Rock fans, mark your calendars: Jacksonville, FL-based alternative hard rock outfit ALLELE is back in a big way with their new single, “Red Heart Love,” available on all digital outlets this Friday via THC: MUSIC / Virgin Music Group. The explosive new track delivers the signature melodic intensity and emotional weight fans have come to expect, while showcasing a renewed energy from the band’s latest lineup –
To celebrate, ALLELE is hitting the road this weekend for a special run of “Point of Origin” 20th Anniversary Tour this weekend, performing their seminal 2005 debut in its entirety, along with fan favorites and new material, their first shows in over a decade.
POINT OF ORIGIN 20TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR DATES:
Thurs. 6/26 – Piere’s – Fort Wayne, IN Fri. 6/27 – Shenanigans – Portage, IN Sat. 6/28 – Epic Event Center – Green Bay, WI Sun. 6/29 – The Forge – Joliet, IL
Joining them on the road are Riding With Killers, featuring Taylor Roberts of Taproot, and special guests Oceans on Other Planets.
To coincide with the tour/anniversary, THC: MUSIC will release a special 20th Anniversary Edition of Point of Origin this summer, remastered by Richard Easterling (Taproot, American Head Charge), available first time ever on all digital outlets July 4th, and will be available to pre-order on LP and CD Friday from THC MUSIC.
Founded in 2003, ALLELE gained national attention with their breakout album Point of Origin, which included the hit singles “Closer to Habit” and “Stitches”, (which have been featured in WWE Smackdown Vs. Raw, Cobra Kai, and many more), followed by the fan-favorite sophomore release Next To Parallel. Their brand of fist-pumping emotionally-charged Hard Rock anthems, and years of relentless touring have helped Allele build a massive loyal fanbase that has stuck with them over 2 decades.
With blazing precision and fearless ambition, Danish Power Thrash outfit EXELERATE return with their sophomore full-length, “Hell for the Helpless”. Following the success of their 2023 self-titled debut and a relentless tour schedule across Denmark and Europe, the Copenhagen-based quartet now present their most mature and musically ambitious work to date – a concept album delving deep into the shadows of the human psyche.
Forging a powerful hybrid of fast-paced thrash and melodic, anthemic power metal, “Hell for the Helpless” delivers ten explosive tracks packed with soaring high-pitched vocals, whirlwind guitar solos, pounding drums, and sharp, propulsive bass lines. Whether it’s furious pit-inducing energy or triumphant sing-along moments, Exelerate continue to show they are masters of both the stage and the studio.
“The biggest challenge was writing a worthy successor to an album we had played live so many times”, frontman Stefan Jensen says. “But all that experience gave us clarity. We learned what to lean into, and what our audience really responds to”.
“Hell for the Helpless” is a concept album exploring various damaging and unhealthy mental states, from anxiety and depression to nihilism and obsessive fear. “We live in a time where mental health is a growing issue”, declares guitarist Mads Sørensen. “This album is our way of shining a light on the struggle, the chaos, and also the potential for healing and understanding”. The songs are more ambitious and atmospheric than ever before, with sweeping arrangements and bold lyrical storytelling to match the emotional weight of the themes.
“Hell for the Helpless” will be released on LP (purple vinyl limited to 150 copies), CD and digital on 12.09.2025, via From The Vaults.
The first digital single taken from the album, titled “The Madness”, is available now on all streaming services, here: https://bfan.link/the-madness
1. The Breach 2. The Madness 3. The Summoning 4. Headfirst into the Void 5. A Painful Debt 6. Death Cult 7. Falling in Lust 8. Impending Doom 9. The Legend of Lightning 10. Stranger out of Time
Recorded and produced by the band themselves, with producer Io Klarstrup leading the sessions, “Hell for the Helpless” captures the raw passion and precision of a band firing on all cylinders. Final mixing and mastering were once again handled by Marco Angioni (Tygers Of Pan Tang, Steel Inferno, Meridian), who brings massive sonic weight and clarity to the record’s rich, dynamic sound.
Visually, the album continues Exelerate’s collaboration with airbrush artist Steen Jensen, who delivers a trippy, vivid cover artwork inspired by the inner workings of the troubled mind. It’s a perfect visual complement to the album’s introspective concept – where darkness can easily take root if left unchecked.
Alongside the digital edition, “Hell for the Helpless” will be released on CD and limited edition vinyl, with a tracklist curated specifically for front-to-back listening. The band will support the release with an extensive Danish tour in fall 2025.
Icelandic retro-fueled prog rock trio THE VINTAGE CARAVAN have announced their return with their sixth studio album, entitled Portals, set for release on September 26, 2025 via Napalm Records!
“We proudly present our sixth studio album, Portals. It’s our most diverse, dynamic, experimental album and in our opinion, our best effort yet,”the band states. “Portals was recorded at Arda Recorders in Porto, Portugal in October 2024 with Axel ‘Flexi’ Árnason, with whom we worked on Voyage (2012), Arrival (2015) and the Monuments Tour (2023). This is the first time we recorded on tape and we are so happy with the results. We feel that this time we really managed to capture our live energy.
The title of the album is a nod to the city of Porto and connecting the songs are a series of interludes which we call “Portals” that set the mood and bring you to the next track. We can’t wait for you to experience the journey that is Portals!”
Today, the charismatic band have released a music video for first album single “Riot”, a track dripping in the trademark THE VINTAGE CARAVAN sound, rich in bluesy psychedelia infused with modern intensity and irresistible riffs.
“’Riot’ came to me in a dream. It’s the only time that has happened to me, ” singer and guitarist Óskar Logi Águstsson reveals. “I woke up around 7 am humming the first two riffs and I really liked it and I thought to myself, “I’ll go back to sleep for a bit and then I’ll work on this”. Then I woke up again and I forgot the main riff, which was a bummer and I tried remembering the pattern all day until I gave up and went to bed, right as I was drifting off to sleep it came back to me! Thankfully!
The track is an energetic and heavy one. The lyrics were inspired by the 2024 riots in England. We were touring the country at the time, it was a very surreal thought to be possibly caught up in a Riot and I knew I wouldn’t do very well in that sort of situation, so that’s what inspired me to write the lyrics.
We hope you enjoy Riot and remember, don’t start a riot, just listen to this tune instead.”
Portals is another testament to THE VINTAGE CARAVAN’s endlessly creative, modern take on the psychedelic retro rock sound, cementing the band’s leading position in the scene. The band’s previous studio album, Monuments, hit #21 on the German charts, marking a milestone in their evolution, and the new offering – which also features a stunning guest performance by Opeth’s Mikael Åkerfeldt on the soulful album opener “Philosopher” – continues to solidify THE VINTAGE CARAVAN’s reputation as torchbearers of contemporary classic rock. Aside from their critically acclaimed releases, the band’s electrifying live performances have mesmerized audiences at major festivals such as Wacken Open Air and Hellfest, as well as on international tours both as headliners and as support for the likes of progressive metal giants Opeth. THE VINTAGE CARAVAN will be celebrating the release of Portals with extensive headline tours in mainland Europe and the UK, announced for autumn 2025.
THE VINTAGE CARAVAN live: 25/09/2025 BE Brussels – Botanique 26/09/2025 FR Paris – Le Petit Bain 27/09/2025 NL Leeuwarden – Into The Void 28/09/2025 DE Hannover – Faust 29/09/2025 DE Berlin – Frannz 30/09/2025 DE Hamburg – St. Pauli Bahnhof 01/10/2025 DE Dortmund – Piano 02/10/2025 NL Tilburg – Hall Of Fame 03/10/2025 DE Cologne – Volta 04/10/2025 DE Karlsruhe – P8 05/10/2025 DE Pratteln – Up in Smoke Festival 07/10/2025 DE Tübingen – Sudhaus 08/10/2025 DE Bielefeld – Forum 09/10/2025 DE Jena – KuBa 10/10/2025 DE Aschaffenburg – Colos Saal 11/10/2025 DE Munich – Keep It Low Festival 12/10/2025 AT Vienna – Arena 25/10/2025 UK Margate – Margate Rock Festival, Margate 26/10/2025 UK London – Camden Assembly 27/10/2025 UK Brighton – Dust 28.10/2025 UK Southampton – The 1865 29/10/2025 UK Bristol – Exchange 30/10/2025 UK Birmingham – Mama Roux 31/10/2025 UK Newcastle – Think Tank 01/11/2025 UK Glasgow – Classic Grand
Not quite 40 years since the L.A.-based band released their still-epochal self-titled debut album, rewrote the rules for late 80s metal, and then effectively disappeared from view, singer Lorraine Lewis remains a captivating performer and songwriter, and proves it with “Living Like There’s No Tomorrow,” the first single from what promises to be one of 2025’s most eagerly-awaited albums.
Written by Lorraine and guitarist/producer Steve Brown, “Living Like There’s No Tomorrow” has a killer singalong chorus, and is certain to become of the songs of the summer. It is also, she says, a very personal song.
“It relates to me on so many levels. There have been times when I thought it all might be over. But I picked myself up, brushed off the dirt and got back in the ring. It’s about never giving up, never letting anyone get over on you to take you out & remembering who you are! Everyone can relate to that on some level. And Femme Fatale has never been out. I’ve always been here just waiting for this moment.
“I’m forever grateful to Steve Brown for calling me a year ago and saying ‘let’s make a record.’ That’s exactly what we’ve done. I can’t wait for people to hear the new song, see the video and hear the other singles we will be dropping. We have big songs coming and I’m over the moon to have signed with Cleopatra Records.”
Recorded with Brown and Joel Hoesktra on chiming guitars, and the alchemical rhythm section of Sean McNabb (bass) and Matt Star (drums), “Living Like There’s No Tomorrow” is accompanied by a truly invigorating video – although you may need to hide behind the sofa if you have a fear of heights. Yes, that’s Lorraine leaping out of a plane, however many thousands of feet above the ground.
As for bringing Femme Fatale back, Lorraine has little more than fabulous memories of the original Femme Fatale. “But this is and has always been my band & I get to call the shots, which is the way I like it. I live life to the fullest & always have my foot on the gas. There is no stopping me.”
Indeed, there isn’t. In keeping with the theme of living life to the max, Lorraine is also currently writing a book, stepping into the reality show arena and she has a vivacious presence on Only Fans, too.
Vintersorg return with their brand new studio album Vattenkrafternas Spel, which will be released on 26th September via Hammerheart Records. The first offering ‘Malströmsbrus’ is now streaming via the label.
Vintersorg comment on the track: “We feel the first single ‘Malströmsbrus’ is a great symbol for the entire album and a framing of what Vintersorg is about, the melodies, the epic vibe, the harsh black metal element still present and a symphonic approach to the songwriting“
FFO: Falkenbach, Moonsorrow, Borknagar, Finntroll, Kampfar, Einherjer Genre: folk metal/prog metal
Vintersorg is the enduring vision of Swedish vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter Andreas Hedlund, who’s been blending harsh black metal, nordic folk and progressive soundscapes since 1994. What began in the frost-covered north of Skellefteå under the name Vargatron has grown into one of Scandinavia’s most unique and consistently evolving metal projects.
Early albums like Till Fjälls and Ödemarkens Son made a name for Vintersorg with their raw yet melodic take on pagan black metal steeped in nature, folklore, and sweeping clean vocals. Later records like Cosmic Genesis and The Focusing Blur took a sharp turn toward the philosophical and the cosmic, diving into metaphysics, astronomy and avant-garde experimentation.
Known for a signature mix of soaring baritone vocals, icy black metal shrieks, layered harmonies, and a refusal to play it safe, Vintersorg continue to carve their own path, untamed, cerebral, and deeply connected to the forces that shape both nature and sound.
Track-list: 1. Efter Dis Kommer Dimma 2. Störtsjö 3. Malströmsbrus 4. Från Djupet Dunstar Tiden 5. Ur Älv Och Å 6. Kraftkällan 7. Regnskuggans Rike 8. Skyrök 9. Ödsliga Salar
Line-up: Vintersorg – Guitars, Keyboards, FX and Drum Programming Matte Marklund – Lead Guitars Simon Lundstöm – Bass
Acclaimed guitarist and songwriter ANDRZEJ CITOWICZ has released his most ambitious single to date, “You Are The Magic”, an epic rock ballad that channels the golden era of 80s arena rock through a contemporary lens. The track is now available on all major streaming platforms, accompanied by an official lyric video on YouTube.
Drawing inspiration from rock legends including Meat Loaf, Desmond Child, and Bon Jovi, “You Are The Magic” represents a bold artistic statement that combines cinematic scope with emotional authenticity. The song features multiple key changes, soaring melodies, and even cinematic choir arrangements that elevate the listening experience to theatrical heights.
“This song is really about believing in something bigger than ourselves,” Citowicz reflects. “In our fast-paced digital world, sometimes we need music that reminds us there’s still magic to be found. I wanted to create something that would make people smile when those key changes hit – that moment when the music just lifts you up.”
The single showcases the continued creative partnership between Citowicz and longtime collaborator Patryk Szymanski, who provides bass and production duties. Their decade-plus musical relationship reaches new heights on this release, with Szymanski’s bass work being particularly noteworthy throughout the verses.
“Working with Patryk on this track has been incredible,” Citowicz explains. “His bass work is pure magic – I encourage everyone to listen carefully to what he’s doing in the verses. He doesn’t just play the bass; he understands the emotional arc of the song and supports it perfectly. Having someone who gets your musical vision after all these years is invaluable.”
Szymanski’s production brings out the epic qualities of the composition while maintaining the intimate emotional core that defines Citowicz’s songwriting approach. The result is a track that feels both massive and personal, combining the anthemic qualities of classic rock with modern production sensibilities.
“I’ve always been inspired by songwriters like Desmond Child who could craft these universal themes wrapped in unforgettable melodies,” Citowicz notes. “There’s something about that era of rock music – Meat Loaf’s theatrical drama, Bon Jovi’s anthemic energy – that spoke to the heart while reaching for the stars. That’s what I wanted to capture with this song.”
The official lyric video, available on YouTube, complements the song’s cinematic nature with visual elements that enhance the epic storytelling. The production represents months of careful crafting, with attention paid to every detail from the choir arrangements to the strategic placement of key changes designed to maximize emotional impact.
“You Are The Magic” follows Citowicz’s recent heartfelt single “The World I’ll Hold For You,” showcasing the artist’s range and continued evolution as a songwriter. While maintaining his signature emotional depth, this new release demonstrates his ability to craft music that works on both intimate and arena-sized scales.
The Cairo-based musician continues to build his international following, with his YouTube channel recently surpassing 70,000 views. His unique position as a Polish artist creating English-language rock music from Egypt adds a distinctive international perspective to his work.
“Music has this incredible power to connect people across cultures and continents,” Citowicz concludes. “Whether you’re in Cairo, New York, or anywhere in between, when that chorus hits and those key changes soar, we’re all experiencing that magic together. That’s what rock and roll is supposed to do.”
“You Are The Magic” is available now on all major streaming platforms and as an official lyric video on YouTube.
About Andrzej Citowicz: Andrzej Citowicz is an acclaimed Polish guitarist and songwriter currently based in Cairo, Egypt. As a former recording artist for DownBoys Records, he has built a reputation for emotionally resonant songwriting and distinctive guitar work. His music combines classic rock influences with contemporary production, creating a sound that bridges generational gaps while maintaining artistic authenticity.
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
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