Photography: Kevin Eisenlord, Anderson Hildebrando
After seventeen years of anticipation, Brazilian death metal stalwarts Ophiolatry officially released their new album “Serpent’s Verdict” on June 6th, 2025 through WormHoleDeath Records. Available now on all major digital platforms and in physical formats, this landmark release represents both a triumphant return and an evolutionary leap forward for one of extreme metal’s most brutal underground acts.
“Serpent’s Verdict” stands as a complete sonic ritual—a brutal, immersive descent into cycles of destruction, revenge, and rebirth. Rooted in themes of ancestral pain, war defiance, and spiritual reckoning, the album fuses relentless death metal with primal energy drawn from indigenous Amazonian spiritual traditions. Each track functions as a chapter in a larger narrative, combining aggressive riffs, guttural vocals, and tribal rhythms that pay homage to ancient warrior cultures. The band comments:
“This album pushes our technical and compositional limits while maintaining the speed and aggression that defines Ophiolatry. The riffs are intricate but wild, combining relentless blast rhythms with haunting atmospheric passages. The drums are faster and more precise than ever, while the guitars weave a mix of crisp precision and crushing heaviness. The vocals convey pure ferocity, from guttural growls to visceral screams that echo the intensity of the lyrics. While we pursue a new approach, the essence of Ophiolatry remains intact: ruthless, dark, and unapologetically extreme.”
Citing a brutal process in the creation of the album, the band describes it as ‘a communion between the band and the artist, a shared trance where sound and image feed each other’. The result is an album that honors the band’s brutal death metal roots while expanding their sonic palette into more atmospheric and thematically rich territory. It is recommended for fans of Suffocation, Morbid Angel, and Death.
Album Recording Credits: All songs performed and composed by Ophiolatry. Mastering: Dan Swanö – http://www.unisound.se Artwork: LouLou – http://www.louloufineart.com Pre-Production: Steve Rumpli & Ophiolatry Production, Recording & Mixing: Diego Santiago Studio: Satori Estudio Photography: Kevin Eisenlord, Anderson Hildebrando Graphic Layout: Beto Mustafa
Album Band Line Up: Jaime Veron – Lead Vocals Diego Santiago – Bass George “Dog” Duarte – Drums Fred Barros – Guitars
CALIFORNIA IRISH is the new band featuring The Answer’s Cormac Neeson. The band tips its hat to the wonderfully melodic and free-spirited sound from 60s America, a sound that reaches back into a gentler, more empathetic time, and now releases its third single, the fabulous ‘Something Different’, out now.
Cormac comments: “This one is, as the name would suggest, different to anything we’ve released up to this point. We wanted it to be an atmospheric, psychedelic folk celebration of the trippier side of life. Recorded straight to tape with three vocals around the one microphone, and a recorder duet to bring you just the right amount of weirdness. We shot the accompanying video in the Wicklow mountains and used the LSD graveyard scene in the movie ‘Easy Rider’ as our inspiration. Enjoy.”
Summoning the beguiling spirit of Laurel Canyon, employing analogue recording techniques, and recording songs in one or two takes to achieve something with a real human touch, California Irish are a new seven piece group hailing from Belfast that working their own niche within the world of folk and Americana, and everything in between.
This new group showcase a unique sound formed from a combination of players that initially came together briefly to perform a Neil Young-inspired theatre show production called “Re-Harvest”, in which the musicians who now make up California Irish very successfully performed the classic albums ‘Harvest Moon’ and ‘Harvest’ back to back.
The brainchild of the group is lead singer and chief songwriter Cormac Neeson. The band were hand-picked by Neeson based on long standing friendships, as well as experiences with numerous musical projects within the thriving Belfast music scene.
Cormac states his reason for starting the band, and wanting to harness this fabulous sound: “This album is the opposite of boring AI generated no soul perfection. We recorded this album in a room together over four days allowing the music to breathe when it needed to, looking at each other for our cues and feeding off each other’s energy. It felt like a dream…but it’s the most real thing I’ve ever done in music. That Laurel Canyon sound of the late 60s, epitomised by the early Crosby Stills Nash and Young stuff, and the first few Joni Mitchell records, has always felt otherworldly and magical. On our album we’ve tried to access some of that beauty and create our own magic by combining brand new music with an old school recording process.”
The Laurel Canyon influence also extends to the band’s recording technique, adhering rigidly to the analogue 16 track recording method circa 1969; namely recording live straight to tape at the world famous Middle Farm Studios under the watchful eyes and ears of producer Pete Miles. The resulting sound of California Irish flies in the face of modern techniques that often lose the warmth of the original compositions. Instead, the group opted for a one off and unique shared human experience with musicians who feed off each other’s energy, and create compelling four-part vocal blends around one single microphone in a warm alt-folk celebration. The creative process in turn led to an album’s worth of songs titled ‘The Mountains Are My Friends’, out on 27th June.
Introducing the band: Cormac Neeson (vocals, acoustic guitar, psychedelic cowbell) Susy Coyle (vocals and percussion) Donal Scullion (acoustic, electric guitar, vocals) Chris Kelly (lap steel, mandolin, acoustic, electric guitar, vocals) James Doone (bass) Simon Templeton (piano, hammond, Wurlitzer) Conor McCauley (drums)
Seattle’s purveyors of death metal darkness, DRAWN AND QUARTERED, have launched an exclusive premiere of the title track from their upcoming album “Lord of Two Horns”, now streaming via No Clean Singing.
With this crushing single, the band delivers a foretaste of the menacing force that awaits on June 27th, 2025, via Nuclear Winter Records.
Drenched in eerie atmospheres and relentless brutality, the track reaffirms DRAWN AND QUARTERED’s commitment to crafting death metal that is as malicious as it is uncompromising. Don’t miss this glimpse into their infernal domain!
01. Black Castle Butcher 02. Zealous Depopulation 03. Lord of Two Horns 04. Into the Mouth of the Dead 05. Three Rivers of Poison (Blasphemous Persecution) 06. Grimoire of Blood 07. The Devil’s Work Is Never Done 08. Mass Grave Curse
Recorded over various periods in 2023-2024 at Plague Pit by guitarist Kelly Shane Kuciemba (with drums recorded by Chris Mannino at Die Burning Studios), mixed and mastered by Loïc Fontaine for Krucyator Productions, “Lord of Two Horns” sees DRAWN AND QUARTERED deliver their signature early-90s-influenced death metal darkness with more speed and brutality than ever before.
Birthed in the mists of the early 1990’s as Plague Bearer in the isolated and miniscule death metal underground emerging in Seattle, DRAWN AND QUARTERED would explode upon the unsuspecting scene with their debut demo and furious live performances in 1996. The iconic debut release “To Kill Is Human” emerged in 1998, self-released prior to its later reissue by Moribund Records. Two US tours followed, but it would not be until 2002 that a follow-up release would finally arrive with “Extermination Revelry”, which began to showcase a more sinister approach than before.
Three subsequent releases via the Moribund Cult followed in relatively quick succession, including the landmark “Hail Infernal Darkness” in 2006. After the 2012 release of their sixth album “Feeding Hell’s Furnace” on Nuclear Winter Records, and live performances in New York and Texas, DRAWN AND QUARTERED was forced to regroup following a line-up change. It would be 2015 when they reappeared with the “Proliferation of Disease” demo (later released on CD). Two albums would follow via Krucyator Productions, including the previous full-length “Congregation Pestilence” in 2022, which was followed by a successfu US tour and DRAWN AND QUARTERED’s second European appearance.
Line-up:
Kelly Shane Kuciemba – lead & rhythm guitars Herb Burke – bass guitar & vocals Simon Dorfman – drums & percussion Brandon Corsair – guitar
Fade’ delves deep into the heartbreaking reality of watching someone you love slowly unravel under the weight of addiction. With their signature blend of melody-driven rock and lyrical storytelling, Ghosts of Sunset explore the emotional toll of standing by helplessly as a loved one disappears into darkness – and the crushing realization that sometimes, walking away feels less painful than staying.
But in true Ghosts of Sunset fashion, there’s a twist: the song reveals that, in a different time, the roles were reversed. The narrator wasn’t always the one watching someone fade – they were once the one fading. It’s a brutally honest reflection on the cyclical nature of pain, love, and dependency.
Fans of Ghosts of Sunset’s emotionally resonant rock will find ‘Fade’ to be among their most affecting work yet, blending vulnerability with powerhouse instrumentation and a chorus that hits as hard as the subject matter..
GhostsOfSunset features former (Dutch Henry) singer-songwriter John Merchant from Western Michigan, and former Michigan resident and multi-instrumentalist and former (The Verve Pipe) drummer Todd Long.
After roaring back onto the scene with last year’s Catalyst EP, Boston hard rock band Prospect Hill unleashed their new single “Victim” today via Oktapus Rights Management / Red 13 Records . This heavy, hard-hitting track channels a nu-metal influence and takes aim at toxic blame culture with unflinching lyrics. “Victim” was produced by Shaun Lichtenstein, Derek Rousseau, and Mark Roberge; co-written by Rousseau, Roberge, Lichtenstein, Zach Gamache, and frontman Edgar Troncoso; and mixed by Lichtenstein.
Blending downtuned guitars, aggressive grooves, and a fresh nu-metal edge, “Victim” stands out as one of Prospect Hill’s most intense and personal songs to date. The track’s confrontational theme targets the toxic blame culture of those who dodge accountability. “‘Victim’ is a call to action for anyone who makes excuses for their problems instead of taking meaningful steps to fix them,” says drummer and co-founder Mark Roberge, voicing the song’s core message. “Too many people are out there playing the victim, and it’s not a good look. The real solution is taking ownership of your struggles and making the necessary changes to rise abovethem.”The band’s passion behind these lyrics is palpable, delivering both a sonic punch and a rallying cry for personal responsibility.
Back from Hiatus with New Lineup and Momentum
“Victim” arrives as the latest milestone in Prospect Hill’s triumphant return to the rock scene. After nearly a decade-long hiatus, the band made a powerful comeback in late 2024 with the Catalyst EP—a three-song release that introduced fans to Edgar Troncoso as the band’s new lead vocalist. Troncoso, formerly the group’s bassist, stepped up to the mic and brought a commanding new voice to Prospect Hill’s sound. Longtime guitarists Derek Rousseau and Johnny Roberge, along with drummer Mark Roberge, remain at the core of the lineup. The band celebrated their return with a sold-out EP release show in New England, proving that their fanbase’s enthusiasm is as fierce as ever. Building on their legacy, Prospect Hill boasts an impressive track record from their earlier years. The Boston-based quintet has shared the stage with rock heavyweights like Disturbed, Slipknot, and Breaking Benjamin, earning their stripes on national tours. They also scored a Billboard-charting single with “Come Alive,” a breakout track that climbed into the Top 50 of the Active Rock charts and became a fan favorite. With the release of “Victim,” Prospect Hill continues a series of new singles leading up to a full-length album due later in 2025 – a clear sign that this comeback is just getting started.
Electrifying Live Performances and Acclaim
Renowned for their high-octane live performances, Prospect Hill delivers an electrifying stage show that leaves audiences sweat-drenched and exhilarated . The band’s incendiary live energy and passionate delivery have earned acclaim from peers in the rock scene. Here’s what some notable artists have to say:
Elias Soriano (Nonpoint): “The first time I saw Prospect Hill play I became an instant fan. They tear it up live and have the music to back it up… Sweat, energy and songs… What else do you need?”
Phil Lipscomb (Taproot): “Prospect Hill is a hard working, energetic, passionate, and engaging band that deserves to be heard/seen.”
Paul McCoy (12 Stones): “They write songs that speak to everyone and that are full of passionate lyrics and gripping music.”
Fans can experience Prospect Hill’s revered live show in person later this month. The band will headline a release celebration on June 28, 2025 at Wally’s in Hampton Beach, NH, joined by close friends Shallow Side, Blameshift, Chasing The Devil, and DJ Chris Drake. This concert follows the band’s recent sold-out hometown events and promises to be another high-energy night showcasing new material like “Victim” alongside classic favorites.
With “Victim” dropping on June 6 and more new music on the horizon, Prospect Hill’s resurgence in 2025 shows no signs of slowing down. The band is reclaiming their spot in modern rock – louder, bolder, and determined to inspire audiences to rise above the victim mentality and take control of their narrative.
“Victim” is available on all major streaming platforms now. For more information on Prospect Hill’s music and upcoming announcements, visit their official website and social media pages.
British blues-rock guitarist and singer-songwriter Joanne Shaw Taylor has officially released her highly anticipated new album Black & Gold today via Journeyman Records. To mark the occasion, she’s also sharing the album’s latest single, “Love Lives Here”—a soulful reinterpretation of the classic Faces track and a fitting final chapter in the album’s rollout.
“I’m a huge Rod Stewart fan. This is one of my favourite Faces songs,” Joanne shares. “Again, moving forward into what I see as another chapter in my life and music after ten albums, I wanted to put a lot of things behind me, but I also wanted to move forward on a positive note. Love lives here, says it all really.”
STREAM the New Album Black & Gold Get The Black & Gold Album NOW
Produced by Kevin Shirley (Black Crowes, Journey, Aerosmith), Black & Gold finds Joanne pushing her sound into bold new territory, balancing fiery blues-rock with elements of soulful pop, introspective songwriting, and sweeping cinematic textures. The 10-track album features a mix of originals and covers—including a shimmering take on Sam Sparro’s “Black & Gold”—and showcases Joanne’s evolution as a songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist.
“I went into writing and recording Black & Gold knowing it was my tenth studio album,” Joanne explains. “For me, it felt like a really exciting chance to creatively close the first chapter in my recording career and intro into the next decade of writing and recording. For that reason, I welcomed the chance to not only write some songs that were maybe different to styles I’ve tried before but also I used it as an opportunity to write songs that I needed to write for myself—to address some relationships and topics that I hadn’t before so I can move forward creatively and personally into an exciting new chapter in my career. I also included two covers that I’d always loved and wanted to record. I hope this is a very exciting album for the fans, and once again, I want to thank them for joining and supporting me on this ridiculously fun journey.”
Early reviews of Black & Gold have been overwhelmingly positive, praising both its musical breadth and emotional depth. Classic Rock hailed it as a “9/10” release, declaring “blues chanteuse strikes gold,” while Powerplay Magazine also awarded it 9/10, calling the title track “warm and welcoming, with a smoothness as silky as its name suggests.” Guitarist Magazinecelebrated Joanne’s range, writing, “From the opening acoustic Americana of ‘Hold Of My Heart’ to the stomping rock of ‘I Gotta Stop Letting You Let Me Down,’” the album, “reinforces Joanne’s place in the firmament of today’s brightest stars.” American Blues Scene added, “Each track tells a story that stands on its own. Yet taken as a whole, they reflect a deeply personal experience, showcasing the depth of Joanne’s artistry.”
Black & Gold by Joanne Shaw Taylor Track Listing 1. Hold Of My Heart 2. All The Things I Said 3. Black & Gold 4. Who’s Gonna Love Me Now? 5. I Gotta Stop Letting You Let Me Down 6. Summer Love 7. Grayer Shade Of Blue 8. Hell Of A Good Time 9. Look What I’ve Become 10. What Are You Gonna Do Now?
The new album arrives as Joanne prepares for a busy touring season. Following a successful U.S. spring run, she’ll hit the road throughout the summer with appearances at major festivals and venues across North America and Europe, including Pori Jazz Festival, Blues From The Top, Chenango Blues Festival, and more. This fall, she’ll return to the U.S. for a coast-to-coast headline tour running from October through mid-November—and today, she’s also announced a new run of European dates hitting in late September and October.
Known for her commanding stage presence and fiery musicianship, Joanne continues to deliver electrifying performances that blend fan favourites with new material from Black & Gold, affirming her place at the forefront of modern blues and guitar-driven rock.
2025 Summer Tour Dates & Festivals June 13 – Henderson, KY – WC Handy Festival June 28 – Winter Park, CO – Blues From The Top July 12 – Salamanca, Spain – Festival Blues Béjar July 17 – Pori, FI – Pori Jazz Festival July 18 – Kent, UK – Maid Of Stone Festival July 26 – Brezoi, RO – Live Music Summer Camp August 5 – Ridgefield, CT – The Ridgefield Playhouse August 6 – Riverhead, NY – Suffolk Theater August 8 – Salisbury, MA – Blue Ocean Music Hall August 9 – Holyoke, MA – De La Luz Soundstage August 10 – North Truro, MA – Payomet Performing Arts Center August 12 – Arden, DE – Arden Concert Gild August 14 – Newton, NJ – The Newton Theatre August 15 – Bethlehem, PA – Summer Series Festival August 16 – Norwich, NY – Chenango Blues Festival
2025 European Fall Tour ** September 24 – Bath, UK – The Forum September 25 – York, UK – York Barbican September 27 – Wolverhampton, UK – Wulfran Hall September 28 – Eastbourne, UK – Devonshire Park Theatre September 30 – Arnhem, NL – Luxor Live October 1 – Tilburg, NL – Poppodium 013 October 3 – Leipzig, DE – Anker October 4 – Torgau, DE – Kulturbastion October 5 – Berlin, DE – Columbia Theater Octover 7 – Mainz, DE – Kultursentrim Mainz October 9 – London, UK – Cadogan Hall ** Tickets on Sale now
2025 Fall U.S. Tour October 17 – Bonita Springs, FL – Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center October 18 – Clearwater, FL – Bilheimer Capitol Theatre October 21 – Asheville, NC – Diana Wortham Theatre October 22 – Raleigh, NC – Fletcher Opera Theater October 24 – Wilmington, NC – Kenan Auditorium October 25 – Savannah, GA – District Live October 27 – Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse October 28 – Hopewell, VA – The Beacon Theatre October 31 – Old Saybrook, CT – The Kate November 1 – Nashua, NH – Nashua Center for the Arts November 4 – Cleveland, OH – TempleLive @ Cleveland Masonic November 7 – West Bend, WI – The Bend Theater November 8 – Viroqua, WI – Historic Temple Theatre November 9 – Minneapolis, MN – The Parkway Theater November 11 – Madison, WI – Atwood Music Hall November 13 – Bloomington, IL – The Castle Theatre November 14 – St. Louis – Delmar Hall November 16 – Wichita, KS – The Cotillion
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
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