Following the success of their powerful ANZAC tribute, ‘Let’s Not Forget’, pioneering Indigenous rock band Blackfire return with a bold new track, ‘Big Billions‘, officially out now via Golden Robot Records. The single is available to stream everywhere and continues the band’s trademark blend of social commentary and soulful, rock-infused storytelling.
Lifted from their forthcoming album ‘Solar Eclipse’, ‘Big Billions‘ turns a critical eye to the illusion of wealth and the cost of chasing fortune. With lyrics that speak to rising inequality, mental health struggles, and a growing lack of connection in modern life, the song asks a simple but profound question: What does it really mean to be rich?
Built on a steady groove and layered with emotive vocals, ‘Big Billions’ captures the heart of what makes Blackfire so essential: their ability to mix rhythm and message in a way that resonates deeply. It’s both a wake-up call and an invitation to re-evaluate what really matters in life.
This new single affirms Blackfire‘s role not just as musicians, but as messengers – challenging systems, honouring culture, and inspiring unity.
Formed in Melbourne in 1992, Blackfire toured nationally and internationally for over a decade, becoming a powerful voice in both music and Indigenous cultural expression. After a break starting in 1999, the band began reuniting for select shows from 2018 onward. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, original members Selwyn Burns, Grant Hansen, and Brad Brown rekindled the fire – and with it came a revitalized lineup.
Joining the original trio are Radical Son (David Leha) on lead vocals, Peter Moore on drums, Rod Crundwell on keys, and additional members Monica McDonald and Leonie Whyman on backing vocals and percussion. Daniel Jauregui adds power on second lead guitar, giving the group an even fuller, more dynamic sound.
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 second single ‘Live Fast Die Free’, out now.
Cormac states: “This song was inspired by the movie Easy Rider…and even more specifically, the closing scene when Dennis Hopper and Peter Fonda get shot off their Harleys by a couple of rednecks. The song tries to tap into some of the hippie ethos that’s captured so beautifully in the movie, themes of freedom, love and living life without regret. It’s also one of those loose, groovy songs that the live analogue recording process suited perfectly. You can really feel the power of the four voices around the one microphone singing our hearts out. It feels raw and soulful in all the right places.”
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..
The band will play their debut live show on 16th May at the Empire in Belfast: “Need some colour in those Cali Irish cheeks?? Well we’ve got some gig news to brighten up your day. On Friday 16th May California Irish will be gracing the legendary boards of the @belfastempire making our Belfast debut and continuing to bring the good vibes to the masses. Ticket link is live, and we are excited!!!” 16th May, Belfast Empire: https://www.ticketmaster.ie/artist/5550354?venueId=459510
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)
Along with the release of their critically acclaimed album ‘Church Of The Pistoleros’, out now, GYPSY PISTOLEROS release a fan-fuelled, tongue-in-cheek, freak-out video for the most gloriously unhinged, unapologetic anthem of the year!
“I’m In Love With Myself!” is a glam-slam-punk battle cry – loud, proud, and drenched in defiant confidence. This isn’t vanity — it’s punk therapy. This is not a cult… it’s a mirror. Look at yourself and fall in love.
“Why wait for validation when you’ve already fallen head over heels… with YOU?”
EARLY REVIEWS ARE OFF THE CHARTS! “The album of 2025 is coming—dare to be different!” – Maximum Volume Music “A sonic force to be reckoned with—relentless riffs, swagger, and raw power. No other band comes close!” – DJ Pixie, All About The Rock (9/10) “Gypsy Pistoleros’ music is mostly unique, occasionally bizarre, and always brilliant. When the album drops, it’s gonna go with a bang!” – Goth Girl Writing “Anthemic rock meets Latin swagger, glam punk, and emo edge—this is a revolution!” – HRH Magazine “Furious riffs, jackhammer beats, and Lee’s maniacal vocals—pure melodic chaos that’s absolutely addictive. A rallying cry for misfits—blazing their own trail.” The Accidental Music Reviewer “A revolutionary sound—this album is an anthem for outsiders, a call to arms for rock ‘n’ roll rebels everywhere.” – Pete, The RingMaster Review “Punky glam magic in every track. ‘Hide Behind a Smile’ is already an all-time classic!” – Bruce Mee, Fireworks Magazine
Known as renegade glam-punk rockers, Gypsy Pistoleros are celebrated for their eclectic, unorthodox style. Critics praise their music as “unique,” “sheer escapism,” The band invites fans to join the “Church of the Pistoleros,” a movement for the bold, unconventional, and outcast. Their music defies labels and embraces individuality, making them a true standout in the present rock world.
Recorded at the renowned Old Cider Press Studios in Pershore, the album was produced and co-written by the legendary Dave Draper, whose credits include work with Ginger Wildheart, Nickelback, The Professionals and Terrorvision etc. Draper has described Welcome to the Church of the Pistoleros as “a total monster” and one of the best projects he’s ever worked on.
The album will be distributed through Earache Records who will distribute both the digital album across all digital platforms and the physical album on CD & Vinyl via HMV & all good Indie Record Stores.
‘Church Of The Pistoleros‘ is a rallying cry to the outcasts, the misunderstood, the shy, the quiet and disenfranchised of Society! A place where they are welcome! Gypsy Pistoleros is a band that refuses to conform. Proudly walking their own path, their music is a rallying cry for misfits everywhere. With a sound that defies traditional genres, Gypsy Pistoleros stand as one of the most unique and innovative acts in the world of rock music today.
Gypsy Pistoleros’ sound spans a vast musical landscape—from 1950s Phil Spector-esque ballads to high-energy glam punk and Latin-infused rock, creating a sonic experience that is truly unmatched. Fusing anthemic rock, Latin swagger, glam punk, and even elements of goth and emo, their music is a celebration of the unconventional.
BACKGROUND Gypsy Pistoleros are no strangers to the rock scene. Since their formation, they have shared stages with icons such as The Ramones, Motörhead, L.A. Guns, Faster Pussycat, Poison, Ratt, ZZ Top, Papa roach and Twisted Sister, amongst many others, building a devoted following in the U.S. and U.K. alike. The band, led by Gypsy Lee Pistolero, is known for their fiery live performances and eclectic mix of sounds, which combine the raw edge of punk rock with Latin rhythms and glam rock theatrics. In 2020, Gypsy Lee Pistolero returned to the music world after a hiatus, bringing a matured yet electrifying energy to the stage. With two successful albums under their belt since their comeback, the band is now poised to make their biggest impact yet with Welcome to the Church of the Pistoleros.
Release Date: 02/05/2025 Distributed by: GP Records via Earache Distribution Church of the Pistoleros – GYPSY PISTOLEROS UPC 9360932714682 Catalogue No. EARDD0101063 Cat No / Barcode: •Vinyl: GP002LP | 660111187436 •CD: GP002CD | 660111187382
Welcome to the Church of the Pistoleros – U.K. Tour 2025 To coincide with the album release, Gypsy Pistoleros will embark on their highly anticipated “Welcome to the Church of the Pistoleros” U.K. tour in 2025, joined by special guests The Outlaw Orchestra.
Remaining shows:
4th May – Electric Banana, Weston Super Mare 9th May – Melbourn Rock Club, Cambridge 10th May – The Black Heart, London 16th May – The Castle and Falcon, Birmingham 17th May – The Underground, Bradford 11th July – The Tivoli, Buckley 12th July – The Holy Diver, Stockport 19th July – The Anvil, Bournemout 7th – 10th August 2025 – Rebellion Festival, Winter Gardens, Blackpool
Irish thrash titans Psykosis are back, louder and more unhinged than ever with the announcement of their long-anticipated second album, ‘Mind Games’, which is out now. A riotous celebration of the album’s release will take place at The Grand Social in Dublin on Saturday, May 10th, with a stacked line-up of Irish metal’s most ferocious names.
Following their 2016 cult debut Welcome to the Psyko Ward, Psykosis have spent the better part of a decade honing their craft both on and off stage. From tearing up clubs and festival stages across Europe—including a savage showing at Bloodstock Open Air—to sharing bills with some of metal’s most revered names, the Dublin quartet have carved out a reputation for delivering the kind of chaos that leaves crowds sweat-soaked and grinning.
Now, ‘Mind Games’ signals the band’s long-awaited return to recorded carnage. Clocking in at eight bone-rattling tracks, the album is a white-knuckle ride through breakneck speed, snarling vocals, and groove-heavy riff worship. The first single, ‘Boiling Point’, has already ignited a firestorm among fans—offering a taste of what’s to come: raw, relentless, and unmistakably Psykosis.
The official launch show at The Grand Social, Dubliin on 10th May is shaping up to be an unmissable night for fans of Irish metal. Joining Psykosis on stage will be: Acid Age – The Belfast-based “War Jazz” trio who’ve recently dropped one of the most blistering albums to come out of the Irish scene in years. Expect mayhem. AeSect – One of Ireland’s tightest modern metal units, known for their crushing technicality and intensity. Two Tales of Woe – Dublin’s doom-laden groove merchants, bringing the sludge, the riffs, and the weight. Entry is just €10 on the door – no advance tickets. Doors open at 6:30pm, and early arrival is highly recommended, as word of this show is spreading fast.
This is more than an album launch—it’s a statement of intent. ‘Mind Games’sees Psykosis sharpen their blade and step back into the fray, armed with their most aggressive material to date. For anyone who thrives on classic thrash energy laced with a modern punch, this is the kind of chaos you don’t want to miss.
Southern California rockers Robert Jon & The Wreck continue to roll out their forthcoming studio album Heartbreaks & Last Goodbyes with the release of “Better Of Me,” an upbeat, swagger-filled anthem that blends country rock grit with sun-soaked hooks. Produced By Dave Cobb, the track is available now on all major streaming platforms via Joe Bonamassa’s Journeyman Records.
The new studio album is available to pre-order from the US HERE and from the UKHERE.
Driven by a stomping piano intro and crunchy guitars, “Better Of Me” captures the band’s signature blend of defiance and melody. Co-written with long-time collaborator Nick Foster, the track originated during a writing session while the band was on tour and found its final form under the guidance of producer Dave Cobb (Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, Rival Sons).
“‘Better Of Me’ is a track co-written with our good friend and long-time collaborator Nick Foster,” shares guitarist Henry James. “Initially conceived from a Zoom writing session conducted while on tour, the song took on new life with Dave Cobb’s production genius. Led by some inspired piano riffing, it’s a jamming, rollicking tune that wears its heart on its sleeve and transports us back to some of our favourite albums like The Basement Tapes and Second Helping. The track is an empowering affirmation that talks about not letting anyone get the best of you and not caring what others think. It encourages the listener to move forward on their own path in life, unburdened by whatever obstacles may present themselves.”
Recorded in Savannah, GA, Heartbreaks & Last Goodbyes is due out August 22nd and marks a defining chapter for Robert Jon & The Wreck. The band lived together during the recording process, giving the sessions a relaxed, communal energy that allowed each track to evolve organically under Cobb’s guidance.
“This record really represents who we are right now, both musically and personally,” says frontman Robert Jon. “We stepped away from our day-to-day and just focused on the songs, and you can feel that in every track.”
“Better Of Me” follows a string of acclaimed singles from the album, including the electrifying “Highway,” the smouldering “Long Gone” (co-written with John Oates), the reflective “Ashes in the Snow,” and the high-octane “Sittin’ Pretty.” Each release has showcased a different side of the band’s sonic palette—from heartland balladry to barn-burning rock—building anticipation for their most expansive and emotionally resonant album to date.
Heartbreaks & Last Goodbyes captures the band at a creative peak, drawing from real-life experiences of love, loss, and redemption. Across ten riveting tracks, Robert Jon & The Wreck explore the full emotional spectrum, delivered with thunderous riffs, razor-sharp grooves, and some of their most compelling lyrics to date. The album reflects the band’s evolution while staying true to their roots, balancing high-octane rockers with soulful, introspective moments that highlight their range as musicians and storytellers.
Heartbreaks & Last Goodbyes was mixed by Greg Gordon, whose past credits include Chris Stapleton, Sturgill Simpson, and Rival Sons. The album will be available on CD, digital platforms, and limited-edition coloured vinyl, with special merch bundles including an exclusive shirt and bandana.
The band is currently on the road for a packed 2025 tour that includes headline dates across Europe and North America, plus recent appearances at New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and upcoming Askena Rock Festival, Hookrock, and Chinook Fest. With stops in the UK, France, the Netherlands, and major U.S. cities from New York to Fargo, fans worldwide will get to experience the new songs live for the first time. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.robertjonandthewreck.com.
CD & Digital Track List
Sittin’ Pretty
Ashes In The Snow
Highway
Old Man
Dark Angel
Long Gone
Better Of Me
I Wanna Give It
Heartbreak & Last Goodbye
Keep Myself Clean
LP Track List Side A
Sittin’ Pretty
Ashes In The Snow
Highway
Old Man
Dark Angel
Side B
Long Gone
Better Of Me
I Wanna Give It
Heartbreak & Last Goodbyes
Keep Myself Clean
DHP & Friends Presentation by arrangement with The Main Thing
GUILDHALL, PORTSMOUTH SATURDAY 10 MAY 2025 Special Guest: Brave Rival Tickets: Portsmouth Guildhall Guildhall Square, Portsmouth, PO1 2AB http://www.portsmouthguildhall.org.uk
Spring U.S. and EU May 6 – Birmingham, UK – O2 Academy Birmingham May 7 – Gloucester, UK – Guildhall May 8 – Chester, UK – The Live Rooms May 9 – Northampton, UK – Roadmender Northampton May 10 – Portsmouth, UK – Guildhall Studio June 13 – Naches, WA – Chinook Fest 2025
Summer EU June 20 – Vitoria, ES – Askena Rock Festival June 21 – Le Thor, FR – Le Sonograf June 25 – Aschaffenburg, DE – Colos-Saal June 26 – Herscchbach, DE – Haus Hergispach June 27 – Torgau, DE – Kulturbastion Torgau Open Air June 28 – Hannover, DE – Blues Garage June 30 – Koln, DE – Die Kantine July 1 – Wurzburg, DE – Posthalle July 2 – Marburg, DE – KFZ Marburg E.V. July 3 – Weert, NL – De Bosuil July 4 – Diepenbeek, BE – Hookrock Festival July 5 – Amsterdam, NL – Melkweg
Summer U.S. August 1 – Fargo, ND – Fargo Blues Festival August 2 – Lake View, IA – Stone Pier Summer Concert Series August 3 – Hobart, IN – The Hobart Art Theater August 5 – Cleveland, OH – Beachland Ballroom August 6 – Homer, NY – Center For The Arts of Homer August 8 – Athens, NY – Athens Riverside Park August 9 – Salisbury, MA – Blue Ocean Music Hall August 12 – Waldoboro, ME – Waldo Theatre August 13 – New York, NY – Sony Hall August 14 – Ardmore, PA – Ardmore Music Hall August 16 – Madison IN – Madison Ribberfest September 13 – Telluride, CO – Telluride Blues and Brews Festival
Spring 2026 February 23-27 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – Rock Legends Blues Festival
WALTARI release “Diversity”, the next single taken from the upcoming new studio album “Nations’ Neurosis”, released on May 16th on Metalville.
WALTARI’s new single “Diversity” is a powerful and deeply personal track that blends electronic soundscapes with raw lyrical emotion. As the ballad of the album, it serves as Kärtsy Hatakka’s “personal diary” of a difficult year, reflecting on personal loss and the overwhelming chaos of the current world—ranging from political instability to environmental disasters. Yet, amidst the darkness, there’s a strong call to action and a belief in human potential and common sense.
Musically, “Diversity” stands out as the most electronic track on the album, originating from an idea that dates back to WALTARI’s Global Rock era. This time, Kärtsy pushed himself further as a rapper, bringing a fresh energy and transforming the track into a uniquely WALTARI-style hip hop song.
To underline the song’s message and emphasize the surreal, artificial world we now live in, WALTARI created the entire music video using AI—crafting hauntingly dystopian and apocalyptic imagery. Yet, despite the striking visuals, the band reminds us: no matter how impressive the artificial may seem, nothing compares to the raw beauty and truth of the real world and authentic human connection.
“Diversity” is not just a song—it’s a statement. A blend of art, message, and modern technology that reflects the spirit of a band that refuses to stop evolving.
WALTARI has never been a band to follow the rules. With Nations’ Neurosis, they once again prove that their signature blend of musical freedom, bold experimentation, and unfiltered expression is more relevant than ever.
At the heart of WALTARI’s sonic journey is Kärtsy Hatakka, the band’s mastermind and driving force. Handling lead and backing vocals, bass, programming, keyboards, and percussion, Hatakka faced a personal storm while crafting this album—losing his mother, enduring a painful breakup, and witnessing a world spiraling deeper into chaos and division. The frustration and emotional turmoil of this time seep into every note of Nations’ Neurosis, making it one of WALTARI’s most charged and thought-provoking works to date. The album was recorded in three different Finnish studios and produced by countrymate Aleksanteri Kuosa and WALTARI itself (with exceptions in 2 of the 15 songs).
With a refreshed lineup, including the electrifying talents of guitarist Eero Nykänen and Jakke Setälä, alongside drummer Ville Vehviläinen, WALTARI finds new energy and a revitalized sound. The infusion of these new members has taken the band’s musical ideology to exhilarating heights, delivering an album that is both raw and sophisticated, aggressive yet melodic—a true testament to WALTARI’s spirit of innovation.
From their early days of “feeling so fine” to the present, WALTARI remains committed to diversity and boundless creativity. Nations’ Neurosis is a sonic statement against the world’s increasing obsession with conflict, urging a return to unity, understanding, and artistic liberation. It’s a call to rise from the ashes, to build instead of destroy, and to never turn a blind eye to those in need.
With this release, WALTARI doesn’t just wash its face—it raises its voice against the madness. The same recipe for today’s world leaders, please!
TRACK LISTING
01 Nature Rules 02 Open The Gate 03 Do You Accept 04 Breakfast In Eiffel Tower 05 Diversity 06 Murder Plot 07 Sun 08 Kill For Sport 09 Flowin’ 10 Major Mistake 11 Step Back 12 Higher 13 EST 14 7th Heaven 15 Last Chance
LINE UP
Kärtsy Hatakka: Lead + backing Vocals, Bass, Programming, Keyboards and Percussions Eero Nykänen: Guitars Jakke Setälä: Guitars Ville Vehviläinen: Drums
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 ) 