Photo Credit: Lina Glasir

Modern progressive leaders JINJER have announced their powerful, long-awaited fifth studio album, Duél, set to be released on 7th February, 2025 via Napalm Records. Technical grooves and heavy progressive passages, brutally clear vocals and skillful growls by matchless vocalist Tatiana Shmayluk have garnered the Ukrainian outfit millions of cross-platform streams and views worldwide, as well as revered renown with fans and critics alike. JINJER have traversed glorious paths of tireless touring and extremely successful album releases, including their most recent chart-topping studio album, 2021’s Wallflowers. Duél showcases the band at the very top of their game and marks yet another matchless milestone in the world of modern metal. 

After releasing their breathtaking single and video 'Someone's Daughter', followed by the heavy-hitting single 'Rogue' earlier this year, JINJER now unleash another untamed beast with their new track 'Kafka'. Dominated by Tatiana’s remarkably clear vocals, 'Kafka' is a heavy and slow tamper, digging deep under one's skin just to break right through with venomous growls in the end.

Watch the video for 'Kafka' here: https://youtu.be/tRbpT5dGOmQ

Pre-order Duél here: https://lnk.to/Jinjer-Duel

Tatiana Shmayluk on 'Kafka': “Being an artist is sometimes beautiful but most of the time it’s brutal… as our art is dissected word for word and ripped apart note by note, we‘re expected to be on point all-the-time … and when we aren’t, we are scandalised. A true artist is vulnerable but the crowd is most often plagued with vultures who pick at every single move you make. It’s a slippery slope when music means the world to us but how quickly praise turns into prosecution… We are all Kings and Queens for a day but most of the time it feels like a Kafka novel for a lifetime. It‘s exciting but surreal and absurd at the same time …”

While JINJER’s previous album, Wallflowers, was slightly more alluring and contained noticeably more clean vocals, Duél now takes on a much more aggressive tone. This is proven by songs like 'Rogue', 'Green Serpent' and 'Dark Bile', with their brutal and hefty breakdowns. Fans of super-talented vocalist Tatiana Shmayluk’s clear vocals also get their moments, as tracks such as the opener 'Tantrum' show the potential of the frontwoman’s outstanding vocal prowess. Duél presents itself way more cruelly – and JINJER are more vicious than ever before. 'Fast Draw' is a wild death metal beast with grooving drums from Vlad Ulasevich, Roman Ibramkhalilov’s one-of-a-kind riffs and Eugene Abdukhanov’s trademark bass wizardry – showing what this band does best: brilliant state-of the-art modern metal.
 
On Duél, JINJER continue their long-lasting collaboration with accomplished producer Max Morton, who co-produced, mixed and mastered the album. This new masterwork lives up to JINJER’s reputation as metal visionaries, once more showing that the band refuses to follow any set rules in their genre, but choose their own path of creativity.
 
Eugene Abdukhanov, JINJER bassist on the new album: “First of all, it‘s hard to believe that we’re about to release our fifth full length album! After all the releases we’ve made, finally having Duél in our hands and ready to be shared with the world, makes us very proud that our band still hasn’t run out of creativity and inspiration. The fact that we still challenge ourselves to release the best music we have ever made with each new release, is what keeps JINJER moving forward.

"This upcoming album was the longest songwriting process we’ve ever had and it took almost two years to complete. We worked very hard with every free minute we weren’t on tour, recording demos over and over again and always searching for the perfect sound for guitars, bass and drums. It was also the first time that Tatiana did vocal pre-productions, so it’s safe to say that none of our releases were so well thought out and calculated as this one. It pulverises the boundaries of the modern progressive metal genre but still remains sophisticated, exciting and extreme all at the same time. We took up the challenge to expand our musical horizons even wider than before in order to cement Duél to be the next step in JINJER‘s musical growth and hopefully the evolution of metal music in general.”

Over the past 15 years, JINJER have attained remarkable milestones, touring globally and captivating millions at prestigious festivals like Wacken Open Air and Download UK. They’ve headlined sold-out shows across Europe and North America, and have thrilled audiences in destinations like Dubai, Philippines, Türkiye, Japan and South Africa. As they continue their journey this year, JINJER is set to make a major impact on the music scene. Having previously shared stages with the likes of Arch Enemy and Cradle Of Filth, they are ready to kick off as support on Sepultura’s farewell tour in Europe, and conclude their tour with a headline run through Latin America.

JINJER LIVE 2024 / 2025
 
Celebrating Life Through Death – European Farewell Tour 2024 
JINJER as special guest for Sepultura
w/ Obituary & Jesus Piece

30.10.24 FR – Paris / Zenith Paris
31.10.24 DE – Offenbach am Main / Stadthalle
01.11.24 DE – Hamburg / Inselpark Arena – SOLD OUT
02.11.24 DE – Cologne / Palladium – SOLD OUT
03.11.24 NL - S-Hertogenbosch / Sepulfest
05.11.24 BE – Brussels / AB Box – SOLD OUT
06.11.24 LU – Esch-Sur-Alzette / Rockhal
08.11.24 UK – Manchester / Manchester Academy – SOLD OUT
09.11.24 IE – Dublin / Olympia Theatre – SOLD OUT
10.11.24 IE – Belfast / The Telegraph Building – SOLD OUT
11.11.24 UK – Glasgow / Barrowland – SOLD OUT
12.11.24 UK – London / Hammersmith Apollo
14.11.24 CH – Zurich / The Hall
15.11.24 DE – Ludwigsburg / MHP Arena
16.11.24 DE – Munich / Zenith
17.11.24 HU – Budapest / Barba Negra Red Stage
19.11.24 DE – Leipzig / Haus Auensee
20.11.24 AT – Vienna / Gasometer
21.11.24 PL – Katowice / Spodek
22.11.24 DE – Berlin / Columbiahalle – SOLD OUT
23.11.24 CZ – Prague / O2 Universum – SOLD OUT
24.11.24 CZ – Prague / O2 Universum
 
Latin America Tour 2024
+ special guests: HEAVEN SHALL BURN 

30.11.24 BR – Porto Alegre / Opiniao
01.12.24 BR – Curitiba / Tork and Roll
03.12.24 BR – Belo Horizonte / Mister Rock
05.12.24 BR – Brasilia / Toinha
07.12.24 BR – Rio De Janeiro / Circo Voador
08.12.24 BR - Sao Paulo / Terra SP
10.12.24 AR – Buenes Aires / Teatro Flores
12.12.24 CL – Santiago / Teatro Caupolican
14.12.24 CO – Bogota / Calle 13
15.12.24 CR – San Jose / Pepper's Club
18.12.24 MX – Guadalajara / C4 *
19.12.24 MX – San Luis Potosí / Centro de las Artes *
20.12.24 MX – Mexico City / Circo Volador * 
*no Heaven Shall Burn
 
Tourdates 2025:
19.-25.01.25 US – Miami, FL / Shiprocked
12.02.25 JP – Tokyo / ReNY Alpha
13.02.25 JP – Osaka / Meta Valley
14.02.25 JP – Aichi / ReNY Limited
16.02.25 TW – Taipei / Legacy
18.02.25 PH – Manila / SM Sky Dome
21.02.25 AU – Brisbane / Fortitude Music Hall
23.02.25 AU – Sydney / Hordern Pavilion **
25.02.25 AU – Melbourne / Festival Hall **
26.02.25 AU – Adelaide / Hindley St Music Hall **
28.02.25 AU – Perth / Metro Freo **
02.03.25 NZ – Wellington / San Frap
03.03.25 NZ – Auckland / Powerstation
** plus support: KITTIE
 
Festivals 2025
06.-08.06.25 DE – Nuerburg / Rock am Ring
06.-08.06.25 DE – Nuremberg / Rock im Park
25-28.06.25 NO – Oslo / Tons Of Rock
… to be continued …

JINJER are:

Tatiana Shmayluk - Vocals
Roman Ibramkhalilov - Guitars
Eugene Abdukhanov - Bass
Vlad Ulasevich - Drums

JINJER online:
FACEBOOK
TWITTER
INSTAGRAM
HOMEPAGE
NAPALM RECORDS

Duél tracklisting:

1. Tantrum
2. Hedonist
3. Rogue
4. Tumbleweed
5. Green Serpent
6. Kafka
7. Dark Bile
8. Fast Draw
9. Someone's Daughter
10. A Tongue So Sly
11. Duél

Duél will be available in the following formats:

●      1LP Gatefold LIQUID BLOOD RED Vinyl incl 29x29cm artprint, certificate of authenticity – strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide – Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive
●      1LP Gatefold CRISTALLO RED SPLATTER Vinyl – strictly limited to 500 copies worldwide – Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive
●      1LP Gatefold WHITE BLACK MARBLED Vinyl – strictly limited to 500 copies worldwide – Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive
●      1LP Gatefold SOLID RED Vinyl – strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide – Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive
●      1LP Gatefold SOLID RED BLACK SPLATTER Vinyl – strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide – Jinjer Shop exclusive
●      1LP Gatefold CARTRIDGE GREY Vinyl – strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide – Jinjer Shop exclusive 
●      1LP Gatefold BLACK Vinyl
●      Music Cassette RED (White Print) – strictly limited to 150 copies worldwide – Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive
●      1CD Jewel Case
●      Digital Album

[1LP Gatefold LIQUID BLOOD RED Vinyl incl 29x29cm artprint, certificate of authenticity – strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide – Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive]

Photo Credit: Ville Juurikkala

Finland’s celebrated Von Hertzen Brothers have unveiled 'The Relapse' along with an uplifting music video. This is the third single from their highly anticipated ninth studio album, In Murmuration, due for release this Friday 25th October. 

Watch the video for 'The Relapse' here: https://youtu.be/GNsMb2v8_rI

Stream 'The Relapse' here: https://vonhertzenbrothers.ffm.to/oweyqjr.OPR

Pre-order In Murmuration here: https://linktr.ee/VonHertzenBrothers

Guitarist Kie von Hertzen comments on 'The Relapse': "When we began thinking about the overall approach for this album, we wanted to write songs that were simple in structure (for a change), punchy in performance, and rocky enough to have fun with on stage. 'The Relapse' was the first song to come from that mindset. To us, it’s a mix of AC/DC, Queens of the Stone Age, Phil Collins, and maybe a bit of U2. All of this is of course served to you with familiar von Hertzen-ian seasoning and a bit of Krautrock sprinkled on top.”

Guitarist/vocalist Mikko continues: “I’ve been waiting to get this song out so badly it has hurt. It’s so much fun to dive back into the pool of riff rock and just let it all out. Don’t get me wrong, the proggier VHB is essentially THE driving force behind everything we do, but to have a new banger like this to play live feels fresh and fun. I wanna see those hands up in the air!”

New album In Murmuration follows the profound and epic journey of their acclaimed, pandemic-era masterpiece Red Alert in the Blue Forest (2022).

In Murmuration will be released on Von Hertzen Brothers’ own label, DoingBeingMusic, on limited-edition crystal-clear vinyl gatefold LP, CD and digital. Merch bundles will be available from the band’s website. Pre-orders are available now.

Von Hertzen Brothers will play album launch shows in Finland and the UK at the end of 2024 before returning to the UK, Europe and the US, including Cruise to the Edge in spring 2025.  

Confirmed dates are as follows:
Nov 09: Helsink (FI) Tavastia (album release show)
Nov 16: Tampere (FI) Olympia (album release show)
Nov 28: Troon (UK) Winter Storm Festival 
Nov 29: Buckley (UK) The Tivoli 
Nov 30: Trecco (UK) Bay Planet Rockstock 
Dec 02: London (UK) The Garage 

In true Von Hertzen Brothers style, In Murmuration creatively juxtaposes the band’s previous release. Whilst their imaginative, multi-genre hard rock and harmonies remain, the band’s artistic pendulum has swung more towards an air of optimism and renewal. The result is a work filled with big choruses, stadium rock anthems, art-rock with 90s vibes and catchy power-pop.

Whilst the themes within the album may not be as deliberately opinionated as on previous releases Red Alert in the Blue Forest and War is Over, there is a naturally occurring sense of constant change throughout. Precise and intriguing observations on the global political landscape, the tricky human relationships of this age, resilience and personal growth all provide lyrical subject matter. The first half of the album embodies a transformation of mood, bringing forth some positivity and love, and the second half journeys through challenging relationships, a literal call for change, separation, loss, longing and a final resolution.

Vocalist/guitarist Mikko von Hertzen says: “The shapes and the overall tone of the musical content on this album could be a bit surprising to some of our newer followers, but not to those who have been listening to us from the beginning. Musically speaking, we have proudly carried the cloaks of ‘prog-wizards’ for the last two albums, but what has not been so widely discussed lately is our ability to write good pop choruses and great catchy rock anthems with good vibes. We felt like it was now time to bring forth that side of us once again. The lyrical themes still deal with the everyday struggles of being humans in this f*cked up world, it’s a source that keeps on giving, but we wanted to step out of the forest and into the sunlight to mingle, discuss and celebrate. We live in an age of constant change where everyone is trying to find a secure footing in life, sometimes full of joy and sometimes filled with utter disappointment. Amid all that, the trick is to stay alert and lean to one another. Like starlings in murmuration. After the pandemic, and now as the world has once again opened, we have somehow felt lighter in our everyday lives. We acknowledge the contradiction of course, since the world with its horrors hasn’t changed much… It would have been easy to drown in those doomsday moods, but writing these songs we felt the need to tackle these problems from a more forgiving and positive standpoint.” 

From the anthemic opener to the reflective closer, In Murmuration ebbs and flows much like the starlings after which it is named.

The instrumentation on this album has also evolved. The three brothers Mikko, Kie and Jonne, with drummer Sami Kuoppamäki, are joined by multi-instrumentalist Markus Pajakkala, who performed with the brothers on their acoustic tour in 2023. Notable for his saxophone solo on 2022's 'Peace Patrol', Markus brings a new dynamic to the album. Guests on the album include a gospel ensemble and the Budapest Art Orchestra.

Now in their 23rd year, Von Hertzen Brothers have consistently delivered music on their own terms and In Murmuration is no exception. This is their third self-produced album, the others being the award-winning Approach (2006) and War is Over (2017).

Von Hertzen Brothers are:
Mikko von Hertzen - vocals, guitars
Kie von Hertzen -  guitars, vocals
Jonne von Hertzen - bass, keyboards, vocals
Sami Kuoppamäki - drums
Markus Pajakkala - keyboards, woodwind

Von Hertzen Brothers online:  
http://www.vonhertzenbrothers.com/
https://www.facebook.com/vonhertzenbrothersofficial
https://www.instagram.com/vonhertzenbrothers/
https://www.youtube.com/@VonHertzenBrothers
https://twitter.com/vonhertzenbros
https://www.tiktok.com/@vonhertzenbrothers

Tracklist:

1. The Relapse
2. A Good Life  
3. Starlings       
4. Ascension Day          
5. Beneath the Silver Stars
6. Tightrope Walker
7. The Change
8. Separation
9. Snowstorm
10. Wait for Me

Hard rockers Marisa And The Moths release their new video for 'Gaslight', taken from their second album What Doesn't Kill You.

Watch the video here [premiering at 5pm BST]: https://youtu.be/tMiGEqqf4q4

'Gaslight' comes ahead of Marisa And The Moths' UK tour, starting Friday.
[For press passes to review, interview the band, shoot the show, contact matt@holdtight.co]

Dates as follows: 

Leicester, The Musician - Fri 25.10
Huddersfield, The Parish - Sat 26.10
Blackpool, The Waterloo - Sun 27.10
Middlesbrough, The Crypt @ The Town Hall - Wed 30.10
Glasgow, Stereo - Thu 31.10
Hull, The New Aldelphi- Fri 01.11
Portsmouth, Moonshine - Thu 07.11
Birmingham, 02 Institute 3 - Fri 08.11
Brighton, The Arch - Sun 10.11
Guildford, Holryd Arms - Thu 14.11
Bristol, Thekla - Thu 21.11
Reading, Facebar - Fri 22.11
Sheffield, Yellow Arch Studios - Sat 23.11
Swindon, The Victoria - Thu 28.11
Norwich, Waterfront Studio - Sat 30.11
Colchester, Three Wise Monkeys - Sun 01.12

Tickets available from: https://www.marisaandthemoths.com/tour

'Gaslight' is a raw and powerful heavy rock anthem that confronts the shadows of mental abuse and reclaiming one’s self-worth.

Drawing from personal experiences, the song delves into the tumultuous journey of navigating a relationship marked by gaslighting and manipulation.

“My ex distorted my reality for so long that I lost my sense of self. I stopped trusting intuition and felt so disconnected from everything,” says Marisa Rodriguez, lead vocalist. "But this song is about the strength I found, and the mental clarity I regained coming out of that struggle.”

The accompanying music video showcases the song's theme through innovative effects that symbolise the warping of reality often experienced in such relationships, combined with an energetic, fiery performance, that emphasises resilience and empowerment, reflecting Marisa and the band's journey through adversity.

“Whilst there were “warp-like” effects used on the shots, the simplicity of the video was purposeful. I felt like I had to change who I was in the relationship I was in in order to be loved. Now I know that all I ever had to do was to be myself, and just NOT with that person! So no more hiding behind facades. I’m reclaiming my narrative. I hope that anyone else that has dealt with similar traumatic relationships finds power in hearing this song,” Marisa adds.

'Gaslight' captures the raw energy and anger that Marisa channels during their live performances, promising an experience that resonates deeply with anyone who has faced similar struggles. The single is featured on their recently released second album, What Doesn’t Kill You, which charted at No.1 in the Official UK Rock & Metal Charts on its week of release. 

Purchase the album here: https://marisaandthemoths.myshopify.com

Since the release of their self-titled debut in 2019, the band have gone from strength to strength, culminating in their second album What Doesn’t Kill You, released May 2024, reaching No. 1 in the Official UK Rock and Metal Charts.

Their latest album has been described by fans as a deep therapy session you want to sing along with at the top of your lungs. Both albums have received rave reviews from press outlets including Classic Rock, Metal Hammer, and Kerrang!, and radio plays from mainstream shows such as BBC Introducing Rock on Radio 1, BBC Radio 2's Rock Show, Kerrang! Fresh Blood, Planet Rock, Total Rock, and Primordial Radio.

Marisa And The Moths have also recently recorded a live session consisting of songs from both albums at the iconic Abbey Road Studios, which will be released later in 2025.

Marisa also features on Sophie Lloyd's new album, Imposter Syndrome. The album was nominated for best Breakthrough Album at the Heavy Music Awards, 2024. Their collaboration single 'Won't You Come' dropped in November 2023, alongside singles with Lzzy Hale (Halestorm), Chris Robertson (Black Stone Cherry), Matt Heafy (Trivium), and Michael Starr (Steel Panther).

With previous headline tours under their belt, support slots for artists like Kris Barras Band, Von Hertzen Brothers, Those Damn Crows, As December Falls, and Elvana, as well as appearances at festivals like 2000trees, Planet Rockstock, and Primordial Radio's General Mayhem, Marisa And The Moths are ready to take the rock world by storm and redefine the genre with their electrifying performances.

Marisa And The Moths will also be performing at Planet Rock Winters End, Call Of The Wild, Wildfire, and Firevolt Festival in 2025.

Follow the band on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3bUzFMP

See more: https://linktr.ee/marisaandthemothsband

Marisa And The Moths are:

Marisa Rodriguez / Vocals, Guitar, Piano, Songwriter
Liam James Barnes / Bass, BVs
Alex Ribchester / Drums
Alessio D'Elia / Lead Guitar

What Doesn't Kill You tracklisting: 

1: Cursed
2: Get It Off My Chest
3: Borderline
4: Wither Away 
5: Gaslight
6: State of Mind (Interlude)    
7: Who Are You Waiting For?
8: Pedestal
9: Straight-Laced
10: Fake It Till You Make It
11: SAD
12: Serotonin
13: Just Like Me
14: Sense Of Self (Interlude)
15: Devil You Know
16: Lungs

Photo Credit: Johan Baath

Swedish kings of honest and unadorned heavy metal, GRAND MAGUS, are proud to unleash their 10th studio album, Sunraven, on the world today (Nuclear Blast Records).

In celebration, the trio have released a music video for its powerful title track, 'Sunraven', which can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/_LCkYX8foTY

Purchase or listen to Sunraven here: https://grandmagus.bfan.link/sunraven.ema

Sunraven is a concept album dealing with the legendary poem Beowulf, an ancient tale of epic proportions about heroes and monsters, honor and bravery, victory and defeat. In short, themes that have always played an important role in the lyrical concept of GRAND MAGUS.

Sunraven takes the band’s music to a new level of cinematic boldness and heroic abandon, with numerous new anthems that the faithful are destined to embrace with enthusiasm. Still flying the flag for purity of intent in a cynical world, GRAND MAGUS are weather-beaten veterans on the hard road to heavy metal glory. Dragons beware. Judgement is coming.

Not every band can be 100 percent authentic and true. Not every band has the necessary cojones to summon the spirit of heavy metal. But Grand Magus are not every band. A trio of windswept warriors, driven by belief in the power of this ageless music that so many of us consider a real world lifeline, they return in 2024 with glad tidings of heroism and valour.
 
Over the course of 25 years, the Swedish trio have established themselves as stoic standard bearers for heavy metal in its purest, most triumphant form. From their early years as honorary combatants in the doom scene, Grand Magus have grown in confidence and stature with every passing year. Initially signed to legendary UK imprint Rise Above Records, they released acclaimed albums like 2003’s Monument and 2005’s fiery breakthrough opus Wolf’s Return, and garnered effusive plaudits for live shows that always resounded with the thump of metal’s beating heart.
 
Later signed to Roadrunner and then Nuclear Blast Records, Grand Magus have marched on through the decades with their now trademark sign, a continual benchmark for red-blooded heaviness. Bulging with fresh anthems, albums like Triumph & Power (2014) and Sword Songs (2016) took the band to new heights, as their status as a thunderous, rabble-rousing live band continued to grow. In 2019, ninth studio album Wolf God put the seal on a second decade of active service, and Grand Magus set off on tour as 2020 dawned; only to be confronted with a worldwide Covid shutdown that might have even spelled the end for Stockholm’s finest.

When work finally began on the tenth Grand Magus album, JB made tentative steps towards something bigger and better than past achievements. With a final deadline waiting at the end of 2023, he began to piece together some ideas in January, slowly forming the backbone of what would become the new Grand Magus album, Sunraven. After reconvening with bassist Fox and drummer Ludwig Witt in Halmstad, Sweden, the new songs swiftly came to life.

Not just the tenth Grand Magus full-length, but their first bona fide concept album, Sunraven is a full-bore return to the heavy metal might of Wolf God and Sword Songs, but with an underlying story that adds greater depth to the Swedes’ earthy bombast. Made manifest via a gritty but grandiose production courtesy of the band and co-producer Staffan Karlsson, Sunraven was inspired by the revered Old English epic poem of Beowulf. In true heavy metal style, these nine new songs dive deep into heroic fantasy, but with the same real world resonances that are scorched into the genre’s calloused skin.

Grand Magus are:
Janne "JB" Christoffersson – guitars, lead vocals 
Mats "Fox" Skinner – bass, backing vocals
Ludwig "Ludde" Witt – drums 

Grand Magus online:
https://www.facebook.com/grandmagusofficial
https://www.instagram.com/grandmagusband
https://www.grandmagus.com

TRACKLISTING:
1.     Skybound
2.     The Wheel of Pain
3.     Sunraven
4.     Winter Storms
5.     The Black Lake
6.     Hour of the Wolf
7.     Grendel
8.     To Heorot
9.     The End Belongs to You

Photo Credit: Ki Price

Rock trio MUDSHARK have released a video for their new single 'CLOSE YOUR EYES'. The track is another glimpse into their upcoming EP BEWARE OF THE GERMAN SHEPHERD, due for release on 22nd November.

Check out the video for 'CLOSE YOUR EYES' here: https://youtu.be/9I8_bnowLsY

Stream 'CLOSE YOUR EYES' here: https://linktr.ee/MUDSHARK
.
The band comment: 

"'CLOSE YOUR EYES' is another track thatHagen(guitar) wrote at the age of 14. As always, the song would only come to life years later withSTR▲NGR's (vocals) words and vocal melodies. The riffing is heavily inspired byLamb of God's signature triplet grooves from masterpieces 'Ashes of the Wake' and 'Sacrament', the chorus and chords wouldn't be the same without the first twoLinkin Parkalbums. The lyrics are partly inspired by the events and controversy ofWoodstock '99. As for most of our lyrics though, they draw their main inspiration fromSTR▲NGR's subconscious. What do you think the song is about? Make up your own mind and sing the words to this song at our shows. If you don’t know the words, sing the chorus. If you don’t know the chorus, sing the riff. If you don’t know the riff, listen to the song."

MUDSHARK are a three-piece rock band from London, UK. Formed at Download Festival 2019, MUDSHARK blends filthy, heavy riffs with soaring, soulful melodies. The name is not only reminiscent of their experience of Download, but further stands as a metaphor for MUDSHARK's musical mission.

The band consists of A. STR▲NGR, Hagen Brüggemann and Sebastian Richards. In August 2022, MUDSHARK recorded their debut EP ZLV at The Ranch Production House in Southampton, UK. Engineered and mixed by Neil Kennedy (Boston Manor, Creeper, Press To MECO) and mastered in the USA by Gene "Machine" Freeman (Lamb of God, Clutch, Every Time I Die). ZLV was released worldwide on 23rd June 2023.

MUDSHARK were back in the studio in September and October 2023, to record their second EP BEWARE OF THE GERMAN SHEPHERD, working with Forrester Savell (Karnivool, TesseracT, Earthside) as producer, mixing and mastering engineer. The EP is due for release on 22nd November 2024 with three advance singles, 'SHATTER SOME', 'CLOSE YOUR EYES' and 'BEAUTIFUL'. 

MUDSHARK are:

A. STR▲NGR (vocals)
Hagen Brüggemann (guitar)
Sebastian Richards (bass)

For more information:
https://mudshark.net
https://www.facebook.com/mudsharkofficial
https://www.instagram.com/mudsharkofficial

Photo Credit: Anne-Marie Forker

Guitar virtuoso and multi-instrumentalist Richard Henshall returns with his new single 'Bounce', the second taken from his upcoming  new EP - the second in an a trilogy -  Mu Vol. II. 

Watch the video for 'Bounce' here: https://youtu.be/RbgxZcI0w7M

Stream 'Bounce' here: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/richardhenshall/bounce

On the track, Richard Henshall commented "I like to think of this one as the sister song to 'Land Aliens' [on the Mu Vol. I EP] as it shares the same rhythmic motif. They initially started life in the same project, but clearly sound very different from each other, so I did the sensible thing and split them into two tracks. Once again, I'm working with the incredible Lang Zhao on drums. His versatile playing style has really helped bring the "bounce" to this one. I'm also lucky to have Adam Carrillo rip out another tasty solo on this one after his stellar work on Mu Vol. I. I can't wait to share the rest of Mu Vol. II with everyone in the coming months."

The single follows 'Black Rain', which was released last month. A release date for Mu Vol. II. will be announced soon.

During 2020 Henshall started work on his Mu collection, a trilogy of EPs that explore his love for jazz-infused, intricate instrumental music. The EPs will be released throughout 2024 and promise to be some of his most richly textured, adventurous music to date. Henshall is joined by drummer Lang Zhao and saxophonist Adam Carillio, while he handles guitar, bass & keyboard duties.

Richard Henshall is a composer, guitarist and keyboardist hailing from London, England. He is acclaimed for his work as founding member of progressive metal juggernaut Haken, as well as his endeavours as a solo artist. Henshall has been named as Music Radar’s no. 11 'best prog guitarist’ and in Guitar World’s ‘top 15 best prog rock guitarist’. 

In 2014, Henshall joined forces with Between the Buried and Me’s Dan Briggs and formed Nova Collective. Together they wrote the critically acclaimed ‘The Further Side’, which draws influences from the likes of Chick Corea and Mahavishnu Orchestra. In 2017, Henshall, alongside his Haken bandmates, featured in Mike Portnoy’s Shattered Fortress performing the songs of Dream Theater for a year of very special shows around the world.

In 2019, Henshall completed work on his ambitious debut solo album, entitled The Cocoon, which features Jordan Rudess as well as host of other guests. The music ranges from dense polyrhythmic passages to delicate minimalistic interludes and features Henshall’s trademark guitar and keyboard playing throughout along with his debut performance as a lead vocalist. Prog Radar described it as “a truly impressive release and one that shows Richard at the height of his creative powers.” 

Richard Henshall online:
https://www.facebook.com/RichHenshall
https://www.instagram.com/rich_henshall

Veiled, the UK’s most electrifying rising deathcore band, are rapidly forging a distinctive identity within the metal landscape. Today, as they celebrate the launch of SE/CT, their highly anticipated debut album, they unveil their third single, 'Hellbound'. 'Hellbound’ blends raw emotion with a cinematic landscape of darkness and desperation, where hope battles against the inevitability of surrender.

Watch 'Hellbound' here: https://youtu.be/TadDWtHkkeY

Order SE/CT here: https://orcd.co/veiledsect

Every track on Veiled's debut album seamlessly intertwines aggression and melody whilst weaving a compelling narrative that showcases the band’s evolution into their signature sound. With their devoted fanbase proudly dubbed "The Sect", the album is poised to catapult their following to new heights, expanding their legion of supporters exponentially. Don’t miss the chance to witness their meteoric rise as they headline ‘Veiled The Hometown Gathering II: Second Coming’ on Saturday, 26th October, at the Lending Room, Leeds, a night that promises to be unforgettable.

Veiled comment: "We always try to channel a specific emotion or feeling with each release and this album invokes a feeling of sheer terror. We wanted an air of unease around the songs, playing with tension and really appreciating the power that silence can have. The format of an album gives us the time to build more of a story and experiment dynamically compared to a shorter release. The album allowed us to delve deeper into our more atmospheric and dynamic side. 

“Our new single, ‘Hellbound,’ unfolds as a haunting journey into the abyss, where shadows of one's dark side loom larger with each passing day. The protagonist teeters on the precipice, engulfed by a suffocating blackness that clings to their soul. Amidst this chaos, a flicker of hope remains, yet it grows dimmer with every sunrise, reinforcing the grim realisation that they are bound to perish in the very hell they’ve constructed.The song's raw, relentless energy mirrors the turmoil within. Hectic rhythms and visceral lyrics encapsulate the desperate yearning for change, battling against the weight of past failures that anchor them in despair. Each note reverberates with the pain of isolation, capturing the overwhelming urge to surrender.

"In the accompanying music video, the narrative intensifies. A figure, fraught with desperation, approaches a chilling leader, bearing offerings, tools of violence stained with crimson. Yet, the leader’s disdainful gaze dismisses them as insufficient, casting the seeker into a dark tomb of rejection. Confused and frantic, he grapples with his sense of worth, wrestling with his demons in the suffocating darkness. Then, in a chilling twist, a knife clatters down beside him, igniting a harrowing revelation: he himself is the ultimate offering. As the blade grazes his skin, a powerful hand seizes it, affirming his grim commitment to the cult. In a haunting ritual, he is reborn, gifted a new face as a sinister mark of acceptance, a chilling transformation that seals his fate within the depths of despair.

"As a collective, we’re proud of how massive the album sounds. The pacing and track placements makes the album ebb and flow, helping to tell a story sonically, even instrumentally, without hearing the vocals you can feel the emotions that each track conveys. The stories we tell in our songs and videos have always been a large part of our songwriting and conceptual process. Even if a song doesn’t have a video, we always tend to write as though it will, having vivid visual imagery that goes along with the music. The album is an extension of this and a huge step up from our previous offerings. We try to keep the listener guessing as to exactly where a song or a story is going to take them.

"If you’re a fan of heavy music, then we know that we will have at least one song that connects with you. From our terrifyingly heavy songs to slower more anthemic-based songs. If you like extremely heavy music, but also like huge sing-along choruses, the two don’t always have to be mutually exclusive. Join The Sect, you might just be surprised what you find."

Throughout 2024, Veiled have been diligently forging their unique identity on the live music circuit, captivating audiences and industry insiders alike. Their standout performance on the Doghouse Stage at this year's Download Festival not only turned heads but also solidified their reputation as a rising force in the music scene. With each show, they have continued to push boundaries and leave an indelible mark on fans and critics. Veiled will join Draconian Reign for dates in London, Birmingham and Leeds next year as they continue to spread the word of The Sect. Catch them live on the dates below. 

26th Oct, 2024: Lending Room, Leeds
20th Feb, 2025: Signature Brew, London (support to Draconian Reign)
21st Feb, 2025: The Flapper, Birmingham (FREE ENTRY)  (support to Draconian Reign)
22nd Feb, 2025: Lending Room, Leeds  (support to Draconian Reign)

Veiled online:
Veiled Store
Facebook 
Instagram

Track list:

01. SECT 
02. Forgive Me
03. The Sentence
04. Lament 
05. Hellbound  
06. Deathchoke    
07. Testament    
08. The Root Of Mans Impurity 
09. Tides   
10, Asphyxiate  
11. The Awakening
12. Hear Me, Pain   
13. Omen Of Torture     
14. Reverie 

Photo Credit: Luke Tatlock

A beautifully curious blend of pop-sensibility, delicacy and experimentation. Piano-led, guitar-less trio Exploring Birdsong are paving their own musical path with their latest single 'Weight in Gold'.

Watch the video to 'Weight in Gold', when the band enters the ring for the boxing match of the year, here: https://youtu.be/qbBvuJYpxHc

Stream the single here:
https://orcd.co/exploringbirdsong_weightingold

“'Weight in Gold' was another song that was initially written way back during our time in university as part of our songwriting module," comment the band. "In a similar way to 'The Collapse', it existed in a wildly different form back then, and we knew we wanted to release it at some point, but didn’t want to waste what we thought is one of the strongest choruses we had in the bank. The benefit of having time to leave it alone and eventually revisit it has given us what we think is a song that encapsulates us pretty perfectly - and although up to this point, it’s the poppiest song we’ve released, it still feels like it is a really natural fit within the way our writing and arranging has progressed over the last year or so."

Exploring Birdsong continue: "The music video is the most fun we’ve ever had on a shoot. Really, all of the songs left to release this year each display a different side of us in their own right. Differing vastly from each other, and don’t have a place on our debut album, but are still, completely, authentically us.”

Exploring Birdsong's new singles follows the band's stunning Deftones cover of 'Diamond Eyes', and their second EP Dancing in the Face of Danger (March 2023, Long Branch Records), released to rave reviews worldwide. The band wanted to draw a line in the sand following Dancing in the Face of Danger to mark the start of a new chapter, and, through coincidence, eventually ended up working with a new production team (Tom Peters - engineering and mixing & Grant Berry - mastering) which has helped bookend the Dancing in the Face of Danger period. They comment: "We wanted to experiment sonically before heading into full-length album territory, which is why we think it feels different to anything we’ve released previously."

The young group this year have performed two sold-out headline shows in London and Manchester, and previously joined Katatonia as special guests for their shows in Ireland. Their Ireland shows marked the band's first live performances since their European debut at Euroblast Festival (Cologne, DE), mainstage set at RADAR Festival, and inaugural headline tour across the UK in September 2021, including London, Manchester and Birmingham, and following successful support tours with the likes of Sleep Token and Thank You Scientist.

Rarely are new groups as exciting, talented or unique as Exploring Birdsong. Straddling pop, progressive rock and uncategorisable genre-blending beauty, the band are unplaceable for the most part, but bring to mind elements of Kate Bush, Sleep Token, Everything Everything and Agent Fresco.

Rarely too do you hear voices as captivating as frontwoman Lynsey Ward’s. Powerful, controlled, and spine-chillingly tender, Lynsey’s vocals help mark Exploring Birdsong as a prospect to watch, from the release of their acclaimed debut The Thing With Feathers (2019, Long Branch Records) to 2023's EP Dancing in the Face of Danger.

Exploring Birdsong are:
Lynsey Ward - vocals, piano
Jonny Knight - bass, synthesisers
Matt Harrison - drums, percussion

Exploring Birdsong online:
https://www.instagram.com/exploringbirdsong
https://www.facebook.com/ExploringBirdsong
https://www.exploringbirdsong.com
https://twitter.com/exbirdsong

Photo Credit: lannieshots

Heavy act ACCVSED have unleashed their latest single, 'Never Enough,' via Arising Empire, signaling a bold evolution in their sound. This release highlights their most aggressive and unrelenting work to date, marking the start of a new era steeped in unmatched darkness and brutality.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/jyz2GicOvmw

Stream here: https://arisingempire.com/neverenough

"When I finally stop, there will be nothing left of us."

Seen through the eyes of a late-stage capitalist, 'Never Enough' is a confession. It captures the relentless pursuit of more — where personal wealth is placed above the well-being of others, paving a path to inevitable annihilation. The protagonist, admired by some and loathed by the rest, continues to consume and exploit, driven by an insatiable greed that will not cease until everything in its way is destroyed.

Since their formation in 2021, ACCVSED have adhered to one principle: presenting themselves to the world authentically, without playing a role or sugarcoating their expressions. They channel their deepest traumas and fears into their music, creating a distinct and energetic blend of bold guitar riffs, unique vocals, and raw emotion. This combination shapes their sound into an unstoppable force.

Hailing from Wiesbaden, ACCVSED quickly realised that being a local band was not their ambition. They moved swiftly and made a significant impact on the music scene with their debut EP House of Doubt, released in December 2023. The breakthrough single 'Currents' led the six track EP, establishing a foundation for their constantly evolving musical style and garnering them worldwide attention. This success resulted in support shows and festival appearances throughout Germany.

Catch ACCVSED live:
26.10 Dresden - HD Rock Bar
27.10 Hannover - Bei Chez Heinz
31.10 Frankfurt - Ponyhof
01.11 Prag - Café V Lese
02.11 Stuttgart - Corefest
21.12 Essen - Curtain Call

ACCVSED are:
Tino Mehlig | Vocals
Valentin Noack | Guitar
Pascal Klebe | Bass
Christopher Lerner | Drums

Follow ACCVSED
https://www.instagram.com/accvsed.band
https://www.tiktok.com/@accvsed.band
https://www.facebook.com/accvsed
https://x.com/ACCVSED_
https://accvsed.de/