Mad About Rock

  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...

  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...

Alternative/nu-metal force A Killer’s Confession has joined forces with internationally acclaimed producer Zardonic for a high-octane reimagining of “In Case Of Emergency (ft JMANN).” The remix brings Zardonic’s signature aggressive drum & bass sound to the track, bridging the raw intensity of modern metal with the pulse and precision of global bass music. The original track joined A Killer’s Confession vocalist Waylon Reavis with fellow former Mushroomhead vocalist JMann, and was the first single from AKC’s early 2025 album Victim 2. For A Killer’s Confession, the remix continues the band’s evolution into hybrid soundscapes that blend industrial textures, electronic elements, and emotionally charged songwriting. The track further expands the sonic universe of their ongoing Victim album trilogy, which explores the psychological tension between morality and darkness. In addition, A Killer’s Confession sets off on their U.S. Tour with Kottonmouth Kings today. Full dates are: May 5 ...

  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...

  SCRATCH ONE GRUB hail from the valleys of South Wales and are set to deliver their debut album 'One', arriving 27 February. The record blends progressive ambition, with alt-metal grit. We exclusively caught up with Lewis Griffiths (Drums/Vocals) and Sean Barry aka The Grub Man (Samples/Vocals) from the band, and asked them to talk about five songs that have greatly influenced their sound: Slipknot - Eyeless "The chaotic nature of this song captures everything that we love about metal. The musical technicality especially the drums and blood curdling vocals, sonically projects an unfathomable level of hatred and aggression. The random lyrics in the chorus are unorthodox yet very catchy, which ensures us that it's possible to go down a similar path creatively, as it has worked well for others." Children Of Bodom - Living Dead Beat "Alexi Laiho was a creative and technical genius, especially when it comes to the music theory he applied to his endless catalo...

  Firing straight out of the nation’s capital, British alt-metal upstarts NIGHT THIEVES continue their rapid ascent with pounding riffs, soaring choruses, and a slew of arena-ready hooks. The quartet are gearing up to release their hugely anticipated debut album, 'Metaxis', landing Friday 20th March. Ahead of the album, the band have just released their formidable new single, 'Mycelia', out now. Watch the video here: Listen in at: https://open.spotify.com/artist/42azirKNGgnSrqW10zeJju Renowned for their high-octane blend of striking alt-metal and heartfelt, dynamic songwriting, NIGHT THIEVES have already earned acclaim from tastemakers including Metal Hammer, Planet Rock, Powerplay, Kerrang!, BBC Radio One, Total Rock, Fireworks Magazine, Rock Radio Magazine, and ERB Magazine. Their rapid ascent has also seen them share stages with Marisa and the Moths, Chuggaboom, and more, further cementing their status as one of the UK’s most exciting and compelling new metal acts....

  EDIT THE TIDE are on the rise and are loaded with their stunning new EP, 'The Space Between Seconds', out Friday 21st November. We exclusively checked in with the potent alt-metallers and asked the band to give us an exclusively track by track breakdown of the EP: ECHOES "The knowledge that we are such insignificant beings in such a vast universe poses the question “what is our purpose on Earth?”. Are we echoes of the past, will we ever truly know what’s out there or is there a meaning to the mixed-up chain of events we call life?" THE COST OF STANDING STILL "Corruption and austerity are now part of our daily lives whether we like it or not. Why are we wasting time fighting against each other when we should be standing together as one. It’s time for us to stop letting cynicism cloud our judgement and turn our focus to the real villains." Check out the new video 'The Cost Of Standing Still' that was released today 14/11/25: DANCING WITH SHADOWS ...

  All Points East and Outbreak Fest announce their major headliner for 2026: multi-platinum GRAMMY® Award-winning Sacramento band Deftones, who will be taking over Victoria Park on Sunday 23 August 2026. Tickets go on general sale on Friday 14 November 2025. Visit www.allpointseastfestival.com . With Outbreak Fest London making its All Points East debut, Deftones will be joined by an incredible list of artists on Sunday 23 August, including Idles, Amyl & The Sniffers, EsDeeKid, JPEGMAFIA, ¥ØU$UK€ ¥UK1MAT$U, Basement, Wisp, Deafheaven and Show Me The Body. This summer’s inaugural London edition of Outbreak Fest, in association with LIDO Festival, brought a taste of hardcore to Victoria Park. Headliners Turnstile performed alongside the likes of Knocked Loose, SPEED, Glassjaw and many more, while artists such as Alex G, Danny Brown, Have A Nice Life and Model/Actriz laid the foundations for the festival’s genre-diverse inclinations. Deftones are set to headline the event followi...

  Coming at you from the heart of the nation’s capital, UK alt-metal powerhouse NIGHT THIEVES return with seismic riffs, supremely melodic hooks, and a barrage of breath-taking, arena-sized anthems. The hard-hitting quartet are set to release their highly anticipated debut album in Spring 2026—but first, they have just delivered a stunning preview in the form of their brand new single and video, 'Obsidian', out now. Watch the video here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwO21-eWx64 Listen to the band at - https://open.spotify.com/artist/42azirKNGgnSrqW10zeJju Known for their dynamic blend of heavy, hook-driven rock and emotionally charged songwriting, NIGHT THIEVES have already earned plaudits from Metal Hammer, Planet Rock, Powerplay, BBC Radio One, Total Rock, Fireworks Magazine, Rock Radio Magazine, and ERB Magazine. Their rising momentum has seen them share stages with the likes of Marisa and the Moths and Chuggaboom, cementing their status as one of the UK’s most excitin...

  Hungarian alternative/groove metal force Nest of Plagues has dropped a brand new live album ‘Live At Akvárium’, showcasing the raw energy and emotional depth that has made them one of the region’s most exciting underground acts. The release comes as the band gears up for their “Hell Is A Place On Earth” Tour, which will see them storm stages across Romania, Bulgaria, Greece and Hungary this fall. NEST OF PLAGUES - DEAR ABYSS & HELL IS A PLACE ON EARTH (LIVE AT AKVÁRIUM) Following the release of their critically acclaimed 3rd album Hellsolation, Nest of Plagues are taking their uncompromising sound and message across borders. Blending crushing riffs, groove-driven rhythms, and elements of alternative metal, the band reflects on modern social struggles such as anxiety, depression, and loneliness - while encouraging fans to face these challenges together, finding strength in community. The band’s unique mix of heaviness and catharsis has earned them a reputation for powerful,...

  Rising Welsh alt-metallers EDIT THE TIDE return with force this autumn, announcing the release of their sophomore EP, 'The Space Between Seconds', set to land on Friday 21st November. Melding the raw power of heavy, driving riffs with the emotional depth of soaring vocal harmonies, the new record is poised to cement the band’s place on the UK alternative scene. Ahead of the EP, the band have now unleashed their powerful new single, 'Dancing With Shadows', out now. Watch the video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oN1qQaI1hCQ Listen to the band at https://open.spotify.com/artist/7pg0H8fNpMR7zXQjGsMRxQ Formed in 2023 and emerging from Bridgend, South Wales, EDIT THE TIDE have rapidly built a reputation for their high-octane live shows and emotionally resonant songwriting. Their debut EP, Reflections In Sound (April 2024), made a bold impact, earning radio support from Kerrang! Radio and BBC Introducing Wales and receiving critical acclaim in Powerplay and Devolution ...

  Deftones Release New Track 'milk of the madonna'. New Album ‘private music’ out August 22nd via Reprise/Warner Records www.deftones.com Photo Credit: Jimmy Fontaine

  Brit alt-metallers OUR NORTH continue their swift incline with their explosive new EP, 'Everyone For Themselves', out on Friday the 4th July 2025. We caught up with vocalist and guitarist, Dan Feast, and he exclusively gave us their track by track breakdown of the EP: CHOKED TO DEATH "The song reflects a point in life where we face financial struggles, working tirelessly just to make ends meet, yet feeling like we’re not getting anywhere. My dad suffered a severe workplace accident, while my mum worked tirelessly to keep our household running. I recall starting my first job and giving my entire monthly earnings to support her." SOMETHING TO BE "Have you ever felt like you’re not ready to give up on something, but society pressures you to walk away? The message of this song is simple: don’t let go of what you love doing." VIOLENT RULES “Violent rules” is another way of saying “one rule for one, and another for everyone else.” It’s about someone who’s willin...

  Brit alt-metallers, OUR NORTH, drop their exhilarating sophomore EP, Everyone For Themselves, which lands on Friday 4th July. The towering quintet have just delivered their hugely captivating new single and video, 'Violent Rules'. Watch the video, here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AaUHH3SSF8 Check out the band at: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2qHH9pHvDwAABukP9dWf4z Sheffield hard hitters, OUR NORTH, have been serving up their enticing brand of metalcore, fused with hip hop and trap, since their formation in 2019. Channelling everyone from Bring Me The Horizon and While She Sleeps to Bad Omens, OUR NORTH unleash a sound that is soaked in power, venom, diversity, and passion. The five-piece have been picking up new friends and fresh fans spurred on by a fiery live show that deftly incorporates stout breakdowns, trap vibes, and vocals that swing from full throttle to singalong hooks. The eclectic crew have also been busy working on their deeply absorbing new EP, Ever...

  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...

  Emerging Brit five-piece LORDS OF RUIN march forward with their mouth-watering combination of sharp and dynamic Hard Rock underpinned by powerful Alt-Metal. Rammed with magnetising hooks and commanding riffs, the UK stout rockers release their sophomore EP, 'Coda Revival', on Friday 24th November, which is preceded by their spanking new single and video, 'Broken Dreams', out now - https://youtu.be/k2QinEOJmI4?si=U4ll_buqUEQ0GZqF   Hailing from two corners of northern England, the early seeds of LORDS OF RUIN were sown in 2017. However, it wasn’t until 2019, when the engaging quintet dropped their debut single, In from the Cold, that the band began to pierce through to the upper reaches of the rock fraternity. Momentum continued as the riff slingers played a slew of prominent shows throughout the UK, as well as performing the HRH festival. Following the recent pandemic, LORDS OF RUIN returned with their blistering debut EP, Ruin Within, which landed last year, enablin...

  Japanese artist Esprit D'Air gears up for UK, Ireland and European tour Esprit D'Air announces their new 17-date “Leviathan Tour” in the UK and Europe after selling out their entire self-promoted UK tour earlier this year. Lead vocalist and producer Kai says: “After our sold out 7-date tour in the UK earlier this year, we felt like we had more to give and could do more. As soon as the last tour finished, I went ahead and booked an even bigger one. This time, I chose cities that bands sometimes forget, and we’re going to every country in the UK including Northern Ireland. 12 out of 17 are cities that we have never been in before. I will also be planning more European dates, wherever possible—so please wait for me!” Esprit D’Air will be performing their album 'Oceans', which re-entered several Official UK Charts including #8 in Rock & Metal Albums, #5 in Album Downloads, and #19 in Scottish Albums earlier this year, plus more. The live line-up for the tour consists ...

  Craft Recordings has partnered with Seether to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their Gold-selling debut, Disclaimer, with an expanded reissue on 3-LP, 2-CD, and digital formats. As a holiday surprise for fans, the expanded digital edition is available to stream/download in its entirety beginning today (December 16), ahead of the physical formats which are set to release January 20, 2023 (available to pre-order now ). Alongside brand new cover art, all configurations of this deluxe reissue feature the hits "Gasoline," "Fine Again" and "Driven Under," plus a previously unreleased live show, captured in its entirety at New Hampshire's Hampton Beach Casino in 2003. Rounding out the bonus content is a rare 2002 live acoustic cover of Nirvana's "Something in the Way," which was first issued as a B-side. Watch the animated video here . The 3-LP set is housed in a deluxe triple gatefold jacket, while both physical formats also include ne...

  “Will we ever feel as if we’re good enough? Is there even such a thing? So many of us struggle with depression, myself included and it can get so dark within our minds that we can’t seem to find a way out. All we can do is remember that despair, it’s a feeling in our minds and that the sun will rise. I wrote “Good Enough” in hopes that it will find you, the listeners, the fighters, and the survivors. I feel you, I see you. I am you. You are not alone in this fight. There is help so long as you search for it, but it must begin with you.” - Tripp Sixx, GEARS Artist: GEARS Video by: JT Ibanez Release Date: July 1, 2021 Performed by: GEARS Engineered by: Chris Dawson Produced by: Chris Dawson Co-Produced by: Jimmy Beattie Mixed by: Chris Dawson at Aphotic Studios Mastered by: Mike Kalajian at Rogue Planet Mastering Check out the video for "Good Enough" below: About GEARS Rock needs reinvention. It only moves forward when a band pushes it to do so. Enter: GEARS. Finding a swee...