Mad About Rock

  German black metallers Der Weg Einer Freiheit are the next band to be confirmed for next year’s Fortress Festival. This will be an exclusive UK 2024 appearance from the black metal experimentalists on the festival’s main stage. Der Weg Einer Freiheit join a stellar line-up of special bands and exclusive shows. Previously confirmed bands include Triptykon with a 2024 UK exclusive and mainstage headlining show, Wolves in the Throne Room with a 2024 UK exclusive and mainstage headline “Two Hunters” set (the first time the iconic album will be performed live in the UK), second stage headliners Misþyrming with a 2024 UK exclusive show, second stage headliners Regarde Les Hommes Tomber with a UK exclusive show for 2024, Blackbraid with a debut and exclusive UK show, Panopticon with a 'Roads to the North' anniversary full album set, Furia with an exclusive UK show, and Fluisteraars with a debut and exclusive UK show. The highly-regarded Portuguese act Gaerea will also visit the Nort

  As December extends its frosty fingers, BLOODSTOCK is getting in the festive spirit with some early Xmas gifts by way of another chunky 2024 announcement. If you’re hoping for some heavy metal next summer, BLOODSTOCK’s got your presents wrapped up with a bow on top! And if you want to give the gift of heavy metal (yes, we mean a ticket for BLOODSTOCK 2024), you can now download a special festive card when you order at the ticket store to help present it to the lucky recipient! Don’t miss BLOODSTOCK’s Festive Facebook Live at 7pm on Dec 7th for some seasonal fun & oh maybe some prizes… and we suggest you keep your eyes (and your sprouts) peeled for who knows what other treats might be in store across the festival’s socials later this month… On the Ronnie James Dio main stage, grindcore & melodic death metal pioneers CARCASS land Sunday’s special guest slot. The “most influential band out of Merseyside since The Beatles” released their current studio album, ‘Torn Arteries

  Liquid Death presents Download Festival, the greatest rock and metal festival of all time, has today revealed nu metal legends Limp Bizkit as the latest addition to next year’s jam-packed line-up. The band join the recently announced headliners Queens Of The Stone Age, Fall Out Boy and Avenged Sevenfold, as well as over 80 more names from the rock world. This year’s festival will take place on 14-16 June 2024 at the spiritual home of rock in Donington Park, Leicestershire. Tickets are available now at www.downloadfestival.co.uk . Known for their high-energy performances and ground-breaking fusion of rock, hip-hop, and metal, Limp Bizkit are set to bring their infectious sound and electrifying stage presence to the hallowed grounds of Download Festival. Returning to the festival after ten years with their string of hits spanning nearly two decades, Limp Bizkit are set to show audiences why they’ve rightly cemented their place as one of the most influential and enduring acts in the ro

  Irresistible nu-metal crew CELL GAMES have laid down a maker with the release of their new single and video, Jailbreak, out now. Watch the video, here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIejA0Eo0KA Hailing from Ireland and initially conceived in 2020 as a recording project by guitarist Tristan Carroll, and vocalist Maximillion Foy, CELL GAMES have been making their mark on the Irish metal scene since 2022. Completed by Tonči Vrdoljak on drums and Deb Finn-O'Brien on bass, the nu-metalcore rapscallions take cues from Linkin Park, Korn, Disturbed, and Slipknot, and have managed to cleverly mark a fresh imprint on the nu-metal genre. CELL GAMES have picked up acclaim for a glut of well-received singles and have been praised for their buoyant energy in a successful run of live performances, all serving to increase the band’s army of followers and budding fanbase. The unstoppable four-piece will charge further ahead with their engrossing new single, Jailbreak. The song is a burly s

  LONDON December 1st: Bruce Dickinson last night unveiled the dramatic, action-packed video for ‘Afterglow Of Ragnarok’, the first single to be taken from his upcoming solo album The Mandrake Project. In front of a packed audience on the opening day of CCXP23, Brazil’s huge Comic-Con event in Sao Paulo, he premiered the spectacular film and revealed further details about the album and forthcoming comic series in partnership with Z2, including releasing 2,000 CCXP-exclusive versions of the comic to the delight of the international comic community. The Mandrake Project will be released on March 1st, via BMG. Across ten inventive, expansive and absorbing tracks, Bruce Dickinson and his long-term co-writer and producer Roy Z, have created one of 2024’s defining rock albums. Sonically heavy and rich in musical textures, it sees Bruce bring to life a musical vision long-in-the-making, and features some of the finest vocal performances of his career. Recorded largely at LA’s Doom Room with

  Alkaline Trio serves up another helping of Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs in the form of “Bad Time,” the darkly melodic second track to be released from their 10th album, due January 26th, 2024 on Rise Records. “Bad Time” follows last month’s unveiling of the album’s frenetic title track — hailed by Consequence for its “fresh approach” and by Brooklyn Vegan as "classic Alkaline Trio… their grim yet catchy punk sounds as unmistakable as ever” — with a more subdued yet no less intense vibe. This makes perfect sense, as the lyrics find Trio guitarist/vocalist Matt Skiba finding the eyes of multiple storms in the form of the same friend’s voice: “‘Bad Time' was initially inspired by a friend and crush who happened to call me while I was on tour in El Paso, Texas as an active shooter situation was happening just across from where we were staying. We could hear gunshots and sirens as the situation escalated. My friend asked if it was a bad time to talk, and I said no — I really wanted

  Exactly one week ahead of their forthcoming EP release, UK Nu-Core band ‘Break Fifty’ have unveiled a brand-new single called ‘I Still See You’. Taking on an unravelling journey, ‘I Still See You’ reveals a desperate desire to escape an unending nightmare, concealing hidden self-doubt. It's a chilling portrayal of pain, creating a poignant reflection on the depths of despair”. Stream ‘I Still See You’ here and watch the official music video below. Break Fifty vocalist, Angus explains, "Unveiling the narrative, ‘I Still See You’ lyrics depict a relentless cycle of nightmares where blossoms morph into darkness. Lingering pain and silent screams echo, offering a chilling exploration of self-doubt and hidden agony. it captivates, leaving an indelible mark on the soul with its profound exploration of torment. As the song unfurls, it bravely confronts past trauma, beckoning listeners to ‘tear away every memory of that day’ giving a feeling of trying to forget the ever present pas

  Today, COPENHELL adds LIMP BIZKIT, MR. BUNGLE, STEEL PANTHER, BODY COUNT, CHELSEA WOLFE, EIVØR, NIGHT VERSES, THE SCRATCH, TWIN TEMPLE, 802, DEATHBYROMY, HULDER and UNTIL I WAKE to the 2024 poster and brings the total amount of announced bands for next year’s festival to 56 – so far! Around the turn of the century, hip-hop, metal and alternative rock was the efficient cocktail that sent LIMP BIZKIT towards the pinnacle of fame as one of the most important bands in the wave of nu-metal that washed over the world around 25 years ago. Through time, musical innovation and a string of controversies have gone hand in hand for the band, which has retained its relevance as a rebellious and self-ironic rock band with top-class guitar playing from Wes Borland and the characteristic rap vocals from charismatic front man Fred Durst. An important page in the book of music history and pop culture will be opened when the group visits COPENHELL for the first time – and is guaranteed to kickstart one

  Paris’ most anticipated music festival Rock en Seine returns for summer 2024 from August 22 to 25 at Domaine national de Saint-Cloud. In this stunning setting on the edges of Paris, five stages will host an unmissable lineup across 4 days with headliners Fred again., LCD Soundsystem, Måneskin, Massive Attack, PJ Harvey, The Offspring and The Smile. As reflected in its name, the festival is forever dedicated to the genre and invites the most worthy rockers to take to the stage. The enchanting PJ Harvey, known for her strong and enigmatic performances, distinct artistic vision and a fearless approach to experimentation, and will no doubt be a wondrous headliner for the final night of Rock en Seine 2024. PJ Harvey is joined by the larger-than-life Italian rock group Måneskin, and the Irish newcomers Inhaler plus, the legendary pop punk hitmakers The Offspring armed with all their classics, the fiery duo The Kills, the electrifying The Hives, and the US alt-rock trio Blonde Redhead. Rock

  Acclaimed metal quartet SYLOSIS have released a live video 'Pariahs', from their latest album, A Sign Of Things To Come. The video was filmed at the band's recent show in London supporting labelmates MALEVOLENCE. Josh Middleton comments: “The London show was an amazing night for us. We’ve been waiting so long to play these new songs live and they’ve been going down so well- we’re performing the best we ever have! Pariahs is a live favourite for all of us.” Watch the video for 'Pariahs' live in London at: https://youtu.be/eJFW-Kb0LUE Purchase A Sign Of Things To Come on various formats and stream now at: https://sylosis.bfan.link/ASOTTC-Album.ema Produced by Josh Middleton, alongside production legend, Scott Atkins, A Sign Of Things To Come has challenged SYLOSIS into brand-new territory. “This is the first time I’ve allowed myself to be produced; taking on some brutal criticism and pushing myself to deliver the best vocal performance of my career. I’m a big fan

  Hellfest today has unveiled its full 2024 line-up for its 17th edition of the festival (see above!). 178 bands (+ 4 bands to be announced before the festival), 6 stages, and undoubtedly one of the most diverse and open line-ups in terms of “extreme music”! For more on Hellfest visit: https://hellfest.fr/en/ https://www.facebook.com/hellfest

  Scarborough, UK; 27.11.23: Following on from yesterday’s poster reveal and confirmation of second stage headliner Misþyrming, Fortress Festival is not stopping and has revealed another exclusive show for 2024. Dutch atmospheric black metal band Fluisteraars will also visit the Scarborough shores in June 2024. This will be a 2024 UK exclusive show for Fluisteraars and their first-ever UK show in the band’s nearly fifteen-year career. Other than Roadburn, this is currently the only 2024 live appearance planned by the Dutch act and their third-ever show in their brief concerting history. Fluisteraars said: "After Iceland, we are looking forward to playing on another island. Again, an island full of mythical history that we hope to get a taste of. We will play a set with various songs from our entire oeuvre. We'll see you there." Gary Stephenson, Fortress Festival organiser and Reaper Agency UK founder, said: "Drenched in raw atmospherics and folkloric mysticism, an

  South Wales newcomers, ZACTHELOCUST, have arrived with their anthemic new single, Hold On. The song and video are out now - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AQNJnXLCHo Originally conceived in 2019 as a solo endeavour by guitarist Keryn Isaac, the project soon developed and expanded with old friend Robert Baulch coming on board for bass, and new friends, Archie Holland and Ashley Turner being drafted in for lead guitar and drums. The band worked hard on their live set, but soon realised that the material needed an extra dimension, so they began a full-scale hunt for a lead vocalist. After a lengthy search they uncovered Cory James, and he’s the perfect fit for the up-tempo rockers. ZACTHELOCUST share a unified goal to pen and perform catchy as hell pop-punk music that is upbeat, honest, and deeply invigorating. Reared on a diverse diet of Green Day, Metallica, The Beatles, Blink 182, Thin Lizzy, and the Offspring, the crew have distilled these influences to cleverly carve out a sin

  Alt Rock heroes Taking Back Sunday: John Nolan (lead guitar, piano, vocals), Adam Lazzara (lead vocals), Shaun Cooper (bass) and Mark O’Connell (drums), have announced a short run of UK shows in March ‘24 to give fans a taste of their spectacular new album “152”. The band said the following about the upcoming dates: “We are very excited to head back to the UK. It’s still amazing to us that we can travel that far away from home and feel the same way we do playing a show close by. Folks over there have been so supportive and welcoming and we’re excited to debut some of the new stuff live along with the old favourites. Plus there’s Nando’s so it’s a win-win.” Catch the band live at one of the following shows: March 2024 26th Manchester, O2 Ritz 27th London, O2 Forum Kentish Town 28th Cardiff, University Great Hall Ticket on-sale information: Manchester and London: O2 pre-sales - Wednesday 29th November 2023 @ 10am GMT General on sale - Friday 1st December @ 10am GMT Ticket Link: https

  Scarborough, UK; 26.11.23: Following last month’s reveal of headline shows from Triptykon, Wolves in The Throne Room and Regarde Les Hommes Tomber, Fortress Festival has confirmed Icelandic black metal act Misþyrming as the next and final headline act of the black metal festival set to take place on 1-2 June 2024 in Scarborough, UK. A UK exclusive performance for 2024, Misþyrming will headline the second stage of the black metal festival. Fortress Festival has also unveiled the event poster for which the illustration was created by Hester Aspland. Misþyrming join a stellar line-up of special bands and exclusive shows. Previously confirmed bands include Triptykon with a 2024 UK exclusive show, Wolves in the Throne Room with a 2024 UK exclusive “Two Hunters” set (the first time the iconic album will be performed live in the UK), Regarde Les Hommes Tomber with a UK exclusive shows for 2024, Blackbraid with a debut and exclusive UK show, Panopticon with a 'Roads to the North' ann

  Welsh riff slingers, HOUSE OF HOSTS, have just delivered their mightily impressive new single and video, Oblivion, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KM3b07HVC5s Formed in Swansea, Wales, and comprised of Daniel Griffiths (vocals), Jack Hunt (bass), Beth Goodwin (drums), James Russell (guitar) and Ross Davies (guitar), HOUSE OF HOSTS solidified their sound and line up in April 2023. The roots of the band, however, stem from friendships born many years ago. The band lift from the power and guile of Slipknot and Avenged Sevenfold, from the crossover appeal of Disturbed, and from the depth of Dream Theatre, to pack together a heady blend of pummelling hooks laced with layered riffage, and complemented by sturdy bass and rock solid beats. After vigorously sharpening their set, HOUSE OF HOSTS headed to the studio to work on the track, Oblivion. Guitarist James Russell remarks about the single: “The song started life when I was living in a hotel in Rotherham a few years ago; it was the fir