Mad About Rock

  Believe In Nothing is hands on, visceral and quite frankly disturbing. Be it their live performances where tension in the room is palpable, their blood, sweat and tears approach to creating art, or the fact their frontman rots pigs hearts in a box to convey their view of the dystopian world we live in, there is something about Believe In Nothing that will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. Formed in Eastbourne in 2023, the band brings together Caine Hemmingway (vocals/noise), Lawrence Rodriguez (guitar), Steve Collier (guitar), and Jasper Lyons (drums). With a history of playing in various heavy South Coast bands and having a dedicated DIY ethos, the members hit the ground running, sidestepping the usual growing pains of a new project and quickly locking into a vision of crushing, apocalyptic sonic ritual. An unofficial live debut came in early 2024: An unplanned set at The Eagle pub in Eastbourne after another band went AWOL. With no songs written, they played...

  Following the success of their recently released single “Choke On Your Mistakes”, in which they openly and harshly criticize today's cancel culture, DARKNESS SURROUNDING now deliver another impressive preview of their upcoming album “Is There Salvation?” (release date: September 19): “Achromatica” (release date: August 29). With “Achromatica” the Wuppertal-based quintet brings another multi-layered track between melodic death and metalcore, accompanied by a creative and symbolic single video that both musically and visually captures the state of an increasingly polarized world. “'Achromatica' is about increasingly pronounced black-and-white thinking as well as the inability to see the big picture and perceive nuances”, explains the band. The song thus reflects a social climate so characterized by sensory overload and algorithmic simplification that nuances are lost, while the common ground seems increasingly unattainable. The accompanying music video plays with contrasts,...

Live-wired alternative trio ORCHID SYMMETRY are ready to ignite the scene once again with their self-titled new EP, Orchid Symmetry, dropping Friday 5th September on all major platforms. Ahead of the full release, fans can get a taste of what’s to come with the explosive lead single and video, 'Sadistic', out now. Check out the video here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49IHCz04HWQ Listen to the band via - https://open.spotify.com/artist/7vTQWjJNAxlE6v8ZU2cTuF Hailing from the South-west of England, the band – made up of Damian Wilde (vocals/guitar), Chris Hill (drums), and Will Spears (bass) – have been forging a bold, uncompromising path since forming in 2019. Known for their relentless energy, impassioned performances, and genre-blending sound, ORCHID SYMMETRY pull from the raw grit of punk, the crushing weight of metal, and the emotive hooks of alt rock. Their latest self-titled EP marks a powerful evolution in the band’s sound. Building on the aggressive energy and sha...

  Fortress Festival, one of Europe’s biggest black metal festivals, has revealed two more bands for its fourth edition set to take place at Scarborough Spa on 30-31 May 2026. London's Akercocke will perform a worldwide exclusive full album set of their acclaimed 2003 release, “Choronzon”. The album was praised by the scene when it was released, with many publications naming it album of the year, including Kerrang! and Terrorizer. Formed in 1997, the band is known for their extreme sound that blends death, black and progressive metal elements. Akercocke said: "Akercocke will perform Choronzon, in full, at this historic venue. As we begin the countdown to May 2026 we invite all to join us in celebrating Choronzon at this truly special event." Joining the bill are Norwegian black metal duo Whoredom Rife, who will headline the Ocean Room. Formed in Trondheim in 2014, the band is a part of the contemporary Norwegian black metal scene, creating a sound that pays homage to the g...

  Acclaimed rock innovators Thrice continue the journey toward their upcoming album Horizons/West with the release of their anthemic new single “Albatross”, out now worldwide via Epitaph Records. Arriving alongside a cinematic visualizer directed by Sean Stout (Deafheaven, Touché Amoré, Scowl), the track captures the push-pull of a relationship that is as magnetic as it is destructive. Watch the video for “Albatross” here . here. Pre-save Horizons/West Frontman Dustin Kensrue shares: "We can take the very thing the world has offered us as a token of hope and good luck and destroy it, and in that way, I’ve found that we often create our own ill omens. Thankfully, I’ve found it’s not always too late to reverse those same curses." Following the blistering urgency of lead single “ Gnash ”, “Albatross” takes a more brooding and poetic turn, layering Thrice’s signature dynamic post-rock textures over a deeply symbolic narrative. Lyrics such as “our stars are crossed” and “I thin...

  A Statement from Mastodon: "We are in a state of unfathomable sadness and grief… last night (Wednesday 20th August) Brent Hinds passed away as a result of a tragic accident. We are heartbroken, shocked, and still trying to process the loss of this creative force with whom we’ve shared so many triumphs, milestones, and the creation of music that has touched the hearts of so many. Our hearts are with Brent’s family, friends, and fans. At this time, we please ask that you respect everyone’s privacy during this difficult time. RIP Brent" Statement posted on their social media Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Mastodon

  Bay Area thrash metal icons TESTAMENT return this autumn with their fourteenth studio album, Para Bellum. The album which will be released on October 10th via Nuclear Blast Records stands as both a battle cry and an observation of humanity's uneasy alliance with its own creations. As technology accelerates and disconnection grows, Para Bellum sees TESTAMENT reflecting the modern chaos through music that’s urgent, sharp, and unflinchingly human. Today, TESTAMENT deliver one of their most intense songs they've written to date, 'Infanticide A.I.'. Lead by the blinding speed of their new drummer Chris Dovas, the band shows off its musical talent far beyond their expected norms. Watch the music video for 'Infanticide A.I.'' directed by Joey Durango, here: https://youtu.be/Gtw3lcQvyPU TESTAMENT's Chuck Billy comments, "The new album Para Bellum consists of some fast, heavy and melodic tunes. Once again Peterson has found a way to keep the song writing f...

  As the summer festival season winds down after a string of unforgettable performances, THE HALO EFFECT surprise fans with a brand-new release — a cover of the beloved 1997 hit 'If You Were Here' by Swedish alternative pop-rock icons Kent (originally released in Swedish as “Om du var här”). Handpicked by bassist Peter Iwers, the track is a heartfelt tribute to a band that helped shape Sweden’s musical landscape. The Halo Effect’s rendition blends Mikael Stanne’s rich, emotive clean vocals with a hypnotic, pounding bass line and soaring melodic guitars, honoring the song’s essence while infusing it with the band’s signature sound. Listen to 'If You Were Here' on all platforms: https://thehaloeffect.bfan.link/iywhsg Watch the visualizer for 'If You Were Here': https://youtu.be/Gz3Q94CXG4c Peter Iwers reflects: “Kent was a band that left a mark on many, weaving together pop rock and synth in a way that deeply moved me. This song remains one of my personal favori...

London Punk rockers Medusa have produced and released a special concert movie. It's a 23 minute unique short film with a cartoon, a marionette puppet, a boat gig on the River Thames, a nuclear bunker filming event and more! The singer/guitarist of the band Julian Molinero has revealed that the concert movie which is out now on YouTube has attracted interest from the British Film Institute who are considering archiving it for cultural significance and Sky Arts are considering it for broadcast on their channel. Behind the scenes photo of filming Check out the Medusa Live in London: The Motion Picture video concert here: This is the film on IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27192694/ Medusa Live from the River Thames: Boat Party Live Concert Video Filming For more on Medusa, visit: YouTube: www.youtube.com/medusaflicks Facebook: www.facebook.com/medusauk Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1WQS92sVHTQSC0E4CnarFc

  Ascending British rock rebels, PARADISE SINS, are poised to reveal their explosive new single and video, 'Bad Bad Bad' — which drops on Friday 29th August. Pulling no punches and dripping with swagger, it’s loud, sin-soaked, and grinning with menace. With the band on the rise, we asked them to reveal the tracks that have shaped and influenced their sound the most: Luis (Vocalist) Track choice: Ozzy Osbourne - Bark at the Moon: "This is the blueprint for me. The riff is electrifying. Something overlooked is Ozzy's ability to weave vocals in a way that let's the music breathe. Of course there's the searing solo that takes it to another level. These are all elements that I think make for a near perfect rock song." Dan (Guitarist) Track choice: H.E.A.T - One by One: "The song – and the band in fact – that revived my love for writing music. It's gloriously anthemic but attains a rich heaviness which for me integrates perfectly. So much energy, fo...

  Today marks the highly anticipated release of III – Candles & Beginnings, the third studio album from AURI — the visionary musical collaboration of vocalist Johanna Kurkela, Nightwish keyboardist Tuomas Holopainen, and multi-instrumentalist Troy Donockley. With III – Candles & Beginnings, AURI once again open a portal to an otherworldly soundscape where folk, progressive rock, symphonic textures, world music, pop, and avant-garde elements entwine. At the heart of the album lies Kurkela’s ethereal voice, soaring across lush sonic landscapes crafted by Holopainen’s emotive keyboard playing and Donockley’s eclectic instrumentation. This new release is a tapestry of emotion and imagination, where each track tells its own story — from nostalgic reflections to deeply personal experiences. Coinciding with the album’s release is the launch of the third single, 'Blakey Ridge', accompanied by a brand-new lyric video. Joyful and transportive, the track pays tribute to The Lion I...

  Today MEGADETH’s DAVE MUSTAINE revealed in a social post directly shared with his worldwide fanbase and Cyber Army that his forthcoming album (due out early next year) will be the final MEGADETH studio album of his career. MUSTAINE shared the announcement via his alter ego Vic Rattlehead . MUSTAINE also revealed that the multi-platinum superstar band will embark on a global farewell tour kicking off in 2026. Also set for next year is a new memoir from MUSTAINE, details of which will be revealed in the coming months. “There's so many musicians that have come to the end of their career, whether accidental or intentional,” DAVE MUSTAINE says. “Most of them don't get to go out on their own terms on top, and that's where I'm at in my life right now. I have traveled the world and have made millions upon millions of fans and the hardest part of all of this is saying goodbye to them. DAVE adds, “We can't wait for you to hear this album and see us on tour. If there was...

  Fresh from their earth shaking, career best (so far) performance at Bloodstock Open Air Festival last weekend, Northern UK EDM metalcore powerhouses Waterlines are delighted to bring you their brand new single, 'Sinister'! First showcased by Waterlines on the Sophie Lancaster Stage at Bloodstock this past Saturday, Sinister is the culmination of everything that has led Waterlines to this point so far. Hard riffs, fierce beats and the ever expanding vocal powers of frontman Benji Mars? Check. The heaviest growls? Check. Beautiful soaring melodies? Check. There's nothing this man cannot do - all in the same song! Sinister is out now and can be streamed on this link . For the video for Sinister, the band have taken things back in time with a retro, 80's style colour scheme mixed with an eight bit graphical style mixed with modern production. Don't take our word for it - just watch the video below! For more about Sinister's creation, we hand over to the previous...

  70000TONS OF METAL, The Original, The World’s Biggest Heavy Metal Cruise, proudly announces that Public Sales for the 2026 sailing will begin on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at 12:00 PM EDT / 18:00 CET via 70000tons.com. The festival-at-sea continues its tradition of delivering an unforgettable experience with 60 metal bands from around the globe, playing across four stages – including the legendary Pool Deck Stage, The World's Biggest Open Air Stage Structure to Ever Sail the Open Seas. In addition to unveiling the Public Sales date, 70000TONS OF METAL is thrilled to confirm the addition of thrash metal icons ANTHRAX to the 2026 lineup. Known for their blistering live performances and genre-defining discography, ANTHRAX will bring their full-throttle energy aboard the legendary festival cruise, delivering two unique sets exclusively for goers. 70000TONS OF METAL 2026 will sail from Miami, FL to Nassau, the Bahamas and back from January 29 through February 2, 2026, aboard Royal Carib...

  BLOODSTOCK is delighted to return to Catton Park in August 2026 to celebrate its 25th anniversary - will you be there to celebrate this momentous occasion with everyone? With 2025’s event fully underway with headliners TRIVIUM, MACHINE HEAD, and GOJIRA melting faces this weekend (alongside 120+ more bands), BLOODSTOCK cordially invites you to get excited for 2026 too, by revealing the first 25 bands set to make 2026 the festival’s best year yet. You can snap up tickets immediately at the on site box office at an early bird price, saving yourself the booking fee. More info on all ticket types and on sale dates is further below. BLOODSTOCK is overjoyed to welcome back titans of groove metal, the unmistakable LAMB OF GOD as Friday’s headliner on the Ronnie James Dio stage. Frontman D. Randall Blythe states, "We are thrilled to return to headline Bloodstock in 2026! The UK is one of our favourite countries in the world to play and Bloodstock is one of our favourite festivals. And...