Einar Solberg of Leprous is pleased to announce his upcoming second solo album ‘Vox Occulta’, due for release on 24th April, 2026. A bold, heavy and symphonic statement, the album was recorded in collaboration with the much-sought-after Norwegian Radio Orchestra.
Einar shared:
I’m pleased to announce my upcoming second solo album, Vox Occulta, due for release on 24th April 2026. With this album, I’m holding nothing back—you can expect a deeply cinematic and emotional record.
To mark the announcement, I’ve released the second track from the album, “Medulla”, and the accompanying video—directed by Leo Liberti—is out now.
Alongside the orchestral work from @nrkkork , I’m joined on the album by drummer @keli1989 (Agent Fresco), violinist @chrisbaummusic (Bent Knee), guitarist @pierre.danel (Novelists), and bassist Jed Lingat, as well as guitarists @benlevinmusic (ex-Bent Knee) and @brownemonuments (Monuments). The album was mixed by @adamwnoble (Nothing But Thieves, Biffy Clyro) and recorded co-produced with @ghostwardstudio . All artwork was created by Dani Copelli at @copellistudio
Vox Occulta is a deeply personal record. I’ve been an avid fan of classical music and film soundtracks for more than 20 years, and that influence runs throughout the album.
Big Big Train, the award-winning, international progressive rock band, will issue their 16th studio album, Woodcut, via InsideOutMusic on February 6th, 2026. Woodcut marks their first ever full-length conceptual piece, a continuous narrative exploring creativity, sacrifice and the thin line between inspiration and madness.
Now, they release “Counting Stars,” the third and final single from the album, a track co-written by lead vocalist – and ‘Woodcut’ producer – Alberto Bravin and bassist Gregory Spawton.
Watch the video for “Counting Stars,” once again created by Crystal Spotlight:
For over a decade, NMB has stood as one of progressive rock’s most enduring and unified collectives. With their latest studio album L.I.F.T., set for release on February 27th, 2026, Neal Morse, Mike Portnoy, Eric Gillette, Bill Hubauer, and Randy George return with a work that embodies vision, passion and inspiration . Written and recorded during a period of major transition, L.I.F.T. captures the band’s creative chemistry at its most instinctive and inspired.
Dream Theater are starting up their “Lost Not Forgotten Archives” series again with Live In Tokyo, 2010 scheduled for release on March 13th. The latest live release from the band comprised of James LaBrie, John Petrucci, John Myung, Jordan Rudess, and Mike Portnoy documents their performance from Summer Sonic Festival from Tokyo, Japan in 2010. That performance would end up being founding drummer Mike Portnoy’s last performance with the band until he returned in 2023.
The 6-track release captures some of the band’s most-notable classics in one live performance. Live In Tokyo, 2010 is available in numerous configurations including a special edition CD Digipak, gatefold white 180g 2LP, Ltd gatefold white-lilac marble 180g 2LP, Ltd Gatefold Fig Cream 180g 2LP and as a digital album.
Pre-order “Lost Not Forgotten Archives” Live In Tokyo, 2010 here.
Frontiers Music Srl is proud to announce the upcoming release of JARED JAMES NICHOLS’ fourth studio album, ‘Louder Than Fate.’ Due out on June 5, 2026, this new album is easily the guitarist, singer, and songwriter’s most powerful and fully realized statement to date.
Raw, unapologetic, and deeply rooted in the lineage of blues-driven hard rock, the album captures an artist at the peak of his creative confidence, channeling grit, groove, and soul with relentless intensity.
NICHOLS had this to say about ‘Louder Than Fate’:
“I’m beyond excited for this record. I’ve been counting down the days until its release like it’s a personal holiday. If the singles are any hint for you, there are plenty of riffs ripping through the speakers like a buzz saw. But going deeper into the record, there are tons of different emotions and sounds that I have yet to explore as a singer/songwriter. I am personally thrilled to share different shades of myself on this record, giving so much more depth and insight to the listener. Get ready for ‘Louder than Fate’. “
To celebrate the album’s announcement, JJN is sharing the latest single, “Pretend,” alongside a new music video, available to view below. About the track, he comments:
“‘Pretend’ hits like a live wire – gritty, pumping drums and guitar chugs that scream on the edge of chaos. Sometimes a relationship is all smoke, no fire; it’s just a borrowed desire.”
Produced and mixed by Jay Ruston (Anthrax, Stone Sour, Amon Amarth, Skindred, and Steel Panther) with additional production by Roger Alan Nichols (Larkin Poe, Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown and Hayley Williams of Paramore), ‘Louder Than Fate’ balances muscle and melody, combining thunderous riffs, searing solos, and emotionally charged vocals with a modern, punchy production. The songs move effortlessly between hard-hitting rock anthems and more reflective, dynamic moments, showcasing NICHOLS’ ability to fuse classic influences with a contemporary edge. Tracks like “Bending or Breaking” and “Killing Time” expand the sonic palette with subtle keyboards and cinematic string arrangements, adding depth without ever sacrificing power.
Since his breakout debut, JARED JAMES NICHOLS has built a reputation as one of the most electrifying guitarists and performers of his generation. Known for his unmistakable tone, fearless playing style, and commanding stage presence, he has toured extensively across the US and Europe, sharing stages with some of the biggest names in rock and earning praise from fans and critics alike.
‘Louder Than Fate’ is not just an album — it’s a declaration. A record that speaks to resilience, conviction, and the unstoppable force of an artist who plays every note as if it truly matters. Loud, honest, and deeply human, this is JARED JAMES NICHOLS at his absolute best.
‘Louder Than Fate’ Track List: 1. Let’s Go 2. Ghost 3. Way Back 4. Bending Or Breaking 5. Killing Time * 6. Dust N’ Bones 7. Show Me * 8. Looks Like That Felt Good * 9. Runnin’ Hot 10. Pretend
Killing Time (acoustic version) Bonus Track Japan The Death Of Love (bonus track Digital)
Produced & Mixed by Jay Ruston Except * Produced & Mixed by Roger Alan Nichols
Upcoming Live Appearance: Saturday, Jan 24, 2pm – Anaheim, CA @ The NAMM Show / Blackstar Amplification
Swedish progressive metal legends OPETH return with a powerful new performance video for “§7,” a key track from their critically acclaimed album “The Last Will and Testament.”
The video captures the band in raw, commanding form, spotlighting the precision, atmosphere, and emotional weight that define OPETH at this stage of their career. Focused and unembellished, the performance highlights the band’s musical chemistry and the intensity at the heart of the track.
The release arrives ahead of OPETH’s upcoming U.S. tour, which kicks off in two weeks and will see the band bringing the music of “The Last Will and Testament” to stages across the country alongside fan favorites from their storied catalog.
Mikael Åkerfeldt comments: “That track was scary to play live at first. Most of our songs are challenging, I suppose, and this one is no exception. I believe we all love playing this one. There are a myriad of details that could go wrong though, but it’s fun. It keeps you on your toes. And of course, then there’s Ian Anderson’s narrations, which is the only thing in our set that isn’t ”live”. Since we don’t play to a click-track, it’s dragging or pushing depending on the tempo of the evening. Again, it’s fun and I love the unforeseeable character of this song in a live setting. That’s a bit odd since I normally want to feel completely secure and really know what I’m doing. I generally don’t like surprises on stage.”
“§7” serves as a pivotal moment within the album’s broader narrative, which has been widely praised for its cinematic flow, depth, and fearless exploration of light and shade. By stripping the song back to its essence, the new video reinforces OPETH’s ability to balance technical mastery with emotional resonance – a duality Mikael Åkerfeldt has often highlighted in the band’s work.
Following the U.S. run, OPETH will also perform select dates across Europe later this year.
Fans old and new are encouraged to revisit the album in full, streaming “§7” alongside its other chapters to experience the complete arc as intended. From its haunting opening moments to its powerful conclusion, the record rewards deep listening.
5 Feb. US Montclair, The Wellmont Theater – Low Tickets 6 Feb. US Boston, Orpheum Theater – Low Tickets 7 Feb. US Philadelphia, The Filmore Philadelphia – SOLD OUT 10 Feb. US Detroit, Masonic Temple Theater 11 Feb. US Chicago, Riviera Theater 12 Feb. US St. Louis, The Pageant – Low Tickets 14 Feb. US Dallas, The Bomb Factory 15 Feb. US Houston, Bayou Music Center 16 Feb. US San Antonio, Majestic Theater 18 Feb. US Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak Center 20 Feb. US Las Vegas, Pearl Concert Theater At Palms 21 Feb. US Riverside, Riverside Municipal Auditorium – Low Tickets 22 Feb. US Sacramento, Channel 24 24 Feb. US Seattle, Paramount Theater – Low Tickets 25 Feb. CA Vancouver, Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre
LIVE DATES EUROPE 2026 1 Jun. ES Zamora, Z Live Rock Fest 19 Jun. FR Clisson, Hellfest 10 Jul. IT Pompei, Amphitheatre Of Pompeii – SOLD OUT 11 Jul. IT Bologna, Sequoie Music Park 30 Jul. BE Antwerp, OLT Rivierenhof 1 Aug. UK Halifax, The Piece Hall 2 Aug. IR Dublin, Bord Gáis Energy Theater – Low Tickets 5 Aug. NL Utrecht, TivoliVredenburg – Low Tickets 7 Aug. DE Gelsenkirchen, Amphitheater Gelsenkirchen 8 Aug. FI Helsinki, Hellsinki Metal Festival 29 Aug.SE Rättvik, Dalhalla – Low Tickets
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
