GRAMMY Award winning bassist DAVID ELLEFSON has announced his BASS WARRIORTOUR in Europe for March 2026. The tour will feature Ellefson and his solo band performing select cuts from his well-known catalog of Mega hits, including the Megadeth Countdown to Extinction album in it’s entirety, solo material and other hard rock & metal favorites which inspired him during his 40-year music career. Direct support on all dates is Mado.
Ellefson states, “Bass Warrior has become an annual celebration with my fans across Europe. This year I’m really excited to be performing the ‘Countdown to Extinction’ album in its entirety on the tour. It’s always been one of my favorite albums in my discography and I’m looking forward to celebrating those songs with my fans on the tour in March.”
Ellefson launched his Bass Warrior tour in 2024, with musical director Andy Martongelli (Ellefson-Soto, Artemis) as a way to perform songs for fans across Europe from his 40+ years as a world renowned recording artist.
Tickets go on sale now. VIP tickets will go live on Friday, January 30th.
The first solo album from Kevin Steele, One Thing Left To Do, will be released on February 27, 2026, via Steele Records/Amplified Distribution. It will be released digitally, on compact disc and on red vinyl. The first single “Snake Charmer” is out now on digital services.
The album features the first single “Snake Charmer”, with its sexy, hypnotic groove and killer guitar riffs it explores the age-old dilemma of female wiles versus a man’s blind obsession. The second single, “There’s A Better Day Comin’”, is a soaring Rock ‘n’ Roll anthem of hope. Its gospel-like arrangement is meant to convey a feeling of optimism in a world where we could all use some. In the third single, “Sad, Sad Song”, Steele delivers a poignant ballad recounting his hardscrabble life and tragic youth. Guaranteed to bring a tear to your eye.
Steele said, “This is the record I’ve always wanted to make. It’s my first solo record. No compromises. I answered to no one but myself.”
All of these songs showcase Kevin’s masterful songwriting across all the musical styles that have shaped his colorful career, including glam, punk, rock, blues, and even southern gospel. Kevin’s band Roxx Gang were one of America’s great bands and the first rock band signed to Virgin Records in America. Their debut record, the classic “Things You’ve Never Done Before”, sold over 250,000 copies. In a way, they were the bridge between glam and grunge and The Mojo Gurus played a vital role in keeping rock-n-roll alive in “the Tens” working with legendary producers Jack Douglas (John Lennon, Aerosmith, New York Dolls) and Tommy Henricksen (Alice Cooper, Lou Reed, The Hollywood Vampires). With One Thing Left To Do, Steele brings his musical journey full circle with a truly remarkable record that you just have to hear.
Joining Kevin on this new record is guitar phenom / co producer Billy Summer (Florida, Luxury Mane, The New Brutarians)whose music has been heard on major TV shows and films such as Ted Lasso, The Affair, Harpoon, Life and Beth, Chicago Fire, Property Brothers and many others.The result is one hot slab of Rock ‘n’ Roll revelry covering several genres that showcase a track list of impressive playing and songwriting.
“Billy and I made such a great team. Instant connection of the minds. He knew instinctively where I was going musically with each song before I would even tell him. That’s why they call us the Cosmic Twins”, said Kevin.
The band is an allstar collection of Tampa Bay, Florida musicians playing at the top of their game. They formed an instant camaraderie and the good times had in the recording sessions shine across every track!
Also, on Friday, February 27 he celebrates the release of his new record at Bayboro Brewing Company. Kevin will perform the new record in its entirety, backed by an all-star band of Tampa Bay musicians featuring guitarist Billy Summer.
Bayboro Brewing Company Presents: Kevin Steele – Record Release Concert –Special Guests: Saints of Saturn – Recent winners of Hard Rock Rising – Tampa –Friday February 27, 2026 –Bayboro Brewing Company 2390 5th Ave. S., Saint Petersburg, FL (727) 767-9666 –Doors at 7:00 PM – Show at 8:00 PM – All Ages
Kevin Steele – One Thing Left To Do
One Thing Left To Do 2:33
Snake Charmer 3:44
The Bedspring Boogie 2:48
I Know What Yer Up To 2:22
Sad, Sad Song 6:29
The 9 Lives Blues 3:36
Fingers Crossed 5:40
Nobody Tells Me When To Quit (The Na Na Song) 4:25
My Baby Didn’t Come Home Last Night 2:42
There’s A Better Day Comin’ 4:38
Kevin Steele – Lead Vocals, Harmonica Billy Summer – Guitars, Bass, Vocals, Percussion Steve Peake – Keyboards Steven C. Tanner – Drums Rob Pastore – Pedal Steel Guitar Jim Stevens – Bass on “The 9 Lives Blues” Kyle Lovell – Drums on “I Know What Yer Up To” Scott Myers – Trombone, Vocals Adam Turkel – Vocals, Percussion Linda Militello & Zoe Summer – Vocals
All songs written by Kevin Steele – Too Cool Music Publishing – BMI except Sad, Sad Song written by Kevin Steele & Billy Summer Too Cool Music Publishing – BMI & Billy Summer Music – BMI
Recorded at The Ward, St. Petersburg, FL Produced by the Cosmic Twins (Billy Summer & Kevin Steele) Engineered by Billy Summer Mastered by Brian Merrill at Studio B, St. Petersburg, FL Cover Art by Adam Turkel Photography by Linda Militello
The dynamic rock band Swim the Current is excited to announce the release of their latest single, “Concrete Angel”, via TLG|ZOID, distributed by Virgin Music Group. This incredible new track was co-produced by George Pond and David Caplinger.
Alongside the single, Swim the Current also premiered the official music video for “Concrete Angel.”
The band’s vocalist, Marcos Leal states, “‘Concrete Angel’ is a hard workers anthem, inspired by my father, my grandfather, my brothers, and all the guys who worked sun up to sun down to give me the opportunity to chase my dreams as a musician. This one is for my dad!!”
Bassist George Pond adds, “’Concrete Angel’ is a reminder that even in the hardest days, there’s beauty in endurance and grace in getting back up. Our angels help us get through the day. It’s a blue-collar heartbeat — long days, hard roads, whiskey nights, and the stubborn will to carry on.”
Bringing together an all-star lineup of rock talents, including vocalist Marcos Leal (formerly of Ill Niño), bassist George Pond (Disciples of Verity), guitarist Greg Antine, drummer Chris Moore (George Lynch, Ultraphonix, Rock of Ages), and lead guitarist Joe Gareri, takes the band’s sound to new heights.
Having played in numerous bands throughout the years, Guitarist Greg Antine came to a point in his career where he wanted to branch out and write songs that had more depth and were inspired by his personal life experiences. Having worked with Bassist George Pond for several years in previous projects including, Disciples Of Verity, Greg expressed his concept for Swim The Current to George in hopes of collaborating with him on this new music venture. The two began to flesh out ideas in George’s home studio and realized quickly that they were on to something special, but still needed something more to see their ideas through to complete their concepts. Greg was introduced to Joe Gareri, Guitar/Keyboards, by George during the Disciples Of Verity debut album recording sessions which Joe is also featured on as a guest artist. The three of them immediately hit it off and worked extremely well together. Greg and George realized that Joe’s cinematic writing style would be a perfect match for their concepts and Joe was then brought in as a full time member. After two songs were completed and demo’d in George’s studio utilizing programmed drums, it was suggested by their friend Allyson Song River Jaynes, that they reach out to her friend, drummer Chris Moore of Ultraphonix, Rock Of Ages, to see if he would be interested in working with the project. Upon hearing the strength of songwriting and musicianship of the band, Chris was all in and signed on as the fourth full time member of STC and now the band, from an instrument’s perspective, was complete.
The final missing piece for STC was a lead vocalist who could capture the sound they envisioned for their music. After working in the studio with a few different vocalists, George ultimately reached out to his friend Marcos Leal, of legendary international touring band Ill Nino. Marcos loved the music of STC as well as having the freedom and creativity of writing lyrics for the project. After recording their first song together with Marcos, “We Are Not The Same”, everyone new that this lineup was something special and Swim The Current was now complete! The release of “We Are Not The Same” took off instantly, and amassed thousands of streams, YouTube views and followers through a total organic DIY social media campaign.
Swim The Current’s sound is influenced and reminiscent of many of their favorite artists including, Deftones, Faith No More, Sevendust, POD, and Stabbing Westward. They continue to write new music and look forward to sharing their future releases with the world!
California-based melodic punk rock band DARK RIDE are set to return with their new full-length album “Blade Manor”, due out March 13th, 2025 on digipak CD, vinyl LP and digital formats via Fiend Force/Massacre Records. To mark the announcement, the band have unveiled the album’s first single and official music video, “Rewind”, available now.
The lead single “Rewind” serves as a love letter to the video store era of the ‘80s and ‘90s, packed with lyrical nods to cult classics such as Evil Dead, Rocky Horror, The Shining and Psycho. Musically, the track combines urgent punk drive with a razor-sharp guitar solo by guest musician Carlos Cofino (Gotham Road), capturing both nostalgia and adrenaline in equal measure. The accompanying video expands on the song’s cinematic themes, bringing Dark Ride’s horror-infused universe vividly to life.
“Blade Manor” represents a bold new chapter for DARK RIDE, blending high-energy melodic punk with horror, fantasy and cinematic storytelling. Across 12 tracks, the album delivers infectious anthems, dark humor and atmospheric elements, drawing inspiration from classic horror films, ‘80s and ‘90s pop culture, and West Coast punk rock, while incorporating subtle metal influences.
Created by singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Emilio Menze, DARK RIDE have steadily carved out a distinctive identity within the modern punk scene. Beyond his work with Dark Ride, Emilio is widely regarded as one of the most visible and respected figures in the global horror punk community – a scene-builder who has spent years setting up shows, supporting other bands, and helping keep the culture alive both in the U.S. and abroad.
Before forming Dark Ride, Emilio toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe with his previous bands, appearing on bills alongside major genre acts and bringing horror punk to new audiences. His work with Stellar Corpses was particularly influential, earning international attention and positioning him as a recognizable presence within the scene. Emilio also fronted Plan 9, considered the world’s most renowned Misfits tribute act – further cementing his reputation as a charismatic and theatrical performer with deep roots in the genre’s legacy.
For fans outside the horror punk niche, Emilio functions as a rare bridge between underground subculture and broader alternative music, combining a cinematic sensibility with melodic songwriting and an unmistakable visual identity. Comparisons to artists such as AFI, Misfits and Alkaline Trio only touch the surface – his creative voice stands firmly on its own.
Produced by Randy Moore and Olav Tabatabai, with mixing by Olav Tabatabai and mastering by Zack Ohren (Castle Ultimate Productions), “Blade Manor” showcases DARK RIDE at their most focused and ambitious to date. The album also features a range of guest musicians from across the punk, horror-punk and metal scenes, further enriching its dynamic and collaborative spirit.
Following acclaimed performances across the US and Europe, including a debut appearance at Germany’s legendary Wave-Gotik-Treffen festival, DARK RIDE continue to build momentum as one of the most compelling voices in contemporary melodic punk.
On the day that THE HARA release their brand-new album, The Fallout, they have revealed the official video for Twist the Arrows. You can order and stream the album HERE.
The Fallout represents THE HARA peeling back their skin and leaving them at their most exposed. They have already released the videos for Violence featuring As December Falls vocalist Bethany Hunter Jiménez. The song explored the concept of a two-way toxic relationship, drawn from personal experience.
The live-wire Easier to Die follows the theme of losing hope in the pursuit of success and succumbing to negative thoughts, a theme that followed the dark and intoxicating Stay. Whilst Kings is about losing trust. Heavy and personal entwine, and it’s this that creates the sheer electricity which emanates from the band, making them a breathtaking spectacle to watch.
Twist the Arrows is their latest song and offers a window of the juxtaposition of being in a band. From the euphoric highs of performing to a packed-out crowd to the quietness of everyday life feeling like you have no purpose or structure, wanting and waiting to feel that high again ‘I’ve hit the ground, seen the highest highs’, ‘I’ve found myself and contemplated suicide’. “The grind and pressure of trying to make your dreams come true can feel like a never-ending battle,” the band says. “Always searching for validation and self-worth in a world where numbers seem like everything, and so sometimes when the highs don’t exist, escapism is the only saviour – ‘drown my sorrows, to hide my feelings’.”
The video was filmed across that band’s headline tours in Germany, Austria, The Netherlands and Czech Republic in November last year. Talking about it, Josh Taylor reveals, “The video features a mix of us on stage at the shows and us in our non band mode wondering the cities of Europe which is a nod to what the song is about – the highs of being on stage and the personas we become and then having to navigate the come down and feeling of the normality of everyday life which send us into very low mental states, feeling like we are lost and have no purpose. We can’t wait for the full album to drop on Friday and finally get all these songs on the road at the release shows and our huge UK tour in February & March.”
2025 saw them fly through the European festival circuit, with performances at the Mighty Sounds festival and a surprise set at Rock For People in the Czech Republic, as well as 2000 Trees and Boomtown Festival in the UK. They supported Nothing More in Switzerland, careered across the continent on their own headline tour, and in October played a full UK tour with As December Falls.
Their raucous genre mash-up of alternative rock, metalcore, and emo has already seen them grab the live circuit by the scruff of the neck and pick up support slots with pop-punk giants Sum 41, Nothing More, Escape the Fate, As December Falls and Ice Nine Kills. They’ve exploded across the festival circuit; Download, Slam Dunk, 2000 Trees, Kendal Calling, TRNSMT, Tramlines, Truck, Boomtown Fair and an incredible main stage set at both Reading and Leeds Festival, as well as main stage performances at Rock For People and Mighty Sounds Festival in the Czech Republic.
Track List
1. Trophy 2. Easier To Die 3. Monsters & Demons 4. Twist The Arrows 5. Stay 6. The System 7. Psycho Killer 8. Kings 9. Bury Me 10. Violence (feat. As December Falls) 11. Intergalactic Sabotage 12. Enemy 13. Bury Me (Piano Version) *
01 Feb – TramShed, Cardiff – TICKETS * 27 Feb – The Ferret, Preston – TICKETS 28 Feb – Parish, Huddersfield – TICKETS 01 Mar – The Cluny, Newcastle – TICKETS 03 Mar – The New Adelphi Club: Hull – TICKETS 05 Mar – Corporation, Sheffield – TICKETS 06 Mar – The Waterfront Studio, Norwich – TICKETS 07 Mar – The Boileroom, Guildford – TICKETS 08 Mar – Forum, Tunbridge Wells – TICKETS 10 Mar – The Portland Arms, Cambridge – TICKETS 11 Mar – Green Door Store, Brighton – TICKETS 12 Mar – The Black Prince, Northampton – TICKETS 14 Mar – The Old Town Hall, Trowbridge – TICKETS 15 Mar – The Junction, Plymouth – TICKETS 20 Mar – Tunnels, Aberdeen – TICKETS 21 Mar – Hidden, Dundee – TICKETS 22 Mar – Legends, Edinburgh – TICKETS *Festival
The Harlem-hotshot Solomon Hicks today releases his new album How Did I Ever Get This Blue? via Artone/Provogue. You can stream and order it HERE.
To celebrate, Hicks has revealed the video for his new single Flyin’ High (Yesterday). He takes on the song by the late-Texan blues singer and guitarist Johnny Copeland – father of Shemekia Copeland. The song was originally released on the album of the same name in 1992.
Talking about the song, Hicks says, “That one, I first heard done by a drummer called Barry Harrison. We were playing B.B. King’s in New York, and I remember Barry coming out with this song. And it felt like putting the key in the car ignition and taking off down a dirt road. The song didn’t really hit me until I got to experience life and those highs and lows. It felt good to play a song from a blues artist like Johnny Copeland that you don’t hear as much, and put that guitar stamp on it.”
Flyin’ High (Yesterday) is the latest single to be taken from the album following Driftin’ And Driftin’ where Hicks put his own spin on the song popularised by the Paul Butterfield Blues Band on their 1967 album The Resurrection Of Pigboy Crabshaw and Further On Up The Road – made famous by Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland
The album includes untamed reworkings of Adele’s Rumour Has It and Bruno Mars’ When I Was Your Man (not to mention Hicks’ originals, How Did I Ever Get This Blue and I’m Burnin’ Up). Far from a ‘covers album’, each song unfolds as you’ve never heard it before. “I’m not looking to copy or recreate sounds from the past,” he explains..
Hicks is a thrilling paradox, a sonic contradiction. He’s an old-soul roots scholar who salutes ancient musical forms – blues, jazz, soul, funk, gospel – but also a renegade gunslinger here to bend, stretch and scratch them for the modern world. His songs range from earworm originals, past pop covers torn up with electronica and punky riffs, to reignited blues standards that prove how potent this genre still is in the right hands.
Feb 6, South Orange Performing Arts Center, South Orange, NJ Feb 26, The Funky Biscuit, Boca Raton, FL Feb 28, 2026, Vero Beach Blues Festival, Vero Beach, FL
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
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