German death grind masters STILLBIRTH have officially launched pre-orders for their forthcoming Unique Leader debut Annihilation of Mankind. The explosive and unrelentingly heavy album, which the band described as "faster, harder, with more brutality and more groove than anything we have done before" will see an August 31st release date and shows the band at their absolute peak. 

To coincide with the pre-order launch STILLBIRTH have also released a teaser for the album which gives fans a glimpse into the sickening devastation that is Annihilation of Mankind. 

Watch the video here

Pysical pre-order bundles are available here
STILLBIRTH will be hitting the road hard in support of their newest album Annihilation of Mankind. Their 2018 plans currently see them touring Asia, supporting Cannibal Corpse in Germany, and performing at Summer Breeze, Fall In The Brawl, and NRW Death Fest. More dates coming soon. 

STILLBIRTH Live - 

13/8 Bochum, DE @ Zeche Bochum w/ Cannibal Corpse
8/15 - 8/18 Summer Breeze Festival
20/9 Wermelskerchen, DE @ NRW Death Fest

The legendary HIGH ON FIRE have announced a co-headline tour with Norwegian heavyweights ENSLAVED. Tickets will be on sale 9am local time Thursday June 21st.

Frontman Matt Pike commented "Cometh the conquerors, to break all beliefs!"

Dates are as follows:

30/09 U Bazyla Poznan PL
01/10 Proxima Warsaw PL
02/10 UT Connewitz Leipzig DE
03/10 Kulturfabrik Esch LU
04/10 Mezz Jupiler Zaal Breda NL
08/10 Academy 2 Manchester UK
09/10 Tivoli Dublin EIRE
10/10 Limelight 2 Belfast UK
12/10 The Mill Birmingham UK
14/10 SWX Bristol UK
15/10 The Dome London UK
16/10 La Machine Du Moulin Rouge Paris FR

Born from the ashes of their respective former bands, HIGH ON FIRE are celebrating their 20th year. Inspiring countless bands in their twenty years, HIGH ON FIRE are riding high on a wave of thunder and tumult.

The three piece consisting of Matt Pike (vocals/guitar), Des Kenzel (drums) and Jeff Matz (bass) is the band at their most fully realised and utterly relentless, who headlined London's Desertfest in May. 

Through six full-lengths and a number of live releases and EPs, the punching command of HIGH ON FIRE has established the band as an unmatched and wholly unmistakable force in the realm of heavy metal.

Beginning with 2000’s The Art of Self Defense, the band joined independent label Relapse Records in 2001, and unleashed what would become three of the most dynamically influential heavy music releases of the 21st century thus far with Surrounded by Thieves (2002), Blessed Black Wings (2005), and Death Is This Communion (2007).

A year after signing with the highly regarded eOne Music, HIGH ON FIRE released 2010’s Snakes for the Divine, a powerhouse record that saw the band supporting Metallica in the same year. With widely respected producer/engineer Kurt Ballou at the helm, 2012’s De Vermis Mysteriis brought HIGH ON FIRE immediate and virtually universal acclaim, before 2015's monstrous Luminiferous confirmed the band's status as the litmus test for all things heavy.

Heavy punk/hardcore outfit COPE are streaming their hard-hitting new single 'Wounds', out today, 06.07.18. 

First premiered via Metal Hammer, watch the 'Wounds' lyric video here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWfKG8NXQhk

Fiercely political and positive, the Londoners are a band fitting of today's climate. For fans of early Gallows, Feed The Rhino, and Every Time I Die, COPE are a band who are at their most inspired and angry with most recent EP Tooth & Nail (October 13, 2017).

Only forming within the last three years, COPE have already played Camden Rocks twice, as well as playing with The Hell, Blood Youth, Zoax, and Create To Inspire. A new force of intelligent, politically-motivated anger, and deserving of a listen.

Exciting new prog-rock/pop trio EXPLORING BIRDSONG are proud to unveil their live cover of Blue Öyster Cult's classic '(Don't Fear) The Reaper'. 

Premiered via Classic Rock Magazine's Facebook on Friday, the video cover has now reached over 37,000 views. You can also watch it here.

Listen on Spotify.

Filmed live in one take in the stunning location of Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral, the performance highlights the breathtaking potential of this young Liverpudlian trio. Riding high on the excitement generated by first video 'The Downpour', the band have already caught the attention of Prog, Kerrang! Radio and Magazine, and Classic Rock Magazine.

EXPLORING BIRDSONG are a unique proposition: Matt Harrison on drums, Jonny Knight on bass/second keys, and completed by Lynsey Ward's piano and stunning vocals. Pop sensibilities and soulfully gorgeous singing meet progressive compositions, reminiscent of Iamthemorning, Steven Wilson, Kate Bush and more.

Although a very fresh group, EXPLORING BIRDSONG have already supported Anneke van Giersbergen's VUUR, Godsticks, and are set to perform at HRH Prog 2018.

German melodic metallers TIME, THE VALUATOR have released the video for their latest single 'In Control', featuring Breathe Atlantis vocalist Nico Schsewitz. The track is taken from the band's debut album How Fleeting, How Fragile, due for release on 3rd August 2018 via Long Branch Records. 

Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/H9fuf1VwWuM

How Fleeting, How Fragile also includes the previously released singles 'Elusive Reasons', 'When I Meet Death' and 'The Violent Sound', which have collectively surpassed 3 million streams. 

The album is available to pre-order in various formats here: https://timethevaluator.lnk.to/HowFleetingHowFragile

TIME, THE VALUATOR will embark on a UK/EU headline tour in August, with support from UK alt-rockers Winchester. 

Dates are as follows:

07.08.2018 - Bournemouth UK, The Anvil
08.08.2018 - Brighton UK, The Green Door Store
09.08.2018 - London UK, The Black Heart
10.08.2018 - Manchester UK, Night People
12.08.2018 - Strasbourg FR, Elastic Bar
13.08.2018 - Dijon FR, Deep Inside
14.08.2018 - Lyon FR - Le Blogg
16.08.2018 - Hamburg DE, Astra Stube
17.08.2018 - Gothenburg SE, Gårda
18.08.2018 - Stockholm SE, High 5ive Summer Fest

Driven by strong and melodic vocals backed by an unmissable groove, TIME, THE VALUATOR have risen as one of the most promising new acts in the modern rock sphere. The German quartet are on a journey to impress not only with their music but also with their approach and their message.

TIME, THE VALUATOR created momentum with a series of singles over 2016 and 2017, leading up to their highly anticipated debut full-length How Fleeting, How Fragile. Taking elements from progressive metal, alternative rock, tech-metal, pop and many more, TIME, THE VALUATOR embrace their identity, forging a unique sound that breaks the genre boundaries. 

TIME, THE VALUATOR are:

Phil Bayer - Vocals
Cedric Dreyszas - Guitars
Rene Möllenbeck - Guitars
Yunus Proch - Drums

For more information:
https://www.timethevaluator.net/
https://www.facebook.com/timethevaluator/
https://twitter.com/TTValuator

Upcoming post-grunge duo Sick Joy have released the new music video for ‘Stumbler’ taken from their debut EP Amateurs, released March 2018 via SaySomething Records.

The video coincides with the band's upcoming appearance at 2000trees Festival on Friday 13th July. Watch 'Stumbler' here: https://youtu.be/MdhqfVbBjfk

Direct download link - https://soundcloud.com/user-169837161/stumbler-sick-joy/s-6zZ5k

Guitarist and vocalist Mykl Barton comments: 

"I think it shows a kind of different vibe to us as a band. It brings out some influences that aren’t maybe as obviously prevalent in other songs. Its a bit of a Frankenstein’s monster too. Its the last piece of the puzzle in the E.P. The video tries to tie it all together, the whole journey, in its own way.

We’ve had a great time riding its wave, playing Brixton with Feeder was definitely a highlight. Some kind words in Kerrang too. Stumbler’s like that last bit of supermarket vodka in the house before you go out and cane it, just building to the headline tour in October.

I can’t wait to play Trees. Its always been my favourite alternative festival. The line ups are consistently great. Really looking forward to Jamie Lenman’s acoustic set, Fangclub, Turbowolf our buddies Demob Happy. There are too many to name. We’re stoked to be a part of it this year. Genuinely killer festival."

Sick Joy head out on their first headline tour in October; dates are as follows:

12.10.18 Manchester – Jimmys
13.10.18 Glasgow - The Garage
16.10.18 Newcastle – Think Tank
17.10.18 Birmingham – Sunflower Lounge
18.10.18 London – Shacklwell Arms
20.10.18 Brighton – Patterns

Listen to Amateurs at - https://song.link/album/gb/i/1356979194

Forming only in 2016, the UK's Sick Joy started life in Newcastle before moving to Brighton to pursue their future. Their mix of lo-fi post-grunge and dirty noise-pop has already seen Sick Joy drawing attention and marks the band as ones to watch.

Following a support slot with Honeyblood at Bush Hall, and their debut London headline show drawing a near sell-out crowd, Sick Joy were subsequently picked to support Feeder at Brixton Academy in March. 

Bearing comparisons from Nirvana, Pixies, Arctic Monkeys and Oasis, Sick Joy's first two singles 'Stars' (April 2017) and 'Cat In A Bird Cage' were released to acclaim and strong radio support, leading to the band's signing with SaySomething Records. Their debut EP Amateurs drew support from Dork, Upset, Kerrang!, BBC Radio 1, Kerrang! Radio, and Amazing Radio.

Sick Joy are: guitars and vocals Mykl Barton, bass Danny Piston.

Hold Tight PR is a PR company based in London, working with a varied roster of labels, bands and festivals including eOne, SPV/Long Branch Records, Holy Roar Records, Unique Leader, Fearless Records, Tech-Fest, Heavy Scotland, High on Fire, Plini, Wes Borland, Oceans Ate Alaska, Intervals, TesseracT, Boss Keloid, Conjurer, Sikth and many more. 

Based in our London office we're looking for a dynamic, smart, music-savvy intern to assist on all aspects of national, regional, global and online press & publicity campaigns. You need to be punctual, hard working and up for getting stuck in to any job that needs doing. A can do attitude is essential. Expenses will be paid as well as plenty of guest lists for gigs & festivals that we're working at.

Hold Tight PR's size and open-minded approach make this a unique opportunity. The successful candidate will be required to involve themselves in all aspects of the business, guaranteeing not only a varied workload but also an unbeatable introduction to the multi-faceted workings of a dynamic music PR agency.

Duties will include researching & updating contacts, press scanning, writing press releases, updating social media and our website, logging radio playlist info, attending press calls, ensuring release schedules and tour diaries are kept up to date & other general admin duties.

If you're interested, get in touch, we'd love to hear from you. Please send your CV, a bit about yourself and your current availability, plus a list of the top 3 artists you're currently enjoying to james@holdtightpr.com

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: Friday 13 July 2018. 

US slamming deathcore group SIGNS OF THE SWARM have recently announced that they have parted ways with their original vocalist CJ McCreery and will be replacing him with Dave Simonich. 

The group issued in a collective statement: "CJ Mccreery and SIGNS OF THE SWARM have decided to part ways. The split between the band and CJ was mutual and we wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.   

With that being said, anyone who has seen us on the Ingested run and Devastation on the Nation may have noticed that we had our good friend Dave Simonich filling in on vocals. We are pleased to announce that Dave will be joining Signs of the Swarm as our new permanent vocalist.

This change has given us opportunities that could not have been possible before, and with that we are beyond excited for the future of the band and what we have to come."

Watch new vocalist Dave Simonich display his otherworldly chops with this cover of 'Cowards Deathbed' below.

'Cowards Deathbed' is from SIGNS OF THE SWARM's 2017 Unique Leader debut The Disfigurement of Existence which can be purchase physically HERE and digitally HERE. 

SIGNS OF THE SWARM are on tour in the UK with Traitors, Deadland, Distinguisher, and Falsifier in July and August.

https://www.facebook.com/signsoftheswarm/
https://www.instagram.com/signsoftheswarm/
https://twitter.com/signsoftheswarm
https://www.facebook.com/UniqueLeaderRecords/
https://uniqueleader.com

Dubai-based rockers JAY WUD have released a lyric video for their single 'Empire', taken from their recent album Transitions.

Packed full of infectious hooks and chunky riffs, check out 'Empire' below.

The band hit the road from today with prog all-star band Sons of Apollo and make an appearance at Amplified Festival, playing two shows in one day. Check them out on one of the following dates:

02.07 Motherwell, Motherwell Concert Hall
03.07 Belfast, Limelight
04.07 Dublin, Tivoli
07.07 Brighton, The Haunt
08.07 Quarrydowns, Amplified Festival
08.07 Nottingham, Rescue Rooms

(Contact james@holdtightpr.com for review and interview opportunities)

With members from Lebanon, Serbia and Latvia, JAY WUD are a truly international hard rock phenomenon whose Middle Eastern success has seen them support the likes of Guns N' Roses, Mötley Crüe and Skunk Anansie, and become headliners in their own right.

Fronted by Lebanese singer / guitarist and namesake Jay Wud, whose addictive combination of thrashing riffs, shredding solos and powerful hook-laden vocals define the band’s scorching metal-tinged hard rock sound. 

With the help of an impressive crowdfunding campaign that raised over $30,000, they were able to complete recording Transitions with Grammy-nominated producer Howard Benson (Seether, My Chemical Romance, Theory of a Deadman) in Los Angeles. 

This third JAY WUD album marks a new beginning for the band as they venture into much darker, heavier and more explorative territory. Having honed their craft since 2013, they have emerged as one of the flag-bearers for the Middle Eastern scene that is quickly putting itself on the global rock and metal map.

Purchase Transitions here: