Eville’s signature Industrial Brat Metal sound meets the grit of grime punk in their latest colossal impact of a hit, ‘Ballistic’, proving Eva Sheldrake has an equal amount of mettle in the sphere as Bob Vylan and Wage War. The unhinged, off-the-rails anthem captures the band’s feral energy within a gritty two-minute juggernaut, which sees Sheldrake’s vox chameleonically shift from Kae Tempest-esque spoken word verses into full-blown screamo assaults on the pervasive rot of the patriarchy. ‘Ballistic’ may be a departure from their earlier sound, but make no mistake, Eville is still out for ‘Blood’. “Ballistic is an unfiltered, raw and authentic display of female rage, unapologetically calling out the misogyny women face on a daily basis. It’s time to smash the glass ceiling and stamp on the pieces,” says Eva.
CROWLEY is an occult rock band from Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. Comprised of vocalist Lidya Balaban, guitarists Eliza Lee and Ruth Cranston, bassist Kim Fellows, and drummer Sav Montore. Formed in 2022, the band reinvigorates the sounds of retro pagan rock. ‘Silver Star’ is the fifth release from CROWLEY and marks the clearest establishment of the bands sound yet – like Black Sabbath with feminine power, it’s a dark occult fantasy the listener is invited to join. On ‘Silver Star’, singer Lidya Balaban says: “Written from the perspective of a cult leader, the song is an invitation to an initiation ceremony. It’s about being coerced into participating in a ritual and taking a leap of faith. This was definitely an interesting one for me lyrically, the song title is taken from one rumoured translation of Aleister Crowley’s organisation A∴A∴ (Argenteum Astrum). The lyrics themselves are somewhat alchemical in nature, with subtle messages of leaving your old ways behind and being able to transmute into your higher self. In its own twisted way it’s a song of growth and change. But mostly just about getting roped into ritual sacrifice.”
UK Folk Horror outfit Forlorn have announced they’ve signed to Church Road Records and mark their arrival at the new label home by unveiling their Stephen King inspired single, ‘Spirit’. Much like their previous ‘Earth’ inspired offering, Creatress, Forlorn’s first single on their new label, Church Road Records, is based on the fifth element of the same name. “Feeling a connection between a bass synth in the instrumental of the song and the literal transformation one being makes into another, I took inspiration from the Stephen King novel ‘The Outsider’ and the concept of shape-shifting,” explains vocalist Megan Jenkins. “There is so much that we cannot see and don’t connect to when we are caught up in the haze of our daily lives. There are forces, energies and beings that are all around us that we are blind to, and many people are OK with that. I connect so deeply to this idea of shape-shifting or “becoming other” through a desire to explore the unseen and travel beyond the confines of this human skin.”
Izzy Reign is back with her next bold release, ‘Your Entertainer,’ from her upcoming debut album set to release in early 2025 from FiXT. Known for her raw and powerful sound, Izzy merges metalcore and alternative pop in ‘Your Entertainer.’ This single, showcasing fierce guitar riffs, pulsating synths, and thunderous drums, creates an intense sonic landscape over provocative lyrics. With dynamic instrumentation, gritty guitars, synth-driven melodies, and hard-hitting bass and drums this track carries her signature sound while adding a darker, introspective edge. ‘Your Entertainer’ strikes at the heart of celebrity culture and the mental toll of creating from a place of vulnerability. ‘Your Entertainer’ is a concept track born from deep self-reflection. Izzy delves into the personal struggles that come with being a performer. “While I was writing this album, I thought about exactly what it was that I was doing, So I wrote ‘Your Entertainer’ as a concept about selling your emotions and experiences for entertainment and fame,” explains Izzy Reign. “I hope that this song reaches people to help them see that celebrity culture is a wild toxic concept and we need to remember that they are indeed still human. A lot of people create music from their pain or experiences, exposing their inner most difficulties just for your entertainment and it is a mentally wearing, but can also be rewarding, experience.”
Vallorch is back with their latest single and video, ‘Circle Of The Moon’. This liberating anthem invites listeners to reconnect with nature and embrace the joy of living. Inspired by Cimbrian myths, the song captures the essence of the ancient dances to the Moon God Maano, celebrating freedom and authenticity. The track offers a glimpse into Vallorch’s upcoming album, The Circle, set to release in March 2025, which explores the theme of the night in all its facets—from reflection and tranquility to celebration and connection. The album combines Vallorch’s signature folk metal sound with symphonic and power metal influences, blending vibrant melodies, heavy riffs, and a touch of melancholy.
Melodic hard rockers The Big Deal are pleased to announce the release of their upcoming new studio album Electrified, set for release on January 17th, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl. To mark the occasion, they share the new single and accompanying video ‘Like A Fire’, out now. Guitarist Srdjan Brankovic expresses his enthusiasm for the release: “We are very happy that we have come to the moment to announce our second album Electrified, together with Frontiers Records. We had the honour to collaborate for the first time with great artists such as Anders Wikstrom (TREAT) and Jona Tee (H.E.A.T.), who helped us compose some songs. If you like melodic metal/rock, melodic vocals, plenty of keyboard and guitar melodic solos, two great female vocalists intertwining in harmony, we think you’ll love the album too. Check out the first single ‘Like A Fire’, which is about a rock band performing on stage.”
BLACKBRIAR have released a new music video. The new music video, for the track ‘Floriography,’ is the brand new single from the Dutch symphonic metal band and marks their first new music since their latest studio album, A Dark Euphony, which was released in September last year, via Nuclear Blast Records. Speaking about the new single, vocalist Zora Cock shares, “’Floriography’ marks the start of our upcoming third studio album. It’s a song full of mystery, dark academia meets Sherlock Holmes. The song’s protagonist deciphers hidden messages from a secret lover through the Victorian language of flowers, cryptic poetry, lyrical acronyms, and marks carved in trees. She may have even left some for you.” [via Distorted Sound]
XANDRIA have released a new music video. The new music video, for the track ‘200 Years’, is taken from the German symphonic metal band’s brand new album, Universal Tales, which was released on Friday, via Napalm Records. Speaking about the song and its accompanying new music video, the band shares, “we hope you enjoy our new song and video! It’s inspired by our deep love for Scotland and its rich history. The many stories of this land have sunk deep into our collective consciousness, becoming the roots of the fantasy worlds we all share – worlds filled with epic tales, like those of Middle-earth and beyond. Stories of people fighting for freedom, love, and the survival of their culture. This one’s for you. Slàinte mhath!” [via Distorted Sound]
