German metalcore band SENNA release their highly anticipated debut album Stranger To Love today via SharpTone Records, marking a bold new chapter in the band's evolution. Arriving alongside the album is the official music video for 'Potential', a visually arresting piece that dives deep into the album’s central theme: the quiet, often unnoticed moments that define human connection.
Watch: https://youtu.be/16yIrSPet1g
Buy/stream Stranger To Love here: https://bfan.link/stranger-to-love
Following the acclaimed singles 'High Note', 'Rain', 'Blackout' and the recently released 'Hurricane', 'Potential' further cements SENNA’s ability to craft music that resonates on a deeply personal level while pushing the boundaries of their sound. With 'Stranger To Love', SENNA present an intimate and deeply reflective collection of songs that explore the subtleties of human connection and personal growth.
Marcel Dürr, SENNA guitarist, speaking on the album’s themes, shares: "Stranger To Love is a collection of anecdotes from our own personal lives. These stories are not special in the sense that they are not extraordinary or unique to just us. They are not these once-in-a-lifetime experiences that change everything. They’re the kinds of experiences that happen quietly, in everyday moments. A conversation that didn’t go as planned. Feelings that linger longer than they should. Slowly realizing that things have changed in a relationship. What makes these stories meaningful is not that they are special, but that they are real. They happen to us, they happen to people everywhere, every day. Sometimes they happen in obvious ways, sometimes in ways that barely get noticed. They’re part of what it means to figure things out. In the end, these moments connect us, even if we experience them in our own way."
For more:
https://linktr.ee/senna.band
https://www.facebook.com/senna.band
https://www.instagram.com/senna.band
Colombian metal/hardcore crossover force Poison the Preacher erupt onto the global heavy music stage today with the release of their anticipated debut album, Vs The World, via Seek and Strike. A bold and crushing record, it pushes the boundaries of thrash, death metal, beatdown and hardcore, fusing these elements into a uniquely aggressive and deeply personal sound.
To mark release day, the band have unveiled a new single and video, 'Dying Every Day' featuring a standout guest performance from Devin Swank of Sanguisugabogg. The track leans into slower, groove-oriented territory while retaining the band’s trademark intensity, with Swank’s unmistakable vocals bringing a heavier edge to an already crushing mix.
Watch the video for 'Dying Every Day feat Sanguisugabogg' here: https://youtu.be/wl5vdSFOAzc
Stream Vs The World here: https://orcd.co/ptpvstheworld
With additional guest spots on the album from members of Dead Heat, VS The World is a culmination of years of evolution and experimentation, a fearless debut that embodies the raw, unrelenting spirit of Colombia’s underground metal scene. It’s a strong statement from a band pushing their boundaries to the limit, fusing elements of thrash, hardcore and crossover with the grit of bands like Drain, Judiciary, Municipal Waste and Sunami.
Comments vocalist/guitarist Juan Pablo: “Our new single, 'Dying Every Day', came from more of a slam, beatdown and death metal mindset. This was also one of the first songs that we wrote for the record, so it really opened our mind to what was possible with our sound. This is the song that gave us the idea to do the collabs because we were writing certain parts with a massive growling, brutal deep voice in mind. We immediately thought of asking Devin from Sanguisugabogg if he wanted to jump on the track. The worst he could say was no but he was really into it and really supportive. I really think he brings that brutality to the song that it desperately needed. I think it's really cool to hear his deep monster voice in a different context.
“This album feels like a huge leap forward for us,” Juan continues. “It’s the culmination of everything we’ve done up to this point. Everything fell into place and we’ve finally developed a sound that truly represents who we are. This is us, unapologetically.”
Vs The World is a testament to the band’s relentless drive to push further and evolve. "This record has put us in a mindset of constant improvement, experimentation, and growth,” he adds. "We don’t want to make the same song twice. Every track on Vs The World comes from a different place. There’s something for everyone here. Whether you're into thrash, death metal, hardcore or something in between, we’re bringing it all together in a fresh, unique way.”
Poison the Preacher refuse to be confined to a single genre, blending elements of thrash, hardcore, death metal and beyond. "We’re not just a thrash band with breakdowns," Juan explains. "We’re a proud fusion of all the heavy music you love, with a perspective that challenges what you expect from a metal band."
For fans new to Poison the Preacher, Vs The World promises a diverse, genre blurring experience that offers something for everyone in the heavy music world. "If you’re into thrash, death metal, hardcore, anything in the heavy music world, there’s a song here for you," the band notes. "And for our fans, you’re going to see us evolve and diversify even more. We’re not reinventing the wheel, but we’re definitely bringing something new to the table."
With this album, Poison the Preacher cement their place as a band committed to musical evolution and offering a unique perspective on the world of heavy music.
For more:
https://www.facebook.com/poisonthepreacher
https://www.instagram.com/poisonthepreacher
https://linktr.ee/PoisonThePreacher
Track-list:
1. Future Tense
2. Sucker Punch ft. Chris Ramos (Dead Heat)
3. Dying Every Day ft. Devin Swank (Sanguisugabogg)
4. 1312
5. Hate Too Much
6. Congelado en el Tiempo
7. Promise To Pay
8. One Man Army
9. Us Against The World
Photo Credit: Arne Beschorner
Fiery punk, indie rock band PLAIINS have announced their long-awaited debut album Happy Faces, set for release on 15th August via Long Branch Records. They have also unveiled the third single taken from the album, 'Row She Said'.
Stream 'Row She Said' here: https://plaiins.lnk.to/rowshesaid
Pre-order Happy Faces here: https://plaiins.lnk.to/happyfaces
“'Row She Said' is a song against right wing nationalism," comments singer Chris Reardon. "We talked about writing a song like this for a while, I wanted to do it with class and not something lyrically one dimensional, it had to be done poetically with layers and also open for different interpretations unless you read the lyrics and also knew the context where we were coming from. They're my favourite kind of songs, especially when discussing a topic such as this. There's too many punk songs that tackle this subject too plainly in my opinion, although that also has its place. But I think we really did it right on this one. 'She' in this context is the country where the protagonist is from and how they feel their country calls them and pushes them to protect their idea of sovereignty. I was writing more from the UK point of view, where I'm from, especially in the wake of Brexit, but we also wrote it from the perspective where the guys are from, Germany, but can apply to any country really."
PLAIINS have been on a steamroller since their inception in late 2020. Already playing with the likes of ITCHY, Cold Years, LEAP, Press Club and many more, the band bring a unique blend of British punk, indie and rock, pulling inspiration from the likes of IDLES, Hives, Soft Play, Bad Nerves, The Streets and Viagra Boys. PLAIINS have already released over twenty songs to date, regularly hitting the top playlists on Spotify and feaatures on BBC Radio 1 and BBC Introducing. There’s no stopping their momentum.
"I wanted us to make an album that would stand the test of time, is coherent and characterful, unique and of our own and would be a great contribution to the wonderful catalogue of rock music. I have so much love, reverence and adoration for the greats and I wanted us to at least be on that level," says Chris Reardon.
PLAIINS are:
Chris Reardon - Vocals, Guitars
Timon Lanzinger - Bass
David Suhlrie - Drums
Florian Kaninck - Guitars
PLAIINS online:
https://www.tiktok.com/@plaiinsband
https://www.facebook.com/plaiinsband
https://www.instagram.com/plaiinsband_
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3gUHDc3I3G1bFRElrj90fR?si=cIPo71aqRg-Cr_gHw_3svQ
Track list:
1. Happy Faces
2. Dirty Fish
3. Be More Animal
4. Hotel Biscuits
5. Amazon Warehouse
6. Do One
7. Executive Me
8. Beef Cake
9. Sports Bar
10. Row She Said
11. C’est La Vie
12. Special K
13. Four AM
Product versions:
CD Edition in a Digipak
LP Edition in a sleeve incl. marbled dark red coloured vinyl and LP insert
Standard stream & download
Photo Credit: Thad Sisneros
Born in the heart of Denver and forged in the chaos of basement jam sessions, Fox Lake have been sharpening their sound since 2017 with a volatile mix of metalcore, hardcore, hip-hop and rock ‘n’ roll. Now, the band are ready to embrace their next chapter with the announcement of their forthcoming album New World Heat, set for release on 1st August via MNRK HEAVY.
The band have also released a video for new single 'Pure Adrenaline'. Bolstered by chunky grooves, a boatload of bounce, extreme vocal swagger fused with furious screams and an onslaught of rhythmic aftershocks, 'Pure Adrenaline' will reverberate pits from coast to coast this summer.
Watch the video for 'Pure Adrenaline' here: https://youtu.be/Gg3P_8sF9kE
Stream 'Pure Adrenaline' here: https://foxlake.ffm.to/pureadrenaline
Pre-order New World Heat here: https://foxlake.ffm.to/newworldheat
"Even though 'Pure Adrenaline' didn't come together until the latter half of the recording process for the album, most of the ingredients existed as far back as 2021," the band shares, revealing the single's origin story. "The majority of the instrumental demo was written years ago and the lyrics and energy were conceptualized in our first few conversations about what we wanted to bring to this album.
"We all came together and unanimously agreed that we wanted the new songs to be faster, more visceral, more concrete, and most importantly, all gas, no brakes. Pure f**king adrenaline."
Reading the lyrics throughout New World Heat, Fox Lake reveal the redemptive theme at the album's beating heart, stating, "The basic concept of the album is about burning things down in order to restart. It's about who you are versus who you want to be. The world you live in versus the world you want to live in. It takes guts to strip everything away and take a hard, honest look at your life and the world around you."
Continuing, "Everyone has things that hold them down and things that seem to hold their reality in place. Habits, social circles, vices, beliefs, political systems, traumas, etc. Those things will be different for everyone. But the one constant is that action begets action and inaction begets inaction. You either drown in complacency or burn parts of yourself away to create a better world. We all have a choice. Musically, we felt like this concept fit perfectly with where we were at. We all have different inspirations that we want to bring into Fox Lake. It can be tricky to mesh together all the genres that we're inspired by while still having an original sound."
The band finishes, "So for this record, we burned down the limitations we had previously put on ourselves and restarted our writing process with a singular goal, to sound like Fox Lake. The end result is an album that we're extremely excited about and that feels very authentic to us. The music is faster, heavier, groovier, and catchier than ever before. It's a new sound for a new world. Everyone is going to have different opinions on whether the band is more hardcore, nu-metal, rock or metalcore. But everyone's gonna know it's Fox Lake."
To support New World Heat, Fox Lake will hit the road hard. Fans can expect plenty of touring in the months ahead - stay tuned for details on where the chaos lands next.
Watch previous singles, 'Savior' here and 'Cold Hard Truth' here.
Fox Lake online:
Website || Facebook || Instagram || MNRK Heavy website
Tracklisting:
1) For The Love of the Game
2) Tough Luck
3) Freestyle
4) Go 4 The Throat
5) Cold Hard Truth
6) Real Fast
7) h a l f t i m e
8) Pure Adrenaline
9) Headshot
10) Savior
11) Gut Check
12) Excessive Damage
Gothenburg's inimitable noise experimentalists Blessings have given another glimpse of their third album Blodsträngen (1st August, Pelagic Records) with new single 'No Good Things'.
Stream and pre-order: https://orcd.co/blessingsb
Watch the visualiser for 'No Good Things': https://youtu.be/RMVGaRwRK1w
The new album begins and ends in the same space: the rehearsal room.
In between these moments however, Blodsträngen knows no boundaries; it rampages through your inner sanctum, upending everything it can, razing everything you hold dear and drawing on the walls whilst panting, drooling and muttering to itself in strange tongues...
With all four members of Blessings already veterans of numerous bands and several distinct scenes throughout their native Sweden, the group came together with the idea of creating something wholly their own, rather than compromising to fit in elsewhere. The resultant sound is a cacophony of influences where nothing is sacred and no idea is thrown out; all that matters is all playing disgustingly loud music together in a room.
Blodsträngen, which can be translated as ‘The Bloodline’ or ‘The Blood String’ is another bracing evolution of Blessings’ truly inimitable sound, pushing the band’s percussive and found-sound textural elements even further to embrace a wild sonic palette that blends modular synths with crushing guitar feedback and even the occasional cowbell.
It should come as no surprise that Blessings’ debut album, 2012’s Bittervatten, is abrasive, crusty and intriguingly in-your-face as the band barely manage to contain the barrage of influences from across the heavy spectrum. Years of near-constant touring and creative experimentation followed, and later came Biskopskniven in 2021; still deafeningly loud and defiantly confrontational, the album brought with it a sense of uneasy patience and seething restraint as the band trimmed the fat and found a new menace in machine-like repetition courtesy of drummer Mattias Rasmusson and synth player/percussionist Erik Skytt.
Each Blessings album to date includes a song by the name of ‘Strings of Red’, an unspoken narrative that charts the band’s unique journey through genre. As such, Blodsträngen opener and lead single ‘Strings of Red’ sets pulses racing with a loping percussive loop before the song abruptly explodes into a double-time thrash-metal dirge with Fredrik Karlsson’s gravel-soaked voice leading the charge and Johan G. Winther swiftly joining him. Before we know it though, the song turns on its heels again as a nightmarish, prog-like synth motif possesses the song and sends all into a downward spiral of equal parts euphoria and delirium.
Elsewhere, the likes of ‘No Good Things’ pairs the filthiest bass sound you’ve ever heard with a shuffling, playful xylophone-like synth refrain and haunting baritone vocals before collapsing in on itself as underneath colossal guitar riffs and black metal blast beats.
‘Alt Vi Kan Ge Ar Upp’ (All We Can Give Is Up) is as cutting, angular and cathartic as the song’s title suggests. A relentless 3/4 groove all but trips over itself as the growl of guitars builds to breaking point and the track spills into a half-time doom waltz with soaring bittersweet pipe organ melodies and a harrowed vocal lament colliding to briefly create something staggeringly beautiful before crumbling into its separate parts and melting away to nothing…
Blodsträngen is Blessings fine-tuning their deliberately dissonant sound whilst simultaneously casting their net wide for ever more left-field, experimental influences; a disparate collection of idiosyncrasies that the band somehow manage to pull into something cohesive, captivating and empowering. The band leave the messages and meanings behind their music open to interpretation as a means of sharing this attitude of openness with their audience because remember, when all is said and done, all that matters is all playing disgustingly loud music together in a room.
Blessings are:
Fredrik Karlsson
Mattias Rasmusson
Johan G. Winther
Erik Skytt
Blessings online:
INSTAGRAM • FACEBOOK • SPOTIFY • BANDCAMP
Side A
1. Raised On Graves
2. Strings of Red
3. Clean
Side B
4. No Good Things
5. Alt Vi Kan Ge Ar Upp
6. Copper + Dirt
7. Through Veils of Glass and Silica
Freddy Lim, vocalist of the renowned Taiwanese metal band CHTHONIC, has been appointed as Taiwan's next ambassador to Finland.
CHTHONIC have a long-standing connection with Finland, having signed with Finnish label Spinefarm/Universal and released several internationally distributed albums, including Mirror of Retribution (2009), Takasago Army (2011), and Bu-Tik (2013). The band have performed in Finnish cities such as Helsinki, Tampere, and Turku, toured with Finnish acts like Ensiferum, Turisas, and Korpiklaani, and even collaborated with Finnish violinist Olli Vänskä at Wacken Open Air. Freddy’s ties to Finland run deep.
Finland, often cited as the most heavy metal-loving country in the world, boasts over 80 metal bands per 100,000 people. The idea of appointing a heavy metal vocalist as ambassador to the metal capital of the world is a truly unique and fitting decision.
From 2010 to 2014, Freddy served as Chair of Amnesty International Taiwan, actively participating in global human rights initiatives and frequently interacting with counterparts from Finland, Sweden, and Germany at international conferences. From 2016 to 2024, he served two terms as a member of Taiwan’s legislature, becoming the first heavy metal musician in the world to enter a national parliament. During his tenure, he pushed for legislation that made Taiwan the first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage and advocated for stronger protections for indigenous rights. He also supported budgets to provide humanitarian aid to Ukraine and championed transitional justice, calling for the declassification of documents from Taiwan’s authoritarian past to ensure truth and justice in society.
Freddy was a key figure in the legislature’s Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee, where he played an active role in parliamentary diplomacy. He spoke at the Copenhagen Democracy Summit in Denmark in 2022 and the Oslo Freedom Forum in Norway in 2023, highlighting the universality of human rights and freedom, and garnering international support for Taiwan.
Freddy states: "Beyond my musical ties, my long-standing commitment to human rights, progressive values, and the fight against authoritarianism are ideals that Taiwan and Finland deeply share. These are all areas where our future cooperation and exchange can grow stronger."
CHTHONIC recently released a new single, Endless Aeons, a new live EP MEGAPORTAL2425 and announced that a new album is in the works. When asked whether there will be future musical collaborations with Finland, Freddy responded: "There are no specific plans yet, but I definitely hope to bring more Taiwanese music, film, and cultural works to audiences in Finland and across Europe!"
CHTHONIC have released several albums including Mirror of Retribution (2009), Takasago Army (2011), and Butik (2013) on Spinefarm/Universal Music. In their time they've performed at such fêted events as Ozzfest, Download Festival, Wacken Open Air and have toured Europe and North America multiple times.
However, the band's activity halted in 2016 when lead vocalist Freddy Lim was elected to Taiwanese Parliament.
For almost a decade, Freddy has been occupied with parliamentary work, and other members have been working on their own projects - resulting in only occasional large Taiwan performances for the CHTHONIC. Occasional musical output followed (2018's Battlefields of Asura album and 2023's 'Pattonkan' single, which was selected to GRAMMY's Global Spin) but almost all overseas performances were halted.
Although CHTHONIC have stayed low-profiled in recent years, in 2019 they performed with an orchestra in front of Taiwan's Presidential Palace to an audience of 50,000.
Now, CHTHONIC return. The band are working on new songs, and could possibly return to global stages once more again soon.
CHTHONIC are:
Freddy Lim (lead vocals)
Doris Yeh (bass, backing vocals)
Jesse Liu (guitars, backing vocals)
Dani Wang (drums)
CJ Kao (keyboards, synthesiser)
For more information:
https://www.instagram.com/chthonictw
https://chthonic.tw/en
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3mBFvlqINbTNsRB6htlJEY
https://www.facebook.com/chthonictw
Acclaimed UK metallic hardcore troupe Ithaca have released their final ever single, the self-titled 'Ithaca'.
Stream here: https://hasslerecords.ffm.to/ithaca
The band comment: "'Ithaca' means home, the place you return to when the journey is complete. In this final song, we put this band to rest. Every memory, every tear, every laugh is in here. Thank you for everything. Om namo naryanaya."
Ithaca's final performance will take place at this year's ArcTanGent festival: https://arctangent.co.uk
Order Ithaca's second and final album They Fear Us here: https://hasslerecords.com/pages/ithaca
A shining light in the heavy scene, Ithaca close a chapter as one of the most exciting and vital voices in the UK. Formed out of a mutual love of metallic hardcore but despair at its lack of ambition, Ithaca exist to challenge everything you thought a band that makes heavy music should look and sound like.
A glitter-covered nailbomb, Ithaca seamlessly blend the brutality of Relapse Records metalcore with blackgaze, 90s industrial metal, 70s prog and even tinges of 80s power pop. Their influences stretch beyond the musical - this album comes with a clear vision and aesthetic: drawing from members’ different ancestral heritage, queer/non-conforming identities and iconic figures in avant-garde, new wave and post-punk culture.
Their second album They Fear Us is the sound of a band healing from trauma - standing in their own, unapologetic voice. Furious and wildly inventive while also being more coherent and accessible, this album introduces Ithaca to a wider audience than they’ve ever had before. In the words of the band: ‘those who oppose us; your sins will catch up to you. You will fear us’.
Ithaca's 2019 lauded debut The Language of Injury was followed by their early 2020 tour with Grammy-nominated indie-rock band Big Thief, starting at London’s Hammersmith Apollo.
Press support from The Guardian, Pitchfork, BBC R1, Metal Hammer, Kerrang!, Rock Sound, Revolver, Decibel, BrooklynVegan, and performances with Bleeding Through, Jamie Lenman, Anaal Nathrakh, The Number Twelve Looks Like You, at Boomtown Fair and ArcTanGent Festival marked Ithaca as one of the UK's most vibrant new voices. Ithaca have also appeared on Ed Gamble’s Spotify podcast ‘Lifers’, Sky News and BBC3.
For more information:
https://www.facebook.com/IthacaUK
https://twitter.com/ITHACABAND
https://www.instagram.com/ithacaband
https://www.hasslerecords.com/
Taiwan's metal masters CHTHONIC have released a new live EP MEGAPORTAL2425, including five select songs from the band's appearances at 2024 and 2025 Megaport Festivals.
Stream: https://lnk.to/muziu-0524
There has been a consistent theme in CHTHONIC’s performances at Megaport Festival over the past two years - breaking the boundary between reality and illusion, and bringing onto stage the virtual. In 2024, technology was used to allow virtual characters to be presented in real time on the big screen, and in 2025, these characters appeared onstage in person - interacting with the virtual big screen characters.
Lead vocalist Freddy explains that the screen at these two concerts are a "tunnel of time and space", "portals" in time-travel dramas. "The virtual time and space are connected to the real world through the portals. We see the virtual character through the screen, and the character sees us in the real world. When we performed 'Endless Aeons', the character travelled through and appeared in the real world," he states.
Other than 'Endless Aeons', the interweaving of time and space appears throughout other songs included in this live EP. The overture 'MEGAPORTAL INTRO' superimposes different versions of the band's smash single 'Takao', presenting a chaotic and thrilling atmosphere; 'Quell the Souls in Sing Ling Temple' is a battle across the world and the underworld; for 'Defenders of Bú-Tik Palace–acoustic version', Finn, a character who has appeared in several CHTHONIC music videos in the past decade, came to life onstage.
CHTHONIC will now turn their attention to a new album, with no future performance plans in the short term. For now, the band invite fans to enjoy the live EP.
CHTHONIC have released several albums including Mirror of Retribution (2009), Takasago Army (2011), and Butik (2013) on Spinefarm/Universal Music. In their time they've performed at such fêted events as Ozzfest, Download Festival, Wacken Open Air and have toured Europe and North America multiple times.
However, the band's activity halted in 2016 when lead vocalist Freddy Lim was elected to Taiwanese Parliament.
For almost a decade, Freddy has been occupied with parliamentary work, and other members have been working on their own projects - resulting in only occasional large Taiwan performances for the CHTHONIC. Occasional musical output followed (2018's Battlefields of Asura album and 2023's 'Pattonkan' single, which was selected to GRAMMY's Global Spin) but almost all overseas performances were halted.
Although CHTHONIC have stayed low-profiled in recent years, in 2019 they performed with an orchestra in front of Taiwan's Presidential Palace to an audience of 50,000.
People say rock can change the world, and Freddy Lim made that a reality during his two terms in parliament, advocating for reform. Freddy pushed for legislation to make Taiwan’s first Asian country to have marriage equality, and for greater protection of indigenous rights. Additionally, he pushed for increased budgetary aid for humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, and advocated for “transitional justice”, demanding that government declassify files from Taiwan's past authoritarian era.
This hit home unexpectedly in 2023. Declassified files revealed the sorrowful and previously unknown past of Freddy’s family. Combining history and mythology, it is perhaps not coincidental that CHTHONIC’s music told the sorrowful yet brave stories of Freddy’s grandparents. Shocked at the news and overwhelmed by emotion, Freddy called time on his eight year service in parliament, and announced that he would not seek re-election.
Now, CHTHONIC return. The band are working on new songs, and could possibly return to global stages once more again soon.
CHTHONIC are:
Freddy Lim (lead vocals)
Doris Yeh (bass, backing vocals)
Jesse Liu (guitars, backing vocals)
Dani Wang (drums)
CJ Kao (keyboards, synthesiser)
For more information:
https://www.instagram.com/chthonictw
https://chthonic.tw/en
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3mBFvlqINbTNsRB6htlJEY
https://www.facebook.com/chthonictw
MEGAPORTAL 2425 tracklisting:
1. MEGAPORTAL INTRO
2. Quell the Souls in Sing Ling Temple
3. Endless Aeons
4. Defenders of the Bu-Tik Palace-acoustic
5. TAKAO
Renowned modern guitarists KEYAN & Connor Kaminski unveil their progressive metal three-track collaborative EP Kinetic today, and share the final video for 'Pirouette', featuring none other than guitar masters Adam 'Nolly' Getgood of Periphery and Jack Gardiner.
Watch 'Pirouette' here: https://youtu.be/3aAmdPJtDks
Pre-order Kinetic here: https://keyanhoushmand.bandcamp.com/album/kinetic
'Pirouette' is the centrepiece of KEYAN & Connor Kaminski’s new EP, releasing with a video that features all four guitarists, weaving between playthroughs and behind the scenes footage. Pirouette' completes a trilogy of movements that began with 'Swell' and 'Oscillate'.
KEYAN, a Fender/Jackson-endorsed shred-lord and YouTube sensation, has made waves in the global guitar community through his social media presence and online persona. Known for his technical prowess and ability to bridge social media virality with serious musicianship, KEYAN has shared the stage with progressive metal icons like Animals As Leaders, Periphery, Intervals, Leprous and more, and has over 50M YouTube views to boast.
Across the ocean, 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.
The pair pool their talent on Kinetic, a 20+ minute progressive metal journey, exploring the concept of movement in relation to the human experience. Described by Beat Magazine as: "a match made in prog rock heaven", the release showcases the unique synergy between KEYAN and Connor’s distinct playing styles, offering a dynamic listening experience that blends soaring leads, intricate rhythms, and cinematic soundscapes. The EP’s first single, 'Swell', was released earlier this month, and offered listeners a taste of the duo’s technical brilliance, with triple j and Void of Vision's Jack Bergin awarding the track 5 stars on Unearthed and reviewing with: "Beautifully organised, KEYAN is a musical genius and true master of his craft. Next Aus guitar hero, name needs to be on more lips!".
Kinetic features guest performances from two modern guitar titans - Adam 'Nolly' Getgood from Periphery, who is known for his precision production work and bass/guitar mastery, and Jack Gardiner - known for his melodic phrasing and jazz-fusion-infused approach to prog.
With Kinetic, KEYAN and Connor set out to push the boundaries of instrumental progressive metal, showcasing a new chapter in the evolution of modern guitar music. The EP captures the energy, complexity, and technicality that define their artistry, solidifying them as key players in the global prog scene.
For more:
Connor Kaminski
https://www.instagram.com/connor.kaminski
https://www.youtube.com/@ConnorKaminski
KEYAN
https://www.instagram.com/keyanhoushmandlive
https://www.youtube.com/c/keyanhoushmandlive
