• Exodus To Release New Album In March

    During a recent interview with Robbs MetalWorks, Exodus guitarist Gary Holt confirmed the release date for the band’s new album. According to him, it will be out on March 20.

    Holt said the following:

    “It’s fucking awesome. It’ll be out next March, I think — March 20 — and it’s fucking awesome. I mean, it’s so awesome. We’re so proud of this record.”

    He also added the following about a follow-up:

    “80 percent of the follow-up is done already. We just kept working. We never stopped. We were in the studio for two months. And we tend to record by… We all live together in a house, or sometimes we build a studio in a house, and it’s like heavy metal summer camp. But we like each other enough to live together still. A lot of bands — that’s a rarity. And so we write the whole process. When we started recording, we only had four songs done and a million ideas. And Lee [Altus, longtime Exodus guitarist] wrote a ton of stuff; he wrote four out of 10 songs on the new album.”

    Holt also discussed reuniting with vocalist Rob Dukes:

    “It’s fucking been amazing. When you hear [Rob’s] vocals on this new record, you’re gonna shit your pants.”

    He went on to praise the album:

    “The new album is so killer, dude. And everybody says that — I know that — but, dude, this album’s so good. Me and [Exodus drummer] Tom Hunting call each other and [I tell him], when I listen to it, it makes me wanna cry, it’s so good. It’s that fucking good. We made something special.”

    He continued when asked what makes it so good:

    “It’s just the songs, dude. It’s all about the songs. I mean, it’s crushing, but it’s all anthems. And it’s so varied, this record. So many different aspects of Exodus are in there, from the blinding speed to the slowest, heaviest shit we’ve ever done. And Rob’s vocals are, like, at the top of the pyramid on this shit.”

    He further discussed the follow-up as well:

    “We still gotta record a little bit more to complete it. Our goal, we fell a little bit short. We have eight songs done. It was hard picking which ones go on this, ’cause I still, to this day, I have panic attacks, like, ‘I should have put that one on it. That song is so sick.’ But you’re trying to balance a record. And we just picked what we thought were the best ones for this album.”

    [via Blabbermouth]

  • Judas Priest Announce 2026 “Faithkeepers” European Tour

    Judas Priest will be heading out on the “Faithkeepers” tour in Europe next year. Here’s the dates:

    07/25 Mönchengladbach, GER – Bobfest
    07/26 Neu-Ulm, GER – Wiley Sportpark
    07/28 Warszawa, POL – Torwar
    07/31 Wacken, GER – Wacken Open Air
    08/02 Ostrava, CZE – Ostravar Arena
    08/04 Bratislava, SLO – Nepala Arena
    08/06 Halle, GER – Messehalle
    08/09 Burton Upon Trent, UK – Bloodstock Open Air
    08/12 Tilburg, NET – 013
    08/14 Bremen, GER – Re-Load Festival
    08/16 Carhaix-Plouguer, FRA – Motocultor Festival
    08/18 Salinas de Pamplona, SPA – Navarra Arena
    08/20 Valencia, SPA – Roig Arena
    08/23 Goarhausen, GER – Loreley Amphitheatre

  • Within Temptation To Release Acoustic Version Of “Ice Queen” This Month

    Within Temptation will be releasing an acoustic version of “Ice Queen” on December 19. This single will be part of a larger 25th anniversary celebration for “Mother Earth.”

    The band commented:

    “As winter settles in, we’re marking the start of something truly special. This year, and the next. we’ll be celebrating the 25th anniversary of our iconic album ‘Mother Earth’. And today, we’re thrilled to reveal the very first chapter of this journey. We’re opening this anniversary era with a brand-new release: ‘Ice Queen (Acoustic)’ — out December 19.

    Revisiting this song felt like reconnecting with an old friend. Stripped back to its emotional core, this acoustic version highlights the purity of Sharon’s vocals and the fragile, wintry atmosphere hidden within the original. It’s intimate, cinematic and reflective — perfect for the colder season ahead.

    This release marks the beginning of a larger celebration of ‘Mother Earth’, an album that shaped who we are. Watch this space: several special moments are waiting to be unveiled.”

    Sharon Den Adel added:

    “‘Mother Earth’ was a defining moment for our breakthrough, and ‘Ice Queen’ remains a cornerstone of our shows. Revisiting it in this acoustic form gave the song a new life, one we hope touches you in a different way.”

  • Scatterbrain (Ex-I Prevail) Shares Video For Cover Of Taylor Swift’s “Look What You Made Me Do”

    Scatterbrain, aka Brian Burkheiser (ex-I Prevail), has premiered a new video for his cover of Taylor Swift’s “Look What You Made Me Do.” You can check that out below. Burkheiser commented:

    “To my fans: This year forced me to pivot in ways I never expected, and it tested me more than I can explain. But through it all, your support has meant everything. I’m excited to finally share a song with you. I chose this cover because it truly resonates with me and serves as a nod to what first sparked my career. I’m still working toward the day I can release my original music, but for now, I’m grateful to have found a way to put a piece of art into the world.”

  • Cold World And High Vis Announce January UK Tour

    Cold World and High Vis have announced a January UK tour. Here’s the dates:

    01/22 Glasgow, UK – Slay (feat, Despize and Cannonball)
    01/23 Manchester, UK – Gorilla (feat. Wits End and Cannonball)
    01/24 London, UK – Number 90 Lock (feat. Dynamite, Despize, and Cannonball)

  • Viscera Crown (Internal Bleeding, Year Of The Knife, Etc.) Premiere New Song “Ignorant Bliss…”

    Viscera Crown (Internal Bleeding, Year Of The Knife, etc.) have premiered a new song titled “Ignorant Bliss…” You can check that out below:

  • Sol Invicto Streaming “Under The Surface”

    Sol Invicto (Deftones, Cypress Hill, etc.) are streaming a reimagined version of “Lost In Translation,” titled “Under The Surface,” as part of their “Vault Of Shadows” series. You can check that out below. Richie Londres commented:

    “This version was built from alternative mixes and unused synth lines I had created for the original track. My goal was to craft a slower, moodier take—more of a soundscape than a traditional song. As I worked, certain sections blended perfectly with elements of the original, so I decided to combine both. The result highlights the compelling lyrics that Sean wrote and captures the atmospheric mood I was aiming for, and always aiming for.”

  • The Crown To Call It Quits, Announce First Set Of Farewell Shows

    The Crown have revealed that they are planning to call it quits. The group will disband following the completion of a farewell tour. The initial dates can be found below.

    Tour Dates:

    01/10 Mangualde, POR – Mangualde Hard Metal Fest
    03/06 Barcelona, SPA – Sala Lennon
    03/07 Valencia, SPA – Sala Zulu
    03/08 Madrid, SPA – Sala Nazca
    03/14 Zürich, SWI – Zuri Gmatzlets
    05/22 Baltimore, MD – Maryland Deathfest
    07/25 Vaasa, FIN – Kaaos Festival
    08/15 Francavilla al Mare, ITA – Frantic Fest
    08/20 Spital am Semmering, AUT – Kaltenbach Open Air
    11/06 Umeå, SWE – House Of Metal
    11/21 Linköping, SWE – Platens
    11/28 Skövde, SWE – Lokstallet
    12/12 Eindhoven, NET – Metal Meeting
    12/18 Stockholm, SWE – Kollektivet livet
    12/19 Gothenburg, SWE – Valand (farewell show)

    The group commented:

    “After 35 years of creativity and Death Metal mayhem – the time has come to bring The Crown‘s journey to an end.

    2026 will not only mark our final year of live shows – it will be the final chapter for the band. We want to go out on our own terms, celebrating everything this band has stood for: energy, passion, and the love of extreme music. Most importantly, this farewell is for you – our fans.

    Your dedication and loyalty have kept this band alive for over three decades. Every show in 2026 will be our way of saying thank you for all the years of support, the endless energy from the crowds, and for standing with us through every era of The Crown.

    Throughout 2026, we’ll perform Farewell shows around the world, meeting fans one last time. Each show will be a tribute to the past, the present, and the unstoppable spirit that’s fueled The Crown since day one. Everything has its time – and this is ours.

    Thank you for 35 years of loyalty, chaos, and Metal! Let’s make 2026 the grand finale it deserves!”

  • Evanescence Announce 2026 World Tour With Spiritbox, Poppy, Nova Twins, And K.Flay

    Evanescence have announced a 2026 world tour. Spiritbox, Poppy, Nova Twins, and K.Flay will open on select dates.

    Tour Dates:

    With Spiritbox and Nova Twins:

    06/11 West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
    06/12 Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
    06/14 Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
    06/15 Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
    06/17 Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
    06/18 Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
    06/20 Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion
    06/21 Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center
    06/23 Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center
    06/24 Wantagh, NY – Northwell at Jones Beach Theater
    06/26 Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
    06/27 Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
    06/29 Toronto, Ontario – RBC Amphitheatre
    06/30 Montréal, Quebec – Centre Bell
    07/08 Tinley Park, IL – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre
    07/09 Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center
    07/11 North Little Rock, AR – Simmons Bank Arena
    07/12 Kansas City, MO – MORTON Amphitheater
    07/14 Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater
    07/15 Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
    07/17 Chula Vista, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
    07/18 TBA – TBA
    07/20 Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
    07/22 Ridgefield, WA – Cascades Amphitheater
    07/23 Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheatre
    07/25 Salt Lake City, UT – Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre
    07/28 St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
    07/30 Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center
    08/01 Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
    08/02 Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre

    With Poppy and K.Flay:

    09/08 Leeds, UK – First Direct Arena
    09/10 Manchester, UK – Co-op Live
    09/11 Birmingham, UK – Utilita Arena Birmingham
    09/13 London, UK – The O2

    With Poppy and Nova Twins:

    09/16 Brussels, BEL – Forest National
    09/17 Paris, FRA – Accor Arena
    09/19 Frankfurt, GER – Congress Center Messe Frankfurt Festhalle Frankfurt
    09/20 Dortmund, GER – Westfalenhallen Dortmund
    09/22 Amsterdam, NET – Ziggo Dome
    09/23 Hamburg, GER – Barclays Arena
    09/25 Berlin, GER – Velodrom
    09/26 Munich, GER – Olympiahalle
    09/28 Bologna, ITA – Unipol Arena
    09/29 Zurich, SWI – Hallenstadion Zurich
    10/01 Barcelona, SPA – Palau Olimpic Badalona
    10/02 Madrid, SPA – Palacio Vistalegre
    10/04 Lisbon, POR – MEO Arena

    With K.Flay:

    10/26 Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre

    Evanescence frontwoman Amy Lee told Rolling Stone the following about the tour:

    “It’s going to be a blast. I got all my ladies in. I have an excellent band beside me. When we go out on tour, we have fun together and challenge each other to be the best that we can be. It’s taken time to grow and build and change into that band. I definitely have more energy about everything Evanescence than I did 10 years ago. Because of that, we fuel each other. So I am very excited about the tour.

    I’m very excited to be touring with such amazing women and bands. It’s going to be awesome. This has been a big year for me and for the band, when it comes to collaborations and working with people. I’ve loved working with Poppy and Courtney (LaPlante) on the ‘End of You‘. We still haven’t gotten to do it live yet. I’m hoping that comes out of this at some point. Same goes for our song with K. Flay, ‘Fight Like a Girl‘. I just kind of want to bring all of us together as much as I can and bring it to life on the stage.

    I haven’t worked with Nova Twins but I’m a fan of them. We’ve done festivals together in the past couple of years and seeing them really inspired me. Everything that [bassist Georgia South] turns the bass into is phenomenal. Emma [Anzai, Evanescence’s bassist] and I will go stand side stage and just be like, “What is she doing right there? Figure out what that is. Go ask her after.”

  • 96 Bitter Beings Announce UK Tour

    96 Bitter Beings, the project featuring Deron Miller (ex-CKY), have announced a February 2026 UK tour. Here’s the dates:

    02/06 Bridgwater, UK – Cobblestones
    02/08 Brimingham, UK – Castle & Falcon
    02/09 Dundee, UK – Hidden
    02/10 Glasgow, UK – Ivory Blacks
    02/11 Edinburgh, UK – Bannerman’s
    02/12 Grimsby, UK – Docks Academy
    02/13 Huddersfield, UK – Parish
    02/14 Preson, UK – Ferret
    02/15 Milton Keynes, UK – Craufurd Arms