Hard rock band GORODA have unleashed their new single and music video, “Do Something Wrong,” featuring Bobby Amaru of Saliva, available now via Judge & Jury Records.
After GORODA opened for Saliva at a sold-out show earlier this year, the bands connected. The mutual respect and appreciation they developed led them to join forces and create “Do Something Wrong.”
“Our song ‘Do Something Wrong’ showcases our creative potential and highlights the genres in which we particularly excel in. The track features a striking musical break, as well as a collaboration with a band that has inspired us for many years. In many ways, the song is a scream, not so much for help, but rather as a response to the tense situations unfolding in the modern world. Through this piece, we aim to show that there is always another way to act…that things can be done differently,” shares the band.
Bobby Amaru adds, “When they sent me the song idea, the first thing that grabbed me was the message. From the lyrics alone, I knew they were writing for the world, not just for themselves. It carried a powerful message of unity and hope, and I felt connected to it right away. I also have a lot of respect for their work ethic and the passion they put into everything they do, so it was an easy yes for me.”
Lyrically, “Do Something Wrong” challenges the notion that people should be forever defined by where they come from, the mistakes they’ve made, or the history they’ve inherited. Instead, the song emphasizes that what truly matters is where you stand today, what you stand for, and who you choose to stand beside. Through its message, GORODA encourages listeners to connect across differences, reject division, and embrace shared humanity. “Do Something Wrong” captures that spirit while introducing the band to an even broader audience through their collaboration with Bobby Amaru.
Musically, GORODA has carved out a sound all their own. Drawing from influences that span synth-wave, progressive jazz, classical music, and modern hard rock, the band blends technical musicianship with emotionally charged songwriting to create an unmistakable sonic identity. Their songs serve as vehicles for collective reflection, urging society to confront its mistakes and resist the corrupt officials and institutions of power.
The legendary Swedish hardcore punk outfit TOTALITÄR are set to make their long-awaited return with a brand-new self-titled album, simply titled “Totalitär”, due out on 28 August 2026 via De:Nihil Records (Europe) and Prank Records (North America). A comeback as unexpected as it is incendiary, reaffirming the band’s status as one of the most uncompromising forces in punk history.
The first single “Vad är det ni vill ha?” is now streaming HERE.
For more than four decades,TOTALITÄR have stood as one of the most influential and uncompromising bands to emerge from the Swedish hardcore punk underground. Formed in Hudiksvall in 1985, the band helped define the sound of Swedish D-beat through a relentless combination of speed, aggression, and political conviction. Their raw and uncompromising approach has inspired countless bands across the globe and secured their place as one of the most respected names in hardcore punk.
From landmark releases such as “Multinationella Mördare”, “Luftslott”, and “Vänd Dig Inte Om” to later classics including “Sin Egen Motståndare” and “Vi Är Eliten”, TOTALITÄR have remained fiercely committed to their vision. Their music has always been driven by a deep distrust of authority, a fierce opposition to oppression and abuse of power, and an unwavering belief in punk as a vehicle for resistance and social critique.
Now, twenty years after the release of “Vi Är Eliten”, TOTALITÄR return with a brand-new self-titled album. Rather than revisiting past glories, TOTALITÄR reaffirm everything that has made the band essential for over forty years: blistering D-beat, razor-sharp riffs, and an intensity that refuses to diminish with age. The new material sounds every bit as urgent and uncompromising as the records that first established the band’s reputation, while carrying the weight and experience of a lifetime spent challenging conformity and complacency.
In an era where many legendary punk bands have either disappeared or softened their edges, TOTALITÄR remain exactly what they have always been: direct, furious, and impossible to ignore. The release of “Totalitär” is not merely a return, it is a powerful reminder that one of hardcore punk’s most vital voices still has something to say, and is saying it louder than ever.
To celebrate the album release, TOTALITÄR will also perform a special show on 26 September 2026 in Malmö, Sweden.
1. Vad är det ni vill ha? 2. Stolta barbarer 3. Följ din prognos 4. Älskade USA 5.Detta är vad jag fick 6 Det är krig ni vill ha 7. En dag hos terapeuten 8. Himlen – en öppen kloak 9. Fängsla dem alla
Swedish forest rockers BESVÄRJELSEN unveil the beautiful lyric video ‘Drifters on a Quiet Stream‘. This power ballad comes in watercolour style with images bearing strange fruit as inspired by the album cover of their forthcoming third full-length “Till Glömskan Ad Oblivionem” (Swedish and Latin for: “Into Oblivion”).
“Till Glömskan Ad Oblivionem” is scheduled for release on August 28, 2026, via Magnetic Eye Records.The album is available for pre-order here: https://spkr.store/collections/besvarjelsen
BESVÄRJELSEN comment: “‘Drifters on a Quiet Stream’ had the working title ‘Elton’ as Elton John was one of the musical inspirations for this song”, drummer Erik Bäckwall reveals. “The intro and main riff was originally intended to be a part of another song. When I got our former bass player Johan to listen to the riff, he rather advised me to create a completely new song from this part. I am really glad now that I did that.“
Lea Amling Alazam adds: “This track explores the ever-present companion of the self – the voice that follows you through life, both to comfort and to critique”, the vocalist explains. “It is the quiet presence on your shoulder. When writing those lyrics, I revisited an old notebook and found a phrase I had once scribbled down: ‘…my ghost and I’. I’m not sure where I first came across this idea, but it stayed with me. It felt like a beautiful and honest way to describe living alongside your own anxiety, and I knew from the start that I wanted to build something around it.”
Tracklist 01. The Greatest Sin 02. Accelerating Hearts 03. Battles 04. Counting Flies 05. Drifters on a Quiet Stream 06. The Mountain 07. Pulse 08. Interlude 09. Didn’t Come to Party 10. Black Wave 11. Oblivion
Swedes are supposed to be cool, and musically, BESVÄRJELSEN sure live up to that stereotype in the best possible way. What the self-proclaimed forest rockers deliver on their third full-length “Till Glömskan Ad Oblivionem” is so cool, in fact, that it’s a hot early candidate for rock album of the year.
The ‘forest rock’ moniker is the Swedes’ tongue-in-cheek answer to the term ‘desert rock’, which stylistically provides a great starting point to describe their particular musical brand. Being surrounded not by an abundance of sand but trees in their home province of Dalarna, it was also an obvious choice. On “Till Glömskan Ad Oblivionem”, BESVÄRJELSEN keep a profound punk-infused attitude, but have broadened their sound with a wide variety of sonic colours including blues, ska, metal, jazz and everything around and in between as long as it fits the mood of the song.
Add exceptional vocalist Lea Amling Alazam, who developed her passion for punk and stoner rock at the local skate park when she was just 13 years old, to the band’s plethora of riveting hooks and riffs, and you get an album that feels fresh and ready to deliver surprises for months if not years to come. If there is any justice, “Till Glömskan Ad Oblivionem” should make BESVÄRJELSEN as famous as the iconic wooden Dala horses that every tourist who visits the country takes home to put on their shelves.
That BESVÄRJELSEN were on the road to greatness became apparent on their previous album, “Atlas” (2022). This record received the prestigious Swedish Manifestgalan Award for “Metal Album of the Year” by the Swedish Independent Music Producers and partners, which crowned a string of excellent reviews around the globe.
BESVÄRJELSEN were co-founded by guitarists and vocalists Andreas Bajer and Staffan Vinrot in 2014. Their musical vision was based on the idea to channel the spirit and traditions of the vast Dalarna forests into a contemporary urban context. On this ancient crossroads of Norse and Finnish cultures, the echoes of runes and gods, shamans and spirits still linger. While drawing heavy inspiration from local lore, mysticism, and the dark, old musical traditions of their homeland, the band name was found in the old Swedish word for “conjuring”: BESVÄRJELSEN.
While the band’s story has its roots in the past of the land, the present came boldly knocking to demand its due. With the discovery of Lea Amling Alazam and her captivating vocals, the plot took a fascinating twist: She had grown up with her feet in more than one world. Accordingly, the charismatic singer added a fresh approach by embracing melodies and phrases of the grunge and emo sounds that defined her youth as well as African and Middle Eastern music with characteristic bluesy undertones.
In 2015, BESVÄRJELSEN released their debut EP “Villfarelser”, followed by the “Exil” EP in 2016. At the time, former DOZER and GREENLEAF drummer Erik Bäckwall joined the line-up as a permanent member. Although both EPs were self-financed and released with minimal promotion, they ended up well-received, and even got airplay on Swedish national radio.
The Swedes’ debut full-length “Vallmo” (2018) merged crushing riffs and storming drums with increasingly sophisticated melodies and thoughtful themes, even earning the band a festival slot opening for DEEP PURPLE. This paved the way for BESVÄRJELSEN to record their sophomore album “Atlas” with producer and drummer Karl Daniel Lidén (GREENLEAF, DOZER, CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX) in 2021.
With “Till Glömskan Ad Oblivionem”, BESVÄRJELSEN have conjured ‘Into Oblivion’ twice, in both Swedish and Latin, but the spellbinding five-piece also deliver a cathartic rock album that will rank among the finest heavy releases of the genre and beyond in 2026.
Line-up Lea Amling Alazam – vocals Staffan Vinrot – guitars, vocals (& accordion, violin, keys, keyed fiddle) Andreas Bajer – guitars, vocals Erik Bäckwall – drums Marcus Lindqvist – bass
Guest musicians Fred Burman (SATAN TAKES A HOLIDAY) – lead & backing vocals on ‘Accelerating Hearts’ & backing vocals on ‘Didn’t Come to Party’ Pelle Andersson (LOWRIDER) – organ on ‘Black Wave’
Recorded by Andreas Baier & Marcus Lindqvist at Glashuset, Ludvika (SE) Mix & mastering by Karl Daniel Lidén at Tri-Lamb Audio Studios, Solna (SE)
Defects have announced their new album, Artificial Icons, due 16 October via Mascot Records, alongside the dystopian single ‘Signs’ featuring Matt Heafy.
Artificial Icons—produced by Jim Pinder (Sleep Token, Bring Me the Horizon)—fizzes with anger, frustration, and the balance of survival. These songs aren’t just stories; they’re personal fights via homelessness and addiction, messed-up systems, and broken connections.
2024’s Modern Error documented singer Tony Maue’s anguish at being taken into care at a young age. Grief and trauma don’t vanish overnight; they twist and evolve, indifferent to who you are or what you face. Still, you push forward—because you have to. Pandora’s Box has been opened. This continues to chronicle that journey.
One of the album’s standout moments is ‘Signs’ featuring Matt Heafy. ‘Signs’ places the listener in a war-torn setting. “I want to write songs that matter. To make people think,” he affirms. People are dying. This needs to be addressed. It’s about looking for meaning. Trying to find a place to belong. There’s frustration, but also determination, even when the world feels like it’s crumbling. I’m so excited that this one features Matt.”
They hit the road hard in 2024-2025, sweeping across Europe with Trivium, Northlane, Of Mice and Men, Orbit Culture, and Funeral for a Friend. Their festival checklist was epic, Download, Slam Dunk (UK), Mystic (Poland), Rock Im Park, Rock Am Ring, Impericon, Rockharz, Summer Breeze (Germany), Rock For People (Czechia), Jera On Air (Netherlands), Graspop, and Parkpop (Belgium).
Summer 2025 shifted to autumn, uncertainty hung over the band like a looming storm cloud and the heavens metaphorically opened, almost drowning Maue as life complications piled up, threatening to pull him under, reflected on ‘The Other Side’ and ‘Afterglow.’
“‘Afterglow’ was saying, go on without me. I don’t know if I’ll be able to fix myself. The second verse talks about the justification of suicide. Accepting that I’m flawed, and I’ll never change. It was a goodbye message, almost.” “I’m fine now,” he reassures. “The number of times I haven’t been is still outbalanced.” “Modern Error was built from the very first songs we ever crafted from the moment of getting into a studio together,” says Threadwell. “On this album, we really had the space to develop and grow into ourselves. It’s an exciting metamorphosis.”
The album careers through the socio-political, ‘Artificial Icons,’ and ‘Heresy‘, a confrontation with blind faith and false hope. ‘All For Nothing,’ is aimed inwards. “When I was younger, overthinking led me to drugs. I nearly died. The worst part was feeling alone.” He continues, “When I did drugs, I gave up. If I stop moving forward, I fall back.”
Artificial Icons goes deeper than before, tethering itself to profound life experiences. 2026 offers Defects a bright light, and Tony Maue (vocals) and James Threadwell (guitar) welcome Rowan Jack (drums) and Orlando Morris-Winmill (guitar). Music continues to light the path. “I can’t give up. I’ve given up before. I know what that looks like, and I’m not doing that again,” Maue reflects, with Threadwell adding, “There’s no limit at this point. We have a vision, and there’s nothing out of reach.”
Track Listing
1. Heresy 2. Artificial Icons 3. Where Did I Go Wrong 4. Signs (feat. Matthew K. Heafy) 5. Interlude 6. Critic 7. State of Mind 8. Hollow 9. The Other Side 10. All For Nothing 11. Afterglow
Hard rock supergroup Iconic – featuring Michael Sweet (guitars), Joel Hoekstra (guitars), Marco Mendoza (bass), Tommy Aldridge (drums), and Nathan James (vocals) – are pleased to share the new single and lyric video, “Valley Of Lost Souls”, ahead of the release of their upcoming album “II”, out on July 31, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl.
Michael Sweet said: “What a thrill it is to create and release music with such legends. “Valley Of Lost Souls” is another song that solidifies who we are as a band and perfectly represents our goal – to remind people of the power of rock”.
Joel Hoekstra added: “Big “thanks” to Frontiers for the opportunity to make music with these guys! I hope you enjoy “Valley Of Lost Souls” as much as I enjoyed playing/recording it!”
“Here’s another killer track! Flying high with the Iconic flag, great band! Enjoy!”, stated Marco Mendoza.
Iconic return with “II”, a second album that doesn’t just continue the band’s journey – it defines it. Where their debut introduced the chemistry between five world-class musicians, II sharpens that vision into a clearer, heavier, and more confident sonic identity, delivering a sound that is more powerful, more direct, and unmistakably rock.
At the heart of the album lies the electrifying guitar partnership of Joel Hoekstra and Michael Sweet, delivering a masterclass in soaring melodies, blazing solos, and muscular riffs that perfectly balance technical brilliance with pure hard-rock attitude. Beneath them, the rhythm section of Tommy Aldridge and Marco Mendoza drives the record with thunderous authority, creating a groove that is both massive and relentless.
The album kicks off with “Cry No More”, a high-octane opener that immediately sets the tone – an energetic slice of hard rock packed with driving riffs, explosive drums, and a chorus built to stick.
On the other side of the emotional spectrum, “Tears Keep On Falling” showcases the band’s dynamic range, unfolding as an electrifying power ballad where melody, atmosphere, and intensity come together in dramatic fashion.
Towering above it all is Nathan James, whose performance on “II” is nothing short of extraordinary – powerful, soulful, and commanding, elevating every track with unmistakable presence.
With bigger riffs, deeper grooves, and a stronger sense of identity, “II” captures Iconic at full force: a band no longer introducing itself but fully owning its sound.
“II” Tracklist:
1. Cry No More 2. All I Want 3. Open My Eyes 4. Tears Keep On Falling 5. Take Me To The Place 6. S.O.S. 7. Nothing Left For Me 8. Far Away 9. Valley Of Lost Souls 10. Written In The Stars 11. Heart Of Stone
Line Up: Nathan James – Vocals Michael Sweet – Guitars Joel Hoekstra – Guitars Marco Mendoza – Bass Tommy Aldridge – Drums
Keyboards by Antonio Agate Backing Vocals by Marco Pastorino
Neumann proudly unveils the U 47 fet Bon Scott Edition, a strictly limited special edition of one of the most iconic studio microphones in recording history. In partnership the Bon Scott Estate, this exclusive release honors Bon Scott, the electrifying frontman of AC/DC, and the microphone that captured the raw energy and unmistakable character of his voice on some of rock’s most influential recordings.
Based on the current production U 47 fet reissue, the Bon Scott Edition pairs the unmistakable sound of a true studio classic with bold visual elements and a premium collector’s presentation. Limited to just 300 units worldwide, it stands as both a world-class recording tool and a tribute to a defining era of rock.
Where Rock History Found Its Voice
In the 1970s, producers Harry Vanda and George Young needed a microphone that could keep up with Bon Scott’s explosive vocal style – powerful, gritty, and full of attitude. Their choice was the Neumann U 47 fet.
With its extraordinary headroom and signature midrange presence, the U 47 fet became the driving force behind Scott’s vocals on early AC/DC albums, including Let There Be Rock. It captured not just the power, but the personality – ensuring his voice cut through thunderous guitars without losing its edge.
As Harry Vanda recalls, the microphone allowed Bon’s voice to “sit best with the guitars,” delivering exactly the sound that would help define a genre.
A Studio Legend, Turned Modern Classic
Introduced in 1972 as the solid state successor to the original tube-based U 47, the U 47 fet quickly earned its reputation as a go-to microphone for loud, demanding sources. Its FET design offered remarkable headroom while retaining the unmistakable tonal authority of the U 47 family.
Since its return to production in 2014, the U 47 fet has remained a trusted choice for engineers worldwide – equally at home on vocals, amplifiers, and drums.
The Bon Scott Edition preserves this legacy in full: identical in sound and performance to the current U 47 fet reissue, delivering the same punch, clarity, and character that have made it a studio essential.
A Collector’s Piece with Attitude
The Bon Scott Edition brings a distinctive visual identity to this legendary microphone, celebrating its connection to rock history:
Matte black finish with bold Bon Scott graphics
Bon Scott’s name and signature on the microphone body
Exclusive black wooden presentation box
Collector’s booklet featuring an interview with producer Harry Vanda
Each unit is individually numbered, underscoring its rarity and collectability.
Built for Power and Presence
Engineered for the most demanding recording environments, the U 47 fet Bon Scott Edition handles up to 137 dB SPL (147 dB with pad engaged), making it perfect for:
Powerful, high-energy vocals
Guitar and bass amplifiers
Kick drums and high-impact sources
Its unmistakable midrange authority and massive headroom make it the ideal choice whenever sound needs to hit hard – and cut through.
Giving Back
In the spirit of supporting the music community, Neumann and Bon Scott’s family will donate a portion of proceeds from this edition to Support Act Australia, helping artists and industry professionals in need.
Availability
The U 47 fet Bon Scott Edition was launched on July 9, 2026, marking what would have been Bon Scott’s 80th birthday.
In Europe and Asia, the U 47 fet Bon Scott Edition will be available from select dealers.
In North and South America, it will be sold exclusively through Sweetwaterand Guitar Center.
With only 300 units available worldwide, this special edition is set to become an instant classic.
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
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 