Casandra’s Crossing, the new musical alliance between guitar legend George Lynch and powerhouse singer Casandra Carson, shares a new track entitled ‘Impatient’. The single is the second off their upcoming album, Garden of Earthly Delights, out October 25 via Frontiers Music Srl. Casandra comments on ‘Impatient’: “’Impatient’ was one of those songs that kind of wrote itself when it came to the lyrics and the melodies. I would let the music play and just sing along in the moment to see what would come out, and I found myself singing about the hardships of being in a long-distance relationship. Wishing that person was there to celebrate the good times, help you through the bad times, and holding off on experiences so you can enjoy them together once they’re back, all require an insane amount of patience, and it’s really difficult to sustain sometimes. If anyone in a long distance relationship hears this song, I just hope they know that they’re not alone.”

Divide and Dissolve sign to Bella Union and share the brand new single ‘Monolithic’ as their North American tour kicks off. A new album is expected in 2025. “‘Monolithic’ is a prayer for systems of liberation, freedom, Indigenous sovereignty, and for a Black future. This song is hope for the seemingly impossible and for things that have never been seen or experienced in many lifetimes. Where no memories have been created,” says Takiaya Reed. Divide and Dissolve’s music is an acknowledgement of the dispossession that occurs due to colonial violence, it honours ancestors, opposes white supremacy and calls for indigenous sovereignty. Takiaya Reed’s dense sound is overwhelmingly heavy; a dissonant pounding of percussion, guitars, piano, synths and saxophone, interwoven with passages of orchestral beauty that give a feeling of respite.

Ukrainian metal juggernauts JINJER have unleashed their brand new single ‘Rogue’, showing once more their refusal to conform to the musical genre rule book. The song’s accompanying music video can be seen below. ‘Rogue’, featuring the ferocity of vocalist Tatiana Shmayluk combined with a sonic rollercoaster of chugging riffs, pulverizing bass lines and intricate drums, is another raging reminder that JINJER never minces words when it comes to their music and always keeps the pressure on with each new release. JINJER comments on ‘Rogue’: “Our new single ‘Rogue’ is a reaction to many things … it’s brutally honest, it’s in your face and one of the most intense tracks JINJER has ever released. We are so excited about this new track, about the new album and everything that’s on the way.” [via Blabbermouth]

FROZEN CROWN have released a new music video. The new music video, for the track ‘War Hearts’, is the title track from the Italian power metal band’s upcoming new album, which is scheduled to be released in October this year, via Napalm Records. Speaking about the new song, and its accompanying music video, the band shares, “we’re overly excited and proud to introduce our new album’s title track War Hearts and to unveil its official videoclip! ‘War Hearts’ was the first song we wrote for the new album and it’s meant to be a statement about how fast and uncompromising the rest of the album is going to be. It’s also the first song to mark the appearance of our young new guitar player Alessia and her blazing solos. The video is once again settled in Italy, between the windy ruins of the Avigliana Castle, and once again portrays the band in the rawest manner possible, without any kind of post-production or artifice involved.” [via Distorted Sound]

DEFENCES have released a new music video. The new music video, for the track ‘Shadowlight’, is the title track from the Hertfordshire-based alternative metal band’s upcoming new album, which is scheduled to be released in November this year, via Long Branch Records. Speaking about the new song, vocalist Cherry Duesbury says, “this song talks retrospectively about the process of exploring your inner darkness. This involves uncovering discarded, repressed and rejected parts of yourself and shedding a light on them, working through the uncomfortable, painful things we don’t like about ourselves, and our fears. Being conscious of these things leads to acceptance, which leads to self-awareness. This process, known as Shadow Work, is something that has become an important part of my life. As difficult as it is, I frequently find myself facing my darkness and learning to understand it more deeply, or from a different perspective, eventually embracing it as part of me, rather than ignoring it and hoping it goes away. The lyrics for ‘Shadowlight’ were actually written in an attempt at foreshadowing, or manifestation before I’d even begun to do any of the work. It’s an ongoing thing you never really stop doing, a healing journey that lasts a lifetime. I think that’s the vibe you get by the song’s conclusion. I remember being quite nervous about showing these vocals to the guys when I first demoed my ideas, because it felt incredibly raw at the time, almost to the point of being cheesy. To be singing about learning to love all of myself, especially when I hadn’t really yet. Luckily they all loved it, I hope everyone else does too!” [via Distorted Sound]

Symphonic metal outfit AEVUM has joined forces with OCTO CRURA to release their powerful new single, ‘Be a Lady’, now available on all platforms. This dynamic collaboration blends symphonic metal, djent, and industrial metal into a fierce anthem of empowerment. Featuring both clean and growl vocals from three powerful singers, ‘Be a Lady’ challenges societal expectations and rejects conformity, delivering a bold message of self-determination and individuality. The track is a rallying cry for every woman to embrace her identity and shape her own path, celebrating strength and defiance in the face of outdated standards. AEVUM and OCTO CRURA invite listeners to join them in rejecting the pressures to conform and to proudly embrace their own voices. [via Grimm Gent]

Symphonic metal veterans NIGHTWISH have released ‘An Ocean Of Strange Islands’, the third single from their upcoming album, Yesterwynde, due on September 20 via Nuclear Blast. NIGHTWISH keyboardist Tuomas Holopainen, who once again composed most of the material, states: “The song ‘An Ocean Of Strange Islands’ gives you sheer heaviness with its massive guitars, epic orchestrations and phenomenal vocals by Floor Jansen. Classic NIGHTWISH at its best! ‘An Ocean Of Strange Islands’ takes us on the ultimate musical island-hopping adventure, reminding the adventurer that happiness is most joyous when shared.” [via Blabbermouth]

While it may not have a date, title or cover art, a new album is on the horizon from Melodic Death Metal orchestra Phoboian (or “Phobic“). Hailing from Turku in Finland, the six piece create music which incorporates classical female vocals into heavy Nordic melancholy having found each other at an Metal show after party in 2017. The first single and music video from the album is one called ‘The Plague’. Guitarist Otso Turunen: “’The Plague’ tells about the extinction of mankind as a result of a deadly pandemic. It brings together medieval religious imagery and a modern scientific dystopia. Despite the macabre theme the song strives for beauty, and isn’t as much a prophecy as a warning” Singer Inka Laitinen: “One of my favorite tracks from the upcoming album is definitely ‘The Plague,’ which harmonies and rhythms create an atmosphere that’s great to rock out to. Together with the guys and Eeva, we’ve crafted a song that truly represents who we are, conveying relevant themes as well. Its energy and guitar riffs showcase our band’s sound at its best. Working together has been inspiring, and I believe listeners will also experience that energy. ‘The Plague’ is a part of our journey and a story we want to share.” [via Metal Noise]

The Other LA, a powerhouse in the Nashville rock scene known for its electrifying performances and gripping lyrics proudly announces the release of their highly anticipated single, ‘Freakshow’ that embodies the raw energy that The Other LA is renowned for. Individuality is championed by frontwoman Aria Fowler as the band continues to push the boundaries of the definition of hard rock. In a period of metamorphosis, this new single is the bridge of what The Other LA is known for, and what is yet to come. This new single showcases a point of view any alt people have faced at one point in time—leering and ogling. Aria reflects, “I don’t express myself for others, I love treating every day as an excuse to look different for my own amusement, but that doesn’t mean I am a novelty.” The Other LA is transitioning into a new definition of what it is to create music, and what creative expression can become. “I want people to feel like they can break the rules with creativity because it seems that right now there is a lack of expression and individuality. Don’t be afraid to stand out,but do it for you and only you.Individuality is all we have,” says Aria. The single explores overcoming adversity, embracing one’s true self, and the highs and lows of being yourself today. [via IMM]