THE MEAN TIMES to Release Wicked New Single ‘Hell’ on June 27th

Posted by tarjavirmakari on June 22, 2025
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Melbourne’s finest donkeys of musical mischief, The Mean Times, are back with ‘Hell’, the second single from their upcoming album ‘Feel More Dumb’, dropping September 2025 via Golden Robot Records. ‘Hell’ is set to release June 27 and is available for pre-save now: https://orcd.co/the-mean-times-hell

A garage-pop post-punk panic attack disguised as a party anthem, ‘Hell’ is part sermon, part sleaze, and fully unhinged. Imagine The Vines if they took their meds with beer instead of water. Or early Arctic Monkeys after two weeks of no sleep, bad decisions, and worse influences. It’s Dune Rats with existential dread. Depeche Mode getting personal with Jesus. You get the picture. But underneath the mayhem is a message – or maybe the absence of one.

‘Hell’ is a filthy, sex-positive anthem that kicks down the doors of shame and invites everyone in. Too many sex songs cater to straight male fantasies. This one’s for everyone who enjoys getting dirty, regardless of gender or orientation. With surreal euphemisms, cheeky blasphemy, and a whole lot of hip-thrusting swagger, it’s unapologetic, inclusive, and just plain fun. 

Musically, it’s the collision of a breakdown and a banger, snarling sarcasm and earworm choruses, driven by a rhythm section that hits like a stolen shopping trolley careening downhill. It’s the sound of trying to keep it together while everything around you burns – fast, loud, and somehow danceable. There’s no redemption arc here. No moral compass. Just a hook-filled descent into joyful chaos. It’s the end of the world. Bring a saddle. And maybe a safe word.

Thomas Morgan – Vocals, guitar
Robert Meerbach – Bass
Eoin Clements – Guitar, backing vocals
Ryan Williams – Drums

https://www.facebook.com/themeantimes
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM0gtA-1-JUzZI6BpI_AI1w
https://themeantimes.bandcamp.com/music
https://music.apple.com/au/artist/the-mean-times/937567972
https://www.instagram.com/themeantimes
https://x.com/The_MeanTimes
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM0gtA-1-JUzZI6BpI_AI1w

HOSTYLER Release New Single “Spilling My Guts Out”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on June 21, 2025
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A direct hit to the heart of hypocrisy. Groove metal, rage, and unfiltered truth.

Get ready to feel the impact. Hostyler, the groove/alternative metal band from Brescia, is back to shake the speakers with the release of their brand-new single “Spilling My Guts Out”, out now via Wanikiya Record/Promotion and available on all major digital platforms.

A powerful, fierce, and straight-to-the-point return. “Spilling My Guts Out” is much more than just a song: it’s an act of rebellion, a screamed outburst filled with the raw energy of the most authentic and sharp-edged groove metal.

AN AUTHENTIC CREATION, BORN FROM THE BASS… LITERALLY

The track comes to life from a killer riff by bassist Davide Melloncelli, the beating heart of the band. From there, in true Hostyler fashion, the collective work began: complete creative freedom, intense discussions, and surgical precision in refining the song until the perfect melody emerged—the one that screams exactly what the band wants to say.

A SONG THAT HITS STRAIGHT AT THE TRUTH

Written during the darkest days of the pandemic, “Spilling My Guts Out” is a declaration of war against hypocrisy. It’s a call to take off the masks, to speak the truth, to refuse silence and complicity.

“Whether it’s to get something off your chest or to take responsibility, it doesn’t matter. What matters is doing it. Always.”
– Eddie Fedrigolli, vocalist and lyricist

The track is adrenaline-charged, gritty, and honest, fully reflecting the band’s soul: no compromises, just truth.

THE BAND:
Formed in 2016, Hostyler are:
Davide “Eddie” Fedrigolli – Vocals and guitar
Alex “Pilo” Pilotelli – Guitar and backing vocals
Diego “Rock” La Rosa – Drums
Davide Melloncelli – Bass and backing vocals

Four musicians with different musical backgrounds—but united by a common vision: to create powerful, engaging music with a strong message. Their influences range from funk to thrash metal, from rap to blues, all the way to hard rock, with lyrics in English that tackle social and personal issues with great emotional and thematic impact.

More information at https://www.facebook.com/Hostyler.band

ARKONA Present New Video ‘Pandora’ (Live at Servants of Chaos Festival)

Posted by tarjavirmakari on June 21, 2025
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On the second day of last October’s Servants of Chaos festival – organized in collaboration with Parasite Gallows Booking – Polish Black Metal legends ARKONA stepped into the spotlight to play their newest creation, “Stella Pandora“, from start to finish. The strength of the band’s compositions and a full-force live performance further cementing their reputation as one of the leading exponents of old-school Black Metal.

Watch the band perform ‘Pandora‘, an excerpt from their Servants of Chaos show, below.

Filmed at Servants of Chaos Festival on October 18 – 19, 2024.
Resonanzwerk, Oberhausen, Germany.
Debemur Morti Productions & Parasite Gallows Booking

ARKONA live line-up:

Khorzon – guitars
Kaamos – guitars
Drac – vocals, bass
Zaala – drums

Listen to the full stream of “Stella Pandora” on Bandcamp and via all relevant streaming platforms! “Stella Pandora” is available – including merch – from DMP’s EU, US and Bandcamp shops.

Not to be confused with the Russian folk-metal act of the same name, Poland’s ARKONA has been producing crushing Black Metal hymns since their inception in 1993. Devoid of excess frills and gimmicks, ARKONA present a compelling sound: galloping tremolo harmonies, relentless snare blasts and vitriolic snarls flow into brooding orchestral synths and crescendos of melancholic and melodic splendour.

In 2015, the band joined forces with Debemur Morti Productions, releasing the acclaimed “Lunaris” the following year — a haunted epic of primal and melodic Black Metal. In 2019, ARKONA unleashed most recent album, “Age of Capricorn“, seven anthems of nihilistic fury, strident power, and masterfully integrated cinematic orchestration, punctuated by fierce, white-hot riffs and emotive melodies twisted into corruption.

Still operating with the same fervour that inspired band-leader Khorzon to found ARKONA, the Polish Horde have continued to perform onstage with frightening intensity at club shows and select festivals – such as Under the Black Sun – all the while crafting their magnificent eighth album “Stella Pandora“.

GOATFATHER Return with New Single ‘Night of the Blue Smoke’, Third Album “House of the Rising Smoke” Coming This Fall

Posted by tarjavirmakari on June 21, 2025
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France’s dirtiest heavy rock export: GOATFATHER are officially back in action and louder than ever! Today marks the release of their brand-new single and video “Night of the Blue Smoke”, now available also on all digital platforms.

Taken from their upcoming full-length “House of the Rising Smoke”, due out this fall on CD, LP and digital formats via Argonauta Records, the new track delivers everything fans have come to love: a powerful cocktail of heavy guitars, greasy southern groove, thunderous vocals and unstoppable stoner energy.

Known for their unique sonic signature – described as a filthy blend of goat milk, engine oil and southern bourbon – GOATFATHER are no strangers to the heavy rock underground. With acclaimed albums like “Hipster Fister” (Black Wave, 2016) and “Monster Truck” (Argonauta Records, 2021), the band quickly made a name for themselves, playing across Europe and sharing stages with heavyweights such as Stoned Jesus, Planet of Zeus, Mars Red Sky, and Monkey3.

The band states:
“We’re delighted to announce that GOATFATHER will continue to work with Argonauta Records for their next effort! We’re so excited to renew our criminal conspiracy with Gero and all the Argonauta family.
GOATFATHER’s third album ‘House of the Rising Smoke’ is to be released very soon and will be available in LP, CD and digital. Be ready for a new blend of heavy guitars, catchy riffing and thunderous vocals!”

Now armed with a renewed lineup and fresh energy, GOATFATHER proudly introduce Violeine on bass, bringing even more fire to the low end.

“House of the Rising Smoke” will feature six massive tracks packed with infectious riffs, rich southern flavors, and an undeniable heavy rock attitude – all coming straight from the bayou.

The Goat is back. And it’s hungrier than ever.

FFO: Stoned Jesus, Planet of Zeus, Mars Red Sky, Orange Goblin, Corrosion of Conformity.

Stay tuned for more news soon and don’t forget to blast “Night of the Blue Smoke” at full volume!

https://www.facebook.com/goatfatherstoner
https://www.facebook.com/ArgonautaRecords

UPON STONE Release New EP “End Time Lightning” with Stunning Music Video for ‘Fury My Master’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on June 21, 2025
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UPON STONE single-handedly re-sparked the metal scene’s excitement for the sound of melodic death metal (AKA “melodeath”) with their 2024 Century Media debut, “Dead Mother Moon”. This time, the freshly retooled San Fernando Valley, CA fivesome return with their strongest offering yet, the three song “End Time Lightning” EP.  Produced by the band and Nails bassist Andrew Solis and mixed by the legendary Dan Swano, (whose discography encompasses legendarily key releases from Dissection, Opeth and Katatonia), “End Time Lightning” is a rebirth for UPON STONE. Including a cover of Manowar’s “Outlaw”, it’s a bloodthirsty barrage of melodicism and menace. The sound of melodeath is perfectly encapsulated in the EP’s spearhead track and self-directed video, “Fury My Master”, which takes plenty of cues from 80’s horror and VHS-inspired grittiness.

Listen to “End Time Lightning” here

The band shares about the EP:

“End Time Lightning represents a window into the next evolution in Upon Stone. More grandiose, detailed and sharpened than before, while still retaining the visceral unfiltered darkness in its core essence. A brief journey through somber yet glorious spiritual warfare, and a truly collaborative effort that sees everyone in the band pushing themselves to new heights. With the production helmed by a pillar of Southern California metal in Andrew Solis, while the Swedish master himself Dan Swano, whose essential works laid the foundation that influenced Upon Stone to form, brought the songs to life through his signature lethal mix and master. The legendary Andreas Marschall Returns and delivers the perfect visual manifestation in the cover art, making this EP deadly cohesive and something we feel very proud of. Chaos Awakens!”

The band shares about the music video:

“We are excited to share the music video for “Fury My Master”. A core value within the band is to utilize each member’s vision and execution beyond just the music of upon stone. This music video is no different. Pulling from 80’s horror, found footage and a general sense of blood thirsty misanthropy the video was written and directed by the band and brought to life with the help of a close circle of friends and collaborators who understand and share the vision and mission of Upon Stone. Sleep all day, party all night, never grow old, never die. It’s fun to be a vampire. Enjoy.”

Upon Stone is supporting Creeping Death and Kruelty during their US run, starting June 20th.  The band will be joining them for a total of 15 stops across June and July, with the first stop also marking the release day of their new EP. Audiences surely can expect a grand opening.

Upon Stone are
Xavier Wahlberg – Vocals
Ronny Marks – Guitar
Gage Goss – Guitar
Wyatt Bentley – Drums
Harley Woolston – Bass

Upon Stone online
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uponstone/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uponstone/
X: https://x.com/UponStone
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3gACjHwByUj3sUtHVqZBrf
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/de/artist/upon-stone/1589097908

ORBIT CULTURE Announce “Death Above Life” Tour with Gaerea + Atlas

Posted by tarjavirmakari on June 21, 2025
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photo by Niklas Karlsson

Following their triumphant main stage set at the prestigious Download Festival (UK), ORBIT CULTURE are announcing the “Death Above Life”-tour in support of their new album, “Death Above Life”, due for a release on 3rd October 2025 via Century Media.

Catch them on the following dates, with Gaerea and Atlas in support:

21.10.25 (DE) Hamburg – Martkhalle
22.10.25 (DE) Berlin – Columbia Theater
24.10.25 (PL) Warsaw – Proxima
25.10.25 (PL) Krakow – Kwadrat
26.10.25 (DE) Dresden Parkhotel
27.10.25 (CZ) Prague – ROXY
28.10.25 (AT) Vienna – Simm City
29.10.25 (DE) Munich – Backstage Werk
31.10.25 (CH) Zürich – Komplex 457
01.11.25 (DE) Frankfurt – Batschkapp
02.11.25 (DE) Cologne – Carlswerk Vicotria Hall
04.11.25 (BE) Antwerp – Trix
05.11.25 (FR) Lille – Splendid
06.11.25 (FR) Paris – Bataclan
08.11.25 (UK) Manchester – Damnation Festival
10.11.25 (UK) Newcastle – NX
11.11.25 (UK) Glasgow – SWG3
12.11.25 (UK) Leeds – Stylus
14.11.25 (UK) Wolverhampton – KK Steel Mill
15.11.25 (UK) Bristol – SWX
16.11.25 (UK) London – Electric Ballroom
19.11.25 (NL) Eindhoven – Effenaar
21.11.25 (SE) Malmö – Slagthuset
22.11.25 (SE) Goteborg – Flimstudios
24.11.25 (FIN) Helsinkii – House Of Culture
26.11.25 (SE) Stockholm – Fallan
27.11.25 (NO) Oslo – Rockefeller
28.11.25 (SE) Karlstad – Nojesfabriken
29.11.25 (DK) Copenhagen – Pumpehuset
30.11.25 (DK) Copenhagen – Pumpehuset

Summer festivals and shows:

26 June 25 (NO) Oslo – Tons Of Rock
28 June 25 (FIN) Helsinki – Tuska
13 October 25 (J) Loud Park Japan

Watch the video to the album title track, “Death Above Life”, here:

In early May ORBIT CULTURE already released “The Tales of War”: https://youtu.be/Y5SpGQMoaUU

”The album represents change, a new beginning,” says guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Niklas Karlsson. “It brings up a lot of good and bad emotions but it’s a big change for the better. It feels like a rebirth.”

The Tracklisting for “Death Above Life” reads as follows:

  1. Inferna
  2. Bloodhound
  3. Inside The Waves
  4. The Tales Of War
  5. Hydra
  6. Nerve
  7. Death Above Life
  8. The Storm
  9. Neural Collapse
  10. The Path I Walk

Pre-order Death Above Life here: https://orbitcultureband.lnk.to/DeathAboveLife-Album

Hailing from the small town of Eksjö, Sweden (located between the revered metal cities of Gothenburg and Stockholm), the quartet (guitarist and vocalist Niklas Karlsson, guitarist Richard Hansson, bassist Fredrik Lennartsson and drummer Christopher Wallerstedt) have grown into a global force, melding together riffs that are equal parts thrash, death metal and industrial with arresting hooks and a layered atmosphere that invites comparison to Gojira, Metallica and Static-X while carving out something that is uniquely their own.

Orbit Culture’s 2023 album Descent and their subsequent EP release The Forgotten topped many year-end lists in 2023, including Metal Hammer who described the album as: “a formidable entwining of modern metal’s most effective and exciting strands into an impressive milestone.” Exhaustive worldwide touring and a steady stream of crowd-pummeling festival slots across the globe, have set the stage for something much larger.

Orbit Culture are a band poised. They are the sound of metal in the most modern sense.

ORBIT CULTURE online:
https://deathabovelife.com/
https://www.orbitculture.com/
https://www.instagram.com/orbitculture/
https://www.facebook.com/OrbitCulture
https://www.youtube.com/user/OrbitCultureOfficial
https://twitter.com/orbitculture
https://www.tiktok.com/@orbitcultureofficial