The Metal Voice recently spoke to Styx‘s Singer and solo artist Lawrence Gowan.
Gowan talked about Styx’s upcoming residency in Las Vegas on January 23-31, 2026; his upcoming Quebec (Canada) solo tour and gave his thoughts on the upcoming Rush Comeback with new drummer.
The Metal Voice asked Gowan about the Rush’s comeback tour in 2026 with new drummer Anika Niles he said,”
I’m so happy. Alex played on my fourth album The Lost Brotherhood . He was the guitarist on that one along with others. I don’t know them (Rush) closely, but I would meet with them every couple of times a year, usually at the office (both being managed by Ray Daniels). I’ve spoken with all three of them on several occasions. Uh obviously Alex (Lifeson) the most, Geddy (Lee) would be second. I only spoke with Neil (Peart) maybe twice that I can recall. They are really great people. I see them that way and so do millions around the world. They’re so devoted to music and devoted to their band. What they were able to accomplish and that to see them just sit there on the shelf with their awards it’s not right? They should be out there playing. I saw a thing where Alex said that Paul McCartney came up to him when they were playing the tribute concert to Taylor Hawkins in England and McCartney said, you guys aren’t playing anymore or something like that? He goes, Why not?
Gowan continued,” The huge part of a musician’s life is playing in front of people. It’s the biggest part quite honestly in my opinion. And so to see them coming back with the drummer they have, Anika Nilles, is a phenomenal, a tremendous choice. They seem to just make the right choice all the time. I had to message Hugh Syme because he did a lot of artwork for my records and (Rush’s). What a wonderful logo that he came up with with the stop lights and one bird having left the wire. Everything about it is just so artistically well done. So, uh, I can’t wait to see that they’re back in the back in the arena.”
Tour dates (Las Vegas residency) Jan 23, 2026 — The Venetian Theatre, Las Vegas, NV Jan 24, 2026 — The Venetian Theatre, Las Vegas, NV Jan 28, 2026 — The Venetian Theatre, Las Vegas, NV Jan 30, 2026 — The Venetian Theatre, Las Vegas, NV Jan 31, 2026 — The Venetian Theatre, Las Vegas, NV All shows are scheduled for 8:30 p.m. local time.
Gowan Tour
November 19, 2025 Lac Brome, Québec, Canada November 20, 2025 Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada November 21, 2025 L’Assomption, Québec, Canada November 22, 2025 Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada T November 23, 2025 Québec, Québec, Canada November 25, 2025 Montreal, Québec, Canada MTELUS Tickets November 26, 2025 Sainte-Agathe, Québec, Canada November 27, 2025 Drummondville, Québec, Canada Drummondville November 28, 2025 Gatineau, Québec, Canada Salle Odyssée November 29, 2025 Toronto, Ontario, Canada Massey Hall
The Browning continues their next chapter announcing the Burn This World [EVOLVED] Tour plus the Burn This World [EVOLVED] on vinyl now available for pre-order from FiXT.
Burn This World [EVOLVED]’ is an intense reimagining of the band’s 2011 breakout album completely re-worked from the ground up with the digital release dropping on February 11th and the Vinyl arriving on February 27th.
Along with the album The Browning announced their new ‘Burn This World [EVOLVED]’ Tourin both the EU and US. They will be joined by Within Destruction, Convictions, and Dead Eyes in the US running from Feb. 12 to Mar 22 and Stain The Canvas, THE DEFECT, and Heaven.exe in the EU running from April 3 to April 18. Tickets are available here. Fans can pre-order the CD and Vinyl editions now through the FiXT Store with digital pre-orders coming soon.
The album that birthed The Browning’s signature “electronicore” assault: blending rock, metal, hardstyle, trance, and industrial elements with apocalyptic metal intensity, now reaches its ultimate form. Every track has been sharpened, every drop hits harder, and the rave-metal chaos has been elevated to an entirely new dimension. Originally released in 2011, Burn This World marked the arrival of a new sound that fused punishing deathcore with the unrelenting pulse of electronic dance music. With Burn This World [EVOLVED], the album is completely re-recorded, reimagining every detail with modern production power while preserving the raw ferocity that made it a genre-defining release.
“15 years of Evolution has led me to fully recreating Burn This World from scratch. The first [EVOLVED] song, “Not Alone”, is out now and is a perfect representation of what this album is. Heavier breakdowns, higher energy techno, better vocals. VINYLS, CDs, and Shirts are up for pre order! It’s been a long 15 years for me, and I appreciate your support every step of the way. This is for you.” – Jonny McBee (The Browning)
Releasing with the pre-order announcement is “Not Alone“ [EVOLVED]. Thematically, the track explores alienation, uncertainty, and the idea of collective existential struggle through a brutal soundscape. Sonic chaos fueled by thrashing guitars, hardcore electronic beats, and screaming vocals the single stretches from it’s original 3:31 running time to 4:12 embodying a fully remade and socially explosive transformation that maintains the defiant spirit of the original.
Listen to “Not Alone“ [EVOLVED] here:
The Browning is an electronic metal band founded by Jonny McBee as a solo project in 2005. In 2010 The Browning transitioned into a full band and has toured the world with bands such as Electric Callboy, Static X, Fear Factory, and We Came As Romans. They’ve put out two EPs Standing On The Edge EP (2010), Time Will Tell EP (2011), and five albums, Burn This World (2011) Hypernova (2013), Isolation (2016), Geist (2018), and End Of Existence (2021). The Browning’s current lineup is Jonny McBee and Hardcore Keem.
The Browning has consistently pushed the boundaries of music, fusing genres and redefining heavy sounds. The band’s new line-up sets the stage for an electrifying chapter in their journey. In 2011 on their full-length debut Burn This World, The Browning expanded the boundaries of heavy music through a seamless fusion of industrial, electronic, rock, and metal. In 2013 Hypernova represented a high watermark for the band. Named ‘Album of the Week’ by Revolver, it yielded the signature anthem “Bloodlust,” which clocked over 2.6 million views and nearly 2 million streams. In 2016, they reached another level with Isolation, earning acclaim from outlets such as New Noise Magazine and generating millions of views between “Dragon” and “Disconnect.” The fourth full-length album, Geist, released in 2018, would push The Browning even further into the boundaries of heavy music with added deathcore and techno influences.
End Of Existence released in 2021 would go on to receive generally positive reviews with Dom Lawson of Blabbermouth.net saying, “As ever, if the idea of metal mixed with EDM gives you violent facial tics and a sense of impending doom, End of Existence makes no attempt to make amends or win you over. And nor should it. The Browning have spent a decade pursuing an eccentric and polarizing path, and they still sound like a flash of inspiration brought to life.”
The Browning officially signed to FiXT in late 2023, after collaborating with the label for several years, creating two official remixes for Celldweller and signing a merchandise deal. The band has since released three well received singles with the FiXT. “Poison” which scored placements on Pandora’s AMP: Fresh Cuts, Industrial Metal, New Metal, This year In Metal, New Metal Now; Spotify’s All New Metal,, as well as featured on the WWE. The single currently sits on over 1.5 million streams alone on Spotify since its release. “HIVEMIND” would go on to score placements on Spotify’s All New Metal, New Flesh (Knotfest), and The Core, as well as VEVO’s Incoming Metal. “Deceiver” hit Pandora’s New Metal Now, New Metal (Station), This Year In Metal; Deezer’s Killed By Metal, Deathcore, and Metal Radar, and; Spotify’s All New Metal.
Their sixth full length album OMNI released in November of 2024 followed by OMNI [ULTRA] in 2025. 2025 was an active year for the band with The Browning touring continuously throughout the spring and summer: The OMNI USA Tour, ELECTRONICORE 2025 Tour, the Canadian Tour 2025 with Born Of Osiris and Convictions, the EU SUMMER 2025 Tour, Through Shadows USA Tour with VCTMS, AXTY, and Lost In Separation, BROWN XMAS 2025!, and the EVERYTHING IS HEAVIER IN TEXAS! Tour 2025 with Upon A Burning Body and Lockjaw.
The Browning are already lining up 2026 and have announced the Burn This World [EVOLVED] Tour in both the EU and US. They will be joined by Within Destruction, Convictions, and Dead Eyes in the US running from Feb. 12 to Mar 22 and Stain The Canvas, THE DEFECT, and Heaven.exe in the EU running from April 3 to April 18.
Jonny McBee, vocalist, and songwriter for The Browning, is a trailblazing presence in the metal scene. He is also known for his role as the host and operator of the “Burn This World Podcast,” which is set to make its triumphant return this Fall. He also streams in The Browning Discord channel with fans tuning in to watch his creative process. Jonny is set to embark on a parallel journey, launching a groundbreaking new side project: THE DEFECT. Hardcore Keem, the band’s guitarist, brings his unique vision and sound to The Browning. Originally just a fan of the band, he officially joined The Browning on tour in 2022, now becoming a staple for the band’s future and marketing. Besides being in the band, he’s also a heavy music influencer and promoter with over 300K in social reach, including 100K+ followers on Instagram alone, and runs his own podcast, The Hardcore Keem Show.
The Browning On Tour: The OMNI USA Tour, ELECTRONICORE 2025 Tour, the Canadian Tour 2025 with Born Of Osiris and Convictions, and the EU SUMMER 2025 Tour are not enough for hardcore genre crushing deviants The Browning. The Browning joins Born Of Osiris on the Through Shadows USA Tour this fall with VCTMS, AXTY, and Lost In Separation! Tickets are available here. .
The Browning just announced Brown XMAS 2025 in their hometown of Kansas City. Tickets are available here.
“KCMO! BROWN XMAS 2025! Our first holiday show ever feature all our hometown homies in Young Medicine, Conflicts, Lowerheaven, and of course THE DEFECT. We have sold out our last 3 shows in KC so get your tickets early!” – Jonny McBee, The BrowningThe Browning also announced they were joining the EVERYTHING IS HEAVIER IN TEXAS! Tour with Upon A Burning Body and Lockjaw, running from Dec. 4th through Dec. 14th. Tickets are available here.
“Texas we coming for you this December for Upon a Burning Body’s annual Texas takeover alongside Lockjaw! Let’s party!” – Jonny McBee, The Browning
The Browning announced the Burn This World [EVOLVED] Tour in both the EU and US. They will be joined by Within Destruction, Convictions, and Dead Eyes in the US running from Feb. 12 to Mar 22 and Stain The Canvas, THE DEFECT, and Heaven.exe in the EU running from April 3 to April 18. Tickets are available here.
Napalm Records is proud to announce the signing of EYE OF MELIAN – the Tolkien-inspired symphonic project founded by Martijn Westerholt (Delain) and Finnish vocalist Johanna Kurkela (Auri). Alongside this exciting partnership, the band unveils their new album, Forest of Forgetting, set for release on February 20, 2026.
Named after a powerful primordial singing spirit from the world of J.R.R. Tolkien, EYE OF MELIAN draws deeply from his mythic lore and incorporates it into their breathtaking musical universe. Forest of Forgetting presents a spellbinding masterclass in symphonic storytelling, so immersive and dreamlike that reality gently drifts away. As a first glimpse into this enchanted world, the band releases the single “Blackthorn Winter”. Ethereal and cinematic, the track captures EYE OF MELIAN’s signature movie score-like sound: lush orchestration, elegant melodies, and an otherworldly atmosphere that invites listeners to step beyond the veil and into realms of pure imagination.
Johanna Kurkela about “Blackthorn Winter”: “‘Blackthorn Winter’ ended up becoming a very personal song to me after writing the lyrics about living here in Finland, where winter feels like it never ends and summer is the best day of the year.”
With this opulent album, EYE OF MELIAN extends an invitation to faraway lands full of wonder. Forest of Forgetting unfolds as quite the opposite of its title: utterly unforgettable.
Martijn Westerholt about Forest of Forgetting: “This album has been a really inspiring process – both for me as a songwriter and in what each of us brought to it. It has a lot of what EYE OF MELIAN is known for: cinematic, score-like arrangements, minor chords, and those epic, mysterious atmospheres. The lyrics tie everything together; they bring out the worlds and stories that the music hints at and make the whole thing feel complete. The collaboration between us on this record felt very natural. We’ve really found our way of working as a team, and I’m proud of what we created together.”
Completing the all-star lineup on their debut with Napalm Records are orchestral arranger Mikko P. Mustonen and backing vocalist and lyricist Robin La Joy, blessing twelve lush compositions with immortal life. Mesmerizing from the first gentle notes of opening track “Of Willows And Shadows”, Forest of Forgetting weaves otherworldly piano melodies and epic strings around angelic vocals worthy of the powerful Valar themselves. “Child Of Twilight” deepens EYE OF MELIAN’s dreamy and bombastic Hollywood movie score approach, carefully building up an exceptionally enchanting atmosphere that carries on into the equally cinematic “Blackthorn Winter”, ever so elegantly broadening the view into the alluring realms the band is melodizing. “Dawn Of Avatars” features Nightwish multi-instrumentalist Troy Donockley on flute and uilleann pipes, as well as hurdy-gurdy fairy Patty Gurdy, before EYE OF MELIAN turns in the direction of heavy metal with a charming rendition of Bruce Dickinson’s anthem “Tears Of The Dragon” (originally released on Balls To Picasso in 1994 after the singer had left Iron Maiden). Forest of Forgetting also comes with all its tracks as instrumental versions to dwell in the impressive orchestrals alone.
Forest of Forgetting tracklisting:
Of Willows and Shadows
Symphonia Arcana
Child of Twilight
Elixir of Night (feat. Patty Gurdy and Troy Donockley)
Blackthorn Winter
Lady of Light
Dawn of Avatars (feat. Patty Gurdy and Troy Donockley)
Forest of Forgetting
The Buried Well
The Mirror
Nepenthe
Tears of the Dragon (Bruce Dickinson Cover)
EYE OF MELIAN Live 2026
20.02.26 NL – Zwolle / Hedon – album release show
Forest of Forgetting Over Finland 10.03.26 FI – Kitee / Kiteesali 12.03.26 FI – Espoo / Sellosali 13.03.26 FI – Kouvola / Pato-klubi 18.03.26 FI – Rovaniemi / Korundi 19.03.26 FI – Kuusamo / Kuusamo-talo 20.03.26 FI – Oulu / Kaupunginteatteri 21.03.26 FI – Raahe / Raahesali 24.03.26 FI – Helsinki / Aleksanterin Teatteri 26.03.26 FI – Turku / Turun Linnan Kuninkaansali 27.03.26 FI – Kuopio / Maxim 28.03.26 FI – Tampere / Tuulensuun Palatsi
EYE OF MELIAN are: Martijn Westerholt – Keys and Orchestral arrangements Johanna Kurkela – Vocals and Violin Robin La Joy – Backing Vocals Mikko P Mustonen – Keys and Orchestral arrangements
THERION announce their live album Con Orquesta, physically out January 30, 2026 via Napalm Records. The Swedish symphonic metal pioneers made history once again in 2024 by performing live with a full orchestra, 17 years after their last monumental shows of this kind. Following their unforgettable appearances in Romania (2006) and Hungary (2007), the legendary outfit returned to the orchestral stage in spectacular fashion for their very first arena show, captivating a sold-out crowd of 11,000 at Mexico City Arena. This monumental performance will be forever etched into the band’s legacy – brought to life for fans as a limited physical release, and available in stunning detail on DVD and BluRay.
A first glimpse into the record is “The Rise of Sodom and Gomorrah”. Arguably THERION’s biggest song – it has amassed almost eight million streams on Spotify – this stand-out track originally released on Vovin in 1998 impressively shows the band’s artistry. Blending metal with the Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional de México, this rendition of the beloved song is truly one of a kind.
THERION about “The Rise of Sodom and Gomorrah”: “‘The Rise of Sodom and Gomorrah’ is our most popular song and it was an obvious choice for this event. But it is also one of the most suitable songs to perform live with orchestra.”
Con Orquesta marks a celebration of the THERION universe proving once more why they remain the undisputed pioneers of symphonic metal. A must-have for every fan and collector!
Christofer Johnsson about Con Orquesta: “In the past, our concept was more like THERION going classical, with the band and the symphonic orchestra meeting on an equal basis. Thus, we did a fully orchestral version of one song and it was divided almost 50/50 between playing THERION songs and classical excerpts being rearranged for band and orchestra. This time, however, I wanted to take a different approach. I invited a renowned conductor and composer from Mexico to reinterpret our songs by adding new arrangements and expanding the originals with the orchestra. They also wrote some new intros and small interludes, making this a truly authentic Mexican interpretation of THERION live with orchestra.”
After the two European experiences, THERION mastermind Christofer Johnsson was uncertain whether he would ever bring another orchestra live project back to life. In the end, his decision proved more than worthwhile. Together with the Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional de México, the band delivered an incomparable symphonic metal spectacle, enriching classics with new arrangements and expanding their sonic universe in grand, orchestral style.
The Con Orquesta setlist spans THERION’s illustrious career with 20 tracks in total, blending fan favorites, symphonic epics, and rare gems. As a bonus, it also features exclusive rehearsal material. From powerful classics like “The Blood of Kingu”, “To Mega Therion” and “The Rise of Sodom and Gomorrah” to emotional highlights such as “The Birth of Venus Illegitima”, “Siren of the Woods”, and “Lemuria”, the performance bridges eras of the band’s history. Unique inclusions like the Marie Laforêt cover “Mon Amour mon Ami” and Sylvie Vartan cover “La Maritza” showcase THERION’s genre-defying artistry, while the massive “Draconian Trilogy” and “Via Nocturna” unfold with new orchestral grandeur.
Con Orquesta tracklisting: CD 1
The Blood of Kingu
The Ruler of Tamag
The Birth of Venus Illegitima
Tuonela
Twilight of the Gods
Mon Amour mon Ami
La Maritza
Via Nocturna
Asgård
Draconian Trilogy
CD 2
Ginnungagap
Ten Courts of Diyu
Litany of the Fallen
Siren of the Woods
Son of the Staves of Time
Lemuria
Sitra Ahra
Quetzalcoatl
The Rise of Sodom and Gomorrah
To Mega Therion
BluRay/DVD
The Blood of Kingu
The Ruler of Tamag
The Birth of Venus Illegitima
Tuonela
Twilight of the Gods
Mon Amour mon Ami
La Maritza
Via Nocturna
Asgård
Draconian Trilogy
Ginnungagap
Ten Courts of Diyu
Litany of the Fallen
Siren of the Woods
Son of the Staves of Time
Lemuria
Sitra Ahra
Quetzalcoatl
The Rise of Sodom and Gomorrah
To Mega Therion
Bonus Material: Rehearsal
THERION are: Christofer Johnsson – Guitar Christian Vidal – Guitar Christopher Davidsson – Bass Sami Karppinen – Drums Thomas Vikström – Vocals Rosalia Sairem – Vocals Lori Lewis – Vocals
Beginning Saturday, June 13, Wardruna in collaboration with Over Oslo, are curating a concert evening where musical traditions from the north are woven together with a modern soundscape. The evening will be hosted at Grefsenkollen, at the spectacular amfi that is known for its stunning views overlooking the Oslo fjord. Joining the lineup are the acclaimed Mari Boine and Gåte performing an acoustic set. More artists will be announced in the following weeks.
Einar Selvik comments the curated show: “Nordic Night has been held in various forms on different continents. We have always focused on presenting our art – and that of others – in surroundings that are adapted to and complement our music. This is also the first time we are curating Nordic Night in Norway, and we are very excited to invite some fantastic artists to an equally fantastic venue in Oslo – Grefsenkollen!”
The following day, Sunday, June 14, Wardruna and By Norse Music will host a special event at Riksscenen, Oslo. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore Wardruna’s musical world through workshops led by band members, focusing on voice and traditional instruments.
A single ticket grants access to all workshops, and fans can also browse merchandise from Wardruna and selected By Norse artists. In the afternoon, a free and open meet & greet with the band will take place.
Workshop details and times will be announced soon.
Belgium’s most unpredictable electro-fun-metal act BOUM PATAT are back with “Putain De Moustique”, a track taken from the debut album Ma Belgitude, out now via Wormholedeath.
We’ve all been there—trying to sleep, only to be tortured by the high-pitched buzz of a mosquito that refuses to quit. BOUM PATAT turns that universal frustration into a full-blown metal showdown in “Putain De Moustique.” With pounding riffs, infectious beats, and lyrics as hilarious as they are relatable, the track takes life’s tiniest enemy and makes it worthy of a mosh pit. Equal parts heavy, absurd, and fun, it’s the kind of song that makes you laugh, rage, and double-check your bedroom window screens.
Previous videos: Boum Patat: Watch Je Suis Zat (Music Video): Watch Mort Subite: Watch
About:
BOUM PATAT is the new electro fun metal project by Belgian musician Olivier Wittenberg, former drummer-composer of Manic Movement. In the 2000s, he toured Europe with bands like Kreator, Moonspell, and Psychotic Waltz, and played major festivals such as Graspop Metal Meeting.
After a long break, he returns with Ma Belgitude, a self-produced solo debut that blends heavy metal, Belgian humor, and old-school electronic sounds. BOUM PATAT breaks metal’s usual codes—serious and absurd at once, mixing groove, industrial, and electronic punch with offbeat themes and playful visuals.
Live, the project becomes a trio with Laurent Soulasse (bass) and Maxime Demulder (drums).
Line up: Olivier Wittenberg – vocals, songwriter, composer, producer, instruments Jérémie Vasile – guitar
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
Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 