SKUNK ANANSIE Release Explosive New Take on ‘Meltdown’ with Blackhill Remix

Posted by tarjavirmakari on June 23, 2026
Posted in: Int. News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
📸: Rob O’Connor

British rock icons SKUNK ANANSIE have released a brand-new remix of the stunningly emotional song “Meltdown,” which originally appeared as the closing track of last year’s Top 10 album ‘The Painful Truth,’ out now via FLG.

Lead singer Skin explains:

“’Meltdown’ is this deeply heartbreaking song about isolation. It’s one of the few SKUNK songs that doesn’t have a beat making it a perfect end to the album. We wanted to do a version that grooved a bit so we called up our friend Nick Sheldon [Blackhill] to add that flavor and we love what he’s done, hope you do too.”

Stream the single here: https://ffm.to/skunkanansie-meltdownremix

The song, released on the same day as the emancipation of black Americans and is remembered with the Juneteenth holiday, becomes transformed from a sparsely ethereal, vocal-led piece of minimalist piano music into a club-based anthem. Despite the sadness of the lyrics, its new and upbeat musical backing is celebratory and destined to ring out across sound-systems from New York to Ibiza.

The new track’s parent album, ‘The Painful Truth,’ is a mesmerising, provocative, powerful and emotional collection, which was greeted by rapturous reviews around the world on its release at the end of May 2026. And to mark that recent one-year anniversary, a brand-new limited-edition zoetrope vinyl version of the album will be released on October 9th, via FLG.

Pre-order the album here: https://store.skunkanansie.com/

SKUNK ANANSIE are currently on a co-headlining tour of the UK with Garbage, with further UK shows this summer alongside both Alanis Morrissette and My Chemical Romance. They also have extensive tour dates across Europe. A full list of dates can be found below. 

SKUNK ANANSIE Live:

UK Tour Dates

June 23 – Southampton, UK @ Southampton Summer Sessions (with Garbage)
June 24 – Cork, Ireland @ Virgin Media Park (with Alanis Morissette)
June 26 – Exeter, UK @ Powderham Castle (with Alanis Morissette)
June 27 – Chelmsford, UK @ State Fayre 2026 (festival)
June 28 – Woodstock, UK @ Blenheim Palace (with Alanis Morissette)
June 30 – Glasgow, UK @ Bellahouston Park (with Alanis Morissette)
July 2 – Kirkham, UK @ Lytham Green (with Alanis Morissette)
July 4 – London, UK @ Crystal Palace Park (with Alanis Morissette)
July 8 – London, UK @ Wembley Stadium (with My Chemical Romance)

European Festival Tour Dates

July 10 – Oeiras, Portugal @ NOS Alive 2026
July 14 – Ursus, Poland @ Letnia Scena Progresji
July 15 – Ostrava 3, Czechia @ Colours of Ostrava 2026
July 17 – Beograd, Serbia @ Luka Beograd 2026
July 18 – Tjentište, Bosnia and Herzegovina @ OK Fest 2026
July 19 – Šibenik, Croatia @ Tvrđava sv. Mihovila
July 20 – Šibenik, Croatia @ Tvrđava sv. Mihovila
July 22 – Sogliano al Rubicone, Italy @ Piazza Matteotti
July 23 – Napoli, Italy @ Mostra d’Oltremare
July 24 – Bari, Italy @ Fiera del Levante
July 26 – Pisa, Italy @ Piazza dei Cavalieri
July 27 – Pordenone, Italy @ Parco San Valentino
July 28 – Sesto San Giovanni, Italy @ Carroponte
July 30 – İstanbul, Turkey @ Zorlu Center for Performing Arts
August 20 – Oslo, Norway @ Sentrum Scene
August 21 – Trondheim, Norway @ Pstereo Festival

Full details and tickets for all live performances can be found HERE.

More info: https://skunkanansie.com/

DROWN IN SULPHUR Sign with Noble Demon + Release New Video Single ‘New Moon Rising On Florence’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on June 22, 2026
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Italian blackened deathcore heavyweights Drown In Sulphur sign with Noble Demon and release their brand new single and music video “New Moon Rising On Florence”! The song is taken from their upcoming EP Strix, out on September 11th and is available to pre-save here: https://music.nobledemon.com/strix

As the latest addition to the German Metal Specialist Record Label, DROWN IN SULPHUR proudly present new music with a fresh band line-up.

Serving as a definitive look into the band’s revamped sonic direction, “New Moon Rising On Florence” unveils a track that is raw, visceral, and uncompromisingly heavy. The single serves as a focal point for the wider narrative of Strix, blending the nostalgic fury of MySpace-era deathcore with grim black metal influences, marking a deliberate shift toward a less symphonic, more hardcore sound.

Stream the single here: https://music.nobledemon.com/florence

“With ‘New Moon Rising On Florence,’ we wanted to capture a sound that is entirely authentic and recognizable to the Drown In Sulphur name,” the band shares. “Following our recent lineup changes, we entered a period of deep reflection. We knew we needed a change—a return to something rawer and more grounded in our origins, yet adapted for the modern era. We stripped back the symphonic layers to let the pure, unfiltered aggression take over. The result is a track that feels incredibly organic and devastating.”

They continue: “Thematically, this song and the wider EP dive deep into esoteric, biblical, and dystopian contexts, heavily intertwining Masonic references. It all revolves around the mythological figure of the ‘Strix’—the ancient nocturnal bird of ill omen. Florence becomes the backdrop for this dark ritual, signaling a new, rebellious vision of the world where ancient horrors resurface in modern times.”

Tracklist:
Neither Night Nor Day
Groan From The IXth Circle
New Moon Rising On Florence
Oscolum Infame
The Heptad Omen

With Strix, Drown In Sulphur delivers a desperate and focused body of work born out of a renewed hunger for reinvention. The upcoming EP leaves behind traditional symphonic tropes to deliver a sound driven by raw energy and complex, occult storytelling—blurring the lines between theological dread and sonic violence.

As the first Deathcore band on Noble Demon, the label is expanding its style further into more extreme realms and CEO Patrick Walch comments about the brand new signing:

“I’ve been following this band for quite a while since personally I adore Deathcore and DROWN IN SULPHUR’s sound is outstanding. Intense and unique, right in your face and the right match for everyone who digs Death Metal, Metalcore, Modern Metal and anything in between. Check out their impressive catalog and watch out for our legendary and practical pre-save links since new music is already around the corner.”

The band shares the excitement and adds:
“We’re delighted to announce our partnership with Noble Demon Records, a new growing and professional label. We can’t wait to embark on a new journey and a new adventure with their help and support. There will be lots of news and, above all, new music on the way. Stay tuned”.

Formed in Milan, Italy in 2014, Drown In Sulphur quickly shook the underground metal scene, securing millions of streams and views with their explosive early singles “An Epilogue to the Arrogant” and “Blackwind.” Through a relentless creative fire and an evolving lineup, the project dropped a string of powerful full-lengths, including Sulphur Cvlt (2021), Dark Secrets Of The Soul (2024), and the rebellious Vengeance (2025).

Now, reinforced by their current definitive lineup, the band enters their most authentic era yet.

Drown In Sulphur is:
Manuel Riboldi – Vocals
Erik Bellan – Rhythm Guitar
Ciprian Grigore – Lead & Rhythm Guitar
Domenico Francesco Tamilia – Drums & Backing Vocals

Strix will be available on Sept. 11 on all major streaming platforms. You can pre-save and pre-order the EP at this location: https://music.nobledemon.com/strix

For More Information Please Visit: Instagram – Facebook – YouTube – https://linktr.ee/nobledemon

DEVIL’S TRAIN Reissue Eponymous Debut Album, Out Now – Available on Vinyl for the First Time

Posted by tarjavirmakari on June 22, 2026
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DEVIL’S TRAIN were aptly described on Laut.de as ‘hard rock for convertibles – or for pole dancing‘, and this all-star lineup certainly lived up to that description. Their eponymous 2012 debut was full of adrenaline and testosterone, with hard-hitting rhythms and razor-sharp riffs. Towering above it all was the voice of R.D. Liapakis, the current frontman of the Michael Schenker Group and the heavy metal institution Mystic Prophecy. The Greek-born singer’s raw voice gave the 12 tracks the necessary kick, sending grenades such as “Roll The Dice”, the opening “Fire And Water”, and the band anthem “Devil’s Train” into ecstasy. With ‘American Woman‘, DEVIL’S TRAIN paid tribute to the rock ‘n’ roll of the ’70s, a genre all the musicians have in their blood.

DEVIL’S TRAIN’s groove is provided by drumming legend Jörg Michael (formerly of SAXON, STRATOVARIUS and RUNNING WILD, among others) and Finn Jari Kainulainen (formerly of MASTERPLAN, EVERGREY and STRATOVARIUS), while Lakis Ragazas (formerly of MYSTIC PROPHECY, among others) completes the quartet on guitar.

Today, the legendary debut album is being released for the first time on devilish, blood-red vinyl, as well as being re-released in a CD jewel case. Anyone who has missed out on this piece of hard rock history to date and wants to treat their record player should mark the date in their diary.

The album is available to buy here on CD, LP and digital formats: https://devlistrain.bfan.link/devil-s-train

You can buy the album on CD or LP from the label’s Bandcamp shop, including a signed autograph card. There is also a bundle available with a new, exclusive T-shirt: https://devilstrain.bandcamp.com/album/devils-train

‘I’m thrilled that our debut album, and soon its follow-up “II”, is finally being released on vinyl because our sound belongs on vinyl. My musical heroes hail from the ’70s and ’80s, when vinyl was the only format around and you had to put up with the crackles and all that jazz. The record is blood-red, just like our logo on the cover, and it literally burns – just like we did back then and still do today! As the CD sold out quickly and was never reissued, I’m also delighted that there’s a new CD edition so that everyone can get their preferred format,” says frontman R.D. Liapakis. 

DEVIL’S TRAIN subsequently released the albums “II” (2015) and “Ashes & Bones” (2022), and are currently writing songs for a new fourth album scheduled for release in spring 2027 through Fireflash Records.

DEVIL’S TRAIN online:
Homepage: http://www.devilstrain.net
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/devilstrain/?locale=de_DE
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devils.train
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Devils+Train+Band
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/intl-de/artist/1YY1vXVNLkPmaY7K6B8f0Y

ELFSGEDROCH Reissue Acclaimed “Voor de Groninger Poorten – Hoogmoed eindigt in As” EP

Posted by tarjavirmakari on June 22, 2026
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Dawnbreed Records is proud to announce the first ever vinyl release of Dutch black metal band ELFSGEDROCH’s “Voor de Groninger Poorten – Hoogmoed eindigt in As”, arrived on 12” vinyl on June 19th, 2026.

The EP is now streaming at THIS LOCATION.

Hailing from the Netherlands, ELFSGEDROCH delivers a deeply atmospheric form of black metal, combining raw intensity with a wide range of nuances, immersive melodies and a strong connection to history, landscape and ancestral themes. Their sound balances darkness and emotion, creating a haunting sonic experience where aggression meets a more evocative and introspective approach.

“Voor de Groninger Poorten – Hoogmoed eindigt in As” is a conceptual journey inspired by the Siege of Groningen in 1672, when the city resisted the invading forces of the bishop of Münster, Bernard von Galen. Through three carefully crafted compositions – “1665 – De Slag bij Jipsinghuizen”, “1672 – De Opmars” and “1672 – Gronings Ontzet” – ELFSGEDROCH transforms this historical episode into a bleak and atmospheric black metal narrative, capturing the violence, pride and tragedy surrounding one of the defining events in the region’s past.

Originally released digitally in 2025, this Dawnbreed Records edition marks the very first appearance of “Voor de Groninger Poorten – Hoogmoed eindigt in As” on vinyl, bringing the EP to life in a format that perfectly suits its immersive and timeless atmosphere.

Artwork by Wokkel – https://www.instagram.com/wokkel_art/

https://elfsgedroch.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/elfsgedroch/

MAN AS MACHINE Return with Powerful New Single ‘The Right Words’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on June 22, 2026
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After years of change, reflection, and rebuilding, South African rock outfit Man As Machine return with their first new music since before the pandemic. Their latest single, The Right Words, marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the band and is the first release featuring their revitalised lineup.
 
Formed in Gauteng in 2009, Man As Machine quickly established themselves as one of South Africa’s most respected live rock acts, earning a reputation for explosive performances and sharing stages with international artists including Protest The Hero and Dead Letter Circus, while appearing alongside local heavyweights such as Fokofpolisiekar, Prime Circle, Wonderboom, Van Coke Kartel and Zebra & Giraffe. Their acclaimed albums Nothing But A Thing (2011) and Patterns (2015), along with award-winning music videos and appearances at major festivals including OppiKoppi, RamFest and Synergy, cemented their place in the local rock landscape.
 
Following the departure of two founding members and an extended hiatus brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the remaining members faced an uncertain future. Rather than walking away, they chose to channel that uncertainty into new music.
 
“Lyrically, it took longer to fill the space… two founder members had left the band and I found I had nothing to say. KJ said I should write about that,” explains vocalist and guitarist Rob Visser. “The Right Words became a love song to the band, to the noise, to this group in all its forms, as it was, and as it is now.”

Buy and stream the single here: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/manasmachine/the-right-words

Driven by relentless energy, soaring melodies and unapologetic honesty, The Right Words captures the feeling of searching for hope and purpose when the words don’t come easily but refusing to stop trying.
 
The track was recorded and mixed by Jacques du Plessis at High Seas Studios and mastered by Rogan Kelsey at Kelsey Mastering. It is the first of several new singles already completed and scheduled for release over the coming months.
 
Now featuring Rob Visser (vocals/guitar), KJ Forde (drums), Misty Sutherland-Dadds (guitar) and Roushan Lume (bass), Man As Machine continues to deliver the fiery melodies, crushing grooves and hard-hitting rock that have defined them for nearly two decades.
 
With more music, videos, live shows and festival appearances on the horizon, The Right Words signals not only the return of Man As Machine but the start of an exciting new era.

More info: https://www.facebook.com/manasmachine

BLOODSTAIN Unleash New Single ‘Annihilation Line’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on June 22, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
[photo credit: Linda Florin]

BLOODSTAIN unleash their new single “Annihilation Line,” taken from their upcoming self-titled album set for release on September 25th via Threeman Recordings / Sound Pollution. The track marks the band’s third release of the year and plays a key role in building momentum toward their debut album.

“Annihilation Line” is another uncompromising, forward driving single with a powerful intro and outro that set the tone and capture the energy of a full blown live show. During last year’s acclaimed performance at Sweden Rock Festival, BLOODSTAIN tested the intro on the crowd — who immediately responded and kept singing even after the band stopped playing, despite never having heard the song before. A clear sign of a hit ready anthem built for the big arenas. Young Swedish hard rock at its finest.

Stream the single here: https://orcd.co/tre058s5

BLOODSTAIN truly shows what hard rock should sound like in 2026: rooted in the classics, but delivered with maximum energy and presence.

With their signature riff discipline and modern live intensity, BLOODSTAIN have quickly established themselves as Sweden’s most explosive new hard rock act. After an impressive year of shows, the band has built a strong reputation that’s now starting to spread beyond Sweden’s borders.

Alx Hell comments:

“This is hard rock in 2026: classically grounded, but delivered with modern precision and total presence. ‘Annihilation Line’ is built to feel just as natural in headphones as it does from the front row.”

“Annihilation Line” is produced by Per Aldeheim, Alex Hellid and BLOODSTAIN.

BLOODSTAIN are:
Oskar Lindroos – Guitar/Vocals
Tobias Lindström – Guitar/Backing Vocals
Jonathan Thyberg – Bass/Backing Vocals
Benjam Norgren – Drums/Backing Vocals

More info: https://bloodstain.se/