US metalcore quintet Foreword have announced their new EP Exposition, due for release on 20th February via Seek and Strike, alongside the reveal of its first single and video, 'Intimate Torment'.

Watch the video for 'Intimate Torment' here: https://youtu.be/dU0w53Jlic8

Pre-save Exposition here: https://orcd.co/forewordep2026

New single 'Intimate Torment' sets the emotional tone for the EP. Raw and unflinchingly honest, the track showcases Foreword’s ability to balance weight and atmosphere while exploring deeply personal lyricism. The video reflects that same intent, stripping things back visually to focus on performance and the discomfort at the heart of the song.

“For the ‘Intimate Torment’ video, we made a very intentional decision to keep things simple,” the band say. “The idea was to introduce a newer color palette for the band while letting the lyrics do the heavy lifting. Instead of distracting visuals, the focus stayed on the members’ performances and emotion, giving the song space to feel as raw as it’s meant to be.”

Often cited as a modern embodiment of classic early-2000s metalcore, Foreword lean fully into that lineage on Exposition but with sharpened edges and a wider sonic lens. Across the EP, crushing rhythm-driven foundations collide with layered synths, cinematic atmospheres and moments of restraint that allow the heaviness to hit harder. 

Foreword comment on the EP: "This EP carries a particularly personal weight for us as a band. It represents a moment where we allowed ourselves to fully lean into the sounds, textures and influences that have shaped us over the years, while still pushing our identity forward. A major source of inspiration came from modern gaming soundtracks, most notably titles like DOOM and Cyberpunk 2077, which encouraged us to think more cinematically and atmospherically in our writing.

Exposition was recorded with producer Cory Brunnemann (Nonpoint, Upon A Burning Body, Zahna), whose collaborative approach played a key role in shaping the EP’s cohesive identity. Departing from their more prescriptive methods of the past, Foreword placed a higher level of trust in the studio process, allowing ideas to evolve organically.

“We brought Cory a wide range of ambitious and sometimes unconventional ideas,” the band explain. “His ability to translate our more chaotic and abstract concepts into something focused, impactful and consistent elevated the songs beyond what we feel we could have achieved on our own.”

Lyrically, Exposition is rooted in self-reflection and internal conflict, documenting moments of doubt, frustration, guilt and emotional tension that were still unresolved as the songs were written. Rather than offering closure, the EP exists in that uneasy middle ground capturing vulnerability as it happens, not after the fact.

The result is an EP that feels immersive and deeply honest, one that expands Foreword’s sound while preserving the intensity and emotion at their core. For fans of Paleface Swiss, I Prevail, Landmvrks and modern metalcore that blends aggression with mood and accessibility, Exposition marks a significant and compelling evolution.

Foreword are:
Vocals - Andy Alderson
Guitar/Vocals - Chris Se Cret
Guitar - Marco Gomez
Bass - Manny G

For more:
Instagram | Spotify

Track-list:
1. Shepard to the Black Sheep
2. Am I Dreaming (Wide-Awake)
3. Hunger Sickness
4. Read Between the Lines
5. Intimate Torment
6. Self-Immolate 

If anyone wondered how Inkcarceration Festival might top last year’s record-breaking event that drew in 90,000 music fans, all it takes is a look at the lineup for the 2026 edition. More than 65 bands will take over the historic Ohio State Reformatory grounds in Mansfield, Ohio on 17-19 July, led by:

Friday 17th July: Disturbed, Papa Roach, Cypress Hill, Hollywood Undead
Saturday 18th July: Bad Omens, Gojira, The Used, Sleeping with Sirens
Sunday 19th July: Limp Bizkit, A Day To Remember, Motionless In White, Ice Nine Kills
 
Also featuring 100+ tattoo artists, haunted attractions and tours of the prison made famous in The Shawshank Redemption, America's Rock & Metal Tattoo Festival, co-produced by Danny Wimmer Presents and Reinkcarceration LLC, is one of the most unique events in the summer festival season.

The full music lineup for the 8th year of Inkcarceration – including several reunions and rare performances – is as follows:

Limp Bizkit, Disturbed, Bad Omens, Gojira, Papa Roach, A Day To Remember, Motionless in White, Ice Nine Kills, Cypress Hill, The Used, Lorna Shore, Sleeping with Sirens,  Hollywood Undead, Poppy, Starset, Machine Head, Tech N9ne, Jinjer, Hatebreed, Sleep Theory, Fit For A King, Get Scared, Memphis May Fire, Rev Theory, Jutes, LANDMVRKS, Dying Wish, Sanguisugabogg, Lacuna Coil, Escape The Fate, Alien Ant Farm, Miss May I, Caskets, PeelingFlesh, Spite, Point North, Norma Jean, Silent Planet, Born of Osiris, Nevertel, Left To Suffer, Thousand Below, 156/Silence, Archers, Static Dress, Ded, If Not For Me, Wolves At The Gate, Fox Lake, Earshot, King 810, Silly Goose, Guilt Trip, Cane Hill, Entheos, Versus Me, Snuffed On Sight, The Crimson Armada, Synestia, Corpse Pile, Heavy//Hitter, ENMY, Night Rider, Filth, Jeffrey Nothing, Vicar Blood and Killstreak.
 
Some of the special appearances and reunions at Inkcarceration will include:

• Sleeping with Sirens celebrating 15 Years of Let's Cheers To This

• Rev Theory’s rare reunion

• Alien Ant Farm celebrating 25th anniversary of ANThology

• Additional reunions from Get Scared and The Crimson Armada (home state reunion)

• Hometown/home state shows from Starset, Sanguisugabogg, Night Rider, Miss May I, Wolves At The Gate and ENMY

During the festival, Inkcarceration attendees will have the opportunity to get inked at Monster Energy Tattoo X, the onsite tattoo convention hosted inside the world-famous prison. In addition, fans can take self-guided tours of the reportedly haunted building during Inkcarceration with the award-winning Blood Prison experience.
 
“Tim Robbins says in The Shawshank Redemption, ‘get busy living, or get busy dying,’ and we’re thrilled to share our songs of living and dying when INK descends on INKcarceration,” said Ice Nine Kills’ Spencer Charnas.
 
"I was SUPER excited when I got the word I was playing at Inkcarceration Festival because I’ve always seemed to be touring around it with artists who’ve played there frequently,” added Tech N9ne. “Honored to be part of such a huge festival."
 
“We’re fired up to welcome Limp Bizkit back to Inkcarceration. Their recent South American stadium run has sent social media into overdrive, and we’re proud to be part of their global takeover once again. Having Bad Omens headlining a DWP festival for the first time brings a whole new level of energy to the weekend, and adding Disturbed to this lineup makes it an absolute powerhouse for our fans,” said DWP Founder Danny Wimmer.
 
“We’re expecting 2026 to be a landmark year for Inkcarceration,” said Dan Janssen, Co-Founder of Inkcarceration. “After selling out every year since 2021, this summer brings one of our most in-demand lineups to date, including more than 45 artists making their Inkcarceration debut alongside nearly 20 fan-favorite returns. Combined with upgrades across the site, camping, and parking experience, we’re excited to welcome fans back to Shawshank for what will be the biggest INK yet.”
 
“We are excited to welcome Inkcarceration back to the historic Ohio State Reformatory for another incredible year. This festival has earned its reputation as one of the most unique and sought-after events in the world, blending music, tattoo artistry, and culture in a setting unlike any other,” said Dan Smith, Associate Director, The Ohio State Reformatory. “Inkcarceration continues to attract fans from across the globe, and the 2026 lineup promises to deliver an unforgettable experience. The Ohio State Reformatory is proud to serve as the backdrop for this extraordinary celebration.”
 
3-Day and Single Day General Admission and VIP passes for Inkcarceration are on sale now for as low as $1 down on layaway, with more than 6 months to pay off in full.
 
Service fees on all pass purchases include a charity fee for the DWP Foundation, which gives back to local and national charities throughout the year.
 
For a fully immersive weekend experience, fans are encouraged to explore the Inkcarceration camping options, which include access to the Thursday Night Campground Party in the campgrounds (only available to campers). Weekend camping packages are available for both Car & Tent and RV Camping, with Parking passes also on sale now – purchase here. For those looking to stay off-site, hotel packages that bundle festival passes with hotel nights are available through Jampack, starting at $10 down and including daily festival re-entry and additional perks – find more information here.
 
For five consecutive years, Inkcarceration passes have SOLD OUT, drawing fans from every state and many countries around the world, so fans are encouraged to buy early to reserve their spot. The 2025 event brought in $11.3 million in economic impact to the area, and Inkcarceration’s overall economic impact totals more than $60 million since the festival began in 2018.
 
Inkcarceration has been nominated for Pollstar’s Global Music Festival of the Year (Under 30k) for 2024 and 2025.
 
“Welcoming thousands of fans to the repurposed penitentiary brimming with lore, Inkcarceration has become one of the most celebrated heavy cultural events of the year for its comprehensive line-up of talent and it's a live music destination that is second to none.” - Knotfest
 
2025 marked the third season of DWP’s paranormal investigative video series Paranormal Prison, which documented some of the supernatural experiences at Ohio State Reformatory during the festival with the help of Inkcarceration 2025 bands including Five Finger Death Punch, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Kittie, Acid Bath, Three Days Grace, Attila, Nothing More and others. Episodes are available on the DWP YouTube channel and on Loudwire.
 
Inkcarceration is thrilled to collaborate with Bud Light, Monster Energy, NÜTRL, Eargasm, Acathla, Little Rocker Clothing, and STRÜNG on the 2026 edition. Stay tuned for more exciting partnerships leading up to the event.
 
Inkcarceration is co-produced by Danny Wimmer Presents, one of the largest independent producers of destination music festivals in America, and Reinkcarceration LLC, a partnership that formed with the original founders of INK in 2021.
 
For more information on Inkcarceration, please visit:
 
Website: https://inkcarceration.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Inkcarcerationfestival
Twitter: https://twitter.com/inkcarfestival
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inkcarcerationfestival/

INKCARCERATION 2025, photo: Sam Shapiro

Photo Credit: Evelina Szczesik ||

Swedish modern rock unit SELF DECEPTION is set to unleash their Napalm Records debut, One Of Us, on 15th May. Known for their fiery fusion of anthemic modern metal and powerful melodic rock, they have shared stages with the likes of Electric Callboy, Danko Jones, and Adept since their 2009 debut, while racking up millions of streams and video views – including their viral 2022 hit, 'Fight Fire With Gasoline', with tens of millions of streams. Written on the road during the heaviest touring of SELF DECEPTION’s career so far, One Of Us is a cohesive album full of character, made for the stage – and the pit!
 
Accordingly, the band releases the upcoming album’s title track as a new single. Bone-crushing 'ONE OF US' unleashes the heavy modern metal side of SELF DECEPTION. Fusing relentless hardcore energy, in-your-face lyrics, and high-voltage attitude, the track hits with unstoppable force, pushing contemporary rock to the next level.

Stream the video here: https://youtu.be/VcoSyfcqYSY

Pre-order the album here: https://lnk.to/SelfDeception-ONEOFUS/napalmrecords
 
SELF DECEPTION comment on the new single on 'ONE OF US':
“‘ONE OF US’ came together while we were out on tour, surrounded by those wild, magical moments with the crowd. The chaos and energy of the mosh pit inspired us to write a whole track dedicated to the people who live for it. This song is about the fans, for the fans, and the growing bond that makes it feel less like a band and a crowd and more like family.”

SELF DECEPTION have been confirmed to perform at Download Festival on 13th June as part of their summer festival run.

From massive pit churners to creative storylines and choruses full of hit potential, the energy on One Of Us is unmatched. The band has a busy festival summer following the album’s release, so fans will get the first chance to experience these new tracks live at several major European rock and metal festivals. With One Of Us, SELF DECEPTION are ready to push contemporary rock to the next level! The album will be available digitally and in several physical formats, with cover artwork created by Alex Tillbrook, who is well known for his work on the hit Netflix series “Stranger Things”, as well as for collaborations with artists such as Metallica, Blink-182, and Sleep Token.
 
SELF DECEPTION comment on One Of Us:
“One Of Us is our new album, inspired by life on the road and the energy of the live stage. Touring so much has put us in a kind of ‘live bubble’, and that feeling runs through the songwriting. The album revolves around outsidership and the desire to belong. On tour, we meet many lost and lonely people, all seeking a few hours of escape where they can disappear into a rock show. With One Of Us, we want everyone to feel part of something bigger, to feel like one of us.”
 
Bone-crushing album-opener and title track 'ONE OF US' takes no prisoners, unleashing the heavy modern metal side of the Swedish powerhouse: fusing relentless hardcore energy, in-your-face lyrics, and high-voltage attitude, the track hits with unstoppable force. Following track 'TIME’S UP' features an absolute hit chorus, fresh hooks and high-energy instrumentals, while emotional 'DON’T B E L O N G' addresses the difficult themes of addiction and mental health battles – the combination of hauntingly beautiful melodies, multifaceted vocal performance and heavy rhythm section carry this sentimental track. Further highlights on SELF DECEPTION’s new 11-track offering include 'THE WEDDING', an energetic modern rock anthem with a particularly dark and twisted storyline, and 'BREAK!', with its heavy-hitting drums, electronic influences and yet another irresistible sing-along chorus. 'ENTERTAINED' delivers one of the heaviest breakdowns on the album, before 'GODDAMN ME' brings the record to a powerful close.

SELF DECEPTION are:          
Erik Ingels Graham – Drums
Andreas Clark – Vocals
Ronny Westphal – Guitar
Patrik Carlberg Hallgren – Bass
 
SELF DECEPTION online:             
INSTAGRAM
FACEBOOK
TIKTOK
WEBSITE
NAPALM RECORDS

One Of Us track list:

1. ONE OF US
2. TIME’S UP
3. WAKE UP
4. DON’T B E L O N G
5. DEATH OF ME
6. BREAK!
7. THE WEDDING
8. KETAMINE COWBOY
9. BLAME
10. ENTERTAINED
11. GODDAMN ME

One Of Us will be available in the following formats:
1 LP Splatter Cristallo Green, incl. LP sized booklet + Mask – Napalm Records exclusive
1 LP Marbled Translucent Old Purple, Viola, Black, incl. Slipmat – Napalm Records exclusive
1 LP Translucent Fuchsia
1 LP Translucent Lime Green – band shop exclusive
1 CD Digipak
Digital Album

Photo Credit: Chantik Photography

Today, Portugal's masked phenomena GAEREA unveil their new single 'Phoenix'.

'Phoenix' is taken from their upcoming album, Loss, released 20th March via Century Media.

Watch the dystopian, steampunk influenced video by Tre Film here: https://youtu.be/LvkyAYIaLdQ
Pre-order the album Loss here: https://gaerea.lnk.to/Loss-Album

“'Phoenix' is a song about surviving betrayal and suffering, then using that pain as fuel to become stronger instead of letting it corrode you. Beaten down, scarred, and left in the dark, we rise again, break the chains, and reclaim control”, state the band.

The single follows the group's previous two efforts, their August single 'Submerged' and the mighty 'Hellbound'.

GAEREA are nothing short of a beautiful enigma rooted in musical extremity and utter passion. In under a decade, the masked collective, born in the Portuguese town of Porto, have navigated countless darkened shades of metal to arrive at their fifth album and Century Media debut, Loss.

Loss is the sound of GAEREA continuing to define and redefine itself, incorporating elements of the band’s post-black metal past with the sharpened sonics and haunting melodies. It finds GAEREA emerging from creative chrysalis and bursting into something as engaging as it is unexpected: There’s singing. There are choruses as catchy and passionate as the best rock and metal songs. Yet, through the emotionally charged din, it’s unmistakably GAEREA.
 
Recent months have seen GAEREA bringing their energised and expressionistic live show to stages all over Europe, headlining to sold out crowds as well as festivals including Czech’s Brutal Assault, Belgium’s Alcatraz and Germany's Summer Breeze. 

GAEREA will perform Loss in its entirety at the following two exclusive release shows:
20 March 26 (BE) Brussels - Botanique; tickets
21 March 26 (NL) Amsterdam - Melkweg; tickets

The band are also confirmed for various festivals and shows in the summer:
20 Jun 26 (FR) Clisson - Hellfest
21 Jun 26 (BE) Dessel - Graspop Metal Meeting
24 Jun 26 (NO) Oslo - Tons of Rock
03 Jul 26 (ES) Viveiro - Resurrection Fest
04 Aug 26 (FR) Seignosse - LE TUBE (w/ In Flames)
19 Aug 26 (NO) Bergen - USF Verfet (w/ In Flames)
20 Aug 26 (NO) Tønsberg - Foynhagen (w/ In Flames)
22 Aug 26 (SE) Göteborg - Göteborg Brinner (w/ In Flames, Avatar, Dark Tranquillity, Raised Fist, thrown, Napalm Death and more)
 
GAEREA online:
https://www.gaerea.com/
https://www.instagram.com/gaerea_
https://www.facebook.com/gaerea/
https://www.tiktok.com/@gaereaofficial

Tracklisting:

1. Luminary
2. Submerged
3. Hellbound
4. Uncontrolled
5. Phoenix
6. Cyclone
7. LBRNTH
8. Nomad
9. Stardust

Loss will be available in the following formats:
Ltd. CD Digipak in O-Card
black LP
Ltd. pink LP (300x) available from EMP, Supreme Chaos, Portuguese retailers, UK Indie Stores
Ltd. deep blood red LP (400x) available in France, from EMP, Evil Greed, Impericon, Supreme Chaos
Ltd. Side A/B split (yellow & red) LP (500x) available from gaerea.com
Ltd. transp. sun yellow LP (300x) available from GAEREA live
trans. orange crush LP (US version)
Ltd. red smoke LP (US version) (500x) available from US Indie Retailers
Ltd. gold black ice LP (US version) (500x) available from IndieMerchstore
Digital album
Digital album (Dolby Atmos)

Photo Credit: Tim Tronckoe

CHARLOTTE WESSELS and her band The Obsession opens a new chapter with 'After Us, The Flood'. Marking the first release after the extensive The Obsession (2024) album cycle, the former DELAIN vocalist has grown her solo project into a full band to showcase her trademark storytelling and unique sound. Hypnotic, captivating, and deeply urgent, 'After Us, The Flood' builds from symphonic, intimate passages into an explosive metal climax, all held together by CHARLOTTE WESSELS’ charismatic and expressive voice.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/p_Lg-ZflaSY

Stream here: https://orcd.co/charlottewessels-afterustheflood
 
Over the past several years, Charlotte has impressively shaped her artistic identity as an artist – from the two full-length song compilations Tales From Six Feet Under (2021) and Tales From Six Feet Under Vol. II (2022) to her first full studio album, The Obsession (2024). Throughout this journey, she has delivered top-notch music that is emotive, sonically sophisticated, and heavy in equal measure. 'After Us, The Flood' is the first new release following The Obsession created with the band now carrying that album’s name. Joost van den Broek joined the production process and mixed the song, helping shape its final form.
 
While continuing to write, record and release a new song every month on Patreon, Charlotte never shies away from drawing inspiration from a wide range of musical styles, resulting in enthralling music that defies pigeonholing yet always carries a distinctive artistic signature.
 
CHARLOTTE WESSELS commented on 'After Us, The Flood': “'After Us, The Flood' is a song about climate change, told through the eyes of someone who has convinced himself it isn’t real. He feels protected within the walls of his own home while the world outside quietly begins to fall apart. As the song unfolds (spoilers!) that sense of safety proves to be an illusion; the decay he’s ignored eventually finds its way inside. We poured a lot of heart into this track, shaping a sonic story about denial, dread, and the fragile comfort of looking away. The video doesn’t literally follow the lyrics, but instead imagines the consequences of that mindset, offering a symbolic glimpse of a world where  wealth loses all meaning once the planet as we know it is gone.”

After touring with Scandinavian prog metal unit VOLA and coming off of a successful summer run, playing the biggest metal festivals from Belgian's Graspop and France's Hellfest to German Summer Breeze and Dynamo in her Dutch home to only name a few, the singer-songwriter will soon be enchanting live audiences again: starting this Friday 19th January, CHARLOTTE WESSELS’ The Obsession (Joey Marin de Boer (drums), Timo Somers (guitars), and Otto Schimmelpenninck van der Oije (bass) and Nina van Beelen (keys)) will be joining Amaranthe and Epica on their Arcane Dimensions Tour. Starting in Cologne, they’ll make their way through Europe, playing 29 cities until the tour concludes in Frankfurt in March. Find the list of UK dates below:

20.01.26 UK – Bristol / Beacon
21.01.26 UK – Glasgow / Barrowland
23.01.26 UK – Manchester / O2 Apollo
24.01.26 UK – London / Eventim Apollo

Charlotte Wessels online: 
WEBSITE
YOUTUBE
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
TIKTOK
X
NAPALM RECORDS

Photo Credit: Joey Atchison

London based alt-rock quartet Wildernesses have announced their debut album Growth, set for release on 27th March via Floodlit Recordings. Rooted in modern folk storytelling and shaped by lived experience, the band’s music inhabits the space between shoegaze glow, post-rock scale and intimate, emotionally led songwriting. Alongside the announcement, Wildernesses share new single 'Maintenance', a shimmering, quietly unsettling meditation on routine, survival and the strange, everyday rituals we adopt to keep ourselves upright in a fractured world.

'Maintenance' arrives with a striking video shot by Joey Aitchison of JWA Creations at the Cooperage, Brick Lane, London. The concept celebrates freedom of expression, showing the band performing behind oversized, handmade collage masks of their own faces. Designed and constructed by vocalist Phillip Morris from blown-up photographs, cut, layered and reassembled into sculptural forms, the eyeless masks strip away the idea of identity and vanity in equal measure. 

Check out the video for ‘Maintenance’ here: https://youtu.be/joheuZe_23I

Listen to 'Maintenance' here: https://lnk.to/deadlate

Pre-order Growth here: https://www.floodlitrecordings.com/pages/growth-preorder

Vocalist Phillip Morris comments on the new single: "'Maintenance' lives in the small, repetitive habits of day-to-day life - the odd things you do to feel okay. Lyrically it’s tongue-in-cheek and self-aware and that unease bled into the artwork and video with these collage masks and ‘eyeless’ faces mirroring the song’s warped perspective."

'Maintenance' is the third single to be taken from the band’s forthcoming debut album. Previous singles 'Four Hour Drive' and 'English Darkness', released in 2025, drew widespread critical acclaim for their cinematic scope and understated intensity, establishing Wildernesses’ defining balance of haze and melody. 'Four Hour Drive' offered a tender reflection on family, lineage and inherited memory, inspired by a 1957 photograph of Morris’s father and grandfather, while 'English Darkness' confronted mental health with brooding urgency, its stark visuals filmed on Hull’s Sunk Island flats under the direction of Stewart Baxter, know for his previous work with bands such as IDLES. Together, the singles positioned Wildernesses as a band unafraid to explore grief, resilience and human fragility with both restraint and scale.

Emerging as modern day narrators cloaked in atmospheric alt-rock, Wildernesses conjure emotive landscapes that feel at once expansive and deeply human. Their music occupies liminal territory, between memory and imagination, heaviness and tenderness, despair and quiet hope, offering cinematic soundscapes that linger long after the final notes fade.

Formed almost by accident and featuring members of bands such as Late Night Fiction, Earth Moves and We Never Learned To Live, Wildernesses bring together Phillip Morris (vocals, guitar), Ryan Browne (drums), Mark Portnoi (bass) and Sam Howe (guitar), each carrying their own “wilderness” of lived experience, Hull and Humber riverside grit, East London streets, West Sussex roots, woven into a singular sonic and narrative tapestry. At the heart of the band, Morris’s lyrics act as modern folk tales, shaped by his work as a mental health professional, shaped by loss and survival and the understated strength found in ordinary lives.

With a sound that draws from the wide-eyed ambience of Explosions in the Sky, the fragile intensity of Bon Iver, the brooding restraint of The National, the dreamlike haze of Slowdive and the narrative urgency of La Dispute. Their name reflects the terrains they explore, interior wildernesses of memory, grief and reflection, wild, unkempt, sometimes bleak yet undeniably beautiful.

Growth spans nine tracks, seven lyrical, two instrumental, each a chapter in a story cycle that charts the human experience: insomnia, solitary escapism, forbidden desire, family heritage and hidden histories unearthed from the past. Recorded at No Studio in Manchester with producer Joe Clayton (Conjurer, Mastiff, Bossk), the album balances sweeping, cinematic textures with meticulously crafted, intimate detail. From shimmering post-rock crescendos to hushed, reflective passages, Growth captures the layered complexity and haunting nuance that defines Wildernesses’ sound.

Commenting on the album, Phillip adds: "Growth is the result of over two years of writing, refining and learning together as a band. The title reflects both life’s way of shaping us and our own journey as a group, with a playful nod to my obsession with houseplants, the cover photo of them in my bath tied the themes of growth, texture and everyday life together. We’d never met before this project and now we’re close friends, having navigated highs, lows and the intense process of making a record that truly captures what we intended. Recorded with Joe Clayton at NO Studio in Manchester, the sessions were incredible; his calm, thoughtful approach helped shape the album’s sound and feel. Thematically, Growth aims to be real and emotive, joyful and morose all at once. It’s a huge milestone for us, and we can’t wait for people to hear it, feel the vinyl in their hands and connect with the stories in the tracks."

In a world that moves relentlessly forward, Wildernesses invite listeners to pause, breathe and step into the slow orbit of memory, into modern folk tales told through guitars, voices and textures that are at once personal and universal and where loss, tenderness, and quiet endurance coexist in equal measure.

To mark the release of Growth, Wildernesses will carry these songs from the studio into live rooms across the country, touring throughout March. Each performance offers a shared moment as the album’s quiet pull and gradual release are brought to life in real time. Live dates are listed below.

Catch Wildernesses live: 
Jan 31 - London @ Folklore (supporting World Coda)
Feb 8 - London, Celestial Diadem Weekender @ 229
Mar 18 - Hull @ Divehu5
Mar 19 - Leeds @ Opporto
Mar 20 - Nottingham @ JT Soar
Mar 21 - Manchester @ Old Pint Pot
Mar 22 -  Birmingham @ Dead Wax
|Mar 24 - Bristol @ Exchange
Mar 25 - Cardiff @ Fuel
Mar 26 - Brighton @ Rossi
Mar 27 - London @ Folklore

WILDERNESSES are:

Phillip Morris - vocals, guitar
Sam Howe - guitar
Mark Portnoi - bass
Ryan Browne - drums

WILDERNESSESonline: 
Facebook | Instagram |Spotify|  Linktree|Floodlit Recordings

Growth Tracklisting:

1. Sleepless
2. Happy Hollow
3. [dread.]
4. English Darkness
5. Terrible Bloom
6. Maintenance
7. Cassino
8. Four Hour Drive
9. Summertime, 1917

Photo Credit: Tetiana Malezhyk

Belgian sludge/doom collective Predatory Void, featuring members of Amenra, Oathbreaker and Cobra The Impaler, release new single 'New Moon'. This is the second single taken from new EP Atoned in Metamorphosis, set for release on 6th February 2026 via Pelagic Records.

Watch the visualiser here: https://youtu.be/VXXwb5qNSd8

Stream here: https://orcd.co/predatoryvoid

Predatory Void guitarist Lennart Bossu commented: "'New Moon' was the first song we wrote for the EP and set the tone for what followed. It reflects a relentless chase for wholeness that always ends in emptiness, mirroring the moon’s endless cycle."

The new four-track EP distils the band’s volatile creative energy into a tightly honed expression of intensity, restraint and emotional upheaval. Across Atoned in Metamorphosis, Predatory Void navigate extremes with precision and purpose. Reverb-drenched, lingering passages rupture into searing metallic surges; subterranean basslines underpin shifting guitar architectures; vocals move between condemnation, lament and raw catharsis; percussion oscillates from deliberate, architectural patience to explosive release. The result is an austere yet immersive sonic landscape, incandescent, razor edged and unflinchingly direct.

Conceptually, the EP confronts the darker terrain of the human psyche. Calling on sludge, doom, black metal and the unrelenting urgency of hardcore, the band channel these influences into concise, tightly constructed compositions that balance melody with abrasion.

The band comments, “Atoned in Metamorphosis represents the process of confronting the uncomfortable truths within ourselves, the obsessions, the grievances, the shadow sides so many hide or ignore. As we evolve and change in life, we’re inevitably faced with these darker, sometimes evil and obsessive parts, both in ourselves and in others. In recognising our flaws, we begin to find strength, not in perfection, but in self-awareness. For some, this can feel like a spiritual or emotional cleansing, a kind of healing that comes from seeing ourselves fully, and embracing what we once tried to deny.” 

Working with producer and recording engineer Gilles Demolder (Wiegedood, Oathbreaker), the band pursued a raw, performance centric aesthetic,  preserving immediacy while amplifying contrast. Atoned in Metamorphosis stands as a vital evolution for Predatory Void, a work defined by architectural heft, emotional honesty and a deep commitment to tension as both a creative force and a narrative engine.

Predatory Void emerged from the collision of sharply contrasting musical backgrounds. Guitarist Lennart Bossu (Amenra, Oathbreaker, Living Gate), long associated with atmospheric and introspective soundscapes, began writing harsher, more immediate material during the pandemic. To bring this vision to life, he assembled drummer Vincent Verstrepen (Carnation) and guitarist Thijs De Cloedt (Cobra The Impaler, ex-Aborted), both steeped in more direct and aggressive strains of metal, alongside vocalist Lina R (Cross Bringer) and, more recently, bassist/vocalist Kris Auman (ENDLINGR).

The result is a volatile and cohesive fusion of styles, shoegaze, doom, hardcore, black metal and death metal, anchored by emotional weight and sheer sonic force. It’s a sound as haunting as it is punishing, resonating with fans drawn to the current vanguard of alternative metal, from Ragana and Agriculture to Thou.

Predatory Void are: 
Vocals - Lina R
Guitars - Lennart Bossu
Bass/vocals - Kris Auman
Guitars - Thijs Decloedt
Drums - Vincent Verstrepen

For more:
https://www.facebook.com/PredatoryVoid
https://www.instagram.com/predatoryvoid
https://linktr.ee/predatoryvoid
https://pelagic-records.com

Atoned in Metamorphosis tracklist:

1. Make Me Whole
2. New Moon
3. Peeling Cycle 
4. Contemplation In Time

Photo Credit: Shelby Natasha

Seattle rock band Filth Is Eternal have announced their third album, Impossible World, which lands 17th March via MNRK Heavy.

Pre-order: https://filthiseternal.ffm.to/impossibleworld

Today, Filth Is Eternal also drop the album’s first single, 'Stay Melted', a front-to-back banger featuring some of singer Lis Di Angelo's most incisive songwriting to date. “To want to injure is human / to want to kill is divine,” they growl over a heavy, driving beat - a lyric that exposes the hypocrisy at the heart of the rise of Christofascism in the U.S. Speaking on the track, the band note, “The world can feel like a total trash fire to the point where we become lethargic. Lethargy makes us our own worst enemy; sometimes you have to kill a thing before you lose yourself to it completely.”

Watch the video to 'Stay Melted' here: https://youtu.be/5PytG2uqzTE
Stream: https://filthiseternal.ffm.to/staymelted

The follow-up to the band's acclaimed 2023 album Find Out, Impossible World was written against a backdrop of accelerating gentrification, unchecked technology, and the slow creep of authoritarianism. The LP confronts life in a present that already feels dystopian. Yet rather than surrendering to despair, Filth Is Eternal push forward with clarity and defiance, asking hard questions about survival, humanity, and resistance in a world increasingly shaped without consent. Sonically, Impossible World balances hardcore urgency with sharpened melody, drawing from punk’s immediacy while pushing toward something more expansive and deliberate.

Formed in 2020, Filth Is Eternal were inspired by the raw, impulsive ethos of punk and from the gate became known for their frenetic live shows played in DIY venues across the country. "Filth has always been about energy at the heart of things since the earliest recordings," Di Angelo says. "We wanted to leave our blood and guts out on the floor," guitarist Brian McClelland adds. 

While the band holds fast to the immediacy of punk, Impossible World marks a turning point for FIE. “I think the biggest changes from LP1 to now is that we’ve upped the intention by using more melody, harmony, and singing in general. We’re working with aggression, but moving toward something beautiful and true,” Lis says. 

The album features notable collaborations with Blood Brothers' Johnny Whitney, Fall Out Boy's Joe Trohman, Gina Gleason, and Lauren Lavin, alongside the band's use of the FILTH EQ+, a pedal they crafted that helped shape the album's sonic landscape.

Despite some of its heavier subject matter, Impossible World has many soaring moments  - dashes of light that overwhelm the senses and give fans a sense of possibility amidst the toils of contemporary living. That ebullient optimism resonates throughout the record, with Lis' voice cutting through melancholia as a beacon lighting what's to come. In hard times the future can feel finite, unreal, but Impossible World reminds us that art has the radical potential to enliven us as we wait out the darkest hours.

Filth Is Eternal are:
Lis DiAngelo (vocals)
Brian McClelland (guitar)
Logan Miller (bass)
Josh Pehrson (drums)

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

Impossible World tracklisting:
1. Stay Melted
2. Long Way
3. Hellfire
4. Acetylene
5. Weather & Rose
6. Desire
7. Total War
8. Bad Faith
9. Outbreak
10. So Below
11. Slipstream
12. Skorpio

Photo Credit: Pelagic Records

Post-rock band Jagged City, featuring Jake Woodruff (Defeater) and Carlos Torres (former touring member of Explosions In The Sky) have unveiled their new single 'Ocean East, Ocean West'. This is the second single taken from their debut EP, There Are More of Us, Always, to be released on 30th January via Pelagic Records.

Watch the visualiser here: https://youtu.be/2FX3tdQMrcs

Stream here: https://orcd.co/jaggedcity

There Are More of Us, Always is a bold collection that moves between spacious, melodic guitar passages and raucous, swelling climbs. With heartfelt, melodious songwriting, a diverse range of eclectic touches buried within, and eruptions of dense, layered sound, this record delivers wonderfully balanced compositions through raw and personal production.

The project began as a cross-continental art experiment between Jake Woodruff (Defeater) and Carlos Torres (former touring member of Explosions In The Sky). What started as a simple exchange of ideas quickly found real shape through collaborative composition and thoughtful arrangement. Early sessions with David Haik helped refine the songs’ structures and drum frameworks, setting the groundwork for what would become Jagged City’s striking debut.

“We wrote with pure instinct, just tried to add something new to a genre that we love. As we traded ideas, we took some left turns and incorporated elements that may be unexpected.“ commented Woodruff.

When it came time to record, scheduling issues led to an inspired change of plans. Urian Hackney joined the project both behind the kit and behind the board, engineering and performing the drum parts that propel the record. In two intense days at The Box studio in Burlington, VT, Jake and Urian captured the core of the album with an immediacy and urgency that remain audible in every take. 

Carlos recorded bass in Los Angeles alongside longtime musical colleague Michael James (Explosions In The Sky), while Jake added further guitar textures from his home studio, creating layers that thread the compositions together.

This debut is both a statement of intent and an open invitation: Jagged City offer music that rewards close listening and communal experience—an instrumental journey shaped by collaboration and a fierce commitment to feeling. While still post-rock, There Are More of Us, Always utilises a diverse range of influence, giving a freshness to each uniquely realised track.

“This record is a product of collaboration and love and creativity - we hope it inspires people to be connected and think collaboratively and creatively together. That's the only way forward." concludes Woodruff.

Jagged City are:

Jake Woodruff - guitar
Carlos Torres - bass
Urian Hackney drums & production
Featuring Takaakira Goto as guest guitarist on 'Deluge in a Paper Cup'.

For more: 
https://www.instagram.com/jaggedcity

There Are More of Us, Always track list:

1.    (DON’T DREAM ITS OVER)
2.    IMAGINARY LINES
3.    RAIN AND SIRENS 
4.    OCEAN EAST, OCEAN WEST
5.    HAIRSPRING 
6.    MINUS POWER
7.    (DELUGE IN A PAPER CUP)