Mad About Rock

  70000TONS OF METAL, The Original, The World’s Biggest Heavy Metal Cruise, is thrilled to announce the first bands that will be part of this year’s lineup: ÆTHER REALM ARCH ENEMY BRAINSTORM ENFORCER EVERGREY EQUILIBRIUM MORS PRINCIPIUM EST OBSCURA THULCANDRA WARBRINGER Also joining the lineup is musical visionary and innovator ULI JON ROTH, whose career spans five decades and includes his pioneering work with Germany’s legendary metal band SCORPIONS. Andy Piller, CEO, Founder and “Skipper” of the fan-favorite metal cruise states: “As part of his two sets on 70000TONS OF METAL, Uli will be paying tribute to two iconic SCORPIONS albums, both celebrating their 50th anniversary. In his first set, Uli will perform ‘VIRGIN KILLER’ in its entirety. In his second performance, he’ll heavily focus on ‘IN TRANCE’. We’re delighted he’s joining the party this year!” Roth is widely recognized as a key founder of the neoclassical metal genre, having revolutionized guitar technique by fusing b...

  Brit post-hardcore unit MERCERS will unveil their debut EP, 'The Liminal Tapes', on Friday, 17th July. The band have also just released their new single and video, 'New Stockholm'. Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwoUNQCAMM8 Listen to MERCERS on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0hUc6FIsCsAGv1muQXWDHZ . Formed in 2025, MERCERS bring together vocalist Olly James and guitarist/programmer Phil Bashford, both previously known for their work in nu-metallers, FONY. However, this is not a reunion, but a continuation of a long-standing songwriting partnership behind much of FONY’s material, including Routine Irregular and Circles. What began as an idea to revisit and reshape older material into the form it was always intended to take quickly developed into something far bigger. With the addition of drummer Richard Titheradge and guitarist Simon Glover, the project evolved beyond its original concept and found its own identity. The Liminal Tapes...

  UK metallers FAIL THE ENEMY return with new music and a heavier, synth-driven sound. The band will release a new EP, Sandcastles, out Friday 9th October, alongside their current single, Borrowed Hope, which is out now. Listen to Borrowed Hope, here - https://open.spotify.com/track/5JaYkmazk4o1RHA6wNr5UC , and watch the video, here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPQAbqWqbe8 Since reforming in 2023, the three-piece have been rebuilding their sound from the ground up, bringing together modern metalcore, anthemic rock, and 80s-inspired synth textures. The result is a sound that’s heavy, melodic, and built on contrast and atmosphere. Their new material draws on themes of mental health, love, loss, and the aftermath of difficult years, shaped by what the band have been navigating since getting back together. The upcoming EP has been in the works for around three years, and the band say it’s the closest they’ve come to capturing exactly what they set out to do when they returned. Th...

  Brit hard hitters GARROW HILL charge onwards with their potent new single and video, 'Eaten by Crows', which will be followed by their new EP, 'IX', out on Friday 31st July. Check out the video here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89ZCS97bxC0 We exclusively asked the band to give us the top five tracks that have greatly influenced their sound: Anthrax – Belly of the Beast "The bass tone on Belly of the Beast—that snarling mid-range grind and relentless rhythmic punch—has become a core influence on Garrow Hill. It shaped how we approach low-end presence: aggressive, articulate and always driving the song forward. That sound pushed us toward tighter arrangements, stronger dynamics and a more commanding sense of groove throughout our music." Dead Kennedys – Nazi Punks Fuck Off "The confrontational lyrical attack of Nazi Punks Fuck Off showed us the power of direct, uncompromising songwriting. That influence pushed Garrow Hill toward bolder writin...

  THE LARCHES continue their climb with the release of their biting new single and video, 'Raxidermy', out now. Watch the video here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELxzR2DSSoM The band will also unveil their much-anticipated new EP, Nihilistic Majesties, on Friday 24th July. Hailing from Teesside, THE LARCHES deliver an intense fusion of raw heavy alternative rock and sludge metal. The band are carving out a sound that will resonate with fans of Acid Bath, Eyehategod, and Crowbar, combining punishing low-end weight with earnest emotional intensity. Known for their uncompromising approach, they are rapidly establishing themselves within the modern sludge underground. Their upcoming EP, Nihilistic Majesties, comprises five blistering and brutal tracks that drag listeners through murky soundscapes of despair, defiance, and decay. The record stands as their most unfiltered statement to date, channelling the suffocating atmosphere of early sludge pioneers while pushing further...

  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...

  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...

  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...

  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!” ...

  As Everything Unfolds, Tropic Gold, TheCityIsOurs and FOXHAUNT confirmed Novacaine Festival has revealed the first wave of artists for its 2026 edition, signalling a major step forward for the fast-rising UK alternative event. After a hugely successful debut on Saturday 4 October 2025, Novacaine Festival quickly established itself as a new platform within the UK alternative music scene. The inaugural event was headlined by The Five Hundred, with main support from Bleed Again, alongside a diverse line-up including DACRA, Night Thieves, Reckoner, Broken Empire, and local rising artists Reanimate, Our North, Dead Demons and Ocean Thieves. With the 2025 event coming close to selling out, the festival’s mission was clear from the outset: bring together established touring bands and emerging talent from across the UK while delivering an uncompromising live experience for fans. Now, Novacaine Festival returns on Saturday 28 November 2026, raising the bar once again. Headlining the event...

  DOWN’s special cover of Dr. John’s 'Right Place, Wrong Time', released in video form for a limited time to celebrate Mardi Gras earlier this year, is currently available on all streaming platforms! New Orleans native Dr. John was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. His music combined New Orleans blues, jazz, R&B, soul, and funk. 'Right Place, Wrong Time' was the first single from Dr. John’s 1973 album, In the Right Place, and became the most popular single of his career. The song has been featured in various films and television shows, including Dazed And Confused and American Horror Story: Coven. DOWN’s cover of 'Right Place, Wrong Time' is an homage to Dr. John and his appearances on The Midnight Special TV series, a late night musical variety show that aired from 1972 to 1981. Stream DOWN’s rendition of Dr. John’s 'Right Place, Wrong Time' HERE .​ In related DOWN news, the band will serve as direct support to Slayer on the special 40...

  London’s NIGHT THIEVES are coming in hard and fast, and they’re not easing up for anyone. The alt-metal four-piece have been building serious momentum off the back of a sound packed with crushing riffs, razor-sharp hooks, and huge, fist-in-the-air choruses. Their debut album 'Metaxis' is out now, and it’s a clear statement of intent. The band have just unleashed a new single 'See You on the Other Side' (featuring Jessie Powell from Dream State), which is also out now - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ek1eL0mu0_ Listen in via - https://open.spotify.com/artist/42azirKNGgnSrqW10zeJju Already picking up heavy support from Metal Hammer, Planet Rock, Kerrang!, BBC Radio One and more, the band are quickly forcing their way into the conversation around the UK’s next wave of heavy hitters. On stage, they’ve been earning their stripes too, sharing bills with the likes of Marisa and the Moths and Chuggaboom. Following 2024’s Polarity EP, NIGHT THIEVES teamed up once again wi...

  Rock and metal icon ROB ZOMBIE has unveiled the music video for his latest single, “The Black Scorpion,” taken from his acclaimed new album, The Great Satan. Bathed in eerie green light, Zombie and his crew rip through the blistering punk-metal track, which clocks in at under two minutes. “The Black Scorpion,” along with recent standouts “F.T.W. 84,” “(I’m a) Rock ’N’ Roller,” “Heathen Days,” and “Punks And Demons,” marks ROB ZOMBIE’s return to the forefront of heavy music, further solidifying his already legendary status. Across more than four decades, Zombie has cemented himself as a singular cultural force. Fusing avant-garde aesthetics with monstrous, groove-driven rock, his work has consistently defied convention. With The Great Satan, Zombie extends that legacy, delivering one of the boldest and most fully realized records of his career. Purchase/Stream The Great Satan: https://robzombie.bfan.link/the-great-satan Follow ROB ZOMBIE: Website | Facebook | Instagram | You...

  IRON MAIDEN’S highly anticipated EDDFEST weekend this summer has just got even bigger with the announcement that Blaze Bayley, who fronted the band from 1994 to 1999, will be headlining the Friday night Maidenville stage. He is the latest name to be revealed, as part of the all-encompassing celebration of IRON MAIDEN’s 50th Anniversary that will be taking place on the iconic Knebworth site. “I’m so excited to be invited to headline Friday night at EDDFEST, celebrating 50 years of Iron Maiden,” says Blaze. “I am so proud of my two albums with the band and I'm really looking forward to playing some of the songs that we recorded together. Can't wait to see you all at the hallowed grounds of Knebworth!” Fans can expect to hear Blaze Bayley and his band deliver a powerful set of songs from The X Factor and Virtual XI, the albums he released during his time as Iron Maiden’s lead singer. Blaze co-wrote some of the songs on those albums with band founder Steve Harris, and Friday ni...

  Welsh ragga metal legends Skindred, who are universally acclaimed as one of the best live bands on the planet, have today announced a full UK headline tour in support of their brand new album You Got This. Already setting the airwaves and dancefloors of the nation alight with current single ‘Can I Get A’ – which premiered on BBC 6Music, and has just been made Track of the Week on Virgin Radio – Skindred will be bringing the party vibes to Nottingham, Birmingham, Dublin, Belfast and Glasgow later this year, with an extra special show on Halloween at London’s iconic Alexandra Palace. Supporting the band at Alexandra Palace will be nu-metal heroes Alien Ant Farm, along with fellow Californian scenesters Spineshank and Orgy. All three bands will also join Skindred at their Birmingham Academy show on the previous night, with Alien Ant Farm playing additional shows on the tour. Further support acts will be announced for various shows in due course. Arya Goggins, Skindred’s drummer,...

  British metal powerhouse SYLOSIS are preparing to take their monumentally heavy, riff-fuelled live show across the Northern Hemisphere. Next week, the band will be launching head-first into a collosal month-long trek across North America alongside Bleed From Within, Great American Ghost and Life Cycles. To set the stage, SYLOSIS have released a break-neck live video for their track 'All Glory, No Valour', filmed during their career-defining performance last month at The Forum, London, a highlight of their biggest headline tour to-date. SYLOSIS commented: "All Glory, No Valour is a collective favourite from The New Flesh. Since the early demos, the song always stood out as one of the most aggressive that the band has ever put together. Instead of a standard video, we agreed that releasing a live version of it at some point would be best so listeners could really connect with the energy of the track. Filmed at our biggest headline show to date at London's O2 Forum in K...