Photo by Wolf Mountain Productions — Cover artwork photographed by Darby Lahger
Indigenous solo black metal project BLACKBRAID is pleased to now surprise fans with a brand new EP, ‘Nocturnal Womb,’ which will be independently released worldwide this Friday, March 6! To celebrate, BLACKBRAID has partnered with Black Metal Promotion to premiere the new single, “Celestial Bloodlust,” along with a dynamic performance video. The video was created by Moshmallows during Blackbraid’s recent performance at Kollektivet Livet Bar & Scen in Stockholm (SE) and features many of Blackbraid’s ravenous Swedish fans! Watch at THIS LOCATION.
“Nocturnal Womb” and “Celestial Bloodlust” were the tracks too dark and visceral to fit the story of ‘Blackbraid III.’ They exist on their own outside of the album trilogy via a standalone EP, which also contains an acoustic instrumental rendition of “Barefoot Ghost Dance on Blood Soaked Soil.” With the EP release imminent, sales sand shipping both start today. ‘Nocturnal Wound’ can be ordered now via Blackbraid.US & Blackbraid.EU
Blackbraid will also soon be headlining the UK and Ireland from April 9 – 14, 2026, in which he will be supported by WINTERFYLLETH + NOCTEM. The full itinerary can be found below while tickets are available HERE. In addition, Blackbraid has a number of upcoming festival appearances in Europe, which can also be found below!
Blackbraidis a solo indigenous black metal project from from the depths of the Adirondack wilderness creating music as raw and powerful as the mountains from whence it came…
The cover artwork for ‘Nocturnal Womb’ was photographed by Darby Lahger and can be found below along with the tracklist!
Barefoot Ghost Dance on Blood Soaked Soil – Acoustic (06:54)
BLACKBRAID UK + IE Tour w/ Winterfylleth + Noctem:
04/09/26: Bristol, UK @ The Fleece 04/10/26: Manchester, UK @ Rebellion 04/11/26: Dublin, IE @ Whelan’s 04/12/26: Belfast, UK @ Limelight 2 04/13/26: Glasgow, UK @ Slay 04/14/26: Birmingham, UK -@Asylum 04/15/26: London, UK @ The Garage
BLACKBRAID Upcoming Festivals:
April 04: Munich (DE) @ Dark Easter Metal Meeting April 05: Antwerpen (BE) @ Samhain Festival August 06: Jaroměř (CZ) @ Brutal Assault August 07: Helsinki (FI) @ Hellsinki Metal Fest August 09: Kortrijk (BE) @ Alcatraz August 12 – 15: Wittelshofen (DE) @ Summer Breeze Open Air
‘Blackbraid III’ Album Credits: Composed & performed by Sgah’gahsowáh Drums, recording, mixing & mastering by Neil Schneider Illustration by Adrian Baxter Cover Photograph by Darby Lahger Graphic Design & Artist Photo by Wolf Mountain Productions
JARED JAMES NICHOLS is pleased to share his new single, “Killing Time,” the third track taken from his upcoming fourth studio album, ‘Louder Than Fate,’ due out on June 5, 2026 via Frontiers Music Srl. The single arrives alongside an official video, available below.
Raw, unapologetic, and deeply rooted in the lineage of blues-driven hard rock, “Killing Time” captures NICHOLS at the peak of his creative confidence, channeling grit, groove, and soul with relentless intensity while setting the tone for what promises to be his most powerful and fully realized album to date. The song was written & recorded in Nashville with Roger Alan Nichols (Larkin Poe, Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown, Hayley Williams) producing. The video for “Killing Time” was shot in the basement of Halestorm Manor (Lzzy & Joe from Halestorm’s house).
JARED comments on the new track:
“‘Killing Time’ is not being able to cut the loss of a relationship when you know you have to move on. It’s about walking a lonely path while hanging onto hope, even when all is lost. Every stripped-down chord echoes the regret of moments thrown away and words left unsaid. Writing this song was a personal reminder that it is OK to close chapters and move on to new beginnings.”
A set of record-release shows kicks off in Teaneck, NJ, on May 29th, and a list of his upcoming live dates can be found below.
Produced and mixed by Jay Ruston (Anthrax, Stone Sour, Amon Amarth, Skindred, and Steel Panther) with additional production by Roger Alan Nichols (Larkin Poe, Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown and Hayley Williams of Paramore), ‘Louder Than Fate’ balances muscle and melody, combining thunderous riffs, searing solos, and emotionally charged vocals with a modern, punchy production. The songs move effortlessly between hard-hitting rock anthems and more reflective, dynamic moments, showcasing NICHOLS’ ability to fuse classic influences with a contemporary edge. Tracks like “Bending or Breaking” and “Killing Time” expand the sonic palette with subtle keyboards and cinematic string arrangements, adding depth without ever sacrificing power.
Since his breakout debut, JARED JAMES NICHOLS has built a reputation as one of the most electrifying guitarists and performers of his generation. Known for his unmistakable tone, fearless playing style, and commanding stage presence, he has toured extensively across the US and Europe, sharing stages with some of the biggest names in rock and earning praise from fans and critics alike.
‘Louder Than Fate’ is not just an album — it’s a declaration. A record that speaks to resilience, conviction, and the unstoppable force of an artist who plays every note as if it truly matters. Loud, honest, and deeply human, this is JARED JAMES NICHOLS at his absolute best.
NICHOLS comments on ‘Louder Than Fate’:
“I’m beyond excited for this record. I’ve been counting down the days until its release like it’s a personal holiday. If the singles are any hint for you, there are plenty of riffs ripping through the speakers like a buzz saw. But going deeper into the record, there are tons of different emotions and sounds that I have yet to explore as a singer/songwriter. I am personally thrilled to share different shades of myself on this record, giving so much more depth and insight to the listener. Get ready for ‘Louder than Fate’.”
‘Louder Than Fate’ Track List: 1. Let’s Go 2. Ghost 3. Way Back 4. Bending Or Breaking 5. Killing Time * 6. Dust N’ Bones 7. Show Me * 8. Looks Like That Felt Good * 9. Runnin’ Hot 10. Pretend
Killing Time (acoustic version) Bonus Track Japan The Death Of Love (bonus track Digital)
Produced & Mixed by Jay Ruston Except * Produced & Mixed by Roger Alan Nichols
Record Release Shows: May 29th – Teaneck, NJ @ Debonair Music Hall June 3rd- Sweden Rock Festival ** June 6th – London, UK @ The Lexington June 10th – Nashville, TN @ The Basement East
Internationally acclaimed guitarist, singer, and songwriter Philip Sayce sets the stage ablaze once again with the announcement of his explosive new live album, Scorched Earth: Volume 2 Live in LA / London.
To mark the news of the highly anticipated new live album, Sayce releases the album’s latest single, “Morning Star (Live),” available now on all streaming services alongside an official lyric which fans can watch on YouTube HERE.
Captured during a triumphant run of sold-out performances at the legendary venue The Baked Potato in Los Angeles and a packed, over-capacity show at The Garage in London, Scorched Earth: Volume 2 Live in LA / London documents Sayce at the absolute peak of his powers.
“Morning Star (Live)” follows the release of the album’s first single, “Peace Machine (Live)”, which debuted late last year and is already available on streaming services with an accompanying music video. Together, the two tracks offer a powerful preview of the raw intensity and emotional fire that define the full live album.
A blistering continuation of the Scorched Earth series, Volume 2 delivers the fearless improvisation, volcanic guitar work, and deep emotional charge that have cemented Sayce’s reputation as one of the most revered guitarists of his generation.
The record captures the undeniable chemistry between Sayce and his world-class band: Sam Bolle (bass) and Bryan Head (drums). Together, they unleash a sonic firestorm blending blues grit, psychedelic soul, and high-wire rock ‘n’ roll.
Among the album’s defining moments are explosive renditions of “Once” and “Bitter Monday,” recorded live at The Baked Potato, along with a breathtaking rendition of Jimi Hendrix’s “Spanish Castle Magic,” performed during an unforgettable night at The Garage in London. It’s a fearless, transcendent take that channels and honours the spirit of Jimi Hendrix while unmistakably bearing Sayce’s signature tone and fire.
The album’s sonic depth and clarity are elevated by GRAMMY Award-winning mixing engineer Mark Rains and GRAMMY Award-nominated mastering engineer Brian Lucey, ensuring every surge of the live experience hits with full force.
“These shows were pure electricity,” says Sayce. “There’s something powerful about capturing a moment when the band, the songs, and the audience are completely locked in. LA and London brought that magic. We lit the fuse, and you can feel it.”
Recorded in two of the world’s most iconic live music cities, Scorched Earth: Volume 2 Live in LA / London stands as a definitive testament to Philip Sayce’s standing as a modern torchbearer of blues-rock guitar. From searing solos and soulful vocals to thunderous rhythm section interplay, this is more than a live album; it is an event.
With critics and fans consistently praising Sayce’s incendiary performances and emotional authenticity, Scorched Earth: Volume 2 Live in LA / London arrives as a must-hear release for guitar lovers and live music devotees worldwide.
SCORCHED EARTH: VOLUME 2: LIVE IN LA / LONDON -ALBUM TRACK LISTING
1. One Foot In The Grave (3:19) 2. Once (3:35) 3. Bitter Monday (5:52) 4. Peace Machine (9:30) 5. Lady Love Divine (3:56) 6. 5:55 (1:53) 7. Morning Star (5:07) 8. Spanish Castle Magic (5:07)
SPECIAL GUESTS: TOM MORIARTY (ALL SHOWS) *CHANTEL MCGREGOR (HOLMFIRTH ONLY)
BRISTOL, THE FLEECE TUESDAY 19 MAY 2026 Special guest: Tom Moriarty Tickets: The Gig Cartel 2 St Thomas St, Redcliffe, Bristol, BS1 6JJ https://thefleece.co.uk
NOTTINGHAM, RESCUE ROOMS WEDNESDAY 20 MAY 2026 Special guest: Tom Moriarty Tickets: The Gig Cartel Masonic Pl, Goldsmith St, Nottingham, NG1 5LB www.rescuerooms.com
HOLMFIRTH, PICTUREDROME FRIDAY 22 MAY 2026 *Special guests: Chantel McGregor and Tom Moriarty Tickets: The Gig Cartel Market Walk, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, HD9 7DA www.picturedrome.net
GLASGOW, ST LUKES SATURDAY 23 MAY 2026 Special guest: Tom Moriarty Tickets: The Gig Cartel Calton, 17 Bain St, Glasgow, G40 2JZ www.stlukesglasgow.com
NEWCASTLE, ANARCHY BREW SUNDAY 24 MAY 2026 Special guest: Tom Moriarty Tickets: The Gig Cartel Benfield Business Park, Unit A1, Benfield Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 4NQ www.anarchybrewco.com/events
BURY ST EDMONDS, THE APEX THURSDAY 28 MAY 2026 Special guest: Tom Moriarty Tickets: The Gig Cartel Charter Square St, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3FD www.theapex.co.uk
CHESTER, THE LIVE ROOMS SATURDAY 30 MAY 2026 Special guest: Tom Moriarty Tickets: The Gig Cartel 1 Station Road, Chester, CH1 3DR www.theliverooms.com
CARDIFF, THE GLOBE SUNDAY 31 MAY 2026 Special guest: Tom Moriarty Tickets: The Gig Cartel 125 Albany Road, Cardiff, Wales, CF24 3NSA www.globecardiff.co.uk
Born in Wales, raised in Canada, and based in Los Angeles, Philip Sayce is a global force in blues-rock and one of the most electrifying live performers of his generation. In March 2024, he was officially named one of the “Greatest Blues Guitarists of All Time” in Total Guitar/Guitar World magazine’s prestigious Top 100 list.
With a career that spans decades, Sayce first rose to international prominence touring with Jeff Healey and performing at the Montreux Jazz Festival. His guitar work appears on Melissa Etheridge’s Academy Award-winning anthem “I Need to Wake Up,” and on Uncle Kracker’s Billboard record-setting album No Stranger to Shame.
From sold-out headline shows across the globe to tens of millions of streams, Sayce has built a body of work defined by fearless innovation, soulful authenticity, and unmistakable tone. Whether in the studio or on stage, his musicianship remains raw, emotional, and unfiltered — honouring the blues while pushing it boldly into the future.
A Love Letter to the Past: Heidi Shepherd Reflects on the Past 25 Years in Her Most Personal Release Yet, Exploring the Life Lessons That Forged Her Identity
Butcher Babies return with their powerful new single “Lost In Your Touch,” produced by Howard Benson, this marks the second release from their forthcoming album via Judge & Jury Records. Blending emotional vulnerability with crushing intensity, the track serves as a key chapter in an album that functions as a deeply personal love letter to vocalist Heidi Shepherd’s past reflecting on the experiences, relationships, heartbreaks, and hard-earned lessons that have shaped her over the last 25 years. It’s a record rooted in self-reflection and growth, honoring where she’s been while embracing the strength and clarity of who she has become today.
Heidi Shepherd shares:
“10 years ago, I watched the love of my life fall in love with someone else. I watched him fill my shoes with another girl’s touch. She slowly took my place in the late-night phone calls and early morning coffee.
He replaced “us” with her name on his lips. I bent between this new reality and the past that my body and heart so desperately wanted back. As I watched this unfold, I couldn’t help but wonder if they shared the same, deep emotional bond we once shared, and if ‘she gets lost in his touch like I do’.
This song brings me back to those heartbreaking moments alone; reflecting, growing, and finding myself again. I don’t take a love like that for granted now. It’s special, and deserves to be put on a pedestal.
Recording this song with Howard was really special. From the get go, he understood the emotion and story behind the lyrics. We both knew this song was going to be special, and treated it with the emotional sensitivity needed to not just hear the song, but to feel it.”
Howard Benson adds, “I gravitated to this song immediately because of the vulnerability of the lyrics. To me, as a producer, if I can get lyrics like this that I know the vocalist will deliver.. like Heidi delivers the emotions in this song … that’s so critical to the track connecting.”
Mar 4 – Saginaw, MI @ The Vault with Jeris Johnson, Eva Under Fire, LYLVC Mar 5 – Columbus, OH @ A&R Music Bar with Jeris Johnson, Eva Under Fire and LYLVC Mar 6 – West Chicago, IL @ WC Social Club with Jeris Johnson, Eva Under Fire and LYLVC Mar 7 – Minneapolis, MN @ Fine Line Music Club with Jeris Johnson, Eva Under Fire and LYLVC Mar 8 – Iowa City, IA @ Wildwood Smokehouse & Saloon with Eva Under Fire Mar 9 – Madison, WI @ Majestic Theatre with Jeris Johnson, Eva Under Fire and LYLVC Mar 10 – Fort Wayne, IN @ Piere’s Ent Center with Jeris Johnson, Eva Under Fire and LYLVC Mar 12 – Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live with Jeris Johnson, Eva Under Fire and LYLVC Mar 14 – Oklahoma City, OK @ 89th Street OKC with Jeris Johnson, Eva Under Fire and LYLVC Mar 15 – Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad BB Headliner Mar 16 – Farmington, NM @ Dino’s Hideaway & Lounge BB Headliner Mar 17 – Mesa, AZ @ The Nile Theater with Jeris Johnson, Eva Under Fire and LYLVC Mar 18 – West Hollywood, CA @ The Whisky A Go-Go with Jeris Johnson, Eva Under Fire and LYLVC Mar 19 – San Francisco, CA @ Brick and Mortar with Jeris Johnson, Eva Under Fire and LYLVC Mar 20 – Reno, NV @ The Alpine BB Headlner
Butcher Babies Co-Headline Dates with Infected Rain
Mar 25 – Glasgow, UK @ Slay Glasgow Mar 26 – Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK @ Anarchy Brew Co. Mar 27 – Manchester, UK @ Manchester Academy Mar 28 – London, UK @ O2 Academy Islington Mar 29 – Bristol. UK @ The Fleece Mar 30 – Birmingham, UK @ O2 Institute Birmingham Mar 31 – Southampton, UK @ The 1865 Apr 1 – Brighton, UK @ Concorde 2 Apr 3 – Kortrijk, Belgium @ DVG Club Apr 4 – Nijmegen, Netherlands @ Doornroosje Apr 5 – Oberndorf Am Neckar, Germany – Easter Cross Festival 2026 Apr 7 – Essen, Germany @ Turock Apr 8 – Weinheim, Germany @ Cafe Central Apr 9 – Paris, France @ La Machine Du Moulin Rouge Apr 10 – Villeurbanne, France @ CCO La Rayonne Apr 11 – L’hospitalet De Llobregat, Spain @ Salamandra Apr 12 – Madrid, Spain @ Mon Madrid Apr 14 – Toulouse, France @ Le Metronum Apr 15 – Milano, Italy @ Legend Club Apr 16 – Zurich, Switzerland @ Dynamo Apr 17 – Lindau, Germany @ Vaudville E.V. Club Apr 18 – Munchen, Germany @ Backstage Apr 19 – Budapest, Hungary @ Barba Negra Apr 20 – Wien, Austria @ Szene Apr 22- Warsaw, Poland @ Klub Hybrydy Apr 23 – Hamburg, Germany @ Bahnhof Pauli Apr 24 – Copenhagen, Denmark @ Pumpehuset Apr 25 – Stockholm, Sweden @ Kollektivet Livet Apr 28 – Helsinki, Finland @ Aaniwalli
May 16 – Columbus, OH @ Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival Jul 18 – Cadott, WI @ Rock Fest Sept 18 – Louisville, KY @ Louder Than Life
Butcher Babies, hailing from Las Vegas, NV, are a force to be reckoned with in the hard rock and heavy metal scene. Formed in 2009, the band is known for its aggressive style and intense live performances. Inspired by metal legends and punk rock attitude, Butcher Babies blend elements of thrash, groove, and melodic metal, creating a unique and ferocious sound.
The band’s debut album, Goliath (2013), showcased their raw energy and tight musicianship, earning critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. Follow-up albums like Uncovered (2014), Take It Like a Man (2015), Lilith (2017), Eye for an Eye and ’Til the World’s Blind (2023 double album) further cemented their reputation, with tracks that highlight their dynamic range and lyrical depth.
With influences ranging from Pantera and Slipknot to No Doubt and riot girl, PJ Harvey, Butcher Babies have carved out their niche in the metal world. Their relentless touring schedule and high-octane performances have taken them across the globe, sharing stages with some of
the biggest names in metal. Butcher Babies continues to evolve, pushing boundaries and challenging the norms of the genre. Their dedication to their craft and their fans makes them a standout act, promising and exciting future for this powerhouse band.
Founded by multi-platinum producer Howard Benson and Neil Sanderson (drummer and songwriter of Three Days Grace), Judge & Jury brings decades of success in the rock world, offering extensive promotional, production, and songwriting resources.
CITOVITZ AND FIREFLIES OF FEBRUARY have released the official lyric video for “I Am a Gentleman Tempered by Grief,” a deeply personal classic rock anthem from the “My Revenge” EP, released on Andrzej Citowicz’s 50th birthday, February 10th, 2026.
The lyric video, now available on YouTube (https://youtu.be/WrgAOinVu4M), presents the most introspective and vulnerable song from the five-track EP—a meditation on how profound loss transforms a person while preserving their essential humanity.
THE QUIETEST STATEMENT: GRIEF AS TRANSFORMATION
While “My Revenge” EP carries themes of defiance and survival throughout its runtime, “I Am a Gentleman Tempered by Grief” offers something different: quiet reflection on what remains after the fire, delivered through a classic rock anthem that balances power with vulnerability.
The song’s title encapsulates its entire philosophy—acknowledging both who Citowicz strives to be (a gentleman: kind, patient, understanding) and what shaped him (grief: loss, devastation, transformation he never chose). “After losing my son Jonasz, I’m not the same person,” Citowicz states plainly. “Grief changes you. It doesn’t make you bitter necessarily, but it makes you different. Harder in some ways. Softer in others. More patient with suffering. Less patient with bullshit. This song is about that transformation—about choosing kindness even after the world was cruel.”
The track carries particular weight as the only song on “My Revenge” where Citowicz explores internal transformation rather than external survival. It’s intimate, vulnerable, and remarkably honest about the ongoing nature of grief’s influence.
“I wanted to write about what grief does to someone who chooses to stay kind anyway,” he explains. “It’s easy to let pain turn you cruel. It’s harder—much harder—to be forged in fire you didn’t ask for and still preserve the good parts of who you are. That’s what ‘tempered’ means. Not destroyed. Shaped. Made stronger in unexpected ways.”
MUSICAL APPROACH: CLASSIC ROCK ANTHEM WITH SOUL
Musically, “I Am a Gentleman Tempered by Grief” represents a classic rock anthem in its purest form, drawing from the melodic sensibilities and emotional honesty that defined the genre’s greatest moments. “This track is pure classic rock,” Citowicz states with conviction. “There’s a touch of AC/DC’s melodic approach, Def Leppard’s way of building anthems that stay emotional without losing power, even The Darkness in how the guitars carry both vulnerability and strength simultaneously. This isn’t a ballad—it’s a classic rock anthem with soul.”
The guitars here employ the clean, melodic tones characteristic of classic rock’s most memorable tracks, creating hooks that serve the emotional content while maintaining the genre’s inherent power. The arrangement builds dynamically, creating space where needed but never sacrificing the forward momentum that defines an anthem.
“Def Leppard taught me that you can be emotional without being soft,” Citowicz reflects. “AC/DC showed that hard rock can hit… hard while staying accessible. The Darkness proved that classic rock isn’t dead—it just needs honesty. This song pulls from all of that. It’s an anthem, but it’s an anthem about something real.”
The production employs contemporary techniques while honoring classic rock traditions: warm guitar tones that recall the genre’s golden era, dynamic range that ebbs and flows with emotional content, and careful attention to how each element serves the song’s anthemic quality without overwhelming its intimate message.
“I wanted this to feel like classic rock—not retro, not nostalgic, but genuinely classic in approach,” he explains. “Big enough to be an anthem. Honest enough to be personal. Powerful enough to stand with the classics that influenced it.”
PATRYK SZYMAŃSKI: BASS AS MELODIC VOICE
Throughout “My Revenge” EP, bassist Patryk Szymański’s contribution has been crucial, but “I Am a Gentleman Tempered by Grief” showcases a different dimension of his musicianship—bass as melodic conversation partner rather than rhythmic foundation alone.
“Patryk’s bass work on this track is beautiful,” Citowicz emphasizes. “He’s not just holding down the rhythm—he’s playing melody. Listen to the verses. His bass line is as important as the vocal melody. That kind of playing only comes from deep musical understanding and genuine friendship.”
The bass lines throughout the track demonstrate the intuitive connection that develops from over a decade of musical collaboration. Szymański doesn’t simply support Citowicz’s guitar work—he engages in dialogue with it, creating harmonic depth that elevates the classic rock anthem structure.
“When you’ve been creating with someone for over ten years, you develop this almost telepathic connection,” Citowicz notes. “Patryk hears what I’m trying to say before I fully say it. On this anthem especially, his bass playing isn’t technical showmanship—it’s emotional intelligence translated into the language of classic rock.”
The result is bass work that feels organic, essential, and deeply connected to both the song’s thematic content and its classic rock foundation—much like how the genre’s greatest bassists understood that melody and rhythm could coexist in service of the song.
THE LYRIC VIDEO: MAKING WORDS VISIBLE
The decision to create a lyric video for “I Am a Gentleman Tempered by Grief” stems from the same philosophy that guided previous lyric videos from the “My Revenge” project: words this personal deserve to be seen, read, and absorbed beyond just hearing.
“These aren’t just lyrics—they’re a life map,” Citowicz explains. “Every line represents something real. Every word earned through actual transformation. I want people to read them, sit with them, recognize themselves in them. The lyric video format makes that possible.”
The visual presentation allows viewers to engage with the anthem’s message on multiple levels simultaneously—hearing the vocal delivery, reading the words, absorbing the musical support. For a classic rock anthem built on introspection and personal transformation, this multi-layered approach deepens connection while honoring the genre’s tradition of meaningful lyrics.
GRIEF, KINDNESS, AND THE CHOICE TO REMAIN HUMAN
At its core, “I Am a Gentleman Tempered by Grief” explores a question many survivors face: how do you maintain kindness, patience, and humanity after experiencing devastating loss? The classic rock anthem structure gives this personal question universal reach. The song doesn’t offer easy answers or false comfort. Instead, it acknowledges the ongoing nature of grief’s influence while asserting the possibility—and importance—of choosing kindness anyway, all delivered through the powerful, accessible language of classic rock.
“Grief taught me things I never wanted to learn,” Citowicz states. “It showed me who stays and who runs. It revealed what matters and what’s just noise. I’m a gentleman because I choose kindness even after the world was cruel. But I’m tempered—forged in fire I didn’t ask for. Both those things are true simultaneously.”
This dual acknowledgment—of damage and dignity, of change and continuity—gives the anthem its emotional power. It doesn’t pretend grief doesn’t alter you, but it refuses to accept that alteration must mean destruction. “You can be shaped by terrible things without being destroyed by them,” he continues. “You can carry loss without letting it make you cruel. You can be tempered—made stronger in the broken places—while still preserving what makes you human. That’s what this classic rock anthem is about. Big enough to be universal. Honest enough to be personal.”
FOR EVERYONE CHANGED BY LOSS
While deeply personal, “I Am a Gentleman Tempered by Grief” speaks to universal experience—the discovery that surviving profound loss requires ongoing choices about who you become afterward. The classic rock anthem structure makes this personal message accessible to anyone who’s faced similar transformation.
“This song is for everyone who survived something that changed them forever,” Citowicz offers. “For everyone who’s trying to stay kind after the world was cruel. For every gentleman and gentlewoman tempered by grief. If you’re fighting to preserve your humanity after it was tested by fire—this anthem’s for you.”
The message resonates particularly in an era where trauma, loss, and grief have touched countless lives in various forms—from personal bereavement to collective suffering. The classic rock format provides familiar musical language for unfamiliar emotional territory.
“We’re living in times when a lot of people are carrying loss they never expected to carry,” Citowicz observes. “This anthem doesn’t fix that. But maybe it reminds someone that transformation doesn’t have to mean destruction. That being changed doesn’t mean being broken beyond repair. That choosing kindness after cruelty is strength, not weakness. Classic rock has always been about those kinds of truths—big emotions, honest statements, music that connects.”
CONTINUING THE “MY REVENGE” NARRATIVE
“I Am a Gentleman Tempered by Grief” fits within the larger “My Revenge” EP narrative while offering distinct perspective. Where other tracks explore defiance, survival, and refusing to be silenced, this classic rock anthem examines internal landscape—how you live with yourself after surviving what tried to destroy you.
“The EP is called ‘My Revenge’ because it’s about refusing to let pain write the ending,” Citowicz explains. “But revenge isn’t just defiance. It’s also preservation—preserving your humanity, your kindness, your essential self after everything tried to strip those things away. This anthem represents that quieter form of revenge: still being a gentleman after everything that tried to make me cruel.”
The song demonstrates that “My Revenge” encompasses multiple forms of survival—from loud defiance to quiet persistence, from external battles to internal choices. “Some revenge is screaming,” he notes. “Some revenge is staying kind. Both matter. Both take strength. This anthem is the second kind—the choice to be tempered by grief rather than destroyed by it. That’s its own form of winning.”
CLASSIC ROCK LEGACY AND CONTEMPORARY RELEVANCE
“I Am a Gentleman Tempered by Grief” positions itself firmly within classic rock tradition while addressing contemporary emotional reality—demonstrating that the genre’s approach to honest, melodic, powerful music remains relevant for processing complex human experience.
“Classic rock never died—it just got honest,” Citowicz states. “AC/DC, Def Leppard, The Darkness—they all understood that you can make anthems that hit hard emotionally while maintaining musical power. That’s what I’m doing here. Using classic rock language to talk about grief, transformation, choosing kindness. The genre was built for this.”
The track proves that classic rock’s fundamental elements—melodic guitars, strong bass lines, honest lyrics, anthemic structure—can carry weight beyond nostalgia when applied to genuine emotional content. “I’m not making classic rock because I’m stuck in the past,” he clarifies. “I’m making it because it’s still the best language I have for certain truths. This anthem about grief and kindness—it needed classic rock. It needed that combination of power and vulnerability, accessibility and depth. That’s what the genre does best.”
AVAILABILITY AND CONNECT
The lyric video for “I Am a Gentleman Tempered by Grief” is available now on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WrgAOinVu4M The complete “My Revenge” EP is available on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, and all major streaming platforms.
“This song is for everyone who survived something that changed them forever. For everyone who’s trying to stay kind after the world was cruel. For every gentleman and gentlewoman tempered by grief. This isn’t a ballad—it’s a classic rock anthem with soul. Big enough to be universal. Honest enough to be personal. I’m a gentleman because I choose kindness even after the world was cruel. But I’m tempered—forged in fire I didn’t ask for. That’s what this anthem says: you can be shaped by terrible things without being destroyed by them.” — Andrzej Citowicz
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About Andrzej Citowicz: Andrzej Citowicz is an acclaimed Polish guitarist and songwriter currently based in Cairo, Egypt. As a former recording artist for DownBoys Records, he has built a reputation for emotionally resonant songwriting and distinctive guitar work. His music combines classic rock influences with contemporary production, creating a sound that bridges generational and cultural gaps while maintaining artistic authenticity. His YouTube channel has garnered over 70,000 views from an international audience.
Killswitch Engage – Jesse Leach, vocals; Adam Dutkiewicz, guitar; Joel Stroetzel, guitar; Mike D’Antonio, bass; and Justin Foley, drums – will return to the road this summer on a headline run of the U.S. It marks the band’s first U.S. tour since last year’s Summer of Loud run.
The tour kicks off June 3 in Detroit and runs through June 27 in San Francisco, and includes appearances at Milwaukee Metal Fest and DC Warped Tour Weekend. Support will come from Machine Head, Iron Reagan, and Havok. All dates are below.
A variety of pre-sales run through Thursday, March 5 at 10pm local time. The general on-sale is set for Friday, March 6 at 10am local time. Get tickets here.
“I’m extremely excited to get back out on the road supporting our newest album This Consequence!,” says Leach. “We are hitting major cities and bringing along with us an absolutely killer lineup with the legendary Robb Flynn and Machine Head, thrash masters Iron Reagan, and rounded out by the mighty Havok. This is a stacked and powerful crew of bands that will electrify and dominate wherever we roll up to… so LET’S GO!!!!!!“
KILLSWITCH ENGAGE ON TOUR: WITH MACHINE HEAD, IRON REAGAN, + HAVOK: 6/03 – Detroit, MI – The Fillmore 6/05 – Minneapolis, MN – The Fillmore 6/06 – Milwaukee, WI – Milwaukee Metal Fest* 6/07 – South Bend, IN – Four Winds Field 6/09 – Raleigh, NC – The Ritz 6/11 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Paramount 6/12 – Boston, MA – Roadrunner 6/13 – Bethlehem, PA – Wind Creek Event Center 6/14 – Washington, DC – DC Warped Tour* 6/16 – Orlando, FL – Hard Rock Live 6/17 – Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle 6/19 – Dallas, TX – South Side Ballroom 6/20 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center 6/21 – San Antonio, TX – Boeing Center at Tech Port 6/23 – Albuquerque, NM – Revel Entertainment Center 6/24 – Tempe, AZ – The Marquee 6/25 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Palladium 6/27 – San Francisco, CA – Warfield *KsE Festival Appearance
KsE‘s latest album THIS CONSEQUENCE is out now via Metal Blade. Get it here. The album arrived alongside a hugely successful Winter/Spring 2025 tour, yielded a Top 5 single with “I Believe,” which peaked at No. 3, and landed the band on the covers of Revolver and Outburn. The album was another reminder of why KsE, who have earned several gold and platinum certifications alongside three Grammy nominations, remain one of the most enduring bands of the modern metal scene.
ABOUT KILLSWITCH ENGAGE: Killswitch Engage first shook the structure of heavy music upon climbing out of snowy industrialized Western Massachusetts in 2000. A musical outlier, the band pioneered a union of thrashed-out European guitar pyrotechnics, East Coast hardcore spirit, onstage hijinks, and enlightened lyricism that set the pace for what the turn-of-the-century deemed heavy. 2002’s Alive Or Just Breathing became avowed as a definitive album, being named among “The Top 100 Greatest Metal Albums of the Decade” by Decibel and celebrated by everyone from Metal Hammer to Revolver. Not only did they bust open the floodgates for dozens to follow, but they also garnered three GRAMMY® Award nominations in the category of “Best Metal Performance” in 2005, 2014, and 2019, respectively, a gold certification for The End of Heartache [2004], and a platinum certification for As Daylight Dies [2006]. The group landed three consecutive Top 10 debuts on the Billboard Top 200 with Killswitch Engage [2009], Disarm The Descent [2013], and their career high best bow at #6 with Incarnate [2016]. The latter two releases, along with 2019’s Atonement, would also both capture #1 on the Top Rock Albums and Top Hard Rock Albums charts. The band’s total streams are nearing 3 billion to date, while they’ve remained consummate road warriors who’ve sold out countless headline tours and have shared stages with everyone from Iron Maiden to Slipknot to Slayer to My Chemical Romance to Mastodon to Parkway Drive, which is a testament to their ability to cross genres and appeal to all fans of hard rock. KsE have remained a featured attraction at every major North American and European festival through the years. The band is celebrating an astonishing, 25-year career as one of the most vital and genre-defining bands of the ’00s and continues its incredible legacy.
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 ) 