That was the question Juho ”Hässi” Hämäläinen and Antti ”DeeAa” Heikkinen kept well in mind, when they decided to start a new band towards the very end of last year.
And that principal idea was held on to with steadfast commitment. On April 11th the Ep (Almost) 20 Minutes Of Love is released, and serves – you guessed it – almost 20 minutes worth of very heavily AC/DC-styled hard rock. There’s a lot of loving humour included; in the lyrics the women are hot, cars are fast, and the men chock full of testosterone.
”All the songs on the EP were composed, written, recorded and mixed within just a couple of weeks in December of ’24. It was such an effortless and fast project, that later this year you can expect follow-up as well, once we get our other bands’ recording projects finalized. ”, Hässi and DeeAa say.
Hässi is working with Finland’s leading AC/DC tribute band Dirty Deeds Indeed in Jyväskylä, as well as a hard-rock band Rane Rautiainen & Paha Kaksonen. DeeAa is the singer-guitarist in Mosfite, a heavy-rock band from Kuopio.
HÄ/DA released a single Ball Buster in February, and it’s received radio play on several FM- and internet-stations, for instance in England, Scotland, France and the USA.
KING PARROT deliver a disturbingly grotesque, yet brutally entertaining video for the new track “Look Away I’m Hideous” from the forthcoming album; A Young Person’s Guide To King Parrot – due out June 6th 2025 worldwide.
Joining forces with renowned Australian Artist “The Art of Fox”, the new video is a sensory overload and delves into the world of modern day body modification disasters.
Further to the new video King Parrot have just been added to the Acid Bath + Pentagram show in New York on July 25 at Brooklyn Paramount before joining “The Heaviest Tour of the Summer” alongside Pantera and Amon Amarth all over the US. The bands Australian album launch tour kicks off in May as they bring music from the new album to fans for the first time.
Listen to “LOOK AWAY I’M HIDEOUS” on King Parrot Spotify.
After recently completing a monstrous 33 date tour through Europe and the UK with stadium dates alongside Pantera and Power Trip followed by a full European club tour with death metal pioneers Master. KING PARROT deliver this 4th offering “LOOK AWAY I’M HIDEOUS” from their forthcoming new album;
Guitarist Squiz had this to say about the concept of the new video: “Perplexed as to what drives the desires of seemingly already attractive people to cross that line into addictive, overblown, plastic surgery modification. And to just keep ramping it up? And then also, the lovers and appreciators of said mods? I mean, I got body issues up the wazoo but this stuff seems inherently dangerous and alien to me. In any case… As is your want!”
Further to the release of the single, King Parrot will be launching the new record all over Australia with a swag of new dates announced all around the country in May and June. A new US show alongside Acid Bath + Pentagram will take place in New York at Brooklyn Paramount on July 25 before the band join Pantera + Amon Amarth on “The Heaviest Tour of The Summer” all over the USA.
A full list of the bands upcoming tour dates can be found below, with more North American dates to be announced in the coming weeks.
A Young Person’s Guide To King Parrot marks the band’s first new output in five years. A hostile and abrasive slab of sensory destroying anthems, the record features ten thoroughly crafted blasts through the psyche of this crazed Aussie quintet. Recorded at Melbourne’s Dangertone studios with engineer Luke Walton, it’s the first full-length album since 2017’s critically adored Ugly Produce offering and their first new music since 2020’s Holed Up In The Lair EP.
Applying a similar approach to the writing process of their previous records, which has been historically organic and old-school, KING PARROT adopted a new approach to the studio process. Pulling the new record together was a meticulously creative endeavour and the final product is the most complete, aggressive, and urgent the band has ever sounded.
“A Young Person’s Guide To King Parrot” will be released on June 6, 2025 Pre order are available here: https://linktr.ee/kingparrot
A YOUNG PERSON’S GUIDE TO KING PARROT AUSTRALIAN ALBUM LAUNCH TOUR Friday 9 May – Whalers, Warrnambool, VIC Saturday 10 May – Golden Vine Hotel, Bendigo, VIC Friday, 30 May – The Warehouse, Townsville QLD Saturday 31 May – McGuires Hotel, Mackay QLD Friday 6 June – Republic Bar, Hobart Saturday 7 June – Royal Oak, Launceston Friday 20 June – Brunswick Ballroom, Melbourne VIC Saturday 21 June – Barwon Club, Geelong VIC Sunday 22 June – Singing Bird, Frankston VIC (Arvo All Ages) Friday 27 June – Crowbar, Sydney NSW Saturday 28 June – Thrashville, Hunter Valley NSW
ACID BATH + PENTAGRAM + KING PARROT July 25: Brooklyn, NY – Paramount
PANTERA + AMON AMARTH, KING PARROT THE HEAVIEST TOUR OF THE SUMMER – USA 2025 7/31/2025 Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center 8/02/2025 Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center 8/03/2025 Hartford, CT – Xfinity Theatre 8/06/2025 Milwaukee, WI – American Family Insurance Amphitheater 8/07/2025 Minneapolis, MN – Target Center 8/20/2025 Salt Lake City, UT – Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre 8/22/2025 Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheatre 8/23/2025 Ridgefield, WA – Cascades Amphitheater 8/26/2025 Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre 8/27/2025 Inglewood, CA – Kia Forum 8/29/2025 Las Vegas, NV – T-Mobile Arena 8/31/2025 Albuquerque, NM -Isleta Amphitheater 9/02/2025 Austin, TX – Germania Insurance Amphitheater 9/03/2025 Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavillion 9/05/2025 Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center 9/06/2025 St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre 9/08/2025 Birmingham, AL – Coca-Cola Amphitheater 9/10/2025 Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater 9/11/2025 Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Park at Walnut Creek 9/13/2025 West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
British blues-rock phenom Joanne Shaw Taylor digs deep on her latest single, “Look What I’ve Become”—a haunting reflection on addiction, isolation, and the moment of choosing whether to fight or let go. The gripping new track, released today via Joe Bonamassa’s Journeyman Records, blends minor-key blues intensity with the cinematic sweep of a Bond theme, anchoring some of Joanne’s most confessional songwriting and driving it home with her incredible signature guitar tone.
“My bones have grown so old, the world is only cold,” she sings over gritty, shadow-drenched guitar tones, capturing a soul in reckoning. With a voice both weary and defiant, she delivers the devastating refrain: “Don’t miss me when I’m gone / I’m nothing now but numb.”
“This one’s about hitting that crossroads,” Joanne shares. “It’s about the moment where you either change everything or disappear. The lyrics came from a very honest place—and I wanted the music to match that intensity.”
“Look What I’ve Become” follows Joanne’s recent run of acclaimed singles, including the fearless “What Are You Gonna Do Now,” the high-octane “Hell Of A Good Time,” the emotionally charged “Grayer Shade of Blue,” and her defiant anthem “I Gotta Stop Letting You Let Me Down.” Together, they paint a vivid portrait of a woman reclaiming her story—set against the diverse sonic palette of her forthcoming album, Black & Gold, out June 6th.
Produced by Kevin Shirley (Black Crowes, Journey, Aerosmith), Black & Gold finds Joanne pushing the boundaries of blues rock with raw vulnerability, sweeping cinematic textures, and moments of explosive swagger. From the retro shimmer of her cover of Sam Sparro’s “Black & Gold” to the soulful ache of “Who’s Gonna Love Me Now,” each track reveals a new facet of Joanne’s artistry.
With more than a decade of critically acclaimed releases under her belt—and endorsements from legends like Stevie Wonder and Annie Lennox—Joanne Shaw Taylor continues to redefine modern blues. Her partnership with Journeyman Records allows her to release music on her terms, reaching fans without compromise.
Joanne is currently gearing up for an extensive U.S. Spring Tour following her appearance on Keeping The Blues Alive at Sea X alongside Bonamassa. Fans can expect to hear material from Black & Gold along with fan favourites and blistering blues classics—all delivered with the fiery musicianship that has made her a standout in today’s blues-rock scene.
Black & Gold by Joanne Shaw Taylor 1. Hold Of My Heart 2. All The Things I Said 3. Black & Gold 4. Who’s Gonna Love Me Now? 5. I Gotta Stop Letting You Let Me Down 6. Summer Love 7. Grayer Shade Of Blue 8. Hell Of A Good Time 9. Look What I’ve Become 10. What Are You Gonna Do Now? 11. Love Lives Here
2025 U.S. SPRING TOUR, remaining shows: April 13 – Tampa, FL – Tampa Bay Blues Festival April 14 – Pensacola, FL – Saenger Theatre April 15 – Jackson, MS – Duling Hall April 17 – Cincinnati, OH – Memorial Hall April 18 – Columbus, OH – TempleLive Columbus April 27 – New Orleans, LA – Take Me To The River
2025 SUMMER TOUR DATES & FESTIVALS May 30 – Quebec, CA – Festival Des Guitares du Monde June 28 – Winter Park, CO – Blues From The Top July 12 – Salamanca, Spain – Festival Blues Bejar Festival July 17 – Kirjurinluoto, Pori, FI – Pori Jazz Festival July 18 – Kent, UK – Maid Of Stone Festival August 5 – Ridgefield, CT – Ridgefield Playhouse (rescheduled) August 6 – Riverhead, NY – The Suffolk August 8 – Salisbury, MA – Blue Ocean Music Hall August 10 – North Truro, MA – Payomet Performing Arts Center August 16 – Norwich, NY – Chenango Blues Festival
One of Australia’s pioneering Indigenous rock bands, Blackfire, make a powerful and timely return with their new single ‘Let’s Not Forget‘, available now via Golden Robot Records. The song serves as a moving tribute in the lead-up to ANZAC Day, honouring the often-overlooked sacrifices of Indigenous soldiers who served their country with courage and pride – but little recognition.
Crafted by Blackfire’s keyboardist Rod Crundwell and long-time songwriting partner Stafford Sanders, ‘Let’s Not Forget‘ is a heartfelt call to remembrance, driven by a catchy, upbeat tempo and stirring lyrics that speak directly to our shared history. The track is the first single from Blackfire’s highly anticipated fourth studio album, Solar Eclipse, set for release later this year.
“Step out for our fallen heroes — we will march along. Come on all you brothers and sisters, join the mighty song — Let’s not forget.”
Formed in Melbourne in 1992, Blackfire toured nationally and internationally for over a decade, becoming a powerful voice in both music and Indigenous cultural expression. After a break starting in 1999, the band began reuniting for select shows from 2018 onward. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, original members Selwyn Burns, Grant Hansen, and Brad Brown rekindled the fire – and with it came a revitalized lineup.
Joining the original trio are Radical Son (David Leha) on lead vocals, Peter Moore on drums, Rod Crundwell on keys, and additional members Monica McDonald and Leonie Whyman on backing vocals and percussion. Daniel Jauregui adds power on second lead guitar, giving the group an even fuller, more dynamic sound.
‘Let’s Not Forget’ delivers everything that defines Blackfire – powerful harmonies, compelling storytelling, and a deep cultural resonance. The track sets the tone for Solar Eclipse, a 12-track album that reflects the band’s evolution while remaining rooted in the truth-telling spirit that has always been their hallmark. With this release Blackfire are proving once again why they remain one of Australia’s most important and enduring rock voices.
‘Let’s Not Forget’ is available now on all major streaming platforms via Golden Robot Records
Ghosts of Sunset are back with their latest single, ‘She’s Been Coming Around‘, out now via Golden Robot Records. Available on all platforms now, this electrifying track dives deep into the dangerous moment in a relationship when one partner is left without attention – vulnerable to the allure of an outsider. The internal struggle begins: “I don’t know how long I can hold out.”
With raw emotion and compelling storytelling, ‘She’s Been Coming Around‘ captures the essence of temptation and loneliness, tapping into the universal experience of being left in the shadows. The band’s signature blend of melody-driven rock and heartfelt lyricism makes this an anthem for anyone who’s ever faced the pull of something – or someone – new.
A special treat for keen-eared listeners: the guitar solo in ‘She’s Been Coming Around‘ features a melody reminiscent of one of Ghosts of Sunset’s favorite songs by Butch Walker’s band Marvelous 3. A happy accident or a subtle nod to inspiration? Fans can decide for themselves.
Ghosts of Sunset continue to cement their place in the rock scene, combining classic influences with a fresh and modern edge. Don’t miss ‘She’s Been Coming Around‘, out now!
Ghosts Of Sunset features former (Dutch Henry) singer-songwriter John Merchant from Western Michigan, and former Michigan resident and multi-instrumentalist and former (The Verve Pipe) drummer Todd Long.
Finnish doom metal legends SWALLOW THE SUN are back with a twist on their fan-favorite anthem, unveiling a growl-free version of “MelancHoly (Holy Edit)” from their highly anticipated digital deluxe edition album, SHINING DARK DELUXE. This special edition invites fans into a deeper, more atmospheric experience, showcasing unique interpretations of select studio tracks that capture the band’s signature melancholy and live energy.
STREAM THE SINGLE “MELANCHOLY (HOLY EDIT)”NOW HERE
SWALLOW THE SUNTakes Over Europe – Don’t Miss Out! Fresh off their North American conquest, SWALLOW THE SUN is gearing up for a monumental European tour alongside Before The Dawn and Stam1na. This massive trek kicks off on April 14th in Antwerp, Belgium, and will thunder through major cities before closing in Hamburg, Germany on May 6th.
GRAB YOUR TICKETS NOW! → HERE VIP UPGRADES AVAILABLE! → HERE
Swallow The Sun – Shining Over Europe 2025
14.4.2025 Belgium, Antwerp – Zappa 15.4.2025 Germany, Koln – Gebaude 9 16.4.2025 Germany, Berlin – Cassiopeia 17.4.2025 Poland, Poznan – 2PROGI 18.4.2025 Czechia, Prague – Futurum 19.4.2025 Slovakia, Bratislava – Randal 20.4.2025 Hungary, Budapest – Barba Negra 22.4.2025 Austria, Vienna – B72 23.4.2025 Germany, Munich – Backstage Halle 24.4.2025 Switzerland, Aarau – Kiff 25.4.2025 Italy, Milan – Legend 26.4.2025 France, Marseille – Le Molotov 27.4.2025 Spain, Barcelona – Razzmatazz 2 29.4.2025 Spain, Madrid – Copernico 30.4.2025 France, Toulouse – Le Rex 01.5.2025 France, Nantes – Le Ferrailleur 02.5.2025 France, Paris – Backstage Btm 04.5.2025 Netherlands, Tilburg – 013 Next 05.5.2025 Netherlands, Amsterdam – Melkweg 06.5.2025 Germany, Hamburg – Logo
SWALLOW THE SUN Claims Finnish Grammy Glory! In a groundbreaking achievement, SWALLOW THE SUN has taken home their first-ever Finnish Grammy (Emma Gala Award) for Best Metal Album (2024) with their latest release, SHINING. After two previous nominations, this well-deserved win marks a monumental milestone for the band, solidifying SHINING as the Metal Album of the Year.
The band expresses their gratitude: “A huge thank you to Backbone Management, Century Media Records, Dan Lancaster, Pasi, Aleksi, Markus, Jaani, and Juha Ruusunen for helping us reach this milestone. We’re also incredibly grateful to all of you who have supported us and listened to our music along the way, this means the world to us!”
Innocence Was Long Forgotten (Live at Hellsinki Metal Festival 2024)
What I Have Become (Live at Hellsinki Metal Festival 2024)
Innocence Was Long Forgotten (Innocent Edit)
MelancHoly (Holy Edit)
Chief Shock Video
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
Ads
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 )