Photo Credit: Timo Maczollek / Nat Enemede

International symphonic metal legends KAMELOT recently announced their haunting new album Dark Asylum, arriving 28th August via Napalm Records. Today, they unveil their first peek into the twisting hallways of RavenHill Asylum with 'Ashen World', a triumphant, cinematic, and epic anthem.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/dp_tiMhEv9c

Pre-order the album here: https://lnk.to/Kamelot-DarkAsylum/napalmrecords

From its very first note, 'Ashen World' launches with unmistakable KAMELOT grandeur, propelled by founding guitarist Thomas Youngblood's expressive lead work, soaring orchestration, and the rich symphonic arrangements that have become the band's hallmark. The track embodies everything fans have come to love about KAMELOT; cinematic darkness, unforgettable melodies, and a towering anthemic chorus, while introducing fresh textures and unexpected twists that expand the band's sonic landscape.

Thomas Youngblood on 'Ashen World': “‘Ashen World’ captures that moment of standing at the crossroads between darkness and hope, where the journey forward begins. It’s classic KAMELOT at its core, while opening new doors into the world of Dark Asylum.”

With countless dynamic shifts, vocalist Tommy Karevik showcases the full breadth of his remarkable range, effortlessly moving from intimate, haunting passages to his signature soaring power. Adding another layer of atmosphere, Decessus frontwoman and reigning Miss Chile Ignacia Fernández makes an ethereal vocal appearance that intertwines beautifully with the song's haunting mood, as 'Ashen World' tells the story of a world descending into darkness while never losing sight of hope, resilience, and redemption.

Tommy Karevik adds: “It's a deep dive into the topography of the human mind, exploring its valleys, peaks, and the void in between. It's about breaking free from the limiting beliefs that hold us captive and creating a new reality that allows us to expand and realize our full potential.”

Set within a shadowed Neo Victorian-era world, Dark Asylum invites listeners beyond the gates of RavenHill Asylum - an imposing institution once built as a grand cathedral, now repurposed into a place where science, faith, and madness uneasily coexist.

KAMELOT push further into cinematic and atmospheric territory on Dark Asylum, diving deeper into theatrical darkness while preserving the signature hooks that define their sound. Candlelight trembles along towering arches and cold stone corridors as you are greeted familiar spectres: Avantasia mastermind Tobias Sammet, Eluveitie’s Lea-Sophie Fischer, Visions of Atlantis’s Clémentine Delauney, Decessus frontwoman and current reigning Miss World Chile champion Ignacia Fernández, Rannveig Sif Sigurðardóttir and Sólveig Sara Leupold, and Billy King. Identity fractures, reality bends, and control slips into unseen hands, guiding its central figure through a descent into psychological darkness that ultimately leads toward transformation… and perhaps sanctuary. From the cinematic sweep of 'Ashen World' to the introspective depth of 'Sanctuary', and the layered mystique of 'Ivy, My Dear', Dark Asylum unfolds as a fully immersive journey, blending orchestral grandeur, haunting melodies, and theatrical storytelling into one cohesive vision.

Will you find sanctuary?
Or will you wander its halls for eternity?

Deepening the immersion of RavenHill, Dark Asylum will be released on a plethora of exciting platforms including standard gold, solid silver, and classic black vinyl editions, certified vinyl with the white label, white splatter, and blood filled variants, the latter of which are each paired with an official 24 page booklet. Multiple CD digipak available, with the two disc version including an instrumental version of the album, alongside cassette and digital options.

UK tour dates with Exit Eden and Temperence:
01/11/26 UK - London / Shepherd's Bush Empire
03/11/26 UK - Manchester / O2

KAMELOT are:
Tommy Karevik - Vocals
Thomas Youngblood - Guitars
Oliver Palotai - Keyboards
Sean Tibbetts - Bass
Alex Landenburg - Drums

KAMELOT online:
WEBSITE || FACEBOOK || INSTAGRAM || NAPALM RECORDS

Dark Asylum tracklist:
1. Sanctorium
2. Ashen World (feat. Ignacia Fernández)
3. ⁠Dark Asylum
4. Sanctuary (feat. Clémentine Delauney & Ignacia Fernández)
5. Nocte Veritas
6. One Last Masquerade (feat. Tobias Sammet)
7. ⁠Ivy, My Dear
8. Godlike Alchemy
9. The Sleeping Mind (Orphic Paradigm)
10. Kaleidoscope
11. Enigma (Think of Me)
12. Cassandra’s Disease
13. Beneath the Moon (Tunglið) (feat. Rannveig Sif Sigurðardóttir, Sólveig Sara Leupold, Lea-Sophie Fischer)
14. ⁠The Puppet King
15. ⁠Sanctum Requiem    

Dark Asylum will be available in the following formats:

1-LP White Label Edition, incl. LP-Sized Booklet 24 pages, Certificate, Covercard – strictly limited (Napalm exclusive)

1-LP Liquid BLOOD FILLED Vinyl, incl. LP-Sized Booklet 24 pages, Certificate– strictly limited (Napalm exclusive)

2-CD 36 pages Earbook, incl. Instrumental Album – strictly limited (Napalm exclusive)

1-LP Zoetrope Vinyl, incl. LP-Sized Booklet 24 pages – strictly limited (Napalm exclusive)

1-LP White Splatter Vinyl, incl. LP-Sized Booklet 24 pages – strictly limited (Napalm ROW exclusive)

1-LP Solid Gold Vinyl – strictly limited (Napalm ROW exclusive)

1-LP Marbled Oxblood Red/Black Vinyl – strictly limited (Napalm US exclusive)

1-LP Solid Silver

1-LP Black Vinyl

Digipak CD

Cassette

Photo Credit: Andy Ford

Just days before the release of their critically acclaimed new studio album Far From God, Portuguese gothic metal icons MOONSPELL have unveiled a lyric video for their latest single, 'The Great Wolf in the Sky'. The track showcases the band's unmistakable blend of dark atmospheres, soaring melodies and emotional intensity, offering another compelling glimpse into what promises to be one of the band's most celebrated records to date. Far From God will be released this Friday, 3rd July, via Napalm Records.

Watch the lyric video here: https://youtu.be/kVJJdNona0c

Stream single and pre-order the album here: http://lnk.to/Moonspell-FarFromGod

With 'The Great Wolf in the Sky', MOONSPELL unveil a sweeping gothic anthem driven by expansive keys, harmonized guitars, striking vocals and a guest appearance by Alicia Nuhro on strings.

The band's charismatic frontman Fernando Ribeiro reveals: "It’s a shameless ode to the 'Great Gig In The Sky' and also a return for us to a theme that is very dear to us: wolves. This is one of my favourite songs ever for Moonspell, the keyboards sound like a melancholic wolf howling throughout the progress of the song into its epic chorus, that I feel so liberating, like if one took flight to the stars and met that wolf up there. It’s one of the first songs that was written for this album and it has been gently nurtured for over three years or so. It tells the story of Moonspell, of the wolves who crossed our paths and went away from the pack, due to life circumstances of the inevitability of death. It bridges the many times of Moonspell, past, present and future and it has the shape of a new anthem that we do hope our fans embrace. It’s also dedicated to a fan and a friend who, unfortunately, passed away before he could hear our new album."

Born out of five years of creative searching, doubt and ultimate rediscovery, the album marks a powerful return for the band. Far from playing it safe, MOONSPELL deliver a work that feels like a rebirth: darker, sharper and emotionally unfiltered. Rather than bending to modern trends, the band double down on identity and substance, presenting a bold and beautiful statement of Gothic Metal in its purest form: dark, romantic, dramatic and unapologetically heavy.

Thematically, Far From God moves through Baudelairian love, existential guilt and redemption, Christlike resurrections and the quiet nobility of creatures of the night. Vampires, werewolves and sacred symbolism are not escapism here, but vehicles for genuine dark emotion: solemn, romantic and unfiltered. The album rejects artificial gloss in favour of fantasy grounded in sincerity, rediscovering the heart of Gothic Metal in its most authentic form.

"To create Far from God we had to wait for the muse,” Ribeiro admits. "Again, she didn’t failed us and revealed herself in the most mysterious and beautiful ways to us. It took us five long years of hit and miss, of despairing to the point of thinking we didn’t have it anymore and why should we at all create new music. But I’m glad we persisted. Far from God is a true crusade against the decline of the style in the past few years, a darkly crafted statement that MOONSPELL is here to stay and to claim our throne. No politics, no socials, no intervention, just sickly romantic love, vampires, werewolves so we can all die of beauty, in peace and elegance. Goth bless you.”

MOONSPELL’s forthcoming magnum opus – produced with Jaime Gomez Arellano (Paradise Lost, Sólstafir, Ghost among many others) – shines like a black diamond, luminous yet shadowed in texture and colour, both musically and sonically. It reconnects with the darker spirit of MOONSPELL’s classic era while sounding powerful and contemporary. Far From God is not nostalgia; it is a statement. A Gothic Metal hallelujah. MOONSPELL’s 21st century Irreligious. It’s not only a powerful reminder that MOONSPELL remain a defining force in the genre they helped shape, but an album that will truly save gothic ,etal from boredom and predictability.

MOONSPELL live in 2026:
20.06.2026 (BE) Dessel – Graspop Metal Meeting
10.07.2026 (FI) Kotka – Dark River Festival
16.07.2026 (PL) Bolków – Castle Party Festival
02.08.2026 (BU) Plovdiv – Ancient Theatre of Plovdiv (Opus Diabolicum Orchestra Show)
06.08.2026 (DE) Schlotheim – Party.San Metal Open Air
28.08.2026 (RO) Câmpulung Muscel – Posada Rock Festival
18.09.2026 (UK) London – Cosmic Void Festival
19.09.2026 (TR) Istanbul – Bosphorus Open Air Metal Fest


MOONSPELL online:
https://www.moonspell.com
https://www.facebook.com/moonspellband
https://www.instagram.com/moonspellofficial
https://www.youtube.com/user/MoonspellYT
https://label.napalmrecords.com/moonspell
 
MOONSPELL are:
Fernando Ribeiro – Vocals
Ricardo Amorim – Guitars
Pedro Paixão – Keys
Aires Pereira – Bass
Hugo Ribeiro – Drums

Far From God track list:
1. Cross Your Heart
2. Far From God
3. Biblical
4. The Great Wolf in the Sky (ft. Alicia Nuhro on strings)
5. Your Promise of Light
6. For the Love of Mortals
7. Our Freedom to Fall
8. Reconquista

Far From God  will be available in the following formats:
- 2CD 24p Mediabook (ft. Bonus CD: Demo Versions)
- 1CD Jewel Case       
- 1-LP Gatefold Vinyl Black (ft. Lyric Sheet & Printed Innersleeve)
- 1-LP Gatefold Vinyl Solid Viola (ft. Lyric Sheet & Printed Innersleeve)
- 1-LP Gatefold Vinyl S053 Splattered Creme Black (ft. 24p Booklet + Printed Innersleeve)
- Wooden Boxset (ft. Mediabook 2-CD + A5 Band Photo + Flag + Cross Pendant + Handnumbered Certificate of Authenticity)
- 2CD 24p Mediabook + Shirt Bundle
- 1-LP Gatefold WHITE LABEL (ft. 12'' 24p Booklet, Certificate [dated handumbered], Covercard)
- Digital Album                            
- 1-LP Gatefold Vinyl CIRC002 (ft. Lyric Sheet + Printed Innersleeve + Vertical Poster A3 Cover + Band Photo Postcard) - Bandshop exclusive

Photo Credit: Richard Mukuza

London metallers Negative Frame have announced the release of their highly anticipated debut album, Break The Ice, out 7th August via Bloodblast. The band have also unveiled dark new single 'Cut Throat'.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/s9AVzfc_pXo

Pre-order the album and stream the single here: https://nfldn.bfan.link/break-the-ice

'Cut Throat' is inspired by the death of friends and family, in remembrance of vocalist Kesari Gorin’s best friend Charlie and Charlie’s fiancé Zaiga who lost their lives together.

Vocalist Kesari commented on 'Cut Throat': "Hostility, grief, denial and anger are the cold realities of life. Through the years, anger turns to empathy and denial turns to acceptance. No matter how long someone close has been gone they’re always by your side in life and in death. Rest in peace."

As Negative Frame unveil their new album, Break The Ice, they also reveal more of themselves than ever before. Exploring themes of loss, pain, isolation, addiction and personal struggle, the record serves as a cathartic release for the North London five-piece. Growing up as friends with little more than a shared love of skateboarding and making music, they have faced their share of adversity, and these experiences are woven into every track.

Unafraid to confront life's darkest moments, Negative Frame also deliver a message of resilience and hope. As the band explain: "Whatever you do in this world with your life it will keep spinning and we will all be dust soon enough, don’t live a life of hate and expect the world to give you anything other than what you’ve put into it. Let go of the pain."

Catch the band live:

2/07 - CZ - Prague - Eternia - NF Headline
3/07 - DE - Dresden - Fortschritt - NF Headline
11/07 – UK - Stevenage - Tombstone Open Air - NF Headline
24/07 - UK - Plymouth - The Junction - NF Headline  
25/07 – UK - Bristol - The Croft - NF Headline
05/09 – UK - Torquay - Burn It Down Fest - w/Speed
12/09 – UK - Colchester - Death Fest - NF Headline

Negative Frame are a London-based metallic hardcore band formed in 2017, emerging from the city’s DIY underground with a sound that fuses groove-heavy riffs, thrash intensity and punishing breakdowns. Originally brought together through skating and college life in North London, the band channelled frustration with everyday monotony into something far louder and more physical, quickly becoming known for their raw, high-impact approach.  Drawing influence from acts like Acid Bath, Disembodied and Lamb of God, their music leans into dense, groove-led structures and visceral, emotionally charged vocals that hit as hard live as they do on record.

From early DIY tours and self-booked shows to sharing stages with hardcore heavyweights, Negative Frame have built their reputation on relentless live energy and a deep connection to the UKHC scene. Their debut releases and later material, including the Mercy Killing EP and singles like 'Bad Blood,' showcase a band evolving into a heavier, more intricate force while staying rooted in hardcore’s communal chaos—stage dives, mic grabs and all.  With a growing following and a reputation for explosive performances, Negative Frame are part of a new wave pushing UK hardcore into darker, more aggressive territory without losing its sense of grit or fun.

Negative Frame are here to execute, haunting each listener with a passionate blend of hardcore to epic metal.

Negative Frame are:
Kesari Gorin - Vocals
Olly Coyne - Lead Guitar
George Evil - Guitar
Mark Maccutchan - Bass
Luke Walker - Drums

Negative Frame online:
https://linktr.ee/negativeLDN
https://www.instagram.com/negativeframeldn
https://www.facebook.com/NegativeFrameLDN
https://www.youtube.com/@negativeframeldn/videos

Break The Ice track list:

01 - Samsara    
02 - 9 Circles    
03 - New Lows
04 - Sorrow & Solitude    
05 - Cut Throat
06 - Cold Nights
07 - Pay To Play
08 - Rat Trap
09 - Heavens Blue
10 - Part Of Me
11 - Another Way

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