Swiss force Vicious Rain unveil 'Trading Hearts', their new single that turns emotional conflict into a crushing metalcore statement. This is taken from their album The Anatomy of Surviving, set for release on 13th March 2026 via Arising Empire.

Watch the 'Trading Hearts' visualiser here: https://youtu.be/brUXAbywSWE

Pre-order the album here: https://arisingempire.com/viciousrain

'Trading Hearts' lyrics portray a relationship spiralling into warfare, where pride outweighs connection and words become weapons. Driven by heavy verses and a huge, cathartic chorus, the track balances raw aggression with melodic weight. Known for intense live energy and a growing European following, Vicious Rain deliver a hard-hitting anthem that cuts deep and stays honest.

The single follows the massive momentum of previous singles 'Silent Therapy',  'IKIGAI' and 'Spitting Blood Again', which have firmly established the band as one of Europe’s most exciting modern heavy acts.

New album The Anatomy of Surviving promises to be their most personal and dynamic work to date, capturing the struggle, resilience, and emotional weight that define both the band and their growing international fanbase.

Track list:

01 - The Anatomy Of Surviving
02 - Gods Of Glass & Wire    
03 - A Spotless Mind
04 - Silent Therapy
05 - Trading Hearts
06 - Spitting Blood Again    
07 - Red Noise
08 - IKIGAI
09 - Intertwined

JeGong, the collaborative force of Dahm Majuri Cipolla (MONO) and Reto Mäder (SUM OF R.), reveal their second single from their upcoming bold and genre-sculpting new album Gomi Kuzu Can (due 27th February via Pelagic Records).

Watch the video for 'Parallel Tracks' here: https://youtu.be/D4S-Gio03o4
Pre-order the album here: https://orcd.co/jegong-gomikuzucan

The band comment: "With 'Parallel Tracks' we wanted to take sounds that might feel discarded or rough and give them new life. The title reflects how there are always multiple ways for sounds and grooves to come together, finding unexpected harmony. The video manifests this spirit, inspired by early motion graphics experiments, where the focus was on exploring possibilities and seeing what kinds of images would emerge from the sounds.

With its playful metallic clatter and sharp percussive hooks, 'Parallel Tracks' is a celebration of sonic detritus: discarded textures reassembled into something unexpectedly danceable, with darker grooves and sinewy rhythms. Here JeGong lean into a shadowy, post-punk-tinged energy, conjuring a sense of nocturnal movement. It’s a track that exemplifies JeGong’s ability to turn experimental instincts into something irresistibly physical.

Known for their immersive, rhythm-driven explorations of krautrock and experimental sound design, JeGong now take an exhilarating leap into brighter, nostalgically stranger territory.

Gomi Kuzu Can is an electrifying journey through kraut, post- and experimental rock, delivered with the analogue warmth of the ’70s. 

Across eleven meticulously crafted tracks, JeGong embrace their roots while fearlessly expanding into neon-lit, beat-driven worlds where kinetic rhythms meet playful sonic futurism. It is music built for movement, contemplation, and the ecstatic strangeness of possibility. Their approach borrows the endurance and patience of minimalism, but they subvert minimalism’s austerity with grit, distortion, and physicality. The result is music that feels alive in motion: constantly shifting, tightening, unfurling, and mutating even when its core pulse remains unbroken.

At the centre is the duo’s uncanny rhythmic intuition: drums that pulse with krautrock steadiness, bass lines that swing between monolithic foundation and crude melodic insistence. Together, these elements create a sonic environment that feels both mechanical and deeply human, ritualistic yet instinctual.

One of the album’s most striking achievements is its analogue warmth. In an era dominated by pristine digital surfaces, JeGong embrace imperfection: human element in every beat and modulation. Gomi Kuzu Can, is hand-built, lovingly assembled from circuitry, intuition, and raw creative impulse. This tactile quality is precisely what makes the album’s danceability so impactful. In blending organic rhythm with retro-electronic brightness, they’ve created a sound that is both familiar and refreshingly new.

JeGong are: 

Reto Mäder – bass, guitar, analogue synthesizer, electronics, mellotron, effects, amps, sounds
Dahm Majuri Cipolla – drums, percussion, effects, sounds

For more:
PELAGIC PROFILE * INSTAGRAM * FACEBOOK * BANDCAMP

Tracklisting: 

1. Golden Hairs Goes Back To Japan
2.Outright Wolf Medicines
3. Contortion
4. Downed
5. Chalk
6. What Ever Happened To Gene
7. Sister
8. Parallel Tracks
9. Patterns
10. Müll Schrott Dose
11. Obaachan Bingo

Photo Credit: Jim Louvau

Bay Area Thrash legends EXODUS unleash Goliath, marking the triumphant return of Rob Dukes.
 
EXODUS have announced their 12th studio album the follow up to their highest charting record ever and Napalm Records debut, Goliath, out 20th March 2026. Today, the band reveal the massive opening track '3111' – the sinister single strikes dissonant chords before careening into breakneck thrash intensity. This album standout showcases EXODUS' ever-increasingly dynamic approach, even decades into their historic reign.

Listen to '3111' here: https://lnk.to/Exodus-Goliath 

Pre-order Goliath here: http://lnk.to/Exodus-Goliath/napalmrecords

Emerging hungrier than ever in 2026, with Goliath, EXODUS reinforces their eternal foothold at the top of thrash metal's hierarchy with 10 of their most diverse, anthemic emissions to date.

Further fuelled by the widely embraced return of iconic late-era frontman Rob Dukes – first appearing on 2005’s Shovel Headed Kill Machine – the album boasts what the band describes as the performance of his life. Goliath is EXODUS’ most collaborative record in their four decade-plus history, featuring songs written by several band members and guest contributions from Peter Tägtgren (Hypocrisy, Pain) and violinist Katie Jacoby.
 
EXODUS commented on on '3111': "We decided to go hard with the leadoff single, '3111'. The song is about the narco killings in Juarez, and '3111' is the estimated number of murders for 2010 alone."

The official video is too brutal for YouTube and being denied, it will be released in its entirety at a later time and place. Watch Gary Holt’s statement here: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/yrPOOuJH-do

Flurried dueling solos, an isolated bass excursion, rigorous drum dexterity and a blend of both gritty vocal passages and cutting chants combine to serve as yet another prime example of the band’s ever-evolving musical mastery.
 
Produced by EXODUS, mixed and mastered by Mark Lewis (Whitechapel, Nile, Undeath), Goliath beams with the explosive authenticity that has set EXODUS eons apart from their peers since the release of their debut, 1985’s groundbreaking thrash blueprint Bonded By Blood. 40 years later, EXODUS are steadfast in their refusal to settle for the safety of mediocrity, fearing nothing and no one and continuing to forge their trademark just as resolutely as they did in their fruition.
 
EXODUS comment on new album Goliath: “Are we excited for this record? That’s an understatement. We put everything we had into this record (and it’s 80 percent complete follow up, but we’ll save that conversation for another day!) and it’s one of our proudest accomplishments. Wildly collaborative, the most band centric album to date with four songs written by Lee, lyrics by Gary, Rob, Lee and Tom, and just killer all the way around. The time to let the monster loose is coming! Bow Down!” 

Goliath wastes no time proving as massive as its name, with a sinister introduction opening '3111'. Ode to owning one’s own volatility 'Hostis Humani Generis' features a palpable lyrical delivery from Rob Dukes that cuts like crystal amid frenetic riffs, before rolling into 'The Changing Me'. The track’s introductory notes cascade into hair-raising rhythms, forming one of the band’s most anthemic offerings – blending menace and melody with the cleans of guest Peter Tägtgren (Hypocrisy, Pain) together with Tom Hunting and at the end both Peter and Robb scream off the song.

Harmonic dual axe acrobatics from resident guitar legends Gary Holt and Lee Altus. 'Promise You This' incites mosh pit treachery with explosive energy, cyclonic riffs and turbocharged soloing from Holt and Altus, prior to colossal title track 'Goliath' simmering the tempo down with winding, malevolent leads, towering drums and ominous string work from Katie Jacoby coupling with intricate guitars.

The album standout showcases the band’s ever-increasingly dynamic approach, even decades into their historic reign. Tracks like 'Beyond The Event Horizon' and '2 Minutes Hate' provide EXODUS’ trademark deadly dose of thrash theatricality – the latter boasting one of the album’s most grimacing, grooving pit primers – while undeniably 90s-tinged metallic charm attacks alongside drummer Tom Hunting and bassist Jack Gibson’s unmistakable rhythmic rage on tracks like 'Violence Works'.

The nearly eight-minute epic 'Summon Of The God Unknown' turns the danger dial to max capacity, setting the stage with a wicked introductory passage before traversing a variegated passage of trudging riffs and heavy metal melody. Power packed closer 'The Dirtiest Of The Dozen' wraps the album on a manic high, showcasing EXODUS pulling out all the stops on all instruments.

EXODUS are touring the world extensively in 2026. First off with Megadeth and Anthrax in Canada in February and March, then Europe with Kreator, Carcass and Nails in March and April. The band then tour the US and Canada with Sepultura in April and May.

UK dates:

27.03.26 UK - London / O2 Academy Brixton
28.03.26 UK - Manchester / O2 Apollo Manchester
29.03.26 UK - Glasgow / O2 Academy Glasgow

EXODUS are:
Tom Hunting - drums
Gary Holt - guitars
Jack Gibson - bass, backing vocals
Lee Altus - guitars
Rob Dukes - lead vocals
 
EXODUS online:
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
X
TIKTOK
WEBSITE

Goliath track list:

1 . 3111     
2. Hostis Humani Generis  
3. The Changing Me (feat. Peter Tägtgren)
4. Promise You This             
5. Goliath  (feat. Katie Jacoby)
6. Beyond The Event Horizon          
7. 2 Minutes Hate 
8. Violence Works
9. Summon Of The God Unknown  
10. The Dirtiest Of The Dozen

Goliath will be available in the following formats:

2-LP Gatefold PICTURE with 12'' Booklet

2-LP Gatefold Liquid Purple Rain with 12'' Booklet, Certificate of Authenticity (exclusively available via Napalm Records Mailorder) – strictly limited to 200 copies

2-LP Gatefold Marbled Viola, Blue incl. 12'' Booklet (exclusively available via Napalm Records Europe Mailorder) – strictly limited to 700 copies

2-LP Gatefold Marbled Orange, Red with 12'' Booklet (exclusively available via Napalm Records North America Mailorder) – strictly limited to 500 copies

2-LP Gatefold Solid Red (exclusively available via Indie Market, US) – strictly limited to 1000 copies

2-LP Gatefold Glow in the Dark White (exclusively available via EMP) – strictly limited to 300 copies

2-LP Gatefold Solid Yellow

2-LP Gatefold Black

Cardboard Boxset (Embossed), with CD, Band Poster, Cover Art Flag, Guitar Picks, Patch (exclusively available via Napalm Records Mailorder) – strictly limited to 1000 copies

1-CD Digisleeve

Ltd. 1MC (Red transparent / yellow print) (exclusively available via Napalm Records Mailorder) – strictly limited to 300 copies

Digital Album   

Photo Credit: Rob Blackham

Hotly-tipped UK rocker Dan Byrne has revealed new single 'She's The Devil', another glimpse of his highly-anticipated debut record This Is Where the Show Begins (22nd May, Frontiers). 

Stream 'She's The Devil' and pre-order the album here: https://ffm.bio/thisiswheretheshowbegins
Watch the lyric video here: https://youtu.be/2kOcbx0yucA

Dan comments: "'She’s The Devil' is where I really let loose. It’s easily the most unapologetic song on the record -  a straight-up, all-out rock ’n’ roll track where everything is turned up. It’s got that ‘blues-rock-on-steroids’ feel that nods to the greats but definitely drags it into the modern day, complete with a bridge that is a little bit of a hat-tip to the likes of Whitesnake.

"I wrote this to play around with temptation and contradiction: the idea of knowing someone is bad news, but giving in anyway. The devil in this song takes the shape of a woman, a lover, or even an idea. The fact is, that it’s a reminder of how easily we can fall for something we know might break us.

"It’s a song about attraction and danger and knowing that you’re in too deep, but not wanting to get out. I grew up listening to hundreds of songs that used that kind of imagery, so this was my chance to put my own spin on it. It’s one of the few songs on the album where I got to just unleash everything I had and show the range of my voice.

"Produced once again by David Radahd-Jones, She’s The Devil represents the wild side of my debut album. It also ties into a recurring thread that runs through several songs on the record: the use of faith-based imagery as a literary tool for exploring human conflict, irony, and desire."

Dan will be touring his debut album in March and April. Full dates: 

Headline tour
Mar 21 Wolverhampton KK's Steel Mill
Mar 22 Manchester Deaf Institute
Mar 24 Chester The Live Rooms
Mar 26 Newcastle The Cluny
Mar 27 Edinburgh Voodoo Rooms
Mar 28 Glasgow The Attic
Mar 29 Blackpool Waterloo Music Bar
Apr 01 Sheffield Corporation
Apr 03 Nottingham Bodega
Apr 04 Southampton The Joiners
Apr 05 Bristol Exchange
Apr 10 London The Lower Third
Apr 11 Crumlin The Patriot

Jul 25 Ebbw Vale Steelhouse Festival

Dan Byrne swept in off the Mersey, announcing himself as a solo artist in 2023 with his debut EP, Beginnings. His powerhouse, soul-inflected vocal and deftly-executed, yet hugely accessible songcraft has quickly marked him out as an artist on the rise. Blending contemporary edge with classic influence, Byrne’s music is powerful, honest, and deeply emotive - widescreen in scope yet intimate at its core. It rocks, without question, but what truly sets him apart is the courage to weave sensitivity and vulnerability through the intensity. This isn’t just rock music - it has the heart and authenticity to connect with an audience beyond any one genre.

In just two years Dan has toured the UK three times, delivered standout performances at multiple festivals and found overwhelming support from Planet Rock - the UK’s leading rock station - where his first four singles amassed an impressive 25 weeks on the playlist. With that foundation firmly in place, Byrne now turns his focus to the release of his long-awaited debut solo album, marking the next powerful step in his evolution as an artist.

This Is Where The Show Begins - Dan’s debut album - is full of joy and confidence. There’s a swagger alongside the sensitivity, a further broadening of musical scope. But at the centre of it, is that voice -  as powerful as it is vulnerable, as emotive as it is strong.

The lead single, ‘Saviour’ - the perfect album opener - bursts to life with attention-grabbing hard-rock stabs and pile-driving riffs. Its verses simmer with drama before the tension breaks in a chorus that makes it clear we’re in for one hell of a ride. It struts, it shimmies and it absolutely rocks. “Light ’em up,” indeed. There’s no let up as we barrel headlong into ‘She’s the Devil’ - Dan weighing in with a colossal vocal punctured by gonzo guitar gymnastics, the sheer euphoria spilling forth here is palpable.

Elsewhere, we're taken to church with ‘Praise Hell’, and ‘Sober’ is stained with regret. We even perhaps get a glimpse of where Byrne is heading next with album closer ‘Home’ - a sprawling, soaring, shapeshifting piece of alt-rock which essentially is never in danger of losing its soul. It’s what Glenn Hughes and 30 Seconds To Mars might come up if they ever combined their superpowers.

This Is Where The Show Begins is the culmination of what has been an incredible journey so far. It’s a marker for what can happen when you back yourself, a calling card for following your gut. Bursting with ambition, diversity and authenticity, this is where it may truly begin for Dan, the exciting thing for us to ponder is where it should lead to next.

Dan Byrne online:

https://www.danbyrne.co
https://www.instagram.com/danbyrne__
https://www.facebook.com/danbyrneofficial

Tracklisting:
1. Saviour
2. She’s The Devil
3. Praise Hell
4. Sober
5. Cherry & Leather
6. Death Of Me
7. Temple
8. Pulling Me Under
9. Hate Me
10. Home

Photo Credit: Pelagic Records

Danish experimental artists MEEJAH and HIRAKI have unveil their new joint single 'Dead Calls' along with a live session video of the track. They have also announced the release of their split EP, INTERWOVEN, out 13th March via Pelagic Records.

Watch the live session here: https://youtu.be/GhFQ23GwDnQ

Stream the single and pre-order INTERWOVEN here: https://orcd.co/interwoven

Both bands jointly comment: "'Dead Calls' is our first single from INTERWOVEN. It’s the opener of the new year 2026, which will be dedicated to the MEEJAH x HIRAKI project where our two bands blend together to one big ensemble. We are happy to finally have arrived at the release date. We have worked intensity on exchanging ideas, music and dreams back and forth and interweaving the two bands - and we hope the European audience will embrace our music as well. It feels like a match made in heaven! Our new Tapetown Session filmed on the nose of Jutland in Denmark has captured and translated our energy so well. Enjoy!”

The INTERWOVEN collaboration has induced a new set of emphases for the two Danish bands, demanding MEEJAH to go darker and heavier, while moving HIRAKI towards an experiment of intertwining complex expressions in a longer format.

The themes on INTERWOVEN spawned in the dark stage room Gloria at Roskilde Festival during a The Ocean concert where Mai Soon Young Øvlisen from MEEJAH stood in the audience, overwhelmed with a fast stream of thoughts before her inner eyes.

Memories of the old East Berlin, the Book of the Dead, the heart weighed against a feather in the afterlife, innocence and revenge - and how the executioner becomes a victim to the loss of their own humanity. When suddenly Loïc Rossetti sat down in front of her - asking her if she was okay - as if he sensed that one day she would ask him to sing with her.

Through collaborations with the LLNN brothers Rasmus and Ketil Sejersen and their industrial, hardcore project John Cxnnor, HIRAKI and Meejah met The Oceans light designer Pierre Roi des Forêts - who helped them connect to Loïc.

HIRAKI and MEEJAH decided to exchange artistic powers, common music backgrounds, combined with their shared love for the underground scene. HIRAKI plugged onto the themes - adding their trademark aggressive style, new perspectives, lyrics about malice, control, contradictions and the existential self-awareness of one's choice to cause harm - and significantly broadened the artistic handprint.

INTERWOVEN is mixed by HIRAKI’s long time producer Klaus Q, and references common influential bands such as The Body, The Armed, Sightless Pit, Massive Attack, Julie Christmas and Death Engine.

Track list:

01. Redirect Revenge    
03. Preserve Manifest    
02. All Contrast    
04. Dead Calls

Lost In Hollywood return with their brand new single 'I Should Have Known Better', pushing their emotionally charged sound to an even more vulnerable and intense place.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/hsaVVwWk6BE
Stream here: https://arisingempire.com/lostinhollywood

After a strong run of releases that steadily expanded their reach, Lost In Hollywood have proven their ability to balance raw heaviness with cinematic atmosphere. Singles like 'The Fire', 'Pretty Skin' and 'Like a River' featuring Of Virtue showcased the band’s talent for massive hooks and emotional depth, while 'The Art of Being Torn Out' featuring Half Me underlined their connection to the modern heavy scene and their willingness to collaborate without losing identity.

Once again, Lost In Hollywood demonstrate their knack for writing songs that feel deeply personal while remaining universally relatable. 'I Should Have Known Better' doesn’t search for easy answers, instead it captures that familiar moment of realization where regret, honesty, and growth collide. A powerful next step for a band that continues to sharpen its sound and emotional weight with every release.

US metalcore quintet Foreword have announced their new EP Exposition, due for release on 20th February via Seek and Strike, alongside the reveal of its first single and video, 'Intimate Torment'.

Watch the video for 'Intimate Torment' here: https://youtu.be/dU0w53Jlic8

Pre-save Exposition here: https://orcd.co/forewordep2026

New single 'Intimate Torment' sets the emotional tone for the EP. Raw and unflinchingly honest, the track showcases Foreword’s ability to balance weight and atmosphere while exploring deeply personal lyricism. The video reflects that same intent, stripping things back visually to focus on performance and the discomfort at the heart of the song.

“For the ‘Intimate Torment’ video, we made a very intentional decision to keep things simple,” the band say. “The idea was to introduce a newer color palette for the band while letting the lyrics do the heavy lifting. Instead of distracting visuals, the focus stayed on the members’ performances and emotion, giving the song space to feel as raw as it’s meant to be.”

Often cited as a modern embodiment of classic early-2000s metalcore, Foreword lean fully into that lineage on Exposition but with sharpened edges and a wider sonic lens. Across the EP, crushing rhythm-driven foundations collide with layered synths, cinematic atmospheres and moments of restraint that allow the heaviness to hit harder. 

Foreword comment on the EP: "This EP carries a particularly personal weight for us as a band. It represents a moment where we allowed ourselves to fully lean into the sounds, textures and influences that have shaped us over the years, while still pushing our identity forward. A major source of inspiration came from modern gaming soundtracks, most notably titles like DOOM and Cyberpunk 2077, which encouraged us to think more cinematically and atmospherically in our writing.

Exposition was recorded with producer Cory Brunnemann (Nonpoint, Upon A Burning Body, Zahna), whose collaborative approach played a key role in shaping the EP’s cohesive identity. Departing from their more prescriptive methods of the past, Foreword placed a higher level of trust in the studio process, allowing ideas to evolve organically.

“We brought Cory a wide range of ambitious and sometimes unconventional ideas,” the band explain. “His ability to translate our more chaotic and abstract concepts into something focused, impactful and consistent elevated the songs beyond what we feel we could have achieved on our own.”

Lyrically, Exposition is rooted in self-reflection and internal conflict, documenting moments of doubt, frustration, guilt and emotional tension that were still unresolved as the songs were written. Rather than offering closure, the EP exists in that uneasy middle ground capturing vulnerability as it happens, not after the fact.

The result is an EP that feels immersive and deeply honest, one that expands Foreword’s sound while preserving the intensity and emotion at their core. For fans of Paleface Swiss, I Prevail, Landmvrks and modern metalcore that blends aggression with mood and accessibility, Exposition marks a significant and compelling evolution.

Foreword are:
Vocals - Andy Alderson
Guitar/Vocals - Chris Se Cret
Guitar - Marco Gomez
Bass - Manny G

For more:
Instagram | Spotify

Track-list:
1. Shepard to the Black Sheep
2. Am I Dreaming (Wide-Awake)
3. Hunger Sickness
4. Read Between the Lines
5. Intimate Torment
6. Self-Immolate 

If anyone wondered how Inkcarceration Festival might top last year’s record-breaking event that drew in 90,000 music fans, all it takes is a look at the lineup for the 2026 edition. More than 65 bands will take over the historic Ohio State Reformatory grounds in Mansfield, Ohio on 17-19 July, led by:

Friday 17th July: Disturbed, Papa Roach, Cypress Hill, Hollywood Undead
Saturday 18th July: Bad Omens, Gojira, The Used, Sleeping with Sirens
Sunday 19th July: Limp Bizkit, A Day To Remember, Motionless In White, Ice Nine Kills
 
Also featuring 100+ tattoo artists, haunted attractions and tours of the prison made famous in The Shawshank Redemption, America's Rock & Metal Tattoo Festival, co-produced by Danny Wimmer Presents and Reinkcarceration LLC, is one of the most unique events in the summer festival season.

The full music lineup for the 8th year of Inkcarceration – including several reunions and rare performances – is as follows:

Limp Bizkit, Disturbed, Bad Omens, Gojira, Papa Roach, A Day To Remember, Motionless in White, Ice Nine Kills, Cypress Hill, The Used, Lorna Shore, Sleeping with Sirens,  Hollywood Undead, Poppy, Starset, Machine Head, Tech N9ne, Jinjer, Hatebreed, Sleep Theory, Fit For A King, Get Scared, Memphis May Fire, Rev Theory, Jutes, LANDMVRKS, Dying Wish, Sanguisugabogg, Lacuna Coil, Escape The Fate, Alien Ant Farm, Miss May I, Caskets, PeelingFlesh, Spite, Point North, Norma Jean, Silent Planet, Born of Osiris, Nevertel, Left To Suffer, Thousand Below, 156/Silence, Archers, Static Dress, Ded, If Not For Me, Wolves At The Gate, Fox Lake, Earshot, King 810, Silly Goose, Guilt Trip, Cane Hill, Entheos, Versus Me, Snuffed On Sight, The Crimson Armada, Synestia, Corpse Pile, Heavy//Hitter, ENMY, Night Rider, Filth, Jeffrey Nothing, Vicar Blood and Killstreak.
 
Some of the special appearances and reunions at Inkcarceration will include:

• Sleeping with Sirens celebrating 15 Years of Let's Cheers To This

• Rev Theory’s rare reunion

• Alien Ant Farm celebrating 25th anniversary of ANThology

• Additional reunions from Get Scared and The Crimson Armada (home state reunion)

• Hometown/home state shows from Starset, Sanguisugabogg, Night Rider, Miss May I, Wolves At The Gate and ENMY

During the festival, Inkcarceration attendees will have the opportunity to get inked at Monster Energy Tattoo X, the onsite tattoo convention hosted inside the world-famous prison. In addition, fans can take self-guided tours of the reportedly haunted building during Inkcarceration with the award-winning Blood Prison experience.
 
“Tim Robbins says in The Shawshank Redemption, ‘get busy living, or get busy dying,’ and we’re thrilled to share our songs of living and dying when INK descends on INKcarceration,” said Ice Nine Kills’ Spencer Charnas.
 
"I was SUPER excited when I got the word I was playing at Inkcarceration Festival because I’ve always seemed to be touring around it with artists who’ve played there frequently,” added Tech N9ne. “Honored to be part of such a huge festival."
 
“We’re fired up to welcome Limp Bizkit back to Inkcarceration. Their recent South American stadium run has sent social media into overdrive, and we’re proud to be part of their global takeover once again. Having Bad Omens headlining a DWP festival for the first time brings a whole new level of energy to the weekend, and adding Disturbed to this lineup makes it an absolute powerhouse for our fans,” said DWP Founder Danny Wimmer.
 
“We’re expecting 2026 to be a landmark year for Inkcarceration,” said Dan Janssen, Co-Founder of Inkcarceration. “After selling out every year since 2021, this summer brings one of our most in-demand lineups to date, including more than 45 artists making their Inkcarceration debut alongside nearly 20 fan-favorite returns. Combined with upgrades across the site, camping, and parking experience, we’re excited to welcome fans back to Shawshank for what will be the biggest INK yet.”
 
“We are excited to welcome Inkcarceration back to the historic Ohio State Reformatory for another incredible year. This festival has earned its reputation as one of the most unique and sought-after events in the world, blending music, tattoo artistry, and culture in a setting unlike any other,” said Dan Smith, Associate Director, The Ohio State Reformatory. “Inkcarceration continues to attract fans from across the globe, and the 2026 lineup promises to deliver an unforgettable experience. The Ohio State Reformatory is proud to serve as the backdrop for this extraordinary celebration.”
 
3-Day and Single Day General Admission and VIP passes for Inkcarceration are on sale now for as low as $1 down on layaway, with more than 6 months to pay off in full.
 
Service fees on all pass purchases include a charity fee for the DWP Foundation, which gives back to local and national charities throughout the year.
 
For a fully immersive weekend experience, fans are encouraged to explore the Inkcarceration camping options, which include access to the Thursday Night Campground Party in the campgrounds (only available to campers). Weekend camping packages are available for both Car & Tent and RV Camping, with Parking passes also on sale now – purchase here. For those looking to stay off-site, hotel packages that bundle festival passes with hotel nights are available through Jampack, starting at $10 down and including daily festival re-entry and additional perks – find more information here.
 
For five consecutive years, Inkcarceration passes have SOLD OUT, drawing fans from every state and many countries around the world, so fans are encouraged to buy early to reserve their spot. The 2025 event brought in $11.3 million in economic impact to the area, and Inkcarceration’s overall economic impact totals more than $60 million since the festival began in 2018.
 
Inkcarceration has been nominated for Pollstar’s Global Music Festival of the Year (Under 30k) for 2024 and 2025.
 
“Welcoming thousands of fans to the repurposed penitentiary brimming with lore, Inkcarceration has become one of the most celebrated heavy cultural events of the year for its comprehensive line-up of talent and it's a live music destination that is second to none.” - Knotfest
 
2025 marked the third season of DWP’s paranormal investigative video series Paranormal Prison, which documented some of the supernatural experiences at Ohio State Reformatory during the festival with the help of Inkcarceration 2025 bands including Five Finger Death Punch, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Kittie, Acid Bath, Three Days Grace, Attila, Nothing More and others. Episodes are available on the DWP YouTube channel and on Loudwire.
 
Inkcarceration is thrilled to collaborate with Bud Light, Monster Energy, NÜTRL, Eargasm, Acathla, Little Rocker Clothing, and STRÜNG on the 2026 edition. Stay tuned for more exciting partnerships leading up to the event.
 
Inkcarceration is co-produced by Danny Wimmer Presents, one of the largest independent producers of destination music festivals in America, and Reinkcarceration LLC, a partnership that formed with the original founders of INK in 2021.
 
For more information on Inkcarceration, please visit:
 
Website: https://inkcarceration.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Inkcarcerationfestival
Twitter: https://twitter.com/inkcarfestival
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inkcarcerationfestival/

INKCARCERATION 2025, photo: Sam Shapiro

Photo Credit: Evelina Szczesik ||

Swedish modern rock unit SELF DECEPTION is set to unleash their Napalm Records debut, One Of Us, on 15th May. Known for their fiery fusion of anthemic modern metal and powerful melodic rock, they have shared stages with the likes of Electric Callboy, Danko Jones, and Adept since their 2009 debut, while racking up millions of streams and video views – including their viral 2022 hit, 'Fight Fire With Gasoline', with tens of millions of streams. Written on the road during the heaviest touring of SELF DECEPTION’s career so far, One Of Us is a cohesive album full of character, made for the stage – and the pit!
 
Accordingly, the band releases the upcoming album’s title track as a new single. Bone-crushing 'ONE OF US' unleashes the heavy modern metal side of SELF DECEPTION. Fusing relentless hardcore energy, in-your-face lyrics, and high-voltage attitude, the track hits with unstoppable force, pushing contemporary rock to the next level.

Stream the video here: https://youtu.be/VcoSyfcqYSY

Pre-order the album here: https://lnk.to/SelfDeception-ONEOFUS/napalmrecords
 
SELF DECEPTION comment on the new single on 'ONE OF US':
“‘ONE OF US’ came together while we were out on tour, surrounded by those wild, magical moments with the crowd. The chaos and energy of the mosh pit inspired us to write a whole track dedicated to the people who live for it. This song is about the fans, for the fans, and the growing bond that makes it feel less like a band and a crowd and more like family.”

SELF DECEPTION have been confirmed to perform at Download Festival on 13th June as part of their summer festival run.

From massive pit churners to creative storylines and choruses full of hit potential, the energy on One Of Us is unmatched. The band has a busy festival summer following the album’s release, so fans will get the first chance to experience these new tracks live at several major European rock and metal festivals. With One Of Us, SELF DECEPTION are ready to push contemporary rock to the next level! The album will be available digitally and in several physical formats, with cover artwork created by Alex Tillbrook, who is well known for his work on the hit Netflix series “Stranger Things”, as well as for collaborations with artists such as Metallica, Blink-182, and Sleep Token.
 
SELF DECEPTION comment on One Of Us:
“One Of Us is our new album, inspired by life on the road and the energy of the live stage. Touring so much has put us in a kind of ‘live bubble’, and that feeling runs through the songwriting. The album revolves around outsidership and the desire to belong. On tour, we meet many lost and lonely people, all seeking a few hours of escape where they can disappear into a rock show. With One Of Us, we want everyone to feel part of something bigger, to feel like one of us.”
 
Bone-crushing album-opener and title track 'ONE OF US' takes no prisoners, unleashing the heavy modern metal side of the Swedish powerhouse: fusing relentless hardcore energy, in-your-face lyrics, and high-voltage attitude, the track hits with unstoppable force. Following track 'TIME’S UP' features an absolute hit chorus, fresh hooks and high-energy instrumentals, while emotional 'DON’T B E L O N G' addresses the difficult themes of addiction and mental health battles – the combination of hauntingly beautiful melodies, multifaceted vocal performance and heavy rhythm section carry this sentimental track. Further highlights on SELF DECEPTION’s new 11-track offering include 'THE WEDDING', an energetic modern rock anthem with a particularly dark and twisted storyline, and 'BREAK!', with its heavy-hitting drums, electronic influences and yet another irresistible sing-along chorus. 'ENTERTAINED' delivers one of the heaviest breakdowns on the album, before 'GODDAMN ME' brings the record to a powerful close.

SELF DECEPTION are:          
Erik Ingels Graham – Drums
Andreas Clark – Vocals
Ronny Westphal – Guitar
Patrik Carlberg Hallgren – Bass
 
SELF DECEPTION online:             
INSTAGRAM
FACEBOOK
TIKTOK
WEBSITE
NAPALM RECORDS

One Of Us track list:

1. ONE OF US
2. TIME’S UP
3. WAKE UP
4. DON’T B E L O N G
5. DEATH OF ME
6. BREAK!
7. THE WEDDING
8. KETAMINE COWBOY
9. BLAME
10. ENTERTAINED
11. GODDAMN ME

One Of Us will be available in the following formats:
1 LP Splatter Cristallo Green, incl. LP sized booklet + Mask – Napalm Records exclusive
1 LP Marbled Translucent Old Purple, Viola, Black, incl. Slipmat – Napalm Records exclusive
1 LP Translucent Fuchsia
1 LP Translucent Lime Green – band shop exclusive
1 CD Digipak
Digital Album