Progressive metal/rock project The Nudge Unit proudly announces the release of their long-awaited self-titled debut album, The Nudge Unit, now available for digital streaming and purchase.
Blending intricate musicianship, dynamic arrangements, and experimental soundscapes, the album showcases the band’s innovative approach to progressive music. The record features the exceptional drumming talents of Mark Zonder (known for his work with Fates Warning, Warlord, and Spirits of Fire), adding a powerful and precise rhythmic backbone to the band’s sonic journey.
The virtuosic talisman Vernon Reid has revealed a new song of his new solo album Hoodoo Telemetry, which will be released on October 3, 2025 on Artone / The Players Club Records. Listen to the second single ‘Beautiful Bastard’ HERE.
If you’ve followed the beats of his half-century career, you’ll know Vernon Reid as an artist who paints in every colour. Depending on the era you dive into and the album on your turntable, you’ll find the New York polymath pinballing between jazz, metal, punk, funk, electronica and hip-hop, cutting heads with collaborators as eclectic as Mick Jagger and Public Enemy, endlessly shedding his skin yet always speaking his truth.
Globally celebrated as a giant of electric guitar (he was recently hailed by Rolling Stone amongst the top 50 players of all-time), Reid’s Grammy Award-winning records with alt-rock trailblazers, Living Colour, still sound as fresh and fierce as when Cult Of Personality hijacked the Billboard chart in the late-’80s. But to take the pulse of the zeitgeist as he sees it – and hear his fearless musicality in microcosm – you need only drop the needle on his new solo album.
“Hoodoo Telemetry,” considers the 66-year-old of this kaleidoscopic 14-track opus, “is like a piece of my all-over-the-place mind. It took me a while to start this record because I was thinking about what I wanted to do next, managing my time with all my other projects. I was also in different spaces with these songs: some are new, others are reclamations of material from a long time ago. But suddenly, I found the focus and it was very clear to me: I gotta do this now.”
Speaking about the new single ‘Beautiful Bastard,’ Vernon says: “I wrote that track a while ago. I was maybe going to put it on a Yohimbe Brothers album. There’s something about it. The word ‘bastard’ is attributed to men, but I wanted there to be an ambiguity: is this about a woman, is it about a man? And I firmly believe it could be about a woman, absolutely. I kind of wrote this song as an homage to doomed romance. It’s not about gender – it’s about when you know it’s doomed from the first kiss. And anyone who’s lived a full life will know of what I speak!”
Hoodoo Telemetry isn’t a linear piece, but a thrillingly tangled tapestry of genres, collaborators and material from different time periods. Its energy and chaos seems to reflect and challenge what Reid considers the “tumultuous”
In hard times, Hoodoo Telemetry doesn’t have the answers. But to play Vernon Reid’s breathtakingly ambitious new album is to hear every shade of humanity and question where we are headed next. “These songs are looking at the past through a different lens, then looking forward,” he concludes. “Like, ‘Where is this going and how are we getting there? Are we driving the bus or are we passengers in this self-driving vehicle into the future?’ That’s the space that Hoodoo Telemetry is really exploring…”
Track Listing – CD/Digital
Door Of No Return
Freedom Jazz Dance
Good Afternoon Everyone
The Haunting
Bronx Paradox
Or Knot
Dying To Live
Politician
Black Fathom Five
Beautiful Bastard
Meditation On The Last Times I Saw Arthur Rhames
My Little Zulu Babe
In Effigy
Brave New World
Track Listing – LP
A1 Door of No Return A2 Freedom Jazz Dance A3 Good Afternoon Everyone A4 The Haunting A5 Dying To Live B1 Politician B2 Black Fathom Five B3 Beautiful Bastard B4 My Little Zulu Babe B5 In Effigy
In a homecoming concert spectacular, Leslie Mandoki and his band of global musical luminaries, the Mandoki Soulmates, is returning to Budapest on August 21, 2025 at 7:00pm Central European Time to celebrate fifty years of Mandoki’s life and artistry in freedom on the national stage of his birthland. The 50 year anniversary concert will be live streamed directly from Budapest onto Youtube and can be watched from across the globe! The live stream will begin at 1:00pm Eastern Time. Here is the link for the livestream!
The performance will feature iconic Mandoki Soulmates songs, global hits made famous by members of his all-star band, and new material from their latest album, including We Stay Loud, Blood in the Water, and Devil’s Encyclopedia. Mandoki says “we invite everyone who believes in the power of music as both an act of profound artistic expression as well as a mode of liberation.”
The performance will feature iconic Mandoki Soulmates songs, global hits made famous by members of his all-star band, and new material from their latest album, including We Stay Loud, Blood in the Water, and Devil’s Encyclopedia. Mandoki says “we invite everyone who believes in the power of music as both an act of profound artistic expression as well as a mode of liberation.”
The extraordinary venue is Budapest’s icon of icons, Szentháromság Tér atop the Buda Castle hill, a fitting crescendo in Mandoki’s performing life, which began in the then-notorious “Bem Club,” the locus of artistic rebels and rebellion in the oppressive 1970s Budapest. The concert promises surprises both evoking Mandoki and The Soulmates’ musical journey, as well as the band’s latest album, A Memory Of Our Future, a resounding international success, recently honored at The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The Backstory Over 50 years ago, the young Leslie Mandoki and his band, JAM, started making the scene at the infamous Bem Club, a so-called “cultural center” in communist-era Budapest that was quickly becoming a hotbed of the underground counter-culture for young people. After experiencing unrelenting artistic and personal repression, Leslie and two like-minded friends summoned the courage to make their way, by any means necessary, to the West. Compelled by this longing for freedom, his friends, the young animator Gábor Csupó (now known worldwide for The Simpsons, Rugrats, Duckman, and Aaahh!!! Real Monsters), and musical blood brother László made a dramatic escape through the Karawanken Tunnel to Germany in 1975—50 years ago!
Perhaps Leslie himself expressed the roots of his personal and artistic odyssey best: “The Bem Club was the place where music became the battlefield of inner revolution and the fight for freedom. It was there that I first understood that behind every sound, there are ideas—and that every melody rises from the depths of the soul. I learned that music is not just storytelling, but a kind of world-building: creating new realities from sounds, thoughts, and shared dreams. The stage is a space where there is both a mirror and a gateway, to ourselves and to one another. The friendships forged there were not fleeting moments, but encounters of destinies attuned to one another. All of this shaped not only my artistic path but also the way I’ve seen life, freedom, and human dignity ever since.”
This crucible of Leslie’s westward journey and new life eventually led to the founding of the Mandoki Soulmates band. The group shared an artistic creed based on the spiritual and musical foundations for what has become the broader Soulmates collective. Now more than just a band, this is a creative fellowship, a cultural atelier, a bridge connecting generations and civilizations, a cry for freedom echoing across the world’s grandest stages, and one that will be celebrated with this concert.
The Band In 2025, the Mandoki Soulmates, and their founder Leslie Mandoki, with a legacy spanning over thirty years, were recently honored at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, paying tribute to the international acclaim and artistic weight of their latest album, A Memory Of Our Future.
“Even though many of us have been playing together for over 30 years, these guys always manage to impress both me and the audience with their musical fireworks when we’re on stage,” said a proud and invigorated Leslie Mandoki after last summer’s concerts with his Soulmates.
Solo Work and Artistic Philosophy Leslie Mandoki’s individual achievements as a producer are today represented by the 72 gold records lining the walls of Red Rock Studio, which now boasts more than 40 years of outstanding global success.
As Mikhail Gorbachev expressed in the Longing for Freedom Mandoki documentary: “Progressive rock was the music of free-thinking people during the time of communist dictatorships, the voice of resistance, the symbol of freedom.” His words continue to resonate deeply with all those who found refuge, identity, and hope through music in an oppressive world.
Progressive rock, and within it, Leslie Mandoki’s musical legacy, is not merely a style or “sound.” It is a form of intellectual resistance, the artistic manifestation of freedom of thought. His life’s journey stands as a testament to how music can be lived not merely as art, but as a higher calling.
Says Mandoki, “We stay loud for music, because melodies are the language of our souls. For humanity, because there are no true victories without one another. And for the future, because freedom is not a legacy, but a mission we must defend every single day.”
Mandoki Soulmates Mega Concert—50 Years in Freedom August 21, 2025, 7pm Szentháromság Tér, Buda Castle, Budapest
Texan alt-rockers Neapolitan returns with a blistering new single, ‘Out of Mind’, dropping August 29 on all major platforms and is available for pre-save now via Golden Robot Records. The track pulls no punches – an aggressive, deeply personal expression of betrayal and emotional recoil.
A cathartic scream from the heart, ‘Out of Mind’ dives headfirst into the chaos that comes when trust is shattered. It’s raw. It’s vulnerable. And it doesn’t hold back. The song explores the mental fallout of exposing your most intimate truths to someone, only to have them weaponized and thrown back in your face.
With hard-hitting instrumentals and visceral vocals, ‘Out of Mind’ marks a powerful chapter for Neapolitan – one that resonates with anyone who’s ever given too much and received pain in return.
Catch NEAPOLITAN live in the US: Aug 29 Fri – Round Rock Tavern @ 8:30PM – Round Rock, TX, United States Aug 30 Sat – Hotel Vegas @ 9:00PM – with Ampersand – Austin, TX, United States Sep 6 Sat – Barrow Brewing Company @ 7:00PM – Salado, TX, United States Oct 18 Sat – Fitzgerald’s Bar & Live Music Venue @ 8:00PM – San Antonio, TX, United States Oct 23 Thu – Carousel Lounge @ 8:00PM – with Jei-Rynn – Austin, TX, United States
View Neapolitan’s upcoming gigs via BandsintownHERE
Neapolitan is an alternative-rock force hailing from Austin, Texas, blending infectious hooks with an emotional punch that resonates long after the last chord rings out. Drawing influence from the raw energy of pop-punk and post-hardcore giants like Thrice and Paramore, as well as the modern pop artistry of John Mayer and The 1975, Neapolitan has crafted a sound that’s both familiar and refreshingly original.
Their music balances driving guitars and anthemic choruses with heartfelt lyricism, connecting with a diverse audience across genres and generations. On stage, Neapolitan delivers a transformative and unforgettable live show -one that’s as dynamic and electrifying as it is intimate and sincere. Whether it’s a packed club or an open-air festival, their catchy, emotionally charged songs leave the crowd singing long after the night ends.
With a style that refuses to be boxed in and a dedication to their craft, Neapolitan is quickly carving out their place in the modern rock landscape -one unforgettable performance at a time.
Watch the video for Neapolitan’s previous single ‘Running Away’ HERE
Neapolitan are: Christopher Schreck – vocals, guitar Nick Rash – Bass, guitar Bryce Weston – Drums Matthew Rodriguez – Bass
DRAGONSCLAW have released their official video for ‘Survival’. The track is taken from the band’s upcoming album “Moving Target”, set to be released worldwide on August 22nd via High Roller Records. Watch the video below.
TRACKLISTING: 01 The Road Beneath Your Wheels 02 Survival 03 Cry Wolf 04 Don’t Break the Silence again 05 Back on the Streets 06 Ghost Soldiers 07 Shadowfire 08 (Tell me) All Your Lies 09 Raise Your Fist
Also watch:
“Don’t Break the Silence Again” (OFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO) watch HERE “Cry Wolf” (OFFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO) watch HERE
DRAGONSCLAW is the name one of the first bands Giles Lavery co-formed with Ben Thomas in 2010, while still residing in Sydney, Australia. Their debut album »Prophecy« was quickly recorded in 2011, followed by »Judgement Day« (2013). And now, a record breaking twelve years later, it’s time for the follow-up.
Apart from Giles Lavery on vocals, »Moving Target« features Australian citizens Ben Thomas (guitars) and Aaron Thomas (bass) as well Warlord members Mark Zonder (drums) and Jimmy Waldo (keyboards).
“For me the direction on »Moving Target« was intended to be if Judas Priest had made an album somewhere in 1985 between »Defenders Of The Faith« and »Turbo«,” describes the vocalist the sound of the new DRAGONSCLAW album, “with some of the second Fifth Angel album in there too.” Keyboards are prominently featured on »Moving Target«, which was actually the original plan of the band: “I think for this album the keyboards are very important, they create the needed atmosphere and drama. I would say that we used them in a similar way that Virgin Steele did on »Age Of Consent«, namely to build atmosphere. I really like that haunting effect keyboards can have when used right. Like Tony Banks from Genesis does, or Tony Carey on his Planet P Project albums … Jimmy Waldo is one of those guys too.”
Probably the fastest and most upbeat number on »Moving Target« is called “Shadowfire”. And it comes with a surprise: “’Shadowfire’ reminded me of a current-day Riot song, so I asked Todd Michael Hall to sing on it with me, and he was kind enough to do so!”
“(Tell Me) All Your Lies”, on the other hand, another standout track on »Moving Target«, is quite an accessible composition, possibly the catchiest tune on »Moving Target«. It’s got a bit of that “Wasted Years” Maiden-vibe, following the Adrian Smith school of songwriting. “I am glad you noticed that,” laughs the singer. “As I heard that too … Co-producer Thomas Mergler was largely responsible for helping to finish that song up as it wasn’t quite right and he added some very good ideas to it.” With the band on fire and Giles Lavery, the singer, coming across as a blend of Michael Kiske, Geoff Tate and Ronnie James Dio, »Moving Target« has every chance to become a modern-day heavy metal classic.
LINE-UP: Giles Lavery – Vocals Ben Thomas – Guitar Aaron Thomas – Bass Jimmy Waldo – Keys Mark Zonder – Drums
CREDITS: Todd Michael Hall – Guest Duet Vocals on “Shadowfire” Alan Rueda – Guest Duet vocals on “Raise Your Fist” Eddie St James – Background vocals on Raise Your Fist Kenny ‘Rhino’ Earl – Background vocals on “Ghost Soldiers” & “(Tell Me) All Your Lies” Thomas Mergler – Guest second guitar on “(Tell Me) All Your Lies” Joe Stump – Guest guitar solos on “Raise Your Fist” Produced by Giles Lavery & Ben Thomas with Thomas Mergler Mixed and Mastered by Thomas Mergler at Tom’s Soundranch Artwork: All Things Rotten
Indianapolis death metal entity ATAVISTIC DECAY return with their new EP, “Immakulate Invokations”, following the release of their 2024 demo. Spanning just over 14 minutes, the two-track work delves into multiple facets of the band’s sound – one half steeped in mephitic, suffocating death metal, the other immersed in murky, unsettling dark ambient.
Balancing oppressive weight with an almost cinematic sense of atmosphere, the release expands the band’s sonic identity and showcases their ability to evoke both physical and psychological unease. The result is a stark, immersive journey that confirms ATAVISTIC DECAY as one of the underground’s most promising new forces, with more range and depth than initially expected.
The band commented:
“Mother of abominations, dominator of beast, fermenter of filth! ‘Immakulate Invokations’ begins in the dionysion ecstasy of maniacal speed, engulfing you in bestial pleasure. A sonic invocation to the sacred whore, ecstasy devolves into slow, painful reflection. As your past ’self’ lies decimated, we invite the listener to transcend the flesh of what once was, and enter a profane and iconoclastic state of transformation, of self-creation and self-pleasure.”
“Immakulate Invokations” is now streaming exclusively via Mystification Zine, with the 7” vinyl edition set for release on October 3rd through Night Terrors Records.
01. Immaculate Invokations 02. Transcend the Flesh
Atavistic Decay is the deterioration of being into a state of atavistic nothingness, that which precedes the self. Birthed in 2023, the band serves as an organ of this process. Dense textures dirge into oscillating moments of mania, inducing fog-filled visions of autoerotic asphyxiation of being. ATAVISTIC DECAY seeks to drag you into these putrid depths, to experience a state of total self-suffocation.
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
Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 