French quartet Mourir are preparing to release their second full-length studio album, Nous, le venin, on 10th July via Pelagic Records. Their forward-thinking take on black metal and uncompromising approach to their work marks them out as ones to watch when they present this new material live at festivals across Europe including Hellfest, Rock In Bourlon and Resurrection Festival in the months to come.
Mourir about the new single: “‘Nous, le venin’ is born from a deep disgust toward contemporary individualism. The track denounces the self-centered, cynical, and elitist man, trapped within his bubble of comfort and unaware of the privileges. The piece unfolds in three movements: a deep, heavy, imposing introduction; followed by an aggressive, hateful development — a total rejection. It ends on a quasi-religious, hopeful note, emphasizing the importance of coming together, of communing toward something deeper, more beautiful, something capable of lifting us higher”
With a demo, an album and an experimental EP to their name, the four-piece retreated to the studio at the end of 2025 to write the music for Nous, le venin. Recorded in January 2026 with Amaury Sauvé (Birds in row, Igorrr, Pneu) at The Apiary Studio in Laval, France, the six tracksare the very embodiment of Mourir’s approach to black metal. Although they draw inspiration from many artists in the old-school black metal world, they opted to lean into a more modern sound – one that would allow the depth of their sonic choices to shine. Blending elements of sludge and post-metal to the rawness of their black metal sound, and combining this with a mixthat gives space to both the low frequencies and the high-octane viscerality, Mourir have created something both distinctive and captivating.
Thematically, the band turn their detached gaze towards an ever-more untethered modern society, one that is inhospitable to those seeking meaning in the cruelty and absurdity of aseemingly senseless world. Yet within these tracks exists slivers of light, of hope and ofluminosity – a belief that something better is possible is woven throughout the melodic passagesand most celestial, ecstatic elements of their sound. The evocative cover art by Thomas Davezac captures the feeling of disconnection that permeates the album.
Mourir have recorded an album that cements their place among underground greats who deftlyeschew the nostalgic trappings of black metal convention and breathe new life into the genre. Nous, le venin is imbued with raw emotion that is perfectly complemented by stylistic choices that echo the sentiment of being freed from the chains of the past.
Nous, le venin track list:
1. Ennui Ennemi 2. Mon rêve animal 3. Feu d’un regard 4. Je est absent 5. Aux inutiles 6. Nous, le venin
KÄRBHOLZ will release ‘Dämmerlicht’ on 15 May, the first lead single from their upcoming new studio album ‘Sturm Zieh Auf’, which is due out on 18 September via Metalville. Pre-orders for the album also open this Friday.
The video premiere for ‘Dämmerlicht’, including a live chat with the band, will take place on 15 May at 6 pm CET on the KÄRBHOLZ YouTube channel, here: https://www.youtube.com/@kaerbholzband
Do I have to bow to conventional norms? Do I have to give up my individuality and my nature in order to fit into a mould that others have declared to be the norm? “Dämmerlicht” explores these questions and concludes that saying no to them brings with it at least two consequences: a great deal of resistance, but also the chance for personal fulfilment and making peace with expectations of us that cannot be met, and ultimately the realisation… that we are enough.
STURM ZIEH AUF
…When the storm shatters the silence…
Three years have passed since the double release of ‘Kapitel 10: Wilde Augen’ and ‘Kapitel 11: Barrikaden’. Three years in which the world did not stand still and the band used the time to brew up a whirlwind that is now breaking loose with full force: ‘Sturm zieh auf’.
An atmospheric exchange of energy
A storm is more than just wind. It is a raw, uncontrollable force. It brings destruction, yes – but it creates the space that is so desperately needed for something new. It is the atmospheric exchange of energy that sweeps away the old to make room for change. On their new album, KÄRBHOLZ set this very moment of transformation to music.
With 13 tracks brimming with passion and emotion, the band captures the full spectrum of a storm: from the oppressive ‘calm before the storm’ through fear and unease to the boundless freedom that emerges when the pressure eases.
Authentic, edgy, uncompromising
“Sturm zieh auf” pays no heed to conventions or compatibility. The album draws on the harder elements of the band’s history and creates a self-contained universe that does not seek to please at any cost – and perhaps touches the listener so deeply precisely for that reason. It is a work for those who are prepared to question their listening habits.
•No whining, no finger-pointing: KÄRBHOLZ do not blame external circumstances. •Focus on the self: It’s about the power of the individual to rise above the status quo. •Unbridled positivity: Amidst the chaos, the band finds happiness in the small, essential things in life.
The ‘why’ determines the ‘how’
In the spirit of Nietzsche, the album conveys a clear message: ‘If I know a why, I can bear almost any how.’ “Sturm zieh auf” is the soundtrack for this journey. It is the musical manifestation of resilience – an invitation to face the storm, to enjoy it, and to emerge from it stronger.
KÄRBHOLZ are back. Louder, harder and more reflective than ever before.
“STURM ZIEH AUF” TRACK LISTING
01 Sturm zieh auf 02 Wenn ich fall 03 Dämmerlicht 04 Kryptonit 05 Mut 06 Augenblick 07 Messers Schneide 08 Glück 09 Sonnenfinsternis 10 Wo man tanzt 11 Gottes Kind 12 Kintsugi 13 Des Todes Bruder
KÄRBHOLZ LINE UP
Torben Höffgen – vocals Adrian Kühn – guitars Stefan Wirths – bass Henning Münch – drums
TOUR DATES
29.05.26 IT – Freinfeld, Campo Di Trens – Waldstadion Open Air 30.05.26 AT – Feldkirch – Altes Hallenbad 04.-06.06.26 DE – Windeck-Rosbach – Kärbholz Heimspiel 2026 19.06.26 DE – Eberswalde – Familiengarten 20.06.26 DE – Torgau – Schloss Hartenfels 11.07.26 DE – Augsburg – Sommer Am Kiez 24.07.26 DE – Königstein – Festung Königstein Open Air 31.07.26 DE – Laichingen – Rock Dein Leben 01.08.26 DE – Wacken – Wacken Open Air 06.08.26 CH – Brienz – Brienzer See Rockfestival 18.09.26 DE – Köln – MS Rheinmagie (Record Release Show) 19.09.26 DE – Köln – MS Rheinmagie
RECORD RELEASE TOUR 2026
01.10.2026 CH – Aarburg – Musigburg 02.10.2026 DE Lindau – Club Vaudeville 03.10.2026 DE – Geiselwind – Music Hall 04.10.2026 AT – Wien – Szene 15.10.2026 DE – Saarbrücken – Garage 16.10.2026 DE – Heidelberg – Halle 02 17.10.2026 DE – Stuttgart – LKA Longhorn 18.10.2026 DE – München – Backstage Werk 20.10.2026 DE – Erfurt – Central 21.10.2026 DE – Köln – Live Music Hall 22.10.2026 DE – Bielefeld – Lokschuppen 23.10.2026 DE – Berlin – Huxleys 24.10.2026 DE – Leipzig – Felsenkeller 06.11.2026 DE – Hamburg – Inselpark Arena 07.11.2026 DE – Oberhausen – Turbinenhalle 1 08.11.2026 DE – Frankfurt – Batschkapp 20.11.2026 DE – Neubrandenburg – HKB 21.11.2026 DE – Dresde – Reithalle Strasse E
REVOE is a progressive band from Ostrołęka, Poland, boldly combining the power of heavy metal with a broad spectrum of musical inspirations. The band has been active continuously since 2014 – initially under the name KARRAKAN – consistently refining its own musical language and attention to detail. Their last concert as KARRAKAN, combined with the album’s release and official name change, took place on January 17, 2026.
The new name, an acronym for the band’s debut album, “Revolution of Essence“, symbolizes a transformation of essence and a paradigm shift – understood by the musicians as the highest form of intellectual development. It is also a manifestation of the creative passion, patient composing, and meticulous attention to detail that are the band’s hallmarks.
REVOE‘s debut album is a sprawling, multi-layered musical narrative, drawing inspiration from Dream Theater, Tool, Metallica, Iron Maiden, Kat, and King Diamond, as well as bold explorations into Celtic folk, jazz, and classic rock, inspired by Queen, Led Zeppelin, and Deep Purple. The album contains 14 tracks, including three instrumental compositions, and was recorded in the band’s private studio. Mariusz Mierzejewski (Rock Wizja Studio) handled the mixing and mastering.
The material is distinguished by its diversity: from heavy metal and hard rock to a fully folk-infused piece featuring acoustic guitars, hurdy-gurdy, nyckelharpa, flutes, mystical drums, and a choir. The lyrics – in both English and Polish – draw on the poetry of Edgar Allan Poe and Alfred Sierzputowski. The sound is selective yet organic: metal guitars with a distinct midrange, natural garage drums, and strong, melodic vocals, often harmonized, occasionally broken up by screams or growls. This is an album for listeners who enjoy returning to the songs again and again, discovering new nuances each time.
The visuals have also been meticulously crafted. The cover (a photo created using space scanning technology) – without the use of AI – was designed by Krzysztof Głażewski, a professional visual artist known for his work with the band Batushka. The album is accompanied by a 16-page booklet containing only lyrics and key information, and its focal point is a wide photo of the band – the perfect place to collect autographs.
“Listening to it in the car, the catchy melodies and rhythms, along with the genre-spanning variety of the songs, will allow you to focus on the here and now while simultaneously relaxing during the drive,” the band comment.
The album can be listened to on streaming platforms (link here) and purchased in a physical version on CD directly from the band via Bandcamp (link here).
TRACKLIST:
Fire You Shall Never Betray
Heavy Weather Feast
Allocation Of Beauty
War Against Zero
Panto Dance
The Shape Of Infinity
Riders Of Nonsense
Robak Zdobywca cz.1
Robak Zdobywca cz.2
Astaragalia
Średniowieczne kino
Traktat serdeczny
Post-apo Dance
Heat Up Your Soul White
LINEUP:
Piotr Sierzputowski – guitar, vocal Jan Sierzputowski – saxophone, keyboard Albert Bielak – guitar Marek Kowalski – bass Dominik Górski – drums
SWEET “The Answer” album will be released on July 10th at Metalville.
Originally released in 1992 under the title ‘A’, a version of the original album expanded to include various bonus tracks, entitled ‘The Answer’, was released three years later.
Andy Scott once again succeeded in putting together a top-class line-up, consisting of Mal McNulty (Slade), Bodo Schopf (Eloy/MSG), Jeff Brown (Wildfire) and Steve Mann (MSG/Lionheart).
With ‘The Answer’, Sweet managed to reinvent themselves without losing sight of their roots. The songs feature timeless hard rock with metal influences, yet always remain unmistakably Sweet.
The album is regarded as a genuine, long-overlooked gem in the band’s discography. Having been available only to collectors for years, ‘The Answer’ is now finally back in stock on CD and vinyl for all fans of this British glam and hard rock legend.
TRACK LISTING
Do As I Say
X-Ray Specs
Am I Ever Going To See Your Face Again
Stand Up
Noveau Rock Star
Natural
Mind
Marshall Stack
Red Tape
When Friends Fall Out
Is It True
Dangerous Game
I Don’t Want To Say Goodnight
Crudley Mott
Marshal Stack (Alt Ending)
Do As I Say (Single Mix)
Stand Up (Heavy Rock Version)
LINE UP Mal McNulty – lead vocals and backing vocals Andy Scott – guitars, lead and backing vocals Steve Mann – guitars, keyboards, backing vocals Jeff Brown – bass, backing vocals Bodo Schopf – drums
On Wednesday, May 13th Canadian roots, rock, and soul band Bywater Call are excited to announce the release of their third studio single of 2026, “No One Else”, and the July 29th release of their forthcoming fourth studio album Broken Souvenirs. The album is available to pre-order HERE.
Watch the “No One Else” music video on YouTube HERE.
A sonically bombastic retro soul banger inspired by the Black Puma’s, Baby Huey, Alabama Shakes, and a little Rage Against the Machine, “No One Else” is anchored by infectious rhythm, layered with atmospheric keyboards, and backed by an explosive horn section.
At its core, the song is a rejection letter, repelling the advances of the liars and conmen who seek to control us. The lyrics are steeped in the frustration of someone who has been ripped off, taken advantage of, used, and left for dead.
“This song is a reflection of how, in the current world of manipulation and misinformation, we continue to allow deceitfulness to cause harm,” says Bywater Call’s guitarist Dave Barnes. “In the end, we have the strength within to defeat evil and take back our own power. If we don’t, there is no one else to blame but ourselves.”
“No One Else” is indicative of Bywater Call’s mission to meld old and new sounds and influences, while continuing to carve out a lane of their own. This journey to evolve and experiment as a band, while aiming to deliver the emotion and musical drive that followers have come to love, can be heard throughout the new album Broken Souvenirs.
“No One Else” was recorded at Palace Studios in Toronto, mixed by Patric McGroarty, and mastered by Kristian Montano of Montano Mastering.
The official video for the single was choreographed and directed by Chelsea Preston and filmed by Badee Mirkham. This provocative, visually stunning piece uses fire to represent the evils of our current political and cultural landscape and paper masks to represent how fragile and easily manipulated we all can be if we don’t keep our minds about us.
Broken Souvenirs features a captivating mix of 11 original songs that showcases Bywater Call’s versatility, musicality, and experimentation. It reaches beyond the boundaries of genre and further develops their own unique voice. With influences from Black Pumas, Alabama Shakes, Amy Winehouse, Shakey Graves, Black Crowes and more, the album takes a journey from feelgood retro soul, intimate acoustic, to driving contemporary R&B and back again.
Often transcending genres, Bywater Call is known for their dynamic, emotional live shows, featuring powerful vocals and exciting interplay between all band members. In early 2026 Bywater Call was nominated for the third time by the UK Blues Awards for “International Act of the Year” (they were previously nominated in 2025 and 2024). Classic Rock made Bywater Call’s 2024 studio album Shepherd their “Blues Album of the Month” and said it was “an inventive and uncommonly catchy record. the sense of a band on the brink is unmistakable.” Shepherd was also voted “Top Blues Album of the Year” in Classic Rock’s year-end round-up.
EUROPE 202614-May | Dudenhofen Germany | Kulturverein Dudenhofen 15-May | Rimsting Germany | Feuerwehrhaus 16-May | Affalter Germany | Zur Linde 17-May | Regensburg Germany | VAZ Pfarrheim 19-May | Norderstedt Germany | Music Star 20-May | Bremen Germany | Meisenfrei 21-May | Werchter Belgium | Blue Rooster 22-May | Weert Netherlands | De Bosuil 23-May | Unna Germany | Lindenbrauerei 24-May | Raalte Netherlands | Ribs & Blues Festival 27-May | Verviers Belgium | Spirit of 66 28-May | Krefeld Germany | Kulturrampe 29-May | Haarlem Netherlands | Patronaat 30-May | Tilburg Netherlands | Heyhoef 31-May | Aalten Netherlands| LSA Music 2-Jun | Arnstadt Germany | Kulisse 3-Jun | Aschaffenburg Germany| Colos-Saal 4-Jun | Köln Germany | Die Kantine / Freideck 5-Jun | Luxemburg Luxemburg | Blues Club 6-Jun | Riotord France | Climax Club Legend 7-Jun | Le Thor France | Sonograf 9-Jun | Chambery France | Brin de Zinc 13-Jun | Penmarch France | God Save The Kouign Festival 16-Jun | Tenerife Grand Canaria | Teatro Leal 17-Jun | Las Palmas Grand Canaria | Teatro Guiniguada
U.S. / CANADA 2026Jun-27 | Winter Park, CO | Blues From the Top Jun-30 | Ridgefield, CT | CHIRP 2026 Jul 1 | Londonderry, NH | Concerts on the Common Jul 2 | Saratoga Springs, NY | Parting Glass Jul 3 | Hawley, PA | Harmony in the Woods Jul 7 | Gravenhurst, ON | Peter’s Players Jul 10 | Sarnia, ON | Rustr Jul 11 | Kincardine, ON | Lighthouse Blues Festival Jul 12 | Sherman, NY | Pine Junction * Jul 13 | Warrendale, PA | Jergel’s * Jul 14 | Columbia, MD | Collective Encore Jul 15 | Ardmore, PA | Ardmore Hall * Jul 17 | Moscow, ID | Rendezvous in the Park Jul 18 | Nine Mile Falls, WA | Live at Andres Jul 19 | Winthrop. WA | Winthrop Rhythm and Blues Festival Jul 25 | Waterville, OH | Blues, Brews & Brats Aug 13 | Saranac Lake, NY | Waterhole Aug 14 | Putney, VT | Bandwagon Series Aug 17 | Lima, NY | Fanatics Aug 28 | Paola, KS | Paola Roots Festival Sep 16 | Fredericton, NB | Harvest Music Festival Sep 25 | Palmer Rapids, ON | Highlands FestivalEU / U.K. 202624-Jan 2027 | Bonn, DE | Harmonie 27-Jan 2027 | Faversham, UK | The Old Brewery Store 28-Jan 2027 | Southampton, UK | The Brook 30-Jan 2027 | Exeter, UK | Phoenix 31-Jan 2027 | Sheffield, UK | Yellow Arch 2-Feb 2027 | York, UK | Crescent 3-Feb 2027 | Glasgow, UK | Oran Mor 4-Feb 2027 | Manchester, UK | Band on the Wall 5-Feb 2027 | London, UK | 100 Club 6-Feb 2027 | Norwich, UK | WaterfrontU.S. 2027Apr 10 | Tampa Bay, FL | Tampa Bay Blues Festival Apr 11 | Miramar Beach, FL | Soundwave Festival
About Bywater CallOften transcending genres, Bywater Call is known for their dynamic, emotional live shows, featuring powerful vocals and exciting interplay between all band members. A powerhouse seven-piece Southern soul, roots rock outfit from Toronto, Canada; the band is comprised of Meghan Parnell (vocals), Dave Barnes (guitar), Bruce McCarthy (drums), Mike Meusel (bass), newest member, Andrew Moljgun (keys), Stephen Dyte (trumpet), and Julian Nalli (tenor sax).
Bywater Call was nominated for the “2025 UK Blues Award” for “International Blues Artist of the Year” for the second consecutive year, alongside artists including Beth Hart and Walter Trout. The band has also received multiple Independent “Blues and Canadian Maple Blues Award” nominations including “Entertainer,” “Electric Act,” and “Best Female Vocalist” at the 2024 Awards Season.
In March, Bywater Call played their second Joe Bonamassa “Keeping the Blues Alive” cruise, featuring headliners Big Head Todd and the Monsters and Larkin Poe. In 2025, they play the Netherland’s BOSPOP Festival alongside the likes of the Black Keys, Warren Haynes Band, Marcus King, and Blackberry Smoke.
The band has opened for Canadian award-winning musicians Whitehorse and Tom Cochrane, and singer Meghan has joined renowned pedal-steel guitarist Robert Randolph on stage at his request.
Their newest studio album Shepherd was selected as the Blues Album of the Year by UK’s Classic Rock Magazine. Band leaders Meghan Parnell and Dave Barnes were featured on the cover of Blues in Britain in January of 2025. Their 2025 live album Sunshine was released in August 2025 to rave reviews.
In 2025, the band played 130 shows across 11 countries. Bywater Call’s music is an exploration of life’s highs and lows. From intimate ballads that lay bare the complexities of human emotion to electrifying anthems that demand to be played at full volume, their catalogue is a journey through human experience, featuring influences from the likes of The Band, The Wood Brothers, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Otis Redding, Little Feat, Sly and the Family Stone, and many more.
LEATHERWITCH proudly unleashes their new single, “Heroes And The Dice,” taken from the upcoming debut album, ‘First Spell,’ set for release on May 29th via Listenable Records. The new track arrives alongside an official music video, available to view below.
“Heroes And The Dice” is the second single and music video from LEATHERWITCH’s upcoming ‘First Spell’ studio album. Packed with speed metal riffing, an in-your-face heavy metal atmosphere, and a tribute to D&D, RPG, and board game enthusiasts, the track delivers a full-throttle dose of fantasy-fueled metal. LEATHERWITCH is the new band of Marta Gabriel, the former frontwoman of Crystal Viper, as well as a multi-instrumentalist and respected session musician.
The witch is dead, long live the witch!
After disbanding Crystal Viper, Marta Gabriel – who is also a respected session musician and has toured and recorded with acts such as Vader, Manilla Road, and Metalucifer – strikes back with her new band.
LEATHERWITCH presents a new approach, new attitude, new quality, and new energy.
The debut single “Beast Inside” (Out Now) where fast headbanging rhythms, classic Speed Metal riffing, a pounding rhythm section, shredding guitar solos, and super catchy vocal lines meet a classic gothic horror werewolf tale, revealing what is to be expected from the debut album, ‘First Spell,’ which will be released on May 29th via Listenable Records.
1) Heroes And The Dice 2) Beast Inside 3) Bound By The Night 4) Silver Stallions 5) Living In The Fast Lane 6) The New Beginning 7) Two Tons Of Steel 8) In The Middle Of The Night
Exclusive Bonus Tracks:
Walls Of Jericho / Ride The Sky (Helloween cover) – Only on the CD version
Black Wind, Fire And Steel (Manowar cover) – Only on the Vinyl version
‘First Spell’ Will Be Available in the Following Formats: => Limited Edition De Luxe Blue / Black Vinyl with Exclusive Bonus Track => Limited Edition O Card CD with Exclusive Bonus Track => Comes with Free Postcard, Poster, and Coaster
Line up: Marta Gabriel – vocals, guitar, bass, drums Special guest: Giuseppe Taormina – guitar solo
THE ROCK ALCHEMIST – Italian Rock Band from Turin with a strong sonic identity that blends modern rock with progressive, hard, alternative, and pop elements!
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 