Photo Credit: Chantik Photography

Dark singer-songwriter act The Devil's Trade has unveiled their new single 'Clear Like the Wind', taken from the forthcoming album Vidékek vannak idebenn, which will be released on 14th July 2023 via Season of Mist. 

Watch the video for 'Clear Like the Wind' here: https://youtu.be/Nd0WJ3XzS8Q

Stream the single here: https://orcd.co/videkek

Pre-orders are available here: https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/TDTVVI

The Devil's Trade commented on the album and track: "In the last three years, as most of us can likely relate, I experienced such lows where I found nothing but raw emptiness, the inability to create or to do anything other than just trying to exist. I started working on 'Clear Like the Wind' during one of the short periods when I slowly got a little better and was able to find the need to grab the guitar and see what would happen. These moments were like a reset so it is not a surprise for me that this song reaches way back to the world of my first album Those Miles We Walked Alone".

On Vid​é​kek vannak idebenn, mastemind Dávid Makó leaned heavier on electronic textures than with his previous work, as can be heard on the album's first single Flashing Through The Lack of Light, which is shrouded in luscious shifting synths. He also brought in his old friend and former bandmate Gáspár Binder, whose dark drumming sets the impactful tone of the title track.

The Devil's Trade has recently revealed new dates in September and October 2023, supporting the legendary Alcest. Dates:

Sep 29 FR Metz La Bam 
Sep 30 BE Bruges Cactus Club
Oct 01 DE Hamburg Knust
Oct 03 DK Copenhagen Lille Vega
Oct 04 NO Oslo Parkteatret
Oct 05 SE Stockholm Fryshuset Klubben
Oct 07 DE Dresden Stromwerk
Oct 08 PL Poznan 2Progi
Oct 09 PL Wroclaw Stary Klasztor
Oct 10 DE Hannover Musikzentrum
Oct 11 DE Frankfurt Zoom
Oct 13 NL Nijmegen Soulcrusher
Oct 14 FR Lille L'aeronef
Oct 15 UK Manchester Academy 2
Oct 16 UK Bristol SWX
Oct 17 UK Brighton Concorde 2
Oct 19 FR Vauréal Le Forum
Oct 20 FR St. Nazaire Le Vip
Oct 21 FR Rouen Le 106
Oct 22 FR Savigny-le-temple L'empreinte

liminal
/ˈlɪmɪnl/
adjective
TECHNICAL

1.     occupying a position at, or on both sides of, a boundary or threshold.

"I was in the liminal space between past and present"
 
It is of no surprise liminal space is a key element in the next phase of The Devil’s Trade’s fourth album, Vidékek vannak idebenn (a title that loosely translates to There Are Landscapes Within) as Dávid Makó, the man behind the moniker has indeed arrived to a threshold in his career, where the phase starting with his self-released debut Those Miles We Walked Alone ended after his latest album The Call of the Iron Peak. The concept of liminal space itself is a not necessarily pleasant state of mind where you left behind your old life, but new doors haven’t exactly opened just yet. 

As Makó states "The process my first three records pieced together ended, that was no path for me to take anymore, but to take a step forward I had to make decisions I wasn’t inspired enough to make." – and from this frustrated, sort of paralyzed state of floating, a new incarnation of The Devil’s Trade was born and so was Vidékek vannak idebenn along with it.

While still true to his solo artist roots, delivering gut-wrenching melodies of darkness and beauty on his own, Makó needed an expansion to his universe. With the addition of long-time friend and former bandmate Gáspár Binder on drums and a live keyboard player, he finally took the much needed step forward and ‘Vidékek vannak idebenn’ portrays the next sonic phase of The Devil’s Trade.

A soundtrack to the next phase of his life. A soundtrack to souls stuck in liminal space, hungry to adapt to new realities and to grow further, outside the boundaries which so often shackle them.

The cover artwork for Vidékek vannak idebenn, which is created by Bálint Benkő (Volume Of Voids)

For more information:

www.facebook.com/TheDevilsTrade
www.thedevilstrade.bandcamp.com
www.youtube.com/user/mdgytdt
www.instagram.com/thedevilstrade

Tracklisting:

1. Felkelék én (3:17)
2. Flashing Through the Lack of Light (6:28) [WATCH]
3. Vidékek vannak idebenn (8:19) [WATCH]
4. Clear Like the Wind (5:36)
5. Liminal (6:42)
6. Fordulj kedves lovam (6:27)
7. All Kings Must Fall (3:30)
8. Új hajnal már nem jő (4:44)
Total: 45:03

Photo Credit: Timo Ehlert

German metalcore powerhouse Annisokay have released a video for their brand new single 'Calamity' and announced their upcoming new EP Abyss Pt I, to be released via Arising Empire. 'Calamity' is a special take on German pop star Leony's hit single 'Remedy' but darker. The emotional roars and Christoph Wieczorek's dreamy vocals blend in the track's undeniably catchy chorus, spiced up with thrashing guitars and dynamic drums. 

Stream/purchase 'Calamity' and pre-save Abyss Pt I here: https://arisingempire.com/abyss

Annisokay will embark on a European headline tour later this year, UK dates are as follows: 

Oct 12: London The Garage 
Oct 13: Nottingham Rescue Rooms 
Oct 14: Manchester Rebellion 
Oct 15: Brighton Chalk 

Tickets are on sale here: https://www.eventim.de/artist/annisokay/

Annisokay reinvented themselves on their fifth studio album Aurora, which was released in 2021 via Arising Empire and entered at #18 in the official German album charts. The album was the first to feature the band's new frontman and heavy vocalist Rudi Schwarzer - a long-time friend of the band - who stepped into the role in late 2019. Once again guitarist/clean vocalist Christoph Wieczorek oversaw production duties on the album, which is full of heavy riffs, driving percussion, melodic, goosebump-inducing cleans and aggressive shouts. The quartet is completed by drummer Nico Vaeen and bassist Norbert Rose.

Formed in 2007, Annisokay are at the forefront of German metal with their cutting edge sound, which has earned them huge success at home and has seen them breakthrough internationally. The four-piece have embarked on successful tours throughout Europe, the UK, Japan and the USA, including several headline shows in Belarus, Russia and Ukraine, a US run with I Set My Friends On Fire, two sold-out shows in Russia supporting Parkway Drive, and, more recently, the Xmas Bash Tour with Emil Bulls, which marked Schwarzer's first tour with the band. 

Annisokay’s first three studio albums were released through Long Branch Records/SPV, all of which charted in the Top 100 Official German Album Charts. In 2018, the band signed to Arising Empire to release their fourth studio album Arms, which reached #26 in the German charts. In January 2021, Annisokay released their most recent album Aurora, which charted at #18 - their highest German chart entry to date. 

Annisokay are:
Rudi Schwarzer | Vocals
Christoph Wieczorek | Vocals / Guitar
Peter Leukhardt | Bass
Nico Vaeen | Drums

For more information:
www.annisokay.com
www.facebook.com/annisokay
www.instagram.com/annisokay
www.twitter.com/annisokay

Abyss Pt I track listing:
1. Into the Abyss
2. Human
3. Ultraviolet
4. Throne of the Sunset
5. Calamity
6. Time

Progressive metal duo Myth of I have shared their new single 'JENOVA' along with a playthrough video. The Boston, MA-based instrumentalists consider this song to be above and beyond their previous releases in terms of songwriting and production. The track will feature on the band's upcoming dual EP Blood, due for release later this year.

Watch the official playthrough video here: https://youtu.be/mrhBjOX7LaQ

Stream the song here: https://linktr.ee/mythofi

Guitarist Tyler Fritzel comments: “When Jennings (Smith) first sent me the demo he was working on for 'JENOVA', I was immediately floored and knew we had to finish it up and release it on the next record. It is such an interesting song to me and I am very proud of how it turned out. It certainly explores a lot of different territory and gives me the feeling of being in a dream, which I absolutely love and we hope you do too.”

Myth of I are an instrumental progressive metal band based out of Boston, MA, USA. They strive to bring innovation to the progressive music world. Admitting to a wide range of influences, the band aim to give a unique cosmic twist to the ordered chaos they consistently produce. Think Tosin Abasi, Joe Hisaishi and a cat walk into a particle accelerator. You may want to call the resulting aural mayhem "angry jazz" or even "technical support metal".

After signing with extreme metal label The Artisan Era, Myth of I released their eponymous debut album on 10th April 2020, receiving support from the likes of Decibel Magazine and Metal Injection.

The future looks bright for Myth of I, following the releases of 'The Expedition' and 'Naïveté', two singles that feature exceptional performances by guest vocalists Eli Cutting (Lattermath) and Michael Lessard (The Contortionist) respectively. A concept dual EP titled Blood is in the works and due for release in late 2023; through its Japanese-inspired visual elements and ten ambitious tracks, it will explore the theme of the duality of life and death. 

Myth of I online:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter 

Photo Credit: Ki Price

MUDSHARK have shared a stunning AI-powered music video for new single 'EYES OF MEDUSA'. The band's debut EP ZLV also drops today via Shark Infested Records; it includes the singles 'NONCHALANCE', 'F*CK YOURSELF' and 'NOSEBLEED'. 

Watch the music video for 'EYES OF MEDUSA': https://youtu.be/W_EoIHo6Ejo

Stream 'EYES OF MEDUSA': https://linktr.ee/MUDSHARK

Stream ZLV: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/mudshark1/zlv
 

The band comment: "This is a song Hagen wrote at age 14. Probably the most straightforward “metal” track on the EP. Beautiful vocals and lyrics, with a definite chorus that’ll get stuck in your head. If that isn’t enough, we recorded an acoustic version of this tune also (you lucky devils)."

 Carrying the spirit of rock 'n' roll, MUDSHARK combines grooving guitar riffs with soaring, soulful vocal melodies. Singer-songwriters and multi-instrumentalists, Hagen Brüggemann and A. STR▲NGR have been making and producing music since they were kids. STR▲NGR started professional vocal training at the age of seven, playing guitar from age nine and playing in bands from age 10. As a professional performer, he made multiple West End theatre appearances from the age of 12. Hagen started professional guitar training at the age of four, playing in many different projects from age seven. Hagen is the youngest artist to have ever played Wacken Open Air. It was during this time Hagen started writing songs for what would become MUDSHARK.

The name arose during their experience of Download Festival 2019, nicknamed “Drownload” or infamously “Brownload”. Mud up to your ankles, mud in your tent, the only thing that could have made it worse was if a shark swam up from the deep and pulled you below the surface. The name further stands as a metaphor for MUDSHARK's musical mission: cutting through the noise of the music industry. MUDSHARK’s mission is to deliver fresh and catchy heavy music to a current mainstream audience and younger generation, hitting the sweet spot between rock and metal.

MUDSHARK started as a remote project at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, using the global lockdown to write two EPs and one full-length album. Currently there are three MUDSHARKs ruling the oceans: A. STR▲NGR (vocals), Hagen Brüggemann (guitar) and Sebastian Richards (bass). MUDSHARK are collaborating with various drummers, including Jack Wrench (Arcane Roots, Jamie Lenman, Salem) for studio and Jerry Sadowski (ATAN and many more) for live.

MUDSHARK have recently finished their debut EP ZLV, working with Neil Kennedy (Creeper, Boston Manor) as recording and mixing engineer and Gene 'Machine' Freeman (Lamb of God, Clutch, Every Time I Die) as mastering engineer.

For more information:
https://mudshark.net
https://www.facebook.com/mudsharkofficial
https://www.instagram.com/mudsharkofficial

ZLV Track Listing:

1. NONCHALANCE
2. FUCK YOURSELF
3. NOSEBLEED
4. INTERKNOT
5. EYES OF MEDUSA

Canadian extreme metal powerhouse Salem Trials have shared their new single 'Immolation' alongside a captivating music video. The savage track demonstrates why they are the latest addition to the Seek & Strike roster. 'Immolation' is the first taste of the band's upcoming EP, Nocturnal Creation, due for release 21st July. 

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/qIl7PrMpIj4 
 

Stream the song here: https://open.spotify.com/album/4RFGrpZMzyL4NsnqsbpBZV?si=Y0wE_hORSYebHykq2CFghg

Salem Trials comment: "When we started laying out our new EP, our goal was to push ourselves to progress our sound and go beyond our usual songwriting habits. We had a vision of creating an EP that was heavier, faster and featured nastier riffs, all while ensuring that every second of material was well-crafted and purposeful. As musicians, we had all acquired a taste for death metal and wanted to explore the extreme side of the genre to see what we were capable of. It was important to us that we created a release that we could all stand behind and be proud of. 

"We are thrilled to have signed with Seek and Strike and are excited about the opportunities this partnership will bring. It happened very organically and after getting to know the guys, we all saw the benefits in working together. We believe that this union will take us much further than we could have done on our own. It's been a surreal experience getting to work with professionals to get our music and our brand out to untapped audiences, and we are super stoked and thankful to be a part of the Seek and Strike family.

“We believe our newest single and video, ‘Immolation,' will be a great introduction to our upcoming EP. The track features fast riffs, crushing breakdowns and menacing themes centred around fire and ritual. We had a blast filming the video, which showcases some of the new concepts in our writing and gives a taste of what to expect with the rest of the EP. It's a great representation of the newer direction we're taking, but also features that classic Salem vibe that fans have come to know and love. 

"As massive heavy music nerds ourselves, we made sure to incorporate all of our personal favourite conventions into the EP, resulting in a really dynamic and diverse release. From blistering fast tracks to crushing breakdowns, buttery guitar solos and even some slam riffs, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Thanks for checking it out."

For more:
Spotify || Facebook || Instagram || Seek and Strike 

Holding Absence have released a video for their new single 'Honey Moon'. The track is the third single from their eagerly anticipated album, The Noble Art Of Self Destruction, due for release on 25th August via SharpTone Records.

A lovesick ballad cut from a place of deep longing, 'Honey Moon' offers serenely beautiful take on feelings of melancholia and loneliness. 

Check out the video for 'Honey Moon' here: https://youtu.be/cvHrlgTQ6YU

Stream 'Honey Moon' here: https://bfan.link/honey-moon

Pre-order and pre-save The Noble Art Of Self Destruction here: https://bfan.link/the-noble-art-of-self-destruction

Vocalist Lucas Woodland comments:

"'Honey Moon' is perhaps Holding Absence’s most beautiful song to date! A track inspired by the Pixies and Deftones - this is a lovesick poem that looks to the stars to portray a deep, isolated yearning for the love of another.”

The Noble Art Of Self Destruction was recorded at Canada’s Jukasa Studios with producer Dan Weller (Enter Shikari, Bury Tomorrow).

Check out Holding Absence's recent singles:

'A Crooked Melody': https://youtu.be/4guUJmAnld4
'False Dawn': https://youtu.be/twvjzSlqobE

Holding Absence recently announced the details of The Noble Art Of Self Destruction headline tour for the UK and Europe. The band will also be performing on the main stage at this year's 2000trees Festival. 

Dates are as follows: 

Jul 05-08: UK Cheltenham 2000trees Festival
Nov 03: NL Eindhoven Dynamo
Nov 04: DE Berlin Hole 44
Nov 05: DE Hamburg Gruenspan
Nov 07: DE Munich Backstage Halle 
Nov 08: CZ Prague Fuchs 2
Nov 09: AT Vienna Flex Cafe 
Nov 10: IT Milan Legend Club 
Nov 12: CH Zurich Dynamo 
Nov 14: FR Paris Backstage 
Nov 15: DE Cologne Essigfabrik 
Nov 17: UK Brighton Concorde 2 
Nov 18: UK Cardiff The Great Hall 
Nov 19: UK Glasgow The Garage 
Nov 20: UK Newcastle Boilershop 
Nov 22: UK Manchester O2 Ritz 
Nov 23: UK Southampton Engine Rooms 
Nov 24: UK London O2 Forum Kentish Town 
Nov 25: UK Leeds Stylus 
Nov 27: UK Norwich Epic Studios
Nov 28: UK Birmingham O2 Institute 

Tickets for all dates are available here: https://www.holdingabsence.com

Holding Absence are:
Lucas Woodland - Vocals 
Scott Carey - Guitar
Benjamin Elliott - Bass
Ashley Green - Drums

For more information: 
http://holdingabsence.com
http://facebook.com/HoldingAbsence
http://twitter.com/HoldingAbsence
http://instagram.com/HoldingAbsence

http://sharptonerecords.co

The Noble Art Of Self Destruction Tracklist:

1. Head Prison Blues
2. A Crooked Melody
3. False Dawn
4. Scissors
5. Honey Moon
6. Death, Nonetheless
7. Her Wings
8. These New Dreams
9. Liminal
10. The Angel In The Marble

Photo Credit: Joshua Simons

Filth is Eternal - one of Seattle’s most vigorous and involved bands - have announced their new album Find Out, to be released 29th September via MNRK Heavy. 

Find Out is the triumphant reawakening of this vital group. The new testament whips forth with the force of a breakthrough and is a clear undertaking of their own genesis with a deep awareness of themselves, their crowd, and the shared history between them. The band’s ground rules: immediacy must be prioritised; the songs should have the power to whip up a pit in under thirty seconds; they must be vital and exciting – all of which cuts through on their newest single, 'Crawl Space'.

Pre-order Find Out here: https://hiseternal.ffm.to/findout
Watch the video for 'Crawl Space' here: https://youtu.be/rP0Q6gYCxPY

Nothing short of a punk anthem, fault lines on 'Crawl Space' bubble with hot melodies and fist-clenching riffs. Front person Lis Di Angelo’s vocal delivery is singular and looks at life in the balance, where individual things are in a semblance of order but lacking synergy and permanence. “It's about that small window of time when everything feels like it's working- the band- relationships- work- mental health- the meds- everything- but something still feels off, like it's destined to fall apart no matter what choices you make,” they tell. 

Friction from opposing forces informs the lyrics on Find Out, the title of which could infer emergence from trauma or consequential learning. Regardless of its intended meaning, the title is used as a conduit for the band to push toward positive strides when addressing mental health, addiction, and relationships, with community as a salve – approaching from a nihilistic viewpoint to shine a light, trying to explore a new way.  While those themes are visited, details are where the band stops short, ensuring that the listener is guided to these themes but leaving individual song messages for them to ascertain. 

Lyrics aside, the true key to the new Filth Is Eternal sound is the deep-rooted attention to songwriting. Exploding with fresh ideas, heavy on hooks, and clandestine melody, Find Out is a clear breakout release for FIE, not to mention a future staple for heavy music fans worldwide. Using the talents of producer Paul Fig (Slipknot, AFI, Alice In Chains) while recording at Dave Grohl’s Studio 606 and Dave’s Room, Find Out adds just enough spit polish in production to conjure the masses but still retains the dirt and grime necessary to remain congruous to the sound and fury within. 

At the core of Filth Is Eternal is the instrumental trio of Brian McClelland (guitar), Rahsaan Davis (bass), and Emily Salisbury (drums), who lean into bone-crushing death metal and crust riffage, precision-machined grind, and nitro-fuelled punk to create the nihilistic and galloping armoured vehicle that is FIE. When hard-pressed about specific bands and styles, the band avoids individual names in favour of movements, yet it’s clear that the darker, more complex side of hardcore is probably the most direct influence. Names ranging from Converge to Cursed may be the most prevalent while others such as Trap Them, Alice in Chains, Stockholm-style death metal, and even The Distillers come to mind for additional inspiration, melody, and tactical songwriting purposes. 

Vocalist / lyricist Lis Di Angelo’s approach is rooted in grunge and extreme music; their visceral delivery sits comfortably on the fulcrum between raspy hardcore vocals and cogent melodicism, allowing a range of emotional depth and dynamics. In the worlds the band currently occupies, the dichotomy is refreshing and oddly original, adding a subtle melodic twist to the nihilistic footstomp.

On Find Out, each track is its own pipe bomb ready to ignite on the unsuspecting public, creating a sense of urgency and relating the band’s explosive message to an unabating soundtrack of punk-inflected ferocity. Embrace the oncoming tidal wave, changing of the guard, and new revolution from Filth Is Eternal. Sound the reveille because one way or another, you’ll Find Out.

Filth Is Eternal online:
https://www.facebook.com/filthiseternal
https://www.instagram.com/filthiseternal
https://filthiseternal.com
https://twitter.com/filthiseternal_

Find Out Track Listing: 

01 - Half Wrong
02 - Crawl Space
03 - Magnetic Point
04 - Cherish
05 - Roll Critical
06 - Curious Thing
07 - Into the Curve
08 - Pressure Me
09 - Body Void
10 - The Gate
11 - Signal Decay
13 - All Mother
14 - Last Exit
15 - Loveless

Photo Credit: Steve Gullick

English alternative rock group Haunt the Woods are overjoyed to announce their second album, Ubiquity, to be released 29th September via Spinefarm.

Pre-order: https://HauntTheWoods.lnk.to/Ubiquity

In celebration of the news, the magical quartet have revealed their new single 'Gold'. 

Watch the video for 'Gold' here: https://youtu.be/LBsunA4yXY0

Watch the video for band's first single, 'Fever Dream', here: https://youtu.be/2VpERm3HJhc

Haunt the Woods comment: "From time dilation to relativity, 'Gold'’s lyrics explore the potential non-linear nature of time and the human experience. With soaring vocals, beautiful soundscapes and eerie melody to set the scene." 

With elements as disparate as Radiohead, Jeff Buckley, The Mars Volta, Queen and beyond, Haunt the Woods are a curiously unique band.

In the deepest reaches of the English countryside there is a sublime sound emanating from the landscape, and its name is Haunt the Woods. Timely and yet oddly timeless, this surprisingly youthful quartet span musical decades and worlds.

Recently signed with Spinefarm, it won't be long before you hear plenty more from these musical mavericks, and with good reason. Formed in the hinterlands between Plymouth, Devon, and Cornwall, Haunt the Woods deftly interweave alt-rock, folk, prog and pop with an epic level of pomp and poetic elegance that suggests a far longer tenure than their young years suggest. There are tips of the hat to Queen and Muse, Jeff Buckley and Radiohead, and a sprinkled-in tinge of Beatles-loving pop sensibility and Manchester Orchestra-esque poignancy: Haunt the Woods have that rare ability to conjure legacy while creating a bold sound that is newly their own.

With two warmly received EPs and a debut album, Opaque (2020) which was released in 2020, the stage has been set for their overdue introduction to the world, which began with their stunning new single 'Fever Dream'. Cinematic in scope, operatic in texture, new album Ubiquity is a fitting illustration of the band's prowess and talent. 

Watch Haunt the Woods live:

Jul 05: Cheltenham 2000trees
Jul 21: Dartmoor Tunes in the Sands
Jul 22: Whiddon Down Chagstock
Jul 23: Bude, Leopollooza

Follow Haunt the Woods:
https://www.facebook.com/hauntthewoodsofficial
https://twitter.com/hauntthewoods
https://www.instagram.com/hauntthewoods

Tracklisting: 

1 Fever Dream
2 Gold
3 Save Me
4 Equilibrium
5 Home
6 The Line Part II
7 Now Is Our Time
8 Ubiquity
9 Overflow
10 Sleepwalking
11 Numb
12 Said And Done

Photo Credit: Andy Ford

One of the UK's most exciting new talents - the alt-metal outfit VEXED - will release their hotly-anticipated new record Negative Energy on 23rd June via Napalm Records.

They celebrate their album dropping this week with their new single 'Trauma Euphoria' - featuring some of the most impressive guitar work on the new album, heavier than ever before.

Gifted lead vocalist Megan Targett’s brutal growls and beautiful, crystal clear clean vocals create an impactful contrast, captivating the listener.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/nDJkqEPFqww

Stream 'Trauma Euphoria' here: https://lnk.to/VEXED-NegativeEnergy
Pre-order the album here: https://lnk.to/VEXED-NegativeEnergy/napalmrecords

Megan comments: "Experiencing a traumatic event or grieving a major loss comes with a myriad of feelings. Denial, depression, anger and sadness are the most common ones you hear about. However, there is one that I’ve found nobody speaks of; Euphoria. Small moments of time where you forget that you’re grieving and slip back into the person you were before the event. It’s like a euphoric experience that’s heightened by the fact your brain hasn’t felt any hit of dopamine in such a long time.

"However, that sudden realisation when you remember the trauma and snap out of the high has you crashing 10x harder. Feelings of guilt and shame take over and you fall deeper into the dark depths of your depression and grief. This dark place becomes a safe space in your mind, as leaving it can cause more pain and isn’t worth the fall. You can become addicted to suffering and this song is a love letter to it."

This follows previous singles 'X my <3 (Hope to die)' and 'Anti-Fetish'. 

Negative Energy is the pinnacle of VEXED's musicianship, with gripping, profound and brave lyricism. Instead of opting for the forced positivity many of their contemporaries demonstrate, the Hertfordshire trio channel every ounce of their Negative Energy into these 13 tracks - recharging themselves for an uphill battle.

The band comment: "We are so proud to present to you our second album. Since our first release, we have each endured traumatic experiences, surrounded by death, betrayal, pain and grief. In order to find any strength, we first had to accept that we weren’t okay, then take our trauma and face it head on, sharing our vulnerability, fears and weaknesses. Instead of forcing ourselves to try and be positive we put all our negative energy into the album in order to begin our own repair and to overcome."

VEXED are:

Megan Targett - Vocals
Jay Bacon - Guitar
Willem Mason-Geraghty - Drums 

VEXED online:
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Website
Napalm Records

VEXED formed in 2019, consisting of vocalist Megan Targett, guitarist Jay Bacon, drummer Willem Mason-Geraghty and bassist Al Harper. The band quickly made a name for themselves across the UK metal scene with their hard-hitting sound and dynamic live performances.

Turning heads with their debut singles - including the fearsome 'Elite' featuring Thy Art Is Murder’s CJ McMahon - VEXED quickly created a palpable underground buzz. In 2020, they signed with the independent label Napalm Records, and released their debut full-length album, Culling Culture in May the following year.

Culling Culture features ten tracks that showcase VEXED's signature sound, which combines punishing breakdowns, technical guitar riffs, and Megan Targett's fierce vocals. The album's lyrics explore themes of societal issues such as mental health and social justice and have been praised for their honesty and relatability.
 
The album was a commercial success and received widespread critical acclaim. VEXED's live shows have also garnered a reputation for being intense and energetic, with the band earning support slots with notable acts such as Spiritbox and In Flames, among others.
 
Now VEXED look to their second album, to be released 23rd June via Napalm Records. A punishing listen, from haunting intro track 'PTSD', which sets the stage of dread ahead of the carnage to come, all the way through 'Lay down your flowers' featuring Alpha Wolf vocalist Lochie Keogh and intense finale 'Nepotism'.

Like the best bands, VEXED on Negative Energy blends fury with emotion. 'Default' displays lead singer Megan Targett's high-soaring clean vocals juxtaposed against her menacing deep growls, while the album's most emotional offering, 'It's Not The End', serves as a magnificent dedication to a loved one passing away, truly manifesting their legacy.

A stunning, devastating musical conduit - Negative Energy ventilates VEXED's pain-stricken burdens and breathes life into their fresh approach, delivered with a thunderous vengeance.

Track listing:

1. PTSD
2. Anti-Fetish
3. We don't talk about it
4. X my <3 (Hope to die)
5. Panic attack
6. Lay down your flowers
7. There's no place like home
8. Extremist
9. Default
10. Trauma Euphoria
11. It's not the end
12. DMT
13. Nepotism