Photo Credit: 360Grad Design

Nearing the release of their third album, Night is Calling, rising modern metal stars DOMINUM today share their new single, the title track 'Night is Calling'.

Combining thunderous riffs, cinematic atmosphere, and another massive sing-along hook to pull listeners into the captivating world of Dr. Dead, the dark yet uplifting track features a powerful guest appearance from Marina La Torraca of Battle Beast, giving DOMINUM’s catalogue another highlight. Theatrics, horror aesthetics, and area-ready choruses make for another brilliant release.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/a4iCgahRIFk

Pre-order the album here: https://lnk.to/DOMINUM-NightisCalling/napalmrecords
 
With their sophomore studio album, The Dead Don’t Die (2024), DOMINUM, led by mastermind and singer Felix Heldt—better known as Dr. Dead—stormed into the top 10 of the German charts. Together with his zombies, Tommy Kemp (guitars), Patient 0 (bass), and Victor Hilltop (drums)—DOMINUM have already taken their undead spectacle to major stages across Europe. Touring alongside icons such as Bruce Dickinson, Avantasia, Battle Beast, and Peyton Parrish, the band has proven their strength both at major festivals and during their own headline shows.
 
New album Night is Calling releases this Friday, 3rd July, via Napalm Records. DOMINUM will celebrate the album release at Rockharz Festival and at Wacken.

Dr. Dead comments on 'Night is Calling'           
"I can do what I want. But I cannot want what I want. The story of my life. Night is calling. Always. It creeps in softly at first, like a whisper you almost don’t notice. Then it wraps itself around your thoughts - pulling, tempting, seducing. A darkness that feels familiar, that feels like home… and yet, it corrodes. I try to resist. I try to fight. I always do. But every shadow, every quiet hour, every lonely moment… it reminds me that I am never truly free. Night is calling. And I answer, again and again."

DOMINUM open the next chapter of their dark, theatrical universe with their new full-length Night Is Calling. With their bombastic sound and outstanding stage presence, the band continues its rapid ascent on the international metal scene, without losing sight of its strengths: theatrical, melodic, and uncompromising modern metal—driven by the dark charisma of Dr. Dead and his zombies. One thing is certain: the Living Dead Squad continues to grow.
 
Night Is Calling is now available for pre-order, with selected formats including the bonus album Live at Wacken 2025.

Dr. Dead on Night Is Calling:

"'They grow up so fast.' – Ugh. It makes me sick. And now I feel it myself: my zombies have grown up. Our creation… has grown up too.

"But unlike the pitiful rest, we don’t mourn our childhood. No. We revel in who we are. Being a child, being an adult – what does that even mean? Anyway – the world lies at our feet, and we can do whatever we damn well please.

"Believe me from firsthand experience: an army of zombies makes everything a hell of a lot easier… and way more fun with every bit of trouble getting the punch it deserves. We have the power to reshape our world. And oh, we do.

"Night Is Calling - this is our outlet.

"Stronger melodies, heavier riffs, sharper, unflinching lyrics – honesty as our deadliest weapon. We are who we are. And you… you’re in this whether you like it or not. The undead are on the march, more relentless than ever. Join us – immediately, willingly… or a little later when we come to your neighborhood. Either way… we’ll be seeing you."

DOMINUM will be touring the UK in December.

Dates:

08.12.26 UK – Manchester / O2 Ritz
09.12.26 UK – Bristol / Bristol Electric
10.12.26 UK – London / Electric Brixton

Produced by Felix Heldt and mixed by renowned producer Jacob Hansen, Night Is Calling expands the band’s sonic universe with even heavier riffs, bigger choruses and cinematic drama. The explosive opener 'The Circus Is In Town' throws listeners straight into DOMINUM’s twisted carnival, while infectious anthems such as 'Doctor Doctor' and 'Dark Melodies' deliver massive hooks destined to echo across festival crowds. The powerful title track 'Night is Calling' (feat. Battle Beast) further highlights the band’s growing presence on the international metal stage.

DOMINUM are: 
Dr. Dead – Vocals
Patient 0 – Bass
Victor Hilltop – Drums
Tommy Kemp – Guitars

DOMINUM online:
WEBSITE
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
TIKTOK
NAPALM RECORDS

Tracklist: 

1 The Circus Is In Town    
2 Doctor Doctor    
3 Children Of The Night
4 Nosferatu
5 Dark Melodies    
6 Night is Calling (feat. Battle Beast)
7 Jack The Ripper
8 Thriller (Michael Jackson Cover)
9 Devil's Son    
10 I Don't Drink Wine    
11 Endzeit
12 Don't Get Bitten By The Wrong Ones (Acoustic)
13 Hey Living People (Acoustic)

UK metal titans TesseracT have today announced 'The Descent' tour, across the UK and Germany in October and November, including a show at London's Brixton Academy.

Fan presale begins Wednesday 1st July at 10am local time.

General tickets on sale Friday 3rd July 10am local time.

Get your tickets: https://tesseract.os.fan/

Dates: 

Oct 30 Academy Manchester UK
Nov 01 Brixton Academy London UK
Nov 04 Carlswerk Victoria Cologne DE
Nov 05 Docks Hamburg DE
Nov 06 Batschkapp Frankfurt DE
Nov 08 Täubchenthal Leipzig DE

TesseracT online:

https://www.tesseractband.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/tesseractband
https://www.instagram.com/tesseractband
https://twitter.com/tesseractband
https://open.spotify.com/artist/23ytwhG1pzX6DIVWRWvW1r

TesseracT are:

Daniel Tompkins (vocals)
Acle Kahney (guitar)
James Monteith (guitar)
Amos Williams (bass) 
Jay Postones (drums)

Austrian deathcore collective Castiel continue their immersive journey into psychological and emotional disintegration with new single ‘Act III: Vile Spirits’, the third chapter from their forthcoming EP All Returns to Hollow and Silence, due for release on 24th July via Seek and Strike. Following the anguish and emotional decay explored in previous singles ‘Act I: Defile // Denounce’ and 'Act II: A Festering Wound', the latest instalment marks a chilling turning point in the story, where pain gives way to numbness and the last remnants of humanity are willingly abandoned.

Blending crushing deathcore intensity with a growing sense of atmosphere and unease, ‘Act III: Vile Spirits’ explores the severing of emotional ties, the rejection of memory and the embrace of an all-consuming emptiness. As the EP's protagonist descends further into isolation, the track captures the moment where grief no longer hurts because there is nothing left to feel.

Watch the video for 'Act III: Vile Spirits' here: https://youtu.be/EKeo4SdWMTk

Pre-save All Returns to Hollow and Silence here: https://orcd.co/castielep2026

The band commented: "'Act III' shifts the focus from emotional pain to inner numbness and a final separation from all things human. Relationships are severed, memories are cast aside, and emotions are controlled or erased. The “crown of nothingness” symbolises the acceptance of this inner emptiness and the loss of personal bonds."

All Returns to Hollow and Silence is a genuine step forward for the band. Drawing from a diverse range of influences, Castiel have crafted a sound that is pulled together with purpose. Firmly rooted in deathcore, the EP pushes beyond the genre confines, embracing contrast and atmosphere alongside its more destructive elements.

Speaking on the release, the band said: “This EP is heavier, more brutal but also more emotional than anything we’ve done before as a band. We’ve pushed ourselves creatively while staying true to who we are, this feels like the most complete version of Castiel yet.”

The new EP is built as a continuous story with each track acting as a chapter in a wider narrative. That idea carries through visually too, with every song set to receive its own video. 

At its core, All Returns to Hollow and Silence explores the shifting relationship between two central protagonists, tracing a journey shaped by tension, transformation and emotional conflict. Subtle inspiration has been drawn from the lore of World of Warcraft, particularly the arcs of Arthas Menethil and Jaina Proudmoore. 

Musically, the release channels the oppressive weight and atmosphere of Black Tongue and Humanity's Last Breath, while incorporating the raw aggression of Bodysnatcher and The Acacia Strain. The result is a record that moves seamlessly between suffocating heaviness and explosive intensity. 

Emerging from Klagenfurt, Austria in 2014, Castiel quickly made their mark with their bleak atmospheres and downtempo heaviness. Early releases including their debut single 'Human Scum' and the Exitium EP (2015) set the tone, followed by Blasphemy in 2017, before lineup changes forced the band into a hiatus. 

They returned in 2023 with Shadowlands, signalling a clear step up in both sound and ambition. That momentum carried into 2025’s Khaos EP, a darker, more introspective release that pushed further into themes of psychological collapse and existential weight.

Now, with their signing to Seek and Strike, Castiel enter a new chapter. All Returns to Hollow and Silence not only marks their first release under the label, but their most ambitious work to date. 

Having already shared stages with the likes of Distant, Carnifex, Born of Osiris and more, the band have built a reputation for intense, no frills live shows. Stay tuned for live dates to follow. 

For more:
Instagram || Facebook || Spotify 

Track-list:

1. Act I: Defile // Denounce
2. Act II: A Festering Wound
3. Act III: Vile Spirits
4. Act IV: Empty Throne

With their new single 'CYCLONE', Leipzig-based modern rock outfit blacktoothed deliver one of their most emotionally charged and captivating songs to date. Blending soaring melodies, massive hooks and cinematic production, the track dives headfirst into the overwhelming force of desire, vulnerability and the chaos of emotions left unspoken.

Watch the visualiser here: https://youtu.be/JDihDRbCl10

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

Driven by vivid imagery of raging storms, cracking facades and spiralling thoughts, 'CYCLONE' captures the moment when carefully constructed defenses begin to crumble. The song explores the internal battle between restraint and emotional surrender, as suppressed feelings build into an unstoppable force. Lines like “I’m drowning in a raging cyclone that’s blasting through my chest” perfectly embody the track’s emotional intensity, while its towering chorus transforms personal turmoil into an unforgettable modern rock anthem.

Musically, blacktoothed balance raw emotion with precision songwriting. Frontman Hendrik Rathgeber’s dynamic vocal performance rises above shimmering guitars, driving rhythms and a sleek, contemporary production that amplifies every emotional peak. The result is a song that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable — a soundtrack for anyone who has ever struggled to express what they truly feel.

Over the past years, blacktoothed have established themselves as one of Germany’s most exciting modern rock acts. Since signing with Arising Empire, the Leipzig trio have steadily expanded its audience with its unique blend of alternative rock, modern metal influences and infectious pop sensibilities. The band has shared stages with renowned acts including Bad Omens, Polaris, Hands Like Houses, Annisokay, The Ghost Inside, Thundermother and The Amity Affliction, while also appearing at major events such as Impericon Festival. Their acclaimed album JULI generated more than 800,000 streams worldwide, helping cement their reputation as a rising force within the European rock scene.

With 'CYCLONE', blacktoothed continue to push their sound forward, combining vulnerability, power and arena-sized melodies into a song that is as emotionally devastating as it is irresistibly anthemic.

Catch the band live: 

15.08.2026 I Summer Breeze Festival I Dinkelsbühl, DE

blacktoothed online:
https://www.instagram.com/blacktoothed

Banks Arcade return with their explosive new single 'DON’T MISS', a fearless collision of modern metalcore, nu-metal swagger and hip-hop-infused groove. Packed with earth-shaking low end, razor-sharp down-tuned riffs and an instantly memorable chorus, the track captures the band's signature ability to blend crushing heaviness with undeniable hooks.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/OU2yum_LEPQ

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

Fuelled by reckless energy and late-night rebellion, 'DON’T MISS' tells a story of chasing unforgettable moments despite the chaos surrounding you. Its lyrics paint vivid scenes of youthful defiance, blurred lines between friendship and rivalry, and the determination to leave a lasting impression no matter the consequences. Balancing raw aggression with infectious melody, the song channels the adrenaline rush of living in the moment while embracing every scar that comes with it.

Musically, 'DON’T MISS' showcases everything that has made Banks Arcade one of the most exciting names in modern heavy music. Hip-hop-inspired rhythms collide with massive metalcore breakdowns, while dynamic vocal performances seamlessly move between soaring melodies, attitude-filled delivery and explosive intensity. The result is a track that feels equally at home in the pit, on festival stages and blasting through speakers at maximum volume.

Since emerging from Australia and New Zealand's thriving heavy music scene, Banks Arcade have built a rapidly growing international audience through relentless touring and a genre-bending sound that fuses metalcore, alternative, electronic and hip-hop influences. The band has amassed millions of streams across digital platforms, toured internationally throughout Australia, North America, the UK and Europe, and shared stages with artists such as Northlane, ERRA, LANDMVRKS, Highly Suspect and The Plot In You. They have also appeared at renowned festivals including Download Festival and UNIFY, further cementing their reputation as one of heavy music's most forward-thinking acts.

With its massive hooks, crushing grooves and undeniable replay value, 'DON’T MISS' is Banks Arcade at their most confident and addictive - a modern heavy anthem built to be played loud and remembered long after the night is over.

Catch the band live: 

27.06.2026 I Yes I Manchester, UK
28.06.2026 I The Garage I Glasgow, UK
30.06.2026 I Think Tank? I Newcastle Upon Tine, UK
01.07.2026 I Hyde Park Book Club I Leeds, UK
02.07.2026 I 1865 I Southhampton, UK
03.07.2026 I Bedford Esquires I Bedford, UK
04.07.2026 I The Waterfront Studio I Norwich, UK
05.07.2026 I Patterns I Brighton, UK
07.07.2026 I The Black Heart I London, UK
10.07.2026 I 2000 Trees Festival I Cheltenham, UK

Banks Arcade online:
https://www.instagram.com/banksarcade
https://www.facebook.com/banksarcade
https://www.tiktok.com/@banksarcade

German metalcore powerhouse HALF ME return with their most uncompromising statement to date: 'Built On Your Blood.' Following the overwhelming success of their critically acclaimed debut album SOMA and a prestigious Heavy Music Awards nomination, the Hamburg-based five-piece once again prove why they have become one of the most talked-about new names in modern heavy music.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/1vwJfeXJRmQ

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

A furious assault on conformity, sacrifice, and the systems that thrive on human suffering, 'Built On Your Blood' channels pure aggression into a devastating sonic experience. Crushing breakdowns, suffocating grooves, and vicious vocal performances collide with lyrics that question blind obedience, survival instincts, and the price of complacency in a world built on exploitation.

Drawing from themes of systemic decay and personal responsibility, the track paints a bleak picture of a society fueled by sacrifice and submission. Lines such as “This world is built on your own blood” serve as a stark reminder of the human cost hidden behind structures of power, while the song’s relentless energy transforms frustration into a call for resistance.

Musically, HALF ME push their signature blend of modern metalcore, hardcore intensity, and oppressive atmosphere to new extremes. Every riff, breakdown, and groove is designed for maximum impact, delivering a track built for chaos, catharsis, and absolute destruction in the live setting.

Since their emergence, HALF ME have rapidly established themselves as one of Germany’s most exciting heavy exports. With millions of streams across digital platforms, high-profile tours and festival appearances throughout Europe, and widespread acclaim for SOMA, the band continue their unstoppable ascent. 'Built On Your Blood' captures HALF ME at their most relentless, most aggressive, and most unapologetic - a crushing reminder that the future of heavy music belongs to those willing to challenge the status quo.

With 'Built On Your Blood,' HALF ME deliver nothing less than pure devastation.

HALF ME online:
https://www.instagram.com/halfme.band
https://www.facebook.com/halfmeband
https://www.tiktok.com/@half_me

Photo Credit: Jeffrey Graham

Dark Chapel, the soulful yet hard-hitting band fronted by guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter Dario Lorina (Black Label Society), release their new single, 'Burns The Flame,' (MNRK Heavy) , across all major music streaming platforms along with a music video.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/O_QyjKyUx9M

Stream here: https://darkchapel.ffm.to/burnstheflame
 
Following the release of the band's debut album Spirit in the Glass via MNRK Heavy, 'Burns The Flame' showcases another dimension of Dark Chapel's signature sound, a captivating blend of heavy riffs, haunting melodies, blues-infused textures, and emotionally charged songwriting.
 
“‘Burns The Flame’ turns a page in the newly started book of Dark Chapel,” says Lorina. “A brand new single and video in the wake of Dark Chapel’s ‘Spirit in The Glass Deluxe Edition’ release.  Lyrically, ‘Burns The Flame’ explores an introspective world and is a visual collaboration with video director Justin H. Reich.”
 
Dark Chapel have quickly established themselves as one of heavy music's most compelling new voices. Formed by Lorina in 2024, the band draws from a diverse palette of influences, combining precise guitar craftsmanship, sludgy grooves, melodic hooks, and grunge-soaked atmosphere into a sound that is distinctly its own.
 
The project's debut full-length album, Spirit in the Glass, introduced listeners to Dark Chapel's dynamic range through standout tracks including 'Glass Heart,' 'Hollow Smile,' 'Corpse Flower,' 'Dead Weight,' 'All That Remains,' and 'Bullet In Our Chamber.' The album earned praise for its raw emotion, compelling storytelling, and balance of heavy and ethereal elements.

Dario Lorina began his professional career in 2006 at age 16 as the touring guitarist with the late Jani Lane (ex-Warrant). At age 19, he joined veteran metal act Lizzy Borden, whom he toured with for four years. Dario released two instrumental records with Mike Varney on Shrapnel Records in 2013 and 2017 titled Dario Lorina and Death Grip Tribulations. He joined Black Label Society on 1st January 2014, and has since been touring worldwide alongside Zakk Wylde, performing on guitar, piano, and backing vocals. Dario dueled solos with Zakk Wylde on Black Label Society's 2022 release Doom Crew Inc. and joined him on the January 2022 cover of Guitar World Magazine.

Dark Chapel are:
Dario Lorina (guitar / vocals)
Brody DeRozie (guitar)
Mike Gunn (bass)
Luis Silva (drums)

Dark Chapel online:
www.darkchapelband.com
www.facebook.com/darkchapelband
www.instagram.com/darkchapelband
www.x.com/darkchapelband
www.Tiktok.com/@darkchapelband
https://www.youtube.com/@darkchapelband

Essex punks The Meffs today drop their new single 'Where Did It All Go Wrong?', the third glimpse of their second album Business, coming 11th September via FLG. 

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/IkyLZHLzMAk
Stream the single here: https://ffm.to/themeffs-wherediditallgowrong
Pre-order Business here: https://ffm.bio/businessalbum

The band comment: "Punk-edged alt-rock with a message. We're born aware of our mortality but ignore we're destroying the world we call home — a cry for change where history keeps repeating. There's no music on a dead planet."

The new single comes just before The Meffs' support run with Joan Jett And The Blackhearts on their first UK headline tour in 16 years. Dates: 

July 2 – Glasgow, O2 Academy
July 4 – Manchester, Academy
July 5 – Leeds, O2 Academy
July 7 – Wolverhampton, University Of Wolverhampton at the Civic Hall
July 8 – London, British Airways ARC

Despite a whirlwind 2025, which included supports with The Sex Pistols, The Undertones, selling out headline shows across the UK and Europe, Glastonbury, 2000trees, and Download Festival, Lily (guitar and vocals) and Lewis (drums) somehow managed to find the time to write and record 11 tracks of their most politically charged, hard-hitting music to date.

With producer Dan Weller at the helm, Business is a modern punk classic. Fan favourites like 'So Modern' (Keep Up)' are captured with all the energy and scuzziness from the band's live show, and title track 'Business' goes hard, taking taking aim at the challenges found within today's music industry.

There is no shortage of fast paced moments; 'Love To Lose' is the ideal hype song, while 'Fight' crams minutes of energy into one thirty second burst. Other highlights include 'Disorder (Wake Up)' - a commentary on the world as we know it; or 'Like Gravity', a journey of self-deprecation. On Business, The Meffs prove they are not a band to be pigeonholed. 

Since exploding onto the UK scene, The Meffs have built up a reputation as purveyors of frantic punk rock and an absolute must-see live sensation. A hugely impressive DIY outfit, they have already supported Alice Cooper, Kings of Leon at BST Hyde Park, Bearded Theory, Beautiful Days festival, and The Damned. The duo are also Music Venue Trust patrons and longtime supporters of grassroots venues - and are currently supporting Stiff Little Fingers across the UK.

Business will only see the band deliver their values to an ever-increasing circle - an unashamedly powerful record, political and astute, and begging to be played loud.

The Meffs are:
Lily Hopkins (vocals/guitar)
Lewis Copsey (drums/backing vocals)

Additional upcoming tour dates:

18/07/2026    ParaBôle Festival    Bôle    Switzerland
31/07/2026    Docks Club    Hamburg    DE

01/08/2026    Fährmannsfest     Hannover    DE
05/08/2026    Bootleg Social    Blackpool    GB
11/08/2026    Punk Rock Holiday    Tolmin    Slovenia
21/08/2026    Parkenfestivalen    Bodø    Norway
22/08/2026    Pstereo Festival    Trondheim    Norway

05/09/2026    The Foundry Burn It Down    Torquay    GB

03/10/2026    North East Calling    Northumbria University    Newcastle upon Tyne    GB
10/10/2026    Cretin Hop Festival    La Boissière-de-Montaigu    FR

16/10/2026    Live Music Hall    Köln    DE (supporting Levellers)
17/10/2026    Muziekgieterij    Masstricht     NL (supporting Levellers)
20/10/2026    The Picturedome     Holmfirth    UK (supporting Levellers)
22/10/2026    Mandela Hall    Belfast    UK (supporting Levellers)
23/10/2026    Vicar Street    Dublin    IE (supporting Levellers)
24/10/2026    Barrowland Ballroom    Glasgow    UK (supporting Levellers)
29/10/2026    York Barbican    York    UK (supporting Levellers)
30/10/2026    Venue    Llandudno    UK (supporting Levellers)
08/11/2026    M.A.U.    Rostock    DE (supporting Levellers)
19/11/2026    Rock City    Nottingham    UK (supporting Levellers)
20/11/2026    The Prospect Building    Bristol    UK (supporting Levellers)

The Meffs online:
https://www.facebook.com/Themeffsuk
https://www.instagram.com/themeffsuk

Track list:

1. Dreamin'
2. What A Nightmare
3. Where Did It All Go Wrong?
4. Business
5. Law
6. Fight
7. Disorder (Wake Up)
8. Love To Lose
9. So Modern (Keep Up)
10. God Complex
11. Like Gravity 

Photo Credit: Curtis Perry

Ahead of the release of his highly anticipated third solo album Empyrean on 11th September, acclaimed Canadian cellist and composer Raphael Weinroth-Browne has unveiled a breathtaking reimagining of Sleep Token's hauntingly beautiful track, 'Fall For Me'. Transforming the song through the expressive voice of the cello, Weinroth-Browne captures the fragile balance of sorrow and beauty at the heart of the original, offering a deeply moving interpretation that stands as both tribute and reinvention.

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

Listen to 'Fall For Me' here:  https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/raphaelweinrothbrowne/fall-for-me

Comments Raphael: "'Fall For Me' is a hidden gem in Sleep Token’s catalogue - its gorgeous melodies and rich choral harmonies lend themselves perfectly to the cello. In reimagining this song, I tried to convey the same juxtaposition of sadness and beauty that makes the original so poignant. 

"UK-based artist Alex Tillbrook, whose designs for Sleep Token's last two albums have become an integral part of the band's visual branding, created the stunning artwork which beautifully weaves together themes from the original lyrics to 'Fall For Me'. 

"The music video was shot at the epic Eagles’ Nest Lookout in rural Ontario by Ben Kissner of Monscene Studios. My face was completely devoured by mosquitos and black flies by the end of the shoot, but I believe it was worth it for the final result!"

The origins of forthcoming new album Empyrean itself are as cinematic as the music it contains. In 2024, Weinroth-Browne was commissioned by James Wilton Dance to compose an 80-minute score inspired by the music and legacy of Johann Sebastian Bach. What emerged became BACH Reimagined: a touring multidisciplinary work exploring immortality, artistic transcendence and the pursuit of the sublime through creation.

Rather than simply reinterpret Bach, Weinroth-Browne entered into dialogue with him across centuries. The resulting compositions fuse the purity and mathematical elegance of Baroque counterpoint with distorted textures, electronic ambience and towering rhythmic weight. Tracks such as 'Speed of Light' and 'Dissolution' plunge Bach-inspired motifs into vast storms of noise and metallic tension, while the meditative 'Sanctum' evokes Sufi mysticism and devotional stillness.

“At its core,” Weinroth-Browne explains, “Empyrean is about the search for the sublime. As artists, we spend our lives trying to create something that transcends the everyday, if only for a split second, as if to glimpse eternity through a keyhole.”

Captured at Union Sound Company in Toronto immediately following the sessions for 2025’s critically acclaimed Lifeblood, Empyrean finds Weinroth-Browne operating at the peak of his creative powers. The album was recorded and engineered by Darren McGill (Rush, The Dirty Nil), mixed by Adam Noble (Leprous, Katatonia) and mastered by Robin Schmidt (Leprous), resulting in a sound both immense and intimate, every bow stroke preserved with almost tactile immediacy. Artwork comes from London-based printmaker and collage artist Cally Conway, discovered by Weinroth-Browne in Brighton during the BACH tour.

The release follows a period of significant acclaim. His 2020 debut Worlds Within was hailed as “masterful” and “a stunning example of less being more,” while 2025’s Lifeblood expanded his sound into something even more cinematic and visceral, described as “a triumph of vision and virtuosity” and “the most ambitious album of Weinroth-Browne’s career.”

That same fearless boundary-pushing has made Weinroth-Browne an essential figure within modern progressive music. His cello work can be heard on hundreds of studio albums, including Woods of Ypres’ Juno Award-winning W5: Grey Skies & Electric Light and across many major film and TV soundtracks. Viral interpretations of Opeth, Katatonia and Steven Wilson have drawn direct praise from the artists themselves, further cementing his reputation as a boundaryless interpreter and composer.

Since joining Norwegian prog visionaries Leprous in 2016, he has performed over 200 shows worldwide and contributed to three of their studio albums, helping redefine the role of cello in progressive heavy music. Beyond Leprous, he has shared stages with Evanescence, Apocalyptica and Devin Townsend.

As a solo artist, Weinroth-Browne has become an ambassador for what the cello can be in the 21st century. He has made waves at prestigious festivals such as the Cello Biennale Amsterdam and the International Cello Festival of Canada and has opened for artists ranging from Polish neoclassical pianist Hania Rani to Nordic folk ensemble SKÁLD and Danish prog metal masters VOLA.

With a packed performance schedule this year, including European tours alongside Earthside and Einar Solberg on the horizon and Empyrean set for release later this year, Raphael Weinroth-Browne continues to push the cello far beyond expectation, toward something infinite, luminous and profoundly otherworldly.

Catch Raphael Weinroth-Browne live on the following dates:

August 23 - Ottawa Tennis Club, Ottawa, Canada (solo)
September 18 – The Garage, London, UK (solo and with Einar Solberg)
September 19 – Café de la Danse, Paris, France (solo and with Einar Solberg)
September 20 – Le Rex, Toulouse, France (solo and with Einar Solberg)
September 21 – La Rhapsodie, Biarritz, France (solo and with Einar Solberg)
September 22 – Mouco, Porto, Portugal (solo and with Einar Solberg)
September 23 – República da Música, Lisbon, Portugal (solo and with Einar Solberg)
September 25 – Be Prog! My Friend, Barcelona, Spain (with Einar Solberg)
September 26 – L’Ampérage, Grenoble, France (solo and with Einar Solberg)
September 27 – Euroblast Festival, Cologne, Germany (with Einar Solberg)
September 29 – Hype Park, Kraków, Poland (solo and with Einar Solberg)
September 30 – Lido, Berlin, Germany (solo and with Einar Solberg)
October 1 – Gebläsehalle, Neunkirchen, Germany (solo and with Einar Solberg)
October 2 – Werkk Kulturlokal, Baden, Switzerland (solo and with Einar Solberg)
October 4 – ProgPower Europe, Baarlo, Netherlands (with Einar Solberg)

Raphael Weinroth-Browne online:
Official Website || Facebook | Instagram || Youtube ||  X || Bandcamp || Tik Tok 

Empyrean Tracklist: 

1. Speed of Light
2. Remnant
3. Evocation
4. Murmuration
5. Integration
6. Dissolution
7. Sanctum
8. Reflection
9. Empyrean