Other Mommy starring Jessica Chastain is now in theaters. Photo: Barnes & Noble
Book-to-Movie Adaptation:Incidents Around the House
By Josh Malerman
The Book
A young girl’s troubled family is haunted by an entity she calls “Other Mommy” in this chilling tale from the bestselling author of Bird Box.
LOCUS AWARD FINALIST • BRAM STOKER AWARD NOMINEE
Synopsis
To eight-year-old Bela, her family is her world. There’s Mommy, Daddo, and Grandma Ruth. But there is also Other Mommy, a malevolent entity who asks her every day:
“Can I go inside your heart?”
When horrifying incidents around the house signal that Other Mommy is growing tired of asking Bela the question over and over, Bela understands that unless she says yes, her family will soon pay.
Other Mommy is getting restless, stronger, bolder. Only the bonds of family can keep Bela safe, but other incidents show cracks in her parents’ marriage. The safety Bela relies on is about to unravel and Other Mommy needs an answer.
Incidents Around the House is a chilling, wholly unique tale of true horror about a family as haunted as their home.
About the Author
Josh Malerman is a New York Times bestselling author and one of two singer-songwriters for the rock band The High Strung. His debut novel, Bird Box, inspired the hit Netflix film of the same name. His other novels include Daphne, Pearl, Spin a Black Yarn, and Malorie (the sequel to Bird Box).
The Movie (Other Mommy)
Now playing in theaters, Incidents Around the House comes to the big screen under the title Other Mommy, starring Jessica Chastain.
Synopsis
Bela, an 8-year-old girl living in a home fraught with marital tension, confronts a sinister entity that emerges from her closet. The presence, whom she calls “Other Mommy,” becomes increasingly threatening to both her and her family.
Movie Details
Director: Rob Savage
Writers: Nathan Elson, Josh Malerman
Cast: Jessica Chastain, Dichen Lachman, Karen Allen
Lyal Strickland’s Shooter of Truth will be out October 16. Photo: Jym Wilson Photography, used with permission.
New Music: Lyal Strickland Returns with ‘I’m Still Poor’ Ahead of First Album in a Decade
“I’m Still Poor” is the third and final single from Lyal Strickland’s forthcoming album, Shooter of Truth. Following the success of the title track and the duet “Birds,” “I’m Still Poor” is out now on all streaming platforms. (Broken Jukebox Media, 2026)
Shooter of Truth marks Strickland’s first full-length album in ten years, arriving with the weight of a life fully lived in the years between. The album drops on October 16.
A Decade in the Making
After the death of his father and a string of hard miles on the road in 2016, Strickland went through an emotional breakdown that left him questioning his place in music alongside his ability to keep writing honestly.
In the decade that followed, life didn’t stand still:
He got married.
He became the father of two young daughters.
He stayed tied to the land and the cattle that have shaped his family’s story for generations.
Then, in one weekend, the songs returned.
“Those songs became the foundation of Shooter of Truth, an album that looks directly at alcohol, depression, old relationships, present love, failure, survival, and the strange grace of still being here.”
The breakthrough came during a Southwest Folk Alliance conference, where Strickland wrote a batch of songs with a new kind of clarity: brutally honest, unguarded, and unwilling to dress up the truth.
The Sound of the Ozarks
Across its ten tracks, Shooter of Truth moves between solo acoustic performances (“Another Place And Time” and “Hellbent On A Heartache”), an acoustic guitar and cello-backed duet (“Birds”), a couple of irreverent fast-paced tracks, and a collection of mid-tempo tunes rooted in country, folk, and Americana.
The record is earnest, raw, and unpolished, capturing a side of Lyal that hasn’t been fully captured on record before. The backing musicians all hail from the Ozarks, lending the project a sound deeply tied to place: unpretentious and lived-in. It’s music shaped by the same hills, highways, churches, barrooms, and back roads that run through Strickland’s writing.
The Singles
The album’s three singles trace its full emotional range:
“Shooter of Truth” — Sets the tone with a plainspoken reckoning and the hard edge of self-examination.
“Birds” (feat. Rachel Laven) — Explores the strain of life on the road and the temptation to push past your limits in search of something true. Not originally written as a duet, Laven was the first and obvious choice when the track called for a complementary voice, bringing out an understated tension in the lyrics.
“I’m Still Poor” — Brings Strickland’s hard-earned realism to the forefront—a song about the sacrifices artists make, the cost of chasing the work, and the long search for the people who understand why you keep doing it anyway.
Betting on the Music
To make the album happen, Strickland is making big changes on his farm by dwindling his cattle herd down to Herefords, the same breed raised by his grandfather and great-grandfather on his mother’s side. It’s both a sacrifice and a promise: Strickland is putting his heart into this release, letting go of one version of the farm to carry forward another while making room for the music that has never quite let him go.
On Shooter of Truth, Strickland sounds like an artist less interested in reinvention than reckoning. He returns as a husband, father, and farmer still marked by the road, singing with fewer illusions and more at stake. After ten years away, he has come back with songs that do what the title promises: aim straight for the truth without flinching.
About Lyal Strickland
Lyal Strickland is an Americana singer-songwriter, whose music is as authentic as the Ozark hills. With a background deeply embedded in the rural landscapes of Missouri, his lyrics resonate with the experiences of small-town life, weaving tales of struggle, resilience, and unyielding human spirit. (Lyal Strickland, 2026)
Strickland’s songs are a testament to his commitment to his roots and his versatility as an artist. His albums move through stages of life, showcasing his distinctive voice that brings his narratives to life. Each song is a window into Strickland’s world, inviting listeners to step into stories woven with candor and crushing humility.
Album Credits
Co-Produced by: Adam Dawson & Lyal Strickland
Recorded, Mixed, & Mastered by: Jeff Smith at Studio 2100
Songwriting: All songs written by Lyal Strickland (except “Hellbent On A Heartache”)
Musicians
Lyal Strickland – Vocals, Guitar
Molly Healey – Fiddle, Cello
Joe Terry – Organ, Keyboards
Oran Thornton – Electric Guitar
Kyle Vance – Bass
Nick Smith – Drums
Rachel Laven – Duet Vocals on “Birds”
Jeff Smith, Dillon Hasten, Damien Thousand – Background Vocals
Shooter of Truth tracklist:
Shooter Of Truth – 4:35
Birds – 3:44
I’m Still Poor – 4:37
Homewrecker – 2:48
Before It’s Gone – 5:14
Another Place And Time – 3:09
Boosters – 3:25
Church List – 2:56
Gatherin’ Dust – 3:36
Hell Bent On A Heartache – 2:59 Full run time: 37min 5sec
Verity is now playing in theaters nationwide. Photo: Barnes & Noble
Book lovers, the wait is finally over! Colleen Hoover’s bestselling psychological thriller Verity has officially made its way to the big screen, and fans of the book are sure to have plenty to talk about.
With Dakota Johnson as Lowen Ashleigh, Anne Hathaway as the mysterious Verity Crawford, and Josh Hartnett as Jeremy, the adaptation brings Hoover’s dark, unsettling story to life. As Lowen begins ghostwriting Verity’s books, she uncovers a chilling manuscript that reveals shocking secrets about the Crawford family. Twisty, suspenseful, and deliciously disturbing, Verity is one book-to-movie adaptation readers have been eagerly waiting to see.
Now the big question: will the movie leave us just as stunned as the book?
Rated R (sexual content, nudity, language, violence, and bloody images)
Runtime
1 hour 57 minutes
Book Synopsis
Lowen Ashleigh is a struggling writer on the brink of financial ruin when she accepts the job offer of a lifetime. Jeremy Crawford, husband of bestselling author Verity Crawford, has hired Lowen to complete the remaining books in a successful series his injured wife is unable to finish. Lowen arrives at the Crawford home, ready to sort through years of Verity’s notes and outlines, hoping to find enough material to get her started. (Barnes & Noble, 2026)
What Lowen doesn’t expect to uncover in the chaotic office is an unfinished autobiography Verity never intended for anyone to read, page after page of bone-chilling admissions, including Verity’s recollection of the night her family was forever altered. Lowen decides to keep the manuscript hidden from Jeremy, knowing its contents could devastate the already grieving father. But as Lowen’s feelings for Jeremy begin to intensify, she recognizes all the ways she could benefit if he were to read his wife’s words.
After all, no matter how devoted Jeremy is to his injured wife, a truth this horrifying would make it impossible for him to continue loving her.
About the Author
Colleen Hoover is the #1 New York Times and international bestselling author of twenty-five novels and novellas. Her work spans across New Adult and Young Adult contemporary romance as well as psychological thrillers. Colleen is also a scriptwriter, producer, and co-founder of the production company HeartBones Entertainment. (Colleen Hoover, 2026)
Smithsonian Starstruck invites communities worldwide to explore the universe together this World Space Week. Photo: Smithsonian Starstruck, used with permission.
Celebrate World Space Week in San Antonio with Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience
This World Space Week, Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experienceis inviting audiences around the globe to explore the universe together during Family Space Week – a special celebration taking place October 4–10. (Smithsonian Starstruck, 2026)
Across participating Starstruck venues in Washington D.C., San Antonio, Denver, Chicago, London, Melbourne, São Paulo, and Lisbon, guests are invited to journey deep into the cosmos through immersive exploration, STEM-inspired content, and special giveaways.
Kicking Off With Free Family Sunday at Starstruck
At the heart of the celebration is Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience, where guests travel through galaxies, encounter extreme exoplanets, and witness the life cycle of stars through real astronomical data brought to life.
Free tickets will be made available on Sunday, October 4 with Free Family Sunday, a special kickoff event offering free admission to Smithsonian Starstruck for one day only.
Important Note: Free tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis and will no longer be available once fully claimed.
From young explorers to grown-up stargazers, Free Family Sunday is designed to turn curiosity into discovery. Families can explore the science behind the stars and take home space-inspired goodies.
Event Details & Visitor Information
Opening Date: Sunday, October 4, 2026
Location: The Shops at Rivercenter, Lower Level (San Antonio, TX)
Duration: ~40 minutes
Recommended Age: 10+
Accessibility Features
Developed in close collaboration with the Smithsonian Office of Visitor Accessibility, Starstruck incorporates accessible features to ensure a welcoming experience for all:
Closed captions & visual descriptions
Wheelchair-optimized viewing
Assistive listening devices
Complimentary companion access
Fully accessible venues and trained staff
What to Expect: A Walkable, Interactive Cosmos
Developed in collaboration with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO), Starstruck draws on decades of astronomical research to translate scientific data into a fully immersive, interactive, and walkable universe.
Built from real astronomical data, Starstruck is far more than an exhibition—it is a cosmic journey allowing guests to activate their senses as they touch, hear, and navigate the wonders of the universe like never before.
Highlight Features:
Travel Alongside Space Telescopes: Journey aboard the Hubble Space Telescope, the James Webb Space Telescope, and the Chandra X-ray Observatory.
Explore Deep Space: Encounter extreme exoplanets, witness the birth and death of stars, and explore the immense scale of galaxies and black holes.
Humanity’s Place in Science: Gain a deeper understanding of our place in the universe through smart, transportive entertainment.
A Full Week of Cosmic Discovery
Family Space Week continues beyond the Sunday kickoff event with:
Special Ticket Offers: A limited-time promotion offering 20% off admission throughout World Space Week.
Giveaways & Partnerships: Local radio giveaways, STEM-inspired social content, and community partnerships across participating cities.
“World Space Week is about celebrating the curiosity that space sparks in all of us. We created Starstruck to inspire young people to ask big questions, get excited about science, and see themselves as part of the future of discovery.”
— Randall Smith, Astrophysicist at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
About Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience
Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience is a 3D interactive, virtual reality experience that begins at Earth’s observatories and launches visitors into the universe. Translating real data from SAO, NASA, and ESA, Starstruck brings Smithsonian science and storytelling into a transportive format, extending the Institution’s mission of sharing knowledge far beyond its physical museums.
Starstruck is part of Fever’s growing portfolio of original immersive experiences, designed to make extraordinary scientific discoveries accessible and tangible for everyone through a seamless blend of education, storytelling, and cutting-edge technology.
Deux Visages will be on tour this fall with The Linda Lindas. Photo: Enoch Chuang, used with permission.
Rising Rock Trio Deux Visages Announces Debut Album Call It Goodbye & Shares` New Single ‘Automatic’
Promising rock trio Deux Visages, comprising vocalist Daphney Hanono, guitarist Jack Chiu, and bassist Tony Jouvin, is stepping into a major new era. (another side, 2026)
Their emergence has been a whirlwind. Founded over a thread of DMs in high school, they quickly signed to Atlantic Records once word of their rampant and immersive live shows hit. Fast-forward through a series of breakthrough singles, an EP, support tours alongside Mannequin P*ssy, julie, and Wunderhorse, plus an uprooting from Miami to Philadelphia: the three have now perfected their chemistry and eclectic, earnest dream-pop rock that is singularly Deux Visages.
Call It Goodbye: A Visceral Coming-of-Age Story
The trio recently announced their debut full-length, and first with Pure Noise Records, titled Call It Goodbye. It will be out November 6.Pre-Order/Pre-Save here.
It’s Deux Visages’ coming-of-age story: a sophisticated yet visceral examination of the conflict between the past and the future. Each invigorating and powerful track bristles with the tension and emotions that come with youth and new experiences. On Call It Goodbye, the trio looks back at what’s been, while also confidently leaving that past behind.
Listen to ‘Automatic’
On their new single ‘Automatic,’ available now alongside an accompanying music video, Hanono reflects on an internal monologue of feeling “less than” and “predictable.”
“A lot of this track has to do with things crashing down around us with our first record deal. It was our early days as a band and touring, and we weren’t feeling worthy or ready to handle all of these major changes.”
— Daphney Hanono
Crafting the Sound
Deux Visages recorded Call It Goodbye in Miami with longtime friend Arquimides ‘Arkii’ Cala, who also recorded all of the band’s early material, including their very first single “Cheetah.”
Cala masterfully captures Deux Visages’ dreamy, soaring, feedback-soaked sound across the entire record:
“Always You” – The album’s euphoric leading single.
“Behind” – An immediate, hard-hitting track balancing vulnerability with explosive guitars and dynamic shifts.
“Call It Goodbye” – The title track closing out the record with a sense of frustration and urgency, confronting the inevitability of time slipping away.
Together, these songs depict the instability, uncertainty, and growing pains of youth while ultimately embracing change. Call It Goodbye is a record about asserting yourself amid uncertainty, and discovering that, with enough determination and self-belief, you can leave the past behind and move confidently toward whatever comes at you next.
On the Road
Deux Visages just wrapped up a North American run supporting Sweet Pill. Next month, they join The Linda Lindas as special guests on their East Coast run, performing in New York City, Philadelphia, Boston, and more.
Oct 02: Pittsburgh, PA – Mr. Smalls Theatre ~ Oct 04: Philadelphia, PA – Theatre of Living Arts ~ Oct 06: Boston, MA – Paradise Rock Club ~ Oct 07: New Haven, CT – Toad’s Place ~ Oct 08: Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Steel ~
‘If You Give a Mouse a Cookie’ opens Oct. 3 at Magik Theatre. Photo: Magik Theatre, used with permission.
Magik Theatre Kicks Off 2026–27 Season with If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
SAN ANTONIO, TX — Magik Theatre is opening its new season with a beloved treat that will have audiences of all ages laughing, smiling, and demanding more silliness. (Magik Theatre, 2026)
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie marks the official start of Magik’s 2026–27 season. The production opens on Saturday, October 3, with a sweet kickoff party and runs through October 25. Guests can savor Magik’s remarkable renovations, completed just this summer, while enjoying brand-new season ticket options that make it easy to save room for a full slate of acclaimed productions featuring “fun, fantastical friends.”
A Zany, Cause-and-Effect Adventure
Laura Numeroff’s If You Give a Mouse a Cookie has been charming generations since the picture book’s release in 1985. Adapted by Jodi Davidson, Magik’s version recounts the simple tale of a boy whose peaceful afternoon of cookies and comics is interrupted by a mouse whose simple request snowballs into a zany, physical comedy adventure.
“This production is fun, silly, and full of slapstick humor.”
— Pam Ramirez, Director
A professional clown whose resume includes Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey Circus, and studies at the world-renowned Dell’Arte School of Physical Theatre, Ramirez was the perfect choice to lead this production.
“I’m especially thrilled that our production will be filled with physical comedy… The endless funny bits brilliantly executed by Michael Roberts (Mouse) and Christopher Deuter (Boy) will make you giggle for 50 minutes straight.”
— Collin Pittmann, Artistic Director
While the story is famed for its repetition and circularity, Magik’s hour-long production is anything but boring. Ramirez and the company have created a comic book story-within-a-story packed with excitement, suspense, and non-stop energy.
Rejuvenating Magik, All Year Long
Guests who didn’t get a glimpse of Magik’s major renovation over the summer will find even more to love about the theatre. The multimillion-dollar effort includes:
Enhanced Accessibility & Safety: Quadrupled ADA-accessible seating, improved entry points, and upgraded security, electrical, and plumbing systems.
Modern Comforts: Brand-new theater seats, carpet, and HVAC systems.
Fresh New Look: Brightly painted upper and lower lobbies, with main exterior doors wrapped in colorful signage marking where the outside world ends and Magik begins.
What’s Next in the 2026–27 Lineup?
Joining Mouse and Boy later this season are the Grinch, Frog and Toad, Pinocchio, Charlotte the Spider, the Cat in the Hat, and many more beloved characters.
Musical Lovers Subscription: Enjoy all four season musicals: How the Grinch Stole Christmas, A Year with Frog and Toad, Pinocchio (a collaboration with OPERA San Antonio), and Seussical the Musical.
Full Season Pass: Secure seats to all four musicals plusIf You Give a Mouse a Cookie and Charlotte’s Web in Magik’s biggest season yet.
School & Educational Groups: Curriculum-connected student matinee performances run October 1–23. Contact the theatre directly to reserve your school’s spot.
Special Events & Add-On Experiences
🎈Opening Night “Party in the Park”
When: Saturday, Oct. 3 | Party at 3:30 p.m. • Show at 5:00 p.m.
Where: Hemisfair Park
Details: Celebrate the first performance with a free, cookie-filled party in partnership with Hemisfair. Enjoy a live DJ set, themed crafts, and special treats. Concessions will feature specially wrapped celebration cookies available for purchase throughout the run.
(Note: The party is free to the public; show admission requires a ticket.)
🎟️️ Backstage Experience Add-On
Cost: $20 per person (Available after every performance, excluding special event nights)
Includes:
Onstage meet-and-greet and photo opportunities with the cast.
A 15-minute guided behind-the-scenes tour of the set, props, and rehearsal space led by Magik Theatre staff.
A sweet treat to cap off the experience.
🎂Birthday Parties at Magik
Cost: $160
Includes: Main stage show admission, a complimentary birthday ticket, ribbon, lobby signage, a merch gift, a specialty drink or popcorn, and a personal cast shoutout during the post-show Q&A. Email theatre to book.
Special Access Performances
Educator Appreciation Day:Sunday, Oct. 4 at 3:00 p.m. – Educators and school administrators receive one free ticket with valid I.D., plus 20% off additional tickets for family and friends.
Pay-What-You-Wish:Sunday, Oct. 11 at 3:00 p.m. – Donation-based performance supporting theatre accessibility for all. Tickets are available at the door on show day.
Sensory-Friendly Performance:Saturday, Oct. 17 at 10:00 a.m. – Designed for individuals on the autism spectrum or with sensory sensitivities. Features a relaxed, judgment-free environment with adjusted lighting and sound.
ASL-Interpreted Performance:Saturday, Oct. 17 at 2:00 p.m. – Features Robert Cardoza, San Antonio’s primary American Sign Language theatre interpreter.
Plan Your Visit
Located in the heart of Hemisfair Park, families can catch a show, explore Yanaguana Garden, grab a bite at nearby restaurants, and make unforgettable memories.
(Note: Children under 2 occupying a seat or car/booster seat require a general admission ticket.)
About Magik Theatre
Established in 1994, Magik Theatre is a professional theatre for young audiences. Its mission is to create theatrical experiences that ignite imagination, spark curiosity, inspire empathy, and foster a lifetime love of learning in young people.
Battle Cabin is one of two movies being released in digital this September 29. Photo: Lionsgate, used with permission.
Digital Release Alert
Movie night just got an upgrade! Two action-packed thrillers are heading to digital platforms on September 29, 2026. Whether you are in the mood for a post-apocalyptic survival story or a high-stakes espionage chase, here is everything you need to know about this week’s biggest releases from Lionsgate. (EG PR, 2026)
In the wake of a massive global attack, the world has become a brutal, lawless landscape where electricity, government, and civility are distant memories. When Kellan is forced to venture outside his secure homestead to save his wife, he is met by a wave of murderous thieves with a connection to his past. His family’s survival now depends on a brilliant battle plan and an unlikely alliance with a hardened warrior.
Cast & Crew
Starring: Josh McKenzie, Delaney Tabron, Michael Hurst, Kali Kopae, Rama Marrow, Nell Fisher, Marshall Napier
Directed By: Aaron Falvey
Written By: Justin Eade
Technical Specs: Audio: English Dolby Digital 5.1 | Subtitles: English SDH, French, Latin American Spanish | CC: Yes
Where to Stream: Fandango at Home, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Play.
Kyrah (Kerry Washington) and Issac (Golden Globe nominee Omar Sy) were once the leaders of a multinational special forces group called Shadow Force. They broke the rules by falling in love, and in order to protect their son, they go underground. With a large bounty on their heads, and the vengeful Shadow Force hot on their trail, one family’s fight becomes an all-out war.
Cast & Crew
Starring: Kerry Washington, Omar Sy, Mark Strong, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Cliff “Method Man” Smith, Jahleel Kamara
Directed By: Joe Carnahan
Written By: Leon Chills and Joe Carnahan
Special Features
Shadow Force: Declassified — Audio Commentary with Writer-Director Joe Carnahan and Editor Kevin Hale
Making Shadow Force — Ain’t Nothing to F*** With
International Waters: The Locations Behind Shadow Force
Technical Specs: Format: 16×9 (2.39:1) Presentation in Dolby Vision | Audio: English Dolby Atmos, English Descriptive Audio, French 5.1 Dolby Audio | Subtitles: Spanish, English, English SDH, French | CC: No
Where to Stream: Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Google Play, Fandango, Apple TV
‘Eight Legs of Thunder’ is the newest single from the forthcoming album. Photo: Sylwia Makris & Christian Martin Weiss, used with permission.
Amon Amarth Unleashes “Eight Legs of Thunder” and Announces New Album The Allfather Awakens
Swedish melodic death metal titans Amon Amarth are back with a vengeance. Their steamrolling new anthem, “Eight Legs of Thunder,” is a heavy, galloping charge inspired by Sleipnir – the legendary eight-legged steed of Oden. (another side, 2026)
Driven by a powerful, sing-along chorus and blistering riffs, the track plunges headfirst into Norse mythology. Meanwhile, the accompanying music video takes a surreal detour, transporting the tale into a gritty, modern American Western filled with cowboys, pickup trucks, open roads, and an appearance by the mythical steed itself.
“With ‘Eight Legs Of Thunder’, together with the band, we wanted to break the traditional metal music video mold once again. We fused the raw, dusty vibe of a modern western with the epic, dark mythology of Oden’s eight-legged steed. It’s a high-octane, cinematic ride packed with cowboy tension, raw action, and a touch of dark humor.” — Director Dariusz Szermanowicz
The Allfather Awakens: What to Expect
“Eight Legs of Thunder” serves as the final preview ahead of the band’s forthcoming album, The Allfather Awakens, dropping October 2 via Metal Blade Records. Pre-Order/Pre-Save here.
The Sound: For this ten-song masterwork, the band took a fresh approach. Written during touring sessions rather than after coming off the road, each track was treated as a distinct single. Sonically, they stepped away from modern 5150 amps and returned to classic Marshalls for a slightly grittier edge.
The Concept: While Oden, the Norse deity of war, wisdom, death, magic, and poetry, remains the central through-line, the band notes this is not a strict concept album. Instead, it’s a collection of historically inspired epic tales detailing conflict and sacrifice.
The Journey: The new record follows previous releases like the acoustic excursion “Upphaf” and the furious fan-favorite “Gjallarhorn.”
This autumn, the new album will come to life on stage as Amon Amarth unveils a brand-new production inspired by Oden’s legendary Golden Hall, transforming their UK and European tour dates into a living extension of the record.
Three Decades of Conquering the Metal World
Over 30 years since their formation in Tumba, Sweden, in 1992, Amon Amarth continues to operate as a tightly knit unit. Frontman Johan Hegg’s lyrics on the new track “We Rule The Waves”perfectly sum up their relentless momentum:
“From cradle until the grave / As long as the sun sets in the west / We rule the waves / Our restless hearts / Have brought us far…”
From massive North American takeovers at The Forum (Los Angeles) and Red Rocks (Denver) to headlining major festival stages across the globe, including Germany’s Wacken Open Air (where they played to 85,000 fans in 2024), Bloodstock, Download, and Summer Breeze, their legacy speaks for itself.
Amon Amarth’s Cultural Influence
When talking about Amon Amarth’s cultural footprint, you cannot overlook The Row.
Consensus points directly to a 2009 Amon Amarth set at the UK’s Bloodstock festival as the birthplace of the legendary audience tradition, where fans sit on the ground and mimic rowing an invisible longship in unison. The trend became so massive that the band officially honored it with their 2022 anthem “Put Your Back into the Oar.”
Today, the phenomenon has expanded far beyond metal shows, appearing at concerts across genres and even catching on with global sports crowds, including audiences at the 2026 World Cup.
Agata Trzebuchowska’s SICK will have its world premiere at this year’s Fantastic Fest in Austin. Photo: Maciej Edelman, used with permission.
Fantastic Fest is back at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar in Austin, Texas, running from September 17th–24th. As the U.S.’s largest genre film festival, it brings eight action-packed days of premieres, wild events, and special guests celebrating horror, sci-fi, fantasy, and independent cinema. (Fantastic Fest/Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar, 2026)
This year’s lineup features 35 world premieres, 21 international and North American premieres, and 14 U.S. premieres. Highlights include opening night gala screenings of Resident Evil and Lionsgate’s Beware Boiúna, the closing night world premiere of The Swallow, Mike Flanagan debuting his Carrie series, and independent titles like Death of a Yellow Bird and I Have Proof!. Full film guide here.
Venue Information Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar 1120 South Lamar Blvd. Austin, TX 78704
Two standout indie titles screening this week offer a deep dive into psychological dread and absurdist horror. (EG PR, 2026)
SICK (World Premiere)
Genre: Drama / Horror
Runtime: 90 minutes (In Polish with English subtitles)
Country: Poland
Directed & Written by: Agata Trzebuchowska
Starring: Konrad Kąkol, Katarzyna Łubik, Monika Niemczyk, Julian Świeżewski, and Eliza Rycembel
Official Screenings
World Premiere: Friday, Sept 18 at 5:30 PM (Theater 6)
During the summer holidays, 16-year-old Maks and his 19-year-old sister Emma are sent to the Polish countryside to care for their ailing grandmother. Trapped in the heavy, stifling isolation of the summer heat, their sibling bond begins to shift into something unsettling and difficult to define. As tensions rise, their grandmother’s frail presence takes on a disturbing quality, turning an idyllic summer into a haunting passage into adulthood.
About the Filmmaker
Agata Trzebuchowska first gained international recognition starring in Paweł Pawlikowski’s Oscar-winning film Ida. Following her short film debuts Heat and Vacancy, Sick marks her anticipated feature-length directorial debut.
LITTERMATES (Drafthouse Exclusive)
Genre: Absurdist Horror
Runtime: 88 minutes
Country: USA
Written & Directed by: Scott Tinkham and Michael Woloson
Starring: Joey Bader, Oliver Woolf, and Kaylee McGregor
Theatrical Release Date: November 6, 2026
Official Screening
Screening: Sunday, September 20 at 2:00 PM (Theater 9)
Plot Overview
Set against the backdrop of a mysterious war, Littermates follows two disoriented survivors, Liam (Joey Bader) and Mel (Kaylee McGregor), who arrive bloodied and speechless at an isolated English countryside cottage. Taken in by an enigmatic caretaker named Chester (Oliver Woolf), they spend their days relearning basic tasks and earning “nifties” for good behavior. While Liam settles into the structured routine, Mel grows increasingly drawn to the forbidden woods outside—testing the fragile order of their makeshift family.
About the Filmmakers
Scott Tinkham is a Minnesota-based writer and director whose work explores dark comedy and emotional sincerity. His short 24 Hours After Reading Tuesdays with Morrie premiered at SXSW 2025.
Michael Woloson is a Los Angeles-based writer, director, and cinematographer known for character-driven narratives focusing on memory and time. He served as cinematographer and producer on Tinkham’s SXSW short.
Chasing Abbey is redefining traditional Irish music for the electronic era. Photo: Chasing Abbey
Meet Chasing Abbey: The Electro-Celt Trio Revolutionizing Irish Music
Chasing Abbey is an independent electro-Celtic trio from Tullamore, Ireland made up of multi-instrumentalists, producers, and vocalists Ronan Bell, Jonathan Byrne, and Ted Conway. By seamlessly blending traditional Irish instrumentation and Gaeilge with high-energy electronic, dance, and rock influences, the band has built a massive worldwide following anchored by their distinctive sound and acclaimed live shows. (Chasing Abbey, 2026)
Their music dives deep into themes of identity, heritage, and social justice, pushing Irish tradition firmly into the future.
Key Milestones & Journey
2016: Chasing Abbey officially forms in Tullamore, Ireland.
2017: The trio breaks out with their debut single, “That Good Thing,” earning them a record deal with 3 Beat UK and Universal Music Group.
2019: Their follow-up EP, The Oddessy Project, lands at #1 on the Irish Music Charts.
2023: On the back of their hit single “Oh My Johnny,” the group inks a major deal with Warner and powerhouse dance label Spinnin’ Records.
What’s Next: CYBER CELT and World Tour
Mark your calendars: Chasing Abbey will release their genre-defying debut album, CYBER CELT, on September 18, 2026. Pre-order here.
The release will be paired with an extensive world tour, including a newly announced 22-date run across North America kicking off in spring 2027.
