Chicago’s own Stripping the Pistol have unveiled their new single, “Sunshine in the Rain,” out now via TLG|ZOID and distributed by Virgin Music Group. The emotionally resonant track is accompanied by a lyric video and marks the band’s fifth single, continuing their tradition of rule-breaking, straight-in-your-face rock ‘n’ roll.
In a remarkable endorsement, the late Roy Thomas Baker—iconic producer behind Queen, The Cars, and Journey—was an outspoken fan of the song. He compared it to “music the greats made in the 1970s,” noting that while it’s not retro in sound, “it’s audacious enough to try and reach those heights.”
“In a bleak world people often don’t see the sunshine through the rain. For many music can provide the sunshine. We believe this song can do that for some of those listeners. While it has a feel of a ballad, we weave in some heavy elements. The ying and yang works. The dual vocals represent the two extremes of life. We believe this is a special song the like of which isn’t heard today. The late great Roy Thomas Baker who produced all the amazing Queen records was a huge fan of the song. He claimed it sounded like music the greats made in the 1970s. Not that it is a 1970s inspired track, but that it is audacious enough to try and reach those heights.”
This band is about straight-in-your-face rock n’ roll. Stripping the Pistol formed with the intention of breaking the rules. The Chicago band blends aggression with melody. The seamless interplay of the dueling vocalists is balanced by the precision, power, and energy of the music.
Hard rock band RIKETS returns with a gripping new single and video “FEED,” the third release from their highly anticipated album Tales from the Construct AlphaA v.1, due later this year via Godsize Records/Symphonic Music.
Produced by the acclaimed team known as The Syndicate—Ben Schigel and Scott Rose—“FEED” is a relentless commentary on society’s digital manipulation.
The band states, “‘FEED’ taps into the construct of the system feeding the mass populace lies and propaganda thru social media and news feeds, all while the public unknowingly has AI models built of every citizen inside the Matrix. The song hides a love story within the verses, then slams the listener with a pounding anthemic chorus in true RIKETS fashion.”
With a pounding anthemic chorus— “And now they’re feeding you lies / It’s how they run your life / So with multiple screens / You will FEED our machines”—the single delivers the kind of aggressive, thought-provoking earworm RIKETS is known for.
“FEED” was shot in stunning 8K, directed by Ben Schigel and edited by Scott Rose, incorporating unsettling flicker fusion visuals that enhance the band’s shadowy and enigmatic aesthetic. The result is a visually arresting video that lingers in the mind.
The music was produced and mixed by Ben Schigel (Chimaira, Switched, MGK, Walls of Jericho) and written by Schigel, Scott Rose, and BG Simpson (Anchored, Filter), bringing together a powerhouse of talent across the alternative and metal scenes.
RIKETS, originally formed in the early 2000s, rebooted in 2019 after a decade-long hiatus. Now sporting a reinvigorated lineup, the band is led by mastermind Scott Rose (vocals/guitar), with Nic Bell (bass – Left4Dead), BG Simpson (guitar – Anchored, Filter), Trent Mercer (guitar – Left4Dead), and Ben Schigel (drums – Switched) bringing sonic intensity and polished aggression to the modern era.
Following the success of previous singles including “Infected and Controlled,” RIKETS continues to build momentum with “FEED,” further teasing the dark, conceptual world behind Tales from the Construct AlphaA v.1.
“FEED” was released on June 20th via Godsize Records/Symphonic Music on all major streaming platforms, accompanied by the official music video on YouTube.
Get ready to crank the volume — Atomik Train, the hard rock band that’s been shaking Canadian underground venues and festival stages alike, is full steam ahead and poised to redefine the modern rock landscape. With thunderous riffs, relentless rhythms, and anthemic hooks, Atomik Train is not just a band — they’re a sonic force of nature.
Formed by lead singer François Babin and lead guitarist Junior Bourcier, forged in the heart of Montreal, Atomik Train blends the raw power of classic hard rock with a modern edge, drawing comparisons to legends like Guns N’ Roses, Foo Fighters, and Avenged Sevenfold, while carving out a sound that’s entirely their own.
Atomik Train’s self-titled debut album is a full-throttle ride through rebellion, resilience, and raw emotion. Produced by John Webster (Aerosmith, Alice Cooper, Motley Crue) and recorded at Montreal’s Planet Studios, the album features 11 explosive tracks, including the lead single “Back on Earth,” promising to climb streaming charts and rock playlists worldwide via Crown X Recordings.
“We wanted to create something that hit like a hammer but stayed in your head like a melody you can’t forget,” says Junior Bourcier, lead guitarist and songwriter of Atomik Train. The lead singer François Babin added: “’Back on Earth’ is a song of hope and resilience for everyone that’s struggling at any level and wants to get back up again. We are on a mission to spread love and hope, and one hell of a party through rock and roll!!!!”
Their first single Supersonik Speedway is out now.
“This song is about taking the right path to where you want to go and what you want to achieve. When you start doing this, a new world opens up to you. New opportunities will come up and everything will accelerate because you are now on the Supersonik Speedway,” says François.
“Back on Earth” will be the second single from the new release to come out soon.
Junior added: “Imagine yourself as an astronaut fighting to stay alive, alone in your spaceship in outer space, trying to get back home after a long journey in the unknown. It’s a story about courage and resilience. Even in the worst situations, you must never surrender.”
CD and vinyl will be in stores in September (follow us on Facebook for updates) and are available now for presale at https://tinyurl.com/2mk333kx
1- Supersonik Speedway (3 min 41) 2- Destination (3 min 10) 3- Back on Earth (4 min 28) 4- Lunatic Fringe (4 min 27) 5- Long Way Down (4 min 53) 6- Playground (3 min 36) 7- Never Again (4 min 57) 8- Animal Fire (4 min 19) 9- I’m a Winner I’m a Loser (3 min 31) 10- Reborn (5 min 12) 11- Deal With It (2 min 14)
Live and Loud: Upcoming Tour
With a reputation for high-octane live shows, Atomik Train is set to launch their “Back on Earth” Tour starting this summer, announcing tour dates very soon. Fans can expect a no-holds-barred experience — massive sound, stage energy that could power a city, and the kind of crowd connection that turns concerts into cult moments.
With each member bringing their own explosive chemistry and grit to the table, Atomik Train is not just a band — they’re a brotherhood of fire and fury on a mission to bring hard rock back to the front lines.
Out of the cold stillness of northern Ontario comes “Twilight Glow” – the first single from Finnr’s Cane’s forthcoming self-titled album, slated for release on August 29.
Finnr’s Cane commented:
“Twilight Glow” is a song that represents Finnr’s Cane well. Rooted in traditional atmospheric black metal, it meanders along a winding path from beginning to end. The vocals receive sharper focus than in our previous work, creating a lush dynamic with the resonant guitar chords. It’s a piece that feels both familiar and new within the Finnr’s Cane catalogue.
The long Canadian winter has many voices, but few speak with the introspective clarity of Finnr’s Cane. Emerging from the icy expanse of Sudbury, Ontario, the duo’s self-titled fourth album is a meditation on transition: the slow dying of autumn, the silence of snowfall, and the liminal space between nature and civilisation.
Though rooted in atmospheric black metal, Finnr’s Cane forgo many of the genre’s conventions. There is no bass guitar; instead, low-end warmth and mournful resonance are carried by cello and keyboard, lending the music an organic, almost spectral quality. Rather than follow rigid structures, their songs unfold through improvisation, guided by mood and instinct.
Comparable in spirit to acts like Wolves in the Throne Room, Agalloch, and Fen, Finnr’s Cane tread a kindred path but speak in a voice entirely their own – one that has resonated since their 2010 debut, “Wanderlust”, and continued through critically acclaimed releases on Prophecy Productions and Frostscald Records. This latest work marks their first collaboration with Nordvis, a natural home for their singular vision.
Finnr’s Cane commented:
The final form of this album emerged slowly and instinctively, informed by our experiences and emotions over a long period of time. We carefully distilled it into what we’re certain is our absolute best work to date.
With “The Voice Inside”, the Swedes SOLE SYNDICATE release a foretaste of their new album “The Reckoning”, which will be released in fall!
“The Voice Inside” is the perfect first single from “The Reckoning” because it represents what Sole Syndicate is. It´s heavy yet still melodic. It has a groovy and heavy rhythm but still elements of delicacy, a melodic chorus and powerful lyrics. We want our fans to sing along to big choruses but at the same time put some thoughts into their minds about what the song is all about, and what the whole album is all about.” Jonas – Sole Syndicate
Sole Syndicate is a metal band from the western parts of Sweden. The band was formed by singer and guitarist Jonas Månsson in 2016 and has released three albums, Garden of Eden (2017), Last Days of Eden (2020) and the critically acclaimed Into the Flames (2022). Sole Syndicate is Jonas Månsson (vocals and guitars), Katja “Cat” Rasila (keyboards and vocals), David “Gus” Gustafsson (bass) and Alfredo “Fred” Souza (drums). The band has a modern sound with a touch of their heroes from the past. The inspiration comes from a variety of bands like Van Halen and Dream Theater to Metallica and Nine Inch Nails. Although the music is hard and heavy, strong melodies are the most important thing for the band.
Line-up: Jonas Månsson – guitars and lead vocals Katja ”Cat” Rasila – keyboards and lead & backing vocals David ”Gus” Gustafsson – bass and backing vocals Alfredo “Fred” Souza – drums
The Dead Daisies are thrilled to announce their latest blues album, “Lookin’ For Trouble,” has debuted at an impressive No. 7 on the highly competitive Billboard Blues Albums chart. The album, a new entry this week, marks a significant achievement for the band, solidifying their presence in the blues genre.
The chart, dated Week of June 14, 2025, shows “Lookin’ For Trouble” making a strong entrance, positioned among esteemed blues artists and classic albums. This success underscores the band’s powerful performance, resonating with a wide audience and critics alike.
“We are excited to debut at number 7 on the Billboard Blues Album Chart with ‘Lookin’ For Trouble’, thank you guys so much, we really appreciate it!” says guitarist Doug Aldrich.
What started as a bit of fun in the studio has developed into something very special.
“Lookin’ For Trouble” is available now on all major streaming platforms and digital retailers. The Dead Daisies are currently touring Europe.
About The Dead Daisies: The Dead Daisies are a rock band celebrated for their soulful, blues-infused sound and dazzling performances featuring members from Whitesnake, Black Sabbath and Motley Crue, among others.
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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
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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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