‘Heretic (feat. Kim Dracula)’ marks the first new music to be released from the GRAMMY® Award-nominated Los Angeles band’s upcoming as-yet-untitled ninth album and debut for Better Noise Music.  

“We are so excited to unveil our new song ‘Heretic,’ featuring the incomparable Kim Dracula,” says IN THIS MOMENT in a combined statement. “From the first time we heard that incredible voice, we knew we wanted to collaborate. We cannot wait for the world to hear what happens when we join forces on a song like ‘Heretic.’”

Spanish rock band Strangers share their new visualizer video ‘Still The One’, taken from the upcoming studio album, entitled Boundless, out on August 22 via Frontiers Music Srl.

The band commented: “’Still The One’ is a heavy and powerful track, featuring strong guitars and high energy throughout. It highlights our intense hard rock style.”

Australian heavy metal titans TEMTRIS return with the blistering new single ‘Scars Of Betrayal’, the second offering from their highly anticipated eighth studio album, Queen of Crows, due for release on August 8 via Wormholedeath.

Hamilton and Toronto-based Sumo Cyco have announced that they will be releasing a new album. It is called NEON VOID and will be out on October 24. The album features 12 songs, including their previously released single ‘Villains’. The band has also released a video for their new song ‘Shivers’ which was directed and produced by lead singer Skye Sweetnam.

ENEMY INSIDE have released a new music video. The new music video, for the track ‘Innocent’, is taken from the German alternative/symphonic metal band’s brand new album, Venom, which was released back in February, via Reigning Phoenix Music. The single was previously only available as part of the physical edition of the album.

Speaking about the single, the band shares, “it’s a song about guilt, hypocrisy, and the human tendency to judge others while ignoring our own flaws. Inspired by the biblical quote ‘Let he who is without sin cast the first stone,’ it’s a reminder that before we point fingers, we should take a hard look at ourselves.”

BURNING WITCHES have released a new music video. The new music video, for the track ‘High Priestess Of The Night,’ is taken from the Swiss heavy metal band’s upcoming new album, Inquisition, which is scheduled to be released in August this year, via Napalm Records.

Speaking about the new song, the band shares, “we chose this good-vibed yet still heavy-themed, catchy mid-tempo song as a second single. This will be an ear catcher and a hip shaker for sure at live shows. This song is a must for everybody… it’s simple but it’s also the way of every metalhead. If you are a metalhead, you will like ‘High Priestess Of The Night’!”

BLACKBRIAR have released a brand new single. The new music video, for the track ‘A Last Sigh Of Bliss,’ is taken from the Dutch symphonic metal band’s upcoming album A Thousand Little Deaths, which is scheduled to be released in August this year, via Nuclear Blast Records.

Speaking about the new song, vocalist Zora Cock says, “as the scent of honeysuckle drifts into your bedroom window on a warm summer’s night, this song intoxicates you into a fever dream. Like a bee drowning in honey, you know you’ll die, and yet, you ache for nothing more. It’s a sultry, seductive, and euphoric song with heavy guitars and a chorus that makes you want to run barefoot through a moonlit field in a lace gown.”

Texan outfit Daedric have come ‘Undone,’ but that’s a good thing. The act are currently building up a clutch of pop-heavy nu-rock tunes that’ll eventually lead towards the release of their forthcoming full-length, As the Light Left. Last week they teamed up with Revolver to premiere the booming fourth single, ‘Undone,’ which arrives accompanied by a wave-rippled new music video.

The latest Daedric cut commingles deep, undulating beatwork with all-power drumming, purple-incandescent guitar melodies and the scratched-and-cooed clinic put on by vocalist Kristyn Hope.

Musically, ‘Undone’ was apparently dreamed up when band member and producer Clay Schroeder started humming a melody to himself while standing in line at the post office.

Hope tells Revolver that the lyrics somewhat connect to As the Light Left’s first single, May’s ‘Night Mother,’ and that it’s a reflective look at a toxic past relationship. It also features a subtle Star Wars reference via the line about being “carbonized in a burning shrine.”

“’Undone’ is not a song about love,” the singer explains. “It’s a song about deep regret and repeated failure to change, even when you want so badly to become a better version of yourself. Many times, the damage is irreversible.”

The music video finds Hope powerfully singing while either flanked by masked Daderic bandmates or while crooning with her head submerged in water. [via Revolver]

The post appeared first on She Makes Music.

Guitarist Nick Savio commented on the new single: “This song represents our melodic modern rock side, where electronic elements and bombastic rhythm sessions make the perfect wall of sounds for the vocals duo. This song is our perfect radio hit, with fine vocal melodies and a touch of 80’s sound”.

Spanish rock band Strangers are pleased to announce the release of their fourth studio album, entitled Boundless, out on August 22 via Frontiers Music Srl.

After the previous single ‘Into The Night’, the band share the new single, ‘Enemy’, along with an official video.

Talking about the new single, the band said: “It’s loud and raw, a powerful anthem about letting go of the past and owning the now. Hit play and let the music take over!”

Fresh off the return of their debut support tour with the Himalayas and release of their breakout single ‘Whatever The Cost,’ PAVÉ are back with their most daring and sonically ambitious track yet: ‘Into the Ether.’ Produced by Jon Cass (As Everything Unfolds, South Arcade, Lake Malice) and mastered by Pete Maher (Pixies, Liam Gallagher, Linkin Park), the single blends the band’s signature intensity with a surprising twist of high-tempo drum and bass elements that mark a bold first for the group.

The band explain “‘Into the Ether’ is about the tension that builds when someone says they’re all in, but their actions don’t match it. It reflects that moment when you’ve supported someone, believed in them, and waited for them to step up, but they never really show up, mentally or emotionally. The track is our way of confronting that disconnect. It’s not about blame, it’s about acknowledging that you can’t force someone to be who they said they wanted to be. At some point, you have to stop carrying that weight for them. Musically, it mirrors that frustration and release, pushing into new territory for us with drum and bass elements and a darker, more cinematic energy.”

CASTLE RAT have released a new music video. The new music video, for the track ‘WIZARD,’ is taken from the New York City-based doom metal band’s upcoming new album, The Bestiary, which is scheduled to be released in September this year, via King Volume Records (in North America) and Blues Funeral Recordings (in the UK and Europe).

Speaking about the new single, bassist Charley Ruddell (Plague Doctor) says, “musically, ‘WIZARD’ was a big step in a new direction for us as a band. We found ourselves collaborating more closely with each other and piecing together ideas more intricately than on previous songs. We channeled the new wave of British heavy metal; the galloping drum break and harmonized guitar leads were largely inspired by IRON MAIDEN and JUDAS PRIEST. Franco’s solo at the end – which was recorded in one take – was inspired by Electric Eye.”

Gore. have just unleashed a brand-new single. New song/video ‘Sepsis’ follows last year’s A Bud That Never Blooms EP, and as vocalist Haley Roughton explains, it’s “about a friend who was in a relationship with someone diagnosed with bipolar disorder (BPD) that went untreated.

“I attempted to write it from his perspective, after seeing him try to salvage a relationship where he was constantly challenged and abused. I could only imagine how difficult it is knowing that the person you love is ill and staying by their side, even when the relationship feels like torment.”

Of the accompanying music video, Haley reveals that it “reflects that isolation and what it’s like to be trapped inside your own head and thoughts. Hence why it’s just me and a double the whole time.” [via Kerrang!]

Undoubtedly New Zealand’s hottest rock ticket at the moment, Devilskin present their second single and first video from the forthcoming album RE-EVOLUTION. Fresh from taking out the coveted People’s Choice Award in the recent Aotearoa Music Awards, climbing all over rock radio with the bold, upbeat single Half-Life of Dreams, AND currently immersed in a 12-date NZ tour, Devilskin release the incendiary track ‘Swelter,’ which sees vocalist Jennie Skulander towering over one of the sickest riffs you’ll ever hear. [via Heavy Mag]

Former Butcher Babies singer Carla Harvey has unveiled the single/video ‘Hell or Hollywood’ as the latest offering from her new project The Violent Hour. The single features a guest guitar solo from Zakk Wylde.

The new song, which follows previous single ‘Sick Ones’ featuring John 5, has a distinctive ’80s hard rock vibe, and is accompanied by a music video filmed at the famed Rainbow Bar & Grill in Hollywood, California. In the clip, actors portray Lemmy Kilmister, Janis Joplin, and Kurt Cobain.

“Shooting the ‘Hell or Hollywood’ video at the Rainbow was a full-circle moment for me,” stated Harvey. “As a kid growing up in the Midwest, I saw the Rainbow in rock mags and iconic Guns N’ Roses videos…it exuded that gritty, dangerous, rock ’n’ roll lifestyle I craved. When I moved to LA, I practically lived there. I made my first friends at the Rainbow, found my first bandmates there, and got into plenty of trouble. The Rainbow is more than a backdrop; it’s a living, breathing piece of rock history.”

She added, “This video tells the story of chasing a dream to LA (both the pleasures and the pitfalls) and toys with the question: do you have to sell your soul for rock ’n’ roll? Is this Hell or Hollywood?  The answer reveals itself at the end of the video. It was important for me to have Lemmy (played by Luke Edwards of Killed by Death) in the video as one of my “tempters” because of his iconic presence at the Rainbow. You’ll spot a Janis Joplin too (actress Shannon Corbett) and I had to throw in a little tongue in cheek humor as well with a Kurt Cobain lookalike (Gabe Maska) because let’s be real, if Kurt showed up at the Rainbow, you’d definitely be in hell.” [via Consequence]

Swiss heavy metal powerhouse Burning Witches is back with a new record Inquisition, due out August 22 via Napalm Records. Burning Witches is now streaming the title track in all its heavy metal glory, which you can check out below.

“We are happy to present you with this epic, classic heavy song full of depth and occult moments that go straight under your skin!,” said Burning Witches of the single. “From a dark time of mankind, this song was composed with respect to all blood that this time has poured. ‘Inquisition’ will stay as a song that moves our engine with power to do more and more…” [via Metal Injection]

LIV SIN have announced a new album. Titled Close Your Eyes, the upcoming album from the Swedish heavy metal band is the follow-up to 2023’s KaliYuga, and is scheduled to be released in August this year, via their new home at Seek & Strike.

Alongside the announcement of the new album, LIV SIN have released a new music video for a new song lifted from the upcoming album; the title track ‘Close Your Eyes.’ The new song features a guest appearance from Lars Palmqvist of SCAR SYMMETRY.

Speaking about the new song, and its accompanying music video, the band shares, “we chose the album’s title track, ‘Close Your Eyes,’ as the first single/video for mainly two reasons. We got the amazing vocalist, Lars Palmqvist from SCAR SYMMETRY, to join us, and the song has a straight up melodic chorus that everyone was instantly hooked on.

“The song also has a darker edge to it, since it covers the topic of human trafficking. Liv got the idea for the lyrics after watching a documentary about people being tricked into trafficking across eastern Europe.

“In the video, we tried to recreate the feeling of being all alone in a dark room with different strangers coming and going. Liv sings and screams out her inner frustrations reflecting on the world today with a deep longing for a better world.” [via Distorted Sound]

Sludge-heavy “fairy-doom” trio Faetooth are looking to lure us back into their mystifying, metallic maze. Fittingly enough, the group have just confirmed a sophomore  LP titled Labyrinthine is on the way, and they’re previewing it ahead of time with a slow-stomping crusher called ‘White Noise.’

The track, a seismically rumbled six-minute epic, is the band’s second new tune of 2025, following their ‘Death of Day’ — and both songs will feature on Labyrinthine.

It’s explained in a press release that the sometimes low-sung, sometimes shrieked lyricism on ‘White Noise’ was pulled “from a diary entry, and is a relentless and intense reflection on inner turmoil.” Guitarist Ari May added that “performing the song always takes [her] back to a specific place, even if just for a moment.” [via Revolver]

BLACKBRIAR have released a new song called ‘Harpy’. Speaking about the new song, vocalist Zora Cock comments, “in this song, I call upon a Harpy to please carry me away after I’ve died a thousand little deaths. I lure it with my carrion heart, after all, Harpies are known as human vultures. If not, I fear I might be stuck in the same place, slowly left eroding. I need to die one last time to be laid to rest finally. This song, Harpy, inspired the album title.”

The post appeared first on She Makes Music.

“We are proud to be releasing ‘Martyr’ alongside the music video for our new single ‘Primal’. ‘Primal’ is about the shift that happens in someone, when they realize they’ve been wronged for so long, and decide to finally stand up for themselves. ‘Martyr’ explores different mental health battles through the struggles, and the strength it takes to heal. This is our first EP with Sumerian Records, and we are excited to be partnering with them for those new songs. We would like to thank Joey Sturgis for also believing in this project and being a part of it.”

Nashville based artist Royale Lynn announces her debut album BLACK MAGIC due for release on June 27 via Epitaph Records. Produced by Jonathan Roach, the record is a raw exploration of Royale’s personal struggles with mental health, woven through a narrative inspired by mythology and fantasy. Drawing from the legend of Pandora’s Box, each song represents an “evil” that escaped Pandora’s box into humanity.

Taking cues from 2000’s hard-rock icons like Evanescence and Flyleaf, Royale shares the lead single ‘GREED’ with bright, piercing vocals that rise over the urgent, thundering instrumentation of the track. Directed by Scott Hansen (A Day To Remember, Sevendust) with dazzling visual effects, the accompanying music video is set in a dark futuristic fantasy world, featuring a leather-clad Royale performing alongside her band with an army of creepy masked figures that represent “greed”.

There is always a deeper meaning to Calva Louise’s output, and ‘Lo Que Vale,’ their new single is no different. Translated into English as ‘What is Worth,’ it delves into the human psyche and our personal perception. The song is taken from their Mascot Records debut, Edge of the Abyss, which is co-produced by Pendulum’s Gareth McGrillen and will be released on 11 July.

Following their European tour with Bloodywood, ‘Lo Que Vale’ drops as a reminder of their sheer scope of ideas that they are able to pack into a single song. A frenetic combination of raging riffs and vocals meet with elegantly dancing keyboard melodies, before being thrown around the room with a formidable force. Like their 2024 single, ‘La Corriente’, it pays homage to singer-guitarist Jess Allinac’s Venezuelan roots, sung in Spanish and is an important part of their identity.

“’Lo Que Vale’ deals with the honest confusion and contradiction of our personal perception: when we think we understand something, we might actually be getting it wrong, and when everything seems upside down, maybe that’s when it is not,” the band explains.

“These honest exchanges in life act as triggers for letting go of the attachments that keep us chained to our mundane delusions. And while looking to break free of the irrelevant and continuous patterns that keep us stuck in one place, confusion builds up to the point of asking oneself if we’re really appreciating what is worth living for.”

Halestorm have unleashed a new song titled ‘Darkness Always Wins.’ The single offers the first taste of the band’s as-yet-untitled new album, set for release later this year.

‘Darkness Always Wins’ features Lzzy Hale’s powerhouse vocals on full display, with the song reminiscent of an ’80s power ballad. In fact, there are lyrical nods to the era (intentional or not), with such lines as “running with the shadows” (Pat Benatar) and “fading into black” (Metallica).

Around the 2:30 mark, things get heavier, as Joe Hottinger’s guitar kicks in, followed by a primal scream from Lzzy shortly thereafter.

“‘Darkness Always Wins’ is not a song of hope, nor is it a song of despair,” stated Lzzy of the single. “It is reality. History repeating. Evil prevails and the good depart first. But we are not doomed as long as we persist and keep our fires burning. The war may not be won in this lifetime. But our mission is to pass the torch so that those who follow have a light to fight with.” [via Consequence]

Dutch symphonic metal band, Blackbriar, announce their brand new album, A Thousand Little Deaths, which will be released on August 22 via Nuclear Blast Records.

Together with this exciting news the band shares their new single, ‘The Fossilized Widow’. The single channels the eerie spirit of the Victorian era, blending the mysticism of Ouija boards with the brooding passion of Wuthering Heights. A journey through dark love, spectral forces, and gothic intrigue.

Zora Cock comments: “‘The Fossilized Widow’ tells the story of a girl frozen in time, desperately holding on to someone she can never let go. She’s slowly descending into madness by all those words left unsaid, all those questions left to be asked. As the years pass, her home has turned into ruins, yet the legend says she still remains, trapped in her sorrow, waiting and watching. They call her The Fossilized Widow.”

Gothenburg’s purveyors of all things catchy (and heavy) Aligned is back with yet another kickass single, this time in the form of ‘Fortress’. The song comes alongside a video directed by Lucas Englund (Parkway Drive, etc.).

“This track is born from the ashes of deep loss and emotional ruin,” wrote Aligned of the single. “It captures the raw experience of wandering through life weighed down by trauma, and the haunting remnants of something once whole. It echoes the inner turmoil of grief, while its soaring melodies fight to rise from the rubble. It’s also about the strength it takes to face brokenness, build again, and finding power in vulnerability.”

Swiss folk metal giants Eluveitie release their triumphant new album Ànv via Nuclear Blast. In celebration of the day, the band have also unveiled the new video for their single ‘Taranoias‘.

Eluveitie commented: “And along comes – on this special day – our brand new single and video clip off ANV: TARANOÍAS! It’s the opening track of the album and pretty much wrapping up the entire essence on which the album is based in one single song! It’s quite a hard and dark track and surely one of these roller-coaster-feeling songs, like “Rebirth” or “Aidus”, for instance. What we’ve tried when writing this track is to create a song that in itself becomes some kind of a dark entity that comes upon you with the first note of it! Enjoy the ride!”

The post appeared first on She Makes Music.

‘Aimless’ is a reflective catharsis of human communication. Sometimes, it feels like we communicate in monologues where it feels impossible for someone to understand our point of view while simultaneously asking oneself: Do we act the same way towards others? “The song deals with the fragility of our beliefs but at the same time with the importance of knowing our true essence and standing up for it,” Jess Allanic says.

The Swiss band POWERHILL is creating quite a buzz with its unique ‘Farm Metal’, which is explosive, rousing, and full of humor, and is stirring up the rural idyll with its first single ‘Powerhill’.

The musicians from Taverne carved out their very own tongue-in-cheek genre that is now being unleashed with full force and spiced with a pinch of country air on fans, rockin’ the wild Alpine prairie. Led by vocalist Veronica Torre, the musicians blend powerful melodies with a hefty dose of humor. With their debut album, to be released via Dr. Music Records on June 27, the band around guitarist, mastermind, and producer Alberto ‘Cep’ Ceppi proves that Metal and farmyard charm can be a surprisingly explosive mixture. Driven by Luca ‘Chewbe’ Gentile’s grooving basslines and featuring drum legend Jörg Michael (i.a. Stratovarius, Running Wild, Axel Rudi Pell) behind the kit, the album’s ten diverse songs inspire with catchy anthems and humorous accents and shows POWERHILL at the peak of their creative powers.

Dutch symphonic metal band BLACKBRIAR release their brand new song ‘I Buried Us’, a powerful track blending crushing guitar riffs, soaring orchestral elements, and raw, emotional vocals.

Zora Cock comments: “‘I Buried Us’ captures the haunting aftermath of love laid to rest. In this song, I mentally dig a grave for a romance, but my imagination refuses to stay buried. I envision the two of us side by side, six feet under, a decayed heart still aching for their warmth. In my mind, we’re still dancing in the afterlife, twirling in the ‘what-ifs’ and ‘could-have-beens.'”

Orlando heavy crew Not Enough Space have just dropped a new single, ‘Devil Left Me On Read.’

The band state that this is their “heaviest release yet, drawing influences from Suicide Silence and The Black Dahlia Murder to capture a fresh yet nostalgic deathcore sound”.

They add: “The lyrics illustrate the seven deadly sins – greed, envy, wrath, lust, sloth, gluttony and pride – and how negative thoughts and past mistakes can lead to becoming one’s own worst enemy.”

New York heavy metal trio SANHEDRIN presents their latest single, ‘Let’s Spill Some Blood.’ The track comes alonsgide the band’s Heat Lightning full-length, out now.

Notes vocalist/bassist Erica Stoltz. “The lyrics of ‘Let’s Spill Some Blood’ reflect how fortunate the human race is that most people seek justice as opposed to revenge. There are many dark forces in the corridors of power pretending to be forces for good, and this song calls them out for what they are and urges the listener to stand up and fight for what’s right.”

The post appeared first on She Makes Music.

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]

The post appeared first on She Makes Music.

NYC’s resident misfits Couch Slut’s new full-length album You Could Do It Tonight is out April 19 on Brutal Panda Records. Now, the band shares ‘The Donkey (Abridged).’ The video was created by Frank Huang (Maximum Volume Silence) and features additional footage captured by occasional Couch Slut collaborator Davindar Singh from a haunted house in Thailand, along with special guest appearances from guitarist Amy Mills’ personal doll collection. Couch Slut vocalist Megan Ostrosits explains: “Here’s the story of what happened when my friends and I got fired from the haunted waterpark.” Bassist Kevin Hall continues: “‘The Donkey’ is simultaneously simple and complex, like a bucket of sewage which at first appears homogeneous, but upon close inspection dazzles the mind and the senses with the diversity and pungency of its constituent detritus.”

NØ MAN are proud to debut the brand new music video for ‘Glitter and Spit’, the title track from the band’s highly anticipated new album due out next week on March 29 via Iodine Recordings. “‘Glitter and Spit’ is about not letting people distort your reality to fit their fantasy,” shares NØ MAN. “We’ve never been comfortable with the idea of making a music video and really just wanted to make something that felt true to our live shows. Years ago Joseph Pattisall made one of our favorite videos for our friends in Striking Distance and we were thrilled when he was up for helping us with ours.”

The pirates of VISIONS OF ATLANTIS are about to take listeners on their heaviest symphonic adventure yet with their new studio album, entitled PIRATES II – ARMADA, set for release on July 5, 2024 via Napalm Records. The new successor to their high-charting previous release, Pirates (2022), is set as high as the waves cresting the Jolly Roger – taking everything that has been achieved to date to another level. With the second chapter of the pirates’ saga, VISIONS OF ATLANTIS prove that they are more than ready to claim the crown of symphonic metal. Now, the crew centered around pirate queen Clèmentine Delauney and brave captain Michele Guaitoli unveil their first single and title track, ‘Armada’, together with an official music video that draws the listeners into the exciting universe of VISIONS OF ATLANTIS. With this track, the band pushes its metal attitude farther than ever before! The track immediately show how driving, rich, and banging the hymn of a pirate army could be. [via Outburn]

Canada’s most exciting metal band, UNLEASH THE ARCHERS, recently announced the upcoming release of their game changing sixth studio album, Phantoma, out May 10 via Napalm Records. On this stunning conceptual release, listeners join story protagonist Phantoma, a Phase 4 / Network Tier 0 unit – model A, on an inspiring yet harrowing journey as she traverses the new age of AI on a dystopian, near-future planet earth. Following the release of wondrous first single, ‘Green & Glass’, UNLEASH THE ARCHERS are back with an addictive, synth-infused second single, ‘Ghosts In The Mist’. Blending modern guitar stylings with 80s arena rock vibes, the track boasts one of the album’s most sing-along worthy choruses and heaviest breakdowns. UNLEASH THE ARCHERS says about ‘Ghosts In The Mist’: “If you saw us at any of the shows we played last year then you might recognize this track! We filmed the music video at Mad With Power Fest, ProgPower USA, and at our show in Montreal, Canada, and it is full of so many friends and familiar faces! We love including these particular festivals in the video because they have both been supporters of ours for a very long time, and we hope we will get to play them again and again as the years go on. The track is one of the more synth heavy songs on the album, but it’s also got some rad death vocals from Grant that you can bang your head to, so we hope there will be a little something for everyone to enjoy here!” [via Metal Planet]

FOLTERKAMMER have released a new music video. The new music video, for the track ‘Algolagnia’, is taken from the American operatic symphonic black metal band’s upcoming new album, Weibermacht, which is scheduled to be released in April this year.,Speaking about the new single, guitarist Zachary Ezrin comments, “’Algolagnia’ is a special song because it’s the first and only song that we wrote together in the studio. It’s a really raw and brutal piece that I’m very proud of.” Bassist Laurent David adds, “finally, a black metal track that starts with a bassline!” Vocalist Andromeda Anarchia further explains, “musically, I would say that despite all its rawness, this piece also has a somewhat modern character. It is very unusual. This contrasts with the more traditional, dramatic-romantic operatic singing that floats over the raw music at certain points. My main inspirations for interpreting ‘Algolagnia’ as a singer were Rob Halford, Nina Hagen, NOVA TWINS, and Joan Sutherland. When it comes to lyrics, one of the main inspirations for ‘Algolagnia’ was the opera ELEKTRA by Richard Strauss, which is one of my all-time favorite operas. It portrays strong women with strong voices, and that’s exactly what I want for our music. For ‘Algolagnia’, I paraphrase a passage of the aria: ‘Wie stark bist du!’ (‘How strong you are!’).” [via Distorted Sound]

Ancient Settlers has released a video for ‘Wounded Heart’, first single taken from the new album Oblivion’s Legacy to be released on May 17 by Scarlet Records. ‘Wounded Heart’ evokes a visceral journey through the tumultuous currents of existence, where time’s relentless march leaves shattered dreams and non-stop haste in its wake. A song to remember that each scar becomes a badge of resilience amidst the ashes of adversity, as the wounded heart remains steadfast in the face of hopelessness and isolation, enduring the toll that time exacts on soul. [via Brave Words]

Gothic metal band, Blackbriar, have just released a brand new song titled ‘Moonflower.’ Featuring UK based/Russian born singer-songwriter, Marjana Seminka, the track comes with its own music video. This is their first music since the release of A Dark Euphony in September 2023. The band are also out on tour in the US from May 9, then in Europe and the UK later in the year. Catch the new video below. [via Ghost Cult Mag]

‘Lullaby’ is the latest music video from UK metal band Skarlett Riot. The release is part of the build-up to their highly anticipated album set to launch in 2024. Speaking about the track the band state: “’Lullaby’ expresses the emotions we go through at some point in our lives when we experience the loss of a loved one. We hope you can connect with this track as much as we did when writing it and I hope it brings a smile or two and warmth when you hear the lyrics. Writing these lyrics definitely brought some pretty personal memories back and it helped me to relive those precious moments again through song writing.” [via Primordial Radio]

The post appeared first on She Makes Music.

Further In Evil is the debut full length from one-woman metal band, Marthe, which is due via Southern Lord on October 20. An atmospheric and aggressive blend of punk, Further In Evil is a shift in gears from her musical background in the anarcho-punk scene and inspired by riot grrrl, crust and d-beat. The lyrics are full of rage and the music is full of strength; it has the power of Bathory and the sadness of Tiamat, tinged with the stench of Amebix. Further In Evil was composed and demoed over the course of a year during drives or hikes and, fatefully, the first look at the album– its title track–showcases the grandeur of Marthe’s surroundings. Self-filmed and edited between Italy and Iceland, the ‘Further In Evil’ video boasts the beauty of nature contrasted by Marthe’s devastating sounds.

Myrkur has shared a second single from her forthcoming album Spine, which is set for release on October 20 via Relapse. Spine is a title with a host of potent connotations: growth, strength, defiance, a core of our being, and flexibility. It’s what holds a human up, and allows us to rebuild. It’s an album that encompasses all these traits – an act of rebirth that balances our most euphoric and our darkest moments. Myrkur brings Spine to life in her stunning new video ‘Mothlike,’ directed by David Fitt, released today. Fitt tells, “Early on in the process, I knew that translating ‘Mothlike’ into a video required the notion of transformation—like caterpillars do turning into moths. It led me to think about artists, how they are often met with defiance and rejection when they bring something new to the table, before getting recognized after perseverance and determination. The video is quite literally the illustration of this process, until the eye-opening reveal of a new truth expanding your vision.”

Two months after Future Static released their crushing cover of Daddy Yankee’s 2004 classic, ‘Gasolina’, the Melbourne metalcore outfit have finally announced the release date of their debut album. Liminality will arrive on November 24, via Wild Thing Records. To accompany the album announcement, Future Static have dropped the album’s crushing new single, ‘Roach Queen’. Best listened to alongside its spooky music video, ‘Roach Queen’ is dynamic in its heaviness, with vocalist Amariah Cook displaying all facets of her chops: spoken word passages, guttural roars, tormented shrieks, and anthemic sung hooks. Stemming from one of Cook’s repressed memories, the singer explained in a press release, “’Roach Queen’ talks about a traumatic experience I had as a child in the first apartment my family and I lived in when we moved to Barcelona. The place was infested by cockroaches, and for a long while, I was having nightmares where they would climb into my mouth while I slept, possibly causing a more severe illness to materialise at the time.” Adding that her experiences made her the independent, strong woman she is now, Cook said, “The name ‘Roach Queen’ felt fitting to me. It came instantly, along with the lyrics, as the song has overtones of a developed independence and strength that eventuated from this experience.” The music video was filmed by Colin Jeffs (Make Them Suffer, Alpha Wolf). Cook commented on his work, “Colin absolutely nailed the execution, utilising horror aesthetics and the authoritative figure of the ‘Queen’ as a representation of overcoming personal demons and trauma.” [via Kill Your Stereo]

Blackbriar release their brand new single ‘Forever and a Day’. Their new album A Dark Euphony will be released on September 29 via Nuclear Blast Records. Vocalist Zora Cock comments: “’Forever and a Day’ is a tragically romantic song, inspired by 19th-century mourning traditions. While listening, I imagine a Victorian lady, dressed in a heavy black mourning gown. She lost her love a long time ago, and can’t move on. One day, she replaces her black gown with a day dress to spend the day with someone, to see if there could be another future for her, only to realise she can’t give her heart to another. It’s the final single of our forthcoming full-length album.” [via Metal Planet]

Los Angeles heavy rockers STITCHED UP HEART recently released their dark, alluring new album To The Wolves, amping up the aggression each step of the way. Now, the band has revealed the striking new video for highlight track, ‘Conquer And Divide’. Industrial tinged and apocalypse laden, the track is both soaring and crushing. [via Metal Planet]

The post appeared first on She Makes Music.

LA duo KRASHKARMA‘s new album Falling To Pieces is now available from Rockshots Records. For the new full-length, the duo wrote and recorded at Karma Kollective Studios in North Hollywood, California along with Ralf Dietel taking on producing, mixing, and mastering plus artwork duties. They are a self-producing duo that can be considered a jack of all trades when it comes to everything from creating to presenting their music. To celebrate the release of Falling To Pieces, the duo is sharing their latest music video for the track ’15 Minutes of Pain’. “One of my favorite riffs on the album, which showcases how we arrange songs with my guitar/bass instrument. The title is a play on the words of Andy Warhol’s quote “15 Minutes Of Fame,” which means everyone has 15 minutes of success in life. In our case, it’s 15 minutes of excruciating pain. However, the song itself is only 4 minutes long and fantastic!” says Ralf Dietel (Guitar/Bass/Vocals).

BLACKBRIAR announce their new album A Dark Euphony, which will be released on September 29 via Nuclear Blast Records. A Dark Euphony features 11 brand new tracks. Alongside the album, BLACKBRIAR also release a brand new video for the song ‘Cicada‘. Zora Cock comments: “It’s said that cicadas were once humans. When the Muses came into the world, they enchanted some people into singing, they loved singing so much, they forgot to eat and sleep and died. The Muses rewarded them by turning them into cicadas who sing continuously. In this song, I ask my muse to turn me into a cicada after I’m gone.” [via Metal Planet]

UK alt-metal band VEXED has revealed their third new single, the dynamic ‘Trauma Euphoria’, together with an official music vide. On Friday, the fast-rising act dropped their aggressive new offering, Negative Energy – the successor to their disturbingly honest, highly-lauded debut, Culling Culture. Standout track ‘Trauma Euphoria’ features some of the most impressive guitar work on the new album – heavier than ever before. Gifted lead vocalist Megan Targett’s brutal growls and beautiful, crystal clear clean vocals create an impactful contrast, captivating the listener. Megan Targett on ‘Trauma Euphoria’: “Experiencing a traumatic event or grieving a major loss comes with a myriad of feelings. Denial, depression, anger, and sadness are the most common ones you hear about. However, there is one that I’ve found nobody speaks of; Euphoria. Small moments of time where you forget that you’re grieving and slip back into the person you were before the event. It’s like a euphoric experience that’s heightened by the fact your brain hasn’t felt any hit of dopamine in such a long time. However, that sudden realization when you remember the trauma and snap out of the high has you crashing 10X harder. Feelings of guilt and shame take over and you fall deeper into the dark depths of your depression and grief. This dark place becomes a safe space in your mind, as leaving it can cause more pain and isn’t worth the fall. You can become addicted to suffering and this song is a love letter to it.” [via All About the Rock]

Swiss multi-talent Seraina Telli releases ‘Song for the Girls,’ the second single from the upcoming studio album Addicted to Color, which will be released on August 18 by Metalville Records. The brand-new video for ‘Song for the Girls’ can be seen below. With its upbeat rock sound, the powerful girl-power message is the perfect soundtrack for everyone who believes in the power of women to realize their dreams and make a name for themselves in the world. Seraina‘s powerful voice and guitar sounds bring this inspiring message to life and make the song a must-have for fans. [via Metal Planet]

Industrial-tinged and true crime-inspired electronic duo SKYND is the dark creative outlet and the alter ego of its lead singer, Skynd, and producer and multi-instrumentalist Father. They are known for taking inspiration from inexplicable and brutal criminal cases and the mystery surrounding unsolved deaths, and transforming them into songs to remind us of the darkness within the human psyche, while taking great care to avoid any glorification. Small clusters of songs have been released as EPs, titled in numbered chapters. SKYND concludes Chapter IV, with the release of the new single ‘Edmund Kemper’ and its accompanying video, directed by Anique Wild. The song features a mysterious, renowned and revered international guitarist as a special guest. Often asked why each particular case, Skynd comments, “There is a detail to this story that stuck with me and sparked my creativity to write about Edmund Kemper. As a young boy Edmund liked to play with Barbie dolls & dolls. He “took“ their heads off and that made a sound like a “pop“, performing funeral rites. While translating true crime cases into music I have a visual idea of the song, and the dolls had to be in the video. It was important to me to show the beheading of the doll because it illustrates his crimes, without being too gratuitous.” Director Anique Wild adds, “I had the great honour to translate Skynd’s new song into a visual world. A hardly believable story of a brutal monster who could not appear more normal in the outside world. The video is meant to convey the values of this song in an artistic, visual way. Find the story behind the story – try to look behind the curtain.” [via Metal Planet]

Legendary metal singer Doro has announced that her new album, the 19-song Conqueress – Forever Strong and Proud, will arrive on October 27 via Nuclear Blast. To record Conqueress – Forever Strong and Proud, the vocalist traveled the globe, banking sessions in studios in Miami, New York, and Hamburg, among other major cities. “The album impressively confirms that Doro is at the height of her creative powers,” a press release enthuses. In addition to the album news, Doro has released ‘Time for Justice,’ the hard-charging debut single off the set, along with an explosive “Mad Max”-style video. The songs starts with a sharp guitar riff that make way for Doro’s powerful, raspy metal vocals to cut through the noise. [via Consequence]

The post appeared first on She Makes Music.

Spanish melodic death metal act Worth has just released their second single, ‘Chased,’ from their upcoming self-titled album set to release via Wormholedeath Records. ‘Chased’ is a breathtaking musical journey that takes listeners on an emotional rollercoaster through its strong lyrics and powerful melodies. The track describes the devastating effects of war and the emotional toll it takes on those involved, as well as the conflicting motivations of power, honor, and greed that drive individuals to engage in violence.

Hailing from Kansas, THEY WATCH US FROM THE MOON have landed to present their new single ‘MOAB’ taken from the upcoming magnum opus Cosmic Chronicles: Act 1, The Ascension. The new record will be released on May 5 via New Heavy Sounds. The band comment, “Alien abduction, bases on the Moon and all things Sci-Fi weave through the entire album. As with all science fiction, the story leads into a conversation about what path of destruction humans put themselves on to arrive to the future in such a fantastical way. ‘Mother Of All Bastards’ was written as a reflection of that in our times. The lyrical imagery paints a very dower picture of a future yet to come and our inability to stop it.”

Swiss trance metal and melodic death metal sensation RAGE OF LIGHT is proud to present their latest single, ‘Upriser.’ This powerful track showcases the band’s unique blend of melodic death metal and trance elements, creating a captivating and unforgettable sound. RAGE OF LIGHT has also revealed a breathtaking music video for ‘Upriser,’ filmed atop the stunning Dent de Vaulion mountain in Switzerland. Directed by Jonathan Pellet, the video perfectly complements the track’s powerful sound. The song was mixed and mastered by Thomas ‘Drop’ Betrisey, known for his work with Samael and Sybreed. Singer Martyna Halas shares her excitement for the release: “Uprisers! It’s time to reveal some brand new music and give you a glimpse of where Rage Of Light is heading. As we continue to live in challenging times, we do hope that this song will uplift you and give you the courage to stand for what’s right. We hope you’re as excited as we are — stay tuned as we unleash more surprises this year!”

Los Angeles’ KRASHKARMA is ready to unveil new material with their 6th studio album entitled Falling To Pieces coming June via Rockshots Records. Now, the duo presents their first single and the album’s title track accompanied by a music video. The song’s riff is reminiscent of the band IN FLAMES. It starts with a hard-hitting intro, followed by a short half-time verse, and then ends in a bittersweet chorus. When the duo is on tour in the US, they often drive long distances at night and to stay awake, they like to listen to Melo-Death Metal, and that has left its mark on them. The band adds about the track: “‘Falling To Pieces’ starts off with a melodic heavy riff and within 60 seconds it showcases all the elements that create the monster known as KRASHKARMA. The lyrics describe the feeling of being lost in darkness, with the protagonist floating somewhere between the stars. They feel like they are slowly falling apart and that their darkness is growing. Like a sense of falling over the edge and being unable to turn back, with the gravity that once held them down no longer working. The song ends with crossing over into the unknown and fading away, like a star in the sky.”

Denver-based alt punk newcomers HRZN share their latest single and music video for new track, ‘Wonderland’. For fans of theatrical, atmospheric alt-pop and former emo kids who watched Evanescence’s ‘Bring Me To Life’ music video far too many times, the track follows an Alice In Wonderland-like main character fighting a battle against themselves. The track pairs with a music video consisting of the members dressing up as medieval characters inside a castle in the snow. Attempting to find their way out, the metaphor of getting lost inside your mind comes to life before finally freeing themselves of the mental shackles. Fronted by a non-binary femme, “Wonderland” was created post panic attack as a way of grounding, with the hopes that the listeners could identify with the song to feel less alone when dealing with their mental health struggles. The band, who all have their individual battles with mental health (or as they like to call it, they’re neurospicy), aim to shatter the stigma and open healthy dialogues around mental health.

Ghent, Belgium-based doom metal band Predatory Void have released a music video for the track ‘Funerary Vision’. Directed by Dehn Sora, the clip can be viewed below. Predatory Void issued debut full-length studio album Seven Keys To The Discomfort Of Being on April 21 through Century Media Records. [via Metal Force Mag]

IGNEA have released a new music video. The new music video, for the track ‘Incurable Disease’, is taken from the Ukranian melodic metal band’s new album Dreams Of Lands Unseen, which is out now via Napalm Records. Speaking about the new song, the band comment, “This particular song is not related to any pandemic or real illness. Rather, it is an ode to Sofia‘s admiration for the sea, inspired by her frequent voyages by various types of vessels, from small boats to huge luxury liners. Sofia found the mechanics of these boats, the crew’s workings, and the sheer beauty of the waters to be captivating. The song’s lyrics speak from both Sofia’s perspective and my own, as I too share a profound affection for the sea that I liken to an “incurable disease.” In fact, I’m even in the process of creating a sea-themed tattoo sleeve on my right arm to showcase my devotion to all things maritime.” [via Distorted Sound]

Forty five years young, British hard rock royalty Girlschool come out swinging with their 14th studio album WTFortyfive?, a deliciously dirty declaration that age is a number that shows how much real raw attitude you have when it really counts. WTFortyfive? is set for release on July 28 via Silver Lining Music. Lead single ‘Are You Ready?’ sets the pace; a racy, raunchy, fun-saturated shape-shifter co-written with Alcatrazz‘s Joe Stump that shows Girlschool‘s leathers may still carry the well-baked battle scars of decades gone by, but their songs and attitude are as fresh, fun, heavy and catchy as ever before. [via Metal Planet]

Ferocious four-piece Saint Agnes have unveiled ‘Animal’, the second single / video taken from new album Bloodsuckers, set for release on July 21 via Spinefarm. Vocalist / multi-instrumentalist Kitty A. Austen commented “‘Animal’ is about waving your freak flag high, it’s about being who you authentically are inside and revelling in it. It’s a song for the misfits who boldly walk a different path with pride.” [via Metal Planet]

Degrees Of Truth has released a video for ‘Flightmare’, first single taken from the new album Alchemists to be released on June 23 through Scarlet Records. [via Metal Planet]

Rock band PLUSH returns with a brand new single, entitled ‘Left Behind,’ which showcases the band’s heavier side. ‘Left Behind’ was recorded in Nashville with producers Zac Maloy, Blair Daly and Kile Odell, and is out now via Pavement Entertainment. Lead vocalist Moriah Formica belts outs a fierce and aggressive range with vocal lines such as “We’re the cast-outs of society, one big, twisted family.” The ferocious riffs, down tuned guitars, and over the top vocals make this a rock anthem to be reckoned with. Formica says, “This song was written for anyone who has ever felt like an outcast or a misfit.” PLUSH also has a new video available for ‘Left Behind,’ which was filmed in the historic Sterling Hill Mine in Ogdensburg, NJ. The dark setting complements the overall mood of the song, featuring eye-catching visuals of the band members’ dynamic performance. It was directed by Dale Resteghini of Raging Nation Films and edited by George Lambriodes of LUXANGELES/STUDIOS. [via Metal Planet]

Having refined their broody, mesmerizing vision of gothic/symphonic metal to cinematic levels, with three EPs and a full-length album behind them, BLACKBRIAR continue to set their sails towards the future. The Netherlands based band are currently working towards their second full-length album, accompanied by long-time collaborator, Joost van den Broek. Today, the band have released a brand-new song titled ‘My Soul´s Demise’. Vocalist Zora Cock stated about the new song: “My Soul’s Demise is a song about love and pain, where you’re willing to do anything for the one you love, no matter what, even if that means that it will destroy you in the meantime. Yet sometimes you wonder, would that person do the same for you? It’s inspired by the medieval practice of sin-eating, a ritual where mourning families hired a sin eater to consume their loved ones’ sins. The sin eater would eat food left on the dead person’s chest. The food was believed to have absorbed the deceased’s lingering sins. Sin eaters were paid next to nothing for their service, they were reviled, and seen as filthy people, full of sins. Villagers even avoided looking them in the eye. I learned about the sin-eater when watching an episode of Outlander, where a sin-eating ritual got introduced. Now it gets a bit more personal. While reading about the sin-eating ritual, and writing the lyrics, it reminded me of a story my dad once told me. A long time ago, my dad suffered from psychosis and was admitted to a psychiatric clinic. He told me a lot about his experiences, what it was like, and how his mind worked at that moment. He thought he was the devil incarnate, possessed by something dark, and he felt like everyone felt his evil presence as he walked by, everyone would flinch away from him. This made me write the bridge of the song “No one can even look me in the eye, everybody is flinching away from me as I pass by”. Somehow the story of a medieval sin-eater reminded me exactly of the way my dad explained how he felt, as if he had consumed the world’s sins and darkness. I read about the last known sin eater of England as well, which was a very heartfelt story. His name was Richard Munslow, and he died in 1906. It is believed that the tragic loss of four of his children at very early ages that died within one week may be the reason he resurrected the macabre ritual. This made me write the song from the perspective of willing to do anything for the ones you love. The songwriting process of My Soul’s Demise went pretty fast. After writing the lyrics, I recorded some of my vocal ideas a cappella. This is how we mostly start writing a new song. I then sent it to René, with a note saying that it sucks and that he could probably throw it in the bin right away. Haha! Luckily he didn’t throw it away, and he actually liked what he heard, and made the basics for the song that same night. We brought the draft version of the song to our producer Joost van den Broek, and worked on it some more. Another instrumental part was added, so I needed to come up with some more vocals for that extra part. This was the more ‘quiet’ bridge part where I am doing some weird stuff. I wanted to do something with my voice as if I just consumed so many sins that I couldn’t handle it anymore, as if it had taken over my body, sort of possessed, and got inspired by Anna von Hausswolff. We shot the music video at a medieval 12th-century church in the north of the Netherlands, and it took us two days to shoot it all. I always get fascinated by the atmosphere of standing in such an old building, shooting this video there felt perfect and so fitting. We were very lucky to be able to get all the freedom and time to be creative. Another thing that was perfect, is that the whole band portrayed a role in this story, even our ex-bass player Frank. Frank played the corpse, and it felt like we held a funeral for his bass-playing years for Blackbriar, celebrating the awesome time we spent together. A symbolic farewell. For this video we needed some extra actors to witness the ritual. We opened up a casting call to my Patrons, so the people you see sitting in the benches are all Patrons. But not only Patrons, you can also see my parents! For me, the video story itself was more challenging than other videos we did so far. I can say that I gave it my all, and I hope that you feel something when watching it. It’s one of the more personal songs of the album.” [via Metal Planet]

Rock artists Janet Gardner and Justin James have released ’85,’ the second song from their upcoming album, No Strings. True to its name, ’85’ conjures up memories of ‘80s rock anthems, featuring catchy guitar hooks and a driving rhythm that pair well with Gardner’s vocals. Gardner and James have also released the video for ’85.’ Directed by Tyler Walter and filmed at the Vixen Theatre in McHenry, IL, this video showcases a dynamic performance that makes viewers feel as if they are in the crowd, seeing the rock duo perform live. [via Metal Planet]

The post appeared first on She Makes Music.