there. After the first rehearsal, it felt as if Sergei had never left, and the band soon moved straight into the studio to begin working on new material.
The last few months have been extremely productive and, according to the band, ridiculously fun. DESERT have been writing, arranging and recording, with new riffs, ideas and songs constantly taking shape.
The band is now working hard to complete the new album, with the goal of finishing it soon. New singles are also expected to be released in the near future.
“We’ve been writing, arranging, recording, arguing, drinking and building together. The new chapter feels amazing.”
DESERT lineup:
Yohai Davidoff – vocals Lada Red – vocals Oleg Aryutkin – keyboards Alex Zvulun – guitars Oleg Fiafari – guitars Sergei Metalheart – bass Ariel Lior – drums
The band is back in full force, and this new chapter is only getting started.
For more than three decades, (HED) P.E. have refused to follow trends, choosing instead to forge their own path through a fearless fusion of punk, metal, hip-hop, and hard rock. Now, the California pioneers are taking that independent spirit to the next level with the launch of their own record label, Creator One Records, built around one simple philosophy: Created By The People. For The People.
Kicking off this exciting new chapter, (HED) P.E. have unleashed their new single and music video, “Violent Girl.” The track is from their forthcoming new album Relapse due out this October and delivers the raw intensity and unmistakable attitude that have defined the band’s career while leaving listeners with plenty to unpack beneath the surface.
Frontman Jahred Gomes explains:
“Violent Girl is not a song about a girl! It’s an analogy, a metaphor. I’d rather the listener figure it out than just give away the secrets.”
Rather than offering easy answers, “Violent Girl” invites fans to interpret its meaning for themselves, continuing the band’s tradition of pairing hard-hitting music with thought-provoking themes.
The launch of Creator One Records represents another milestone in (HED) P.E.’s enduring DIY legacy. Built on the belief that artists should maintain creative freedom and connect directly with their audience, the label embodies its mission statement: Created By The People. For The People.
Fans can catch the band on the road this fall as they join Nonpoint and Spineshank on the “Even More Outta Control Tour,” bringing their legendary live show to audiences across the country while ushering in this bold new era.
With the launch of Creator One Records, the release of “Violent Girl,” and a nationwide tour, (HED) P.E. continue to do what they’ve always done best: create music on their own terms while staying true to the fans who have supported them every step of the way.
“Violent Girl” is available on all major streaming platforms.
(HED) P.E. on Tour:
Nonpoint, Spineshank, (HED) P.E. 8/8 Waynesboro, VA The Foundry 8/9 Harrison, OH The Blue Note 8/11 Lexington, KY Manchester Music Hall 8/12 Sauget, IL Pops 8/15 Milwaukee, WI The Rave 8/16 Kansas City, MO RecordBar 8/15 Milwaukee, WI The Rave II 8/16 Kansas City, MO RecordBar 8/20 Boise ID Shrine Social Club 8/21 Spokane, WA Knitting Factory 8/22 Seattle, WA EL Corazón 8/23 Portland, OR Hawthorne Theater 8/24 Roseville, CA Goldfield Trading Post 8/28 Pomona, CA Glasshouse 8/29 Las Vegas 24 Oxford 8/30 Mesa, AZ The Nile 9/1 Lubbock, TX Jake’s 9/3 Austin, TX Come & Take It Live 9/4 Dallas TX Trees
Spineshank, (HED) P.E. 10/13 Paris, FR Bal Chavaux 10/14 Aschaffenburg, DE Colas – SAAL 10/15 Berlin, DE LARK 10/16 Bielsko Biala, PL Rude Boy 10/17 Prague, CZ Cross 10/18 Vienna, AT SZENE 10/19 Munich, DE STROM 10/20 Stuttgart, DE Wizemann Club 10/21 Cologne, DE Luxor
Outlier have officially signed with Oxide Records and are wasting no time making their arrival known with the release of their new single and music video, “Digital Hell.” The track serves as both a warning and a wake-up call, tackling society’s growing dependence on technology and the invisible grip it has on modern life.
“Digital Hell” asks a question few are willing to confront: Are we still controlling technology, or has it quietly begun controlling us?
“We built technology to serve humanity. Somewhere along the way, we began serving it. We traded privacy for convenience, presence for distraction, and truth for algorithms. The most dangerous prison isn’t one with walls, it’s the one we willingly carry in our pockets every day. The next false gods won’t ask to be worshipped, they’ll seek your attention. They’ll promise connection while feeding isolation, promise knowledge while drowning out wisdom, and promise freedom while quietly collecting every piece of who you are. ‘Digital Hell’ is the soundtrack to a world that may not realize what it’s losing until it’s already gone,” says Joey Arena.
He adds, “Not every apocalypse arrives with fire. Some arrive one notification at a time. We surrender our privacy without resistance, mistake constant connection for genuine community, and allow the things we’ve created to define the people we’re becoming.”
The release comes on the heels of vocalist Joey Arena’s guest appearance on Motionless In White’s latest single, “Fight Like Hell,” further introducing his voice to an even wider audience.
Reflecting on the collaboration, Arena shared:
“Thank you so much to Motionless In White for having me be a part of something so special and throw down on ‘Fight Like Hell.’ I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this banger and the creative process. Absolutely loving the fan response and support. Keep running it up!”
With a new label home at Oxide Records and their most ambitious music to date, Outlier are positioning themselves as one of heavy music’s most thought-provoking new voices, unafraid to challenge both listeners and the world around them.
“We are extremely excited to welcome Outlier to the Oxide Music roster. This is a band with deep roots in the rock & metal scene who align perfectly with our mission of building the next generation of heavy hitters,” says Andrew Wetzel, Founder,Oxide Records.
“Digital Hell” is available now on all major streaming platforms.
For more information, music, and upcoming announcements, follow Outlier on social media and streaming services.
Outlier Shows: Hosting the first annual “SCREAMIERE” @ Anthology (1,000 cap premiere venue) in Rochester, NY 8/29/26. The first of many that will grow into a convention/event that will forever be evolving.
The name OUTLIER came years before Joey Arena realized he’d been describing himself all along.
As the founder, songwriter, and architect behind OUTLIER, Arena has built one of independent music’s most respected careers. His work has earned millions of streams, regular support from SiriusXM Octane, Billboard and Top 40 success, and recognition from Alternative Press, Revolver, ABC News, and Metal Injection. His songwriting has led to collaborations with Chris Motionless of Motionless In White, JD of Ice Nine Kills, Danny Leal of Upon a Burning Body, Hyro the Hero, Sen Dog of Cypress Hill, and a growing list of artists across modern rock.
Growing up in Rochester, New York, music became somewhere to disappear. Before the national tours and festival stages, Arena spent late nights in a basement bedroom with his guitar amplifier barely turned up, writing while the rest of the house slept. Years on the road brought opportunity, but they also challenged Arena to decide how much of himself he was willing to compromise. By the time Top 40 success arrived, he realized he had stopped writing for himself. OUTLIER grew from that decision.
Working alongside producer Evan McKeever, Arena built the project from the ground up. The first releases arrived independently, and the band’s first show was booked before a permanent lineup existed. Arena’s songwriting draws from lived experience without asking listeners to relive his life, leaving room for them to find pieces of themselves in the songs. That balance between emotional weight and modern heaviness has become one of OUTLIER’s defining characteristics.
Today, OUTLIER enters its next chapter with the clearest reflection yet of the vision Arena set out to build years ago. He has never been interested in staying inside one role. His curiosity extends from songwriting and arrangements to visual concepts, music videos, and the creative direction surrounding every OUTLIER release.
When asked if he could ever imagine creating under another name, Arena doesn’t hesitate. I will never find another band name. This is just who I am.
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