Mad About Rock

  We exclusively caught up with Brit alternative rock trio VEINS who are poised to drop their long-awaited debut album, 'A New Forever', due Friday 5th June. The band have given us this track by track breakdown of the album: “ Criminal is about how life can shift in an instant. Perceptions change with the press of a button. Good becomes evil, and public opinion rules, regardless of the facts. In a world where clickbait is king, reality becomes distorted and the truth is ignored". " Reign Down is about defying the hand you’ve been dealt. Inspired by frontman Stevie Rees’ sister’s battle with neurofibromatosis type 2, a genetic disease causing tumors on the brain and spine, the song explores survival, resilience, and the relentless urge to embrace life fully, cherishing every fleeting moment." "I Keep Falling is inspired by the short film Nuit Blanche by Arev Manoukian. It captures a fleeting, magical moment between two strangers, revealing an intense yet...

  We’re excited to announce the final band to the Mangata Festival 2026 line up along with some exciting partnerships! Overhead, the Albatross complete our 2026 line up! Overhead, The Albatross seamlessly bridges the familiar and the extraordinary in post-rock, blending ethereal strings, electronic textures, and synths with the raw, unfiltered energy of guitars and drums. Founded in 2009, the band captivated audiences with their critically acclaimed debut album, Learning to Growl. Now re-emerging as a quartet after a reflective hiatus, Overhead returns with their sophomore release, I Leave You This. This album is both a vast, expansive odyssey and an intimately woven narrative, marking a quiet yet profound evolution in the experimental post-rock landscape. Renowned for their explosive live performances, cinematic soundscapes, and atmospheric grandeur, Overhead, The Albatross is poised to continue redefining the boundaries of the post-rock genre—pushing their artistry into uncharted...

  Rising from the UK underground, GARROW HILL return with a new release that builds on everything they’ve been developing over the years: heavy, dark, and firmly on their own terms. The band have just dropped their engulfing new single and video, Eaten by Crows, which will be followed by their five-track stunning EP, IX, out on Friday 31st July. Check out the video here: Listen to the band at - https://open.spotify.com/artist/0HtlCT7j5PgwprquhXHjP5 . The York-based duo formed by lifelong friends Stewart King and P.G. Branton have often been labelled too obscure or too DIY, but GARROW HILL have stuck to their own path, shaping a sound that draws from alternative heavy rock, post-punk, and the harsher edges of ’90s metal. There’s a strong sense of place running through it, reflecting York’s mix of a polished surface with something darker underneath. IX sees that sound pushed further — tighter and more direct, without losing the atmosphere they’ve built over time. Eaten by Crows se...

  Old-school German thrash metallers Bitterness return with their new nine-track album, marking their first time featuring guest musicians. The opener ‘WWH8’ makes for a gripping start with its stomping riffs, while ‘AMOK: KOMA’ uncovers devilish vocals and imbues an ominous, murky sound. ‘Hypochristian’ adds more diversity, featuring audio clips to aid its effect. Track ‘High Sobriety’ features robust vocals from Andreas “Gerre” Geremia (Tankard) and a guitar solo from Michael Goldschmidt and is a changeable offering with shifting tempos, making for a melodic, hard-hitting dose of thrash. Michael Goldschmidt also plays the solo on ‘Win-Windustry’. The title track starts off on an eerie, resonant note and does its job, representing the band and the album superbly. ‘Magnum Innominandum’ is a sombre yet hopeful-sounding instrumental, and they decide to end the album on the unexpected but brilliant Misfits cover with ‘Scream!’, which works well and makes for a different and fun ending...

  Riding high after an all-timer homecoming show at Desertfest London this weekend, and hot on the heels of announcing their long-awaited fourth studio album, Necropolitan (to be released on Friday September 11th 2026) Green Lung announce a black crusade of the UK and Europe this winter... the Dance to the Grave Tour MMXXVI. Special guests on this run will be High On Fire with support from Gnome. The tour poster was designed by the band's frequent collaborator, Richard Wells. Tickets will go on general sale: Friday, May 22nd @ 09:00 AM BST Pre-sales will be running from: Tuesday, May 19th & Wednesday, May 20th GREEN LUNG DANCE TO THE GRAVE TOUR MMXXVI w/ High On Fire & Gnome 03-Dec BE Antwerp @ Trix 04-Dec DE Frankfurt am Main @ Batschkapp 05-Dec DE Munich @ Backstage 07-Dec AT Vienna @ Arena 08-Dec DE Leipzig @ Anker 10-Dec DE Hamburg @ Große Freiheit 36 11-Dec DE Berlin @ Astra Kulturhaus 12-Dec DE Cologne @ Carlswerk Victoria 13-Dec NL Tilburg...

  Welsh Bilingual nu-metal duo C E L A V I continue their rise with their fiercest release yet, 'PLASTER', which is a cathartic, high-impact anthem that merges raw aggression with captivating hooks. The track is out now and is taken from the band’s highly anticipated upcoming EP, produced by Romesh Dodangoda (Bring Me The Horizon, Motörhead, Nova Twins). Watch the video here: Listen to the band at - https://open.spotify.com/artist/4OEzNJIkgsH8PTw0y86ATx Formed by married duo Gwion Griffiths and Sarah Wynn Griffiths, C E L A V I have built a reputation for emotionally charged performances and high-impact releases that explore identity, mental health, and self-expression. Their bilingual approach continues to champion the Welsh language within modern alternative music while pushing into a wider global space. Following support from Metal Hammer, BBC Radio 1, Kerrang Radio, and BBC 6 Music, plus a Match of the Day sync, the band continue to build major momentum. BBC Radio 1 have ...

  Evanescence releases the official music video for their powerful new song “Who Will You Follow” — listen here /watch here Directed by Jensen Noen, the cinematic visual pairs thought-provoking imagery with an emotionally charged performance to explore the overwhelming impact of technology, misinformation, and digital culture, examining how constant online noise impacts us all. Both the lyrics and accompanying video emphasise the importance of seeking authenticity in an era where truth feels increasingly and intentionally corrupted. “Who Will You Follow” has already become the fastest-moving rock radio single of Evanescence’s career to date, entering the Top at US Rock Radio in under 4 weeks and earning the band its first-ever #1 on Billboard’s Hard Rock Song Chart. The track was co-written and produced by Zakk Cervini (Bad Omens, YUNGBLUD, Bring Me The Horizon, Spiritbox) and Jordan Fish (Bring Me The Horizon, Poppy, House of Protection, Architects). album, which features tracks...

  Multi-GRAMMY® award-nominated New York heavy metal titans Anthrax - Scott Ian (guitar), Charlie Benante (drums), Frank Bello (bass), Joey Belladonna (vocals), and Jonathan Donais (guitar) - will unleash their long-awaited 12th full-length studio album Cursum Perficio on September 18th via Nuclear Blast Records and Megaforce Records (North America). It marks the band’s first record in ten years since 2016’s For All Kings, which debuted in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200. Cursum Perficio will be available in various physical configurations to pre-order/pre-save; click HERE . The phrase Cursum Perficio is Latin for “My journey has come to an end,” “My journey is over,” or “I complete my journey.” It proves apropos for such a complete body of work. For Cursum Perficio’s first single and video, 'It’s For The Kids', the quintet bulldoze the way for the album’s impact. It’s a classic Anthrax ripper locked and loaded with buzzsaw-sharp riffs, explosive drumming, and a howling and he...

  Rising from the UK underground metal scene, IMPERIUM are quickly establishing themselves as a leading modern thrash act. Known for razor-sharp riffs, groove-laden force, and commanding vocals, they’ve built a reputation for explosive live shows. Their engulfing debut album, 'Exodus Unknown', releases via Heavy Metal Records on Friday 17th July, with the title single out now. Watch the video here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3tPzXOlM34 Listen to the band at - https://open.spotify.com/artist/7ytn24lvOAoMKq8pbszxO1 After breaking through in 2022 with their debut EP and winning London’s Metal 2 the Masses, which earned the ba.nd a spot at Bloodstock Festival, IMPERIUM have now shared stages with a number of prominent acts and have grown their fanbase nationwide. Now officially signed to Heavy Metal Records and endorsed by Gibson/Kramer/Epiphone, IMPERIUM have entered a new phase in their career and set the stage for their highly anticipated debut full-length album, Exodus...

  Diverse Alternative quartet Opensight are back with their highly anticipated follow-up to 2022's 'Mondo Fiction'. With their new album 'The Outfit', they exhibit more purpose and creativity, expanding on their unique and engaging sound. The first full song, 'Killer Outfit', is very diverse, enthralling, and incredibly catchy, especially aided by the wah-wah guitars, making it hard to resist. 'In Plain Sight' is a fun, infectiously melodic offering that embraces a 70s vibe and is highly memorable, getting its hooks in. Changing the tone with the cinematic 'Defying Eye' with a more dark sound, which is vast and immersive. Further in, they mesmerise with the atmospheric 'Mantra', which is a striking and intriguing track. The alarming and alluring 'Heist' is an eerie yet beautiful progressive track which is very reminiscent of Opeth, and you can easily lose yourself in. The final track, 'Delusion' is rich and layered, so...

  With less than one month to go until the mighty return of Download Festival, DLXXIII has unleashed its ‘Beyond The Bands’ offerings, giving Download-goers an even more exciting experience onsite with brand new food, drink, gaming, wellness and fitness options. Taking place on 10-14 June 2026 at the hallowed grounds of Donington Park, Download will be headlined by Limp Bizkit, Guns N’ Roses and Linkin Park. All weekend tickets are now sold out, but last remaining Saturday day tickets are available here: www.downloadfestival.co.uk. Brand new for this year’s DLXXIII are some huge new collaborations with Final Fantasy XIV and Fourth Wing. District X will host a Final Fantasy XIV Online stand, where rich storytelling, shared adventures, epic battles and a vast world await. Over in the arena, there will be a groundbreaking collaboration with Fourth Wing, where Download-goers and fans of the Rebecca Yarros novels can visit the General’s Office and bag an exclusive merchandise item. In...

  Following the release of their crushing 2024 demo, ‘Temples Of Pestilence, ’ the Saint-Petersburg quartet has crafted their anticipated debut album, and it doesn’t disappoint! After an atmospheric intro we land at the ‘Epitome Of Fear’ which showcases their sinister, raw and no nonsense death metal, which leaves a lasting impression and leaves you eager to dive further into the dark abyss with the likes of the savage doom-esque offering ‘Devilish Prophecies’ and be hit with the unrelenting groove of ‘Decapitate The Saints’ which is armed with menacing riffs. ‘Ascent to the Crucifixion’ will consume you as you get lost amidst its overpowering, gloomy rhythms and melodies, while ‘Invocation’ will alarm you with its ominous and skilled guitarwork. The final blow, ‘Father Of Sin’, is foreboding, untamed, and powerful, a great way to end. They deliver an impressive, crushing debut album with their authentic old-school death metal infused with thrash, leaving a deep, brutal mark in a s...

  Hard rock giants BREAKING BENJAMIN are back with a brooding and haunting new single, ' Something Wicked ', signalling the latest chapter for the band and the tease of a forthcoming full-length album. Marked by their signature blend of atmospheric tension, thunderous instrumentation, and raw emotional weight, the track finds the band pushing deeper into their darker sonic territory while staying rooted in the sound that has defined them for years. 'Something Wicked' builds from a simmering, introspective opening into a powerful, anthemic crescendo, showcasing frontman Benjamin Burnley’s unmistakable vocals as they shift between vulnerable restraint and explosive intensity. Speaking on the single, Burnley shares: “'Something Wicked' is a quick look into our influences both musically and thematically. We challenged ourselves especially hard on this record and on this song. We pushed every boundary we’ve previously had as far as it will go, then pushed a little m...

  Originally released in 2006, Kiss of Death is a ferocious reminder of Motörhead’s uncompromising, no-frills spirit—and a timely nod to the legendary status they’ve earned as one of the greatest hard rock bands of all time. Driven by Lemmy’s unmistakable growl, backed by Phil Campbell’s blistering guitar work and Mikkey Dee’s razor-sharp precision drumming, Kiss of Death—their 18th studio album—picks up exactly where 2004’s Inferno left off. It’s Motörhead doing what they do best: loud, fast, and relentless. Leaning into the heavier edge of their sound, the album also features guest appearances from Mike Inez (Alice in Chains) and C.C. DeVille (Poison), and delivers standout cuts like 'Sucker', 'Trigger' and the fan-favourite 'God Was Never On Your Side'. Marking its 20th anniversary, this new edition sees the album newly half-speed mastered from the original tapes, with fresh liner notes from Dave Ling paying tribute to the contribution of the legendary Phil C...

  UK alternative rock band MERCERS unveil their captivating debut EP, The Liminal Tapes, out everywhere on Friday 17th July. The band have just revealed their fiery new single and video, 'Cleanse / Repeat'. Check out the video here: Formed in 2025, MERCERS are comprised of two members from nu-metallers FONY. But this is not a reunion; it’s a continuation of the long-standing partnership between vocalist Olly James and guitarist/programmer Phil Bashford, key songwriters behind FONY’s Routine Irregular and Circles. What began as a creative purge, reworking older material to finally realise its original intent, has quickly evolved into something larger. With the addition of Richard Titheradge (drums) and Simon Glover (guitars), MERCERS found a new identity. While the EP includes reimagined versions of FONY tracks, A Satire for the World and January Zen, these sit alongside new material that defines the band on their own terms: more open and expansive, and shaped by time and per...

  UK alt-rockers VERSUS have just dropped their stunning new single and video, 'This Is Everything', which is out now. Check it out below: With the band on the up, we exclusively checked in and asked the guys which tracks have greatly influenced their engulfing sound: Bring Me The Horizon - Can You Feel My Heart "The intro to this just has that special ‘something’ with the synths and drums giving such an immense build up to hit the first verse and the raw and aggressive vocals deliver such crushing lyrics that just kick this shit out of everything else – how could anyone listen to this track and not want to pick up a guitar and write something that is completely outside the box?" Dayseeker - Crooked Soul "That guitar intro blows us away every single time. The emotional weight on the vocals just adds to those lead lines in the background. Rhythm section is so tight throughout which really gives you the impact in the breakdown that everyone needs, and we lo...

  London, 5th May 2026 - The Rolling Stones today announce the release of their highly anticipated new studio album Foreign Tongues, arriving 10th July from Polydor/Universal Music. The incredibly vibrant 14-track collection follows less than three years after the band’s universally acclaimed, Grammy Award-winning Hackney Diamonds, which topped charts worldwide and achieved multi-platinum success. The new album will be introduced by the upbeat and infectious lead single ‘In the Stars’, released digitally on 5th May alongside the album’s opening track ‘Rough and Twisted.’ In The Stars receives a physical release on 15th May. Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood are set to attend a media launch for Foreign Tongues later today in Brooklyn, New York. In the lead-up to the announcement, the band have been subtly building anticipation for the new project, including the limited white label release of the track ‘Rough and Twisted’ only on vinyl under the name The Cockroaches. Circul...

  Canadian hardcore heavyweights Cancer Bats have announced they will release their new album, ‘Give Me Dirt’, on August 7th. The band have joined forces with the formidable Marshall Records for the release. “We are beyond excited to be joining the Marshall Records Roster! From the amps that helped define the sound of our favourite bands, to their support of independent venues and their absolute punk rock approach to everything they do, we feel like this is the perfect home for Cancer Bats! Can't wait to work with them on our new album and many more to come!” said the band. Steve Tannett, Director of Music Platforms at Marshall Records, adds: “We are so chuffed to have the legendary Cancer Bats join the Marshall Records roster in our 10th year, which coincides nicely with the band's 20th year. The new studio album Give Me Dirt is testament to a band built on solid rock foundations, and we look forward to a brilliant release and lots of incredible shows - just how we like it!” ...