The Dark, featuring Of Mice & Men guitarist Alan Ashby, have released their sophomore single 'Slip Away', out now via Arising Empire.
Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/bZjGWvSZXGs
Stream here: https://arisingempire.com/slipaway
The band comment: "Our first song, 'Chemicals' was about coping in an unhealthy way. 'Slip Away' is the natural progression of that. It's the next part of the story. It's losing yourself in your habits until you become unrecognizable. It's the pain when you come-to. It's self awareness and it's hurt. 'Slip Away' is struggle you face when you meet yourself where you're at. It's the pain when you look in the mirror honestly. It's a rude awakening.
On the video they continue: "When I wrote the video for 'Slip Away', it was important to me I tell the story of the song, whereas 'Chemicals' was more a day-in-the-life sort of video. You have this person, bound to the injured version of themselves... connected as one and confined to a space they can't escape. They separate and see their hurt before them. The bandages come off and it's loud, it's vulnerable... it's unpredictable. Only through acceptance and embrace can they find peace, but even still, in a space they'll never leave."
The Dark are:
Craig Johns Jr. | vocals
Alan Ashby | guitar
Nick Goins | bass
Derek Vautrinot | drums
The Dark online:
https://www.facebook.com/thedark.fm
https://www.instagram.com/thedark.fm
https://www.tiktok.com/@thedark.fm
https://twitter.com/thedark_fm
Mesmeric Icelandic darkwave trio Kælan Mikla return with their spellbinding new single 'Stjörnuljós', their first original material since 2021.
Watch the video for 'Stjörnuljós' here: https://youtu.be/9UtKIPS9sP4
Stream 'Stjörnuljós' here: https://orcd.co/stjornuljos
Laufey Soffia [vocals] comments: "'Stjörnuljós' marks a new beginning for Kælan Mikla. The song is an emotional rebirth for us, a journey though an unexplored world of sound. We’ve never made a song as close to our core and we’re finally ready to let it into the world."
The band continue: "We began working on this song last summer (2023) at Studio Silo in Stöðvafjörður, a remote fjord in eastern Iceland, where we spent 10 days crafting demos. The weather was consistently foggy and misty, so dense that we couldn’t see across the fjord and the sea and sky seemed to merge into an endless grey void. This haunting atmosphere deeply influenced our writing process, infusing it with the eerie beauty of nature."
'Stjörnuljós', translated as starlight, is about human connection, and how we take turns guiding each other through our darkest times. Self-produced by the band, it marks an exciting new chapter in the life of this incredible trio.
Kælan Mikla soar through the worlds of legends, fairy tales, magic and mysticism. Extraordinary soundscapes conjured by synths, dreamy vocals, screams and droning bass lines dominate and pull the listener ever deeper into the mythical world of Kælan Mikla.
The band, consisting of Sólveig Matthildur, Margrét Rósa, and Laufey Soffía, let the complex interplay of musical and visual experience play a key role in their stagings, captivating audiences with a unique blend of post-punk, goth, and dream-pop influences, evoking a moody, otherworldly atmosphere inspired by the darkened landscapes of their native Reykjavík.
The band first gained attention after winning a poetry slam competition, which led to them transforming their literary explorations into music. Their debut album, Mánadans (2014), introduced their signature atmospheric sound, and their subsequent albums, Kælan Mikla (2016), Nótt eftir nótt (2018), and Undir Köldum Norðurljósum (2021), showcased their progression into a darker, more refined sonic space.
Kælan Mikla’s ethereal live performances have earned them a dedicated international following, and they have embarked on several major tours with artists such as Ville Valo, Alcest, and Chelsea Wolfe, whose audiences resonated deeply with Kælan Mikla's atmospheric and intense stage presence. Their tour with Ville Valo was particularly significant, as it introduced them to a wider audience of gothic and rock enthusiasts, whilst touring with Chelsea Wolfe also aligned them with similarly dark, evocative acts, creating a synergy that made for unforgettable live experiences.
A key milestone in their career was their BBC Radio 1 Maida Vale session in 2023, which served to showcase their evocative sound to a broader audience and highlighted their growing international appeal. This milestone underscored their position as a key force in the darkwave movement, bringing Icelandic gothic soundscapes to the global stage.
At every stage, the forces of nature play a key role in Kælan Mikla's music, and the personification of their powers shine through. In their own words: “We look at Iceland's nature in the form of female figures who dominate the rugged landscape of lava, fog and cliffs. A powerful feminine energy ties the stories together in a balanced yet provocative way”.
The elegant lyricism of their poetry builds mountain peaks shrouded in mist and mystery. Kælan Mikla’s otherworldly force continues to profoundly inspire audiences through a cathartic realm of emotional exploration.
Kælan Mikla are:
Laufey Soffía - lead vocals
Margrét Rósa - bass, backing vocals
Sólveig Matthildur - synths, backing vocals, flute
For more:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaelanmikla
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kaelanmikla
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/28meEMqGpDrolyQ9OVoDAH?si=lvI9z5hSSDGgpvjB1Q6LoA
Photo Credit: Andy Ford
Spinefarm is excited to welcome UK metal legends Raging Speedhorn to its roster. The Corby sextet have also unveiled their new single, ‘Night Wolf’, and announced an extensive UK tour throughout March 2025.
Stream ‘Night Wolf’ here: https://ragingspeedhorn.lnk.to/nightwolfsingle
A major presence within the UK metal scene for the past two decades, with half a dozen crushing studio outings to their name (and what a name!), Raging Speedhorn have forged their reputation through hard touring, hard music, plus a no-compromise attitude… to everything.
New single, ‘Night Wolf’, the band’s first for Spinefarm, produced by Russ Russell, sees the six musicians – as much gang as band – delivering one of the most memorable moments of their career, with all valves glowing, all faders up and all needles flicking red.
The band comment on the single: “We’re super excited to release our new single ‘Night Wolf’, produced by our brother Russ Russell at Parlour Studios. It’s got everything you need in a classic Raging Speedhorn song: big riffs, thundering drums and great vocals. To us, it’s a mixture of Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath with a unique Speedhorn sound.
“We’ve been inspired by one of our favourite 80s movies, and we hope our fans will enjoy the retro vibe in our artwork.”
Dante Bonutto, Director of A&R, Spinefarm UK, comments on the signing and single: “For the past two decades, Raging Speedhorn have been a mighty force within the UK metal scene, showing what can be accomplished through hard touring and hard music, plus the collective, instinctive desire to make music that grabs both attention and lapels. It is therefore with a sense of pride that we welcome the band to Spinefarm. New single ‘Night Wolf’ is classic Speedhorn, a howl-at-the-moon taste of what’s to come, and we look forward to supporting the band in their continued efforts to dispense sonic justice”.
Catch the band live:
UK headline dates with Defenestration in support:
01 Nov: Northampton, The Black Prince
02 Nov: Stoke-on-Trent, The Underground
UK headline tour with Kill The Lights in support:
07 March: Norwich, Waterfront Studio
08 March: Manchester, Rebellion
09 March: Newcastle, Cluny
10 March: Glasgow, Cathouse
12 March: Belfast, Voodoo
13 March: Dublin, Grand Social
14 March: Cardiff, Clwb Ifor Bach
15 March: Nottingham, The Old Cold Store
16 March: Bristol, The Fleece
17 March: Exeter, Cavern
18 March: Southampton, The Joiners
20 March: Herne Bay, Kings Hall
21 March: London, The Underworld
22 March: Birmingham, o2 Institute 2
23 March: Sheffield, Corporation
Raging Speedhorn are:
Frank Regan – vocals
Daniel Cook – vocals
James Palmer – guitar
Daf Williams – guitar
Andy Gilmour – bass
Gordon Morison – drums
Raging Speedhorn online:
https://www.facebook.com/ragingspeedhorn
https://www.instagram.com/raging_speedhorn_
https://x.com/Speedhornuk
Since their formation in 2008, Norwegian punk/rock outfit Blood Command have been redefining boundaries within the alternative music scene. Known for their energetic blend of punk, hardcore, and melodic rock—self-described as “death pop”—Blood Command have captivated audiences with their fusion of sharp aggression, infectious hooks, and pop sensibilities.
Today, the band have announced their signing with Arising Empire, and release their storming new single 'We Could Be Heaven'. Their latest single delivers a dark, pop-punk punch, exploring the cost of following one’s heart—even to one’s demise. As the first taste of their upcoming 2025 album, this track may be Blood Command's catchiest, most pop-forward release yet, setting the stage for an album that promises to elevate their revolutionary sound to new heights.
Stream: https://arisingempire.com/wecouldbeheaven
Watch: https://youtu.be/3W-dhNtB7xQ
Led by guitarist and principal songwriter Yngve Andersen, the Bergen-based band have drawn widespread acclaim for their innovative sound and electrifying live performances.
The 2020 addition of fierce vocalist Nikki Brumen has amplified the band’s intensity, enhancing their powerful messages of rebellion, individualism, and empowerment. Blood Command’s albums, including Funeral Beach (2012) and Praise Armageddonism (2020), illustrate their ability to evolve while remaining rooted in their punk ethos. With a loyal fanbase across Europe and an unwavering touring schedule, Blood Command continue to push the limits of punk and hardcore.
Photo Credit: Tony Aguilera
Phoenix nu-metal juggernauts Sicksense, featuring former The Agonist vocalist Vicky "Killer V" Psarakis, have released the third single, 'Masquerade Parade'. The track taken from their upcoming debut full-length album, Cross Me Twice, out 14th February 2025 via Earache Records.
Watch the video for 'Masquerade Parade' here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EI0GCwdbaHE
Stream 'Masquerade Parade' here: https://earache.lnk.to/MasqueradeParade
Pre-Order Cross Me Twice: https://earache.com/sicksense
Vocalist Rob The Ripper commented: “'Masquerade Parade' critically takes aim at modern western health practices, the pharmaceutical industry and politicians. It's also a warning to be careful of trusting the wrong people. In many cases, the people who claim to have your best interests, absolutely do not. Don't be fooled by them.
"Film making wise, we wanted to tell a story that keeps moving forward from one scene into the other with intelligent transitions that utilized practical effects, acting and camera angles/movement. Much like watching an actual parade. The music video story features the characters of Vicky, Deli The Bear and myself as these kind of supernatural entities. Vicky’s character unleashes a villainous persona out of me by tinkering with an hourglass, then the real fun begins. I then go on to terrorize my other band mates throughout the video, while Vicky gradually brings each one of them out of the darkness by handing them their instruments. Being stronger together, they are able to defeat their common enemy…but the question is, was this enemy really the 'bad guy' to begin with, or did someone else create the problem in the first place, and conveniently set themselves up to appear to be the 'hero'?
"We love incorporating multiple meanings into our lyrics and our storytelling. 'Masquerade Parade' takes you on a ride with twists and turns that catch you off guard and we hope it pleasantly surprises many people who check it out."
Vocalist Killer V adds: "My favorite part in the concept of the video is how our bandmates snap out of the condition they're in when they are given their instruments. This entire video was put together through multiple brainstorming sessions and we were a little stuck on what the "revival" action would be. I remember initially suggesting giving them their instruments as a joke, but the more we thought about it, the more it just made sense. Music heals and brings us together. It's an escape for both musicians and fans of music, so in a way the perfect imagery for our message. One thing we always aim to do with Sicksense is incorporate a positive message through even our darkest songs. Also, the first two choruses are one continuous shot, so from a filming aspect that was really interesting and challenging for us to nail. It's easy when you know you can piece together bits of different footage and make something cool out of it, but having to get everything right in one shot is a whole other experience. This is by far my favorite song and video that we've done to this day."
From the maleficent minds of dual vocalists Killer V and Rob The Ripper, Sicksense are leading the charge of the new wave of nu-metal. With the added arsenal of guitarist Agent Phil [Philip Lykostratis], bassist The Gothfather [Richard Regier] and drummer Smokin' J [Joseph Polizzi], Sicksense follow up their highly acclaimed two EPs with with their heaviest record yet, melting nu-metal elements with metalcore and electronic touches for a unique spin on the rejuvenated genre.
Killer V comments on the record: "Our upcoming album, Cross Me Twice, takes the listener on an emotional rollercoaster of a journey. We evolved from our traditional nu metal sound, by incorporating more modern metal and electronic elements into this album. The heavy parts got heavier, the soft parts got softer and the catchy parts got catchier. 'Cross Me Twice' explores a wider dynamic range, which leaves the listener not knowing what to expect with each release. We were going through numerous personal issues amongst ourselves as a band while working on this record, which inevitably led to us parting ways with former members and bringing in new ones to complete it. These issues inspired the lyrical themes for each song. It wasn't easy to go through and create, but we're extremely proud of the end result.
"I remember spending countless hours working on keys and the overall sound design of 'Cross Me Twice', on top of all the vocal arrangements I normally task myself with. Teaming up with our producer, Joey Doherty, was the final step and best decision we could have made to bring you guys what we believe will be one of the absolute best sounding albums of 2025.
"There's something for everyone to enjoy here and we hope it means as much to our listeners as it does to us. It's truly special."
It's rare that a debut album inspires such fervent anticipation, but the thrill surrounding a full-length from Sicksense is concrete. A band who have nurtured their community from seedlings to an army of “Deli-boos” (if you know, you know), Sicksense made instant waves in the metal scene upon the release of their two EPs Kings Today and Fools Tomorrow.
These collections saw their music garner support from metal connoisseurs such as TankTheTech, feature in the ring with ex-NXT and NOAH pro-wrestler Stallion Rogers, and hit Spotify's Alternative Metal and New Nü playlists alongside other trailblazers in the future of metal. These two small portholes into their vibrant world have turned heads in the industry and metal fandom alike, receiving comparisons to nü-metal titans like Slipknot, Evanescence and Limp Bizkit in the process.
Sicksense have now announced their debut album Cross Me Twice, news which will see anticipation on all sides finally relieved. With Cross Me Twice, the band take their nü-metal influences and Frankenstein them into a hydra monster that sees the heads of metalcore, progressive metal and power metal combine into a modern experiment gone very right. The album is all a nü-metal fan could hope for while bringing new colour to the genre.
It's this versatility that sets Sicksense apart in the nü-gen surge. The adventurous Cross Me Twice is as fantastically otherworldly with luminous keys and glacial melodies as it is gritty with nü-metal grooves and stomach-lurching djent. Conjurers of jeweled light and chroma, commanders of shadow and moonbeams, Sicksense create such a thickly immersive atmosphere that it feels as though you can see the album just as much as you can hear it.
Sicksense are:
Killer V - vocals
Rob The Ripper - vocals
Agent Phil - guitars
The Gothfather - bass
Smokin' J - drums
Sicksense online:
Facebook
Instagram
X
Youtube
Bandcamp
Cross Me Twice tracklist:
1. Sellout
2. Wildfires
3. Throwback
4. Fever Dream
5. Invisible
6. On Repeat
7. Masquerade Parade
8. In This Carousel
9. Here Come All The Memories
10. Follow Me
The award-winning, genre-busting RADAR Festival returns in 2025 with new dates, and the first wave of acts.
To be held at Manchester's O2 Victoria Warehouse on 4th-6th July, RADAR 2025 will see darkwave legend Carpenter Brut perform as a UK exclusive - the first headliner announced for next year's event.
They are joined by the uniquely exhilarating Zeal & Ardor, Swedish melodic alternative heavyweights Normandie, instrumental prog luminary Intervals, and 11 other acts.
Full list of bands announced so far:
Carpenter Brut (2025 UK Exclusive)
Zeal & Ardor
Normandie
Intervals
GHØSTKID
David Maxim Micic
Floya
Pintglass
Future Palace
Cyan Kicks
Tiberius
Air Drawn Dagger
Continents
Hero In Error
Waterlines
Get your RADAR Festival tickets here: www.radarfestival.co.uk/tickets
Festival co-founder Catherine Jackson-Smith comments: "We’re hitting the ground running with Carpenter Brut’s only UK performance in 2025 as our first headliner announcement. They’re a band that we’ve admired for a long time and their production combined with the mammoth effort that they put into making a special, one-off event is something that aligns exactly with what we want for our statement sets! Our first announcement is a solid mix of fresh new music that we know our RADAR community will love plus some familiar faces, rising up the ranks and showing everyone why they’ve become such firm favourites.
"This is only the beginning and we can’t wait to share more of our plans with the RADAR community as RADAR 5.0 starts to take shape properly."
Alongside the acts announced, RADAR's commitment to a musical and gaming paradise continues: their music & gaming market will return. Expected to be wowed by a retro arcade, the best new instruments and music tech, and many more besides.
Also demonstrating their commitment to new bands, RADAR will continue to donate a portion of ticket sales proceeds to Music Venue Trust, in order to support grassroots music venues.
RADAR - the UK's most exciting new progressive music festival - moved to Manchester for its 2023 edition, the third iteration of the festival.
RADAR pride themselves on providing a first home for the best international artists - previous years have seen Dirty Loops' (2022) and The Callous Daoboys' (2023) first UK shows.
Joining the list were RADAR 2024's Friday headliners - synth royalty The Midnight, making their UK festival debut. Accompanying them were Saturday headliners TesseracT, as the UK prog metal titans delivered a special War Of Being album set. Finally, closing the festival on Sunday modern progressive titans Leprous performed a world-first live, by request fan set.
RADAR 2023 saw Friday headliners Sleep Token joining Periphery (Sunday) and Igorrr (Saturday) among a host of the best from the UK progressive underground and globally.
RADAR capped their intensely impressive 2022 by winning the Best New Festival Award at the UK Festival Awards on 6th December in Manchester, and were shortlisted for Best Small Festival and Best Metropolitan Festival at 2023's UK Festival Awards.
RADAR are again shortlisted for Best Small Festival and Best Metropolitan Festival at this year's UK Festival Awards.
With their mixture of international talent and confirmed homegrown success, RADAR Festival has already positioned themselves as a champion of forward-thinking guitar-led progressive music. No genre boundaries, welcome to all, RADAR Festival was launched in 2019 to acclaim, with performances from Animals As Leaders, Agent Fresco, Rolo Tomassi, among others. Following the COVID hiatus, RADAR Festival 2022 expanded to three days with triumphant appearances from Leprous, Haken, Dirty Loops, Plini, Conjurer, Soen and more.
RADAR Festival is all about pushing boundaries - this year introducing fresh genres to the lineup and stages - and this is just the beginning.
For more information:
Instagram: RDRfestival // Facebook: RDRfestival
Twitter: @RDRfestival // Website: www.radarfestival.co.uk
Progressive metalcore band SENNA return with a powerful new standalone single, 'Rain', out now via SharpTone Records. Known for their atmospheric soundscapes and intricate compositions, SENNA’s latest release showcases their evolution since their breakout debut EP, A Moment of Quiet, cementing their status as a formidable force in modern metalcore.
Stream here: https://bfan.link/rain-12
Watch here: https://youtu.be/zRJ4EHgkbj8
'Rain' delivers SENNA’s signature blend of hauntingly melodic tones and crushing breakdowns, highlighting the band’s expanded depth with intricate, emotive riffs from guitarist Marcel Dürr, heavy grooves from bassist Fabian Cattarius, and impassioned vocals from Simon Masdjedi. The single also introduces Viktor Warzecha on drums, whose precise and explosive style propels the track with newfound energy.
Reflecting on the track, Simon shares: "This song is about how alive you feel when you are with that one special person —like nothing else matters, and you are lifted beyond the ordinary. There’s this perfect sync between each other, a warmth that just ignites everything.!
"It’s not your typical slow and melancholic love song. Knowing where Simon wanted to take this song lyrically, I knew the instrumentation had to match the higher energy" adds Marcel. "I wanted to write a song that makes you want to dance and celebrate but still feels intimate and familiar".
Dead Icarus, the new project of former Atreyu lead vocalist and Gold-selling artist Alex Varkatzas, as well as Gabe Mangold of Enterprise Earth and Brandon Zackey, have today (31st October) released their debut album Zealot, out via MNRK Heavy.
Produced and co-written by Mangold, Zealot is a precise and pummeling execution of airtight technical riffs, miles of solos, blast beat assault and battery, and screamed, growled, and sung vocals.
The band have also shared the video for the title track, watch it here: https://youtu.be/G3H8ugaDMzg
Purchase Zealot here: https://deadicarus.ffm.to/zealot
"Zealot is the culmination of our unyielding, fanatical belief. We set out to create a dynamic, multi-faceted record that incorporated everything we love about music. It's heavy, it's melodic, it's angry, it's hopeful, it has riffs and hooks but above all it's sincere and comes from purely from our heart and minds. No outside interference. We hope you connect with and enjoy the music as much as we do," says Varkatzas.
On the single, he continues: "'Zealot,' the title track, is our most out of the box song on the record. It definitely toys with a nu-metal vibe but with our own unique Dead Icarus spin. It’s about abandoning comprises and following your internal compass NO MATTER THE COST. It's also the final video we shot in the haunted house, a perfect fit for this time of year."
Dead Icarus lean on the uncanny creative union between vocalist Varkatzas, guitarist and producer Gabe Mangold, and drummer Brandon Zackey. The band truly get their wings from the undying commitment made by the members. The musicians pursue their artistry with a resolute sense of focus, manifesting in the precise execution of airtight technical riffs, virtuosic solos, blast beat assault and battery, and hard-hitting vocals.
Countless fans worldwide initially got to know Varkatzas as co-founder and original frontman for influential Southern California metalcore stalwarts Atreyu. After two decades earmarked by chart-shaking success, a pair of Gold albums and Gold singles, sold-out shows around the globe, and critical renown, he embarked on his next chapter in 2020.
Enter Mangold. Celebrated as guitarist for Enterprise Earth, he and Alex instantly clicked and forged a musical partnership, yielding their 2024-released Ad infernum EP. Inciting critical applause, Revolver promised, "Fans of old-school Atreyu will definitely enjoy."
Dead Icarus will also embark on their first US tour this September with Enterprise Earth and Nekrogoblikon. Worldwide touring is planned for 2025 and beyond.
Dead Icarus online:
https://www.instagram.com/deadicarusmusic
https://www.tiktok.com/@deadicarusmusic
https://www.youtube.com/@deadicarusmusic
Dead Icarus track list:
01 THE UNCONQUERABLE
02 BEARING BURDENS AND SAVING SKIN
03 ZEALOT
04 1 MILLION DAYS
05 TEMPTATIONS KISS
06 FOUNTAINS OF DEATH
07 CASTING SPELLS
08 HELL OPENS ITS MOUTH
09 VADE RETRO SATANA
10 SECRETS IN THE DARK
11 BETRAYAL SHAPED DAGGERS
Swedish high-energy rock'n'roll pioneers THE HELLACOPTERS have revealed the cover and release date of their brand new studio album Overdriver, which will see the light of day on 31st January 2025, via Nuclear Blast Records.
Less than three years after their triumphant, chart-storming comeback record, Eyes Of Oblivion, Sweden's most consistently great rock outfit are back with another banger of an album.
Overdriver was recorded at Strawberry Studio & The Honk Palace and is the first THE HELLACOPTERS album entirely produced by Nicke Andersson. As you might expect from a THE HELLACOPTERS album it's filled to the brim with roaring guitars and earth-shattering grooves, fist-raising energy and anthemic choruses, while keeping the variety richer than ever before.
The striking cover for Overdriver was created by German illustrator Max Löffler. More info on pre-order and tracklisting will follow very soon.
Also celebrating their 30th anniversary in 2025, THE HELLACOPTERS could have a few more tricks up their sleeves to keep you boys and girls in line, so keep your eyes peeled!
THE HELLACOPTERS released their eighth studio album titled Eyes Of Oblivion on April 1st, 2022. It marked the first full-length since the release of their temporary farewell record Head Off in 2008, and was met with massive acclaim from fans and media alike. Charting at #1 in Sweden, #3 in Germany, #6 in Finland, the band celebrated a triumphant return culminating in a show with the mighty Iron Maiden in Gothenburg in July 2022, and gigs with Ghost in Germany in June 2023. In February 2024 their beloved classic album Grande Rock was rereleased on physical formats, featuring a re-worked companion piece with additional guitar, piano and vocal tracks called Grande Rock Revisited.
For more:
https://www.facebook.com/thehellacopters
https://www.instagram.com/thehellacopters
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCXYfoQipr6Unnyb-WKbkjw
https://linktr.ee/thehellacopters
