UK rock five-piece BRIGHTLIGHT CITY have released the video for their new track 'It Depends On You', broadcasting an apt message at the time of the General Election. 

First premiered via Punktastic, check out the video here:

“The track points to the feeling of frustration at the seemingly endless negative imagery thrown into the public sphere for consumption,” the band tell Punktastic. “It often feels like everything we digest is being funnelled into a vacuous cacophony by corporate entities that seek to stifle the truth and propagate their own agendas. We found inspiration in the literally works of George Orwell, not just just in the story telling sense but also in the imagery. Tommings, who developed the video, was given free reign in regards to the overall design and flow of the video. He has done an amazing job of interpreting the lyrics and the Orwell references.”

BRIGHTLIGHT CITY will be hitting the road for a short run of shows. Dates are as follows:

21.06.2017 Boston Music Room, London UK (Supporting Scholars)
23.06.2017, Scream Lounge, Croydon UK
24.06.2017 The Star Inn, Guildford UK
06.07.2017 Talking Heads, Southampton UK

The band's latest EP Our Future's Not Dead is out now on Undead Collective, available to purchase here: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/our-futures-not-dead-ep/id1207397978
 

American rock act CKY (Chad I Ginsburg, Jess Margera and Matt Deis) have debuted another brand new single entitled 'Replaceable'.

Premiered exclusively via LOUDWIRE, check it out here:

The band's first single 'Days Of Self Destruction' (Feat. Brent Hinds) was released last month and can be streamed here:

"Replaceable is a rockin track. F*cking solid," says guitarist / vocalist Chad I Ginsburg. "I would  say it is generally about anyone that gets in your way, holds you back or slows your potential with their own blatant insecurity, fears or sickness." 

In addition to all preorders now being live, both tracks are also available as an iTunes instant gratification track, meaning fans who pre order the album on iTunes will receive 'Replaceable' and 'Days Of Self Destruction' as an instant download. 

Ginsberg continues, "Individuals that you are ultimately and knowingly covering for as they selfishly sabotage you. And then realizing how much better you can be without any losers or life suckers as obstacles. Rock n roll power.  Onward. Strength from within." 

CKY have tour dates booked all summer highlighted by a return to the 2017 Vans Warped Tour. This is the band's first time returning to the Warped Tour since 2000, and follows a highly successful 13 show run of the UK, most of which were sold out. 

CKY will release The Phoenix on June 16, 2017 via SPV / Longbranch, the first release since Carver City in 2009. The album was engineered and mixed at Rancho De La Luna, the highly regarded recording studio in Joshua Tree, CA.

The cover art for The Phoenix was completed by chandelier maker and artist Adam Wallacavage to create a one of a kind piece for the cover.

Pre-order The Phoenix here 

Birmingham progressive metalcore quintet OCEANS ATE ALASKA have confirmed that they'll release their new album Hikari on the 28th July via Fearless Records, their first with vocalist Jake Noakes who joined the band earlier this year.

To coincide with the announcement the band have released a video for their new single titled 'Escapist', check it out here:

Pre-orders of Hikari are now live, with the band's latest singles 'Covert' and 'Escapist' available as instant downloads:

Digital: http://smarturl.it/oaahikari 

Physical: http://smarturl.it/hikaribundles

Hikari translates to 'light' in English and represents the band's current mindset, illuminating major strides in the group's sonic vocabulary. Following a lyrical and musical theme rooted in Samurai mythology, the 11-track album blends traditional Japanese instruments with Oceans Ate Alaska's dynamic flare.
 
"We have a huge amount of respect for Japanese culture, especially their music," says drummer Chris Turner. "These unique and beautiful instruments have inspired us to create something brand new, and we are beyond proud of the end result!"
 

Having just returned home from a US tour with Born Of Osiris and label mates Volumes, as well as making appearances at Slam Dunk Festival and the Fearless Invasion showcase in London, Oceans Ate Alaska return to the road this week to headline the UK Tech-Fest tour.

Full dates:
 
UK TECH FEST 2017 w/ NAPOLEON & CARCER CITY
 
Jun 15 - Plymouth, UK @ Underground
Jun 16 - Bridgend, UK @ Hobos
Jun 17 - Manchester, UK @ Satan's Hollow
Jun 18 - Glasgow, UK @ Opium
Jun 19 - Newcastle, UK @ Jumpin Jacks
Jun 20 - Northampton, UK @ Roadmender
Jun 21- Southampton, UK @ The Joiners
 
Jun 24 - Ysselsteyn, Netherlands @ Jera On Air
Jun 30 - Rotterdam, Netherlands @ Baroeg
Jul 1 - Zug, Switzerland @ Industrie45
Jul 2 - Milano, Italy @ Dissonance Festival
Jul 3 - Lyon, France @ Warmaudio
Jul 7 - Newark, UK @ UK Tech-Fest
Aug 5 - Munich, Germany @ Backstage
Aug 12 - Jaromer, Czech Republic @ Brutal Assault Festival
 
w/ AUGUST BURNS RED
 
Aug 16 - Budapest, Hungary @ Dürer Kert
Aug 20 - Stuttgart, Germany @ Universum
Aug 22 - Dornbirn, Austria @ Conrad Sohm
Aug 23 - Aschaffenburg, DE @ Colos Saal
Aug 24 - Amsterdam, Netherlands @ Melweg
Aug 27 - Antwerp, Belgium @ Trix Club
Aug 28 - Paris, France @ Petit Bain 

Hikari tracklisting:

1. Benzaiten (feat. Alex Teyen of Black Tongue)
2. Sarin
3. Covert
4. Hansha
5. Deadweight
6. Veridical
7. Entrapment
8. Hikari
9. Birth-Marked
10. Ukiyo (feat. Josh Manuel of Issues) 
11. Escapist

UK melodic hardcore five-piece FAULTLINES have released their new single 'Breathe' (09.06.17), the first material showcasing the band's updated line-up.

First premiered via Punktastic, you can watch 'Breathe' here:

Purchase the single here: https://itunes.apple.com/album/id1240862182

For fans of While She Sleeps, Parkway Drive, and Bury Tomorrow, FAULTLINES blend of melodic hardcore and metalcore marks them as an exciting prospect. Showcasing the talents of new vocalist Ryan Booth and bassist Lee Horner, the anthemic new track is a hint of the band's potential of FAULTLINES. Having previously been supported by Rock Sound, Kerrang! Radio and more, FAULTLINES have also played with Our Hollow, Our Home, Blood Youth, and Hands Like Houses, amongst others. 

Watch the band play Face Down on 07.07.17.

Los Angeles heavy rock five-piece VOLUMES are excited to release their Fearless Records debut album, Different Animals, available now on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play and Amazon. Produced by Brandon Paddock (Set It Off, Palisades, Black Veil Brides) and guitarist Diego Farias, Different Animals was named one of Alternative Press' "Most Anticipated Albums of 2017" and has already received additional praise from Kerrang!, Rock Sound, Powerplay and more.

Along with the release of Different Animals, VOLUMES have premiered a new music video for 'Finite.' Check it out here:

VOLUMES will kick off a North American summer tour as support to Born Of Osiris on June 23 and will soon announce more international dates.

Purchase Different Animals HERE.

Different Animals track-listing:

1. Waves Control
2. Finite
3. Feels Good
4. Disaster Vehicle
5. Pieces
6. | Interlude |
7. Hope
8. Tide's Change
9. On Her Mind (feat. Pouya)
10. Heavy Silence
11. Pullin' Shades
12. Left For Dead

If VOLUMES can be defined by two things, it's a commitment to heavy, dynamic music and confidence. The Los Angeles-based metalcore quintet, rounded out by Myke Terry [vocals], Gus Farias [vocals], Diego Farias [guitar], Raad Soudani [bass] and Nick Ursich [drums], are ready to take on the world. After parting ways with former vocalist Michael Barr, the band welcomed former Bury Your Dead vocalist Myke Terry into the fold, who brings a fresh twist into the mix with his high-energy and vibrant charisma. Having always been a standout in their genre for having two dynamic vocalists, utilising different ranges of singing and screaming to create a layered and volatile sound, VOLUMES are ready to embark on the next chapter - building on their finesse for creating a unique fusion between intricate patterns, melodies and aggressive metal.

FORT FEST has completed its main stage line-up for 2017, with the latest announcement confirming the addition of Pulled Apart By Horses and Rolo Tomassi.

They will join previously announced headliner Toploader, best known for their hit single 'Dancing In The Moonlight', as well as 29 more bands across the three day event on the main stage.

The other bands confirmed for Fort Fest 2017 so far are:

Fort Hope
Normandie
Our Hollow, Our Home
Grumble Bee
Forever Still
Tigress
Big Spring
Massmatiks
Eva Plays Dead
Skarlett Riot
Phoenix Calling
Veridian
Rory Indiana
Making Monsters
In Dynamics
Faux
Autumn Ruin
Seasons
New Device
Chasing Cadence
We Came From Wolves
Diamond Days
Sweet Crisis
The Bad Flowers
The Brink
Hollowstar
Apherium
Oceans
Fires That Divide

After making its debut in September 2016, Fort Fest will return to Scald End Farm in Bedfordshire for a second year, at the earlier dates of 4th-6th August. 

Early bird weekend tickets are on sale now priced at £55, which includes parking and camping. Get your tickets here: https://www.fortfest.uk/tickets 

The line-up for The Tavern stage will be revealed soon, as well as main stage day splits - keep your eyes peeled!

---

2016 saw some of the UK's finest rock and metal acts grace the Fort Fest stage, with headline performances from InMe, Lonely The Brave and Young Guns, as well as sets from names including Arcane Roots, Black Peaks, The Xcerts, Grumble Bee and Press To MECO.

After a successful first year, Fort Fest is set to be one of the fastest growing new festivals that the UK has to offer. 

Alternative rock outfit PACESHIFTERS have released a live in session video of their latest single 'Stranger' ahead of a busy summer of festival appearances, as well as a one-off headline show at The Black Heart in London where they will be joined by LTNT and Grounds. Tickets for this debut London headline show are on sale now, and available HERE.

Filmed and recorded live at GieSound Studio in Zwolle, Netherlands, the video offers a glimpse of the Dutch trio's impressive live sound, which they have honed through extensive European touring and a number of high-profile festival performances at the likes of  Groezrock, Pinkpop, Exit, Rock for People and SXSW.

Watch the video here:

The single version of 'Stranger' is available as a free download here: http://smarturl.it/PS_Stranger

Latest live dates are as follows: 

04.06.2017 Gaellus Open Air, Tienray NL
15.06.2017 Kennisfestival, Deventer NL (Acoustic)
27.06.2017 The Black Heart, London UK
08.07.2017 Stonerock, Bad Bentheim DE
16.07.2017 Zwarte Cross Festival, Lichtenvoorde NL
21.07.2017 Welcome to the Village, Leeuwarden NL
22.07.2017 Young Art festival, Beverwijk NL
23.07.2017 Haltpop, Assendelft NL
01.08.2017 De Bolder, Vlieland NL
04.08.2017 Dicky Woodstock, Steenwijkerwold NL
05.08.2017 Veenhoop Festival, Veenhoop NL
18.08.2017 Nirwana Tuinfeest, Lierop NL
09.09.2017 Greidhoek Festival, Wommels NL
13.10.2017 Neushoorn, Leeuwarden NL
19.10.2017 Grenswerk, Venlo NL
20.10.2017 Fluor, Amersfoort NL
21.10.2017 Victorie, Alkmaar NL
26.10.2017 013/Cul de Sac, Tilburg NL
27.10.2017 Burgerweeshuis, Deventer NL
28.10.2017 Underground, Lelystad NL
03.11.2017 Spot, Middelburg NL
04.11.2017 Nirwana, Lierop NL
10.11.2017 Oefenbunker, Landgraaf NL
12.11.2017 Patronaat, Haarlem NL
17.11.2017 Helling, Utrecht NL
23.11.2017 Merleyn, Nijmegen NL
24.11.2017 Vera, Groningen NL
25.11.2017 Rotown, Rotterdam NL
29.12.2017 Hedon, Zwolle NL

Inspired by the grunge movement that shook the foundations of alternative music, PACESHIFTERS bring an innovative twist on the genre whilst also boasting the complete unadulterated attitude that it was renowned for. 

Possessing a no-nonsense mentality since their inception, Paceshifters have evolved into a devoutly passionate new grunge-rock band with a sound that is sure to enthrall any listener who enjoys the heavier side of Nirvana with doses of powerful Incubus-esque melodies and riffs along with the grit and energy of Chevelle. However, drawing comparisons doesn’t do Paceshifters justice, where the band exhibit their gifted uniqueness in spades throughout new album Waiting To Derail, due for release this autumn via their new label Hassle Records – their first on the label and first dedicated release outside of their native Netherlands.

More details on Waiting to Derail will be revealed very soon.

Belgian hardcore quintet MOMENTS have announced a summer European tour in support of their new EP Outlast.

Check out their single 'What If':

Tour dates are as follows:

08.07.2017 - HHF Summerfest, Halver DE
09.07.2017 - Antwerp Metal Fest, Antwerp BE
13.07.2017 - Salle-Sainte Suzanne, Brussels BE
14.07.2017 - Emscherdamm, Essen DE
17.07.2017 - Az Koln, Cologne DE
18.07.2017 - Pit, Bellinzona CH
19.07.2017 - The Brutch Brothers, Lurzen CH
20.07.2017 - Backstage, Munich DE

Outlast is an EP that features intricate riffs executed with excessively addictive groove and, coupled with very precise and malleable drum fills along with a malicious vocal presence, it makes for a very enjoyable listen. Moments have crafted a hybrid of sounds and influences, from the passion of The Ghost Inside to the sheer forceful riffs of Hatebreed and the energy of While She Sleeps, which should please any fan of old school hardcore as well as those who like newer sounds with a bit more melody.

Don’t sleep on this band - you don’t want to miss a single moment from a very promising and exciting prospect.

Progressive rock act THE CONTORTIONIST have released new video and single 'Reimagined'. Directed by Erez Bader, it is the first music video from the band from their forthcoming LP Clairvoyant, due for release on 15 September. 

Watch 'Reimagined' via their exclusive Billboard Magazine premiere here:
http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/7817636/watch-the-video-for-the-contortionists-reimagined-premiere

“'Clairvoyant' is the product of not only months of writing and recording dozens of song ideas over the last year, but also a definitive creative artifact outlining the artistic confluence of the six members of The Contortionist for our past and future endeavors,” says keyboardist Eric Guenther.

“Collectively, we're feeling proud, apprehensive, but ultimately excited to finally have this record speak for us as a meticulously sculpted voyage into our musical psyche. On album and stage, between the art's presentation, zealous and even forceful sonic immersion, and interpretable lyrical and visual metaphor, we are attempting to bring the listener deeper into the world and musical language of The Contortionist. 'Reimagined' struck everyone simply as the most truthful and sincere place to start in this new universe.”

'Reimagined' is available on all streaming services today and is available as an iTunes Instant Gratification track, meaning fans who pre order the LP via iTunes receive 'Reimagined' as an instant download. The cover art and tracklist can also be found below. 

The Contortionist will release Clairvoyant on 15 September 2017 via Longbranch / SPV. The new LP is the highly anticipated follow up to Language, the genre defying LP that continues to garner critical acclaim. Clairvoyant, which reunited the band with producer Jamie King (Between The Buried And Me, Through The Eyes Of The Dead), takes the best elements of The Contortionist’s past and reshapes them as the band follows their individual creative muses toward the future.

The band just wrapped up a European tour with PERIPHERY and are currently playing some intimate UK headline shows before they headline the Doghouse Stage at their first ever Download Festival performance on Friday 9 June. 

Catch The Contortionist at one of the following dates:

06.06.2017 - The Parish, Huddersfield UK
07.06.2017 - Craufurd Arms, Milton Keynes UK
09.06.2017 - Download Festival, Donnington Park UK

The tracklist for Clairvoyant is as follows:

1. Monochrome (Passive)
2. Godspeed
3. Reimagined
4. Clairvoyant
5. The Center
6. Absolve
7. Relapse
8. Return to Earth
9. Monochrome (Pensive)