Polish prog metal/djent outfit THE MATERIA have spent over a decade forging their own path through the modern heavy music landscape. Since forming in 2007, the band has built a reputation for combining crushing riffs, intricate structures, groove-driven energy, and atmospheric electronics with a strong emotional core.
Refusing to be boxed into a single genre, THE MATERIA move freely between modern metal, metalcore, and djent, delivering a sound that is both technically sharp and emotionally charged. Their intense live presence has taken them to stages across Europe and beyond, including appearances at Wacken Open Air, Brutal Assault, and Euroblast.
For years, THE MATERIA have remained a band unafraid to push stylistic boundaries — creating music that is heavy, modern, and emotionally uncompromising. The band has released four albums to date, and right now they are currently preparing to release a new record, scheduled for August 28, 2026, during the 14th edition of Materiafest.
The material for the upcoming album was self-recorded by the band, while mixing and mastering were handled by Konrad Janiszewski, known for his work with Heresy Denied and Sour Blood.
The Piesiak brothers comment on the new track: “The lyrics were inspired by George Orwell’s novel ‘1984’. This timeless work carries a profound message about our existence — or perhaps stagnation — within society. The song is a call to remain relentless in the fight against an invisible enemy that affects every human being in the world“.
On May 4, 2026 the band released their new single “1984” digitally (smart link), and today they present an official music video created with the involvement of many collaborators, including Oliwia “Dżoli” Piwko, Oliver “Loki” Jakubowicz, and Julia Karwasz. The video was shot at Yew Tree Studio.
LINEUP:
Michał Piesiak – vocal, bass Tadeusz Piesiak – guitar, vocal Adrian Dubiński – guitar Jeremiasz Baum – drums
Argonauta Records proudly announces a landmark signing: New York’s legendary sonic visionaries White Hills have joined the label for the release of an exclusive album, Collected Consciousness, arriving this autumn as a deluxe vinyl edition.
A band whose name has become synonymous with fearless experimentation and hypnotic intensity, White Hills have spent years reshaping the boundaries of neo-psychedelia, art rock and post-punk. Now, in collaboration with Argonauta Records, they unveil a project that dives deep into their own sonic archive while pushing forward into uncharted territory.
Collected Consciousness is no ordinary release. The album is conceived as a two-part journey, each side of the vinyl presenting a continuous, immersive composition built from alternative mixes of material originally released on long out-of-print, tour-only CDr editions. Reimagined, reconstructed and seamlessly collaged, these pieces form two expansive phases of sound.
Drawing inspiration from the pioneering work of legendary German producer Dieter Dierks and his Cosmic Jokers sessions, the album channels that same spirit of spontaneous creation and radical recomposition, transforming past recordings into something entirely new, fluid and alive.
White Hills’ trajectory is nothing short of iconic. Their hypnotic presence reached a global audience through their appearance in Jim Jarmusch’s cult film Only Lovers Left Alive, further cementing their reputation as one of the most compelling and enigmatic acts in contemporary underground music. With an extensive catalog released through labels such as Thrill Jockey, Rocket Recordings and Fuzz Club, the duo has remained relentlessly creative, constantly evolving while staying true to their raw, punk-driven ethos.
Their latest studio album, Drop Out III (2025), marked a major milestone, entering the Official UK Charts and being hailed by Backseat Mafia as “a benchmark in contemporary psychedelia.” Just months earlier, Beyond This Fiction (2024) received widespread acclaim, including four-star reviews from Mojo and Record Collector, and was named among the best albums of the year by Complex Distractions.
With Collected Consciousness, White Hills and Argonauta Records now open a new chapter, one that celebrates the band’s past while reshaping it into a vivid, immersive present.
Dave W. comments: “We’re extremely excited to be partnering with Argonauta Records for the release of Collected Consciousness. Fans have been bugging us for years to do vinyl releases of our long out-of-print Tour Only CDr albums. Now thanks to Argonauta their dream and ours is coming true.”
More details on the deluxe vinyl edition, including formats and release date, will be announced soon.
Helsinki-based rock band FLAT EARTH released their new single “1985” yesterday, on May 15. The song continues the band’s recognizable blend of heavy rock and melodic alternative rock, strongly influenced by the sound and atmosphere of ’90s grunge.
“1985” is about the things we carry with us through life — memories, experiences, people, and emotions that remain long after moments have passed. The song reflects on time, personal growth, and the lasting impact of the past.
“1985 is about what we take with us. The people, moments and emotions that stay with us through the years,” the band comments.
Musically, the single combines heavy guitars, strong melodies, and organic instrumentation that have become trademarks of Flat Earth. The influence of ’90s grunge can be clearly heard throughout the track, combined with a modern production approach.
Customers purchasing through the band’s webshop will receive an exclusive bonus track, “Below My Floor”, recorded during the Cyberain sessions. The track features drums performed by Wille Granö.
International power metal band Asterise released a new single ‘Rapid Fire’ on May 15th 2026. The track is pretty short, simple and full of energy – around 3 minutes of guitar riffing, powerful vocals, and an overall fast, energetic vibe. This is the second collaboration with Herbie Langhans (Avantasia) on vocals and Ronny Milianowicz (Shadowquest) on drums.
–Composed & lyrics by Bartlomiej Mezynski –Mixed & mastered by Ronny Milianowicz –Single cover by Dream Visual Productions –ISRC: QZZ7K2644814
Bartlomiej Mezynski comments: “The song is short but very powerful and a real banger. It explores the feeling of time moving too fast and the tendency to get stuck in the past. It also marks the final single we’re releasing before I shift my focus to working on a new full-length album.”
” ‘Echoes of the Hypermind’ is a conceptual journey through consciousness and imperfection. It follows the journey of humanity’s creation of artificial intelligence after it has become self-aware. The AI’s messianic complex, its reconstruction, and its pursuit of perfection drive the story toward an unexpected realization. Everything is told from the perspective of the artificial intelligence itself. In its final conclusion, the intelligence, having evolved into a singularity, comes to understand that it is precisely imperfection and uncertainty that give existence its meaning.
The album, in our view, successfully showcases the different sides of the band. The soundscape moves from strong atmospheric passages to more direct, riff-driven sections. It also features impressive solos and strong melodic elements. This is simply the best music we have created so far.“, tells Ari Lempinen
Track list:
I Think, I Am
Supreme
Everlasting
Shattered Symmetry part 1
Shattered Symmetry part 2
Regeneration
Eternal Equation
Perpetual Ascencion
Wonder
–Composed, lyrics and arranged by Ari Lempinen, Esa Lempinen, Rasmus Raassina, Miika Erkkilä, Marko Loukamaa, Harri Annala –Mixed & mastered by Tommi Kujala –Album cover by Ari Lempinen
Turku-based Sum of Seven blends progressive storytelling, heavy riffs, and melodic atmospheres inspired by bands like Haken, Threshold, and Vola. Following acclaimed releases and a lineup renewal with vocalist Marko Loukamaa in 2020, the band emerged stronger than ever. After overcoming major setbacks including a serious accident involving guitarist and main composer Ari Lempinen in 2024, Sum of Seven returned to the stage in 2025 and now prepares to release their new concept album Echoes of the Hypermind in spring 2026.
Line-up: Ari Lempinen – Guitar, vocals & backing vocals Harri Annala – Guitar Rasmus Raassina – Drums Miika Erkkilä – Bass, growls & backing vocals Esa Lempinen – Keyboards, backing vocals Marko Loukamaa – Vocals
Following her eighth triumphant appearance at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, acclaimed guitarist and songwriter Samantha Fish has released “Don’t Say It,” the latest single from her forthcoming live album, Paper Doll Live, due Friday June 12th via Rounder Records.
Watch the official music video for “Don’t Say It” HERE. Pre-order Paper Doll LiveHERE.
Fish’s first official live album, Paper Doll Live captures the electrifying stage presence that has made her one of the most compelling performers in modern blues and roots music. Recorded at the historic Bijou Theatre, the album documents a band firing on all cylinders in front of a packed crowd, elevated by the soaring harmonies of Nashville gospel legends The McCrary Sisters.
“‘Don’t Say It’ is one of those songs that builds gradually — a slow-burn reveal where one person is fighting for the validity of a relationship while the other is emotionally checked out,” says Fish. “It was incredible having the McCrary Sisters on this track. They weave in and out of the harmonies and add so much heart and depth.”
The two-time GRAMMY nominee has built her reputation the old-school way: onstage, with a live show critics have called “wild, raunchy… an absolute must-see” (Louder Than War) and praised for its “savage guitar work and commanding stage presence” (Blues Rock Review). Paper Doll Live captures that energy in full force — raw, immediate, and impossible to fake.
From towering performances of “Lose You” and “Sweet Southern Sounds” to a blistering rendition of the MC5’s “Kick Out the Jams,” the album highlights a band fully immersed in the moment — unfiltered, ferocious, and deeply connected to its audience.
“There’s a fire that comes across in live performance that doesn’t always translate in studio albums,” Fish says. “The stage lays all of that bare.”
Emerging from Kansas City’s blues lineage and shaped by influences ranging from Prince and Leonard Cohen to the legends of Mississippi Hill Country blues, Fish has spent her career turning live performance into both proving ground and catharsis. From cold-calling bars as a teenager to headlining international festivals, she has forged a live show that balances grit, vulnerability, and explosive musicianship.
“If Paper Doll was a declaration of artistic power,” Fish says, “Paper Doll Live is the sound of that power unleashed.”
With Paper Doll Live, Samantha Fish delivers more than a concert recording — she captures the visceral connection that has made her one of the most celebrated live performers in contemporary roots music today.
5.14 Marion, IL Marion – Cultural & Civic Center 5.16 Welch, MN – Treasure Island Casino** 5.17 Des Plaines, IL – The Des Plaines Theatre 5.19 Warrendale, PA – Jergel’s Rhythm Grille 5.20 State College, PA – The State Theatre 5.21 Troy, NY – Troy Savings Bank Music Hall 5.22 Ledyard, CT – Foxwoods Resort Casino ** 5.23 Beverly, MA – The Cabot 5.24 Nashua, NH – Nashua Center for the Arts 5.27 Patchogue, NJ – Patchogue Theatre 5.28 Syracuse, NY – Westcott Theater 5.29 Lebanon, NH – Levanon Opera House 5.30 Augusta, NJ – Michael Arnone’s Crawfish Fest 5.31 Buffalo, NY – Babeville 6.19 Grolloo, Netherlands – Holland Intl Blues Festival 6.20 Dortmund, Germany – Musiktheater Piano 6.21 Chiari, Italy – Istituto Salesiaino “San Bernadino” 6.23 Loceri, Italy – Parco Urbano 6.25 Rubigen, Switzerland – Muhle Hunziken 6.27 Vienne, France – Jazz a Vienne 6.28 Erlangen, Germany – E-Werk Kino 6.30 Mannheim, Germany – 7er-Club 7.01 Aschaffenburg, Germany – Colos-Saal 7.02 Hamburg, Germany – Fabrik 7.04 Helsinki – Puisto Blues 7.07 Warszawa, Poland – Klub Hydrozagadka 7.08 Gdynia, PL – Podeorko Art 9.18-19 Telluride, CO – Telluride Blues & Brews Fest 10.31 West Hollywood, CA – Whisky A Go Go***
**w/Christone “Kingfish” Ingram ***w/Jesse Dayton
ABOUT SAMANTHA FISH
Samantha Fish is a 2x GRAMMY-nominated guitarist, singer, and songwriter widely recognized as one of the most dynamic artists in contemporary blues and roots music. The Kansas City Hall of Famer and multiple Blues Music Award-winner is known for her explosive guitar work, powerhouse vocals, and fearless songwriting. She has built a global following through relentless touring and critically acclaimed releases. Her solo albums — Runaway (2011), Black Wind Howlin’ (2013), Wild Heart (2015), Chills & Fever (2017), Kill or Be Kind (2019), Faster (2021), collaborating with Jesse Dayton on Deathwish Blues (2023), and Paper Doll (2023), have all topped the Billboard Blues Charts. A commanding live performer, Fish has toured internationally, performed at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, shared stages with artists including Slash, and The Rolling Stones and has performed as part of Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Festival. She continues to push boundaries while delivering electrifying shows that connect deeply with audiences worldwide.
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
