Photo Credit: Jon Sugden

London metallic hardcore quartet False Reality have unveiled their new single 'COST OF SPITE' via Hassle Records. The single comes ahead of their fast-selling headline dates and tour with Heriot.

Watch the visualiser here: https://youtu.be/nmzpKFeepco

Stream the single here: https://false-reality.ffm.to/cost-of-spite

Vocalist Rachel Rigby comments on the single: "The song is about the inequality there is still out there in the world. Feeling anger when your hard work and passions get boiled down to your gender, skin colour or sexuality. It’s also about pulling away from feeling like you have to shrink yourself down and dilute yourself to make others feel comfortable, instead of being your most expressive self."

Catch False Reality on the following dates:

02 Apr: Outpost, Liverpool, UK (LOW TICKETS)
03 Apr: Mabgate Bleach, Leeds, UK
04 Apr: Head Of Steam, Newcastle, UK (VENUE UPGRADE)
05 Apr: Norwich, Space Studios (LOW TICKETS)
06 Apr: Leicester, Matinee, Duffy’s Bar 

09 Apr: Glasgow, G2 @ The Garage (with Heriot, Grove Street)
10 Apr: Bristol, Fleece (with Heriot, Grove Street)
11 Apr: London, Underworld (with Heriot, Grove Street)
12 Apr: Birmingham, Asylum (with Heriot, Grove Street)
13 Apr: Manchester, Rebellion (with Heriot, Grove Street)

18 Apr: Manchester Punk Festival, The Bread Shed
14 May: Downstairs @ The Dome, London, UK (with Dead Pioneers & Jools)
17 May: Fury Dance Festival, FR
31 May Foe Fest, Bristol, UK (with TRC)
28 Jun: Rock In Bourlon Festival, FR
12 Jul: Hardcore Help Foundation, DE
19 Jul: Manchester, Aatma 
01 Aug: Full Rewind Festival, DE
16 Aug: Toxic Wotsit Festival, Hastings, DE
29 Aug: Burn It Down Festival, Torquay, UK
06 Sep: No Play Fest, Liverpool, UK 

'COST OF SPITE' follows recent single 'Cranium', the first new music from the band since the release of their underground breakthrough EP Path of Self Destruct. The EP features previous single 'Opposites React', a groove driven, empowering track that features vocals from Jem of Aussie hardcore band Speed.

Comprised of individuals deeply rooted in the underground music scene, False Reality are a London-based hardcore band that formed in 2023. Renowned for their thrash infused, hardcore crossover sound and fiercely energetic performances they draw influences from bands such as Trapped Under Ice, Broken Teeth and Backtrack as well as early era Sepultura and even Deftones.

False Reality have carved out a distinct identity, leaving an imprint on audiences who have witnessed their performances. Having already shared the stage with the likes of Stray From The Path, Speed, Jesus Piece, Madball, Buried Alive and Static Dress, garnering support both locally and nationally, False Reality are solidifying their status as one of the most exciting acts in the UK heavy music scene.

False Reality are:
Rachel Rigby - vocals
Dave Connolly - guitar
Louis Dale - drums
Joe Cornwell - bass

False Reality online:
https://linktr.ee/falserealityukhc
https://www.instagram.com/falserealityhc

From Fall to Spring have released a special rendition of the Backstreet Boys hit 'Incomplete'. The song was originally created for the ESC 2025 preliminary round and combines the band's signature metalcore elements with emotional melodies and powerful vocals.

Watch the video here:  
Stream here: https://arisingempire.com/incomplete

Catch the band live on their headline tour:
27.10.25 London (UK) - The Dome
28.10.25 Manchester (UK) - Night & Day Cafe

German metalcore powerhouse Annisokay have returned with their brand-new single 'Inner Sanctum', a hard-hitting track that showcases the band's signature blend of crushing heaviness and melodic intensity. The song is taken from their highly anticipated EP Abyss Pt II, set for release on April 11th.

Stream here: https://arisingempire.com/abyss

Video live at 6pm GMT

Following the success of their previous releases, 'Inner Sanctum' dives deep into themes of inner struggle and resilience, delivering powerful vocals, atmospheric soundscapes, and intense breakdowns. 

in October Annisokay will embark on their Abyss Pt II Europe Tour, bringing their explosive live show to stages across the continent.  
 
Catch the band live on their Abyss Pt II Europe tour:

15.01.26 UK-London
16.01.26 UK-Leeds
17.01.26 UK-Bristol
18.01.26 UK-Nottingham

Photo Credit: Arne Beschorner

Rock outfit PLAIINS present new single 'Happy Faces' along with a music video. This is the first single from their debut album which will be released this summer via Long Branch Records.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/AItykSQ9zw0

Stream the single here: https://plaiins.lnk.to/happyfaces

“'Happy Faces' is a fast and raucous punk indie song about the duality of the protagonists views of the importance of putting on a happy face to promote a joyful view on the world and being courageous, throwing yourself into the unknown and the compromising hypocrisy of going too far," comments singer Chris Reardon. "Do you become a happier freer person or is it a mere mask obscuring a person's view on reality? As the song starts it all seems to point toward the first but as the song progresses the protagonist takes things further and further. Buying a whole bar a round of drinks on his credit card without any thought. As he burns out into an insanity, screaming "Happy dumbass faces"."

PLAIINS hit you like a freight train - songs full of power and character, craziness and energy. Founded by singer Chris amidst the pandemic PLAIINS are growing on the soil made fertile by bands like IDLES, QOTSA and Turnstile. Since the release of their debut single 'The Wolf' in March 2022, Dizzy, Flo, Timon and Chris have racked up tons of streams, been featured in major editorial playlists on all important platforms (All New Rock, All New Punk etc) and been a recurring guest on big radio stations like BBC Radio 1, BBC Introducing and RBB Fritz.

PLAIINS are:
Chris Reardon - Vocals, Guitars
Timon Lanzinger - Bass
David Suhlrie - Drums
Florian Kaninck - Guitars

PLAIINS online:
https://www.tiktok.com/@plaiinsband
https://www.facebook.com/plaiinsband
https://www.instagram.com/plaiinsband_
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3gUHDc3I3G1bFRElrj90fR?si=cIPo71aqRg-Cr_gHw_3svQ

Photo credit: Luke Shadrick

Interlaker have unveiled a powerful and emotive redux version of their single 'Ghostride', released ahead of their UK headline tour. 'Ghostride' is the second of four redux versions of Interlaker songs, which will appear on a digital delux edition of their self-titled debut, set for release on 30th May via Hassle Records.

Recorded & filmed live at The Ranch, watch the video here: https://youtu.be/KHpUnVTPa6E

Stream here: https://hasslerecords.ffm.to/ghostride-redux

Catch the band on the following dates:
**review and interviews opportunities available, contact james@holdtight.co**

Apr 03: Bristol, Rough Trade (w/ Death Is A Girl)
Apr 04: Southampton, Heartbreakers (w/ Dirtsharks, Wolf Culture)
Apr 10: London, Downstairs at The Dome (w/ Blue Stragglers)
Apr 11: Manchester, Yes Basement (w/ The Throwaway Scene)
Apr 25: Glasgow, SWG3 Poetry Club (w/ Caseveti)
Apr 26: Leeds, Hyde Park Book Club (w/ False Advertising, Nightsway)

Tickets: https://interlaker.com/live/

Anyone who has loved rock music over the last decade or so will be familiar with David Jakes and Jack Wrench. Jakes was the broodingly intense singer with Lonely The Brave; a complex character blessed with a once-in-a-generation voice. And Wrench was the explosive drummer with Arcane Roots, a man equally at home with math-rock complexity and sheer rock power. These two exceptional talents have been united in Interlaker, who might just be the sensational rock band you’ve been waiting for since they walked away from their former projects. 

Jakes and Wrench – who only knew each other vaguely from their previous bands – brokered their new partnership on Instagram; exchanging casual messages, discovering a mutual love of REM and Pearl Jam, before progressing to swapping demos and song ideas, eventually writing and recording their brilliant debut album entirely online. 

The sense of the unpredictable that courses through Interlaker’s album has also extended to an unlikely return to the live arena. The band – augmented by live members including Wrench’s brother – made a triumphant live debut at London’s Omeara last year, and played throughout 2024, including their debut festival performance at 2000trees festival in July.
. 
Rest assured, Interlaker are a tale of the unexpected that everyone is going to love.

For more:
https://interlaker.com/sign-up/
https://interlaker.com
https://facebook.com/InterlakerOfficial
https://instagram.com/interlakerofficial
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1sgjRSBP1ij45SrUmvuLJq?si=zAO-tx7hTfmsm9-msHjtpg

Photo Credit: Frances Carter

This Friday, 28th March, New Zealand modern groove metal trio ALIEN WEAPONRY will release their heaviest, most powerful and mature offering to date, Te Rā, via Napalm Records. Today, in celebration of this week's release, the band has unleashed one of the album's most aggressive, death-metal leaning offerings, 'Taniwha', featuring a raw, heavy-hitting contribution from longtime supporter and metal icon Randy Blythe of Lamb Of God.

Take a listen to the new track now – a special bonus listen two days in advance of the album's drop – and see below for insight into the track's inspirations. The new anthem follows acclaimed latest singles 'Mau Moko' ("...top-notch technical thrash metal..." - Heavy Consequence) and '1000 Friends' ("a driving, riff forward affair that makes it super easy to bang your head to" - MetalSucks).

Watch here: https://youtu.be/U8HuDJTqvEU

Of the new single, ALIEN WEAPONRY comment: "Lamb of God played a significant role in making Alien Weaponry what it is today and this collaboration with Randy Blythe feels like one of those ‘pinch yourself’ moments that our teenage selves would never believe possible. Randy’s lyricism and vocal expertise was an amazing addition to this song and we are beyond stoked to share this song/milestone with the world."

Pre-order Te Rā here: https://lnk.to/AlienWeaponry-TeRa/napalmrecords

Alien Weaponry have solidified themselves as one of the greatest young metal bands of their generation with renewed musical tenacity and crucial messaging. Te Rā is a bold, unwavering cry for a future in which we can all take part in the legacy of peoples like the Māori and others all around us – people who, if they aren’t seen, most certainly need to be heard.

With their third full-length album, Alien Weaponry expand on their hallmark messages of cultural, societal and environmental resilience while delivering their most massive-sounding, focused musical output ever. In the hands of veteran producer/mixer Josh Wilbur (Lamb Of God, Gojira, Megadeth) and featuring a guest vocal appearance from longtime Alien Weaponry champion Randy Blythe of Lamb Of God, Te Rā’s gnashing blend of groove, nu, math and thrash metal shines with anthemic choruses and refreshed technical skill.

On Te Rā, listeners can hear the band doubling-down on the aggression in the verses before applying temperance, especially in the case of 'Taniwha', a death metal-leaning banger featuring the particularly raw guest vocal from Randy Blythe. Lyrically, there’s a noticeable tilt towards despondency, hopelessness, and frustration on Te Rā. While bassist Tūranga Porowini Morgan-Edmonds' lyrics in Māori on songs like 'Tama-nui-te-rā' and Ponaturi' draw from the themes of history, battle lore and mysticism that made the first two albums so rich, frontman/guitarist Lewis Raharuhi de Jong's English-language lyrics illustrate the impact when culture collides with disenfranchisement day to day.

'Crown' and 'Hanging by a Thread' take us into the headspace where struggle pushes people to the brink of desperation, while on 'Blackened Sky' and '1000 Friends', Lewis addresses universal woes like the looming threat of World War III and the damaging effects of social media. On album closer 'Te Kore', Tūranga dives into primordial nothingness at the root of the Māori origin story, while on 'Mau Moko', he finds the middle ground between these perspectives. Taken as a whole, Te Rā grapples with what it’s like to be caught in the pull of divergent cultures – not just for the descendants of colonized people, but for all of us.
 
Alien Weaponry are:                      
Henry Te Reiwhati de Jong - Drums, Backing vocals 
Lewis Raharuhi de Jong - Guitars, Lead vocals         
Tūranga Porowini Morgan-Edmonds - Backing vocals & guitar
 
Alien Weaponry online:
WEBSITE
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM 
NAPALM RECORDS

Te Rā will be available in the following formats:      
- 1-LP Deluxe Gatefold Splatter Vinyl w/ 20'' Booklet, Patch, Slipmat - Napalm mail order only, limited to 300
- 1-LP Gatefold Marbled Vinyl - Napalm mail order only, limited to 300
- 1-LP Gatefold Black Vinyl
- 1-CD Digisleeve  
- Digital Album

Te Rā tracklisting:

1. Crown    
2. Mau Moko    
3. 1000 Friends    
4. Hanging by a Thread    
5. Tama-nui-te-rā    
6. Myself to Blame    
7. Taniwha (feat. Randy Blythe)
8. Blackened Sky    
9. Te Riri o Tāwhirimātea    
10. Ponaturi    
11. Te Kore    

Iconic Berlin label Pelagic Records is immensely proud to unveil the complete lineup for Pelagic Fest 2025, set to unfold on 23rd and 24th August at Muziekgieterij in Maastricht, The Netherlands.

Headlined by blackened progressive metal virtuoso Ihsahn, Pelagic Fest 2025 will feature a standout lineup showcasing unique sounds and experiences. Also headlining are post-rock pioneers This Will Destroy You, known for their evocative soundscapes and God Is an Astronaut, whose cinematic instrumental rock has earned them global acclaim. This two-day event promises to traverse the full spectrum of Pelagic's musical universe, where innovation, depth and emotion converge in a truly transformative experience.

Full line up:

Ihsahn
This Will Destroy You
God Is An Astronaut
Bruit ≤ (two sets: The Age Of Ephemerality in full; The Machine Is Burning-centred set with Monolith EP)
Psychonaut
Hypno5e
Gösta Berlings Saga
You, Infinite (performing 'S/T’ in full)
Pothamus 
LO!
A Burial At Sea
Telepathy
Bear
Barrens
Hemelbestormer
TÖRZS
The Gorge
Astrosaur 
Blessings
Johan G. Winther
The Hills Mover

The lineup's diversity spans from the engaging post-metal of Belgium’s Psychonaut to the tranquil, instrumental sounds of Hungarian ensemble TÖRZS. Sydney’s LO! will deliver their powerful, intense energy, while Hypno5e combines metal with atmospheric soundscapes. Swedish group Gösta Berlings Saga introduces a dark, krautrock influence. Each act offers a unique voice, collectively weaving a tapestry of emotions, innovation, and musical exploration.
 
The festival will also feature several exclusive full album sets. French instrumental rock pioneers Bruit ≤ will perform two sets: Sunday's set will focus on their trailblazing debut album The Machine Is Burning… alongside material from their Monolith EP. Saturday's performance will showcase upcoming album The Age Of Ephemerality, in full, live for the first time ever.

Additionally, the enigmatic You, Infinite will debut their new self-titled album in an exclusive live performance, offering a rare experience of their latest evolution whilst This Will Destroy You will serve some older classics. These performances promise to be both a celebration and a deep dive into the creative depths of these bands.

As a special Artist Focus event, Swedish artist John G. Winther will be sharing the full spectrum of his creative vision at Pelagic Fest. Beyond his performances with his bands Barrens and Blessings, Winther will present a  one-of-a-kind solo set centred around his 2021 album The Rupturing Sowle. As a testament to his multifaceted artistry, the festival will also feature an exhibition of his visual artwork, displayed in the venue’s foyer, blending his music and visual art into an experience that invites reflection.

Robin Staps, Head of Pelagic Records, comments, "Pelagic Fest 2025 will continue right where last year’s anniversary edition left off: it’s promising to be a killer weekend loaded to the brim with exceptional music from exceptional artists. I’m happy that we managed to avoid repetitions — NO band on this bill played last year already — whilst still remaining (almost) entirely within the Pelagic roster. Yes, that does include Ihsahn, who delivered a stunning reinterpretation of Lustmord’s Dark Awakening as part of our pandemic Lustmord tribute album, The Others… and God Is An Astronaut’s All Is Violent, All Is Bright was the 3rd album we ever released. "

Tickets are on sale now: www.PELAGIC-RECORDS.com

Artist images can he found HERE

More information on Pelagic Records:

Founded in 2009 by post-metal spearheads The Ocean and their Berlin collective, Pelagic Records has grown into one of the most influential labels in the realms of post-rock, post-metal, and progressive/left-field heavy music. Over the years, Pelagic has worked with an impressive roster of artists, including MONO, Årabrot, Sugar Horse, Year of No Light, and Bruit ≤, among many others. Celebrating it's 15th anniversary last year, Pelagic Records is focused on further solidifying its legacy by establishing Pelagic Fest as an annual event, an occasion that removes barriers and brings together artists and fans for a captivating celebration of the music that defines the label’s diverse and forward-thinking sound.

Pelagic Records online:
https://pelagic-records.com
https://www.facebook.com/pelagicrecords
instagram.com/pelagic_records
https://pelagicrecords.bandcamp.com/

Photo Credit: Erika Larsson

Dark post-rock trio BARRENS have today unveiled their stellar new single 'Periastron' via Pelagic Records.

Stream here: https://orcd.co/barrens
Watch: https://youtu.be/A6s42QrGdVA

'Periastron' is an expansive, sweeping statement from the trio. A gently persistent synth underpins the majestic, otherworldly melody, leading to a beautifully grandiose climax. The band comment: "'Periastron' concludes the A-side of corpse lights, at the point closest to the burning core of the album, before falling away again. 

"The track went through several different versions before finding its current form, but ended up “sui generis” and became the perfect first part of the albums midpoint, as well as serving as one of its strongest pieces concerning one of the albums central themes; relationships. 

"The video for the track was created by Grammy-nominated video artist Linus Johansson from the creative collective Try New Things, who took the artwork made for the single (by band member Johan G Winther) and used it as a starting point to build a brilliant, haunting, immersive, otherworldly experience through the red thread of the track titles and themes of the album." 

BARRENS are a highly-regarded group from Gothenburg, Sweden, and feature two members of Scraps Of Tape, veterans of the scene who've been touring for over twenty years.

BARRENS have developed their own idiosyncratic sound since their stunning debut album Penumbra (2020): as driven by synths as by guitars, Penumbra oscillates between the dark and the brighter side of post-rock, but leaning more towards the dark. The album conceptually circles around themes of change, metamorphosis and transformation, "especially movement into, through and out of shadows and back again", as guitarist Johan G Winther explains. "Being both lost in darkness, yet finding comfort there. Seeking it. Afloat in blinding light, suspended in darkness" - the message etched on the album vinyl.

BARRENS were already touring together before they were even a band. In 2018, Markku Hildén joined Scraps of Tape, Johan and bassist Kenta’s other band, as a live drummer for two tours of Europe and a tour of China. "Finding an immediate chemistry between us both playing and hanging out, we quickly realised we had very similar ideas regarding music and creating art together. So the outlines for what BARRENS would become were sketched out back then in vans, trains, planes and over post-show beers at local bars", comments Kenta Jansson.

Once back home, the newly formed band started writing demos, drawing inspiration from new sources and venturing through both well known and unknown territories. In the summer of 2019, Penumbra was recorded in Uppsala and Gothenburg and produced by the band, and mixed and mastered by Cult of Luna's Magnus Lindberg at Redmount Studios in Stockholm.

Since then, BARRENS have gone from strength to strength. In the intervening time the trio have supported the legendary Mogwai, God Is An Astronaut, signed with the famed Pelagic Records and opening ArcTanGent's main stage for the 2023 edition.

For more: 

https://www.instagram.com/barrens_official
https://www.facebook.com/BARRENStheband
https://pelagic-records.com/artist/barrens

Photo Credit: Matteo Vdiva Fabbiani for VD Pictures

POWERWOLF finally return to the UK on 7th March 2026 to play the legendary OVO Arena Wembley in London – their biggest UK show ever. The band have proven that metal is much more than just music; it is a religion to which they pay homage at every show, with a holy heavy Metal Mass-like celebration attended by their devoted cult of worshippers. One highlight follows another at a show that borders on perfection, leaving fans speechless.

Grandiose sound, unending special effects, unparalleled production, massive pyro and a gigantic LED video screen with changing stage sets tailored to each song are only a few exciting elements one should expect at a POWERWOLF performance. Now, after many years, the time has finally come for the band to celebrate their Metal Mass with this enchanting display in the United Kingdom once again.

Falk Maria Schlegel states:

“POWERWOLF LIVE AT WEMBLEY ARENA – THE METAL MASS IS COMING!

"London, are you ready to howl with us? We will come back to your beautiful city! On March 7, 2026 we will bring our metal mass to the legendary Wembley Arena for a night of pure, unrelenting power!
Get ready for an unforgettable night! I invite you all to a show that will shake Wembley to its foundations!”

Support comes from heavy metal legends Hammerfall and metal Dwarfen legion Wind Rose.

Tickets will be available here: www.myticket.co.uk - £1 from every ticket to be donated to the LIVE Trust.

POWERWOLF are touring in suport of their no.1 charting album Wake Up The Wicked LP out now via Napalm Records. Purchase HERE.

POWERWOLF live:

Latin Amercian Crusade 2025:
23.04.25 MX – Mexico City / Auditorio BB
24.04.25 MX – Guadalajara / Guanamor Teatro Estudio
25.04.25 MX – Monterrey / Showcenter
27.04.25 CR – San Jose / Peppers Club
29.04.25 SV – San Salvador / Museo Marte
01.05.25 CO – Bogota / Royal House
05.05.25 CL – Santiago / Teatro Cariola
07.05.25 AG – Buenos Aires / El Teatro Flores

Summer Of The Wicked Tour 2025:
06.06.25 FR – Nancy / Heavy Week-End
07.06.25 DE – Nuremberg / Rock im Park
08.06.25 DE – Nurburg / Rock am Ring
10.06.25 FR – Toulouse / Zenith (+ Dragonforce)
11.06.25 FR – Lyon / Halle Tony Garnier (+ Dragonforce)
13.06.25 AT – Nickelsdorf / Nova Rock
15.06.25 NL – Leeuwarden / Into The Grave
17.06.25 FR – Lille / Zenith (+ Dragonforce)
20.06.25 DE – Rostock / Stadthalle (+ Dragonforce)
21.06.25 DK – Copenhagen / Copenhell
22.06.25 SE – Huskvarna / Folkets Park (+ Amaranthe & Dragonforce)
24.06.25 SE – Uppsala / Fyrishov (+ Amaranthe & Dragonforce)
25.06.25 NO – Oslo / Tons Of Rock
27.06.25 EE – Tallinn / Tallinn Rock Festival
28.06.25 FI – Helsinki / Tuska Festival
30.06.25 PL – Lodz / Atlas Arena (+ Epica & Dragonforce)
02.07.25 HU – Dunaujvaros /Rockmaraton
04.07.25 DE – Ballenstedt / Rockharz Festival
11.07.25 DE – Saarbrücken / E-Werk Open Air (+ Warkings)
13.07.25 CZ – Vizovice / Masters Of Rock
02.08.25 RO – Rasnov / Rockstadt Extreme Fest
09.08.25 ES – Villena / Leyendas Del Rock
 
Exclusive United Kingdom Show 2026:
07.03.26 UK – London / OVO Arena Wembley

POWERWOLF are:
Attila Dorn – vocals
Falk Maria Schlegel – organ
Charles Greywolf – guitar
Matthew Greywolf – guitar
Roel van Helden – drums

More Info:
HOMEPAGE
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
NAPALM RECORDS

Powerwolf Wake Up The Wicked tracklisting:

1.    Bless 'em With the Blade
2.    Sinners of the Seven Seas
3.    Kyrie Klitorem
4.    Heretic Hunters
5.    1589
6.    Viva Vulgata
7.    Wake Up the Wicked
8.    Joan of Arc
9.    Thunderpriest
10.    We Don't Wanna Be No Saints
11.    Vargamor