Norwegian melodic death metal juggernaut Sublime Eyes return with ferocious intent, dropping their blistering new single “Pray For Death” — the second track taken from their highly anticipated new album IV: The Serpent’s Coil, due out September 5, 2025, via Wormholedeath.
“Pray for Death” isn’t just about nihilism — it’s about facing existential ruin with clenched fists. It captures the emotional dissonance of modern life: being pulled into the void but still fighting to stand. Sublime Eyes have delivered something that’s not just heavy — it’s hauntingly human.
Formed in Stavanger, Norway, Sublime Eyes have long been at the forefront of the Scandinavian melodic death/thrash movement. Since 2007, they’ve delivered punishing live sets at major festivals such as Bloodstock Open Air and Norway Rock Festival, and shared stages with icons including The Haunted, Entombed, and more.
With a career marked by constant evolution, Sublime Eyes have carved out a distinctive sonic identity: from their self-released debut Dawn of the Defiant (2010) to the epic and intense Corrocean (2019), and their darkly melodic 2023 EP From Light Unto Darkness. Now, IV: The Serpent’s Coil promises to be their most majestic and punishing release to.
Blacklist Union has officially released their latest single, “Up In Smoke,” a powerful anthem about letting go of the past and embracing the present. Frontman Tony West explains, “It’s about leaving the past behind and staying in the moment. Which is not an easy feat. However, that’s why it’s called the present—because if you can stay in the moment, it’s a true gift.”
Blacklist Union’s new album Slay the Dragon is scheduled for release in September 2025 and will be their sixth full-length release.
In celebration of the release, Blacklist Union unveiled the official music video for “Up In Smoke” which can be seen below:
Blacklist Union have built a reputation on their explosive live shows and unapologetically bold sound. Their previous record,Letters from the Psych Ward, racked up over two million streams, setting the stage for the band’s new album.
Frontman Tony West, known for his larger-than-life presence, took time out to dive deep into several transformative ayahuasca journeys in the heart of the Amazon, preparing for this next era of music.
As Tony put it, “Ayahuasca isn’t a drug—it’s powerful spiritual medicine from another realm. It helped me heal in ways I never thought possible, releasing layers of trauma, heartache, and sorrow. I’m not perfect—not Gandhi or anything—but it changed everything. My entire view of myself, love, the world, people, and my children changed because of those experiences.”
“Up In Smoke” was written by Tony West / Christopher Johnson, produced and mixed by Christopher Johnson. It was recorded at East West Studios in Hollywood, CA.
Blacklist Union frontman Tony West was raised in the Bronx on The Ramones, Bad Brains, and NYHC. Hearing the call of the wild west, he made his way to Los Angeles at 19 years old.
Tony took a break from L.A. to try out Memphis in 1998. While he was there, he attended the first Saliva gig with Paul Crosby on drums. This marked the beginning of a lifelong friendship between Paul and Tony, leading to management, song collaborations, and guest appearances in a few videos. Tony collaborated with guitarist Todd Youth (Murphy’s Law /Danzig) and Malfunkshun, which was kept active by Andy Wood’s brother Kevin Wood. Andy Wood is Tony’s muse, and he was honored to sing in his hero’s band.
I formed Blacklist Union because I wanted to play music that I wanted to hear, and we put out the first Blacklist Union record, After the Mourning, in 2006. The band’s name comes from getting the best musicians with the worst reputations in town. With a shamanistic blend of Stone Temple Pilots, Guns N’ Roses, Warrior Soul, The Cult, and Mother Love Bone… Blacklist Union was born.
Upcoming Shows: 7/12/25 @ Cruefest at The Whisky in West Hollywood 9/13/25 @ Bar Sinister in Hollywood
Tony West -Lead Vocals Raf Ransom – Lead Guitar Dee Hayes – Rhythm Guitar Larry Harwood – Bass Justin Perez – Drums
First Music Streaming Platform to Take Action Against AI-Created Bands
ROKK, the streaming platform dedicated to fairness for Rock and Metal artists, is taking a stand on one of the music industry’s fastest-growing concerns: the rise of fully AI-generated music.
With AI-created “bands” like The Velvet Sundown, a completely artificial project that reached over 1 million monthly listeners on Spotify, sparking outrage among musicians and fans, ROKK is the first music streaming service to take tangible action. Starting today, ROKK users can flag any track they believe may have been created by AI, triggering a human review process by the ROKK team.
Every flagged track is then reviewed and decisions are made on a case-by-case basis because ROKK recognizes that AI in music is not a black-and-white issue.
“It’s one thing if someone uses technology as part of their creative process,” says Alexander Landenburg, Co-Founder of ROKK and drummer for Kamelot and Cyhra. “After all, that’s no different from musicians using MIDI packs, amp simulators, or editing tools. What matters is that there’s still a major and meaningful human contribution at the core.
But we draw the line when AI is used to create entire ‘artists’ or ‘bands’ that are completely artificial yet passed off as human, as in “The Velvet Sundown”. That’s not just soulless, it’s deception. It undermines everything we stand for. Most of us have spent decades – often the biggest part of our lives -learning, practicing, failing, sacrificing, and starting over, just to reach the point where we can create something that might be meaningful.
To see that reduced to something generated in seconds from a text prompt isn’t just disappointing—it’s a slap in the face to every artist who’s put their heart and soul into their craft.
This must be stopped. That’s why our goal is clear: No Fully AI-Generated Music on ROKK. Please join us in keeping music real.”
Photo: Founders Alex Landenburg and Peter Moog
About ROKK:
ROKK is a new music streaming platform dedicated to fairness, transparency, and support for real artists, with a special focus on Rock, Metal, and alternative music. With Direct Artist Support and a growing global library, ROKK is building a future where music stays real and more musicianss can make a living from their music again.
ROKK is available now on iOS, Android, and on the web at rokk.app throughout Europe and the UK, with plans to expand to other territories soon.
Acclaimed Cairo-based guitarist and songwriter ANDRZEJ CITOWICZ has released “Tattooed on the Wind”, an incredibly special and unexpected tribute single honoring his guitar hero Richie Sambora. The track, accompanied by an official lyric video, is now available on all major streaming platforms.
The tribute emerged organically during recording sessions for Citowicz’s upcoming album “Living Room Rockstar Part 2,” which he is creating in collaboration with longtime musical partner Patryk Szymanski. However, “Tattooed on the Wind” stands apart as a deeply personal project – a private tribute that Citowicz crafted entirely on his own as a heartfelt homage to his guitar hero.
“In 1988, when Bon Jovi’s ‘New Jersey’ album came out, everything changed for me,” Citowicz reflects. “Richie’s guitar work on that record opened doors in my mind I didn’t even know existed. But it wasn’t just the technical brilliance – it was the way he made the guitar sing with pure emotion. His later solo work continued to show me that guitar isn’t just an instrument; it’s a voice that speaks when words fail.”
The track showcases Citowicz’s evolution as both guitarist and songwriter, channeling decades of influence from Sambora’s distinctive style while maintaining his own artistic identity. Written, performed, and recorded entirely by Citowicz as a private tribute, the song explores themes of musical awakening, artistic passion, and the enduring power of inspiration.
“This single means more to me than I can express,” Citowicz explains. “While working on the new album with Patryk, this song just poured out of me as something completely separate – my own private moment with the music that shaped me. I realized I needed to pay proper tribute to my guitar hero – the man who taught me that every note matters, that space between sounds can be as powerful as the music itself.”
Sambora’s influence on Citowicz spans multiple decades, from the guitarist’s iconic work with Bon Jovi through his critically acclaimed solo albums. The inspiration transcends mere technical admiration, representing a deeper connection to the emotional core of guitar-driven music.
“Richie showed me that playing with heart and soul is what separates good guitarists from legends,” notes Citowicz. “His approach to songwriting, his understanding of melody, his ability to create soaring solos that serve the song rather than showcase ego – these lessons have guided every piece of music I’ve ever created.”
The official lyric video for “Tattooed on the Wind” provides visual accompaniment to Citowicz’s tribute, creating an intimate viewing experience that complements the song’s reflective nature. The release represents more than just another single – it’s a bridge between musical generations, honoring the artists who inspire future creators.
Recorded as a standalone tribute separate from the “Living Room Rockstar Part 2” sessions, the track maintains Citowicz’s signature approach to authentic, emotionally resonant rock music while incorporating elements that clearly reference his musical influences. While his collaborative work with Szymanski continues their decade-plus partnership on the upcoming album, this tribute represents Citowicz’s solo artistic statement.
“By releasing this single, I simply want to pay tribute to my guitar hero,” Citowicz concludes. “Music is a conversation across generations. This is my way of saying thank you to Richie for showing me what’s possible when you approach guitar not as a tool, but as an extension of your soul.”
“Tattooed on the Wind” is available now on all major streaming platforms, with the official lyric video premiering on YouTube.
Credits: Music, Guitars & Lyrics: Andrzej Citowicz (solo tribute)
Just recently ANDRZEJ CITOWICZ unleashed an epic rock ballad ‘You Are The Magic’ – A Cinematic Journey Through 80s-Inspired Arena Rock! In case you missed, check it out here: https://youtu.be/1XZ3vVtAAmA?si=hhEBt_udWl57XCS-
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 an international following through emotionally driven rock music and authentic songwriting. His upcoming album “Living Room Rockstar Part 2” continues his exploration of personal themes through contemporary rock music. Upcoming album “Living Room Rockstar Part 2”: Collaboration with Patryk Szymanski.
California’s own Infamous Stiffs are back with a vengeance and release their brand-new EP ‘The Ornery Six’, out now via Golden Robot Records. The six-song barrage is available to stream now, and it’s everything fans have come to love – and fear – from these punk rock legends.
Unapologetic and loud, ‘The Ornery Six’ stays true to the band’s snarling roots, oozing grit and defiance from start to finish. With a relentless mix of crunching guitars, pummeling drums, and no-nonsense vocals, the Stiffs deliver their signature brand of punk rock ‘n’ roll with an extra shot of venom.
Tracks like ‘No Static’, ‘Evel Mann’, and ‘Walk Away’ channel a Frankenstein’s monster of punk influences, while the soul-scorching ‘Lonesoul’ and the unhinged ‘Loose Screwz’ reflect the chaos of modern life. The EP closes with ‘Top Secret’, a ripping tribute to LA punk legends Kaos and the late Johnny Stingray, tearing through the speakers like a high-octane homage to the scene that shaped them.
This is music to blast at full volume, whether you’re barrelling down the freeway at 100 MPH or two-stepping through a bar brawl – either way, fists in the air are non-negotiable.
Infamous Stiffs are: Scott Wilkins – Vocals: AKA “Snotty Scotty” the former voice and snarl in front of Verbal Abuse, Electric Frankenstein, Hollywood Hate & CD2 (Condemned to Death). Troy Takaki– Bass: Bass slinging from Bay Area now LA, currently riding with the Boneless Ones & Infamous Stiffs Mark Pananides – Guitar: Also a Hollywood Hate Alumni. Other previous bands include, Nardcore’s Rat Pack, The Living End (U.S. band pre-dating the Australian one), Cynical. He also did a string of dates with Junkyard sitting in on guitar. Dave Bach – Banging on the drums since a we lad. Formally with The Afflicted, House of Wheels & currently sitting in with SF’s very own The Avengers and cracking snare drums with Infamous Stiffs
After the release of their acclaimed album “Cyrene”, out since May 19, 2025, via Wanikiya Record/Promotion, Attempt to Somebody’s Life return with a powerful new visual production: the official video for “To Judge”, a manifesto track from the album, now available on YouTube and promoted across webzines and social media.
“To Judge” is more than just a song: it is a collective scream against all forms of prejudice, especially racial discrimination. It stands as an accusation against social indifference, institutional hypocrisy, and the daily struggles of “invisible” foreign workers—often exploited, forgotten, and erased even from statistics.
“Nothing can hurt you more than a judgement, and nothing is worst than to be ignored” This opening line encapsulates the core message: giving voice to the voiceless.
The video, directed by Simone Serafini with cinematography by Fernando Perris, unfolds in a dark, symbolic, and oppressive atmosphere, where faces and gestures are suffocated by shadows and silence—mirroring the reality the band denounces daily. A deep, raw, and touching visual work that amplifies the message of Cyrene, already described by music press as: “a sonic statement as powerful as it is necessary.”
The imagery follows the visceral sound of the track: live-recorded drums and bass, gritty and full guitars, ambient synths whispering like distant memories, and vocals shifting between melancholy and rage. A perfect alchemy between sound and vision, emotion and anger.
Listen to and purchase “Cyrene” on all major digital platforms.
“Cyrene”, released via Wanikiya Record/Promotion, is a concept album digging deep into the wounds of our times: 📌 from crimes against migrants to the dehumanization of illegal labor, 📌 from exploitation to institutional silence, 📌 to the devastating weight of collective indifference. The title refers to Cyrenaica (Libya), a symbol of migratory routes and ignored tragedies.
An album that marks a turning point for the band—already praised for their EP “Bridges/Latencies”—and now reaches full artistic and social maturity with “Cyrene”.
With this release, Attempt to Somebody’s Life officially join the roster of Wanikiya Record/Promotion, one of the most active forces in the national and international rock/metal scene, ready to support this powerful voice of protest and resistance.
Video Credits 🎬 Directed by: Simone Serafini 📷 Cinematography: Fernando Perris
Album Credits 🎙 Recorded & mixed at GRS Studios by Emanuele Braca 🎚 Mastering: Tommy Bianchi 🎨 Artwork: Januz Miralles – “To Judge”
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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
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Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 