DEVIN TOWNSEND released his brand-new studio album POWERNERD last week. His career is one of many distinct eras. He’s been the leader of Strapping Young Lad, the lynchpin of the Devin Townsend Project and the co-architect of country duo Casualties of Cool, all while maintaining his prolific and lauded solo project. Now, the polymath’s newest era starts with POWERNERD.
To celebrate the launch of the new record, a video for the albums third track, “Knuckledragger”, has been launched, featuring his current live band of Mike Keneally, Darby Todd & James Leach.
Moskitos have marked their triumphant return with a highly anticipated debut album, MIRAGE, released via The Good Times Co. The Cape Town-based three-piece channels a visceral blend of garage rock grit and mind-bending psychedelia. Loosely conceptually inspired by Plato’s Allegory of the Cave, MIRAGE challenges listeners to question their perception of reality, pushing them to peel away layers of assumption, ego, and societal influence. At its core, the album asks: What’s real? And what’s merely a distorted reflection of the truth?
From the tension building “Umbra” reaching a thunderous fuzz-propelled zenith with untamed saxophone phrases, to the contemplative echoes of “Nothing” that fades into a wall of white noise, Moskitos take you on a raw, immersive sonic journey. The band’s sound—drawing on the frenetic energy of Thee Oh Sees, the fuzzed-out tones of Ty Segall, and the hypnotic pulse of The Black Angels—finds its most unfiltered form here. The band meaningfully abandons the polish and clean edges of earlier releases. Instead, MIRAGE embraces the raw, old-school garage rock spirit, recorded live in studio and soaked in fuzz, reverb, and the unpredictable energy of a band at the peak of their powers. The band’s vocalist and guitarist, Pete Labuschagne, recalls “we wanted to capture the magic volatility and magnetic energy of playing new songs live without overthinking anything, so we dove in on the deep side and ended up recording the entire album within two or three days”.
Recorded and mixed by Cape Town psych-rock scene legend Warren Fisher, the album captures the raw, unfiltered energy that has become Moskitos’ trademark. Whether it’s the hypnotic duality of “Woman” or the heavy-hitting introspection of “Ten Lies,” each song feels like its own universe. A moment of revelation—a step closer to truth, but not without a fight. Each track on MIRAGE contributes to this thematic exploration. “Outta My Head” races with feverish intensity, as the band navigates the murky waters of self-confrontation, while the groove-laden “Believer” dares listeners to challenge their beliefs with its infectious hooks and polyrhythmic textures. “Two Birds” slams into overdrive with driving garage rock riffs, an epic escalating bridge section, and existential reflection, a perfect encapsulation of Moskitos’ penchant for pairing sonic aggression with lyrical depth.
The album art, stark and striking in its use of black, white, and searing red-orange, mirrors this tension between reality and illusion. A lone figure dives into the unknown, while their distorted reflection ripples across the surface—an unsettling reminder that what we see may not always be what is.
MIRAGE is a heady collision of sound. It’s an album for those who dare to question what they think they know, delivered by a band on the cusp of psych-rock greatness. Dive in deep, if you dare.
Genre-blending artist CORY MARKS is currently touring the U.S. supporting multi-Platinum rockers Theory of A Deadman through November 23. See the upcoming shows, at which he’s performing a special unplugged acoustic set,listed below. As MARKS wins over audiences with his breakthrough mix of arena-rock and roots country, he’s unveiled “(Make My) Country Rock – HARDER (feat. Sully Erna of Godsmack, Travis Tritt, & Mick Mars)”–a fiery updated version of his current single “(Make My) Country Rock” (released in July), with new guitars added by Cody Quistad of Wage War. The heavier version was mixed and mastered by Joseph McQueen (Bad Wolves, Bullet For My Valentine) at Sparrow Sound Studio. Stream “(Make My) Country Rock – HARDER” at https://corymarks.ffm.to/mmcrh.
“‘(Make My) Country Rock – Harder’ is a beefed up version of the song with heavier guitars, bigger drums and with all of us singing a little bigger and louder for the ones listening that want to rock just a bit harder,” says MARKS.
MARKS has also announced a new release date of December 6 for his sophomore album, SORRY FOR NOTHING, via Better Noise Music. Produced by longtime collaborator Kevin Churko (Ozzy Osbourne, Five Finger Death Punch, Shania Twain, Papa Roach), Kile Odell (Nita Strauss, David Draiman), and Andrew Baylis (Jelly Roll, Brantley Gilbert), SORRY FOR NOTHING’s13 songs range from Haggard-like country and virtual bluegrass to straight-up arena rock anthems, Eagles-like acoustic country-folk, and almost “Pantera”-like hard metal. Pre-order SORRY FOR NOTHING on exclusive red vinyl, cd, and/or digital download at https://corymarks.ffm.to/sfn.
It follows MARKS successful debut, Who I Am which saw the Canadian-born artist breakthrough to international audiences with its hit single “Outlaws & Outsiders.” The single charted at #1 in the U.S. on Billboard’s “Rock Digital Song Sales” chart and #5 on iTunes “Country Songs, while making history as the first-ever Top 10 rock radio-charting single from a Canadian country act.
CORY MARKS TOUR DATES
11/2 Erie, PA – Warner Theatre ^ 11/3 Akron, OH – Akron Civic Theatre ^ 11/6 Red Bank, NJ – Count Basie Theatre * 11/8 Waterloo, NY – The Vine Showroom at del Lago Casino * 11/10 Reading, PA – Santander Performing Arts Center * 11/12 Boston, MA – Citizens House of Blues * 11/13 New Haven, CT – College Street Music Hall * 11/15 Hampton Beach, NH – Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom * 11/16 Huntington, NY – The Paramount * 11/17 Wheeling, WV – Capitol Theatre * 11/19 Knoxville, TN – Tennessee Theatre * 11/21 Kansas City, MO – Uptown Theater * 11/22 Wichita, KS – The Cotillion * 11/23 La Vista, NE – The Astro *
^with Theory Of A Deadman & 10 Years *with Theory Of A Deadman & Saint Asonia
Blues-rock guitarist and singer-songwriter Joanne Shaw Taylor has just unveiled her latest single, “Who’s Gonna Love Me Now?,” available on all major streaming platforms. Known for her powerful blend of emotive lyrics and soulful guitar work, Joanne’s new release delves into the complex emotions surrounding grief, love, and moving forward.
Written from a deeply personal place, the song reflects on recent experiences with family loss, drawing her back to the memories of her mother’s passing and the initial shock and heartache that accompanied it.
“This song was a way for me to process some of the emotions I’ve been feeling,” Joanne explains. “At the start of this year, I lost another family member, which brought me back to those early, raw days of grief after losing my mom. Writing ‘Who’s Gonna Love Me Now?’ has been part of my journey in working through that pain and moving forward.”
With haunting lyrics like “I’ve called your name in every room in this house / Until my tears dried up and my breath gave out,” the track captures the anguish of unresolved goodbyes and the search for peace. Joanne’s powerful vocal delivery, mesmerizing guitar playing, and introspective songwriting are complemented by Kevin Shirley’s masterful production, blending contemporary blues elements with a timeless, soulful resonance.
“Who’s Gonna Love Me Now?” follows Joanne’s previous single “All The Things I Said,” a reflective look back at past relationships, “Hold Of My Heart” as well as her celebrated cover of “Black & Gold,” showcasing her versatility and dedication to exploring new musical territory. Praised by industry icons like Stevie Wonder and Annie Lennox, Joanne’s growing catalogue continues to solidify her reputation as one of today’s leading voices in blues-rock.
Currently, amid her U.S. “Heavy Soul” tour, Joanne brings her soulful performances to audiences across the country. Fans have the opportunity to experience her new material live alongside highlights from her celebrated album Heavy Soul and fan favourites.
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit joanneshawtaylor.com.
“THE HEAVY SOUL” U.S. TOUR
November 1 – Spokane, WA – Bing Crosby Theater November 2 – Beaverton, OR – Patricia Reser Center for the Arts November 4 – Seattle, WA – Neptune Theatre November 6 – Menlo Park, CA – The Guild Theatre November 7 – Sacramento, CA – Crest Theatre November 8 – Napa, CA – Uptown Theatre November 10 – Montclair, CA – The Canyon Montclair November 13 – Cerritos, CA – The Cerritos Center November 14 – Phoenix, AZ – Celebrity Theatre November 17 – Oklahoma City, OK – Tower Theatre November 19 – Austin, TX – ACL Live at The Moody Theater November 20 – San Antonio, TX – Empire Theatre November 22 – Arlington, TX – Arlington Music Hall November 23 – Houston, TX – The Heights Theater November 24 – Baton Rouge, LA – Manship Theatre
KEEPING THE BLUES ALIVE AT SEA
March 21-26, 2025 – Miami, FL – Keeping The Blues Alive at Sea X
2025 U.S. SPRING TOUR
March 28 – Portland, ME – Aura March 29 – Cranston, RI – The Historic Park Theatre & Event Center March 30 – New York, NY – Sony Hall April 1 – Easton, PA – State Theatre April 2 – Ridgefield, CT – Ridgefield Playhouse April 4 – Washington, DC – The Hamilton Live April 5 – Port Washington – Landmark on Main Street April 6 – Wilmington, DE – The Baby Grand April 8 – Roanoke, VA – Jefferson Center April 9 – Knoxville, TN – Bijou Theater April 11 – Jacksonville, FL – FIVE 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 – Kalamazoo, MI – Kalamazoo State Theatre
Finnish Turku-based metal band Frostbite Terror is set to release new EP later in 2025. The first single ‘Happy Ox’ is out today and it can be heard on all essential streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/ft-ox
Composed by Olli Kuure
Lyrics by Otso Turunen
Single cover by Jerry Airikka
“Happy Ox is our vision of double guitar harmony in concert with tight rhythm and solid rumbling drums and bass. Growl and edge-of-breakup vocals act as extra spice. Composing and recording the song was a fun experience, happening almost on its own. Happy Ox has been a work in progress from 2020 and it’s nice to finally release it. The song, being a bit in major key, gives a contrast to our more dark and melancholy songs.” says Olli Kuure (composer, lead guitar)
“The name “Happy Ox” comes from a suburban pub in our hometown, but soon got a life of its own much like many of our songs. The final lyrics are a mixture of anti-war and veganism — cannon and cow fodder. Frostbite Terror songs often turn both serious and comical subjects towards dark humor, in this case into blood sausage. The melodic and groovy background is perfect for howling like a bull, and I hope that joy is felt by the listener too.” Continues Otso Turunen (lyrics, vocals, bass)
Frostbite Terror is a melodic death metal newcomer from Turku, Finland. Since 2022 Frostbite Terror has combined melodeath, trashy riffing and symphonic arrangements. The songs subject both serious and comedic topics to dark humor. When playing live, Frostbite Terror conquers stages with their tight playing and spicy, yet melancholy riffs. Never turning down the chance to drin-, I mean gig, the band has toured backyard BBQ parties, Metallihelvetti summer party, Tampere community center and everything in between.
Line-up: Olli Kuure / lead guitar Otso Turunen / bass, vocals Jerry Airikka / guitar, backing vocals Kristo Rautavuori / drums
THE DEFECT returns with a fierce dichotic new single “LOST IN THE SHADOWS” eclipsing both the darkness and the light with opposing vocal performances from singers Moon and Jonny McBee.
‘Lost In The Shadows‘ builds on THE DEFECT‘s signature sound cut with gritty guitars and a haunting atmosphere that is amplified by the powerful blend of these sultry tones from start to finish. Synthesizers complement the track’s hypnotic chorus and bring a modern edge to its nu-metal, industrial, and metalcore foundation. The result is a captivating futuristic soundscape that is both heavy and melodic, blending intensity with emotional depth with the signature raw intensity from both vocalists. This unique fusion of metalcore breakdowns, industrial synths, and nu-metal grooves showcases THE DEFECT’s innovative approach to rock music.
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 ) 