German melodic death metal outfit ABROGATION proudly announce the release of their new studio album “Widerschein”, set to arrive in March 20th,2026 via Massacre Records. The album will be available as Digipak, Black Vinyl LP and digital formats, delivering a modern and narrative-driven take on melodic death metal rooted in the traditions of German metal while pushing forward into a more ambitious sonic identity.
To mark the album announcement, ABROGATION present the first single “Morgenrot”, accompanied by an official music video. Driven by cinematic atmospheres, sweeping melodies and dramatic vocal dynamics, the track explores the idea that the fate of humanity lies only partially in individual hands – when kings burn the world, salvation can only grow from the embers of hope.
Evoking themes of conflict, destiny and fragile collective salvation, “Morgenrot”stands as a key narrative pillar within “Widerschein”: a reflection on the limited agency of individuals in times of catastrophe and the necessity of hope as the only path toward redemption.
With “Widerschein”, ABROGATION deliver the culmination of a long and intense creative period. Guitarist Kutte took a significantly stronger role in the songwriting process, while vocalist Benny gained full autonomy over the lyrical narrative – resulting in a record that is thematically deeper, musically tighter and boldly experimental without sacrificing the band’s signature identity.
Most tracks were conceived during the pandemic period and refined through an extensive pre-production phase before recording. Mixed by Ricardo Borges and Jens Bogren, and mastered by Tony Lindgren at Fascination Street Studios, the album carries a powerful and contemporary sonic profile that elevates its emotional weight and musical precision. The result bridges the organic character of the band with a contemporary and cinematic dimension, visually complemented by Claudia Heßler’s artwork, which ties the album’s conceptual themes together.
TRACKLIST
Anbeginn
Puppenspieler
Kleiner Mann
Morgenrot
Der Nimmersatt
Spieglein, Spieglein
Nur weil ich es sag’
Aus Einem hab ich Zwei gemacht
Gegenwind
Die letzte Sinfonie
LINE-UP Benny – Vocals Poldi – Guitars Kutte – Guitars RW – Bass John Doe – Drums
Forged from the depths of ancient myth and blackened Nordic landscapes, Vreid’s new single “Kraken” emerges as the official soundtrack to Nordisk Film’s upcoming epic feature of the same name. The track arrives January 23, accompanied by a cinematic music video, ahead of the film’s global rollout throughout 2026.
On January 23, Norwegian metal pioneers Vreid release “Kraken”, a monumental instrumental piece written as the official score for the feature film Kraken. Rooted in the blackened spirit of Sognametal and the brutal mythology of the Sognefjord, the song channels ancient forces, crushing atmospheres and a sense of inevitable awakening. A music video built from the film’s universe will follow the single release.
Set beneath Norway’s deepest fjord, Kraken tells the story of a colossal, ancient creature resting below the surface, a force of nature ready to rise. The film is already sold to more than 35 international markets and will premiere in Norwegian cinemas on February 6, with international releases throughout 2026.
Producer Einar Loftesnes describes the collaboration as inevitable. “The song that Kvåle has written for this movie is the quintessential soundtrack of Sogn. This Vreid song captures the essence of Sognametal, the Kraken legend and creates the perfect sonic landscape of the dark nature where both elements originated and have blended together.”
For songwriter Jarle Kvåle, the project is deeply personal. “Growing up by the Sognefjord at times felt like growing up in a David Lynch world. Einar has taken that atmosphere through his many projects and wrapped Sogn into that world. It was an absolute privilege to write music for the universe he has created, and I am proud that Vreid is now a part of this cinematic world.”
The collaboration comes full circle. Long before Vreid existed, Loftesnes was the band members’ music teacher and helped record their earliest demos. More than 30 years later, they reunite for a project rooted in the same landscape, the same darkness and the same uncompromising vision.
An album born from challenge and reinvention
Vreid describe the creation of their upcoming album The Skies Turn Black as one of the most demanding, yet rewarding, processes of their career. What began with inspiration turned into a difficult period where communication and direction faltered. Through persistence and recalibration, the band emerged with eleven songs shaped by both struggle and artistic renewal.
Five years after their previous album, Vreid now stand firmly behind the new material. They point to the strength of the songwriting, the production developed together with producer Anders Nordengen, and the handcrafted artwork by Kim Holm. Most importantly, the band feels they have created an album that represents some of their finest work and a meaningful evolution of their sound.
The Skies Turn Black arrives on March 6, 2026. In the same year, Vreid will return to European stages on a major tour alongside Hypocrisy, Abbath and Vomitory, bringing their new material to some of the continent’s most celebrated metal cities. The album is already now available for pre-order.
5X Platinum-certified alternative rock mainstays THE RED JUMPSUIT APPARATUS (@redjumpsuitapparatus) are excited to announce the deluxe edition of their sixth album, X’s For Eyes, due out March 6 via Better Noise Music. Pre-orders are available now HERE. Also, the band have shared “Angels Cry,” a new, unreleased track. Listen to “Angels Cry” HERE and watch the video, directed by Shane Drake at Say So Pictures with additional production by Michael Lombardi from Better Noise, HERE.
Singer and frontman Ronnie Winter describes “Angels Cry” as “a bittersweet story of love and loss in early teenage years. As an adult, I’ve learned these things are natural, but when you are young it feels like the end of the world. Turns out it was just the beginning.”
“Angels Cry” follows the release of the single “Perfection” from X’s For Eyes and its video directed by Shane Drake (Panic! At The Disco, Paramore). The album’s other singles and videos are:
· “X’s For Eyes”: stream/download the song HERE and watch the video HERE · “Slipping Through (No Kings)”: stream/download the song HERE and watch the video HERE · “Home Improvement”: stream/download the song HERE and watch the video HERE
Originally released on October 3, 2025 via Better Noise Music, the 11 songs on X’s For Eyes find the band revving up their caffeinated pop sensibilities, throwing down the punishing riffola, delivering more electronic and ambient flourishes, and topping all of it off with Winter’s high-pitched emoting. Factor in some hair-raising cameos from Sleeping With Sirens’ Kellin Quinn (“Always The King”) and Escape The Fate frontman Craig Mabbitt (“Worth It”) and the result is genuinely RJA’s most strident full-length offering yet.
Formed in 2004 in Jacksonville, FL, the band has accrued Gold and multi-Platinum singles—including their massive 5x Platinum hit single “Face Down” (which has over 176 million views on YouTube), 2x Platinum “Your Guardian Angel” (which has over 37 million views on YouTube)—and 2x Platinum-certified debut album, DON’T YOU FAKE IT, alongside numerous high-ranking radio chart positions and a robust digital history of over 1.5 billion career streams. Sometimes it’s hard to believe that THE RED JUMPSUIT APPARATUS began their expedition into the hearts and minds of a generation 20 years ago. Their blazing 2006 single “Face Down” delivered both anthemic choruses and a strident message about domestic abuse, achieving both sales accolades and adoration from crowds all over the planet.
Here’s the track listing for the X’s For Eyes deluxe edition:
Always The King (feat Kellin Quinn)
Purple Halo
Perfection
X’s for Eyes
Bad Beat
Slipping Through (No Kings)
Angels Cry
Home Improvement
Twenty Hour Drive
Kins and Carroll
Getting By
Worth It (feat. Craig Mabbitt)
Not Today
Perfection (feat. Derek Sanders)
Slipping Through (No Kings) [screams version]
Check out THE RED JUMPSUIT APPARATUS as they continue to perform throughout the U.S. and head to South America and Asia later this year:
February 26 – Gainesville, FL – The Wooly February 27 – West Palm Beach, FL – The Banyan Live February 28 – St. Augustine, FL – Café Eleven March 1 – Tallahassee, FL – Fire Betty’s Arcade Bar March 5 – Tampa, FL – The Orpheum March 6 – Pensacola, FL – Vinyl Music Hall March 7 – Biloxi, MS – The Sanctuary-Biloxi March 20 – Mexico City – Foro 28 March 22 – Bogota, Colombia – Boro Room March 25- Recoleta, Chile – Sala Metronomo March 26 – Abasto, Argentina – Uniclub March 28 – Sao Paolo, Brazil – Hangar 10-Musica & Cultura May 8 – Manila, Philippines – SM Mall of Asia May 9 – Cebu City, Philippines – Waterfront Hotel & Casino Cebu City May 14 – Columbus, OH – Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival 2026
This is a big moment forSABATON (@sabatonofficial), the #1 Global Power Metal Band and one of Sweden’s most successful bands. They’ve charged into the Top 10 on the Billboard “Mainstream Rock Airplay” chart this week with the updated version of “Crossing the Rubicon” featuring NOTHING MORE (released October 17, 2025 via Better Noise Music), marking their first-ever appearance on the chart. Watch the lyric video for “Crossing The Rubicon” (featuring NOTHING MORE)HERE andstream/download the trackHERE.
This news comes as SABATON gear up for their 32-date North American headline tour kicking off February 9 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Having launched their massive worldwide tour this past October in Istanbul, Turkey, SABATON are pumped to bring their explosive stage presence and epic concert experience to major stops in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Boston before wrapping April 20 in Vancouver, BC. Tickets and VIP packages are available nowat LiveNation.com and on SABATON’s official website, with VIP packages available HERE.
“This was an unexpected surprise and a very welcome one,” says SABATON bassist Pär Sundström. “Sabaton never takes any support for granted, so this means a lot to us! To have this news just before we are heading over to start our North American tour makes us extra excited to come and play for our American fans!”
“This is a huge milestone for us,” continues Joakim Brodén. “Reaching the Top 10 on the Billboard ‘Mainstream Rock Airplay’ chart for the first time is something we’re very proud of, especially in the U.S.! Seeing ‘Crossing the Rubicon’ connect with rock radio and fans the way it has is an amazing feeling. We couldn’t have done this without the support of our record label, Better Noise Music, our listeners, radio stations, and of course our labelmates, NOTHING MORE!”
SABATON’s Top Ten success has reinforced Better Noise Music’s position as “The Artist Development Company” and built on the label’s other radio/chart successes with NOTHING MORE, whose current album Carnal achieved four #1 rock hits, and THE FUNERAL PORTRAIT, who this week have landed their third #1 rock hit with “Dark Thoughts.”
Better Noise Music President/COO Steve Kline says:“Sabaton’s breakthrough into the Top 10 is a huge milestone, that reflects the band’s broad appeal. This achievement also speaks to the strength of our artist development efforts. Congratulations to Jackie Kajzer for leading the charge on radio and helping Sabaton reach this exciting new level.”
Meanwhile, the band andBetter Noise Films has announced the launch of “You’re History,” a new episodic horror YouTube miniseries that merges heavy music, horror, and historical stories. Released in connection with their 11th studio album LEGENDS (October 17, 2025, via Better Noise Music) and marking the band’s label debut, the series was created and directed by actor, director and Chief Creative Officer Michael Lombardi (The Retaliators, Rescue Me, The Deuce) and written by The Geare Brothers.
The official trailer premiered exclusively viaBloody Disgusting and can be viewedHERE. The pilot episode is now available to streamHERE, which features “Crossing the Rubicon” reimagined through a visceral slasher narrative inspired by Julius Ceasar. It stars horror icon Jeffrey Combs (Re-Animator, Frighteners) and Sirius XM personality Jose Mangin as one of its lead characters. Additional episodes of “You’re History” will air in 2026 and continue to combine various rock and metal songs and artists, horror icons, and infamous historical figures.
“‘Crossing the Rubicon’ and the ‘You’re History’ series was born from the creative DNA we live by at Better Noise Music,” says Lombardi. “As Chief Creative Officer, I’ve always believed we’re not just a record label—we’re a storytelling company that thinks outside the box. We don’t operate like an assembly line; we go deep with our artists, their lyrics, and the worlds they create, and that collaborative energy is what sparked this series.”
“Sabaton are a fascinating band because they bring world history to life. We wanted to combine our love of rock, horror, and storytelling to show how music like theirs can make history feel epic and alive,” Lombardi adds. “YouTube has now become the frontline of modern culture. Long-form storytelling, shorts, and everything in between now live side by side, and that hybrid format is changing how fans discover music, artists, and narratives. With ‘You’re History,’ I’m leaning all the way into that shift—building a world that can exist as a bingeable miniseries, as trailer moments, as shorts, and as music-driven content that lives and breathes on the platform. This is the kind of boundary-pushing, multimedia storytelling that Better Noise was built to do—and ‘Crossing the Rubicon’ is just the beginning. Each episode of ‘You’re History’ will collide heavy music, major rock stars, horror icons, and infamous historical figures into a wild, dark ride.”
“When Michael presented me the idea by saying it’s Sabaton colliding with history and horror I was in right away,” says Jose Mangin. “I’m proud to be involved with this and had so much fun playing Coach Vasquez in this mini horror movie. I can’t believe Jeffrey Combs in this too?! Whenever I can get bloody and physical, I’m all about it. Working with Michael was awesome, and I look forward to doing more with him and horror in the future!”
Better Noise Music has a busy 2026 ahead of them, with new releases coming soon from From Ashes To New, The HU, Dirty Heads, Five Finger Death Punch, and more. Stay tuned for exciting news coming soon.
Here are SABATON’s 2026 North American and worldwide tour dates: Mon 2/9 Fort Lauderdale, FL War Memorial Auditorium Tue 2/10 Tampa, FL Yuengling Center Fri 2/13 Houston, TX 713 Music Hall Sat 2/14 Dallas, TX South Side Ballroom Sun 2/15 San Antonio, TX Boeing Center at Tech Port Wed 2/18 Phoenix, AZ Arizona Financial Theatre Fri 2/20 Los Angeles, CA The Kia Forum Sat 2/21 Wheatland, CA Hard Rock Live Tue 2/24 Salt Lake City, UT The Union Event Center Thu 2/26 Loveland, CO Blue Arena Fri 2/27 Omaha, NE Steelhouse Omaha Sat 2/28 St. Louis, MO The Factory Mon 3/2 Des Moines, IA Vibrant Music Hall Tue 3/3 Minneapolis, MN The Armory Wed 3/4 Chicago, IL The Salt Shed Fri 3/6 Milwaukee, WI Landmark Credit Union Live Sat 3/7 Cincinnati, OH The Andrew J Brady Music Center Sun 3/8 Detroit, MI The Fillmore Detroit Tue 3/10 Pittsburgh, PA UPMC Events Center Wed 3/11 Philadelphia, PA The Met Philadelphia presented by Highmark Thu 3/12 Boston, MA MGM Music Hall at Fenway Sat 3/14 Virginia Beach, VA The Dome Sun 3/15 Washington, DC The Theater at MGM National Harbor Tue 3/17 Greensboro, NC Greensboro Special Events Center Wed 3/18 Atlanta, GA Coca-Cola Roxy Mon 4/6 Halifax, NS. Scotiabank Centre Thu 4/9 Laval, QC. Place Bell Sat 4/11 Toronto, ON. Great Canadian Toronto Tue 4/14 Winnipeg, MB. Burton Cummings Theatre Fri 4/17 Edmonton, AB. Edmonton Convention Centre Sat 4/18 Calgary, AB. Grey Eagle Event Centre Mon 4/20 Vancouver, BC. PNE Forum
Sun 5/31 Gdansk, Poland Ergo Arena Wed 6/3 Plzen, Czech Republic Amphitheater Lochotin Fri 6/5 Nancy, France Heavy Week-End Sat 6/6 Nürnberg, Germany Rock im Park Sun 6/7 Nürburgring, Germany Rock am Ring Thu 6/11 Interlaken, Switzerland Greenfield Festival Sat 6/13 Nickelsdorf, Austria Nova Rock Wed 6/17 Nimes, France Festival de Nimes Fri 6/19 Clisson, France Hellfest Sun 6/21 Dessel, Belgium Graspop Metal Meeting Wed 7/1 Viveiro, Spain Resurrection Fest Sat 7/4 Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Spain Barcelona Rock Fest Sun 7/5 Cartagena, Spain Rock Imperium Festival Thu 7/23 Plovdiv, Bulgaria BE4 Hills / Hills of Rock Sat 7/25 Athens, Greece Release Athens Festival Mon 7/27 Ghimbav, Romania Rockstadt Extreme Fest
Irish nu-metalcore outfit Following The Signs return with their commanding new single “Call To Rise”, taken from their forthcoming EP ‘EVOLVE’, set for release on March 20th.
A fierce statement of resistance and self-belief, ‘Call To Rise’ was written as a rallying cry for those living under oppression, whether imposed by individuals, systems, or governments. The track urges listeners to rise up and fight for what they believe is worth defending, a message that sits at the heart of EVOLVE. The song can be interpreted through two complementary lenses. One frames the struggle of humanity fighting to survive in a hostile, ever-threatening world. The other reflects the growing unrest of modern society, where corruption, abuse of power, and erosion of freedom point towards an inevitable uprising against authority.
Musically, ‘Call To Rise’ delivers the sound Following The Signs have honed since forming in Cork, Ireland, in 2018, a volatile blend of crushing metalcore, nu-metal groove, and progressive elements. Punishing riffs, towering breakdowns, and searing vocals are balanced by atmospheric moments that mirror both the fury and determination within the lyrics.
Following the release of their debut album Conflictions and singles such as Birthright and Stand Tall, EVOLVE represents the band’s most focused and ambitious work to date. The EP expands on themes of societal pressure, survival, and rebellion, positioning Following The Signs as a band unafraid to confront the realities of the modern world.
The band’s growing international profile has been reinforced by recent live performances outside Ireland, including shows in Warsaw and Kraków, Poland, where they played to their largest audiences so far, a clear signal of their increasing impact beyond their home scene.
With ‘Call To Rise’ and the forthcoming release of ‘EVOLVE‘ on March 20th, Following The Signs continue to establish themselves as a rising force in modern heavy music, delivering both sonic aggression and a message that resonates far beyond borders.
Evolve track-listing; Stuck in place Call to rise Break the frame Evolve Infectious
Following The Signs are: Alan Jevens – Vocals Noel Crowley – Guitars Vincent Renoux – Guitars Rory Taylor – Bass Chris Hanlon – Drums
Innovative Mongolian rock group and global phenomenon The HU continue to push the limits of rock and bring the world along with them on their latest single “The Real You,” out today (January 23) via Better Noise Music. With this new song, they’re bringing Western music components to the forefront with a heavy, atmospheric sound, a hard-charging rhythm, and gritty and positively menacing vocals. The track takes their Hunnu Rock, which blends traditional Mongolian instrumentation and throat singing with contemporary rock music, to an entirely new and breathtaking level.
“The Real You”—produced by Dashka (Dashdondog Bayarmagnai) and mixed by 5-time Grammy Award-winning producer, engineer, mixer, and musician Chris Lord-Alge—is available on all digital outlets HERE and the video can be seen HERE.
“‘The Real You’ single is the representation of our forthcoming new album,” says The HU’s Temka (tovshuur player, throat singer). “While we have traditional songs that have our signature rhythm in our third album, there are few upbeat, fast songs such as this single. We recorded this song thinking of our ancestors, riding fast on the horse back through the landscape. Listen to this song to express the feelings you have buried inside and feel the overwhelming energy we pass through to you. Enjoy!”
“The Real You” is asking listeners to not judge others but focus on themselves and therefore become a better person. It’s derived from the Mongolian proverb, “Don’t worry about what is on top of a person’s head, just worry about what is not on yours.” “The Real You” is sung in Mongolian, but listeners can feel the depth of its emotion and the ferocity of its intent with unflinching lyrics like “Will you keep slandering, gaslighting, menacing, and abusing?/Is it alright to keep enduring, fearing, and hiding?”
The HU have passionately and unforgettably brought Mongolian music to the music frontlines. In November 2022, The HU became the first-ever rock/metal band to receive the prestigious UNESCO “Artist for Peace” Designation at UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris, France by UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay. Previous recipients include Celine Dion, Shirley Bassey, Sarah Brightman, Herbie Hancock, Marcus Miller, and World Orchestra For Peace. With over 961 million all-time streams, 483 million video views, #1 charting albums, multiple sold-out headlining tours, prestigious government honors and awards, collaborations with several of rock’s biggest names, and featured music on video games including EA Games’ Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, THE HU have cemented their status as a global powerhouse.
Later this summer, The HU will join Iron Maiden at Knebworth Park in the U.K. on July 11 along with The Darkness, Airbourne, and The Almighty for their “Run For Your Lives” tour stop. Excitingly, The HU will also be part of the Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson “Freaks On Parade” U.S. tour along with Orgy, which kicks off August 20 in West Palm Beach, FL. See the full list of dates below. Tickets are available now via The HU’s website HERE.
Thu 8/20 West Palm Beach, FL iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre Fri 8/21 Tampa, FL MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre Sun 8/23 Alpharetta, GA Ameris Bank Amphitheatre Mon 8/24 Charlotte, NC PNC Music Pavilion Wed 8/26 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center Thu 8/27 Mansfield, MA Xfinity Center Sat 8/29 Burgettstown, PA The Pavilion at Star Lake Sun 8/30 Buffalo, NY Darien Lake Amphitheater Tue 9/1 Toronto, ONT. RBC Amphitheatre Wed 9/2 Cuyahoga Falls, OH Blossom Music Center Fri 9/4 Clarkston, MI Pine Knob Music Theatre Sat 9/5 Tinley Park, IL Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre Sun 9/6 Noblesville, IN Ruoff Music Center Wed 9/9 St. Louis, MO Hollywood Casino Amphitheater Thu 9/10 Kansas City, MO Morton Amphitheater Sat 9/12 Englewood, CO Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre Mon 9/14 Salt Lake City, UT Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre Thu 9/17 Auburn, WA White River Amphitheatre Fri 9/18 Ridgefield, WA Cascades Amphitheater Sun 9/20 Concord, CA Toyota Pavilion at Concord
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