Evans Blue has signed with Aphotic Records, marking a new chapter for the acclaimed rock band as they announce the release of their new single, “SPEAK.” The song received its radio premiere on SiriusXM Octane on October 8, 2026, introducing listeners to the next evolution of a band whose music has long given voice to the emotions people struggle to put into words.
Evans Blue has built its identity around emotionally charged rock that gives a voice to the things people struggle to say out loud. For years, the band has occupied the space where heavy, melodic rock collides with raw human emotion, building a catalog around the battles people often fight privately. Pain, anger, loss, isolation, resilience and survival aren’t simply themes within Evans Blue’s music. They’re part of its DNA. Through songs like “Erase My Scars,” “Cold,” and “This Time It’s Different,” the band has created a lasting connection with listeners through music rooted in pain, vulnerability, honesty and perseverance.
Now, Evans Blue begins it’s next chapter with “SPEAK.”
Dark, atmospheric and unflinchingly personal, “SPEAK” confronts the kind of grief that doesn’t disappear with time. It changes you. The song captures the battle between everything screaming inside your head and the inability to let any of it escape, until silence itself becomes another weight to carry.
“‘SPEAK’ is about carrying loss until silence becomes its own kind of prison,” says vocalist Dan Chandler. “It’s the kind of grief that changes who you are forever. And as much as it hurt you or changed you, you won’t give up on yourself.”
That is where “SPEAK” ultimately finds its power.
“SPEAK” was written and performed by Evans Blue and produced by Chris Dawson and Evans Blue, with Dawson also handling the mix. The track was mastered by Mike Kaljian.
For bassist Joe Pitter, the process of creating the new music has also represented a personal reconnection with the creative force that brought Evans Blue together in the first place.
“Working on these songs has given back an appreciation for music and sharing in creativity that I didn’t know I had lost. It feels like a step toward something that matters,” says Joe Pitter.
This isn’t about pretending the damage never happened or finding a clean ending to grief. It’s about refusing to let the loss of someone else become the loss of yourself.
With “SPEAK,” Evans Blue isn’t trying to recreate its past. The band is taking everything that built its identity, the weight, melody, vulnerability and honesty, and pushing it forward.
With the signing to Aphotic Records, Evans Blue is moving forward without abandoning what made the band matter to its audience in the first place. “SPEAK” carries the weight, melody, vulnerability and honesty that have defined Evans Blue while pushing those elements into a new era.
Burton C. Bell and The Void will head to Canada this December for a special four-show warm-up run, setting the stage for a busy 2027 and bringing Bell’s next creative chapter to Canadian audiences.
As the founding vocalist and lyricist of Fear Factory, Bell was the band’s only consistent member for more than 30 years. His unmistakable voice, lyrics and creative vision helped define a catalog that became highly influential in industrial and modern metal.
For the past two years, Bell has focused on building what comes next, bringing together a new group of musicians and creating Burton C. Bell and The Void. Heavy, groovy, dark and moody, the project brings his signature vocal presence into a new creative space, with its own identity and a vision firmly focused on the future.
The December performances offer fans an opportunity to experience this new chapter live as Burton C. Bell and The Void build momentum heading into 2027.
IMPUREZA, the Franco-Spanish pioneers of Hispanic Metal, release a bass playthrough of “Covadonga” today via the Season of Mist YouTube channel. Taken from their third album Alcázares, the video places Florian Saillard’s fretless bass in the foreground of the song that recounts where the Reconquista began.
“Covadonga” runs 4:02 and tells of the battle in Asturias whose Astur victory is held to have started the Reconquista. Sung in Spanish, the lyrics climb the sacred mountain with the prophetic king Don Pelayo, set lancers and archers against the Muslim forces, and watch the arrows hide the sun, with the title itself spelled out syllable by syllable as a refrain: CO-VA-DON-GA. The song also carries the legend of the battle, in which the attackers’ arrows turned back on them and rocks broke loose from the mountain to bury them. The fretless bass, one of the band’s signature voices, sits here beside flamenco guitar and orchestral arrangement.
“Alcázares”, released on July 11th, 2025, via Season of Mist, is a concept album on the Reconquista, the medieval conflict that ran from 722 to 1492. It moves from Covadonga through the legend of El Cid, Templar mysticism, the Inquisition under Torquemada and tales of black magic. The album was recorded and mixed by Sébastien Camhi at Studio Artmusic and mastered by Jacob Hansen at Hansen Studios.
Tracklist: 1. Verdiales (01:17) 2. Bajo las Tizonas de Toledo (06:27) 3. Covadonga (04:02) 4. Pestilencia (04:46) 5. Reconquistar Al-Ándalus (05:26) 6. Murallas (02:25) 7. La Orden del Yelmo Negro (04:58) 8. Castigos Eclesiásticos (06:07) 9. El Ejército de los Fallecidos de Alarcos (05:19) 10. Ruina del Alcázar (01:38) 11. Santa Inquisición (06:25) Full runtime: 49:02
IMPUREZA is a Franco-Spanish metal band formed in 2004 by guitarist Lionel Cano Muñoz from Orléans. Their music is distinguished by a unique fusion of extreme metal and Spanish sounds inspired by Andalusian culture and flamenco, creating an atypical style known as Hispanic Metal. IMPUREZA remains an innovative project in the international metal scene, making it a pioneer of the genre.
Concept:
The entire concept of the band revolves around the voluptuousness of Latin atmospheres, the ferocity of metal, and Spanish culture and history, explored through a fictional and esoteric aspect. Their compositions feature both clean and guttural vocals sung in the language of Cervantes, flamenco guitar, acoustic fretless bass, extreme metal, and orchestral arrangements that evoke the colors of Spain. The very essence of their music lies in the duality between two seemingly opposed musical genres, which, through clever composition, give birth to a new and avant-garde style. Their fiery music is literally the union of traditional Hispanic folklore and extreme metal. These metal warriors brandish their Iberian sounds as weapons with pride. This ingenious alliance is matched only by the singular and unprecedented creative originality of its founder Lionel Cano Muñoz and his compañero Esteban Martín, both of Spanish nationality. IMPUREZA’s conquistadors draw inspiration from their strong identity, which defines the band’s very essence. Often nicknamed the “French Nile” due to their primary influences, combining the complex and brutal lines of death metal with the most ardent and undulating Latin flames. IMPUREZA‘s members are also influenced by many Spanish artists such as flamenco guitarist Paco de Lucía and gypsy singer Camarón de la Isla, as well as bands like Behemoth, Morbid Angel, Krisiun, and Fleshgod Apocalypse, among others.
Production Credits: Recorded & mixed by Sébastien Camhi at Studio Artmusic, Les Arc-sur-Argens, France. Mastered by Jacob Hansen at Hansen Studios, Ribe, Denmark.
Guest Musicians: Xavier Hamon – Percussion Louis Viallet – Orchestration
LEE RICHARDS & FRIENDS release their new single “Believe” today. The song is the third pre-single from their upcoming studio album “Songs For A Broken World,” which will be released on October 30th via Metalville.
The upcoming debut album from LEE RICHARDS AND FRIENDS marks an ambitious milestone for the American musician, songwriter, and producer Lee Richards. Known as the original guitarist of Godsmack and a key songwriter for Dropbox and Another Animal, Lee Richards composed and produced the album, “Songs For A Broken World,” entirely on his own.
He is supported by a stellar lineup of seasoned rock veterans: drummer Justin Pacy (Digital Summer), legendary guitarist Billy Loosigian (The Boom Boom Band, The Joneses), and bassist/vocalist Sean Corcoran (RA, Fight Or Flight).
United by decades of top-tier hard rock experience, LEE RICHARDS AND FRIENDS delivers a captivating blend of powerful riffs, catchy melodies, and a first-rate production. The album reflects Richards’ diverse musical journey, from touring with international stars to songwriting with rock icons, and stands as an impressive testament to his artistic vision.
TRACK-LISTING 01. Shyra 02. Yesterday’s Child 03. Believe 04. Cry For You 05. Faithless 06. She 07. Say Your Last Goodbye 08. Rise 09. Fallen (Save Me) 10. Monsters 11. Summer Breeze
LINE-UP Lee Richards – Rhythm, Lead Guitars, and Vocals Justin Pacy – Drums William Loosigian – Rhythm and Lead Guitars Sean Corcoran – Bass Guitar and Back Up Vocals
New York singer-songwriter Sari Schorr reveals the music video for her latest single, the seductive and electrifying “Cool Hand Rider,” to celebrate the release of her hotly anticipated new album, Running Wild, which is out via Provogue Records / Artone Label Group today in Europe and on 30 October in the U.S.A. She is currently touring Europe in support of the album with an extensive run of shows.
Talking about “Cool Hand Rider,” she says, “It began with my love of horses and that intoxicating sense of freedom I feel when I’m riding. The power, the movement, the adrenaline, and the feeling of surrendering yourself completely to the moment. But as the song evolved, the rider became something more. It became a metaphor for desire, chemistry, and a woman who isn’t afraid to want what she wants, or to go after it.”
She continues, “That’s what I love about songwriting. You think you’re holding the reins, and then the song takes over and carries you somewhere far more dangerous and exciting than you expected.”
With the music video, she wanted to visually represent that mix of feelings. “We wanted to create a world that felt fast, seductive and alive,” she explains. “We filmed scenes with my Harley-Davidson and combined them with incredible projections created by graphic artist Kee Koo, using images of the road, lights and motion to create this constantly shifting visual world. We also brought in footage of the band in rehearsal because, at its heart, ‘Cool Hand Rider’ is a song that was always meant to come alive onstage.”
The journey to Running Wild has been long and fraught with complications, twists and turns along the way. But Sari takes it all in stride and channels it into creative, personal expression.
From classical beginnings to the clubs of the South Bronx, she made her name by pushing musical boundaries and bringing different genres together. This led her music to the ears of Mike Vernon — who had helmed fabled British blues-boom classics including 1966’s Beano with Eric Clapton and Fleetwood Mac’s self-titled 1968 debut — and who came out of retirement to produce Schorr’s 2016 debut, A Force of Nature. The album established her as a formidable solo artist on the international stage, and that momentum continued with 2018’s Never Say Never and 2020’s Live in Europe. She also joined Robin Trower for 2023’s Joyful Sky, lending her voice to some of the legendary guitarist’s finest contemporary songs.
Sari’s roots stretch across oceans and generations. Her great-grandfather grew up in Kyiv, then part of Russia, where he struggled to feed his family before leaving for America in search of a better life. Her parents became first-generation New Yorkers who raised her with love and encouragement. Sari dreamed of becoming a musician, but alongside that ambition grew a powerful instinct to help others — from marathons to working for charitable organisations such as the United Nations in Haiti and India, as well as featuring on Amnesty International’s 2012 anthem “Toast to Freedom” and personally bringing Marianne Faithfull, Jane Birkin, Carly Simon and Christine and the Queens into the project.
Whether through music, advocacy or sheer endurance, the impulse is the same: to turn empathy into action. She continues to use her platform to speak out on issues including gun violence, migration, corruption and freedom of speech. This activism also shows up in her music, with songs such as “Better Day,” “Afterglow” and “Call It Freedom” exploring compassion, empathy and the migrant experience.
The album runs the gamut of emotions. The recent single “Running Wild” is about the tension between desire and control — wanting someone intensely without trying to contain them — while “Mr. In The Middle” is about the intoxicating pull between two people who cannot quite let each other go. The song captures that seductive, maddening tension and the moment when attraction is no longer enough. Eventually, someone has to choose.
Running Wild channels a restless momentum into Schorr’s most personal and defiant record yet. “There’s a moment when you stop trying to fit the shape the world has made for you and start listening to the person you’ve been becoming all along,” she says. “I’ve reached a deeper understanding of who I am as an artist. I’m still searching and learning, but I trust my instincts more now and worry less about whether a song is behaving itself. I follow it wherever its emotional truth leads. These songs are about self-discovery, defiance, resilience and transformation. I hope they leave people feeling freer, lifted above the weight of everyday life, and bold enough to believe that something better is possible.”
09 Oct 2026 — Poppodium Boerderij, Zoetermeer — Netherlands 10 Oct 2026 — Life House, Stemwede — Germany 12 Oct 2026 — Muddy’s Club, Weinheim — Germany 13 Oct 2026 — Lindenbrauerei – Schalander, Unna — Germany 14 Oct 2026 — Meisenfrei Blues Club, Bremen — Germany 16 Oct 2026 — Zig Zag Jazz Club, Berlin — Germany 17 Oct 2026 — Palác Akropolis, Prague — Czechia 18 Oct 2026 — Bergkeller, Reichenbach/Vogtland — Germany 20 Oct 2026 — Backstage Club, Munich — Germany 21 Oct 2026 — Kofferfabrik, Fürth — Germany 22 Oct 2026 — Franzis im Kulturzentrum Wetzlar, Wetzlar — Germany 23 Oct 2026 — Salzlandtheater, Staßfurt — Germany 24 Oct 2026 — Zwischenbau, Rostock — Germany 27 Oct 2026 — Mojo, Copenhagen — Denmark 28 Oct 2026 — Kulturkvarteret, Kristianstad — Sweden 29 Oct 2026 — Festvåning 4:an — Sweden 30 Oct 2026 — Kulturhuset Najaden, Halmstad — Sweden 31 Oct 2026 — YNG Bar & Sosial, Oslo — Norway 01 Nov 2026 — Kafé K, Porsgrunn — Norway 03 Nov 2026 — Sävja Kulturhus, Uppsala — Sweden 04 Nov 2026 — Telefonfabriken, Stockholm — Sweden 05 Nov 2026 — Hotell Arkipelag, Mariehamn — Åland Islands 06 Nov 2026 — Malmitalo, Helsinki — Finland 07 Nov 2026 — Grand Blues, Lahti — Finland 08 Nov 2026 — Võru Kultuurimaja Kannel, Võru — Estonia 10 Nov 2026 — Scena MONK, Gdańsk — Poland 11 Nov 2026 — Klub Gwarek, Kraków — Poland 13 Nov 2026 — H42 – Dresdner Whisky Manufaktur, Dresden — Germany 14 Nov 2026 — Ansbacher Kammerspiele, Ansbach — Germany 15 Nov 2026 — Bürgerhaus Wiltingen, Wiltingen — Germany 17 Nov 2026 — Arbeiterkammer Oberösterreich, Linz — Austria 19 Nov 2026 — Die Akte, Fürstenfeld — Austria 20 Nov 2026 — Analog Music Hall, Budapest — Hungary 21 Nov 2026 — Reigen Live, Vienna — Austria 22 Nov 2026 — Bluegarage, Frauental — Austria 25 Nov 2026 — Spectrum Club, Augsburg — Germany 26 Nov 2026 — Gaswerk Eventbar, Seewen SZ — Switzerland 28 Nov 2026 — Konservi, Seon — Switzerland 29 Nov 2026 — Mini Z7, Pratteln — Switzerland
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
