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Dead Giveaway: The Hilarious Horror Premiere Lighting Up the Philadelphia Film Festival

Mikaela Hoover and Ruby Modine in Dead Giveaway. Photo: VP Independent, used with permission.

🎬 Philadelphia Film Festival 2025: Celebrating the Best in Global Cinema

Every October, the Philadelphia Film Festival transforms the city into a global stage for cinematic storytelling — welcoming tens of thousands of film lovers, emerging talents, and celebrated filmmakers for an electrifying 11-day experience. (Philadelphia Film Society, 2025)

Curated by the Philadelphia Film Society’s expert programming team, who travel the world from Sundance to Cannes, Berlin to Toronto, the Festival delivers a handpicked lineup of the year’s most talked-about, award-winning, and visionary films. From bold debuts to international sensations, every screening is a chance to discover the next big thing in film.

This year’s Festival runs October 16–26, 2025, featuring 11 days of world-class cinema, exclusive events, and celebrations that bring the city’s film community together.

🌟 Spotlight Feature: Dead Giveaway

World Premiere | Section: Filmadelphia

One of the most anticipated screenings of the Festival is Ian Kimble’s Dead Giveaway, a wickedly funny horror-comedy making its world premiere right here in Philadelphia. (Emma Griffiths PR, 2025)

Film Details

Feature Film (USA)
Genre: Horror Comedy
Runtime: 87 minutes
Year: 2025

Written and Directed by: Ian Kimble
Producers: Suzann Toni, Andrew Vogel, Ian Kimble
Executive Producer: Hallee Adelman
Co-Producer: Amanda Frederick

Starring:

  • Ruby Modine (Silent Night, Deadly Night, Shameless)
  • Mikaela Hoover (Superman [2025])
  • Scout Taylor-Compton (Rob Zombie’s Halloween)

🩸 Synopsis

Jill (Ruby Modine) wakes up from a blackout night of drinking and partying to find herself covered in blood — and sharing her bed with a dead man. Hungry, hungover, horrified, and possibly a murderer, she scrambles to clean up before her roommate Sarah (Suzann Toni) notices.

When her best friend Lia (Mikaela Hoover) shows up, half-concerned, half-annoyed, she reluctantly agrees to help Jill figure out what happened, but only under one condition: they have to make it to brunch before 3 p.m.

What follows is a blood-soaked comedy of errors involving mistaken identities, suspicious visitors, and a very inconvenient corpse. Between hiding bodies, dodging questions, and keeping their mimosas on schedule, Jill and Lia stumble through a hangover-fueled nightmare where every fix only makes things worse.

With an endlessly creative script by Ian Kimble, Dead Giveaway delivers a sharp mix of horror and humor — and the irresistible chemistry between Ruby Modine and Mikaela Hoover keeps audiences laughing (and screaming) until the very end.

🎥 About the Filmmaker

Ian Kimble is a writer, producer, and director with a background in award-winning short films and independent features. Dead Giveaway marks his feature debut as writer, director, and producer — expanding on one of his original short films. With this project, Kimble cements his place as one of Philadelphia’s most exciting emerging filmmakers.

📅 Screening Schedule

Philadelphia Film Festival 2025 Official Screenings

World Premiere
📍 Friday, October 17 at 9:45 p.m.
Location: Film Society Center
1412 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102

Encore Screening
📍 Sunday, October 26 at 8:00 p.m.
Location: Film Society East
125 S. 2nd St., Philadelphia, PA 19106

Whether you’re a die-hard horror fan or just love a clever dark comedy, Dead Giveaway is a must-see at this year’s Philadelphia Film Festival, proof that the city’s film scene is as bold, fresh, and fearless as ever.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Going to Texas: Explore 500 Years of Maps and History in San Antonio

The Briscoe announces its fall exhibition: Going To Texas. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

Going to Texas: Five Centuries of Texas Maps at the Briscoe Western Art Museum

San Antonio, TX – This fall, the Briscoe Western Art Museum presents a rare opportunity to experience one of the most significant private map collections in the country. Going to Texas: Five Centuries of Texas Maps will be on view October 3, 2025 – January 19, 2026. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2025)

The exhibition showcases 66 original maps from the Yana and Marty Davis Map Collection (on loan from the Museum of the Big Bend at Sul Ross State University in Alpine). Spanning nearly 500 years, from 1525 to 2006, these maps trace Texas’ transformation from “New Spain” to colonial days, statehood, and beyond. To enrich the story, the exhibition also includes more than 24 works from the Briscoe’s permanent collection and select private loans.

Interactive Elements

The Briscoe is bringing history to life with hands-on activities for all ages:

  • Compass Challenge – Learn how to use a compass, then navigate through the museum with coordinates leading to artwork and artifacts.
  • Augmented Reality Sand Station – Shape the sand and watch contour lines, rivers, valleys, and hills appear in real time, showing how terrain influenced settlement and culture.

Special Programs & Events

Exclusive Preview Party

📍 Thursday, Oct. 2 | 6 – 8 p.m.
Be the first to explore the exhibition with Liz Jackson, President and CEO of the Briscoe, and Dr. John Klingemann, Director of the Museum of the Big Bend. Includes valet, drinks, and light bites.

  • $25 for members (select membership tiers include 2 tickets)
  • $45 for non-members

Opening Weekend Tours

📍 Friday, Oct. 3 | 2 p.m.
📍 Saturday, Oct. 4 | 2 p.m.
Guided tours with Dr. John Klingemann and historian Matt Walter. Free with admission; free for members.

Texas Trails and Whiskey Tales with Andrew Braunberg

📍 Sunday, Oct. 26 | 6 p.m.
Enjoy a whiskey tasting, signature cocktail in a keepsake glass, light bites, and a talk with author Andrew Braunberg about his book Fires, Floods, Explosions and Bloodshed: A History of Texas Whiskey.

Ongoing Programs & Family Fun

The Briscoe offers extended hours on Thursdays (10 a.m.–8 p.m.) and is open Friday–Monday (10 a.m.–5 p.m.). Children 12 and under always receive free admission.

  • Highlights Tour – Thursdays at 2 p.m. | 45-minute guided tour through the museum’s most significant works.
  • Locals Day – Free admission for San Antonio and Bexar County residents on the first Sunday of each month (Oct. 5, Nov. 2, Dec. 7, Jan. 4).
  • Full STEAM Ahead – Hands-on family activities blending science, technology, engineering, art, and math:
    • Finding Your Way – Sunday, Oct. 5 | 1–3 p.m.
    • Salt Maps – Sunday, Jan. 4 | 1–3 p.m.
  • Scout the Briscoe – Free scavenger hunt on Locals Day, plus a 10% museum store discount upon completion.

About the Exhibition

Going to Texas: Five Centuries of Texas Maps was organized by the Museum of the Big Bend at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas.

✨ With its rare collection, interactive experiences, and community programming, this exhibition is more than maps—it’s a journey through Texas history.

Ty Herndon & Ashley McBryde Breathe New Life into A Man Holdin’ On

The country music icons teamed up for a powerful take of the 1998 classic. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

✨ Country music fans are in for a treat — Ty Herndon has teamed up with Ashley McBryde to reimagine one of his most beloved hits, “A Man Holdin’ On (To a Woman Lettin’ Go).” The powerful duet bridges past and present, honoring Herndon’s legacy while showcasing McBryde’s fearless edge.

Ty Herndon and Ashley McBryde Reimagine Classic Hit “A Man Holdin’ On (To a Woman Lettin’ Go)”

NASHVILLE, TN — GRAMMY®-nominated country music icon Ty Herndon has joined forces with Ashley McBryde, Grand Ole Opry member and GRAMMY® Award-winning powerhouse, to reimagine his 1998 hit “A Man Holdin’ On (To a Woman Lettin’ Go).” (Aristo PR, 2025)

The haunting ballad of love, loss, and heartbreak is the second single from Herndon’s upcoming double album, THIRTY—a landmark project celebrating his three decades in country music. The album will be released in two volumes, with Volume One arriving this fall and featuring reimagined versions of Herndon’s greatest hits, each performed as collaborations with some of the genre’s most dynamic voices.

A Classic Reborn

Originally penned by Gene Dobbins, John Ramey, and Bobby Taylor, “A Man Holdin’ On” became one of Herndon’s signature songs in the late ’90s. With McBryde’s raw vocal edge paired with Herndon’s heartfelt delivery, the new rendition digs even deeper into the song’s emotional core—capturing the pain, poetry, and power of letting go.

“This song has always been one of the most emotional songs in my catalog,” said Herndon. “To revisit it with someone as fearless and gifted as Ashley was both humbling and electric. We didn’t just sing the song — we lived it.”

A New Chapter with Club44 Records

Released through Club44 Records, the track also marks Herndon’s next step in an exciting partnership with the Nashville-based label, known for championing bold vocalists and genre-defying artistry. The release is part of a newly announced three-album deal.

More than just an anniversary record, THIRTY is a declaration of endurance, artistry, and authenticity from one of country music’s most enduring voices.

About Ty Herndon

In 2025, Herndon will celebrate the 30th anniversary of his breakout single “What Mattered Most.” Between 1995 and 2002, he charted 17 singles, including three No. 1 hits, with fan favorites such as “I Want My Goodbye Back,” “Loved Too Much,” and “A Man Holdin’ On.”

Herndon has also broken barriers in country music. In 2015, he made history as the first major male country artist to publicly come out as gay. His artistry continued to evolve with albums like Journey On and Right About Now. His 2022 album JACOB produced the No. 1 independent country hit “Dents on a Chevy” with Terri Clark, which spent seven weeks at the top of the charts.

About Ashley McBryde

Ashley McBryde is a GRAMMY, CMA, and ACM award-winning artist celebrated for her unapologetic, raw country sound. Her 2018 debut album Girl Going Nowhere earned a GRAMMY nomination for Best Country Album, while her collaboration with Carly Pearce on “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” won a GRAMMY and CMA Award for Musical Event of the Year.

Currently, McBryde is on tour supporting her latest album The Devil I Know, with sold-out shows across the UK and North America.

Dynamic Guitar Duo: Keel & Stickley’s Self-Titled EP Drops September 5

Two master guitarists with distinct, complementary personalities join together for bold music full of depth, energy, and inspiration. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Larry Keel & Jon Stickley Release Debut Duo EP

ASHEVILLE, NC — Larry Keel and Jon Stickley have long been recognized as two of the finest flatpicking guitarists of this generation. Now, they’ve joined forces to celebrate the pure joy of acoustic guitar music with their new duo project. Their chemistry is undeniable—effortlessly weaving rhythm and lead, creating an intimate conversation between two guitars and two voices, while maintaining their own distinct musical personalities. (Dreamspider Publicity, 2025)

Their self-titled debut EP, Larry Keel and Jon Stickley, will be independently released on September 5. Pre-save/Pre-order here.

A Duo Years in the Making

“I’ve wanted this project to happen for so long!” Keel says. “Jon and I have been on many of the same bills all over the place for so many years, teaming up in jams, sit-ins, and campfire pickings, and yet we’ve never gotten our fill of playing together as guitar players—which we both seem to crave. So, now we’ve put this guitar duo act in motion, playing shows and making a record, and it feels great getting to scratch that itch.”

About the EP

The five-track collection blends lyrical songwriting with adventurous instrumentals:

  • “Future Ghost” – A shredding, dynamic instrumental that highlights the duo’s contrasting styles. Stickley describes the interplay as “very freeing and exhilarating.”
  • “Sailor Suit” – A cover of Steve McMurry’s 1990s Acoustic Syndicate tune, with Stickley on lead vocals.
  • “Pioneers” – Written by Keel during a 1990s tour along the Oregon Trail, this track reflects on the journeys of early settlers in the American West.
  • “Take the Air” – A Stickley original, inspired by David Grisman and Tony Rice, written in 7/4 time during the pandemic as a meditative, uplifting riff.
  • “Starborn” – Classic Keel: upbeat yet tinged with melancholy, closing with a spacey outro that serves as a tribute to a released soul.

Together, these songs push the boundaries of two-guitar arrangements, resulting in a progressive and compelling acoustic collection.

“Pioneers” is out as an early single. Stream/buy here.

Festival Favorites

Keel and Stickley are no strangers to the stage. Both have been staples on the bluegrass, Americana, and jam band circuits for years, sharing late-night jams and festival stages at Strings and Sol, Jam Cruise, DelFest, Hulaween, Suwannee Spring Reunion, Roots Revival, Hoxeyville, The Bender Jamboree, WinterWonderGrass, and Billy Strings’ Renewal, among many others.

✨ The Keel Stickley Duo brings raw virtuosity, creative spirit, and late-night jam energy to every note. Their debut EP is just the beginning of an inspired new chapter in their musical journey.

Larry Keel and Jon Stickley track listing
1.) Future Ghost (2:34)
2.) Sailor Suit (4:07)
3.) Pioneers (3:24)
4.) Take the Air (2:56)
5.) Starborn (4:03)

Produced by Larry Keel and Jon Stickley
Recorded/Engineered by James McLaughlin
Mastered by Crystal Mastering
Artwork/Design by Luther Blevins

From Festival Favorite to VOD: The Compatriots Launches Nationwide This September

The heartfelt comedy will be released digitally starting in the US and Canada on September 16. Photo: Blue Harbor Entertainment, used with permission.

The Compatriots Brings Heartfelt Humor and Immigration Stories to VOD This September

Release Date: September 16, 2025 (U.S. & Canada)
Platform: VOD Nationwide (with international releases to follow)

Blue Harbor Entertainment has announced that its award-winning festival favorite The Compatriots will be available on Video on Demand across the U.S. and Canada beginning September 16, 2025. Additional VOD releases in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and other territories are coming soon. (EG-PR, 2025)

The film’s release aligns with Citizen Day in the United States (Sept. 17), making its themes of immigration, identity, and belonging especially timely.

A Story of Friendship, Belonging, and Resilience

Marking the narrative feature directorial debut of Spencer Cohen, The Compatriots is a nuanced comedy-drama starring Rafael Silva (Javi) and Denis Shepherd (Hunter), alongside Dakota Lustic, Caroline Portu, Jaison Hunter, and Brandon Grimes.

The story follows Javi, an undocumented immigrant facing deportation, who unexpectedly reconnects with his estranged best friend Hunter, a charming bachelor yearning for deeper connections. Together, they embark on a heartfelt mission to keep Javi in the only country he has ever known.

Inspired by Cohen’s childhood best friend Alberto Sayan, a Dreamer from Peru, the film offers an intimate look at the challenges faced by undocumented immigrants—especially those brought to the U.S. as children and now facing deportation to countries they barely remember.

Festival Accolades

Since its premiere, The Compatriots has made an impressive run on the festival circuit, earning:

  • Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature – Woods Hole Film Festival
  • Emerging New England Filmmaker Award – Woods Hole Film Festival
  • Best LGBTQ Feature – Poppy Jasper Film Festival
  • Best Narrative Feature – San Antonio Film Festival

It has also been featured at the Maui, Ojai, Chelsea, and Fort Lauderdale Film Festivals.

Director’s Statement

“Dreamers are not an abstract concept; they are our neighbors, nurses, teachers—and in my case, my best friend Alberto,” says director Spencer Cohen. “They are integral parts of our communities, and they deserve to feel safe in the country they call home. I hope audiences will see Javi as their best friend and fight for policies that give permanent protection to millions like him.”

About Blue Harbor Entertainment

Founded in 2023 by Amanda Sherwin, Mike Messina, and Seth Needle, Blue Harbor Entertainment is a boutique distributor dedicated to empowering independent filmmakers. With decades of combined industry experience, the company offers full-scale distribution and marketing solutions for theatrical, digital, and television releases—providing a flexible, filmmaker-first approach in today’s evolving entertainment landscape.

Release Date Reminder: The Compatriots premieres on VOD September 16, 2025, in the U.S. and Canada.

Photo: Blue Harbor Entertainment, used with permission.

Gianmarco Soresi’s ‘Drama King’ Tour Hits San Antonio This September

Comedian Gianmarco Soresi brings his comedy tour to the Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club. Photo: Jim Cambridge, used with permission.

Gianmarco Soresi Brings His “Drama King” Tour to San Antonio

📅 September 12–14, 2025
📍 Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club – San Antonio, TX

Comedy fans in San Antonio, get ready—Gianmarco Soresi, the quick-witted comedian, actor, and viral social media sensation, is bringing his Drama King Tour to the Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club for three nights of sharp, high-energy stand-up. (Shark Party Media, 2025)

A Comedian on the Rise

Fresh off being named one of Vulture’s “Comedians You Should and Will Know” and Deadline’s “Comedians Ready to Break Out in 2025,” Soresi is making waves in the comedy world. He recently hit 1 million YouTube subscribers and taped his first hour-long comedy special at Los Angeles’ Elysian Theater—release details coming later this year.

The Gianmarco Style

Known for his razor-sharp societal observations and animated, upbeat-yet-dark comedic style, Soresi has earned praise from NPR, Esquire, The Atlantic, Buzzfeed, ABC News, and more. He’s performed on The Late Late Show with James Corden, Comedy Central, Don’t Tell Comedy, and even The Real Housewives of New York.

His acting credits include Billy Crystal’s Here Today, Netflix’s Bonding, Hustlers, and The Last OG. In 2022, he was selected as a JFL New Face, cementing his spot as one of comedy’s must-watch performers.

Beyond the Stage

When he’s not touring, Soresi keeps busy in NYC with:

  • The Silver Lining – his recurring new-material showcase with guest comics
  • The Downside with Gianmarco Soresi – a live podcast with co-host Russell Daniels and special guests
  • A set on Netflix’s Verified Stand-Up

🎟 Show Details

Venue: Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club
📍 618 Northwest Loop 410 #312, San Antonio, TX 78216

Dates & Times:

  • Sept 12: 7:30p.m. & 9:45p.m.
  • Sept 13: 7p.m. & 9:30p.m.
  • Sept 14: 7:30p.m.

Tickets: Get them here

If you like comedy that’s fast, fearless, and a little bit dark, you won’t want to miss Gianmarco Soresi live in San Antonio.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Hannah Delynn’s Trust Fall: A Vulnerable and Soulful Debut Album

Finding freedom through vulnerability, Delynn writes heartfelt songs of hope and healing. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Hannah Delynn Releases Debut Album Trust Fall — Out September 5

NASHVILLE — Nashville-based vocalist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Hannah Delynn will independently release her debut full-length album, Trust Fall, on September 5. Known for her ability to view life through many perspectives, Hannah crafts songs that are emotionally engaging, compelling, and rooted in vulnerability. (Dreamspider Publicity, 2025)

This record is a heartfelt exploration of self-responsibility and the tangled web of emotions that come with it—a journey toward finding freedom by embracing one’s true self.

“I write about matters of the heart and hope my words and songs bring you hope and healing and connect you with the beauty that is all around us—even when it feels difficult to see.” — Hannah Delynn

A Spotlight on “Jealousy”

Hannah recently released “Jealousy,” the album’s third single, which premiered on The Bluegrass Situation. They described it as “anchored by emotive piano, exploring the depths and catacombs of often squashed emotions.”

The track leans toward a raw, almost pop sound, offering complete vulnerability by shining a light on a difficult emotion.

“Instead of being a shameful thing, jealousy can be an insight into what one really wants by seeing others as mirrors to oneself.” — Hannah Delynn

A Journey Across Continents

Originally from Florida, Hannah’s path to Nashville in 2013 took her through New Zealand, British Columbia, and Australia, collecting life stories along the way. Many of these experiences now live in the songs of Trust Fall, which reflects a season of profound grief, loss, betrayal, heartbreak, but also love, generosity, friendship, and beauty.

A Collaborative Creation

Produced by fellow songwriter Maya de Vitry, who also provides harmonies and performs on the record, Trust Fall features a talented cast of Nashville musicians:

  • Alex Wilder — harmony vocals, piano/Wurlitzer
  • Ethan Jodziewicz — arco and ukulele bass
  • John Mailander — fiddle, electronics
  • Jordan Tice — guitar
  • Annaliese Kowert — violins
  • Lizzy Ross — harmony vocals

The Songs of Trust Fall

The album features 11 original tracks by Hannah Delynn, with notable co-writes:

  • With Maya de Vitry: “Leaf on a River,” “Blood Alone,” “No Small Thing,” and string arrangements on “For the Record”
  • With Josh Rennie-Hynes: “For the Record”
  • With Clare Reynolds: “Jealousy”
  • Chordal arrangements for “Waiting” by Emily Mann

Trust Fall will be available September 5 on all major streaming platforms. It’s available for pre-order on Bandcamp.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.
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Western Swing Royalty: Asleep at the Wheel Drops Star-Studded Title Track

‘Riding High In Texas’ is the newest single from their forthcoming album. Photo: Bismeaux Records/Signature Sounds Recordings, used with permission.

Asleep at the Wheel Releases New Single “Riding High In Texas” Ahead of Forthcoming Album

Austin, TX — In celebration of their 50+ years as a cornerstone of Texas music, legendary Western swing band Asleep at the Wheel has released the title track of their new album, Riding High In Texas, out August 22 via Bismeaux Records and Signature Sounds Recordings. (IV-PR, 2025)

The track, “Riding High In Texas,” was originally written by bluegrass great Peter Rowan and first appeared on his 1980 LP Medicine Trail. This new version features Ian Stewart—the band’s newest member—on lead vocals, delivering a quick, twangy take on the song.

In a nod to Rowan’s bluegrass roots, bandleader Ray Benson invited modern-day guitar phenom Billy Strings to lend his virtuosic picking to the track.

“Love everything about this song,” says Benson. “It also made for a great title for the record. Ian can yodel, and having Billy Strings play guitar on it… took it to a whole new level.”

The song’s hook—
“Let’s go riding high in Texas in my mind / Said sometimes I feel I gotta leave this crazy world behind”—
rings out with the band’s signature harmonies, pedal steel, and fiddles, all elevated by Strings’ unmistakable flatpicking.

Holler. premiered the track and its accompanying music video, calling it an “effortlessly cool road anthem with their signature pedal steel and fiddle licks.”

The video features Stewart on horseback, singing through the streets of Austin. Intercut with footage of saddle bronc riders and full-band performances at Dallas’ Longhorn Ballroom and Benson’s Austin studio, the video captures the Lone Star spirit that defines the band’s sound and this record.

🎵 Hear previously released singles “Texas In My Soul” and “Texas.”
📦 Pre-order or pre-save the full album Riding High In Texas.

🎉 Coming Up: Hall of Fame Induction

On August 9, Asleep at the Wheel will be officially inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame.

Riding High In Texas tracklist:
Riding High In Texas
Texas In My Soul
Long Tall Texan
Texas
Texas Cookin’
Lonesome Pine Special
T for Texas (Blue Yodel #1)
All My Exes (Live in Texas)
There’s Still a Lot of Love in San Antone
Beaumont Rag

Catch Asleep At The Wheel On Tour

August
Wednesday, August 6 – Sellersville, PA – Sellersville Theater
Thursday, August 7 – Vienna, VA – Filene Center (with Lyle Lovett)
Saturday, August 9 – Carthage, TX – Texas Country Music Hall of Fame
Wednesday, August 13 – Homer, NY – Center for the Arts of Homer
Thursday, August 14 – Norwalk, CT – District Music Hall
Friday, August 15 – Newton, NJ – Newton Theatre
Saturday, August 16 – Peekskill, NY – Paramount Hudson Valley
Sunday, August 17 – New York, NY – City Winery New York City
Tuesday, August 19 – Kent, OH – Kent Stage
Wednesday, August 20 – Ann Arbor, MI – The Ark

25 Years of Chaos: Slipknot Reissues Debut Album with Rare Tracks & Live Cuts

Slipknot (25th Anniversary Edition). Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Slipknot Celebrates 25 Years with Explosive Anniversary Reissue of Their Debut Album

Slipknot is marking a major milestone in their storied legacy with the 25th Anniversary Edition of their groundbreaking, self-titled debut album — a record that reshaped the heavy metal landscape and launched the Iowa nine into the stratosphere. (another side, 2025)

Originally released on June 29, 1999, Slipknot was a sonic Molotov cocktail that exploded onto the scene with raw energy, brutal precision, and an uncompromising creative vision. Produced by the legendary Ross Robinson, the album went double platinum, earning critical acclaim and cementing its place as a metal classic. Now, 25 years later, the band is revisiting the chaos and creativity of that moment with a deluxe reissue that reveals how it all came to be.

Deluxe Edition Details

Slipknot (25th Anniversary Edition) will be released on September 5, 2025, via Roadrunner Records and will be available across digital platforms and physical formats.

Pre-order formats include:

  • A 6LP box set on blood-splattered vinyl (limited to 1,899 copies)
  • 2LP and 2CD editions
  • Full digital release across streaming services

The 6LP set includes the original album, plus never-before-heard recordings, alternate versions, and unreleased takes sourced from SR Audio, Indigo Ranch, and more. These rare tracks provide a glimpse into the creative process behind the debut—charting the band’s evolution from raw brutality to refined chaos.

In a nod to the fans who’ve been with them since the beginning, the band also released an ultra-limited blood-filled vinyl version via their secret website — limited to just 100 copies, which sold out instantly and even crashed the site.

Exclusive Live Recordings & Rare Demos

The anniversary edition includes live recordings from Slipknot’s first world tour in 1999–2000. One set captures their unfiltered power on a small stage in Hartford, CT, while another from the UK shows them commanding a festival mainstage with explosive force. These performances have been remixed and mastered from original soundboard tapes and handpicked by the band to best reflect their primal early era.

Fans will also get access to a previously unreleased demo of “Prosthetics,” recorded before entering the studio with Ross Robinson. This early version reveals the seeds of what would become one of the album’s most haunting tracks.

A Legacy of Innovation

Guitarist Jim Root reflects:

“We loved what we did with the first record but we didn’t even know if there was gonna be anything after that. We just wanted people to hear it… The dream scenario, in some ways, came true for us.”

That dream evolved into Knotfest, the band’s signature touring festival launched in 2012, and Knotfest.com, a thriving media platform amplifying new voices in the heavy music world. From genre-shattering albums to game-changing live performances, Slipknot has built a multi-generational fanbase that stretches across borders and decades.

Founding member Shawn “Clown” Crahan adds:

“Every time I’ve walked on stage, it’s never been about how many people have been there because my culture, the maggots, always show up.”

The 25th Anniversary Is for the Maggots

This anniversary is more than just a reissue—it’s a thank you to the fans, the Maggots, who’ve carried the band for a quarter century. Slipknot is bringing the story full circle, revisiting where it all began while reminding us why they’ve remained one of the most influential bands of their generation.

Pre-order now and prepare to relive the chaos that started it all.

[Slipknot (25th Anniversary Edition) drops September 5, 2025.]

L-R: Box Set 6LP Packshot, 2LP Packshot. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Donella Drive Unleashes ‘Death Animation’ Ahead of Forthcoming Album Axon

Donella Drive shares new single from new album. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

🎤Donella Drive Drops New Single “Death Animation” Ahead of Axon Release

San Antonio, TX — San Antonio’s own Donella Drive recently released a brand new single, “Death Animation,” from their highly anticipated forthcoming album Axon, set to drop on August 22, 2025. (US/THEM Group, 2025)

🎧 Listen to “Death Animation” now
🎸 Premiere via Punk News

The latest track follows the band’s lead single, “Mindless Embryonic,” which debuted via Decibel Magazine earlier this year.

🎧 Listen to “Mindless Embryonic”
📢 Decibel Magazine premiere

Donella Drive: Breaking Boundaries Since 2012

Blending elements of alternative metal, post-hardcore, and progressive rock, Donella Drive continues to defy genre labels with their ambitious sound. The core duo — Aidan Escalante (lead vocals/guitar) and Andrew Salazar (bass/backing vocals) — founded the band in 2012 with a vision of pushing rock music into unexplored territory.

Their 2015 debut album, Anomalous, led to national tours supporting legendary acts like Megadeth, Deftones, and Scorpions, as well as modern favorites like Protest The Hero, Dead Poet Society, and Hail the Sun. A pivotal moment came when Escalante took over lead vocals, culminating in the 2020 release of Bloomer.

Now, with their EP Ozell out and their full-length Axon on the horizon, Donella Drive shows no signs of slowing down.

Charting Success and Major Milestones

  • “Keep You Waiting” peaked at #24 on the Billboard Rock Indicator chart
  • Reached #10 on The Foundations Chart
  • Finalist for The Battle For Wacken Festival
  • Performed live at The Viper Room, West Hollywood (2022)

Upcoming Album: Axon

🗓️ Release Date: August 22, 2025
🛒 Pre-order Now

Donella Drive Live: 2025 Tour Dates

  • 08/15 — San Antonio, TX @ The Rock Box
  • 08/16 — Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall

Stay connected with Donella Drive as they continue to redefine the boundaries of modern rock.

Axon tracklist:

01. My Name is Axon

02. Simian Transmission

03. Mindless Embryonic

04. Terlingua

05. Stir the Echoes

06. External Gazer

07. Past Inside The Present

08. Polychromatic Dream

09. Death Animation

10. Information Superhighway