Constantine Kanakis, the UK-based guitarist and member of power metal outfit Sorceress of Sin, has released a live playthrough video for his acclaimed guitar instrumental single “Ground Zero.” Captured in his home studio, the performance offers fans both a faithful rendering of the original track and an intimate glimpse into Kanakis’s expressive playing style.
“There’s something incredibly energizing about playing this piece live,” says Kanakis. “I get to hold on to the essence of the original recording, the melodies, the emotion, the atmosphere, while also giving it a fresher take in the moment. No two runs are ever exactly the same, and that’s what makes it so inspiring. Small changes in phrasing, dynamics, and feel naturally bring a new dimension to the song.”
Originally released earlier this year, “Ground Zero” drew widespread praise for its melodic depth and technical precision, cementing Kanakis’s reputation as one of the UK’s most compelling instrumental guitarists. The playthrough presents the track in an organic, unfiltered context, showcasing the nuance and feel that define his approach to composition and performance.
In addition to the playthrough release, Kanakis has confirmed that he is currently working on a brand new album, with plans to release it before the end of 2026. Further details are expected in the coming months.
Constantine Kanakis is a guitarist active in the UK metal scene, particularly in the power metal genre. He is a member of the band Sorceress of Sin, which was formed in 2020. The band broke onto the scene with their debut album, Mirrored Revenge, in November 2020. They quickly followed this with their second album, Constantine, released in August 2021. Their third studio album, Ennea, was released in 2024. As a member of Sorceress of Sin, Kanakis performed at the Bloodstock Festival in 2021, appearing on the New Blood Stage. Reviewers have praised his “absolutely fluid and beautiful shredding” and ability to “pull in some spectacular Neo-Classical flourishes” in his guitar work with the band. Kanakis is currently exploring a more instrumental style of music, drawing heavily from major influences such as Marty Friedman, Jeff Loomis, Jason Becker, and Yngwie Malmsteen.
Eclipse Records is excited to announce the signing of an exclusive worldwide deal with OUTSHINE, a prophetic and outspoken dark alternative metal band from Gothenburg, Sweden. The band recently wrapped up production of their fourth full-length album entitled Truthsayer which will be released via Eclipse Records on June 26, 2026.
Get a sense of the band by watching their “Our Misery” music video from their album The Awakening (2022 Rockshots Records) on YouTube:
“We are really happy to team up with Eclipse Records” says frontman Jimmy Boman, “and after the first conversions with their team, I believe Eclipse is the right partner for Outshine. It’s gonna be great to launch the new album together and swing over to the US again for a showcase tour in the Fall of 2026!” Guitarist Pär Arvidsson adds “After the first conversation with Eclipse it came apparent that they knew what Outshine is about and it really felt like coming home. After our last US tour, they are definitely the right place for us to be and it`s an honor to be part of the Eclipse Records artist roster.” Also weighing in, drummer Robert Petersson says “As we were on tour in the US a few years back our friends in Carbellion had just signed with Eclipse Records and we thought that this could maybe be something for Outshine as well, I am happy to say that it was! To sign with an American label is very exciting and I am really looking forward to the release of our new album together with Eclipse Records.”
The brilliant new dark alternative metal album from Outshine titled Truthsayer has something for every rock and metal fan, including rich guitar work, haunting keys, a powerful back beat, and mesmerizing vocals. Musically, the feel is wonderfully diverse, with parts and parcels working together to craft a vision both dark and distinct, disturbing, yet hopeful. The keys are eerie and foreboding, leading us down shadowed corridors with hypnotic vocal harmonies that often split into octaves, as if to show contrasting views of the world existing atop each other like fog on cobblestone and the sun on the sea. Lyrically, the band blasts the elite, biased media and totalitarianism, depicting a world distorted with poison as common people are kept in a metaphorical asylum of sorts, locked in their rooms, screaming silently from behind sound-proofed glass. It puts us slightly off balance, as these messages of doom are superimposed on music with such a chunk and satisfying groove vibe. In the end, the band tells us that shadows recede. Hell turns to hope. Night ends with dawn, and the ashes of a scorched earth can produce an awesome rising phoenix. This band is for real, and Truthsayer is nothing less than a magnificent megaphone.
Coverart Credit: Jimmy Boman
Truthsayer was produced, engineered & mixed by Kenny Boufadene (Manimal, We Are The Catalyst, Tears of a Fallen Hero) & Jimmy Bowman at Studio Meltdown. The album and singles feature art by Jimmy Boman. It is scheduled for release on June 26, 2026.
Photo by Wolf Mountain Productions — Cover artwork photographed by Darby Lahger
Indigenous solo black metal project BLACKBRAID is pleased to now surprise fans with a brand new EP, ‘Nocturnal Womb,’ which will be independently released worldwide this Friday, March 6! To celebrate, BLACKBRAID has partnered with Black Metal Promotion to premiere the new single, “Celestial Bloodlust,” along with a dynamic performance video. The video was created by Moshmallows during Blackbraid’s recent performance at Kollektivet Livet Bar & Scen in Stockholm (SE) and features many of Blackbraid’s ravenous Swedish fans! Watch at THIS LOCATION.
“Nocturnal Womb” and “Celestial Bloodlust” were the tracks too dark and visceral to fit the story of ‘Blackbraid III.’ They exist on their own outside of the album trilogy via a standalone EP, which also contains an acoustic instrumental rendition of “Barefoot Ghost Dance on Blood Soaked Soil.” With the EP release imminent, sales sand shipping both start today. ‘Nocturnal Wound’ can be ordered now via Blackbraid.US & Blackbraid.EU
Blackbraid will also soon be headlining the UK and Ireland from April 9 – 14, 2026, in which he will be supported by WINTERFYLLETH + NOCTEM. The full itinerary can be found below while tickets are available HERE. In addition, Blackbraid has a number of upcoming festival appearances in Europe, which can also be found below!
Blackbraidis a solo indigenous black metal project from from the depths of the Adirondack wilderness creating music as raw and powerful as the mountains from whence it came…
The cover artwork for ‘Nocturnal Womb’ was photographed by Darby Lahger and can be found below along with the tracklist!
Barefoot Ghost Dance on Blood Soaked Soil – Acoustic (06:54)
BLACKBRAID UK + IE Tour w/ Winterfylleth + Noctem:
04/09/26: Bristol, UK @ The Fleece 04/10/26: Manchester, UK @ Rebellion 04/11/26: Dublin, IE @ Whelan’s 04/12/26: Belfast, UK @ Limelight 2 04/13/26: Glasgow, UK @ Slay 04/14/26: Birmingham, UK -@Asylum 04/15/26: London, UK @ The Garage
BLACKBRAID Upcoming Festivals:
April 04: Munich (DE) @ Dark Easter Metal Meeting April 05: Antwerpen (BE) @ Samhain Festival August 06: Jaroměř (CZ) @ Brutal Assault August 07: Helsinki (FI) @ Hellsinki Metal Fest August 09: Kortrijk (BE) @ Alcatraz August 12 – 15: Wittelshofen (DE) @ Summer Breeze Open Air
‘Blackbraid III’ Album Credits: Composed & performed by Sgah’gahsowáh Drums, recording, mixing & mastering by Neil Schneider Illustration by Adrian Baxter Cover Photograph by Darby Lahger Graphic Design & Artist Photo by Wolf Mountain Productions
JARED JAMES NICHOLS is pleased to share his new single, “Killing Time,” the third track taken from his upcoming fourth studio album, ‘Louder Than Fate,’ due out on June 5, 2026 via Frontiers Music Srl. The single arrives alongside an official video, available below.
Raw, unapologetic, and deeply rooted in the lineage of blues-driven hard rock, “Killing Time” captures NICHOLS at the peak of his creative confidence, channeling grit, groove, and soul with relentless intensity while setting the tone for what promises to be his most powerful and fully realized album to date. The song was written & recorded in Nashville with Roger Alan Nichols (Larkin Poe, Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown, Hayley Williams) producing. The video for “Killing Time” was shot in the basement of Halestorm Manor (Lzzy & Joe from Halestorm’s house).
JARED comments on the new track:
“‘Killing Time’ is not being able to cut the loss of a relationship when you know you have to move on. It’s about walking a lonely path while hanging onto hope, even when all is lost. Every stripped-down chord echoes the regret of moments thrown away and words left unsaid. Writing this song was a personal reminder that it is OK to close chapters and move on to new beginnings.”
A set of record-release shows kicks off in Teaneck, NJ, on May 29th, and a list of his upcoming live dates can be found below.
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.
NICHOLS comments on ‘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’.”
‘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
Record Release Shows: May 29th – Teaneck, NJ @ Debonair Music Hall June 3rd- Sweden Rock Festival ** June 6th – London, UK @ The Lexington June 10th – Nashville, TN @ The Basement East
Internationally acclaimed guitarist, singer, and songwriter Philip Sayce sets the stage ablaze once again with the announcement of his explosive new live album, Scorched Earth: Volume 2 Live in LA / London.
To mark the news of the highly anticipated new live album, Sayce releases the album’s latest single, “Morning Star (Live),” available now on all streaming services alongside an official lyric which fans can watch on YouTube HERE.
Captured during a triumphant run of sold-out performances at the legendary venue The Baked Potato in Los Angeles and a packed, over-capacity show at The Garage in London, Scorched Earth: Volume 2 Live in LA / London documents Sayce at the absolute peak of his powers.
“Morning Star (Live)” follows the release of the album’s first single, “Peace Machine (Live)”, which debuted late last year and is already available on streaming services with an accompanying music video. Together, the two tracks offer a powerful preview of the raw intensity and emotional fire that define the full live album.
A blistering continuation of the Scorched Earth series, Volume 2 delivers the fearless improvisation, volcanic guitar work, and deep emotional charge that have cemented Sayce’s reputation as one of the most revered guitarists of his generation.
The record captures the undeniable chemistry between Sayce and his world-class band: Sam Bolle (bass) and Bryan Head (drums). Together, they unleash a sonic firestorm blending blues grit, psychedelic soul, and high-wire rock ‘n’ roll.
Among the album’s defining moments are explosive renditions of “Once” and “Bitter Monday,” recorded live at The Baked Potato, along with a breathtaking rendition of Jimi Hendrix’s “Spanish Castle Magic,” performed during an unforgettable night at The Garage in London. It’s a fearless, transcendent take that channels and honours the spirit of Jimi Hendrix while unmistakably bearing Sayce’s signature tone and fire.
The album’s sonic depth and clarity are elevated by GRAMMY Award-winning mixing engineer Mark Rains and GRAMMY Award-nominated mastering engineer Brian Lucey, ensuring every surge of the live experience hits with full force.
“These shows were pure electricity,” says Sayce. “There’s something powerful about capturing a moment when the band, the songs, and the audience are completely locked in. LA and London brought that magic. We lit the fuse, and you can feel it.”
Recorded in two of the world’s most iconic live music cities, Scorched Earth: Volume 2 Live in LA / London stands as a definitive testament to Philip Sayce’s standing as a modern torchbearer of blues-rock guitar. From searing solos and soulful vocals to thunderous rhythm section interplay, this is more than a live album; it is an event.
With critics and fans consistently praising Sayce’s incendiary performances and emotional authenticity, Scorched Earth: Volume 2 Live in LA / London arrives as a must-hear release for guitar lovers and live music devotees worldwide.
SCORCHED EARTH: VOLUME 2: LIVE IN LA / LONDON -ALBUM TRACK LISTING
1. One Foot In The Grave (3:19) 2. Once (3:35) 3. Bitter Monday (5:52) 4. Peace Machine (9:30) 5. Lady Love Divine (3:56) 6. 5:55 (1:53) 7. Morning Star (5:07) 8. Spanish Castle Magic (5:07)
SPECIAL GUESTS: TOM MORIARTY (ALL SHOWS) *CHANTEL MCGREGOR (HOLMFIRTH ONLY)
BRISTOL, THE FLEECE TUESDAY 19 MAY 2026 Special guest: Tom Moriarty Tickets: The Gig Cartel 2 St Thomas St, Redcliffe, Bristol, BS1 6JJ https://thefleece.co.uk
NOTTINGHAM, RESCUE ROOMS WEDNESDAY 20 MAY 2026 Special guest: Tom Moriarty Tickets: The Gig Cartel Masonic Pl, Goldsmith St, Nottingham, NG1 5LB www.rescuerooms.com
HOLMFIRTH, PICTUREDROME FRIDAY 22 MAY 2026 *Special guests: Chantel McGregor and Tom Moriarty Tickets: The Gig Cartel Market Walk, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, HD9 7DA www.picturedrome.net
GLASGOW, ST LUKES SATURDAY 23 MAY 2026 Special guest: Tom Moriarty Tickets: The Gig Cartel Calton, 17 Bain St, Glasgow, G40 2JZ www.stlukesglasgow.com
NEWCASTLE, ANARCHY BREW SUNDAY 24 MAY 2026 Special guest: Tom Moriarty Tickets: The Gig Cartel Benfield Business Park, Unit A1, Benfield Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 4NQ www.anarchybrewco.com/events
BURY ST EDMONDS, THE APEX THURSDAY 28 MAY 2026 Special guest: Tom Moriarty Tickets: The Gig Cartel Charter Square St, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3FD www.theapex.co.uk
CHESTER, THE LIVE ROOMS SATURDAY 30 MAY 2026 Special guest: Tom Moriarty Tickets: The Gig Cartel 1 Station Road, Chester, CH1 3DR www.theliverooms.com
CARDIFF, THE GLOBE SUNDAY 31 MAY 2026 Special guest: Tom Moriarty Tickets: The Gig Cartel 125 Albany Road, Cardiff, Wales, CF24 3NSA www.globecardiff.co.uk
Born in Wales, raised in Canada, and based in Los Angeles, Philip Sayce is a global force in blues-rock and one of the most electrifying live performers of his generation. In March 2024, he was officially named one of the “Greatest Blues Guitarists of All Time” in Total Guitar/Guitar World magazine’s prestigious Top 100 list.
With a career that spans decades, Sayce first rose to international prominence touring with Jeff Healey and performing at the Montreux Jazz Festival. His guitar work appears on Melissa Etheridge’s Academy Award-winning anthem “I Need to Wake Up,” and on Uncle Kracker’s Billboard record-setting album No Stranger to Shame.
From sold-out headline shows across the globe to tens of millions of streams, Sayce has built a body of work defined by fearless innovation, soulful authenticity, and unmistakable tone. Whether in the studio or on stage, his musicianship remains raw, emotional, and unfiltered — honouring the blues while pushing it boldly into the future.
A Love Letter to the Past: Heidi Shepherd Reflects on the Past 25 Years in Her Most Personal Release Yet, Exploring the Life Lessons That Forged Her Identity
Butcher Babies return with their powerful new single “Lost In Your Touch,” produced by Howard Benson, this marks the second release from their forthcoming album via Judge & Jury Records. Blending emotional vulnerability with crushing intensity, the track serves as a key chapter in an album that functions as a deeply personal love letter to vocalist Heidi Shepherd’s past reflecting on the experiences, relationships, heartbreaks, and hard-earned lessons that have shaped her over the last 25 years. It’s a record rooted in self-reflection and growth, honoring where she’s been while embracing the strength and clarity of who she has become today.
Heidi Shepherd shares:
“10 years ago, I watched the love of my life fall in love with someone else. I watched him fill my shoes with another girl’s touch. She slowly took my place in the late-night phone calls and early morning coffee.
He replaced “us” with her name on his lips. I bent between this new reality and the past that my body and heart so desperately wanted back. As I watched this unfold, I couldn’t help but wonder if they shared the same, deep emotional bond we once shared, and if ‘she gets lost in his touch like I do’.
This song brings me back to those heartbreaking moments alone; reflecting, growing, and finding myself again. I don’t take a love like that for granted now. It’s special, and deserves to be put on a pedestal.
Recording this song with Howard was really special. From the get go, he understood the emotion and story behind the lyrics. We both knew this song was going to be special, and treated it with the emotional sensitivity needed to not just hear the song, but to feel it.”
Howard Benson adds, “I gravitated to this song immediately because of the vulnerability of the lyrics. To me, as a producer, if I can get lyrics like this that I know the vocalist will deliver.. like Heidi delivers the emotions in this song … that’s so critical to the track connecting.”
Mar 4 – Saginaw, MI @ The Vault with Jeris Johnson, Eva Under Fire, LYLVC Mar 5 – Columbus, OH @ A&R Music Bar with Jeris Johnson, Eva Under Fire and LYLVC Mar 6 – West Chicago, IL @ WC Social Club with Jeris Johnson, Eva Under Fire and LYLVC Mar 7 – Minneapolis, MN @ Fine Line Music Club with Jeris Johnson, Eva Under Fire and LYLVC Mar 8 – Iowa City, IA @ Wildwood Smokehouse & Saloon with Eva Under Fire Mar 9 – Madison, WI @ Majestic Theatre with Jeris Johnson, Eva Under Fire and LYLVC Mar 10 – Fort Wayne, IN @ Piere’s Ent Center with Jeris Johnson, Eva Under Fire and LYLVC Mar 12 – Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live with Jeris Johnson, Eva Under Fire and LYLVC Mar 14 – Oklahoma City, OK @ 89th Street OKC with Jeris Johnson, Eva Under Fire and LYLVC Mar 15 – Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad BB Headliner Mar 16 – Farmington, NM @ Dino’s Hideaway & Lounge BB Headliner Mar 17 – Mesa, AZ @ The Nile Theater with Jeris Johnson, Eva Under Fire and LYLVC Mar 18 – West Hollywood, CA @ The Whisky A Go-Go with Jeris Johnson, Eva Under Fire and LYLVC Mar 19 – San Francisco, CA @ Brick and Mortar with Jeris Johnson, Eva Under Fire and LYLVC Mar 20 – Reno, NV @ The Alpine BB Headlner
Butcher Babies Co-Headline Dates with Infected Rain
Mar 25 – Glasgow, UK @ Slay Glasgow Mar 26 – Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK @ Anarchy Brew Co. Mar 27 – Manchester, UK @ Manchester Academy Mar 28 – London, UK @ O2 Academy Islington Mar 29 – Bristol. UK @ The Fleece Mar 30 – Birmingham, UK @ O2 Institute Birmingham Mar 31 – Southampton, UK @ The 1865 Apr 1 – Brighton, UK @ Concorde 2 Apr 3 – Kortrijk, Belgium @ DVG Club Apr 4 – Nijmegen, Netherlands @ Doornroosje Apr 5 – Oberndorf Am Neckar, Germany – Easter Cross Festival 2026 Apr 7 – Essen, Germany @ Turock Apr 8 – Weinheim, Germany @ Cafe Central Apr 9 – Paris, France @ La Machine Du Moulin Rouge Apr 10 – Villeurbanne, France @ CCO La Rayonne Apr 11 – L’hospitalet De Llobregat, Spain @ Salamandra Apr 12 – Madrid, Spain @ Mon Madrid Apr 14 – Toulouse, France @ Le Metronum Apr 15 – Milano, Italy @ Legend Club Apr 16 – Zurich, Switzerland @ Dynamo Apr 17 – Lindau, Germany @ Vaudville E.V. Club Apr 18 – Munchen, Germany @ Backstage Apr 19 – Budapest, Hungary @ Barba Negra Apr 20 – Wien, Austria @ Szene Apr 22- Warsaw, Poland @ Klub Hybrydy Apr 23 – Hamburg, Germany @ Bahnhof Pauli Apr 24 – Copenhagen, Denmark @ Pumpehuset Apr 25 – Stockholm, Sweden @ Kollektivet Livet Apr 28 – Helsinki, Finland @ Aaniwalli
May 16 – Columbus, OH @ Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival Jul 18 – Cadott, WI @ Rock Fest Sept 18 – Louisville, KY @ Louder Than Life
Butcher Babies, hailing from Las Vegas, NV, are a force to be reckoned with in the hard rock and heavy metal scene. Formed in 2009, the band is known for its aggressive style and intense live performances. Inspired by metal legends and punk rock attitude, Butcher Babies blend elements of thrash, groove, and melodic metal, creating a unique and ferocious sound.
The band’s debut album, Goliath (2013), showcased their raw energy and tight musicianship, earning critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. Follow-up albums like Uncovered (2014), Take It Like a Man (2015), Lilith (2017), Eye for an Eye and ’Til the World’s Blind (2023 double album) further cemented their reputation, with tracks that highlight their dynamic range and lyrical depth.
With influences ranging from Pantera and Slipknot to No Doubt and riot girl, PJ Harvey, Butcher Babies have carved out their niche in the metal world. Their relentless touring schedule and high-octane performances have taken them across the globe, sharing stages with some of
the biggest names in metal. Butcher Babies continues to evolve, pushing boundaries and challenging the norms of the genre. Their dedication to their craft and their fans makes them a standout act, promising and exciting future for this powerhouse band.
Founded by multi-platinum producer Howard Benson and Neil Sanderson (drummer and songwriter of Three Days Grace), Judge & Jury brings decades of success in the rock world, offering extensive promotional, production, and songwriting resources.
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 ) 