SKÁLD Release Second Single & Video ‘Himinbjǫrg’ from Upcoming Album “Ørlǫg”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on August 12, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
[Photo Credit: Romy Lena]

French ritualists SKÁLD lift the veil to reveal another glimpse into our ancient destiny. “Himinbjǫrg”, the second single off of their upcoming album, Ørlǫg (coming September 25, 2026 via Napalm Records), reaches far out to the edge of Asgard, realm of the Gods. At the eponymous castle in the sky, Heimdall keeps watch for invaders at the rainbow bridge, Bifröst. SKÁLD lend Asgard’s guardian an assertive voice, letting the song serve as an emphatic yet reassuring guide through our sometimes-clouded destiny. The drum-driven song extends the folk musicians’ invitation to step into ancient times and dance among reawakened spirits.
 
SKÁLD about “Himinbjǫrg”:
“‘Himinbjǫrg’ invites us to step onto the threshold, to the gateway at the edge of the sky, to face the guardian’s gaze—are we ready to be judged as we reach the end of the bridge? These cliffs in the sky are a mirror of our actions, our ambitions, our Ørlǫg; it is a long journey toward something greater—let us ride on without fear.”

Ancient spirits come alive as SKÁLD extend an invitation into times long gone but not forgotten. Ørlǫg, coming September 25, 2026, is their first album via Napalm Records, and it is our destiny. As the Norns weave our future, this album is a fascinating passageway into our pristine origins and the consequences of our choices. Ten new songs as stepping stones, Ørlǫg is an offering to listen, to dwell, to reflect—and to find something within yourself previously unknown. SKÁLD don’t just play music, they awaken ancient ways.
 
A staple band in the neofolk genre, SKÁLD deliver a striking work of art with their latest album, deferentially using their sources to keep old spirits alive and form the enchanting world of Ørlǫg. The language might sound unfamiliar, but the music still touches the soul.
 
SKÁLD about Ørlǫg:
“Ørlǫg is the cosmic web that influences the world and every person. Part of our Ørlǫg is determined by our birth, our past actions, and our upbringing, but Ørlǫg is not set in stone; our daily choices are constantly shaping it. What we do now and what we have done in the past determines what will happen to us in the future; we cannot escape the consequences of our actions. This album makes us question our choices—both individual and collective—and the patterns we accept or reject. The Norns weave our destiny, but we can take control of certain things: travel, ride worlds, and grow. Each song on this album describes a situation, a place, a choice to be made. Let’s take hold of our Ørlǫg.”

Get Your Copy Of Ørlǫg NOW

The atmospheric journey to claim direction starts within the dreamscapes of “Draumakona”, an expressive look at the female side of shamanic prophecy. The French band constructs their Nordic folk melodies to be particularly catchy, shifting powerfully between female lead singing and multilayered vocal arrangements to create an antiphony between individuum and community. Inspired by Skaldic poetry, SKÁLD use instruments fitting of the time: Ørlǫg is shaped by Nordic fiddles, different forms of harps and lyres, horns, kannels, and whistles, among others, as well as three lead vocalists to bring the arrangements to life. “Myrkviðr” picks up on the opening track’s persuasive energy, with male vocals taking the lead this time. Further spreading their message is “Ratatoskr”, intonated by clattering sounds and throat singing, channeled into hauntingly repetitive chants of the eponymous squirrel’s name. For “Dǫkksalir”, SKÁLD unwind their melodies to form a gentle song, sweet-talking almost like a lullaby—and therefore fitting the concept of the charming yet also frightening sirens lurking in the dark. “Útgarðr” contrasts the different voices compellingly by the passages being sung simultaneously with alternating focus and a goosebump-inducing climax—instantly opposed by “Ek skald rida” which makes use of similar techniques, but is the most tranquil track on the album. “Himinbjǫrg” reaches far out to the edge of Asgard, where Heimdall guards the rainbow bridge, Bifröst. SKÁLD lend him an assertive voice, so the song serves as an emphatic yet reassuring guide through our sometimes-clouded destiny. “Heiemo og Nykkjen”, a rendition of a traditional medieval folk ballad from what is now Norway, takes a more provident approach to both instrumentation and vocal delivery, while “Veit barnit” calls upon the knowledge of children and uses a child’s voice alongside their usual harmonies to reflect that. The grim finale, “Eldr ok iss”, Old Norse for “fire and ice”, again calls on contrasts as well as referencing part of the creation myth in which the primordial being Ymir emerged from Muspelheim—the realm of fire—colliding with icy Nilfheim in the beginning of times. SKÁLD build an appropriate arc of suspense with a formidably sinister atmosphere.

Ørlǫg tracklisting:

  1. Draumakona
  2. Myrkviðr
  3. Ratatoskr
  4. Dǫkksalir
  5. Útgarðr
  6. Ek skald rida
  7. Himinbjǫrg
  8. Heiemo og Nykkjen
  9. Veit barnit
  10. Eldr ok iss

SKÁLD Live 2026
 
Summer European Tour
15.08.26 NO – Borre / Midgardsblot
30.08.26 AT – Graz / Kasematten (w/ FAUN)
 
Warrior Chant Tour
As Special Guest for The Hu
29.09.26 UK – Glasgow / O2 Academy
01.10.26 UK – Bristol / Prospect Building
02.10.26 UK – Bournemouth / O2 Academy
03.10.26 UK – Newcastle / O2 City Hall
05.10.26 UK – Belfast / The Telegraph Building
06.10.26 IE – Dublin / 3Olympia Theatre
08.10.26 UK – Birmingham / O2 Academy Birmingham
09.10.26 UK – London / O2 Academy Brixton
10.10.26 UK – Manchester / O2 Apollo
11.10.26 UK – Norwich / UEA LCR
14.10.26 BE – Brussels / Ancienne Belgique
15.10.26 DE – Hamburg / Sporthalle
17.10.26 DE – Munich / Tonhalle
18.10.26 DE – Berlin / Columbiahalle
19.10.26 PL – Warsaw / Stodola
20.10.26 PL – Warsaw / Stodola
22.10.26 DE – Cologne / Palladium
23.10.26 NL – Utrecht / TivoliVredenburg
24.10.26 NL – Tilburg / 013
27.10.26 FR – Lyon / Le Radiant
28.10.26 FR – Paris / L’Olympia
30.10.26 CH – Zurich / X-TRA
31.10.26 LU – Esch-sur-Alzette / Rockhal

SKÁLD are:
Christophe Voisin Boisvinet – Percussion, Nordic Fiddles, Harp, Horn, Vocals, Programming
Marti Ilmar Uibo – Percussion, Lyre, Kannel, Whistles, Jaw Harp, Vocals
Steeve Petit – Percussion, Vocals
Marie Potosniak – Fiddles, Vocals
Guillaume Levy – Irish Bouzouki, Citole, Gudok
Nathalie Lemoye-Voisin – Vocals
Ravn – Moraharpa
Michel Abraham – Vocals
Eyline Uibo – Vocals
 
SKÁLD online:
WEBSITE
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
TIKTOK
NAPALM RECORDS

BESVÄRJELSEN Drop New Music Video ‘Accelerating Hearts’ from Forthcoming Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on August 12, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

BESVÄRJELSEN let it rip on their new music video ‘Accelerating Hearts‘. Putting their pedal to the metal, the Swedish forest rockers deliver a fuzz-fuelled single that burns rubber on their forthcoming third full-length “Till Glömskan Ad Oblivionem” (“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: “In the middle of writing this album, I found out that I was pregnant, which of course changed everything“, vocalist Lea Amling Alazam reveals. “During my first writing session after that, I was confronted by myself with how much my creative process had always been tied to my vices. There was usually something there like a glass of wine, a cold beer, and of course also coffee, cigarettes, and snus. Suddenly, all of that was gone. ‘Accelerating Hearts’ became, in a way, a love song to that rush of everything that heightens your senses and pulls you forward – this thrilling sense of acceleration. From the start, I knew that I wanted this song to be a duet. At the top of my list was Fred Burman of Satan Takes a Holiday, who is an incredible vocalist and one of the most compelling voices in Sweden. I was beyond happy when he agreed, and what he brought to the track is nothing short of magic.“

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)

Cover art by Björn Olars
Layout by Erik Bäckwall

Links
www.facebook.com/besvarjelsen
www.instagram.com/besvarjelsen

HARLOTT Release New Video/Single ‘The Joyful Stain’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on August 12, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo by Rob Brens

“The Joyful Stain” is the latest single from long-running Australian thrashers, HARLOTT. The track appears on the band’s upcoming Exsequiis full-length, set for release on September 11th via Metal Blade Records!

The band comments, “‘The Joyful Stain’ is an homage to ‘the lucky country’ that we call home. A second-rate first-world dystopia governed by corruption, stupidity, and indifference.”

Watch HARLOTT‘s previously released video for “Trial By Liar” HERE.

After a six-year gap, Exsequiis marks the boldest leap forward in HARLOTT‘s career. Denser, harsher, and more confident than ever – a razor-sharp sound picture built on world-class guitar work, relentless momentum and lyrics that cast a jaundiced eye over our bitterly divided world. The death of the gods, delivered by thrash metal artisans in the prime of their lives.

“Detritus Of The Final Age (2020) was a great experience in digging out sounds and ideas that we would have been too trepidant to explore,” explains guitarist/vocalist Andrew Hudson. “For Exsequiis, we went further into that, but with the confidence that it would work as it had done before.”

When describing the band’s creative process on Detritus Of The Final Age, Hudson notes, “Whether it’s lyrics or riffs or breakdowns, I always make sure that every song has at least one bit that makes you go ‘fuck yeeeeah.’” With Exsequiis, Harlott tripled-down on this strategy, ensuring the “fuck yeeeeahs” are continuously overlapping for 46 minutes. Although undoubtedly a band with their own intrinsic identity, there is still much fun for the dedicated thrasher in spotting specific inspirational moments – a pinch of Arise-era Sepultura here, a ’90s Overkill groove there, the odd touch of Testament technicality or crossover gang chant. However, when asked what HARLOTT regards as thrash metal’s gold standard, the response is unequivocal: “Does anyone ever answer this question with something other than Reign In Blood?” Rick Rubin’s razor-sharp, in-your-face production on Slayer‘s 1986 benchmark release is a fair pointer to the sound of Exsequiis, the band’s fullest, harshest sound picture yet. Bassist/vocalist Tom Richard’s bass is especially well served, with an interesting tonal dominance in certain passages, but every layer is rammed upfront for maximum head-caving impact.

Lyrics remain in the depressingly real world, the band preferring not to embroider some supernatural phantasmagoria but instead casting a jaundiced eye over our bitterly divided current climate. “It’s been a pretty interesting time to live through politically and socially,” admits Hudson. “Disinformation appears to be the new normal and a population obsessed with content creation and online participation has really exposed some things that I think we were all probably happier being ignorant of.“

Find pre-orders at: metalblade.com/harlott

Exsequiis Track Listing:
01. Incipiam
02. Void
03. Messiah Simplex
04. Trial by Liar
05. The God That Knows No Name
06. Kleptogenesis
07. A Still More Glorious Dawn Awaits
08. The Joyful Stain
09. Endling
10. Vice Borne
11. Exsequiis

HARLOTT Live:
9/11/2026 Juz – Burghausen, DE
9/12/2026 Nuclear Intervention Fest – Kadov u Blatné, CZ
9/13/2026 Garage Pub – Krakow, PL
9/15/2026 Music-House – Graz, AT
9/16/2026 Escape – Vienna, AT
9/18/2026 MK Bar – Esch-sur-Alzette, LU
9/19/2026 Namenlos – Bonn, DE
9/20/2026 Zentralcafe – Nuremberg, DE
9/23/2026 Bambi Galore – Hamburg, DE
9/24/2026 Mukkes – Leeuwarden, NL
9/25/2026 Musicon – The Hague,NL
9/26/2026 Hellfort – Bruges, BE

HARLOTT:
Andrew Hudson – guitar, vocals
Tom Richards – bass, vocals
Leigh Bartley – guitar
Glen Trayhern – drums

https://www.instagram.com/harlottofficial
https://www.facebook.com/HarlottOfficial
https://harlottmetal.bandcamp.com/music

WOLF to Release First New Single ‘Death Satellite’ on August 21st, New Album “Hour Of The Wolf” Out November 20th

Posted by tarjavirmakari on August 12, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo by Therés Stephansdotter Björk

Swedish band WOLF stands for traditional 80s inspired heavy metal in its purest form. You can hear influences from JUDAS PRIEST and IRON MAIDEN, but after just one second, you know it’s WOLF.  With their upcoming 10th studio album, „Hour of the Wolf“, the cult band cements its importance and high standing within the metal scene. „Death Satellite“ is the first single and opening track of the album. It is a fast, heavy and energetic true metal hymn with dark and epic undertones.

Pre-Save „Death Satellite“ here: https://save-it.cc/fireflash/death-satellite

„Death Satellite“ is the first single and video from the upcoming WOLF album, „Hour of the Wolf“, which is due to be released on November 20th, 2026 on Fireflash Records. „Some of the songs on the album explore the outskirts of the WOLF universe, but this one is a straight-up banger with all the classic WOLF elements. If you have heard us before, you will recognise the sound within seconds”, says vocalist & guitarist Niklas Stålvind, and adds: „While our AI overlords use algorithms to plant thoughts in our brains, we offer some old-school, man-made metal so we won’t go insane. As usual, the lyrics have a deeper meaning and provide food for thought, but most of all, the song is intended for raising fists, headbanging and having a good time! The video was directed by Cannes Film Award winner Snovonne ‘Sno’ Drake, who will also be directing another video for this album, so watch this space… There’s more to come. Enjoy!”

WOLF is:
Niklas Stålvind – Lead vocals, guitar
Simon Johansson – guitar
Pontus Egberg – bass guitar, backing vocals
Johan Koleberg – drums

WOLF online:
Homepage: https://wolf.nu
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialwolf
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wolf_metal_official
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WolfMetalTV
X: https://x.com/Wolf_Sweden
Bandshop: https://wolfmetalmerch.bigcartel.com/

Legendary Supergroup ASIA Unveil New Single & Video ‘Echo Of You’ from Upcoming Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on August 12, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo by Scruffy Bear Media

Legendary English rock supergroup Asia unveil today a new single, “Echo Of You”, along with an official video, ahead of the release of their new studio album, “Indigo”, out on November 6, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl. 

Geoff Downes commented: “This song was part of the main writing sessions between Harry and I. It took on a whole different angle in the latter stages of development with more of a focus on electronica and a spacey production. It’s a happy uplifting tune, despite the nostalgic overtones of the lyrics, a love song with a twist. It all ends in a chaotic mix of counter themes, chord changes and features a good old-fashioned fadeout as a nod to nostalgia and I believe is a very fitting conclusion to the album – Indigo, hopefully leaving the listener on a high.”

Pre-Order “Indigo” HERE

More than four decades after redefining the sound of melodic progressive rock, Asia return in 2026 with “Indigo” – a studio album that bridges past, present, and future with remarkable grace and authenticity.

Now featuring Geoffrey Downes alongside an inspired new lineup – Virgil Donati, John Mitchell, and Harry Whitley – Asia step confidently into a new era while honoring the legacy that made them one of the most iconic supergroups of all time. 

Geoff Downes described the genesis of the album: “The initial writing period began in 2015, following the release of our previous album “Gravitas” in 2014. John Wetton and I started putting our ideas together, aiming to get into the studio once more. It was with great sadness that John became seriously ill, during this time, and we had put on hold our plans, and sadly John passed away before we could continue and complete it. So, it was always in my mind that at some point it would be a shame not to finish off some of these songs and finally release them as part of an Asia album.”

“In 2023, when the tribute concert for John took place, I was so encouraged by the response to Asia’s music that I viewed this as the perfect opportunity to re-establish not only the band, but also to reunite with our long-time supportive label, Frontiers, paving the way for us to get back in the studio”, he continued.

Downes also added: “So, Asia was back in the room, so to speak, and we were very fortunate to have recruited Virgil Donati and John Mitchell, both of whom had worked extensively with John before, as well as our new vocalist and bassist, Harry Whitley. The tours followed to great success throughout 2024 and 2025, and finally we sat down towards the end of last year to record the album. Working with these fine musicians was a great privilege and the music just seemed to flow”.
 
“The album was really a joy to make. I forged a close writing relationship with Harry, and I felt how great was to be working with someone who had very similar musical influences and taste once again, just as I did with John. I feel that this is one of our best albums to date. The songs are deep in musicality, with a powerful and original performance, dynamics and strong lyrical undertones – it’s an album that hopefully our fans will widely appreciate, and support our cause to put Asia back on the map. Enjoy the ride!”, he concluded.

Recorded throughout 2025 and produced by Downes and the band, with mixing and mastering handled by John Mitchell, “Indigo” captures the unmistakable spirit of Asia while injecting it with renewed vitality and purpose.

At the heart of the album lies an emotional connection to the band’s history. “Indigo” includes some of the final compositions written by the late John Wetton -“Tattoo Indigo (Parts 2 & 3)” and “Chesapeake Bay”- imbuing the record with a profound sense of continuity and tribute. The presence of Wetton is further felt through the extraordinary vocal performance of Harry Whitley, whose tone and phrasing evoke a striking and deeply moving resemblance to the band’s original voice.

Musically, “Indigo” stands as a natural continuation of Asia’s acclaimed 21st-century output, while subtly weaving in the sonic DNA of the band’s classic early albums. From soaring melodies to richly layered arrangements, the album delivers the signature blend of accessibility and musicianship that defined hits like “Heat Of The Moment” and “Only Time Will Tell”.

The album also features special guest appearances that elevate its scope: Steve Howe contributes acoustic guitar to the evocative “Chesapeake Bay”, while Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater) delivers a powerful performance on the bonus track “Tattoo Indigo (Part 3)”.

Following a resurgence of live activity across the US, Japan, and Europe, Asia are looking forward to taking to the road again. 

With “Indigo”, Asia don’t just revisit their legacy – they expand it, proving once again that their music remains as vital, resonant, and timeless as ever.

“Indigo” Tracklist:

The Traveller (Into The Light)
Change Of Heart 
Arcadia 
Is This The Life?
Tattoo Indigo (Part 1) 
Tattoo Indigo (Part 2) 
Tattoo Indigo (Part 3) 
Life In The Sun 
Hymn For The Fallen 
Night And Day 
Valencia (The Ghost Ship) 
An Elegy 
Chesapeake Bay (Featuring Steve Howe) 
On A Winters Night 
Echo Of You
Tattoo Indigo (Part 3) (featuring Mike Portnoy) (Bonus Track)

Line Up:
Geoff Downes
Virgil Donati
John Mitchell
Harry Whitley

Follow ASIA:
Website
Facebook
Instagram
X

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Legends PAUL RODGERS & GEEZER BUTLER Honored on “Sound & Vision Live” Limited-Edition All-Star Double Vinyl

Posted by tarjavirmakari on August 12, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: , , . Leave a comment

Produced by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and Grammy Award-winning drummer Matt Sorum, the 2,000-copy collector’s edition benefits Adopt the Arts Foundation while preserving an unforgettable night of legendary performances.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame legends Paul Rodgers and Geezer Butler are honored on Sound & Vision Live, a limited-edition all-star double vinyl album recorded during the inaugural Palm Springs Sound & Vision Awards at the historic Plaza Theatre on March 2, 2026.

Produced by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Grammy Award-winning drummer, songwriter and producer Matt Sorum, Co-Founder of Adopt the Arts Foundation, the album captures extraordinary performances honoring Rodgers and Butler while bringing together an all-star cast of musicians in support of music education.

Today, Adopt the Arts Foundation announced the release of Sound & Vision Live, along with the official pre-sale and details for the Sound & Vision Live Record Release Celebration & Concert Film Screenings, taking place Sunday, September 13, 2026, at the Plaza Theatre in Palm Springs.

The recording features performances by Paul Rodgers (Free, Bad Company) and Geezer Butler (Black Sabbath), joined by an all-star lineup including Corey Taylor (Slipknot), Lzzy Hale (Halestorm), Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple), Nuno Bettencourt (Extreme), Charlie Starr (BlackBerry Smoke), Phil X (Bon Jovi), Steve Stevens (Billy Idol), Matt Sorum (Guns N’ Roses, Velvet Revolver), Robert DeLeo (Stone Temple Pilots), Stevie Salas (Mick Jagger), Mike Mangan (The Cult), and Paul Ill (Alicia Keys).

Every participating artist donated their time and talent in support of Adopt the Arts Foundation and its mission to restore and sustain music education in underserved public elementary schools.

“I never went into that night thinking we were making a record,” said Matt Sorum. “I originally had the show recorded and filmed because I wanted to preserve the experience for myself. But when I listened back, I realized we had captured something truly magical—the energy in the room, the performances, and the spirit of all these incredible artists coming together for the kids. Through Experience Vinyl, we had an opportunity to turn that moment into something people could hold onto while raising meaningful support for music education.”

The initial pressing will be limited to 2,000 double-vinyl albums, priced at $99.98.

PRE-ORDER ALBUM HERE 

Of the total pressing, 250 Plaza Theatre Collector’s Editions will be available for the September 13 Record Release Celebration. Pressed on color vinyl, these collectible editions feature artwork unavailable on the standard online release.

The remaining albums will be available exclusively through Experience Vinyl, with the official pre-sale beginning August 3, 2026.

Experience Vinyl is donating its services so that proceeds from album sales directly benefit Adopt the Arts Foundation. Philanthropic supporters also provided the funding necessary to mix, master and complete the album and companion concert film.

“Experience Vinyl is about preserving the moments in music that deserve to live beyond a single night,” said Seth Frank, Founder of Experience Vinyl. “From the performances to the purpose behind them, Sound & Vision Live is exactly the kind of project we want to help bring into the world. We are proud to donate our work and platform so that proceeds directly support Adopt the Arts and help provide children with access to music education.”

The album was recorded by Kemble Walters and Miguel Sosa, mixed by Walters at Goodnoise Studios in Palm Springs, and mastered for vinyl by Grammy-winning mastering engineer Howie Weinberg and Will Borza.

Internationally acclaimed photographer and creative director Glen Wexler created the album artwork and liner notes. The deluxe package features archival photography, original artwork and extensive liner notes celebrating the performances and the enduring legacies of Paul Rodgers and Geezer Butler.

The project was made possible through the generous support of Executive Producers Jackie and Joby Pritzker and Co-Executive Producers Dale Lawrence, James Malachowski and Sam Senigaglia.

RECORD RELEASE CELEBRATION

The official Sound & Vision Live Record Release Celebration will take place Sunday, September 13, 2026, at the historic Plaza Theatre in Palm Springs and will feature two screenings of the companion concert film.

The film combines performances from the March 2 Sound & Vision Awards with behind-the-scenes rehearsal footage and commentary from Matt Sorum.

A 3:00 p.m. Community Screening will welcome Palm Springs Unified School District students and families, followed by a 7:00 p.m. Public Screening & Record Release Celebration featuring a live conversation with Matt Sorum and a special guest to be announced, exclusive merchandise, and silent auction opportunities benefiting Adopt the Arts.

A LIVE ALBUM WITH A PURPOSE

More than a celebration of rock history, Sound & Vision Live helps create the next generation of musicians.

Founded in 2012 by Matt Sorum and Emmy Award-winning actress Jane Lynch, Adopt the Arts Foundation restores and sustains music education in underserved public elementary schools.

Today, the Foundation serves more than 4,000 students annually throughout Los Angeles and the Coachella Valley by providing music instruction, instruments, curriculum, teacher support, artist mentorship, and meaningful performance opportunities.

“Every artist who stepped onto that stage understood why we were there,” Sorum said. “We came together to celebrate two legends, but the real encore is every child who discovers music because of this record.”

ALBUM INFORMATION

Title: Sound & Vision Live
Format: Limited-edition all-star double vinyl album
Pressing: Limited to 2,000 copies
Price: $99.98
Pre-Sale Begins: August 3, 2026
Record Release Celebration: September 13, 2026
Online Availability: Exclusively through Experience Vinyl
Beneficiary: Adopt the Arts Foundation

For album information and online ordering, visit Experience Vinyl. For event and foundation information, please visit Adopt the Arts.