Mad About Rock

  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...

  UK heavy hitters KNOCKED FOR SIX return with their most personal release to date, unleashing the brand-new single and video, 'Faithbreaker', which is out now. Watch the video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DS2WEmoD6jc Listen to the band via - https://open.spotify.com/artist/2jY7I6TXZyI0TDuLjnm2Vu   Already making a prominent name for themselves within the UK’s underground metal scene, KNOCKED FOR SIX take everything you love about modern metalcore and hardcore, and seamlessly merge the two to create something genuinely distinctive. Once you listen, you’re hooked. Following the bone-crushing impact of their first three singles: Blackout The Sun, Seraphim Blood, and Decay, the band are now poised to drop their latest single, Faithbreaker, which as expected, doesn’t hold back one bit. Blisteringly heavy and emotionally exposed, Faithbreaker strips everything back lyrically, delivering a brutally honest account of depression, guilt, and the pressure of expectation. Known fo...

  There is no stopping electro-metalcore crew PREMIER JESTER who continue their rapid ascent and are primed to unleash their irresistibly charged debut album, 'Turn You On', due out Friday 24th April. The energetic five-piece have also just dropped their belting new track, ‘Pac’d Out’. Watch the video here  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqkzWxtMvXU  or see below: With the band on the rise, we exclusively asked the dynamic metalcorers for the songs that have greatly influenced their sound: Limp Bizkit – Rollin "I grew up on Limp Bizkit and it didn’t matter what mood you were in, they lifted you up and got you moving. They were aggressive without being too serious and were (for me) one of the first main cross-genre bands who really pushed musical boundaries, all whilst having a lot of fun! I feel this is a BIG influence on the style PJ adopts" – Jimmy Martin (Harsh vocals) Scooter - Posse "Scooter is one of my biggest influences. I’m a huge fan of techno a...

  UK hard hitters PREMIER JESTER just can’t be stopped. The dynamic quintet have unveiled their towering new single and video, 'Pac’d Out'. Check out the band on Spotify at - https://open.spotify.com/artist/4k5uMt8u8HbmXHzaVWJmnj and watch the video for ‘Pac’d Out’ here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqkzWxtMvXU Formed at the start of 2025, the five-piece have wasted no time making noise, quickly building a loyal following off the back of a run of hard-hitting singles. Taking influence from Electric Callboy, 3OH!3 and Lorna Shore, PREMIER JESTER blend modern metal aggression with the high-energy bounce of European electronicore. Expect crushing riffs, tongue-in-cheek lyrics, massive breakdowns and hooks that stick. The new single, Pac’d Out, shows the band pushing things further. Co-vocalist Jimmy Martin explains: “The song started with a synth that instantly made us think of retro video games. We wanted to do something more fun and different, so we used the idea of a gam...

  Welsh heavyweights VIRTUE IN VAIN continue to build momentum and will release their new EP, Nothing Is All I Am, on Friday 23rd January. The EP is preceded by a thumping new single and video, Between Reflections and Silence, which is out now. Hit up the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBi4NKH3U2Y Listen to the band at: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3ysLwiCUToDZJljLCmcINg Already known for their savage live performances, VIRTUE IN VAIN, have earned a strong reputation across the UK metal scene. Their intense shows and emotionally driven songwriting continue to connect with audiences, with each release exploring different aspects of the human condition. The band are now completing a trilogy of releases. For All You Know Is The Mask I Wore began with a focus on loss of identity. Dusk // Dawn followed, portraying an anarchic descent through one of the worst nights imaginable. The final chapter, Nothing Is All I Am, is an emotional and honest look at collapse and rebui...

  We exclusively caught up with Edinburgh’s masked metalcore outlier OBELISK who releases his debut album, 'Brushed By Darkness', on Friday 12th December. Check out the below track by track breakdown: Slifer the Executive Producer "An instrumental track which shows the beautiful components that can then turn ugly." Where do you end? "This is a song at its core that’s about people that pick and choose. Whether that’s a narcissistic person who can’t admit they’re wrong, or a religious person who likes to pick and choose their morals when they see fit. Lots of energy in this one." Karameleon "This one is about good old karma. I worked in an industry that was full of cliques, and this is what it’s written about. People throw stones in glass houses, talking from a throne when they have no idea others are doing the same. The fitness industry is a callous and cold place." Working Class Zero "Written quite clearly about the disparity of wealth, and ...

  Britain’s energetic metallers, PREMIER JESTER, continue their meteoric rise with the release of their brand new single and video, 'Slow Dance'. Watch the video here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqhADo8rEzU Listen to the band at https://open.spotify.com/artist/4k5uMt8u8HbmXHzaVWJmnj Formed earlier this year, the rambunctious quintet have already carved out a name for themselves, amassing a fast-growing fanbase through a string of deeply engaging and genre-bending singles. Drawing inspiration from Electric Callboy, 3oh!3 and Lorna Shore, PREMIER JESTER blend the ferocity of modern metal with the high-energy pulse of the European electronicore scene. Expect biting riffs, tongue-in-cheek lyricism, crushing breakdowns, and ridiculously catchy hooks — all delivered with infectious, unfiltered joy. Now, the hard-hitting juggernauts are ready to drop Slow Dance, a track that further showcases their unique voice and playful take on heavy music. Co-vocalist Jimmy Martin shares i...

  Welsh heavyweights VIRTUE IN VAIN return to the fold with their engulfing new EP, Nothing Is All I Am, set for release on Friday 23rd January. The record is introduced by the band’s unstoppable new single and video, 'Blood Eyes', out now. Watch the video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOsk1DbFAzE Check out the band via - https://open.spotify.com/artist/3ysLwiCUToDZJljLCmcINg Renowned for their unrelenting energy and emotionally charged performances, VIRTUE IN VAIN have carved out a fierce reputation across the UK’s heavy music scene. Their blistering live shows and thoughtful songwriting continue to captivate audiences, while each release tells a deeper story rooted in the struggles of the human condition. The band are now poised to complete a compelling trilogy of releases. It began with For All You Know Is The Mask I Wore, a meditation on identity loss. This was followed by Dusk // Dawn, which depicts a chaotic scenario of the worst possibly night one could have. Now ...

  Parkway Drive are set for a landmark year of performances, a sold-out symphonic show at the iconic Sydney Opera House in June — a powerful culmination and celebration of their 20-year journey. From there, they co-headlined the Summer of Loud 2025 tour across the U.S., which saw them playing some of their biggest North American shows yet. The band's landmark year will conclude with the band’s highly anticipated 20 Year Anniversary Arena Tour across Europe and the UK this fall. Joining them on this momentous tour will be fellow Australians Thy Art Is Murder, a deathcore powerhouse, and The Amity Affliction, celebrated for their emotionally charged post-hardcore. This massive arena run will feature Parkway Drive’s most ambitious production to date, performed with the passion and power that has defined Parkway Drive as one of the most important forces in modern metal. Full list of EU/UK dates is below, and tickets are available via: https://parkwaydriverock.com/ 19.09.25 Germany –...

  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...

  Intense Brit heavyweights, PERPETUAL PARADOX, are braced to make a severe impact with their forthcoming debut album, 'Deathwish', out Friday 27th June. The commanding riff slayers have just also revealed their unstoppable new track, 'Backbone Of Existence', out now.  Watch the video, here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HK5nvwqBPqQ Listen to the band via - https://open.spotify.com/artist/3vlyYDsqLobvIrmuaQjNWh Born in 2020 and hailing from London, UK, PERPETUAL PARADOX have repeatedly impressed audiences throughout the UK and Europe with a barrage of absorbing live shows and a consistent stream of notable releases. The technical metallers release an onslaught of savage riffs, thunderous drums, enticing leads and powerful vocal lines, creating an immense sound that will engross anyone that is a fan of heavy music. PERPETUAL PARADOX released their debut EP, Endless Cycle, in 2022, and it helped to introduce the ascending hard hitters to the scene. The energetic quin...

  Steel City Kings MALEVOLENCE have announced a run of intimate UK shows to celebrate the release of their massively anticipated new album. “Where Only The Truth Is Spoken” is set to be released on the 20th June via MLVLTD in partnership with Nuclear Blast Records with the first show of the run happening on the same day in Newcastle. Catch them at the following shows: 20th June Newcastle Think Tank Tickets 21st June Sheffield TBC 22nd June Birmingham HMV Vault Tickets 23rd June Bristol The Exchange. Tickets 24th June Southampton Joiners Tickets 25th June Liverpool Jacaranda Tickets 26th June Brighton Resident Tickets Having just wrapped up a tour of Australia supporting Alpha Wolf, the band recently released ‘Salt The Wound’, their third single from the forthcoming album. Alex Taylor (vocals) com...

  Steel City Kings MALEVOLENCE have released a new single from their massively anticipated new album, Where Only The Truth Is Spoken, which is set to be released on the 20th June via MLVLTD in partnership with Nuclear Blast Records. Compared to the punishing previous singles, 'Trenches' and 'If It's All The Same To You' the brand new release 'Salt The Wound' shows a more emotional side of MALEVOLENCE, but that only makes its incredibly heavy chorus stand out even more. Alex Taylor (vocals) commented: “'Salt The Wound' is the product of us making a conscious decision to bridge the two faces of Malevolence. On one hand we have the heavy aggressive side, and on the other we have the slower melodic songs, so we wanted a song that could combine the two. The video was entirely shot in Sheffield and the surrounding areas. From the industrial depths of Sheffield, a 900-year-old ruined Abbey, to a perfect sunrise over some of the incredible hills of Derbysh...

  Formidable UK powerhouse crew, COBER MOUTH, have thrown down their ferocious new single and video, 'GUILTY WEIGHT' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kH2LN8-LPNo The track follows on from the launch of the band’s hugely successful current single, STERIDE, which has served to further enhance the trio’s hugely impressive reputation. Hailing from South West of England, COBER MOUTH were officially launched in 2023. Featuring boyhood friends Adam Jones (Vocals) and Dylan Plenty (Drums), as well as the talents of Sam Windsor (Guitars), COBER MOUTH despatch uncompromising elephantine riffery, venomous groove, and emotive raw power. The Brit heavyweights dropped their massively impressive Untethered EP last year and the release racked up widespread critical acclaim with Alyx Holcombe championing the band on BBC Radio One’s Introducing Rock. Metal Hammer also greatly supported the UK metalcorers, and so too did Kerrang’s Alex Baker, placing the band on heavy rotation for his Fresh B...

  Following the recent announcement of MALEVOLENCE’s hugely anticipated new album, the Steel City shredders have revealed the details of their biggest UK & EU headline tour to date, which culminates in a huge show at London's O2 Academy Brixton on Sunday 9th November. Frontman Alex Taylor comments: “Yo! We are very excited to announce the biggest headline tour of career yet… It’s absolutely insane to us that we are booked in these huge, historic & legendary venues and we need all of your support to prove to the world of metal that we are capable to smash them as a headliner. We put together the sickest support bill we could possibly find, featuring some of the coolest current bands from across the world - with the goal of creating the biggest and baddest Malev show of all time. We can’t wait. See you in Brixton Academy!” MALEVOLENCE UK & EU 2025 27.10 - FR, Toulouse - Bikini Club 28.10 - FR, Paris - Elysee Montmartre 30.10 - DE, Munich - Backstage 31.10 - DE, Leipzig ...

  Brit newcomers, TALLBOY, are ready to carve out a prominent name for themselves with the release of their blistering new single and video, 'Name & Shame'. Check out the band at: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5sVWXKvalst4vqy2Mtt0m8 and watch their video, 'Name & Shame', here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lh6JFtnE1ik Hailing from Cumbria, England, TALLBOY dish up a sound that pulls together ballsy modern rock with alluring alt-metal. Despatching mammoth riffery, thoughtful arrangements, and raw and emotive vocal lines, the fast-rising five piece thoroughly ignite and engage their fans. Already lauded for a live show that is relentless and charged with high-octane energy, TALLBOY are injecting something new and exciting into the alternative metal scene. Drawing influence from the genre’s heavyweights, they have inserted a bold, forward-thinking edge to their sound, and this sets TALLBOY apart from others in their field. The powerhouse quintet have a raft...

  Much-rated Brit newcomers COBER MOUTH continue their swift ascent armed with their towering new single and video, 'STERIDE' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHJ5dhCmwZg Listen to the band at: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1jSqUczGbrb3PvTROS66nA . Bursting out of the South West of England, COBER MOUTH announced themselves in 2023. Comprised of lifelong friends Adam Jones (Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Drums, Synths, Samples) and Dylan Plenty (Drums), and featuring the talents of Sam Windsor (Bass, Synths, and Samples), COBER MOUTH deliver deeply drenched grooves, colossal riffs, and an unrelenting intensity through both sound and emotion. The trio’s last release, Untethered, garnered strong critical acclaim with Alyx Holcombe championing the band with a Track of the Week award on BBC Radio One’s Introducing Rock. Metal Hammer also widely lauded the rising metalcorers, in addition to Alex Baker placing the band on heavy rotation for Kerrang! Fresh Blood. As well as racking up ex...

  In anticipation of their highly awaited European tour, Parkway Drive are set to release exclusive long-form content from their massive 20-year anniversary Australian Tour last year. The series will debut on their official YouTube channel on Thursday February 13 at 8amCET/7am UK time offering fans a front-row seat to the live shows, exclusive backstage access, behind-the-scenes moments, and interviews with both the band and fans. A true fly-on-the-wall experience of one of Australia’s biggest heavy tours. The recent Australian tour was a landmark celebration of Parkway Drive’s two-decade dominance in heavy music, drawing massive crowds and proving the band’s unstoppable momentum. It was a phenomenal success, with over 62,000 tickets sold, multiple sold-out shows, and record-breaking attendance. This milestone cements the tour as one of the biggest heavy music runs in Australian history, building anticipation for an electrifying European tour ahead. Frontman Winston McCall shares: ...

  Leading lights of British metal, Employed To Serve, take pride of place on the heavy metal world stage as they return with brand new single ‘Atonement’ feat. Will Ramos of Lorna Shore, plus long-awaited new studio album, ‘Fallen Star’, set for release on Friday, April 25th. “We want to fly the flag for heavy metal and the traditions that it holds,” offers guitarist and songwriter Sammy Urwin, “But at the same time we want to play our part in taking things forward.” Listen to lead single ‘Atonement’, HERE.   The track features Lorna Shore’s Will Ramos, who in addition to his guttural growls, offers clean vocals for the first time ever on an album feature. The song is built around distorted guitars, battering-ram rhythms and a Judas Priest-style solo, before shooting into what Justine describes as “an arena rock chorus!” “'Atonement' takes aim at those who try to lord their power over you. The only way to defeat these people is by rising above their behaviour and pushin...