ERIC JOHNSON Announces Texaphonic July & August 2026 UK Tour

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 5, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo by Max Crace

Legendary Grammy-nominated Texas guitarist Eric Johnson is pleased to announce an 11-date UK tour in July and August 2026. Tickets go on sale at 10am on Wednesday February 4th via THEGIGCARTEL.COM and ERICJOHNSON.COM.

One of the most outstanding instrumentalists in rock over the past 40 years, Texas guitarist Eric Johnson was already a legend before he recorded his first album. By the early 1980s, many celebrated guitarists were singing the praises of this skinny kid from Austin with the mind-melting chops. Comparisons were made to such guitar heroes as Jeff Beck and Jimi Hendrix and when he joined the ‘70s Austin fusion band Electromagnets they were being hailed as “the Mahavishnu Orchestra of Texas”.

With the release of his highly anticipated 1986 solo debut album Tones, the underground guitar legend finally emerged onto the scene fully formed. It landed him on the cover of Guitar Player magazine, which hailed the album as a “majestic debut”, and earned him his first Grammy nomination for the song “Zap”. With the release of his follow up album, 1990’s platinum-selling Ah Via Musicom, which contained the Grammy Award winning song “Cliffs of Dover”, Eric Johnson became a bona fide international guitar phenomenon.

The New Age Music Guide once opined that “Eric Johnson plays guitar the way Michelangelo painted ceilings: with a colorful vibrancy that’s more real than life” while Rolling Stone included him in their list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of the 21st century. A dynamic singer as well as an incredibly gifted guitarist, a pianist and a prolific songwriter, Eric has been featured on the cover of countless guitar magazines around the world while also racking up critical accolades along the way.

Since 1986 Eric has released seventeen albums, in addition to albums with other artists such as Eclectic with jazz guitarist Mike Stern, and the platinum-selling G3 Live with Joe Satriani and Steve Vai. Eric has received eight Grammy nominations along with numerous other recognitions, awards and wins in various polls and magazines.

Among Johnson’s many accolades are a GRAMMY award in 1992 for “Cliffs of Dover” as Best Rock Instrumental Performance, lifetime induction into the Guitar Player Gallery of Greats, and his listing among the “100 Greatest Guitarists of the 20th Century” by Musician magazine. In his hometown of Austin Texas, a city full of guitarists, the readers of the Austin Chronicle voted Eric Johnson the city’s “Best Electric Guitarist” and “Best Acoustic Guitarist” in their yearly poll year after year. They also named him “Electric Guitarist of the Decade” and one of the top five “Musicians of the Decade”. In February 2024 Eric was honored with induction into the Texas Heritage Songwriters Association Hall of Fame.

2023 found Eric on his ‘Treasure Tour’, 67 US dates that were split between a Spring and a Fall tour. In January and February 2024 Eric joined the ‘G3 Reunion Tour’ with Joe Satriani and Steve Vai, and the resulting live album from the tour was released in January 2025. In August 2024 he made a short run of dates in the north and northeast including the Backroads Blues Festival in New York.

In September and October 2024 Eric was a featured performer on the ‘Experience Hendrix 2024 Tour’, crossing the country from Washington state to Florida, and then rejoined in March and April 2025 for the ‘Experience Hendrix 2025 Tour’ throughout the east and northeast USA and Canada. September and October 2025 saw the first dates of his ‘Texaphonic’ tour, from New Orleans to New York, featuring a set of new blues rock power trio material.

In December 2025 Eric joined the Allman-Betts Band for a series of shows as a special guest, duetting with Devon Allman and Duane Betts. The Texaphonic tour continues in the USA from April through May 2026 from Florida to California, including a headlining appearance at the Austin Blues Festival. In late June Eric returns to Europe for the first time in over a decade and brings the Texaphonic tour to Europe and the UK, finishing up in Scotland by mid-August at ‘Guitar Dreams’ with Mike Stern and others before returning to Austin for a special event with Tommy Emmanuel.

Over the course of more than four decades, Eric Johnson has been traveling on a prolific odyssey. Along the way, his creations have cross-pollinated the various musical genres which include rock, blues, jazz, fusion, soul, folk, new-age, classical, and even country. Inevitably EJ says it best himself in sharing that regardless of the genre “It really boils down to the music and the song at the end of the day”, he explains. “The most important thing for me is to grow musically and make a more expansive and meaningful artistic statement with every new project”.

The Gig Cartel By Arrangement With Hexagon Booking Agency Presents

ERIC JOHNSON TEXAPHONIC JULY/AUGUST 2026 UK TOUR

TICKETS ON GENERAL SALE VIA THEGIGCARTEL.COM & ERICJOHNSON.COM

WOLVERHAMPTON, KK’S STEEL MILL
WEDNESDAY 22 JULY 2026Tickets: The Gig Cartel
Starworks Warehouse, Frederick Street, WV2 4DU
www.kkssteelmill.co.uk

FROME, CHEESE & GRAIN
FRIDAY 24 JULY 2026Tickets: The Gig Cartel
35 Berkley Road, Frome, BA11 2EH
www.cheeseandgrain.com

LONDON, ISLINGTON ASSEMBLY
SATURDAY 25 JULY 2026Tickets: The Gig Cartel
Upper St, Islington, London, N1 2UD
https://islingtonassemblyhall.co.uk

BASINGSTOKE, HAYMARKET
SUNDAY 26 JULY 2026Tickets: The Gig Cartel
Wote St, Basingstoke RG21 7NW
www.anvilarts.org.uk/visit-us/how-to-get-here/the-haymarket

SOUTHAMPTON, THE BROOK
MONDAY 27 JULY 2026Tickets: The Gig Cartel
466 Portswood Rd, Southampton, SO17 3SD
https://the-brook.com

NORTHAMPTON, ROADMENDER
WEDNESDAY 29 JULY 2026Tickets: The Gig Cartel
1 Lady’s Lane, Northampton, NN1 3AH
www.theroadmender.com

NORWICH, EPIC STUDIOS
THURSDAY 30 JULY 2026Tickets: The Gig Cartel
112-114 Magdalen St, Norwich, NR3 1JD
https://epic-tv.com/events

HOLMFIRTH, PICTUREDROME
FRIDAY 31 JULY 2026Tickets: The Gig Cartel
Market Walk, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, HD9 7DA
https://www.picturedrome.net

EDINBURGH, QUEEN’S HALL
SATURDAY 1 AUGUST 2026Tickets: The Gig Cartel
85-89 Clerk St, Newington, Edinburgh, EH8 9JG
www.thequeenshall.net

SUNDERLAND, THE FIRE STATION
MONDAY 3 AUGUST 2026Tickets: The Gig Cartel
The Fire Station, High Street West, Sunderland, SR1 3HA
www.thefirestation.org.uk

LYTHAM, LOWTHER PAVILION
TUESDAY 4 AUGUST 2026Tickets: The Gig Cartel
Lowther Terrace, Lytham Saint Annes FY8 5QQ
https://lowtherpavilion.co.uk

More information: Website | Facebook | Spotify | Instagram | X | YouTube

RED GIANT Release Explosive New Single + Video ‘Can’t Find Me’ from Upcoming EP

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 5, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo of Red Giant’s Dave Simpson by Blackham Images

Red Giant’s new single “Can’t Find Me” is released Wednesday February 4th, and is available on all streaming platforms HERE. Watch the official music video HERE.

“Can’t Find Me” is the first single from Red Giant’s highly anticipated EP “Red Giant – Vol. 1” released Wednesday April 29th. The EP is now available topre-order HERE.

Dave Simpson is the lead guitarist and vocalist of Red Giant. He also has a massive following on his popular guitar YouTube Channel with has over 146,000 subscribers.

“Can’t Find Me” charts Dave’s complex journey through his hell of mental problems caused by an uncaring school system which paradoxically encouraged the very bullying the authorities said they wanted to eradicate.

These so-called child guardians became part of the abuse by blaming the victim and ignoring the actions of the culprits.

The lack of support, and in many cases, due to the inadequacy of the guardians involved, created a feeling of isolation, exclusion and of being ignored and unseen by those whose responsibility it was to look out for him.

His self-worth and respect were destroyed and not feeling able to confide in family or friends led Dave to thoughts of self-harm, a path others in his situation have taken, resulting in the ultimate release from their suffering by taking their own lives.

With Red Giant, Dave’s willingness, and ability to talk and write songs about this painful subject has resonated with so many who find comfort, release, and resolution in his words.

“Can’t Find Me” is the story of so many people, and it is the hope of Red Giant that this song reaches who it needs to and shows them that they are not alone, and being here is so much better than the other choices.

“Red Giant – Vol. 1” – EP Track list

  1. Are You Alright? (3:04)
  2. Can’t Find Me (4:08)
  3. It’s All Gone Wrong (4:32)
  4. Overcome (4:03)

Mixed, produced & mastered by Matt Crawford
Recorded at Superfly Studios
All songs written by David Simpson
Guitars & Vocals – Dave Simpson
Drums – John Joe Gaskin
Bass – Johnny Simpson

Red Giant are proving themselves to be ones to watch on the UK live circuit. With an extremely successful 2025 the band is looking to capitalize on their forward momentum with there soon to be released 4-song E.P that features four brand-new songs.

The band is playing and sounding better than ever with strong live performances and confidence. Watch out. 2026 looks like it’ll be another significant year for Red Giant.

RED GIANT – BIOGRAPHY

Lead songwriter, guitarist and vocalist, David Simpson first picked up the guitar at 16 years old. Since that time David has been a prominent performer in several bands over the years and co-founded Red Giant at the beginning of 2024.

David decided after years of playing in other bands it was time to follow his own musical style. The music he was writing did not fit the bands he was playing with, and he soon set up his own group, The Dave Simpson Trio.

The trio performed all over the UK for years and was a very established blues rock band, but in 2024 the band wanted a change. Not just in name but in style, opting for a heavier rockier approach to go along with the new songs David was writing.

Red Giant was born. Not long after the name change the band went into the studio to record their self-titled debut album.

David is a world-renowned YouTube presenter with a channel that has amassed over 146,000 subscribers due to his unique playing style and expertise on the instrument.

David has been incredibly open about his struggles with mental health, and his blunt openness has helped countless others deal with their personal traumas. David’s work ethic is outstanding, tirelessly working on songs and videos while also performing and collaborating with other musicians.

John Joe Gaskin, the drummer for Red Giant, also started playing drums at the age of sixteen. As soon as he found the drums he wanted to do nothing else. He’s dedicated his life to the instrument.

John Joe is an absolute powerhouse of a drummer with a supernatural sense of time and is the bedrock of the band. Widely known as a dynamic and versatile performer, playing nationwide in the UK and Europe John Joe is comfortable with any style of music.

John Joe not only performs his duties as the drummer of Red Giant but is also the joker of the band with his wicked sense of humour who keeps everyone laughing.

More info: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | SPOTIFY | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE

HOWLING GIANT Announce European Headline Tour 2026

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 5, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

The long-term weather forecast for late spring in Europe just changed to bright blues skies and steaming hot! Brilliant stoner metal outfit HOWLING GIANT will journey from Nashville, Tennessee across the Atlantic to delight European audiences by bringing their acclaimed third full-length “Crucible & Ruin” to the stages of the old continent for the first time.

Please see below for all currently confirmed live dates, album details of “Crucible & Ruin“, and biographical information.

HOWLING GIANT comment: “We are excited to partner up with Atonal Music Agency to get back to Europe on the heels of our ‘Crucible & Ruin’ album“, drummer Zach Wheeler writes. “It has been about two and a half years since our last European tour and we’re quite pleased to perform in a ton of cities where we’ve never played before! Looking forward to see you on the road!“

“Crucible & Ruin” was released on October 31, 2025. Alongside a host of great reviews, the album has scored remarkable top ten positions in the soundchecks of leading German magazines ROCK HARD (4/49) and VISIONS (7/25)! 

The album is available for purchase here: https://spkr.store/collections/howling-giant  

HOWLING GIANT European Headliner Tour 2026
09 MAY 2026 Oslo (NO) Desertfest Oslo      
10 MAY 2026 Stockholm (SE) Undergången  
11 MAY 2026 Malmö (SE) Plan B  
15 MAY 2026 Nottingham (GB) The Mist Rolling Inn  
16 MAY 2026 Edinburgh (GB) Bannermans  
17 MAY 2026 London (GB) Desertfest London  
19 MAY 2026 Coventry (GB) The Tin  
20 MAY 2026 Bristol (GB) The Gryphon  
21 MAY 2026 Amsterdam (NL) de Tanker  
23 MAY 2026 Berlin (DE) Neue Zukunft  
24 MAY 2026 Dresden (DE) Gockelscream Fest  
27 MAY 2026 Paris (FR) Supersonic Records  
28 MAY 2026 Münster (DE) Rare Guitar  
29 MAY 2026 Hagen (DE) Werkhof Hohenlimburg  
30 MAY 2026 Esbjerg (DK) Fuzztival  
31 MAY 2026 Hamburg (DE) Stellwerk  
03 JUN 2026 Den Bosch (NL) Willem Twee  
04 JUN 2026 Rotterdam (NL) Baroeg  
05-07 JUN 2026 Siegen (DE) Freak Valley Festival

HOWLING GIANT take another huge step on their third full-length “Crucible & Ruin”, a collection of sparking ideas, captivating melodies, and heavy riffing close to perfection – quite a feat of on-point songwriting for such a still young band!

This is the band’s first album to feature new fourth member Adrian Lee Zambrano. Although the guitarist and synth player arrived somewhat toward the end of the writing process, he was still able to add his mark with cool textures on the record. The extra guitar certainly adds even more punch to HOWLING GIANT‘s sound, which delivers a slightly more aggressive approach compared with predecessor “Glass Future” (2023).

It also helped the overall feel of “Crucible & Ruin” that this is the band’s first album to be entirely recorded in a proper studio setting as opposed to their home studio, “the bunker”. HOWLING GIANT even leaned into some raw band live takes to capture the emotion in the room.

Lyrically, “Crucible & Ruin” explores the story of the clash of a novice deity against the forces of primordial chaos as an overarching theme that loosely connects the songs. This is also reflected in the album artwork, which was painted by the mother of guitarist and vocalist Tom Polzine, featuring a unique style of alcohol ink on yupo paper.

HOWLING GIANT hail from Nashville, Tennessee, USA, sidestepping the self-proclaimed Music City’s assembly line of modern pop country while taking inspiration from the brilliant songwriters and virtuoso session players that keep the town’s musical legacy burning bright. Fertile ground for a preeminent fuzz-psych power trio, now turned quartet, who consciously live in the pocket of that lineage!

Following a trilogy of EPs, “Howling Giant” (2015), “Black Hole Space Wizard: Part 1” (2016), and “Black Hole Space Wizard: Part 2” (2017), HOWLING GIANT struck a chord with critics and fans on their debut full-length “The Space between Worlds” in 2019. “Glass Future” proved a gargantuan leap for the band that now featured Sebastian Baltes, son of legendary ACCEPT bass master Peter Baltes. Released in 2023, “Glass Future” brought their outstanding musicianship and triple vocal attack fully into stride.

HOWLING GIANT storm forward once more in defiant refusal to remain still. Having grown into a four-piece as well as in their prowess as musicians and songwriters, “Crucible & Ruin” is an album at least as big as their name. Don’t take our word for it, just give it a spin – or two or three…

Tracklist

  1. Canyons
  2. Hunter’s Mark
  3. Archon
  4. Lesser Gods
  5. Beholder I: Downfall
  6. Archivist
  7. Scepter and Scythe
  8. Melchor’s Bones
  9. The Observatory
  10. Beholder II: Labyrinth

Line-up
Tom Polzine – guitar, vocals
Zach Wheeler – drums, vocals
Sebastian Baltes – bass, vocals
Adrian Lee Zambrano – guitars, synthesizers

Guest musicians
Kim Wheeler – additional synths and EWI on ‘The Observatory’
Adam Nohe – additional percussion on ‘Beholder I: Downfall’

Produced by Neil Tuuri, Kim Wheeler, and James Sanderson
Engineered by Neil Tuuri at Amish Electric Chair Studios, Athens, OH (US)
Additional vocal tracking by Kim Wheeler in Nashville, TN (US)
Mixed by Neil Tuuri at Amish Electric Chair Studios, Athens, OH (US)
Mastering by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege Mastering, Portland, OR (US)

Artwork by Susan M. Davies
Layout by Łukasz Jaszak

Links
https://www.facebook.com/howlinggiant
https://www.instagram.com/howlinggiant
https://www.facebook.com/MagneticEyeRecords
https://www.instagram.com/magneticeyerecords

JOHN MACKO MUSIC Release New Single & Video ‘The Beauty Of It’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 5, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

JOHN MACKO MUSIC continue the release cycle of the debut album “Zero-Point Machine” with the new single and video “The Beauty Of It”.

Led by John Macko – renowned bassist of FIFTH ANGEL – the project explores a wide musical spectrum ranging from progressive rock and modern metal to atmospheric and cinematic songwriting. Following three singles and videos that highlighted the heavier and more dynamic facets of the album, “The Beauty Of It” reveals a different and more introspective side of “Zero-Point Machine”.

Written by vocalist John Macko, “The Beauty Of It” It marks a stylistic turn within the album’s narrative, placing the focus on emotional nuance, melodic sensitivity and lyrical depth. The song showcases Chapple’s diverse vocal skills and refined songwriting, allowing space for subtle dynamics and expressive interpretation.

Lyrically, “The Beauty Of It” reflects on interpersonal relationships and the illusion that happiness exists only at a final destination. As John Macko explains:

“‘Beauty of It’ is a reflection on the illusion that happiness lives at the finish line. It’s a reminder that the ups and downs, the uncertainty, and the moments we’re living right now are what truly matter. When you can’t see the road ahead, that’s not something to fear – that’s the beauty of it.”

The accompanying official video enhances the song’s introspective atmosphere, visually translating themes of uncertainty, emotional presence and human connection that run throughout “Zero-Point Machine”.

With “The Beauty Of It”, JOHN MACKO MUSIC further underline the album’s stylistic breadth and emotional range, offering listeners a deeper look into one of its most reflective and intimate compositions.

Stream / purchase Zero-Point Machine here: https://artists.landr.com/057829968554

ICYMI:
–SINGULARITY (Official Video): https://youtu.be/mq_eOX3VtEw?si=yC9mhCLUeQjg7Qa0
–WORTHLESS (Official Video) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gJIWvbI5V0
–UTOPIA (Official Video) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlbD8itLTFc

JOHN MACKO MUSIC online:
https://www.facebook.com/JohnMackoMusic/
https://www.youtube.com/@JohnMackoMusic

French Progressive Power Metallers PARALLEL MINDS Release New Video Single ‘Sufero’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 5, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo by Regis Demirci

French modern Progressive Metallers PARALLEL MINDS blending the rigor of Thrash, the harmonic richness of Prog and the majesty of Power Metal.

After three albums released on renowned labels (Brennus Music, Pitch Black Records, M&O Music / M&O Office), these top performers are now returning in overwhelming form:
With CAIRN, their fourth album with strong narrative depth and an international focus, the band is now establishing itself as one of the most important bands on the European Metal scene.

CAIRN is not just an album – it is a conceptual work, a 61-minute journey through suffering, memory and resilience. Each track explores the mark left by humanity in its constant struggle against destruction and oblivion. The album transcends cultural borders to offer a deeply human and universal Metal fresco.

CAIRN is a large-scale album, designed for full immersive listening while featuring powerful and striking tracks able to stand on their own as singles.

🗓️ The outstanding group recently presented the first new single ”Sufero” from CAIN, on Jan. 11. The album release is scheduled for March – the release date will be March 10, 2026

[ … learn more here » ]

All rights reserved • PARALLEL MINDS / No Fate Prod.

  • Shot: Anastasia Lihnka
  • Edit: Stephane Fradet
  • Drone: Julien Penaud
  • Location: Aurélien Arnoux

Artwork & Logo: Stephane Fradet

The Band says about it:

“‘Sufero’ is a raw and incendiary track from PARALLEL MINDS’ upcoming album, ‘CAIRN’. Driven by massive riffs, a pounding rhythm, and relentless tension, the song encapsulates all the emotional intensity and determination that permeates the album.
Like the cairn, a universal symbol of life and legacy across many civilizations, ‘Sufero’ evokes the relentless struggle to build oneself stone by stone, in pain and rage, not only to survive, but to leave a mark, a beacon for those who come after.
By integrating ethnic and multicultural influences into a resolutely aggressive Metal approach, the album gives this struggle a timeless and collective dimension. Between unapologetic aggression and symbolic depth, ‘Sufero’ strikes like a manifesto: move forward, resist, guide, whatever the cost.”

PARALLEL MINDS • CONCERT DATES

07/02 • w. Scardust + Hartlight • France12/03 • w. Another Age + Cigue • France
14/03 • w. Scarlean • France
02/04 • w. Social Prophecy & Inferal • France
03/04 w. Draguignan + Scarlean • France
26/06 • Galem Fest (headline) • France
03/07 • Thusy French Alps HS Fest • France
tba [Dates» ]

LINE-UP
Steph Fradet • Vocals
Greg Giraudo • Guitars
Fabien Peugeot • Bass
Eric Mannella • Drums

More information: https://parallelmindsofficial.com/

GOTHONY Release New Single And Music Video ‘Misery Ending’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 5, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo by Perttu Sutinen

Helsinki-based drama metal band Gothony, founded in 1993, released a new single accompanied by a music video. Their debut album came out two years ago, and in 2025 the band reissued their demo from 1995. Now it’s time to bring fresh music to the drama metal audience once again. 

Streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/gothony-misery-ending

“2025 was a dark year—too many close ones left us far too early. Misery Ending carries a lot of sorrow, pain, and anguish.” says Gothony’s bassist Väiski Syväoja.

“I also wanted the single to be accompanied by a music video dedicated to our dear friend and to all our loved ones who have passed away. I am very grateful that Taksu Takkunen joined the project, and huge thanks to the entire crew for making this possible.” Väiski Syväoja continues.

Gothony’s vocalist Wuohi briefly explains the lyrics: “They speak of loss, longing, and the realization of life’s limitations.”

“For Gothony, this track has an unusually fast tempo, yet we managed to weave in a touch of melancholy and hope for the future. We also received valuable input from Räihä regarding the song’s structure—thanks for that!” adds guitarist Mika Uusitalo.

Misery Ending was recorded on October 11, 2025, at Inka Studio by Juho Räihä (SoundSpiral Audio). Juho Räihä also produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered the single. The music video was directed, filmed, written, and edited by Taksu Takkunen.

–Composed by Tomi Syväoja & Mika Uusitalo
–Lyrics by Wuohi
–ISRC: FI3FC2698001
–Single cover by Elligraphics

Line-up:
Vocals – Wuohi
Guitar – Mika Uusitalo
Guitar – Miika Peräkangas
Bass – Väiski Syväoja
Drums – M.Toivonen

https://www.gothony.com
https://www.facebook.com/gothonyband
https://www.instagram.com/gothonyband
https://gothony.bandcamp.com