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]

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Formed in 2008 by experienced musicians from Rio de Janeiro/Brazil, Revengin presents the track ‘Decadent Feeling’, the second single from the album Dark Dogma Embrace, scheduled to be released in early 2025. Following the overwhelming reception of ‘Circle of Mistakes’, Revengin’s new single delivers a powerful yet graceful narrative of an intense love that gradually becomes platonic after a series of heartbreaking disappointments. With a striking melody and an intense chorus, the song portrays an internal battle of feelings where reason and emotion lead to the certainty of anguish. Providing a unique cinematic experience, the music video for ‘Decadent Feeling’ was filmed in the band’s hometown Rio de Janeiro.

Oxford’s fast-rising nu-metal outfit, Arimea, have shared their latest new single ‘Leash’ – another piece of their forthcoming EP, Orchid Street (due for release on November 28). ‘Leash’ is an angry whirlwind of emotions, a delicate tightrope of conversation that could easily explode at any moment. The single sees Arimea delve head first into the heavier grunge side of the band with vocalist, Whitney Cooper, pushing herself to the extremes with her harsh vocals. “’Leash’ is a song written about Misogyny intertwined with the idea of playing out your intrusive thoughts,” states vocalist Whitney Cooper. “You know, those thoughts that make you shiver and question who you are, thoughts so unlike your reality that you have to shake the thought of them off after having them.”

THE DEFECT returns with a fierce dichotic new single ‘LOST IN THE SHADOWS’ eclipsing both the darkness and the light with opposing vocal performances from singers Moon and Jonny McBee. ‘Lost In The Shadows’ builds on THE DEFECT’s signature sound cut with gritty guitars and a haunting atmosphere that is amplified by the powerful blend of these sultry tones from start to finish. Synthesizers complement the track’s hypnotic chorus and bring a modern edge to its nu-metal, industrial, and metalcore foundation. The result is a captivating futuristic soundscape that is both heavy and melodic, blending intensity with emotional depth with the signature raw intensity from both vocalists. This unique fusion of metalcore breakdowns, industrial synths, and nu-metal grooves showcases THE DEFECT’s innovative approach to rock music.

January 24 will see Swedish doom and hard rock maestros Avatarium release their much-awaited new studio offering Between You, God, the Devil and The Dead through AFM Records. After the doom rock collective already presented two first singles, ‘Long Black Waves’ and their haunting album title track, Avatarium are premiering a video clip for the hard-hitting, anthemic single ‘I See You Better In The Dark’. “This is one of my favorite songs on the album, a classic Dio/Sabbath uptempo rocker with some 60’s pop flavour.” Guitarist Marcus Jidell comments. “Sometimes we need a little poison to stay awake, or a spoonful of darkness to see the light”.

ARCTIS have released a new music video. The new music video, for the track ‘Tell Me Why’, is taken from the Finnish symphonic pop-metal band’s upcoming debut self-titled album, which is scheduled to be released in November this year, via Napalm Records. Speaking about the new song, the band shares, “we’re almost there. ‘Tell Me Why’ is the last echo before the ice shatters and the full force of ARCTIS is unleashed. Step into the cold, feel the frost creeping closer and let the shadows guide you. The album looms on the horizon… are you ready?” [via Distorted Sound]

SICKSENSE have released a new music video. The new music video, for the track ‘Masquerade Parade’, is taken from the Phoenix-based nu-metal/groove metal band’s upcoming debut album, Cross Me Twice, which is scheduled to be released in February next year, via Arising Empire. Speaking about the new song, and its accompanying music video, vocalist Rob The Ripper says, “’Masquerade Parade’ critically takes aim at modern western health practices, the pharmaceutical industry and politicians. It’s also a warning to be careful of trusting the wrong people. In many cases, the people who claim to have your best interests, absolutely do not. Don’t be fooled by them. Film making wise, we wanted to tell a story that keeps moving forward from one scene into the other with intelligent transitions that utilized practical effects, acting and camera angles/movement. Much like watching an actual parade. The music video story features the characters of Vicky, Deli The Bear and myself as these kind of supernatural entities. Vicky’s character unleashes a villainous persona out of me by tinkering with an hourglass, then the real fun begins. I then go on to terrorize my other band mates throughout the video, while Vicky gradually brings each one of them out of the darkness by handing them their instruments. Being stronger together, they are able to defeat their common enemy…but the question is, was this enemy really the ‘bad guy’ to begin with, or did someone else create the problem in the first place, and conveniently set themselves up to appear to be the ‘hero’? We love incorporating multiple meanings into our lyrics and our storytelling. ‘Masquerade Parade’ takes you on a ride with twists and turns that catch you off guard and we hope it pleasantly surprises many people who check it out.” Vocalist Killer V adds, “my favorite part in the concept of the video is how our bandmates snap out of the condition they’re in when they are given their instruments. This entire video was put together through multiple brainstorming sessions and we were a little stuck on what the ‘revival’ action would be. I remember initially suggesting giving them their instruments as a joke, but the more we thought about it, the more it just made sense. Music heals and brings us together. It’s an escape for both musicians and fans of music, so in a way the perfect imagery for our message. One thing we always aim to do with SICKSENSE is incorporate a positive message through even our darkest songs. Also, the first two choruses are one continuous shot, so from a filming aspect that was really interesting and challenging for us to nail. It’s easy when you know you can piece together bits of different footage and make something cool out of it, but having to get everything right in one shot is a whole other experience. This is by far my favorite song and video that we’ve done to this day.” [via Distorted Sound]

The wickedly talented Kelowna-based teenage three-piece, Freeze The Fall – 17-year-old Quinn Mitzel (vox/guitar), 16-year-old Jonah Goncalves (drums), and 16-year-old Aria Becker (bass/vox) – release their hard-hitting new single ‘VHS’ via their newly inked label 604 Records. A captivating tribute to the realm of horror cinema, ‘VHS’ showcases mesmerizing melodies, commanding riffs and driving rhythms, interwoven with haunting lyrics and chilling choruses. “‘VHS’ is an ode to our collective love of horror movies,” shares the band. “The song explores the relentless evil that power can inspire. Ultimately we wrote this song for the music lovers who also love the genre of horror.” Alongside the single drop, Freeze The Fall have released the visually striking music video directed by Evan Riley Brown. The video for ‘VHS’, which premiered last weekend at the Vancouver Horror Show Film Festival, was filmed over two days in Lake Country and Kamloops, BC. Featuring a gripping narrative that parallels the song’s themes, the video for ‘VHS’ was a dream come true for the band as they have always wanted to make a video that pays homage to their love of horror. [via Brave New Words]

Post-hardcore band The Bunny The Bear has released a new single, titled ‘In The Feels,’ via Tough Luck Music. The new song is accompanied by the official music video directed by Tom Flynn.

Brit newcomers ROGUE AWAKENING have thrown down the gauntlet with their ultra-enticing new single and video, ‘Bloodflow’, out now. The band remark about the track: “’Bloodflow’ is an observation on individuals who tend to ‘people please’ at the detriment of their own happiness and boundaries. The song and the theme came together effortlessly, and it was a great experience recording and fine tuning the song together in the studio.” [via Click Roll Boom]

VENUES have released a brand new song. The new song, titled ‘Praying Mantis’, is the brand new single from the German post-hardcore band and marks their first new music since their latest studio album, Transience, which was released back in March, via Arising Empire. The new single comes as a special release in collaboration with Traumatica – one of the world’s largest and most intense horror festivals. Speaking about the new single, vocalist Robin shares, “we’ve always wanted to write a Halloween song, so we’re thrilled to have had the chance to team up with one of the world’s biggest horror festivals, Traumatica, to release Praying Mantis as one of their spooky hymns! Enjoy our new single, and Happy Halloween!” [via Distorted Sound]

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