Karma Field Records announces the release of V_WEIRD, the fifth album by Solo1981, the solo project of Stefano Giambastiani, available from Friday, February 20, 2026, on CD and in digital format on all major platforms.
On Bandcamp, the album will be available in digital format with a 12-page PDF booklet included, featuring the complete song lyrics.
International promotion of the album is handled by Wanikiya Records & Promotion, partner of Karma Field Records for this release.
V_WEIRD is an album that moves musically between electronic, post-punk, and alternative rock, doing so in a personal, unconventional way rich in influences. The album includes 8 tracks: 6 sung in Italian and 2 in English, including two poems set to music. The sound is varied and dynamic: dark, sharp, and introspective atmospheres alternate with powerful and angry riffs and visionary keyboards.
Solo1981 lays himself bare without protection, using language that is sometimes poetic, sometimes direct, but always sincere and unfiltered.
The lyrics explore the human soul, contemporary society, and lived experiences, moving through light and shadow, mistakes and lessons, falls and comebacks.
“The goal of this album, deeply emotional and unfiltered, is to leave something behind and shake the listener. I was driven to write it by the emotional urgency to tell sensations, emotions, and thoughts, and to share what I have lived. For me, life is music and words: if I feel them inside, they have to come out. It’s a necessity I cannot give up, and I hope it can reach other people as well.” — SOLO 1981
CREDITS
Lyrics and music: Stefano Giambastiani Artistic production: Stefano Giambastiani, Rosario Magazzino Recorded at: La Tana del Lupo (Lucca) by Matteo Teani Mix and Mastering: Rosario Magazzino – Temple of Noise Studio
FORMATS & DISTRIBUTION
CD format Digital format (all platforms) Bandcamp (digital with 12-page PDF booklet included)
Florida death thrash metal outfit INTOXICATED will be unleashing their third full-length, ‘The Dome,’ on March 27, 2026 via Redefining Darkness! The band is now unleashing the latest brutalizing offering, ‘Carved in Stone’, which can be found at THIS LOCATION.
Vocalist/guitarist Erik Payne comments, “‘Carved in Stone’ is written for the sickening ‘elites;’ The ones that have gone unchecked and how they should be petrified of their demise.”
INTOXICATED is a thrash/death metal band from Altamonte Springs, Florida, originally formed in 1993. Led by vocalist and guitarist Erik Payne, the band quickly carved out a place in Florida’s extreme metal lineage, earning early mentorship from Death’s legendary Chuck Schuldiner. Rooted firmly in Florida’s storied death-thrash tradition, Intoxicated’s sound draws natural comparisons to Death, Sadus, and Obituary— as marked by unrelenting speed, sharp riffing, and concise, high-impact songwriting.
‘The Dome’ is now available for pre-orders in the USA HERE while it’s available for the rest of the world HERE.
In addition, INTOXICATED will be supporting OBITUARY along with CASTRATOR on the band’s upcoming “Out of the Swamp” East Coast run, which takes place from March 19 in Gainesville, FL through March 29 in New Orleans, LA. The full itinerary can be found below while tickets are available HERE.
The cover artwork for ‘The Dome’ was created by Celeste Payne.
INTOXICATED Tour Dates (supporting OBITUARY w/ CASTRATOR): 03/19 Gainesville, FL @ The Wooly (No Castrator) 03/20 Birmingham, AL @ The Canteen 03/21 Pelham, TN @ The Caverns (w/ Acid Bath) 03/22 Memphis, TN @ 1884 Lounge 03/24 Oklahoma City, OK @ 89th Street 03/25 Columbia, MO @ The Blue Note 03/27 Denton, TX @ Rubber Gloves 03/28 Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall (w/ Acid Bath & High on Fire) 03/29 New Orleans, LA @ Tipitina’s
Intoxicated is a thrash/death metal band from Altamonte Springs, Florida, originally formed in 1993. Led by vocalist and guitarist Erik Payne, the band quickly carved out a place in Florida’s extreme metal lineage, earning early mentorship from Death’s legendary Chuck Schuldiner. Their first run produced a trio of EPs—.08 (1994), Scars (1995), and Metal Neck (1997)—before releasing their third EP, Drain.
Following their initial rise, Intoxicated went on hiatus as Payne, along with Obituary’s Donald Tardy and Ken Andrews, joined the touring lineup for Andrew W.K. in 1999, a role they held for nearly two decades while performing around the world.
The band reactivated in 2019, returning with the Walled EP (2020) and their long-awaited debut full-length, Watch You Burn (2022). The album showcased the band’s signature blend of ragged thrash aggression and Florida-bred death metal grit. Featuring guest appearances from Ken Andrews (Obituary, ex–Andrew W.K.) and Tony Foresta (Municipal Waste), and produced, mixed, and mastered by Ryan Boesch (Foo Fighters, Andrew W.K.) at Candor Recording—formerly Morbid Angel’s headquarters—Watch You Burn reaffirmed Intoxicated’s place among fans of classic Kreator, Death, Obituary, Protector, and Devastation.
Now, Intoxicated is preparing to unleash their second full-length album, The Dome, on Redefining Darkness Records.
Rooted firmly in Florida’s storied death-thrash tradition, Intoxicated’s sound draws natural comparisons to Death, Sadus, and Obituary— as marked by unrelenting speed, sharp riffing, and concise, high-impact songwriting.
Lineup: Erik Payne – Guitar/Vocals John Sutton – Guitar Shawn Clarson – Bass/Backing Vocals Colin Vaccaro – Drums
Album credits: Produced by Ryan Boesch and Erik Payne @ Candor Recording in Tampa Fl Recorded, mixed and mastered by Ryan Boesch
Finland’s death/doom seven-piece HANGING GARDEN previews upcoming studio album “Isle Of Bliss” – due out March 20th on Agonia Records – with a lyric video for the album’s title song.
On their ninth album “Isle of Bliss”, HANGING GARDEN takes a different approach to their signature somber melancholy: the new full-length presents perhaps a darker, more sinister rendition of the oftentimes dreamlike tones of the past releases. Synths and sweet and airy vocal layers – albeit still present – give more room for a heavier aesthetic in the drum and guitar work.
The album was recorded in various studios in southern Finland by the band, along with the drums recorded at Klaukkala’s renowned D-Studio by master Jarno Hänninen. Mixing and mastering was performed by none other than the legendary Jaime Gomez Arellano, known for his work with names such as Opeth, Moonspell, Ghost and many others. The album artwork was created by Kalle Pyyhtinen (Children of Bodom).
The album’s themes revolve around the spiritual aspects of life, death and the liminality in between. The landscapes shift from the introspection of one’s core self, travelling past dense forests and deathless isles – all the way to the vast and distant infinities of the dying stars and the vast and eternal voids spun between.
The band comments on the album: “This time we decided to take a more conscious step towards a more bare-bones composition on the new songs, supporting the perhaps darker and maybe even more ferocious side of our music. We happened to meet with Gomez during a live show of ours a few summers back, and he was an obvious choice for the sound we had in mind. And as we see it, he really delivered.”
“To complement the rawer sound, we also decided to make more use of Riikka’s capability to scream – a stark contrast to her aetheric cleans – and this can be witnessed in the death metal duets between her and Toni that can be found a-plenty along the tracks.”
Mason Hill release new video for single ‘Twisted’, out now on 7Hz Productions.
“’Twisted’ started with James’ straight-killer riff that you hear at the start of the track, and I wanted to write something that would really do it justice. The song is about a relationship that’s so wrong that it’s right – toxic love that’s so addictive, you can never leave it. It’s a mix of grit and melody, a poppy chorus and a balls-to-the-wall breakdown section. 10/10 would recommend to a friend.”
Mason Hill’s new vocalist Tom Ward is understandably enthusiastic about the new music he and his bandmates are creating, and with good reason. The material recorded so far for the band’s second album is already raising eyebrows from those lucky enough to have heard it. “I’m absolutely made up that we can finally get another track out there and “Twisted” is a band favourite for sure – with plenty of time for fans to get learning those lyrics before our UK tour kicks off in March!”
‘Twisted’ sees the band take a step towards a darker, heavier sound, the song being one of crushing yearning, the effects of a so-good-even though-it’s so bad relationship and the toll it takes. Huge riffs and thundering drums propel the song whilst keeping the melodies forefront, capped by a stand-out vocal performance by Ward.
The singles ‘Twisted’, and its predecessor ‘Remember’, are just the first step on the road to a new album from Mason Hill, all of which has now been recorded under the watchful eyes and ears of producer Dan Weller (Enter Shikari, Bury Tomorrow, Those Damn Crows).
Four years after ‘Against the Wall’ made such an impact, Mason Hill is re-entering the fray with renewed intent, showcasing a freshly updated sound and presentation.
This line up feels like a huge step forward for the Glasgow-based band, and with good reason. While the core of Mason Hillis the same as the band that made ‘Against The Wall’ – James plus guitarist Marc Montgomery, bassist Matt Ward and drummer Craig McFetridge – their new music marks the introduction of new singer Ward, whose versatile voice offers new dimensions to Mason Hill’s signature sound as he switches from emotive whisper to arena-rattling power in a heartbeat.
Mason Hill are bringing their incendiary live show to more UK venues in the spring. Tickets are already flying out the door and these shows will also be sell-outs, so get them here while you still can!: https://www.gigantic.com/mason-hill-tickets
James Bird (guitar): “We’re hitting the road and bringing the show to a city near you in March 2026! New music, loud nights – come and be a part of it.“
Matt Ward (bass): “We were on such a high after returning to the stage for a couple of teaser shows back in November. We will be firing on all cylinders in March around the UK bringing everyone their favourite Mason Hill songs and playing a whole bunch of new songs (one of which you might just get a sneak peek at soon!). Tickets are already running low, so grab one while you still can and we’ll see you out there!“
UK Tour March2026 17 March – Manchester Academy 3 18 March – Bristol Exchange (low tickets) 19 March – London Underworld 20 March – Wolverhampton KK’s Steel Mill (SOLD OUT) 22 March – Glasgow Garage (low tickets)
Mason Hill have been no strangers to adversity. They’ve endured false starts, botched record deals and a six-year gap between 2015’s eponymous debut EP and the release of ‘Against The Wall’. Even the latter landed during the height of the Covid pandemic, meaning the band weren’t initially able to tour in support of it. The departure of former singer Scott Taylor at the end of 2023 was just the latest obstacle they had to overcome.
“There have been times over the years when we weren’t even sure we’d be able to keep on being a band,” says James. “Even just before Tom came in, we were so close to saying, ‘Well, we tried, but let’s call it a day.’ But there’s a stubbornness and determination and passion in us that has kept us going.The new music was obviously still Mason Hill, but we didn’t want it to be a copy of the first album,” says James. “When Tom put his voice to some of the demos we’d sent, that was when we knew this could work.”
“It feels like a turning point,” says Tom of this new chapter, of which he’s a key part. “We’re super-hungry for it.”
“All the good stuff and the bad stuff, I’m glad it happened in a sense,” adds James. “Because without it we wouldn’t be in this place we’re in right now, talking about new songs, which I couldn’t be more excited about. We’re so ready to get back out there. This is who we are now. This is Mason Hill.”
Tom Ward vocals James Bird guitarist Marc Montgomery guitarist Matt Ward bassist Craig McFetridge drums
The digital edition of the album is available on all streaming platforms HERE.
Watchthe live video of title track “Empty Chairs” on YouTube.
Produced by 2X JUNO-nominated producer and Emmy Award-winning mixer Ross Hayes Citrullo, guitarist of The Commoners, the album captures Mackenzie’s signature blend of gritty, introspective blues rock.
Drawing on the legacy of blues legends while channelling the energy of modern blues rock, Empty Chairs fuses electrifying guitar, punchy riffs, soaring organ, dynamic vocals, and a powerhouse rhythm section. The album promises to be Mackenzie’s most personal and explosive work yet.
“If blazing guitar with no holds barred blues rock is your kind of thing, then this album should definitely become a part of your life.” – Guitarist Magazine
“Still only in his mid-twenties, Empty Chairs proves he carries the triple threat of a great voice, gifted musicianship and superior songwriting craft to become an international force.” – Blues Matters
“Spencer Mackenzie demonstrates why he’s considered one of the most promising names in blues-rock. Soulful vocals, fiery guitar, and songs that linger.” – Blues Magazine NL
“A lively rock ‘n’ roll explosion. The guitar bubbles like acid on a brand-new Corvette’s paintjob, while the voice is jackshaft oil and grit. Giant, spirited and refreshingly super brisk!” – Raw Ramp
Citrullo brings a distinctive approach that blends artistry with technical mastery. With multiple accolades for albums that have topped charts and garnered millions of streams worldwide, he infuses Empty Chairs with energy, precision, and a live-feel intensity.
“What we caught on this album is honesty and fire,” says Citrullo. “Spencer’s playing is fearless, his voice wide open, and every take breathes like a live show you don’t want to end. Producing it was about chasing moments you can’t fake—tone that tells the truth, stories that cut deep, and performances that live in the room. It’s the blues, lit up with a rock edge—hitting with a modern bite and a timeless feel.”
EMPTY CHAIRS – ALBUM TRACK LISTING
1. Empty Chairs (4:29) 2. Trip (3:25) 3. What You Do (4:28) 4. Don’t Know Where I’m Going (3:11) 5. Till I Get to You (3:57) 6. Frozen Hearts (4:09) 7. Helping Hands (3:18) 8. Why (3:58) 9. Shoot Me Down (4:08) 10. Won’t Find Her (3:18) 11. Evil (3:57)
Spencer Mackenzie – Guitar and Vocals Miles Evans Branagh – Piano, Hammond Organ, Keyboards Stacey Shopsowitz – Bass on tracks 1-5 and 8-11 Steve Pelletier – Bass on tracks 6, 7 Adam Canon – Drums on tracks 1-5 and 8-11 Matt Burns – Drums on tracks 6, 7 Sandra Bouza and Chantel Williams – Background Vocals Ross Hayes Citrullo – Background Vocals on track 2
Recorded at RHC Music, Toronto, Canada Produced, Mixed and Engineered by Ross Hayes Citrullo – RHC Music Assistant Engineers – Gavin Sharman, Marc Pallascio, Andrew Champion Mastered by Kristian Montano
ALBUM TRACK BY TRACK
1 – Empty Chairs A soulful blues rock song that expresses anger and frustration from the perspective of friends and families, who have lost innocent people they love due to gun violence. This can’t be the new normal! It’s got to change!
2 – Trip An upbeat, guitar heavy anthem for the people who just want to be noticed and for people who are crying and screaming trying to get out! Whether it’s a dream or reality, let’s go on a trip!
3 – What You Do When we say that we’re fine. Are we really? Or are we just trying to save others over ourselves? ‘What You Do’ is a high energy blues rock song that’s meant to bring your attention to the guessing game we all play.
4 – Don’t Know Where I’m Going A nod to one of the greatest guitar players to ever do it, this rendition of Gallagher’s acoustic blues folk number cranks up the volume and takes you down a road with deep, gritty guitar and an exciting fast rhythm section.
5 – Till I Get to You All the pressure you carry is lifted when you get to the one you love with this soulful acoustic style song about the person that is always there for you, understands you, gets you, and helps you through it all.
6 – Frozen Hearts This heavy blues rock song is a tribute to the victims of residential schools, who were taken from their way of life, family, culture and stripped of their identity. May the story of the ones who never made it home forever be heard and remind us to carry their memory with love and respect.
7 – Helping Hands In life there are people who only do something because it benefits them. Sometimes they are the closest to us. “Helping Hands” is a funky blues rock song about moving on from the person that thinks you need them, but they need you more than you need them!
8 – Why You can do the best job you can, but for someone who doesn’t know themselves, it often becomes a thankless job. “Why” is a sad song filled with soulful licks and harmonies that’s about doing everything right and getting hurt in return. You can solve all their problems just to be thrown out and left behind wondering why.
9 – Shoot Me Down How can you hold up both ends if you’re the only one? A relationship has two sides. This bare bones slide guitar song is about coming up with every idea for someone, them saying no, then never telling you what they really want. You can’t spend your life making up someone else’s mind if all they do is shoot you down.
10 – You Won’t Find Her It’s not you, it’s all me. We both know that’s a lie. This heavy riff driven blues rock song leaves you questioning how someone you once loved could go so wrong. You’re left confused, searching for answers, until you finally realize you’re better off without them.”
11 – Evil No matter how many people tell you to stay away or tell you, you’re wrong, sometimes we won’t listen, and we find out for ourselves. “Evil” is a song with a punchy rhythm section and an in-your-face guitar sound, that’s about learning how much someone can twist your mind or how blind love can really be.
BIOGRAPHY
With fluid phrasing, resonant tone, and expressive performances, Spencer Mackenzie may have been born on Beale Street in spirit, though he hails from Southern Ontario. Over nearly a decade, the JUNO-nominated, Maple Blues Award-winning guitarist has earned international acclaim for his raw, soulful blues-rock. His high-energy live performances—Canadian, European, and US stages including Montreal International Jazz Festival, Festival d’été de Québec, Moulin Blues Ospel, Ribs & Blues Raalte, and Kulturring Schöppingen Blues Festival—showcase his mastery of the guitar and his infectious stage presence.
WILLIAM SHATNER is turning the volume up to pain-threshold max.. The legendary actor, author, and cultural icon today announces his latest album – a heavy metal extravaganza powered a veritable army of metal stars—each one personally selected and hand-picked by Shatner to help deliver a project that’s equal parts thunder, theater, and fearless experimentation.
Shatner has long been attracted to music that challenges boundaries and amplifies storytelling. Over the years, his recordings have attracted a striking range of collaborators across heavy music and beyond—artists chosen for their distinct voices, fearlessness, and credibility.
Zakk Wylde (Ozzy Osbourne), Ritchie Blackmore, Edgar Froese (Tangerine Dream), Wayne Kramer (MC5), Henry Rollins (Black Flag, The Rollins Band) have all recorded with the legend. Indeed, Shatner’s history of defying expectations is well documented, and his music has long lived in the space where spoken-word intensity meets cinematic atmosphere. This new album raises the stakes even higher: more artists, more distortion, more drama—and a heavier impact.
“Metal has always been a place where imagination gets loud,” Shatner said. “This album is a gathering of forces—each artist bringing their fire, their precision, their chaos. I chose them because they have something to say, and because metal demands honesty.”
Built around massive guitars, cinematic arrangements, and Shatner’s signature vocal intensity, the record plays like a high-voltage film: sharp turns, dark humor, raw emotion, and moments of unexpected beauty. The result is an event album—designed not as a novelty, but as a statement, uniting a legion of metal’s most respected musicians under one uniquely singular vision.
The catalyst for the project came with Shatner’s involvement in the upcoming Nuclear Messiah album Black Flame, voicing an intro piece created with Chris Poland, the ex-Megadeth founding guitarist and a widely revered metal innovator. That collaboration didn’t just set a tone—it sparked Shatner’s inspiration to build a full-scale metal album with elite metal talent.
“When Nuclear Messiah came to life, something clicked,” Shatner said. “It wasn’t just a track—it was a doorway. It made me want to go all the way in, bring in the best metal players I could find, and create something fearless.”
Adding to the momentum, metal guitar icon Zakk Wylde personally gifted Shatner a guitar, a gesture Shatner describes as unexpected and deeply motivating.
“I’ve spent a lifetime exploring in both reality and fiction,” said Shatner. “Now I am stepping out into the unknown once again with my new project in heavy metal. I am covering Black Sabbath, Judas Priest and Iron Maiden as well as a number of new songs written by my team. The whole project is destined for this year. I hope you will join me in the exploration.”
Additional album details—including title, track list, release date, lead single, and the full roster of featured artists—will be revealed soon.
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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
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