Atheana’s path has been far from clear as of late. Amongst the writing and touring commitments of last two years, the duo has seen multiple line-up changes – something that would bring any band to its knees. Atheana, however, is not just any band.

‘Burden’ is the culmination of years of relentless determination from vocalist Soph Payton and guitarist Ross Jubber – confidently breaking new ground for the duo.

On the lyrical content, Payton said, “’Burden’ is an ode to those who are still searching for somewhere to belong; for anyone who has ever felt like they are too much while simultaneously not enough. Exploring intense themes of mental illness and loneliness It’s a song that is really close to our hearts as it permeates new vulnerable territory.”

Discussing the songwriting and recording process, Payton added, “after a (very) lengthy process, multiple iterations of the track, and a fair few member changes, Burden finally found life in the studio with our good friend and producer Ryan Williams. We have spent countless hours devoting ourselves to this release in its entirety and we can’t wait to finally share the next chapter of Atheana.”

Finnish melodic metal band Unén are thrilled to announce the release of their debut album, titled Forever Winter and set for release on August 29 via Frontiers Music Srl. The track ‘Black Heart’ is available, along with an accompanying official video.

Vocalist Stina Girs talked about writing the new song: “’Black Heart’ was the first song I was given to shape with lyrics and vocal melodies, and it instantly resonated with me. The title had been echoing in my mind for a while, and the moment I heard the music, I knew – this was it. The song dives deep into the darkness of a toxic relationship, one ruled by manipulation and control at the hands of a narcissist. But at its core, the song is about reclaiming your strength. It’s the breaking point – the moment you rise, take back your power, and refuse to be broken”.

Canadian genre-smashers SUMO CYCO roar back with ‘Villains’, a maliciously catchy, high-energy anthem that kicks off a bold new chapter for the band accompanied by a striking official music video.

Fueled by ferocious riffs and anthemic hooks, ‘Villains’ dives into the danger of misplaced idolization and the fragile line between hero and villain. It’s a high-voltage reckoning with identity, what happens when the world makes up its mind about you before you’ve had a chance to define yourself. With pummeling rhythms of lead singer Skye’s searing vocals leading the charge, the track channels the rage and resilience of anyone who’s ever been miscast, misunderstood, or forced into the role of the antagonist.

Produced by Salvatore Sam Guiana (Silverstein, Neck Deep & Devil Wears Prada) and Matt Drake, the band’s guitarist, the single was recorded at their converted church studio in Ontario and delivers a twisted dance party for the end of the world, equal parts satirical and sincere.

“The track poses a question,” says lead singer Skye who co-founded SUMO CYCO with Drake. “How do we show up in other people’s stories? Could we be the villains without realizing it? It’s tongue-in-cheek but rooted in real discomfort, about privilege, corruption, and the spectacle we’re all part of. I love writing lyrics that end in a question mark, because they make you stop and think.” [via KNAC]

Earlier this month, European modern metal band STELLVRIS released the single ‘Monster.’ Now, they’ve premiered the song’s high-octane music video.

Readymade for fans of Spiritbox and Holy Wars, STELLVRIS’ latest takes on the theme of a toxic relationship, whether romantic, platonic or professional, and urges the listener to push back and escape. As for the video, it captures the band in action, with vocalist Nicol adopting distinct personas, including a red-cast demonic one.

“‘Monster’ is our most unapologetic track yet,” she commented of the song. “We wanted to create an anthem that speaks to anyone who’s ever stretched themselves too thin for someone who doesn’t deserve it. This song is your permission slip to break free.”

AS EVERYTHING UNFOLDS have released a new music video. The new music video, for the track ‘SET IN FLOW,’ is the brand new single from the UK post-hardcore band and marks their first new music since their latest studio album, Ultraviolet, which was released back in April 2023, via Long Branch Records. The release of the new single comes as the band sign with Century Media Records.

Speaking about the new single, frontwoman Charlie Rolfe says, “this song was written directly from the perspective of a replicant/non-human, starting off at the beginning of the song being told who/what they are: a carbon copy of another. Eventually we follow them wanting to distance themselves from what they were, slowly becoming confident and comfortable in their uniqueness learning how to be human, even reflecting on their previous existence in anger, being kept in the dark about their unique consciousness.”

BEYOND THE BLACK are delighted to unveil a brand new single, which goes by the name ‘Rising High‘. The highly infectious song is the first new material the band has released in nearly two years. Following the hugely successful self-titled album from 2023 that entered the German album charts at number 2, ‘Rising High‘ once again demonstrates BEYOND THE BLACK‘s unique flair for combining energetic melodic metal with elegant rock and pop hooklines.

Alongside the single, a captivating music video was unveiled, which you can watch below. Singer Jennifer Haben commented: “The silence is over: ‘Rising High’! A new era – and we’re ready to fly.“

NERVOSA have released a new music video. The new music video, for the track ‘Smashing Heads’, is the brand new single from the Brazilian-Greek death/thrash metal band and marks their first new music since their latest studio album, Jailbreak, which was released back in September 2023, via Napalm Records.

Speaking about the new single, the band shares, “this new single celebrates 15 years of NERVOSA, a resume of our musical journey throughout these years. Smashing Heads is a special release to commemorate this milestone and close one chapter before we unleash something entirely new with our next album. Smashing Heads talks about the obsession from the feelings that can drive you crazy. The sensation of being out of control because you can’t leave behind what you feel. Each of us has a different way to freak out and that is what you can see in our video clip.

“We worked very hard to bring our vision and ideas about that. Gabriela is an actress and she helped a lot with the acting and with the conception of the video. We recorded on the basement of our studio and we are very happy with the results, but we can’t wait to bring a new album and more new songs.”