LATEST ROCK AND METAL NEWS

by Rockfiend
•
5 March 2026
TAKEN FROM THE FORTHCOMING ALBUM YOU GOT THIS RELEASED ON APRIL 17TH 2026 PRE-ORDER HERE FIVE DATE IN-STORE UK TOUR WEEK OF RELEASE PLUS HEADLINING RADAR FESTIVAL, MANCHESTER + APPEARING AT BLACKBIRD, BOOMTOWN & BEAUTIFUL DAYS FESTIVALS WITH TOUR DATES ACROSS EUROPE & AUSTRALIA Welsh ragga metal legends Skindred have released their brand-new single ‘Can I Get A’, which receives its radio world-premiere on Craig Charles’ show on BBC 6 Music this afternoon. With a jaunty electro-honky-tonk intro leading straight into a infectiously singalong pop chorus, complete with “woop-woops”, ‘Can I Get A’ is an inspiring song of resilience and defiance, with playful sonic nods to the ‘80s, including a Phil Collins-style drum break and a soaring gospel backing vocal. However dig deep into the lyrics of ‘Can I Get A’ and you’ll uncover a mini autobiography in song, addressing issues of childhood poverty and family hardship, made bearable through the love and support of those closest to you. It takes lead singer Benji Webbe back to being orphaned as a child, and how he was raised by his older brother who was little more than a kid himself. “It’s me as a child seeing my friends with all these amazing things that people take for granted that I never had,” he explains. “I was eleven years old and was worried what my life would become. A lot of kids where I lived got into trouble and ended up in prison. I was just gonna grab that microphone and see where it would take me. I want to empower people to know that you can be what you want to be. Don't spend your life worrying about what you haven't got. Live your life because now is the time.” The track is accompanied by a brilliant, tongue-in-cheek video, featuring the band performing alongside male and female dancers inside whirling graphics. Watch the video HERE . You Got This is Skindred’s ninth album and is an all-killer-no-filler set which features everything that people love about the band – hard-hitting slammers, mega addictive hooks, earwormy soundclash elements, and dancehall vibes destined to ignite venues across the globe. The title track was released as the first single from the album late last year, accompanied by a brilliantly entertaining video. And it was followed in January by the fiery and fizzing hook-laden banger ‘This Is The Sound’. Production for the album came from the Grammy-winning Jay Ruston, who drummer Arya Goggin admires for having the songwriting chops to work with ‘80s power ballad master Desmond Child, while also producing Slipknot’s Corey Taylor and Mike Patton’s, Mr Bungle. The new album finds the Newport trio – completed by guitarist Mikey Demus – embarking on a thrilling journey to follow the mainstream breakthrough that came with 2023’s critically-acclaimed album Smile. That album shot straight into the UK Official Album Chart at #2 and Skindred went on to receive the Best Alternative Music Act Award at the MOBOs, also winning Best UK Act at the Heavy Music Awards. Long-revered as one of the best live bands on the planet, they played their largest headline show to date at Wembley Arena and toured the world, smashing every festival and headline performance and winning tens of thousands of new fans in the process. Those new fans will join Skindred’s long-established rabid fanbase in lapping up every note and lyric of You Got This. The tracklisting for You Got This is: You Got This Can I Get A Born Fe Dis This Is The Sound Broke Glass Big ‘Em Up Do It Like This My People Give Thanks Dred Or Alive Skindred will be playing five very special shows to coincide with the album release. Thurs 16th April – Circuit, Kingston (SOLD OUT) Fri 17th April – O2 Academy, Oxford Tues 21st April – Electric, Bristol Weds 22nd April – Foundry, Sheffield Thurs 23rd April – Beckett SU, Leeds The band have further UK tour dates as follows: June 27th - Cardiff - Blackbird Festival August 1st - Manchester - Radar Festival August 16th - Winchester - Boomtown Festival August 21st - Ottery St Mary (Devon) - Beautiful Days Festival They are also playing at major festivals across Europe this summer including Austria, Germany, Finland and Czechia, before their first ever headline tour of Australia in September. Tickets and info on all shows available at: linktr.ee/Skindred2026

by Rockfiend
•
5 March 2026
Derek Davis (Babylon A.D.) releases his new single 'Running Man' on 10th March, out on Apocalypse Records. Watch the teaser here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oww9Lygbjr8&t=3s Fresh off the successful releases of the last two “Babylon A.D.” albums (‘Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day’ & ‘When The World Stops’), Derek Davis brings his creative energy to life with his solo project, penning a brand new explosive up-tempo rocker, 'Running Man'. The funk driven, hard-hitting rock/metal track delivers the angst and vocal delivery for which he is known. Both lyrically and musically, the track speaks to the frustration and passion of the forgotten man in today’s ever changing world. The AI evolution and political divide that shapes our thoughts and lives are explored through his cinematic story telling. “Running Man” is a rock anthem at its core, with an uptempo fist pounding funkifed bass line and searing guitar riffs, the hooks never stop. Davis’s exploration of combining Hard Rock, old school R&B and Funk is awe inspiring and leaves the listener wanting more. Having played all the instruments, mixing and producing the track, as well as editing and creating the accompanying video, he once again proves to be a visionary force in the music industry. Derek Davis is a multi-talented performer, singer, songwriter, musician and producer who delivers it all with 'Running Man'! Derek Davis: Davis has showcased his extraordinary singing, songwriting, and musicianship in several areas. He has had several songs placed in films and TV, and has recorded six studio albums, three live albums and two EPs with the band Babylon A.D. He also wrote all the tracks, produced and released the band “American Blues Box” album and wrote, created and produced three solo albums “Revolt”, “Revolutionary Soul” and “Resonator Blues” as well as seven solo effort singles and videos Over the last few years Derek Davis has performed, produced, wrote or co-wrote all the tracks for the Babylon A.D.s releases: 2018’s "Revelation Highway” Via “Frontiers Records” - 2023,“ Live Lightning” on Perris/Apocalypse Records, 2024's “Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day”, Perris/Apocalypse Records and in 2025, “When The World Stops” from Kivel Records. He has also created 10 Videos in this time for each single released by the band, and has done multiple tours in the United States, the U.K and Greece, proving once again the band's staying power in the history of hard Rock. PRESENT DAY… As 2026 begins Derek Davis a has full schedule set for the rest of the year. Two more video/singles are scheduled for release by Babylon A.D. Davis is in full throttle writing mode for his next solo effort, another Soul inspired Funk Rock album that is set for release in the fall. The first track “Running Man” will be released on 10th March as a single and video. Over the years, Derek Davis has amassed a published music catalogue of over 200 original compositions, very impressive and quite suitable compared to other artists. Derek has also mastered his video editing skills and production skills and is always trying something new to expand his musical journey. Derek Davis is the consummate, Singer/Songwriter/Musician/Producer, a born creator with a natural gift in the music landscape of our times

by Iain McArthur
•
3 March 2026
Lucky Glasgow – a prime Sunday night of dirty, sleazy rock & roll by way of a co-headline tour show featuring two of the most compelling, captivating and entertaining frontmen you’ll ever see. Not a bad way to start the month of March. To kick us off, there was a really solid and enjoyable set from Boston MA band Rubikon. They have been around the world and around the block a few times, and after 25 years, the line-up is still the same five groovy fuckers that they started with. They seem to be a very under-the-radar kind of band, but with a lot of gems in their back catalogue, a new record called ‘Wasteland’ to share, a crowd-pleasing tribute to ‘the Biffy’ with ‘Many of Horror’ and a redoubtable stage presence, they did a very fine job of warming up the room. Michael Monroe had a spring in his step and made me feel like shit. He’s only four months older than me, but he still “moves-like-Jagger and looks-like-Blondie” and can play the sax and kick his own height, whereas I’m now a baldy old tosser that can’t even kick his own arse! The ultimate and most authentic-looking glam-rocker; Michael’s gutter punk poetry took us on a wham-bam world tour of sleazy hot spots from London (‘Old Kent Road’ and ‘Hammersmith Palais’) to Japan (‘Last Train to Tokyo’) and LA (‘Malibu Beach Nightmare’). Of course, he didn’t leave out the scuzzy bits of NYC, where he found Steve Conte, on the alternative ‘Fairytale of New York’ that is ‘Ballad of the Lower East Side’ – a hymn in praise of all the “junkies, pimps and whores” back in the day, and hallelujah and amen to all that. ‘Dead, Jail or Rock ‘n’ Roll’? I’ll take the rock ‘n’ roll please - I might be bald but I’m still too pretty for jail! The new album ‘Interstellar’ is a cracker too, and highlights of the set included ‘Disconnected’ and ‘Shinola’ from that platter, plus old Hanoi Rocks favourites like ‘Don’t You Ever Leave Me’ and their cover of ‘Up Around the Bend’. Despite having all-stars like Conte and Sami Yaffa on the stage, the second-hardest working man up there was Michael’s assistant, who spent the whole set picking up discarded mike stands and taking care of trailing and snagged cables as the main man romped all over the place in a high energy performance, adorned with hi-viz clothing, battery-operated millinery and sometimes shades, although there was nothing handy for him to climb tonight. After a thoroughly entertaining set, patrons were then able to visit a very well-stocked merchandise table, which included unique items like hand-fans, sleep-masks and even a tour programme, alongside more traditional fare. Buckcherry are on a mission to bring the danger back to rock & roll and they ‘Lit Up’ Glasgow by bringing out the big guns right from the start, backed up by monster newer songs like ‘So Hott’ and ‘Roar Like Thunder’. As ever, tattooed, toned and bouncy bad boy Josh Todd was the focal point, prowling the stage like a well-inked Tigger and putting some sexy into his dance moves, while sermonising and testifying like the potty-mouthed, razor blade-throated rock & roll missionary prophet that he is and always will be. I didn’t win the topless sweepstakes as he didn’t get his kit off until after ‘Ridin’’ which was the 4th song of the night, but it was worth the wait for the appreciative girlies down the front. ‘Sorry’ was the emotional spot in the set, and Josh still sings it like he means it, but he followed it up with ‘Porno Star’ and somehow, I think ‘Say Fuck It’ is what’s really in his heart these days and that joyous middle-finger of a song was the big singalong sensation of the set. It ended, as it should, with the always relatable ‘Crazy Bitch’ – this time an extended version featuring snippets of James Brown and Tina Turner among others, accompanied by some super-fly syncopated dance moves and band introductions. This was most definitely a good time and if you didn’t know that winter was coming to an end before, you certainly felt that better days were ahead when you left. Happy days.

by Lorne Grant
•
21 February 2026
When you’ve gone through almost as many singers as Spinal Tap had drummers, you might begin to wonder… is it us? Arch Enemy couldn’t give a f**k if it’s them or not, and the Swedish death metal veterans return with a new single after seemingly hijacking the lungs from the bride of Frankenstein’s monster. Australian Lauren Hart delivers fresh blood to the old guard on ‘To The Last Breath’, kicking over the barbecue, setting fire to the lawn, and declaring war on a foe whose “mask begins to peel / revealing rot beneath the seal”. Whoever it is that was “weaving lies like threads of flame / burning bridges, shifting blame”, I would not want to be YOU, mate. With machine gun drums and riffs that Bill and Ted will steal in the future to write the song that will create a utopian society, ‘To The Last Breath’ had more than half a million views on YouTube within 24 hours of release, as hundreds of thousands of voices raised up in prayer to the Gods of Hell Fire. Clasp your hands and join them. A menace unheard to the ears of the sane has revealed itself once again. Thirty years on, Arch Enemy are still turning it up to eleven.

by Rockfiend
•
20 February 2026
Photo credit: Patric Ullaeus A NEW ERA COMMENCES... ARCH ENEMY REVEAL NEW SINGER DROP NEW SINGLE “TO THE LAST BREATH” WITH OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO WATCH HERE ANNOUNCE INTIMATE EUROPEAN CLUB SHOW RUN IN SUMMER 2026 Swedish extreme metal juggernauts ARCH ENEMY charge into a new chapter with the release of their explosive new single “To The Last Breath” - the band’s first blast of fresh material since their latest album Blood Dynasty. A crushing statement of intent, “To The Last Breath” stays true to the band’s razor-sharp legacy while igniting a thrilling new era. The track also marks a major reveal: it’s the first release to feature vocals from the band’s newly unveiled singer Lauren Hart (ex-Once Human), whose arrival only amplifies their trademark ferocity to new heights. Michael Amott, guitarist and founder of ARCH ENEMY, comments, “Connecting with Lauren has marked an important step in my journey. Working with her was an exceptional experience - her remarkable voice, coupled with her dedication and professionalism, brings a rare level of excellence. I look forward to continuing the collaboration!” While fans and media alike have been rabidly speculating about who might step behind the microphone, the band remained tight-lipped, blanking out their social media, as anticipation built to a fever pitch. Now, ARCH ENEMY are back full force, revealing savage new anthem “To The Last Breath” as a no-holds-barred, baptism of fire for new vocalist Lauren Hart. Michael Amott imparts, “Make no mistake - this song is a reckoning. Musically, it’s unapologetically aligned with my original vision for the band - and I believe longtime fans will recognise that immediately. Lyrically, it’s about seeing through deception and dismantling the illusion of control. It captures that moment when you realise you’ve been fed poison - and you choose to fight back. Once that clarity hits, there’s no retreat. It’s do or die.” Kicking the doors off in every fashion, to celebrate this new chapter ARCH ENEMY have also announced a tiny European club show run dubbed “Back To The Root Of All Evil” in summer 2026. Among the select dates are two unforgettable stops in England. ARCH ENEMY hit Manchester's Rebellion for the very first time, while the Underworld in London sees the band back for the first time since December 2002. Normally filling venues ten times the size, these intimate club shows strip things back to raw power, giving fans a once-in-a-lifetime, up-close experience with one of metal’s most ferocious forces. Dates are as follows: Sun 19th Jul - Germany - BERLIN Bi Nuu Tue 21st Jul - Denmark - COPENHAGEN Pumpehuset Wed 22nd Jul - Sweden - STOCKHOLM Kollektivet Livet Fri 24th Jul - Finland - HELSINKI Tavastia Sat 25th Jul - Estonia - TALLINN Helitehas Mon 27th Jul - Poland - KRAKOW Hype Park Sun 2nd Aug - Germany - COLOGNE Club Volta Mon 3rd Aug - France - PARIS Maroquinerie Wed 5th Aug - Spain - VITORIA Jimmy Jazz Sun 9th Aug - Netherlands - UTRECHT Tivoli Pandora Mon 10th Aug - England - LONDON The Underworld Tue 11th Aug - England - MANCHESTER Rebellion But be quick, because there aren't many tickets and they are going to fly! Amott asserts, “Just when you think it’s over, a new beginning rises. Now it’s time to rage with us - to the very last fucking breath!” Arch Enemy line-up: Lauren Hart - Vocals Michael Amott - Guitars Joey Concepcion - Guitars Sharlee D'Angelo - Bass Daniel Erlandsson - Drums

by Rockfiend
•
20 February 2026
EYE OF MELIAN open the gates to a different world with their new album Forest of Forgetting, out February 20th, 2026 via Napalm Records. Named after a powerful primordial singing spirit from the world of J. R. R. Tolkien, EYE OF MELIAN draws inspiration from the master of fantasy and expands on his ethereal concept. Created by Delain’s Martijn Westerholt and featuring Auri’s Johanna Kurkela as a lead vocalist, EYE OF MELIAN’s Forest of Forgetting is a masterclass in symphonic songwriting so whimsical the real world fades away. Completing the all-star lineup on their debut with Napalm Records are orchestral arranger Mikko P. Mustonen and backing vocalist and lyricist Robin La Joy, blessing twelve lush compositions with immortal life. Mesmerizing from the first gentle notes of opening track “Of Willows And Shadows”, Forest of Forgetting weaves otherworldly piano melodies and epic strings around angelic vocals worthy of the powerful Valar themselves. “Child Of Twilight” deepens EYE OF MELIAN’s dreamy and bombastic Hollywood movie score approach, carefully building up an exceptionally enchanting atmosphere that carries on into the equally cinematic “Blackthorn Winter”, ever so elegantly broadening the view into the alluring realms the band is melodizing. “Dawn Of Avatars” features Nightwish multi-instrumentalist Troy Donockley on flute and uilleann pipes, as well as hurdy-gurdy fairy Patty Gurdy, before EYE OF MELIAN turns in the direction of heavy metal with a charming rendition of Bruce Dickinson’s anthem “Tears Of The Dragon” (originally released on Balls To Picasso in 1994 after the singer had left Iron Maiden). Forest Of Forgetting also comes with all its tracks as instrumental versions to dwell in the impressive orchestrals alone. With this opulent album, EYE OF MELIAN extends an invitation to faraway lands full of wonder. Forest of Forgetting unfolds as quite the opposite of its title: utterly unforgettable. Forest of Forgetting tracklisting: Of Willows and Shadows Symphonia Arcana Child of Twilight Elixir of Night (feat. Patty Gurdy and Troy Donockley) Blackthorn Winter Lady of Light Dawn of Avatars (feat. Patty Gurdy and Troy Donockley) Forest of Forgetting The Buried Well The Mirror Nepenthe Tears of the Dragon (Bruce Dickinson Cover) Forest of Forgetting will be available in the following formats: 2-LP Gatefold Vinyl MARBLED TRANSLUCENT REPTILE, incl. 24’’ Booklet – strictly limited to 150 copies worldwide (Napalm Mailorder exclusive) 2-LP Gatefold Vinyl MARBLED CRISTALLO GOLD – strictly limited to 150 copies worldwide (Napalm Mailorder exclusive) 2-LP Gatefold Vinyl BLACK 2-CD Digipak Digital Album EYE OF MELIAN Live 2026 20.02.26 NL - Zwolle / Hedon - album release show Forest of Forgetting Over Finland 10.03.26 FI - Kitee / Kiteesali 12.03.26 FI - Espoo / Sellosali 13.03.26 FI - Kouvola / Pato-klubi 18.03.26 FI - Rovaniemi / Korundi 19.03.26 FI - Kuusamo / Kuusamo-talo 20.03.26 FI - Oulu / Kaupunginteatteri 21.03.26 FI - Raahe / Raahesali 24.03.26 FI - Helsinki / Aleksanterin Teatteri 26.03.26 FI - Turku / Turun Linnan Kuninkaansali 27.03.26 FI - Kuopio / Maxim 28.03.26 FI - Tampere / Tuulensuun Palatsi EYE OF MELIAN are: Martijn Westerholt – Keys and Orchestral arrangements Johanna Kurkela – Vocals and Violin Robin La Joy – Backing Vocals Mikko P Mustonen – Keys and Orchestral arrangements WEBSITE

by Rockfiend
•
20 February 2026
GYPSY PISTOLEROS release their video for new single 'I'm The Prince Of The Damned' out now, new album 'Dark Faerie Tales' out 17th April via The New Church Records. How do you follow up one of the most electric rock/punk albums of 2025? You don’t just repeat it — you surpass it. You burn it brighter, louder, and more dangerously. Gypsy Pistoleros return with “I’m The Prince of the Damned”, the second single from their feral, unapologetic killer new album Dark Faerie Tales. This isn’t just music — it’s a riot. A feral collision of fur-clad glam, gothic decadence, punk attitude, and sleazy rock ’n’ roll danger, built for outsiders, misfits, romantics, and anyone bored of beige rock. Co-written and produced by the wizard-of-chaos Dave Draper (Michael Monroe, The Wildhearts, Therapy?, Elvana), the track doesn’t recycle rock history — it sets fire to it. “I’m The Prince of the Damned” is a dark, swaggering hard rock anthem steeped in gothic menace and glam-punk bravado. Massive riffs, venom-laced vocals, and a hook-laden sleazy chorus make it a track designed to dominate specialist rock radio and late-night alternative playlists. Lyrically, it dives into corruption, temptation, and inner demons, with cinematic and theatrical intensity: “We crown the wrong kings and call it salvation, Follow wolves in borrowed halos straight into damnation. Even when the lies crack, we bow and obey — Sheep to the slaughter, giving our souls away.” Preorder the album here: https://www.plastichead.com/artist/gypsy-pistoleros . The world’s only Glam Punk Goth ’n’ Roll outlaws return with their most ambitious and eclectic album yet — 'Dark Faerie Tales', out April 17th, 2026 on The New Church Records / Plastichead Distribution. Following the success of Church of the Pistoleros — hailed as one of 2025’s most fearless and eclectic rock albums — the Pistoleros have conjured something even bolder: a dark fairytale for the damned, a love letter to the beautiful and broken, and a twisted hymn for the strange of heart. Born from the fires of their own mythology, Dark Faerie Tales drifts through haunted woods and neon dreams — where sleaze-drenched punk anthems meet gothic grandeur, and glam swagger burns with outlaw soul. Dark Faerie Tales the full album unfolds like a scorched fairytale: churches burn, saints fall, and survivors mutate into something wild, beautiful, and dangerous. 'Dark Faerie Tales' Track Listing: Dark Faerie Tales My One Desire, Burn It Up King of Almost Everything She’s Getting Stranger Take My Hand to Nightmare Land Behind The Mask Prince of the Damned Rattling I Whisper Goodbye The Ghost of Baby Strange Dark Faerie Tales U.K. Tour dates: 11 April – St Austell, The Band Club 16 April – London, The Underworld (SLADY, Continental Lovers, Bai Bang) 17 April – Worcester, The Marrs Bar 18 April – Pontypool, The Dragonffli 22 April – Newcastle, The Cluny 24 April – Dunfermline, The Brasshouse 25 April – Edinburgh, Bannermans 1–2 May – Beltane Gathering Festival, Wales 9 May – No Sleep Till Blackpool Festival @ The Waterloo 10 May – Stoke-on-Trent, Eleven (Matinee Show) 15 May – Nottingham, The Old Cold Store 16 May – Stockport, The Holy Diver 23 May – Breaking Bands Festival, Droitwich Special Guests: James Kennedy & The Underdogs to support throughout Tour 6–9 August – Rebellion Punk Festival, Blackpool Winter Gardens Tickets: https://gypsypistoleros.com/shows Gypsy Pistoleros’ live shows are gothic theatre, glam-punk ritual, and unmissable rock spectacle. From Rebellion to Planet Rockstock, they’re ready for their biggest UK headline run yet. Expect: • Sleaze-drenched punk anthems & gothic theatrics • For fans of Alice Cooper, YUNGBLUD, GHOST, The Cult, The Damned, Hanoi Rocks, Killing Joke • A wild, theatrical experience — part gothic carnival, part rock ’n’ roll ritual Order Gypsy Pistoleros albums here: https://www.plastichead.com/artist/gypsy-pistoleros Gypsy Lee Pistolero – Vocals Kerry Pistolero White – Bass & B.Vox Shane Pistolero Sparkz – Guitar & B.Vox Chris Pistolero Hopton – Drums

by Rockfiend
•
20 February 2026
Today marks a monumental chapter in fantasy metal as Darklore release their highly anticipated new studio album, The Great Elven War, alongside the thunderous new single Wrath of the High Heavens. Serving as the album’s eighth and final track, “Wrath of the High Heavens” stands as a towering anthem of celestial warfare and mythic storytelling. Inspired by Blizzard Entertainment’s iconic franchise Diablo, the song explores the ancient origins of the Eternal Conflict, the endless war between the High Heavens and the Burning Hells. Driven by soaring orchestration, relentless riffs, and battle-cry choruses, the track pays tribute to the Angiris Council, the ruling angels who stand as the last bastion of light against demonic forces. A sweeping clash of divine fury and infernal chaos, “Wrath of the High Heavens” captures the timeless struggle of light versus darkness in true Darklore fashion: epic, cinematic, and unyielding. The Great Elven War expands the band’s signature blend of symphonic grandeur, crushing metal intensity, and deep-rooted fantasy lore. Each track builds a rich narrative universe, culminating in a finale that feels both triumphant and apocalyptic. With today’s release, Darklore further solidify their place at the forefront of fantasy metal, crafting not just songs, but sagas. “Wrath of the High Heavens” and The Great Elven War are available now on all major streaming platforms. Bio: Decked-out in black leather and face paint, you'd be forgiven for thinking that Darklore had just walked off the set of a fantasy film. Their theatrical set and songs of dark fantasy and epic battles takes you on an adventure through many a mystical and magical place. Hailing from Brisbane, Australia, this unique metal outfit brings forth blackened hymns from realms both familiar and surprising. Their offerings deliver unique tales, from sword-clashing encounters to demon slaying battles, presented with an energetic delivery and theatrical stage presence that will leave you entranced. The dark fantasy lyrical content of Darklore’s work recalls stories from popular universes such as The Lord of The Rings, Game of Thrones, and also draws on their unique realms of darkness. And they play on their success in rallying melodic and symphonic overtones, paired with elements of black and death metal. Darklore has previously released their first studio album, The Evil of Man. 2025 will herald the release of their latest musical offering, The Great Elven War. The call is out to Darkloreans far-and-wide as our lovable warriors prepare to do battle once more! Members: Lord Commander Raivendark War Master Hargoth High Priestess Luna

by Sam Fuller
•
20 February 2026
Scottish thrash band Permacrisis dropped their latest single The Untrue Endeavor last month, marking the beginning of another killer year in rock music. The swelling intro lures you in with a sense of unease and raised tension, with the discordant sounding string and woodwind sections building to a climax like that of a horror movie jump scare. The drums attack first, straight into a biting drop-tuned riff reminiscent of Avenged Sevenfold’s Waking the Fallen era. The tempo is fast and unrelenting, with a solid rhythm base and a polished, aggressive guitar tone. The snare pops with every hit and makes you bang your head hard to every beat. The chorus is huge and fills the speakers with energy and passion, with solid vocal melodies that will keep you coming back for more. The song ends with a gnarly breakdown perfect for inducing a sweat soaked, frenzied pit, with blasting fills and screaming pinch harmonics reminding you that with modern metal, you go hard or go home. If you love Exodus, Mastodon or Testament, the Untrue Endeavor is truly the perfect single for you! Listen via the link below. https://open.spotify.com/album/2o44BOV06zCJMThff00oFU?si=TujjVO-FRLGIpwcBoYulcg https://www.facebook.com/p/Permacrisis-61555047760243/

by Gareth Griffiths
•
19 February 2026
I first saw Scottish rockers Mason Hill when they supported Marco Mendoza at Glasgow’s much missed Hard Rock Café. Google tells me it was almost a decade ago, in May 2016. Whilst my memory couldn’t quite remember the year without the aid of the internet, what I can remember clearly is the hunger and power that the young Glasgow band displayed that night. I was so impressed that I bought their EP for £5. I then bought another one when they played at the inaugural Winterstorm Festival in Troon later that same year and played some of the tracks on my much-missed (by me!) Sunday Rock Show on local radio throughout Ayrshire. I took great pride in watching their raw talent blossom into something quite special with a much-anticipated debut album and a live album release. It was all going so well… until singer Scott Taylor called it a day in 2023. Mason Hill assured fans they’d be back and after a long and frustrating wait, they were true to their word, returning in October of last year with a brand-new singer and a bold new sound with the single ‘Remember’. Tom Ward (vocals), James Bird (guitar), Craig McFetridge (drums), Matthew Ward (bass) and Marc Montgomery (guitar) then made a stunning return to the live stage with two sold-out shows in London and Glasgow, showing that they were well and truly back and hungry for more. A UK Tour for March was recently announced and now they continue on the comeback trail with another new single, ‘Twisted’, set for release on Friday 20th February 2026. The much heavier new sound continues in the intro to ‘Twisted’ with a riff that’ll blow your speakers wide open, shake your windows and frighten the neighbour’s cat. Imagine Creed in their arena-bothering heyday or even current day Alter Bridge. Now, turn up the heaviness a notch or two and double the power and you’ve got the gist! Tom Ward’s voice bristles with intensity as he spits the lyric “I’ll sit there in silence” whilst McFetridge’s drums reverberate off the walls during the verse. Heavy rhythm guitar and bass riffs take the song into its more melodic yet no less heavy chorus. It’ll only take a few listens before you’ll find yourself singing along and opining “can’t we just exist. I know it’s twisted but baby I’ve missed it”, such is the infectiousness of the chorus. That’s the sign of a good song in any genre of music! The bridge section is as heavy as anything I’ve heard in recent years. It’s a muscular tour-de-force of prominent and powerful bass, loud and intense drums, riff-heavy guitars and almost death metal-like growling. I dare you to listen without bursting into an energetic session of headbanging or an incredibly intense bout of air guitaring! You might even set up a mosh pit in your living room and inadvertently bounce granny and grandpa around like human pinballs! There’s no time for shredding guitar solos. This one is all about the riff! The general feel of the song is the kind that would do very well in the American rock and metal market. It’s hard rock, yet it’s modern metal. I’ve already mentioned Creed and Alter Bridge but I’m also thinking Shinedown and Stone Sour, maybe even some elements of Papa Roach and Gojira. The depth of the music means that when you listen to it, you’ll find your own comparisons and elements of other bands that could be wildly different from my opinion… but one thing is for certain: it’s the new sound of Mason Hill! ‘Twisted’ continues the bold new sound of Mason Hill. It’s a heavy slice of modern hard rock and metal with powerful riffing, high energy and a musical intensity that can’t fail to impress. Mason Hill are most definitely back… and I like what I hear! ‘Twisted’ will be released on all the usual platforms on Friday 20th February 2026. An accompanying video will be released on the same day. Subscribers to the Mason Hill mailing list will already have received a link for the video, ahead of its official release. Tickets for the UK Tour in March/April are selling fast, so get yours now! Tickets for the Mason Hill dates are currently on sale with some venues already showing low ticket warnings. Tuesday 17th March – Manchester, Academy 3 Wednesday 18th March – Bristol, Exchange Thursday 19th March – London, Underworld Friday 20th March – Wolverhampton. KK’s Steel Mill Sunday 22nd March – Glasgow, The Garage https://www.masonhillofficial.com/
CRANKS IT UP FOR 2026 – WITH AUSSIE POWER, GLAM & GLITTER AND PURE ROCK 'N' ROLL MAYHEM!

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