Photo Credit: Martyna Bannister

Welsh post-hardcore legends Casey have unveiled new single 'Bite Through My Tongue', taken from their third album, How to Disappear, to be released 12th January via Hassle Records.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/0lGhikY-U9c

Pre-order How to Disappear and stream the single here: https://casey.ffm.to/how-to-disappear

Vocalist Tom Weaver comments: "There are a handful of songs on How To Disappear that stem from the breakdown of my most recent relationship. This is the first on the record to touch on that, and it deals broadly with the extreme apathy and self-destructiveness that arises during a depressive episode; and how that impacts those closest to you.

"Often, when experiencing an episode of depression, my first reaction is generally to dissociate and distance myself from the world. That’s far easier to do when living alone; but when cohabiting (and particularly while isolating during the pandemic), it meant my partner would be subject to this level of apathy that felt impermeable to physical nor emotional pain. A type of numbness that would completely detach me from the reality of my life.

"This song is definitely an embellishment of those experiences; and doesn’t discuss the situation from a single perspective. It floats between the apathetic and the empath."

'Bite Through My Tongue' follows the band's previous single and album title track, which has seen huge radio support from Jack Saunders (Future Artists), Nels Hylton (Future Alternative) Daniel P Carter (Rock Show) Alyx Holcombe (Introducing Rock) on BBC Radio 1, and many more.

Casey will be taking the album on a host of UK, European, Australian and North American tour dates in 2024:

North America tour w/ Holding Absence:

Jan 16 WA Seattle Neumos
Jan 17 OR Portland Hawthorne Theatre
Jan 19 CA Roseville Goldfield Trading Post
Jan 20 CA Los Angeles The Echoplex
Jan 21 CA Anaheim Chain Reaction
Jan 23 AZ Mesa The Nile
Jan 24 NM Albuquerque Launchpad
Jan 26 CO Denver Marquis Theatre
Jan 27 KS Lawrence The Granada
Jan 28 TX Dallas Southside Music Hall
Jan 30 TX San Antonio Rock Box
Jan 31 TX Houston Rise Rooftop
Feb 02 FL Tampa The Orpheum
Feb 03 GA Atlanta The Masquerade
Feb 04 TN Nashville Basement East
Feb 06 OH Cleveland Mahall's
Feb 07 IL Chicago Bottom Lounge
Feb 09 MI Detroit The Shelter
Feb 10 ON Toronto Velvet Underground
Feb 11 QC Montreal Le Studio TD
Feb 13 MD Baltimore Soundstage
Feb 14 NY New York Gramercy Theatre
Feb 16 PA Philadelphia Foundry @ The Fillmore
Feb 17 MA Worcester Palladium

UK and EU headline tour:

Mar 26 UK London Islington Academy
Mar 28 DE Hamburg Sporthalle *
Mar 30 DE Leipzig Messe *
Mar 31 DE Oberhausen Turbinenhalle * 
Apr 02 NL Utrecht TivoliVredenburg
Apr 03 BE Antwerp Trix
Apr 05 CH Zürich X-Tra *
Apr 06 DE München Zenith *
Apr 07 AT Wien Arena *
Apr 09 FR Paris Petit Bain
Apr 11 UK Nottingham Rescue Rooms
Apr 12 UK Bristol SWX
Apr 13 UK Manchester Academy 2
Apr 14 UK Glasgow Garage

Australia w/ Dayseeker

July 7 AUS Perth Magnet House,
July 9 AUS Adelaide Lion Arts Factory
July 11 Brisbane Tivoli
July 12 Sydney Liberty Hall
July 13 Melbourne Forum

* Impericon Festival

Stream Casey's previous single 'Puncture Wounds to Heaven' here: https://casey.ffm.to/puncture-wounds-to-heaven

The news follows a joyous return for the quintet in 2023, including seven huge shows in the UK and Germany, and the limited release of their 7'' Atone/Great Grief (Hassle Records). 

Casey, at its core, was grounded in the notion that music is a labour of love. Without expectation of success, without desire to attain stardom, just a shared yearning to create music - and when this no longer rang true Casey stayed true to themselves, and stepped away.

In late 2018, when Casey announced they were bringing the band to a close, it felt like a premature demise. Their first two LPs - 2016 Love Is Not Enough and 2018’s Where I Go When I Am Sleeping – had firmly established the Welsh five-piece as one of the most exciting bands in Britain’s alternative scene.

Now, years later, the band have returned - bigger and better than ever before. Casey don't just replicate the feelings that inspire them - they embody them. 

For more information:
https://www.facebook.com/Caseytheband
https://www.instagram.com/caseytheband
https://twitter.com/bandcalledcasey

Casey are:

Tom Weaver
Liam Torrance
Toby Evans
Adam Smith
Max Nicolai

Swiss metalcore act Vicious Rain have released their third single 'Crown Of Thorns' along with a stunning video via Arising Empire.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/h5JCTq_sSAQ

Stream here: https://arisingempire.com/viciousrain

Fronted by vocalist David Häusermann, guitarist and vocalist Mauro Gugerli, guitarist Tristan Meier, bassist Loris De Notaristefano and drummer Michael Teufelberger, the band‘s dedication to their craft and the sheer passion they exude leaves no doubt that their future is bright. 

'Crown Of Thorns' promises to be a compelling addition to the Vicious Rain's growing catalog, showcasing the band‘s emotional depth and raw power. Following the path paved by their second single 'Blackout', the Swiss quintet showcase their unwavering commitment to expressing raw emotions, pouring their heart and soul into every note.

"'Crown Of Thorns' echoes the notion that evading one's challenges can lead to greater troubles, ultimately exacerbating the situation. Yet, it also sparks an awakening to face the uncertainties, initiating a path towards healing and self-exploration.” says guitarist and vocalist Mauro Gugerli.
 
"'Crown Of Thorns' is an introspective anthem. It channels the raw frustration of grappling with personal stagnation and the difficulty of changing for the better. It‘s a poignant reflection on the challenge of holding onto memories of better times while recognising that toxic patterns can affect one‘s own mental well-being.“ - David Häusermann (vocals)

Check out the video for previous single 'Blackout' here: https://youtu.be/3GCZToKgbQ0

Formed in late 2022, Vicious Rain are an alternative metalcore band hailing from Baden, Switzerland. The group combine intertwined singing/screaming vocals with anthemic singalongs, screaming melodic leads and crushing breakdowns, as they embrace everything from the heavy side of the genre all the way to the more intimate melodies. The band‘s spirit is marked by their shared belief in the importance of solidarity, and the role of the individual accomplishment of a common vision. Lyrically, the Swiss quintet wholeheartedly express their stance on personal matters, while highlighting their belief that self-reflection is the key to growth. 
 

The future looks promising for the quintet.

Vicious Rain are:

David Häusermann | Vocals
Mauro Gugerli | Guitar & Vocals
Tristan Meier | Guitar
Loris De Notaristefano | Bass
Michael Teufelberger | Drums

Vicious Rain online:
https://www.instagram.com/viciousrainband
https://www.tiktok.com/@viciousrainband
https://www.facebook.com/viciousrainband
https://twitter.com/viciousrainband
https://viciousrain.com

Photo Credit: Sebastian Smith

Grammy winning, platinum-certified artist and the voice of Creed, Scott Stapp has released 'Black Butterfly', the third single from upcoming solo album Higher Power, due for release on 15th March 2024 via Napalm Records.

Watch the lyric video here: https://youtu.be/_fvYWC3kDfY

Pre-order Higher Power here: https://lnk.to/SCOTTSTAPP-HigherPower/napalmrecords

Transcending defeat to emerge reborn, 'Black Butterfly' is a grooving stunner with undeniable swagger that chronicles transformative growth. Over the track’s unshakable chorus, charging riffs and soaring leads, Stapp flaunts hauntingly beautiful vocals in a motivational plea to push through the process of personal metamorphosis. 

Scott Stapp commented: “Growth is a challenging process. I often write aspirational lyrics about getting to that ‘next level’ – knowing what you’re capable of and rejecting the idea that you’re defined by your mistakes. Overcoming difficulty can lead to increased self-awareness and, in time, wisdom that can lead to helping others going through similar situations.”

Thus far, Stapp has revealed his current radio single and hard-hitting title track, 'Higher Power,' as well as mid-tempo anthem 'What I Deserve,' which features the blistering yet delicate guitar work of Yiannis Papadopoulos. When 'Higher Power' debuted in August, Loudwire predicted that Stapp is “primed for a big decade, sounding just as powerful as he did at half his age with a sense of newfound heaviness resting beneath his iconic voice.” In early October, the release of 'What I Deserve' arrived as Guitar World touted its “blistering Whammy’d runs and some furious alternate-picked chromatic flourishes that herald the arrival of Stapp’s heaviest solo material yet.” 

Traversing themes of loss, frustration, betrayal and near defeat, Stapp’s fourth solo album will feature stand-out performances by hard rock queen Dorothy on a deeply raw duet, while Papadopoulos’ guitar leads and solos are such invaluable contributions that he is credited as a featured artist on three tracks. There is also a co-writing appearance by multi-Grammy Award winning songwriter and musician Steve McEwan on Higher Power, which was produced by Marti Frederiksen and Scott Stevens.  

Higher Power follows 2019’s The Space Between the Shadows, which debuted at #3 on the US Current Rock Albums chart, the US Current Hard Music Albums chart, and the UK Official Rock and Metal Chart, among countless other top chart positions. 

Stapp explains: “Higher Power was born out of never ending consequences with triggered, yet naïve defiance. It's the realities and realizations of being human in this experiment we call life - holding onto hope in the dark waiting for the light.”          

Scott Stapp online:
WEBSITE
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
TWITTER
NAPALM RECORDS

Higher Power will be available in the following formats:

- Digital Album 
- CD Digisleeve
- Solid Viola Gatefold Vinyl LP             
- Black/Red Splatter Gatefold LP - Die Hard Edition w/ Slipmat & Record Butler (Napalm Mail Order Only, Limited to 300)

[Black/Red Splatter Gatefold LP - Die Hard Edition w/ Slipmat & Record Butler
(Napalm Mail Order Only, Limited to 300)]

About Scott Stapp:

One of the most iconic voices in rock, Scott Stapp first emerged as the high-energy, post-grunge frontman of Creed. With anthems like 'Higher,' 'My Own Prison,' 'My Sacrifice,' and 'With Arms Wide Open,' the band sold over 50 million albums, including a Diamond certification. Throughout the early 2000s, Creed broke airplay records, sold out arenas, earned countless Billboard Music Awards and American Music Awards, and a Grammy for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group. As a solo artist, Stapp has released the Platinum-certified The Great Divide (2005), Proof of Life (2013) which featured his first solo #1, “Slow Suicide,” and 2019’s The Space Between The Shadows. In April 2024, Stapp will reunite with his Creed bandmates for the first time in a decade.

Higher Power tracklist:

1. Higher Power           
2. Deadman's Trigger    
3. When Love Is Not Enough    
4. What I Deserve (feat. Yiannis Papadopoulos)
5. If These Walls Could Talk (feat. Dorothy)
6. Black Butterfly         
7. Quicksand (feat. Yiannis Papadopoulos)
8. You’re Not Alone     
9. Dancing in the Rain (feat. Yiannis Papadopoulos)
10. Weight of the World

Rising rock trio Florence Black have postponed the release of upcoming second album BED OF NAILS, due to an exciting opportunity. Originally scheduled for release this Friday, BED OF NAILS will now be released on 2nd February 2024. 

The band comment: "Due to some exciting developments behind the scenes, we've decided to postpone the release date to 2nd February 2024. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause, but we assure you that the wait will be worth it. The delay will allow us to fully realise our vision for this album. In the meantime, stay tuned for more updates and sneak peeks of the new music! Your continued support means the world to us."

BED OF NAILS is now scheduled to drop at the start of Florence Black's headline tour, the dates of which are unchanged.

More news to follow very soon about the band's extremely exciting next chapter.

Check out recent single 'WARNING SIGN' here: https://youtu.be/rkSTuHq_Qt4

Florence Black have performed at some of Europe’s biggest festivals this summer, including Hellfest, Resurrection and Sweden Rock Festival. The band will conclude 2023 with an appearance at Planet Rockstock. 

The trio will also embark on a UK headline tour in support of BED OF NAILS, set to take place in February 2024.

Full live dates:

Nov 30: Trecco Bay Planet Rockstock

Feb 01: Glasgow Classic Grand 
Feb 02: Newcastle University 
Feb 03: Manchester Academy 3
Feb 05: Nottingham Rescue Rooms 
Feb 06: Wolverhampton KK's Steel Mill 
Feb 08: Bournemouth The Old Fire Station
Feb 09: London The Dome 
Feb 10: Cardiff Tramshed 

Tickets are on sale here: https://www.florenceblack.uk

Florence Black [Planet Rock, Best New Band 2022] are award-winning guitarist Tristan Thomas (lead singer/guitar), Jordan Evans (bass/backing vocals) and Perry Davies (drums/backing vocals) from Merthyr Tydfil, in the rock/metal goldmine of the South Wales valleys.

Back in 2021, the band's standalone single 'BIRD ON A CHAIN' reached number 1 in the iTunes Rock chart. Their anticipated and critically acclaimed debut album WEIGHT OF THE WORLD followed in September, peaking at number 6 in the Official UK Rock & Metal Album Chart, Official UK Physical Album Sales Chart (#25), Official UK Independent Breakers Chart (#3) and Official UK Album Downloads Chart (#33). Singles from the album achieved their own successes: 'CAN YOU FEEL IT?' and fan-favourite 'SUN AND MOON' both became ‘Track of the Week’ in Classic Rock Magazine and both placed highly in the iTunes download chart on release. 'SUN AND MOON' was also added to Planet Rock Radio’s A-list and was highly praised by Kerrang! Magazine.

Florence Black kicked off 2022 with tours alongside Kris Barras Band and Ugly Kid Joe, followed by a tour as special guests on Steel Panther's Res:Erections tour. In a year peppered with festival appearances across Europe and the UK, they embarked on their biggest performances yet, with two sold-out stadium shows to 90,000 fans in Frankfurt, opening for German giants Bohse Onkelz. Florence Black were immediately invited back out to join Bohse Onkelz on their completely sold-out arena run of Germany in August and September. The band rounded off their busiest, most successful live year to date with their own largely sold-out WEIGHT OF THE WORLD headline run in October.

For more information:
https://www.florenceblack.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/florenceblackUK/
https://twitter.com/florenceblackUK/
https://www.instagram.com/florenceblackuk/

BED OF NAILS tracklisting: 

1. START AGAIN
2. DON’T HOLD ME DOWN
3. BED OF NAILS
4. TAXMAN
5. LOOK UP
6. WARNING SIGN
7. BEAUTIFUL LOVER
8. THE WAY HOME
9. SOLID 9
10. ROCKIN’ RING
11. THE FOREST
12. BACK TO THE END  

Photo Credit: Kieran Dhanjal

UK noise-punk outfit Muscle Vest have shared a lyric video for their single 'Don't Dream', to celebrate the release of their new LP THREEEPS, a compilation of the band's work to date, out today via Prank Monkey Records. 

Watch the lyric video here: https://youtu.be/akf8UcAvNm4

Stream THREEEPS: https://tr.ee/dRgKbIGk28

Muscle Vest comment: "THREEEPS is our first full-length release, compiling our first three EPs and two singles. It documents the first four years of the band's life and it's blossoming into a burly, sleeveless, noise machine.

"Our first release on vinyl, this compilation showcases the band's development from budding feedback merchants to a self-contained noise-punk powerhouse in one convenient package for the modern person terribly busy trying to navigate life on a dying planet."

Formed in late 2018, London noise-punks Muscle Vest carve songs out of chaos. Crawling out from the filth is hard hitting, heavy music about the strain of living through a time where everything seems to get worse every year for everyone. They have released three EPs: Human Resources, Live Laugh Loathe and Hot Hot Hate, as well as a split single with Struggles With Syntax titled 'God Doesn’t Love You'. 

Muscle Vest are known for their blistering, unpredictable live show. This has been honed from years of playing in London, around Southern UK, and from various jaunts around the country (such as the Hot Hot Hate tour which saw them play 10 dates between Bristol and Edinburgh). In August 2023 the band made their international debut in front of a packed house at Supersonic in Paris.

Debut vinyl release Threeeps, a compilation of the band's work to date, is released today.

Muscle Vest online:

Instagram | Facebook | Website

Threeeps tracklist:

Side A:
1. The Commuter
2. Scab
3. That'll Do, Pig
4. Pinch Me
5. Creepy Crawlie
6. Stray
7. A Slow Death
8. Blissbucket

Side B:
1. The Slaughtered Lamb
2. Don't Dream
3. Solitary Life
4. Fun Imaginative Murders
5. God Doesn't Love You
6. Glue Trap

Photo Credit: Andrew Basso

One of Australia’s most talked about breakthrough heavy acts, Melbourne quintet Future Static today release their highly anticipated debut album Liminality, via Wild Thing Records. To celebrate the release, they have unveiled single / video 'Plated Gold', featuring Sean Harmanis of Make Them Suffer.

Watch the video to 'Plated Gold' here: https://youtu.be/1SfS1sMSgB0

Stream / purchase Liminality here: https://ffm.to/futurestaticliminality

Liminality is an innate fusion of metalcore, progressive metal, alternative rock, and pop sensibilities, epitomised by infectious hooks against their explosive sound. The album was produced, mixed, and mastered by Christopher Vernon (Windwaker, The Beautiful Monument). The artwork was helmed by guitarist Jack Smith, with Liminality portraying the space between materialising and deteriorating in serene nothingness.

Singer Amariah Cook talks about the inspiration behind Liminality: "We're so proud to finally release our first full-length album, which we've been tirelessly working on and teasing to crowds for the past two years. Writing in lockdown allowed us to explore new ideas, technologies, and techniques in our own time and creature comforts. Whenever one of us would send through a new demo or piece to the aural puzzle, it felt like a gift in a time of persistent solitude. We emerged with a cohesive, yet diverse body of work, trickled with each member's unique musical voice and writing style. Everything about this album came from the heart and soul of the band. The best way to describe it? It is the physical representation of friendship, teamwork, and our unconditional love for music.”

The band have continuously released dazzling accompanying visuals for the album with longtime collaborator Colin Jeffs (Make Them Suffer, Alpha Wolf) of Ten of Swords Media filming music videos for 'Venenosa', 'Roach Queen', 'The Hourglass’, and 'Chemical Lobotomy'. The art video for 'Plated Gold’, out now and featuring guest vocals from Sean Harmanis of Make Them Suffer, was directed by Nevenko Sarunic of Heartline and Deadend Visuals, a relationship that bloomed while on tour in Australia in 2022, and also led to Heartline singer Luke Taylor featuring on ‘Illiad'.

Liminality is exemplified by its profound singles; the emotionally charged, hard hitting anthem ‘Roach Queen’, the effervescent ‘Plated Gold’, and acclaimed earlier singles ‘Waves and ‘Venenosa’. ‘Liminality’ also highlights the group’s breathtaking lead vocal tandem, with bassist Kira Neil showcasing her vocal talents and magical chemistry alongside the electrifying Melbourne born, Barcelona raised front-woman Amariah Cook; underlined on the progressive labyrinth ‘The Hourglass’ and alt-pop-core sensation ‘Chemical Lobotomy’. 

On the first week of Liminality, Future Static join German superstars Electric Callboy on their completely sold out Australian tour. The group recently concluded their first international jaunt across Europe and the UK, including dates with The Omnific, plus appearances at legendary German festivals Reeperbahn and Euroblast. Future international dates are on the horizon, including the recently announced RADAR Festival in the UK.

At home, the band have embarked on a two-year-long gauntlet of in-demand domestic touring, including supporting acts such as prog-metal powerhouse Jinjer and Eurovision alumni Voyager, plus being hand-chosen as special guests for shows with Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows, RedHook, Caligula's Horse, Windwaker, Bloom, and Circles. They've also performed at major festivals Knight & Day, UNIFY Forever, UNIFY - Off The Record, Alpha Wolf's CVLTFEST, and BIGSOUND.

Following taking the Australian live circuit by storm and their first international touring adventures, the release of Liminality marks the next step in the band’s hugely promising career.

Follow Future Static:

Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Twitter | Spotify
 
Follow Wild Thing Records:
Web | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify | YouTube

Liminality tracklisting:

01.    Chemical Lobotomy
02.    Venenosa
03.    Roach Queen
04.    Icarus
05.    …And The Walls That Were Built
06.    Waves
07.    Iliad [Featuring Luke Taylor of Heartline]
08.    Will I?
09.    The Hourglass
10.    Halfway Across The World
11.    Plated Gold [Featuring Sean Harmanis of Make Them Suffer]
12.    The Embers

Finnish progressive rock masters Von Hertzen Brothers have announced the release of their magical live performance at Tavastia, Finland, recorded earlier this year. Performing songs across their extensive catalogue, Live at Tavastia will be released as a live album on 16th February, and the concert will also be available to watch as an on-demand stream.

To celebrate the announcement, the band have unveiled a wonderful taster of what to expect from Live at Tavastia with a single and video for the live version of 'You Don't Know My Name'.

Watch the video for 'You Don't Know My Name' here: https://youtu.be/-oJLYmyvGmw

Pre-order / pre-save Live at Tavastia here: https://ffm.to/liveattavastia.OPR

Pre-order merch bundles here: https://www.vonhertzenbrothers.com/

Vocalist / guitarist Mikko von Hertzen commented: "There are a couple of things that we hear a lot on our tours around the world. One of them is, “I really like your studio albums, but now I’ve seen you play live, I get your band on a whole different level.”  We have been talking about releasing a live recording for as long as I can remember, and towards the end of our post-pandemic tour we decided to record and shoot a gig at our home venue here in Helsinki. There’s no such thing as a ‘regular VHB gig’, since for us, every night is always different and special. The night at Tavastia in February 2023 was an electrifying one and we hope that you get transported into that magical world through this recording. Play it loud!"

Live at Tavastia will be released as a limited edition (1000) gatefold double vinyl LP, limited edition (1000) gatefold double CD, and on all streaming platforms.

Blu-ray and T-shirt bundles will be available exclusively through the band’s website.

Live at Tavastia is the first release since Von Hertzen Brothers' highly acclaimed 2022 album Red Alert in the Blue Forest, which Prog magazine described as "A masterpiece". Von Hertzen Brothers have consistently achieved top 5 albums including three number 1s in their homeland with Love Remains the Same (2008), Stars Aligned (2011), Nine Lives (2013), New Day Rising (2015), War Is Over (2017) and Red Alert In The Blue Forest (2022).

Their ability to mould complex arrangements into vivid musical landscapes led to an Emma Award (the Finnish equivalent of a Grammy) and a Progressive Music ‘Anthem of the Year’ Award in the UK as well as nominations and plaudits along the way.

This success has made them one of the most important rock acts to have emerged from Finland in recent times. A stunning live force, the band have performed in 22 countries.

The three brothers are joined by one of Finland’s finest drummers, Sami Kuoppamäki, known for the acclaimed Finnish cult band Kingston Wall, and for performing in metal giants Apocalyptica and Stratovarius. Visionary keyboard player, Robert Engstrand, best known for his work with Turisas and the Swedish progressive band The Flower Kings completes the Von Hertzen Brothers line-up.

Next year Von Hertzen Brothers will enter the studio to record their ninth studio album, more news soon.

Von Hertzen Brothers are:
Mikko von Hertzen - vocals, guitars
Kie von Hertzen -  guitars, vocals
Jonne von Hertzen - bass, keyboards, vocals
Sami Kuoppamäki - drums
Robert Engstrand - keyboards, vocals

Von Hertzen Brothers online:  
http://www.vonhertzenbrothers.com/
https://www.facebook.com/vonhertzenbrothersofficial
https://www.instagram.com/vonhertzenbrothers/
https://www.youtube.com/vonhertzenrbothers
https://twitter.com/vonhertzenbros

Tracklist:

01 - Day of Reckoning
02 - Blue Forest
03 - The Promise
04 - Frozen Butterflies
05 - Jerusalem
06 - Peace Patrol
07 - Trouble
08 - You Don't Know My Name
09 - Flowers and Rust
10 - New Day Rising
11 - All of a Sudden, You're Gone
12 - Long Lost Sailor
13 - Sunday Child

Photo Credit: Jana Boese

German metal quintet Half Me have released new single 'Concrete Ceiling', the first new music since their highly acclaimed debut album SOMA, out earlier this year via Arising Empire.

Check out the video for 'Concrete Ceiling' here: https://youtu.be/m9RALf7d0pE

Stream/purchase here:  https://arisingempire.com/concreteceiling

Half Me made a striking entry into the heavy music world with their highly acclaimed debut album SOMA, blending metal, hardcore, and experimental styles. Their distinct sound, marked by powerful riffs and reflective lyrics, garnered immediate acclaim and a loyal following. Now they are back and more heated than ever.

New single 'Concrete Ceiling' targets inequality on a worldwide scale. No moralising, no bullsh*t, no holding back. It paves the way for a new directive, visceral and raw in words and sound.

Formed in Hamburg in 2018, Half Me - guitarists Chris and Julius, vocalist Chris, drummer Max and bassist Tobias - are one of the latest additions to the Arising Empire roster. Musically, Half Me blend a modern rendition of metal and hardcore with highlights of 90s nu-metal. Pounding riffs and breakdowns are accompanied by brutal, yet sometimes elegant, vocals that all balance together to formulate the band’s own distinctive sound. 

In the space of just two years, Half Me have made an impact in the music scene by self-producing their music and videos, displaying their intensive and energetic demeanour. Debuting with four singles initially, it was their their single 'Exitwound' (featuring Jack Bergin of Void of Vision) that gave the group a breakthrough and landed the band in the spotlight of Knotfest’s Countdown to Oblivion.

Riding the high of their recent success, Half Me’s highly anticipated debut album SOMA was met with huge critical acclaim. 2024 promises to be a big year or this firey quintet.

Half Me are:

Christopher Zühlke | vocals
Christopher Hesse | guitar
Julius Jansen | guitar
Tobias Max Sajons | bass
Maximilian Eisersdorff | drums

Half Me online:
Facebook || Twitter || Instagram || TikTok

Photo Credit: Deadape Films

Defocus have released a video for their new single 'crooked mind', out now via Arising Empire. The track follows the band's previous new singles 'let the bond be my grave' and 'biased', their first new material since their highly acclaimed debut album In The Eye Of Death We Are All The Same. 

Watch the video for 'crooked mind' here: https://youtu.be/OE73up0F3_w

Stream / purchase here: https://arisingempire.com/crookedmind

'crooked mind' is immediately impactful on the mind, as it unfolds its heaviness, guided by the chaos within the lyrics. On the single, the band comment: "When plagued by a crooked mind, people often feel as though they are not alone in their thoughts. Voices, speaking in unfamiliar ways, manipulate and distort their internal perception of self, creating a sense of disconnection and confusion."

Founded by Simon Müller, Jeffrey Uhlmann, Jonas Mahler and Marcel “Bambam” Heberling, the German quartet launched in 2019, instantly proving their worth in the scene with their energetic live shows and their hard-hitting debut album In The Eye Of Death We Are All The Same.  

Stream/purchase In The Eye Of Death We Are All The Same here: https://defocus.lnk.to/intheeyeofdeath

Defocus are:

Simon Müller | Vocals
Jeffrey Uhlmann | Guitar
Marcel "Bambam" Heberling | Bass
Jonas Mahler | Drums

Defocus online:
https://www.instagram.com/defocus.band
https://www.facebook.com/defocus
http://defocusband.com