Photo Credit: Napalm Records

Grammy winning songwriter, solo artist, and Creed frontman Scott Stapp has released Deadman’s Trigger: A Short Film. The 9 minute, 13 second short co-stars Scott Stapp & Anthony Stapp, directed by Tyler Dunning Evans, with music by Scott Stapp. The film features 'Deadman’s Trigger' the 3rd single from chart-topping solo album Higher Power (Napalm Records) – the track is climbing the rock charts now after two consecutive radio hits – 'Higher Power' and 'Black Butterfly' reached Top Ten and Top Five, respectively (US).
 
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uC2hLiDqO8g

Stream and purchase Higher Power here: https://lnk.to/SCOTTSTAPP-HigherPower/napalmrecords

As the inspiration and soundtrack for the father/son saga, 'Deadman’s Trigger' is an explosive track that pulses with sonic swagger, anguish, and idealism.
 
The rock-fuelled Western was shot over two days at Whitehorse Ranch in Landers, CA. It’s a classic Hollywood show-down as a man of faith, haunted by unspeakable nightmares and villains, is forced to take matters into his own hands when what he loves is threatened. In a hail of Hellfire he protects, and is saved in return, by an unlikely hero.

Online speculation about the premiere began when a live-action trailer framed by film credits appeared on Monday (28th July). In it, a fully-loaded cowboy strolls frame as Old West music conjures Doc Holliday, cracked earth, and tumbleweeds. Their questions were answered when Deadman’s Trigger: A Short Film premiered Thursday, 31st July, exclusively on YouTube.
 
Director Tyler Dunning Evans says:
“Adapting Scott’s storyline for the screen was easy because he is a narrative songwriter – the arc is already there. As a collaborator, he’s clear on his vision and values other creators’ expertise. With Anthony on-set and Milan working behind the scenes, Scott was hands-on in establishing safety measures and his love for his kids translated to a vulnerable but fierce performance in the final cut.”

SCOTT STAPP online:
WEBSITE
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
X
NAPALM RECORDS

German metalcore outfit ACCVSED unleashed their debut Dealers of Doom today via Arising Empire. 

Watch their latest video 'Senescence' here: https://youtu.be/utW-uj6muQ8
Stream the full album here: https://arisingempire.com/accvsed

ACCVSED have been making noise for a while now with singles like 'Day of the Locust', 'Avoider', 'Never Enough', 'Don't Let Me Fall Apart' and 'Killer of Minds', gradually building a solid rep as one of the most promising heavy acts coming out of Germany. Each release has only added to their momentum, with fans digging their emotionally raw songwriting and explosive live energy.

Dealers of Doom feels like ACCVSED are laying down their mission statement – unfiltered, intense, and diving headfirst into the darker side of life.

Freshly signed metalcore outfit Lost in Hollywood have released a brand new track and video 'The Art Of Being Torn Out'. The song is taken from their upcoming second studio album, which will be released later this year via Arising Empire. 

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/P_bepEPMrwU
Stream here: https://arisingempire.com/lih

Lost in Hollywood started in early 2023 and quickly made a name for themselves in the metalcore scene. Their first album The Beauty of Death was a huge success, with over 1.8 million streams to date.

For the new single, the band worked with none other than Chris Zühlke of label mates Half Me, one of the most exciting new forces in heavy music.

For more: 

https://www.instagram.com/lostinhollywood.official
https://www.arising-empire.com/artists/lost-in-hollywood

Photo Credit: Curtis Perry 

Canadian cellist and musical chameleon Raphael Weinroth-Browne returns with ‘Ophidian’, the gripping third single from his upcoming solo album Lifeblood, out 3rd October. A visceral homage to the early 2000s vampire aesthetic, complete with nods to the Queen of the Damned soundtrack, the track entwines Middle Eastern melodies, black metal bowing and nu-metal riffing into a serpentine composition that slithers between the sensual and the savage.

Filmed in Poland’s haunting Temple of Art and Light by visual masterminds Grupa13 (Behemoth, Leprous), the accompanying video captures an inner battle between order and chaos, tradition and rebellion, mirroring Raphael’s own musical transformation as he embraces the unorthodox and the otherworldly.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/HbUek0JZRQE 

Stream 'Ophidian' here.

Pre-order the album Lifeblood here. 

Raphael comments on the new single: "Over the past four years, my Middle Eastern cello videos on social media have consistently elicited comparisons to the vampire Lestat's violin solos in the movie Queen of the Damned (2002). 

"'Ophidian' pays musical homage to this cult classic - particularly its iconic soundtrack - and evokes feelings of nostalgia for early 2000s aesthetics and the vampire genre. Here, Middle Eastern melodies, nu-metal inspired riffs, and black metal tremolo bowing converge in a piece that juxtaposes sensuality and brutality, steeped in the scent of exoticism and otherworldliness. 

"A far cry from the traditional cello repertoire, 'Ophidian' is a celebration of all that is dark and unholy, hence the title, which refers to the reptilian order of serpents. Unlike the previous video for 'Possession', where my audience is the adversary, here I am locked in a duel with myself. My idea was to depict an inner war between the voices telling me to follow a traditional, “acceptable” path, and the dark side that wants to rebel against the status quo and take a more unorthodox direction in life, the road less travelled. In a sense it’s the dilemma of choosing between the angel and the devil on one’s shoulder and ultimately embracing the “devil” and one’s inner chaos as an authentic manifestation of self, instead of trying to suppress it. On a musical level, I interpret this as abandoning one’s classical background and taking an alternative artistic direction."

Lifeblood is Raphael Weinroth-Browne’s most daring and fully formed solo statement yet, a strikingly personal work that channels both the euphoria of creative flow and the relentless drive of ambition. Fusing the heft of progressive metal with Middle Eastern scales, modern classical finesse and enveloping electronic textures, it captures the raw tension and release at the heart of his musical identity.

Commenting on the album, he adds, "I consider this album to be my most autobiographical work to date. As a metalhead turned full-time professional cellist making original music outside the classical realm, I have taken the road less travelled, nurturing my artistic vision and trusting my intuition even on an unorthodox path. I have forged a unique career and identity around my musical voice and the way it manifests itself through the cello. The defiant, audacious energy of this music represents my inexorable drive to continue pursuing my dream in spite of all obstacles." 

Lifeblood was engineered and co-mixed by Darren McGill at Union Sound Company in Toronto, with a final mix by acclaimed producer Adam Noble (Leprous, Katatonia). The album was then mastered by Robin Schmidt (Placebo, Ben Howard). Adding a visual dimension to the album’s immersive sound, the captivating cover artwork was created by Maldivian artist Maahy, celebrated for her ethereal, nature-inspired aesthetic.

Known for his emotionally charged performances and boundary pushing vision, Raphael Weinroth-Browne has become one of the most innovative cellists of his generation. Merging his roots in progressive metal with a passion for Middle Eastern music, he has forged a singular artistic voice that defies traditional expectations. His cello work can be heard on over 200 studio albums, including Woods of Ypres’ Juno Award-winning W5: Grey Skies & Electric Light and in major film and TV soundtracks. Viral cello covers of Opeth, Katatonia and Steven Wilson have earned praise from the artists themselves, while his genre-spanning studio and stage career continues to attract international attention.

Since joining Norwegian progressive rock icons Leprous in 2016, Weinroth-Browne has played over 200 shows worldwide with the band and helped shape the sound of three studio albums. He has shared stages with Evanescence, Apocalyptica, Devin Townsend and performed in front of 40,000 at Hellfest, as well as at prestigious venues such as London’s Royal Albert Hall. As a solo artist, he has opened for artists ranging from Polish neoclassical pianist Hania Rani to Nordic folk ensemble SKÁLD and UK legends Soft Machine.

In recent years, Weinroth-Browne has pushed further into experimental performance and contemporary dance. His solo debut Worlds Within (2020), a 40-minute composition built entirely from layered cello, earned critical acclaim for its emotional depth and innovative form. In 2023, he performed the album live with Ottawa Dance Directive to a sold-out audience at Canada’s National Arts Centre. In 2024, he was commissioned by the UK’s James Wilton Dance to compose BACH Reimagined, an 80-minute score that toured leading venues across the UK and Germany in spring 2025. Following this, his recent single 'Speed of Light' continued the forward momentum, merging baroque motifs with crushing distortion and polyrhythmic intensity, earning acclaim for its fearless fusion of past and future. As his creative output grows increasingly multidisciplinary, Weinroth-Browne continues to defy genre boundaries and redefine what the cello can be in the 21st century.

With more on the horizon later this year, Lifeblood stands as a defining chapter in Weinroth-Browne’s uncompromising artistic path, an album that distills passion, pain, discipline and defiance into a sound that feels both timeless and urgent, intellectually rich yet emotionally visceral.

Watch the videos for previous singles 'Lifeblood' and 'Possession'. 

Catch Raphael live on the following dates: 

Aug 28 - Ottawa, Canada - Solo performance at Speakeasy Tapas Lounge 
September 11 - Montreal, Canada - Le Studio TD - Solo supporting VOLA and Daedric
October 24 - Ottawa, Canada - Carleton Dominion Chalmers Centre - Lifeblood Album Release show
October 28 - Winnipeg, Canada - International Cello Festival of Canada - Original duo works with cellist Matthias Bartholomey
October 30 - Winnipeg, Canada - International Cello Festival of Canada - Excerpts from Lifeblood with the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra
Dec 5-6 - Halifax, Canada - Performing Worlds Within w/ Ottawa Dance Directive at Live Art Dance

Raphael Weinroth-Browne online:

Official Website || Facebook | Instagram || Youtube ||  X || Bandcamp || Tik Tok 

Lifeblood Tracklist: 

1. Lifeblood
2. Possession
3. Ophidian
4. Pyre
5. Labyrinthine
6. Nethereal
7. Winterlight
8. The Glimmering

Renowned modern guitarist Connor Kaminski has unveiled 'Godtuner', the first glimpse of his debut LP Tapestry, due for release 5th September. 

'Godtuner', which features Olly Steele (ex-Monuments) can be streamed here: https://ffm.to/ckgodtuner
And watch the video here: https://youtu.be/lPE84PEu1fo

Pre-order Tapestry here: https://ffm.to/cktapestry

Connor comments: "Being the first single from the album, I think 'Godtuner' serves as a perfect introduction for what's to come from Tapestry. Working with Olly on this track was an honour, and having him contribute a "guest riff", rather than a more traditional "guest solo", felt more fitting, and a lot more authentic from both of us. I couldn't be happier with how it's turned out!"

Following hot on the heels of Connor's collaborative EP with KEYAN, Tapestry is a tour de force of progressive, technical guitar wizardry, featuring some of the scene's best and brightest - including Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater), Plini, Olly Steele (ex-Monuments), Tramaine, Aleksandra Djelmash (Sordid Pink), RO1 and strings sensation ThatViolaKid.

UK-based composer, producer, and technical guitar virtuoso Connor Kaminski has built a reputation for his intricate guitar work and innovative approach to modern prog metal. Influenced by Dream Theater, Devin Townsend, and Intervals, Connor has honed his craft as a guitarist and cultivated a strong following online. This growth helped him establish relationships with .strandberg*, D’Addario, Neural DSP, GetGood Drums, and even allowed him to design and release his dream signature guitar with .strandberg* at the young age of 27 last October.

Inspired by intricate guitar lines, extended song structures, and technical musicianship, Connor has crafted a modern take on the new wave of guitar music.

For more:

https://www.instagram.com/connor.kaminski
https://www.youtube.com/@ConnorKaminski

Tracklisting:

1 Corporeal Prelude (ft. ThatViolaKid)
2 Tarnished (ft. David Maxim Micic)
3 Bloodline (ft. Aleksandra Djelmash)
4 Bergamot (ft. Plini & RO1)
5 Eleven Years
6 On The Fringes (ft. Jordan Rudess & Tramaine)
7 Within Walking Distance
8 Godtuner (ft. Olly Steele)

Belgian psychedelic post-metal collective Psychonaut return with 'Stargazer', a sprawling, emotionally charged new single and video, taken from their forthcoming album World Maker, out 24th October via Pelagic Records. Known for weaving together towering riffs, polyrhythmic precision and deep philosophical themes, the trio now turn inward, navigating the shifting terrain of fatherhood, grief and hope.

Watch the video for 'Stargazer' here: https://youtu.be/7YFLXiPCE4E

Pre-order World Maker and stream 'Stargazer' here: https://orcd.co/psychonaut-worldmaker

Propelled by a hypnotic momentum, 'Stargazer', named after frontman Stefan De Graef’s son, born in the rare and poetic “stargazer” position, marks a bold evolution in Psychonaut’s ever-shifting sound. Marrying delicate, folk-tinged guitar passages with towering, thunderous breakdowns, the track captures the band at their most exploratory and emotionally resonant. Beneath its weight and dynamic scope lies a quiet introspection, asking urgent questions about what lies ahead. As the second track revealed from World Maker, 'Stargazer' offers a glimpse into an album shaped by new life, profound loss and the raw search for meaning in between.

The traditional, three-piece line up of Belgian, psychedelic post-metal collective Psychonaut has long belied the compositional prowess, captivating narrative depth and crushing live presence of a band now operating at the forefront of forward-thinking, contemporary heavy music.

A record born of insurmountable joy and simultaneous profound loss; World Maker marks a time of great change for Psychonaut, both personally and musically, as the band burn away the philosophical narrative complexities of previous offerings with a searing, panoramic clarity that implores us to savour the beauty of the now as a means of leaving a legacy for the future.
 
The seed of World Maker took shape just as the campaign for previous record Violate Consensus Reality came to a close, with the news that guitarist/vocalist Stefan De Graef was to become a father. This tilting of life’s axis led De Graef, like most fathers-to-be, to re-assess what was really important. As such, the music he was inspired to write felt free of the band’s previous philosophical and spiritual foundations and instead took the form of life lessons for his unborn son, a legacy of love in case something were ever to happen.
 
This hopeful euphoria shines keenly throughout World Maker as an uncharacteristically optimistic warmth; from the reverberating Rhodes organ on the titular opening track and the meandering, free-jazz inspired guitar solo that introduces ‘Everything Else is Just The Weather’ to elements of world music, electronica and the otherworldly voice of Dutch multi-instrumentalist and old friend Anthe Huybrechts (Anthe/Helion Creek) most notably on tracks like ‘Origins’ which also features tabla, a pair of indian hand drums, as its propulsive heartbeat.
 
Whilst Psychonaut’s giant riffs, punishing polyrhythms and guttural vocal rage are more resplendent than ever, there is a wider dynamic spectrum to World Maker that sees the band proudly exploring their more delicate, intimate extremes as well as their most aggressive and abrasive. Not long after the birth of De Graef’s son came the devastating news that both his own father and Psychonaut bassist/vocalist Thomas Michiels’ father had been diagnosed with advanced cancers. Living day-to-day and torn between joy and grief, the band found themselves shedding the grand scope and world-shattering agenda of Violate Consensus Reality to focus on the here and now.
 
Amidst such turbulent times, the band found strength and support within their post-metal community. The album was recorded and produced by the band alongside their long-time collaborator and close friend Chiaran Verheyden (Hippotraktor) with help and advice from Psychonaut’s live engineer Victor, who will no doubt make this album sound just as awesome on stage. Even the artwork for World Maker was a family affair, being designed by close friend Sam Coussens of Belgian cosmic sludge metallers Pothamus.
 
In the face of life’s soaring highs and desolate lows, World Maker is direct and brave without sacrificing any of Psychonaut’s raw power, creative innovation or inimitable musical depth. Where their previous full-length offerings have charted grand introspective courses through time and space, World Maker is breathtaking in its uncompromising clarity: a father singing to his newborn son as a son bids his own father farewell.

Having sent a shockwave through the post-metal and prog scenes with their three times repressed Pelagic Records debut Unfold The God Man in 2020 before following it up with the transformative metaphysical complexities of 2022’s Violate Consensus Reality, Psychonaut have played prestigious Belgian open-air festivals like Alcatraz, Rock Herk and Boomtown Festival as well as boutique events such as Soulcrusher, Roadburn Redux and A Colossal Weekend whilst sharing stages across Europe with the likes of Amenra, Brutus and Pelagic labelmates The Ocean and PG.Lost.

Psychonaut are:

Stefan de Graef - Guitars/Vocals
Thomas Michiels - Bass/Vocals
Harm Peters – Drums

For more information:

INSTAGRAM • FACEBOOK • SPOTIFY • BANDCAMP • PELAGIC ARTIST PAGE

World Maker tracklist:

1. World Maker
2. Endless Currents
3. You Are The Sky
4. Everything Else Is Just The Weather
5. And You Came With Searing Light
6. Origins
7. All In Time
8. Stargazer
9. All Was Quiet
10. Endless Erosion

Rising nu-metal reawakening Profiler return with their most explosive track to date, 'Dope'. The new single follows the success of its predecessor 'Waste', which saw the band earn support from BBC Radio 1’s Future Artists with Sian Eleri, Kerrang! Radio, and BBC Introducing Rock with Alyx Holcombe, rapidly cementing their place as one of the most exciting names in the UK’s heavy scene. 

Listen to 'Dope' here: https://profiler.ffm.to/dope
Watch the video for 'Dope' here: https://youtu.be/19DTqQ-fJqM

'Dope' signals a raw evolution in the band’s sound: darker, heavier, and drenched in emotional intensity. With towering riffs and fierce vocal delivery, the track explores themes of manipulation and survival within the chaos of a toxic relationship. Singer Mike shares: “'Dope' is a track that is about gaslighting and manipulative techniques within a toxic relationship. It’s about getting lost within another person and re-claiming yourself.” 

Known for their versatility and boundary-pushing songwriting, Profiler continue to carve their own lane. 'Dope' is a bold, angst-driven anthem that throws open the emotional floodgates and sets the tone for the band’s next chapter. 

To celebrate the release, Profiler are proud to announce their first-ever headline show at The Black Heart in London on 10th December 2025. A venue known for breaking new talent and hosting future legends, this will be an unmissable night for fans. Tickets available here: https://myticket.co.uk/artists/profiler

With momentum on their side and growing reputation for hard-hitting, genre-fluid rock, Profiler are poised for a breakout year, and 'Dope' is the sound of a band ready to take the reins. 

For more information:
https://linktr.ee/profilerband

Photo Credit: Matthias Willi

Swiss doom/sludge quartet Zatokrev have revealed their new moving single 'Pearl Eyes', a third fragment of their upcoming album, ...Bring Mirrors to the Surface, which will be released on 29th August via Pelagic Records.

Watch the video for 'Pearl Eyes' here: https://youtu.be/jAxE9ERJXY4
Pre-order ...Bring Mirrors to the Surface here: https://orcd.co/zatokrev
 
Zatokrev comment: "Our third single is another piece of the puzzle of a cathartic self-discovery from the upcoming album. It was a true joy to collaborate with our longtime friend Lio and his crew on the new, spontaneously and intuitively created video. They truly melted into our musical energy and gave the composition the natural, raw imagery it craved."

The monumental ...Bring Mirrors to the Surface continues the story its predecessor Silk Spiders Underwater... began telling in 2015, and features guest vocal performances by Schammasch, Inezona, Minsk, and Bölzer.

After all the detritus of pain, time, and letting go has been slogged through, 2025 sees Zatokrev return with an immense and immersive new (double LP) album: ...Bring Mirrors to the Surface obliterates the past and conjures a future previously unimagined, pleading with humanity to remember the power of the will and the imagination.
 
An album in which to truly lose oneself, these songs provide a candle in the dark, an arcane map, directions to the tearing down, and the painful realizing, as a means to metaphysical freedom. A beauty unmatched in any previous Zatokrev material has become entrenched in every aspect of this record. Moments of comfort flow freely into the deafening sounds: ...Bring Mirrors to the Surface encourages one and all to stare into the abyss of the self. Zatokrev have given us a musical grimoire. Sounds heard through the ages have congregated in a unique moment in time. 

“Changes, recognize, release. A black flame splitting the ground in two, opens the gate to where we lose ourselves.” 

Line-up: 

Frédéric Hug: Drums
Frederyk Rotter: Guitar, Vocals
Lucas Löw: Bass, Vocals
Matthieu Hardouin: Guitar, Vocals

For more Zatokrev: INSTAGRAM • FACEBOOK • PELAGIC ARTIST PAGE

Tracklist:

1. Red Storm (ft. Bölzer & Schammasch)
2. Blood (ft. Inezona)
3. The Only Voice
4. Unwinding Spirits (ft. Manuel Gagneux of Zeal & Ardor)
5. Faint
6. Changes (ft. Schammasch)
7. Pearl Eyes
8. Deep Dark Turns Green (ft. Minsk)

The Las Vegas-based gold-certified, hard-rock titans, OTHERWISE, triumphantly return with a brand new EP and label home.

Some Kind of Alchemy EP will be released 22nd August via Seek and Strike.

To celebrate the news, the duo have revealed their new single and video, 'Stop, Drop & Roll (Doesn't Work In Hell)'. A hard-driving banger with a massive catchy chorus, 'Stop, Drop & Roll (Doesn't Work In Hell)' will quickly garner your undivided attention.

Watch: https://youtu.be/oQKKN1ilrHE

OTHERWISE have returned to their roots and re-embraced their classic harder rock sound, reminiscent of their widely acclaimed debut album. 

Pre-order the EP: https://orcd.co/otherwiseskoa

OTHERWISE state: "Signing with Seek and Strike was honestly a very easy decision for us. The label was co-founded by a dear friend who has believed in the band and our message since our inception. He cares about us and vice versa, which is saying a lot for the music business. 
 
“The first single, 'Stop, Drop and Roll (Doesn't Work in Hell),' was initially conceptualized years ago, in the midst of the Iraq War. We thought about the sacrifice of our fellow poet-warriors in military service and the lies that were being propagated to justify the actions of those in power. Another truly beautiful aspect of this release was our chance to reconnect with the incomparable Dave McMahan (our original drummer), who helped us focus all of that early fire into formidable performance art. The raw, sleek simplicity of those days was perfectly captured in the video for the song by its talented director, Lance Gergar. The intro gave us goosebumps the first time watching it. Plus, for me (Adrian) personally, getting to rock my balls off barefoot in a corporate elevator and NOT get arrested, is a hell of a statement!   
 
"Returning to our roots with this EP is truly exciting for us and getting to do it with our friends and family at Seek and Strike is nothing short of righteous. We can’t thank our die-hard fans for all of their continued support and hopefully we’re hopeful to add a whole new legion of supporters to the fold with this next release. See you all soon.” 
 
OTHERWISE have been an unrelenting force in the unforgiving trenches of the music industry, for the past two decades. Consisting of blood brothers Adrian and Ryan Patrick, the powerhouse duo behind the Las Vegas hard rock outfit, they’ve turned scars into anthems and stages into battlefields, earning RIAA Gold Certification for their breakout hit 'Soldiers' a modern rock classic born from the grit of the independent grind. Raised in a city of illusions, the Patrick brothers built something real: a fiercely loyal fanbase they call The Family Wise, bonded not by hype but by heart.
 
Over 250 million streams later, their legacy isn’t just loud, it’s ever-lasting. Through their nonprofit Life By Music, the brothers use their platform to give back, delivering instruments, lessons, and life-changing experiences to at-risk youth and veterans nationwide. Every note they play carries purpose. Every show is a family affair and every song is a battle cry from two brothers who refuse to ever back down.

OTHERWISE are:
Adrian Patrick
Ryan Patrick

Tracklisting:

1 Bloody Knuckles, Broken Glass
2 Has Anyone Seen My God Damn Dignity?
3 Stop, Drop & Roll (Doesn’t Work In Hell)
4 I Am Spartacus
5 Shapes Of Metal
6 Emerson Road