LATEST ROCK AND METAL NEWS

by Matt James
•
14 April 2026
Slyder Smith, best known as the guitarist and backing vocalist for Last Great Dreamers, returns with *Killing the Machine*, a sharp, punk‑edged rocker that carries both swagger and a warning. Produced by Robin Wynn Evans, the track features Smith’s current band: Brian Kerr on guitar, Kevin Skelly on bass and backing vocals, and John McAvoy on drums. Together, they bring a raw, road‑tested chemistry that drives the song forward. The track opens in a low, almost intimate way. There’s just guitar and vocals, and then the full band kicks in. Now the tempo and volume rise. The production keeps everything raw and energetic, giving the song a gritty punk edge with a subtle hint of rootsy Americana underneath. Smith takes aim at our growing dependence on technology in our private and professional lives. He sings about his uneasy feeling that machines are competing with us rather than serving us. The song blends frustration with a very human anxiety. It captures the idea that we’re losing control click by click, swipe by swipe. It’s punk in attitude, but the Americana undertones give it a broader emotional depth. The result is an upbeat, hook driven track with something to say; a rallying cry wrapped in a rock ’n’ roll grin.

by Matt James
•
14 April 2026
Caitlin Krisko has never been an artist content to stand still. From her Detroit roots to her long‑established home in Asheville, she has spent the past decade shaping and reshaping her sound, drawing from soul, R&B, blues rock, and Americana to build something of her own. Under the banner of The Broadcast, she carved out a place in the modern roots‑rock landscape, releasing ‘Dodge the Arrow’ in 2013 and earning opening slots for Grace Potter, Marcus King, and the Tedeschi Trucks Band. Lineup changes came and went, but Krisko’s voice; both her sound and her vision, held everything together. By the time the band released ‘From the Horizon’ in 2016 and ‘Lost My Sight’ in 2020, the project had already begun moving toward her distinct vision. The decision to become Caitlin Krisko and The Broadcast made that official. Their new EP, ‘Halfway There’, feels like they’re culminating that journey: confident, grounded, and assured. It’s also a new beginning, the sound of a band aware of its strengths and unafraid to lean into them. The title track, “Halfway There,” opens the EP with a sweeping blend of blues, southern soul, and rock. It’s a song that carries the weight of lived experience, written as a tribute to Krisko’s late mother and threaded with the small homilies and lessons passed down through their relationship. Krisko’s bluesy vocals sit at the centre, raw but controlled, while the band builds a warm, textured backdrop for her. As an opener, it sets the emotional and musical tone for the EP; heartfelt, grounded, and unafraid to show its rough edges. “Everything I Need” lifts both the pace and the mood. It’s a fast love song, bright and full of drive. Krisko’s voice cuts through the mix with genuine force. The track feels light on its feet; it’s a song that would hit hard on stage. William Seymour’s bass and Michael W. Davis’s drums lock into a steady, tight groove. Aaron Austin’s guitar adds small touches of colour but never gets in the way. The song shows how strong the band is when they lean into their rock‑soul sound. The quiet highlight of the EP is “Hello My Dear,” a gentle blues song with a soft, soulful feel and a hint of country guitar. Aaron Austin’s playing is warm and open, while the piano and rhythm section move with calm ease. Krisko’s voice is close and tender, as if she’s singing to someone who still feels near even when they’re gone. The band holds back and gives her space, letting the vocals lead the way. It’s a song made for slow Saturday nights or peaceful Sunday mornings. Among the EP’s louder rock tracks, “Hello My Dear” stands out as its most tender and moving heart. “Let It Ride” pushes the energy back up. It’s a hard‑hitting rock song that follows a woman working through the week to reach her goals, then taking her freedom when Saturday comes: “On Saturdays, she gonna let it ride.” Krisko delivers the line with both swagger and warmth. The band backs her with strong, no‑nonsense playing. The track shows how well they mix grit with an easy, open sound. It gives the EP a sharp burst of release while still keeping its emotional thread intact. The EP ends with “Heart of Gold,” a strong rocker that pulls everything together. It shows the band’s tight bond. Seymour’s bass is steady and tuneful. Davis’s drums hit with sharp, clean force. Austin’s guitar lines are bold but never too much. Across all five tracks, the playing is sharp and controlled. Each member stands out, but no one takes over. The song remains the focus rather than individual showmanship. Aaron Austin’s production also deserves praise. The sound is clear and full, but it retains the band’s rough edge. You can hear the space in the room and the feel of actual players working together. Austin’s production doesn’t smooth out the sound or make anything too clean. The mix lifts the emotion in the music and lets the performances speak for themselves. Each song on the EP highlights a unique aspect of the band’s sound. It feels like a small journey, with moments of softness and strength flowing together. Krisko invites the listener to hear her growth and to feel the sense of unity that shapes The Broadcast’s sound. Amid all the energy and emotion, the band’s skill at moving between styles stands out. Each song has its own feel, yet they all fit together as one story. The EP shows both the band’s power and its softer side, giving listeners a full picture of what Caitlin Krisko and The Broadcast can do. It also marks how far they’ve come, offering something strong and memorable for new fans and long‑time listeners alike.

by Rockfiend
•
14 April 2026
Today, the acclaimed American hard rock band TESLA is proud to announce their new album, 'Homage,' set for release on July 17, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl. Marking a full-circle moment in their storied career, the album finds the band returning to their roots with a collection of covers honoring some of rock’s most timeless hits. To offer fans a taste of what to expect on 'Homage,' TESLA shares their cover of Climax Blues Band's iconic track, "I Love You" (2026 Version). The new single arrives alongside an official video, available to view below. The band comments: "'I Love You,' like all the tracks on 'Homage,' not only pays tribute to legends but gives us a chance to showcase our lead singer’s diversity as well as the musical dynamics we learned as a band many years ago."

by Rockfiend
•
14 April 2026
.GRAMMY® Award–nominated metal icons SEVENDUST have just announced their first UK headline tour in 8 years. Fresh off their arena support slot with Alter Bridge back in March, SEVENDUST will begin their route with 5 dates in Europe and 11 throughout the UK and Ireland, taking them through Norwich, Wolverhampton, Newcastle, Glasgow, Belfast, Dublin, Bristol, Southampton, Nottingham, and Manchester, before culminating in London. Renowned as one of the most powerful live bands in modern metal, the dates arrive as SEVENDUST are preparing to launch and support the release of their upcoming 15th studio album, "ONE", arriving 1st May via Napalm Records. The One Tour Dates: Wed 25th Nov - DE - HAMBURG, Gruenspan Thu 26th Nov - DE - COLOGNE, Kantine Fri 27th Nov - DE - MUNICH, Nachtwerk Sun 29th Nov - NL - TILBURG, O13 Mon 30th Nov - FR - PARIS, Bataclan Wed 2nd Dec - UK - NORWICH, Waterfront Thu 3rd Dec - UK - WOLVERHAMPTON, KK's Steel Mill Sun 6th Dec - UK - NEWCASTLE, Digital Mon 7th Dec - UK - GLASGOW, SWG3 Tue 8th Dec - NI - BELFAST, Limelight Wed 9th Dec - IE- DUBLIN, Academy Fri 11th Dec - UK - BRISTOL, Electric Sat 12th Dec - UK - SOUTHAMPTON, The 1865 Sun 13th Dec - UK - NOTTINGHAM, The Palais Mon 14th Dec - UK - MANCHESTER, Academy 2 Tue 15th Dec - UK - LONDON, Electric Ballroom Pre-sale tickets are available from Monday 13th April, with general on-sale tickets available Wednesday 15th April @ 10am (UK). For all upcoming tour dates, ticket information, and VIP packages, visit: https://sevendust.com/pages/tour. Building on their unmistakable sound while continuing to evolve, "ONE" proves why SEVENDUST remain a vital force nearly three decades into their career. From the driving opening riff of the title track 'One' to the dreamy, atmospheric vocal outro of 'Misdirection', the album takes listeners on an emotional journey that only SEVENDUST can deliver. Tracks such as 'One' and 'We Won' stand confidently alongside the band’s most iconic material, reinforcing their legacy while pushing their sound forward. The album’s first single, 'Is This The Real You', was released in January to both fan and critical acclaim. The video—directed by Paul Ribera—has amassed over 1.3 million views in less than six weeks, signalling strong anticipation for the band’s next chapter. Since then, they've shared official videos for 'Unbreakable' and the latest claymation masterpiece for 'Threshold'. Since forming in 1994, SEVENDUST have become a cornerstone of modern metal, known for their explosive live performances, chart-topping releases, and unwavering commitment to authenticity. With "ONE", the band continues to honor their roots while embracing growth—proving that their creative fire is as fierce and focused as ever. "ONE" arrives 1st May via Napalm Records and the album is available for pre-order in multiple configurations including digital downloads now.

by Rockfiend
•
14 April 2026
Alternative rock quartet MARISA AND THE MOTHS are back on the scene with a brand new music video for the latest single 'Nothing's Getting Better'. Tackling the unbalanced seriousness of women's health issues in medical fields, including the lack of information and research funding for endometriosis, this track sees front-woman Marisa Rodriguez confront the topic with her powerhouse signature fry vocals. On the inspiration behind the new single and video, Marisa shares: "'Nothing’s Getting Better' is about having one of those days where everything feels like it’s falling apart and learning to laugh at the chaos while you’re still in the middle of it. The music video is a very literal take on ‘falling apart’, with a tongue-in-cheek gory vibe. I’m so excited about how it’s come together and can’t wait for everyone to see it. It’s also a strong statement of progression and a new direction for the band, which I’m really looking forward to exploring further. I wrote this song after coming back from yet another hospital appointment where I was trying to get the surgery I need for my endometriosis. It was another dead end, and I remember feeling completely defeated. At the same time, everything else in my life felt like it was collapsing in on itself - money worries, career and relationship struggles, and a recent diagnosis of ADHD, BPD and CPTSD that I was still trying to come to terms with. The song actually started out sounding really sad when I wrote it acoustically, but turning it into this upbeat emo anthem gave it a real sense of defiance - turning that pain into something powerful that other people can connect with.” Stream 'Nothing's Getting Better' HERE. Watch the music video for 'Nothing's Getting Better' HERE .

by Rockfiend
•
14 April 2026
Are you ready for the battle to end all battles Presented by Westons Stowford Press, the METAL 2 THE MASSES grand finals start in Cyprus on April 19th and roll through 30 locations across England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Norway, as well as Cyprus! Every winner will perform a 30 minute slot on the Stowford Press New Blood Stage! Round up your mates and get along to your local night - help shape the line-up of the festival and support grassroots venues and bands. Dates and locations shake down as follows: April 19th – Cyprus – Savino Live, Larnaca May 8th – Belfast – Voodoo May 23rd – Leeds – The Belgrave May 23rd – Scotland – La Belle Angele, Edinburgh May 23rd – Sheffield – Corporation May 29th – South Coast – Bear Cave, Bournemouth May 30th – Northants – The Black Prince, Northampton June 6th – Manchester – Rebellion June 6th – East Anglia – Brickmakers, Norwich June 6th – Birmingham – The Flapper June 13th – Norway – The Tribute, Sandnes June 20th – North Wales – XS @ Penny Black, Wrexham June 20th – South Wales – Corn Exchange, Newport June 20th – Hitchin – Club 85 June 20th – Somerset – Cobblestones, Bridgwater June 20th – Newcastle – Trillians June 20th – Kent – Leo’s Red Lion, Gravesend June 26th – Channel Islands – The Pit @ St James, Guernsey June 26th – Cheltenham – Frog and Fiddle June 27th – Nottingham – Saltbox June 27th – Burnley – Sanctuary June 27th – Coventry – The Arches July 4th – Merseyside – Box Park & Arc:Hive, Liverpool July 4th – London – The Dome July 4th – Brighton – Daltons July 4th – Devon & Cornwall – Livewire, Saltash July 5th – Nuneaton – The Queens Hall July 11th – Oxford – The Jericho Tavern July 11th – Stoke – The Underground July 12th – Bristol – The Exchange No other festival does more to support grassroots metal and local venues across the UK and beyond. That commitment was recognised at the 2024 Heavy Music Awards, where BLOODSTOCK and the Metal 2 The Masses initiative were honoured with the prestigious “H Award” for exceptional contribution to the underground scene. You can get a flavour of what Metal 2 The Masses is all about here. In exciting news for all BLOODSTOCK’s M2TM winners this year, fellow sponsors ESP and Engl Amps are offering up 3 incredible prizes, to be chosen from amongst the M2TM victors performing at the festival and presented on Sunday evening. The prizes include a new-for-2026, EC400 Quilted Maple guitar in See Through Black, a Phoenix 204DX bass in Redburst, and a Ravager IR amp head with a matching 1x12 Cab! Got your tickets? Without further ado, let’s reveal a massive 24 more bands joining the heavy metal party this August! While you’re waiting for those M2TM finals to get underway and shape the majority of the New Blood stage line-up, BLOODSTOCK HQ has chosen a few other favourites from hundreds of cross-genre submissions to complete the bill. Stop by and discover your new favourite band! On Friday, you’ll be able to see death/doom devotees VOID BELOW, alt prog rock Londoners TEMPLES ON MARS, boisterous hardcore-metal alchemists NEGATIVE FRAME, and CONCRETE AGE, with their distinctive mix of ancient world music with extreme metal. Joining them on Saturday, are old school riff merchants THRASHERWOLF, N.Irish melo-death purveyors IMPERIAL DEMONIC, young aggressors CHAINED SAINT, and dark prog metal fiends IMBRIUM (featuring former members of Dreamcatcher, Memoreve and The Defiled). Not to be outdone, Sunday invites OVERPOWER, who forge together riffs of early influences like Metallica and Slayer, with the savagery of UKHC. BLOODSTOCK is also excited to reveal the full line-up for the new and improved EMP stage! Now situated in a new location in the main arena for less noise bleed, with a bigger stage and a bar, it’ll play host to more than a dozen up ‘n’ coming attention getters, so if you like to discover hot new music first, make sure you check out some bands here as well over the festival! Friday welcomes heavy rockers UNTAMED SILENCE, melodic punkcore beasts CHANGE PERSONA, metalcore headbangers AFTER SMOKE CLEARS, rock-metal hybrid SOULRIDE, and symphonic prog metallers VANITAS. Saturday offers occult doomsters GOAT MAJOR, modern classic rockers CANCEL THE TRANSMISSION, trad metalheads TEMPEST SAINT, power sludge duo TROLLMOTHER, and hardcore punkers DOSED. Rounding things off on Sunday are hardcore fans STITCHED, electro alt rockers WREX, modern metal squad FOLLOWING THE SIGNS, power trio THE CARTOON CARTEL, and dark alt crew AETHORIA. If these bands are new to you, you have 4 months to get to know them! To help you pass the time, BLOODSTOCK has also set up eleven special club nights around the U.K. where you can win BLOODSTOCK tickets to the day of your choice! For a riotous night out, put on your glad rags and run-don't-walk to the following: Sat 25th April - Camberley, Agincourt - Old Skool Rock and Metal Night Sat 25th April - York, Bluebox - Deadbolt Sat 25th April - Manchester, Rebellion - Deadbolt Sat 9th May - Bristol, Basement 45 - Apocalypse Fri 5th June - Guildford, All Bar One - Schism Sat 6th June - Brighton, Above - Apocalypse Sat 6th June - Birmingham, RedCorc Bar - Eddie’s Rock Club Sat 6th June - Nottingham, Rock City - Alpha Omega Sat 11th July - Isle of Wight, Strings - Apocalypse Sat 25th July - Southampton, Sobar - Apocalypse Fri 31st July - London, Elektrowerkz - Voodoo

by GMcA
•
13 April 2026
Looking for something to lift the mood while the world gets madder, scarier, more depressing and surreal by the day? Then this slice of power pop heaven may be just what you didn’t know you needed. At 28 minutes long the album is shorter than many a guitar solo, Prog intro or indeed some of my track-by-track reviews (which you may be glad to read this isn’t). But if you’re going to release 10 songs on a sub-30 minute album this is how to do it. Short bursts of glorious power pop to the brain. Insanely memorable keyboard riffs which will have you Twisting, standing or seated (maybe that was just me, but I think not) in ‘NY UAP’; a massive ‘Living After Midnight’-style guttural, raw guitar riff in ‘High in the Underground’; the Bolan-esque ‘You Are the Jet’ (okay, let’s admit it - the glamtastic influence of the metal guru is felt throughout this album); and the closing communal sing-along of ‘When The Light Has Gone’. Not to mention sing-along choruses and melodies … always and everywhere. And produced by no less than Dave Draper and Little Steven this is nectar to the ears and sonically soars. ‘Uncommon Side Effects’ provides a glorious fusion of power pop and glam rock, and a shot of musical dopamine for the soul; as his third solo album, it also importantly firmly establishes Marc Valentine as an artist in his own right and who deserves to be much more widely known as such, rather than just as an erstwhile Last Great Dreamer - another much-loved band with huge promise for whom the breaks sadly didn’t happen. Ladies, gentlemen and non-binary friends, I give you Marc Valentine. No other explanation required. ‘Uncommon Side Effects’ is released on Wicked Cool Records and is available now on all of the usual platforms. GMcA

by ROCKFIEND
•
10 April 2026
Rock icon JOHN CORABI is proud to announce his debut full-length solo album 'New Day,' due out on April 24, 2026 via Frontiers Music Srl. ‘New Day’ marks JOHN CORABI’s first full-length solo album of original material. Recorded in Nashville during the summer of 2025 and produced by multi-platinum songwriter and producer Marti Frederiksen (Aerosmith, Ozzy Osbourne, Buckcherry), the album fuses classic ’70s rock, soul, and blues influences into a sound that feels both timeless and deeply personal. The record features the previously released singles “Così Bella (So Beautiful)” (2021) and “Your Own Worst Enemy” (2022), now presented as part of a rich collection of tracks that spotlight his commanding vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and masterful songwriting. Throughout the album, CORABI is joined by Marti Frederiksen, who adds backing vocals, guitars, piano, and percussion; Evan Frederiksen on drums, bass, B3 organ, electric guitar, mandolin, and programming; Richard Fortus (Guns N’ Roses) on lead guitar; Paul Taylor (Winger, Steve Perry) contributing piano, organ, and clavinet, as well as Charlie Starr (Blackberry Smoke) offering guitar solos. Together, they create an organic, instrument-driven sound built on real performances, melodic interplay, and soulful energy. With a European tour planned for February/March 2026 and additional shows running through late spring and summer, CORABI is poised to bring this new music directly to fans, delivering both powerful live energy and genuine emotional resonance. More than just a solo debut, ‘New Day’ serves as CORABI’s personal testament to rock’s enduring spirit—an exploration of melody, soul, and authenticity, played with passion and conviction at every turn. JOHN shares: "I’m very excited for everybody to hear this new collection of songs! I wanted to put together an album of eclectic, organic songs that are reminiscent of the music I grew up listening to, and I truly believe the mission was accomplished! This is a 60’s-70’s sounding classic rock and roll record…Turn it up, and enjoy!!!" 'New Day' Track List: 1. New Day 2. That Memory 3. Faith, Hope And Love 4. When I Was Young 5. One More Shot 6. 1969 7. Laurel 8. Good To Be Back Here Again 9. Love That’ll Never Be 10. Cosi´ Bella 11. Your Own Worst Enemy 12. Everyday People

by ROCKFIEND
•
10 April 2026
US rockers Generation Radio are excited to announce the release of their new studio album, “Take Two”, scheduled for April 24, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl. Generation Radio return with “Take Two”, the eagerly awaited follow-up to their acclaimed debut, delivering another masterclass in AOR/West Coast rock infused with just the right touch of the Nashville sound. Produced by founding members Jay DeMarcus (Rascal Flatts) and Jason Scheff (former Chicago), the band features an all-star lineup: Steve Ferrone (Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Average White Band) joins on drums, replacing the formidable Deen Castronovo (who returned to Journey as full-time member), while Tom Yankton (guitar, vocals) and Chris Rodriguez (guitar, vocals) round out the powerhouse ensemble. DeMarcus said: “It was so much fun getting to make another record! We’ve been working on this one for a while and we can’t wait for everyone to hear what we’ve been up to. Once again, we have contributions from all band members. These guys are amazing and it’s a honor to make music with them, I believe this record is our best work yet.” Jason Scheff added: “Here we go! Take Two, round two. We had such a great reception on our first record we've been chomping at the bit to get this one finished and released. I'm extremely proud to show that we have a band that is still at the top of our game”. “In what other industry can you deliver as kids and be able to go back in and create the quality of what you've been recognized for? I truly believe this work stands up to any of the records we've ever made creating some of pop and country's biggest hits. I can't wait to see how the public reacts to this one!”, he continued. “Take Two” is rich with pristine harmonies, unforgettable hooks, and timeless songwriting -hallmarks of the genre delivered with class and authenticity. Tracks like the cinematic, harmony-laden “Montana Sky”, the hook-filled “The Melody”, and the emotionally charged ballad “Hate This Heart” showcase the band’s signature blend of melodic precision and heartfelt performance. Adding depth to the album’s appeal, Generation Radio also offers reimagined versions of timeless classics that shine in their live sets: Whitesnake’s “Here I Go Again”, Chicago’s “You’re The Inspiration”, Kenny Loggins’ “I’m Alright”, and a rock version of Rascal Flatts’ classic “These Days”. With “Take Two”, Generation Radio not only honours the legacy of AOR and West Coast rock -they elevate it, combining elite musicianship and genre-crossing influences into a record that’s as fresh as it is nostalgic. “Take Two” Tracklist: 1. Montana Sky 2. The Melody 3. These Days 4. Maybe Monday 5. Grass Is Greener 6. Love History 7. Last Night's Whiskey 8. Here I Go Again 9. You're The Inspiration 10. I'm Alright 11. For A Soldier 12. Hate This Heart Line Up: Jay DeMarcus Jason Scheff Chris Rodriguez Tom Yankton Steve Ferrone

by ROCKFIEND
•
10 April 2026
Swedish rockers Degreed are thrilled to announce the release of their new studio album “Curtain Calls”, out on April 24, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl. Talking about the new album, Eriksson stated: “This is truly one of the best albums we’ve ever made. Yes, it’s a cliche. Yes, a lot of bands say that about every new record they make. But I truly believe this is one of our best, if not THE best. I’ve never been as focused while making an album as I’ve been on this one”. With “Curtain Calls”, Degreed deliver one of the strongest and most focused albums of their career. The band stays fully true to its established sound while refining it with precision: a powerful, contemporary production, technically solid performances, and - most importantly - an outstanding sense of melody and accessibility. Produced by Mats Eriksson, the album strikes an excellent balance between technical craftsmanship and immediate listener appeal. The songs are energetic and polished, yet always approachable, showcasing a confident songwriting style that blends modern punch with classic melodic hard rock sensibilities. “Curtain Calls” positions itself as a very competitive release within the current melodic hard rock landscape: consistent, well-produced, and strongly audience-oriented, while fully preserving the band’s identity. Degreed have been releasing critically acclaimed music since the start of their career with their first album “Life, Love, Loss” in 2010. Over the course of their career, the band has gone from strength to strength with every release, touring and gaining fans all over the world. Their sound mixes classic melodic and hard rock sounds with more contemporary influences, offering the fans a very personal, fresh and exciting mix of great rock music. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the band wasn’t able to tour on the heels of the release of the album “Lost Generation” in 2019. The band released the song “The World We Knew”, their musical summation of the year 2020 (the song became “Track of the Week” at Classic Rock Magazine’s website a week after its release) and then in 2021, Degreed began working on what would ultimately become “Are You Ready”, released in 2022. Degreed released “Public Address” in July 2023, followed by the EP “The Leftovers - Volume I”, in July 2025, diving deep into their vault of unreleased gems. “Curtain Calls” Tracklist: 1. One Helluva Ride 2. Holding On To Yesterday 3. Believe 4. Guiding Light 5. My Blood 6. Curtain Calls 7. The Rambler 8. Matter Of The Heart 9. Broken Dreams 10. Promise Me Line Up: Robin Eriksson - Bass/Vocals Mats Eriksson - Drums Mikael Blanc - Keyboards Daniel Johansson – Guitars
CRANKS IT UP FOR 2026 – WITH AUSSIE POWER, GLAM & GLITTER AND PURE ROCK 'N' ROLL MAYHEM!

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