Tag: Rock

Victoria Cardona’s Que Pasó: Chart-Topping Album Meets Live-Looping Mastery

Victoria Cardona releases a solo video series performing songs from her debut album Que Pasó. Photo: Dreamspider Publicity, used with permission.

Artist Spotlight: Victoria Cardona is Redefining the One-Woman Band

West Palm Beach, Fla. — Based out of South Florida, Victoria Cardona is a Cuban American singer/songwriter, guitarist, and multi-instrumentalist who is rapidly turning heads in the music world. (Dreamspider Publicity, 2026)

Her live looping performances are a true sonic and visual experience, taking the audience on a ride through the mind of a spontaneous improvisationalist. With the aid of the Boss RC-600 loop pedal, Victoria masterfully stacks intricate layers of guitar, bass, percussion, and vocal harmonies. The result? A rich, massive backdrop for her smokey alto vocals and ripping lead guitar solos.

The Critical Success of Que Pasó

Victoria recently released her debut studio album, Que Pasó, to critical acclaim across Latin and world radio and media. The record has put up some seriously impressive numbers on the charts:

  • #1 on The Roots Music Report’s Top 50 World Album Chart (holding the top spot for three consecutive weeks).
  • Top 20 on the NCAA (North American College and Community) Radio Chart for 20 weeks, peaking at #10.
  • Currently Climbing: The album is now making fresh waves on Americana and Triple A radio.

Que Pasó Fast Facts

FeatureDetails
ProducerTim Goodman (Founding member of Southern Pacific)
Tracklist8 original tracks + 3 creative covers
The SoundA blend of Cuban rhythms, jazz, rock, and world influences

The album features a powerhouse lineup of legendary guest musicians, including Jimmy Haslip on bass, Jimmy Branley on drums, Justo Almario on horns, Bill Payne on piano, Francisco Torres on trombone, and Tim Goodman pulling multi-instrumental duty on organ, mandolin, guitar, marimbas, and synthesizer.

From Studio Elegance to Live Looping Mastery

While Que Pasó showcases Victoria’s music with the lush backing of a full studio band, she is best known for the raw energy of her live-looping solo performances.

To bridge these two worlds, Victoria recently filmed an exclusive solo performance showcasing the songs from Que Pasó at The Grange in Martha’s Vineyard.

What’s Next: She will be releasing a series of videos from this session across her social media platforms and YouTube. The series kicks off with her original song “Ghost” and will drop every other week.

It’s one thing to deliver a stellar studio record, but it’s another talent entirely to recreate that dynamic, full-band sound completely solo on stage.

Roots, Rhythm, and Global Influence

Victoria’s Cuban roots and deep familiarity with multicultural genres provide the driving inspiration for her music. She delivers a heavy rhythmic undertone fused seamlessly with jazz, blues, soul, Afro-Cuban, Afro-Caribbean, salsa, and rock ’n’ roll.

  • The Upbringing: Growing up in a traditional Cuban household, she was heavily influenced by legends like Celia Cruz, Buena Vista Social Club, and Gloria Estefan.
  • Modern Inspiration: Today, she closely resonates with culturally conscious contemporary acts like Bad Bunny and Peso Pluma.

After formally studying jazz guitar in Florida and Minnesota, Victoria developed her signature live-looping, one-woman-band project. International tours have already taken her across Europe, while her relentless performance schedule throughout the Southeast U.S. continues to sharpen her unique, boundary-pushing sound.

Follow Victoria Cardona on YouTube and social media to catch the bi-weekly Martha’s Vineyard video series!

Legendary Tony Rice 1977 Self-Titled Album to Be Reissued for 75th Birthday

Tony Rice’s 1977 self-titled album returns on vinyl and digital. Photo: Craft Recordings, used with permission.

Bluegrass Legend Tony Rice’s 1977 Masterpiece Returns for 75th Birthday Celebration

Los Angeles, CA — In celebration of what would have been influential bluegrass guitarist Tony Rice’s 75th birthday, Craft Recordings has announced the return of his seminal 1977 self-titled album. (Craft Recordings, 2026)

Out of print for more than 40 years, Tony Rice captured a pivotal shift in bluegrass toward a more expansive, ensemble-driven sound. Featuring a “who’s who” of bluegrass legends, the record remains a cornerstone of the “new acoustic” genre, seamlessly blending bluegrass standards with contemporary compositions.

The Definitive Reissue

For the first time in decades, fans can experience this foundational recording in its purest form.

  • Release Date: June 5
  • Format: Vinyl (featuring AAA mastering) and Digital (Standard/Hi-Res)
  • Audio Quality: Cut from the original tapes with all-analog (AAA) mastering by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio.
  • Packaging: A faithful replication of the original 1977 jacket design.
  • Listen Now: Rice’s take on the traditional folk ballad “Banks of the Ohio” is available to stream today.

Pre-save/Pre-order the album here

A Revolutionary Force in Bluegrass

Tony Rice (1951–2020) was more than just a guitarist; he was an innovative force who shaped the very sound of modern bluegrass.

Born in Virginia and raised in Los Angeles, Rice first rose to prominence in Louisville, KY, as the lead vocalist and guitarist for J.D. Crowe’s legendary group, The New South. In the mid-’70s, Rice returned to California to join the David Grisman Quintet, where he began incorporating jazz, classical, and other sophisticated styles into his playing.

The Birth of “New Acoustic”

Released during his tenure with Grisman, Tony Rice was the guitarist’s third studio album and his first for Rounder Records. It stands as a prime example of the “new acoustic” style—an improvisation-driven blend of bluegrass, jazz, and prog-rock played on wholly acoustic instrumentation.

The album features an incredible lineup of collaborators:

  • Larry Rice: Mandolin
  • J.D. Crowe: Banjo, Backup Vocals
  • Jerry Douglas: Dobro
  • David Grisman: Mandolin
  • Darol Anger: Fiddle
  • Todd Phillips: Bass
  • Richard Greene: Fiddle

Together, they artfully blend tradition with progression, moving from Bill Monroe’s “Big Mon” to contemporary compositions like Grisman’s “Rattlesnake.”

An Enduring Legacy

Rice’s influence cannot be overstated. Ricky Skaggs once hailed him as “the single most influential acoustic guitar player in the last 50 years.”

Over a four-decade career, Rice released over a dozen solo albums—including the acclaimed Church Street Blues (1983)—and over two dozen collaborative titles. A GRAMMY® Award winner and International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame inductee, Rice’s distinctive touch and harmonic complexity continue to influence generations of pickers worldwide.

Tony Rice Track Listing (Vinyl)

Side A:

  1. Banks of the Ohio
  2. Rattlesnake
  3. Mr. Engineer
  4. Plastic Banana
  5. Don’t Give Your Heart to a Rambler
  6. Farewell Blues

Side B:

  1. Way Downtown
  2. Stoney Creek
  3. Hills of Roane County
  4. Eighth of January
  5. Big Mon
  6. Temperance Reel

John Mailander’s Forecast Announces New EP ‘Little Wheel // Hope Looming’

John Mailander’s Forecast has unveiled its spellbinding adaptation of Buffy Sainte-Marie’s ‘Little Wheel Spin and Spin.’ Photo: Steph Heath with Smiling Eyes Media, used with permission.

New Music: John Mailander’s Forecast Announces New EP Little Wheel // Hope Looming

NASHVILLE — Acclaimed multi-instrumentalist John Mailander and his visionary collective, Forecast, have announced the independent release of their new 3-track EP, Little Wheel // Hope Looming, arriving May 8, 2026. (Dreamspider Publicity, 2026)

Following their 2025 full-length album Let The World In, this latest offering marks a poignant exploration of historical cycles, post-rock textures, and adventurous improvisation.

The Tracklist: A Study in Light and Dark

The EP clocks in at 13 minutes and 18 seconds, weaving together a potent mix of vocal urgency and instrumental atmosphere:

  1. “Little Wheel Spin And Spin” (Buffy Sainte-Marie cover)
  2. “Hope, Looming” (Original instrumental)
  3. “(turnstile)” (Ambient sample piece)

Breaking the Cycle: “Little Wheel Spin And Spin”

The EP opens with a timely rendition of Buffy Sainte-Marie’s 1966 classic, featuring guest Kristina Train on lead vocals. Recorded just days before the U.S. entered the conflict with Iran, the track serves as a chilling commentary on the “war machine.”

“It’s chilling to me how relevant these lyrics are today,” says Mailander. “I think our version, and Kristina’s delivery… is felt with a renewed urgency, anger, and resistance… We turned it into a jam vehicle for group improvisation.”

The B-Side: “Hope, Looming”

Inspired by post-rock giants like Godspeed You! Black Emperor and Sigur Ros, this instrumental piece explores the “grey areas” of emotion. It serves as a tonal counterweight to the opening track, a slow-building crescendo meant to signal a glimmer of hope on the horizon.

The Coda: “(turnstile)”

The project is tied together by an unsettling yet hopeful ambient piece, featuring a manipulated sample of a train station turnstile layered over synth improvisations.

Hope Looming EP Artwork

Meet The Forecast

Recorded live at Southern Ground Studio by Dan Davis, the ensemble features some of the finest players in the Nashville scene:

MusicianInstrument(s)
John MailanderFiddle, Piano, Electronics
Ethan JodziewiczUpright & Electric Bass
Chris LippincottPedal Steel Guitar, Wurlitzer
Dean MillerTenor Saxophone
Mark RaudabaughDrums, Percussion
Jake StargelAcoustic guitar

About John Mailander

Beyond leading Forecast, Mailander is a prolific collaborator and a current member of Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers.

A Berklee College of Music alumnus, his fiddle and multi-instrumental work have graced recordings by a “who’s who” of modern music, including:

  • Billy Strings (The Grammy-winning Home)
  • Noah Kahan
  • Dermot Kennedy
  • Lin-Manuel Miranda
  • Lucy Dacus

Moving to Nashville in 2015, Mailander formed Forecast to step outside the bounds of bluegrass and explore themes inspired by film scores and jazz-fusion greats like the Pat Metheny Group.

Little Wheel // Hope Looming is available on all major streaming platforms May 8, 2026.

Photo: Michael Weintrob, used with permission.

Danny Griego’s ‘Angelina’ Hits New Heights on Billboard & Mediabase AC Charts

Texas-based country artist adds another chart milestone to a catalog forged alongside outlaw legends. Photo: InPerpetuity Entertainment

Danny Griego’s “Angelina” Skyrockets: A New Milestone for the Outlaw Country Artist

Nashville, Tenn. — Country singer-songwriter Danny Griego is reaching new heights as his latest single, “Angelina,” climbs to No. 24 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary (AC) chart and No. 13 on the Mediabase AC chart. (Aristo PR, 2026)

The track, a captivating blend of Latin, Americana, and Griego’s signature outlaw country influences, is rapidly gaining momentum across the airwaves.

A Steady Climb to the Top

Recorded at the legendary Dark Horse Studios in Franklin, Tennessee, “Angelina” was co-written by Griego alongside Jerry Crutchfield and Mark Nessler. Since its AC chart debut on April 4, the track has seen a steady rise, fueled by heavy rotation on 28 Mediabase AC stations.

Key markets showing major support (with over 50 spins each) include:

  • Huntsville & Phoenix
  • Omaha & Tucson
  • Reno & Atlantic City
  • Nassau, Bridgeport, and Johnson City

This Top 25 placement adds to Griego’s impressive Billboard résumé, which already includes recognition as a Top 10 Billboard recording artist.

The Story Behind the Song

“Angelina” is more than just a chart-topper; it is a haunting, emotionally driven ballad that explores the ripple effects of heartbreak.

“‘Angelina’ is a song that’s always felt personal to me,” says Griego. “I’ve often wondered if Angelina would be the love of my life.”

The song tells the story of a woman shaped by the early loss of her father, a wound that leads her to build walls and move through relationships, leaving a trail of broken hearts in her wake to protect her own.

Music with a Mission: Freedom Horse Ranch

Beyond his musical achievements, Griego is deeply committed to service. He is the owner and operator of Freedom Horse Ranch, a 501(c)(3) organization in Weatherford, Texas.

The ranch is dedicated to helping:

  • Veterans & First Responders
  • Individuals with physical or cognitive challenges
  • Those seeking emotional recovery

Through therapeutic equine-assisted activities and outdoor experiences, the ranch provides a sanctuary for healing, confidence-building, and growth.

A Voice for Veterans

Griego’s advocacy for the military is a cornerstone of his career. He frequently performs at military bases and has released powerful tracks like “Lady Liberty” and “Twenty-Two” (a collaboration with K.P. Fitz highlighting the Veteran suicide epidemic).

About Danny Griego

Born in Arizona and based in Texas, Danny Griego’s sound is a rich tapestry of outlaw, cowboy, and Latin influences. His journey is one of incredible resilience: after surviving a lightning strike during his college years, he taught himself to fingerpick on his grandfather’s nylon-string guitar as part of his rehabilitation.

Notable Discography:

  • Destination (2007)
  • Cowboys, Outlaws & Border Town Dogs (2014)
  • 22 (2018)
  • “You Never Stop Loving Somebody” (2019)
  • “Angelina” (2024/2026)

With a full slate of touring and new music on the horizon, Danny Griego continues to prove why he is one of the most authentic voices in modern Americana.

Bill Scorzari Announces New Album ‘Sidereal Days (Day 2)’ and New Single

‘Open Door’ is the newest single from his new album Sidereal Days (Day 2). Photo: Neilson Hubbard, used with permission.

Related Post: Bill Scorzari’s Sidereal Days (Day 1) is a Soulful Journey Across Time and Truth

New Single Alert: Bill Scorzari Opens the Door to “Sidereal Days (Day 2)”

HUNTINGTON, NY — Singer-songwriter and recording artist Bill Scorzari has officially unveiled “Open Door,” the third track from his highly anticipated sixth studio album, Sidereal Days (Day 2). (Dreamspider Publicity, 2026)

Scheduled for a full release on September 25, 2026, the new single is available to stream now. “Open Door” is an upbeat, folky love song that leans into traditional acoustic instrumentation, featuring a warm vocal duet between Scorzari and Megan McCormick.

The Inspiration Behind “Open Door”

Grounded in a sense of innocence and simplicity, the lyrics for “Open Door” began forming as far back as the early spring of 2013. Scorzari’s writing process is famously observational; he draws from a mosaic of life experiences, including:

  • Overheard conversations and personal memories.
  • The tactile imagery of melting snow or a coiled telephone cord.
  • Dreams, news stories, and literature.

By weaving these disparate threads together, Scorzari creates a cohesive narrative that feels intimate yet universal.

Single Art. Courtesy photo.

Catch Up on the Singles

If you haven’t started your journey through Sidereal Days (Day 2) yet, two other singles are currently streaming:

  • “I Stayed” – A stunning love-lost ballad featuring Scorzari’s lead vocals and acoustic guitar, accompanied by Erin Rae on harmony and the legendary “Shoals Sisters” (Marie Lewey and Cindy Richardson Walker).
  • “That’s A Good Thing” – A tender Americana roots track. At just 3 minutes and 14 seconds, it serves as a light, upbeat counterpoint to the album’s longer, more atmospheric compositions.

Completing the “Sidereal Days” Duology

Sidereal Days (Day 2) serves as the second half of a massive double-album project. Its predecessor, Day 1 (released October 17, 2025), received significant critical acclaim:

“Bill Scorzari possesses an ‘amorous vulnerability’…” — Robert Christgau, Consumer Guide (Grade: A)

The album also earned the #11 spot on Tom Hull’s “Best Non-Jazz Albums of 2025.” Across the 11 tracks on Day 2, Scorzari continues his exploration of interconnectedness, often presenting his lyrics as a lived-in conversation with the listener.

Album Art. Courtesy photo.

The Studio Band

To bring this vision to life, Scorzari collaborated with an elite group of musicians:

  • Bill Scorzari: Lead/harmony vocals, guitars, mandolin, banjo
  • Brad Talley: Dobro
  • Chelsea McGough: Cello
  • The Shoals Sisters (Cindy Richardson Walker & Marie Lewey): Backing vocals
  • Danny Mitchell: Piano, Hammond B3, flugelhorn, trumpet
  • Eamon McLoughlin: Violin/fiddle
  • Erin Rae & Megan McCormick: Harmony vocals
  • Joshua Britt: Mandolin, mandola
  • Juan Solorzano: Electric/pedal steel/baritone guitars, ganjo
  • Michael Rinne: Upright and electric bass
  • Neilson Hubbard: Drums and percussion

Looking Ahead: Upcoming Releases

Four additional singles will be released in the lead-up to the September 25th album launch:

  1. “I Think It’s Gonna Rain” – A haunting, cinematic piece written during a Florida thunderstorm.
  2. “I Know You Know” – An upbeat traveling song exploring the deep intuition of long-term relationships.
  3. “Middle Class Middle Child” – The album’s longest track (6:30), blending semi-autobiographical sentiments with emotional storytelling.
  4. “Sandcastles Waiting” – A melody-driven track years in the making, finalized during the 2024 recording sessions.

Listen to the latest singles on all major streaming platforms today.

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Seth James Releases ‘Motormouth’: A New Era of Texas Soul and Blues

Seth James announces new album ‘Motormouth.’ Photo: Erin Valkner, used with permission.

Texas Soul Meets Nashville Groove: Seth James Drops New Album ‘Motormouth’

NASHVILLE, TN — The wait is over for fans of authentic, soul-infused roots music. Texas-bred guitarist and singer-songwriter Seth James has officially released his latest album Motormouth via Qualified Records. (Aristo PR, 2026)

Produced by multi-Grammy winner Kevin McKendree, the project features groove-driven songwriting, further solidifying James as a premier voice in the modern blues and roots circuit.

A Legacy of Lone Star Excellence

A veteran of the Texas music scene, James didn’t take shortcuts to success. He built his reputation through years of sweat and strings in roadhouses, blues clubs, and major festival stages. While his sound pays homage to legends like Delbert McClinton, James’ disciplined songwriting and distinct voice have earned him a devoted following through previous acclaimed albums like Different Hat and Good Life.

The Making of ‘Motormouth’

The album was recorded at the legendary Rock House studio in Franklin, Tennessee. To bring these songs to life, James assembled an elite “all-star” roster of session heavyweights:

  • Kevin McKendree: Piano and Organ
  • Rob McNelley: Guitar
  • Steve Mackey: Bass
  • Lynn Williams: Drums
  • The Time Jumpers: Featured members

“Kevin speaks a musical language that’s rare these days,” James says of the collaboration. “He truly understands where I come from musically… It’s akin to making music with family.”

McKendree was equally inspired by the sessions, noting that James possesses a “rare mix of raw emotion and pure soul.”

Building on Chart-Topping Momentum

Motormouth arrives as the highly anticipated follow-up to Lessons, James’ debut with Qualified Records. That project didn’t just resonate with fans, it dominated the industry, hitting No. 1 on the Blues charts and breaking into the Top 25 on the Americana charts.

With this new release, James leans harder into his signature blend of:

  • Deep Texas Blues
  • Stax-inspired Soul
  • Gritty Roots Rock

Catch Seth James Live

To celebrate the launch, Seth James will be hitting the road for a series of high-profile appearances. Mark your calendars for the official release event and upcoming tour dates:

DateLocation / EventVenue
May 8Franklin, TNMockingbird Theater (Release Event)
TBATexas TourVarious Locations
TBASandy Beaches CruiseAt Sea
SeptNashville, TNAmericana Music Festival

‘Motormouth’ is available now on all major streaming platforms and via Qualified Records.

Motormouth Track Listing:

  1. “Why Should I Suffer”
  2. “Motormouth”
  3. “I’m In Trouble”
  4. “It’s Later Than You Think”
  5. “I’ll Be Gone”
  6. “High Horse”
  7. “I Can’t Find Your Mind”
  8. “Just A Thought”
  9. “I Can’t Wait”
  10. “I Got To Know”
  11. “Lonely Avenue”
  12. “I Feel The Burden”
  13. “Start A Brand New Day”

American Sharks Returns: New Single ‘Not Dead Yet’ and 2026 Album Release Date

Austin’s American Sharks. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

American Sharks Are Back: New Single and Album “Not Dead Yet” Announced

The wait is finally over. After a six-year hiatus, Austin’s favorite punk-metal hybrid, American Sharks, has officially returned. The trio dropped their brand-new single this month, the title track from their upcoming album, Not Dead Yet. (Us/Them Group, 2026)

Listen to “Not Dead Yet.”

The new track is a blistering reminder of why this band was missed.

The Sound: “Weezer Goes Stoner Rock”

Hailing from Austin, TX, American Sharks have perfected a high-energy sound that blends infectious pop hooks with “blasting-yer-face” riffs. Imagine the melodic sensibility of Weezer mashed into a heavy Stoner Rock aesthetic, and you’re halfway there.

Centering around founders Roky Moon (vocalist/bassist) and Nick Cornetti (drummer), the new album features nine fast-paced, pummeling tracks that prove the band is far from finished.

A Heavyweight Guest List

The band isn’t coming back alone. Not Dead Yet features an impressive roster of special guest guitar soloists from across the rock and metal world:

  • Mike Derks (GWAR)
  • Zach Blair (Rise Against)
  • Kyle Shutt (The Sword)
  • David Sullivan (Red Fang)
  • Leo Lydon (Rickshaw Billie’s Burger Patrol)

Catch Them On Tour

American Sharks will be hitting the road this spring as the main support for Rickshaw Billie’s Burger Patrol. The full U.S. tour kicks off in April.

Tickets for all shows are available online.

Album Release Details

Mark your calendars! The full-length album arrives just as the tour gets into gear.

  • Release Date: April 17th, 2026
  • Label: Permanent Teeth
  • Formats: LP, CD, and Digital Download

Since their 2013 debut and their self-produced follow-up 11:11, American Sharks have shared stages with legends like Clutch and Corrosion of Conformity. This 2026 return marks a “breathtaking” new chapter for the band.

Pre-orders are available HERE.

  1. Not Dead Yet
  2. Flowers for The Dead
  3. Going Insane
  4. Fuzz War
  5. Give Me Blood
  6. Bang Yer Head
  7. The Machine
  8. Sunny Sunday
  9. They Want Peace
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Michael Ward with Dogs and Fishes: New Single Recorded at the Legendary Hyde Street Studios

Rock supergroup finds unity in an age of division – Michael Ward with Dogs and Fishes. Photo: John Vigran, used with permission.

New Single: Michael Ward with Dogs and Fishes Unleash “Animal Magic”

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Blending the grit of the blues, the warmth of Americana, and the heart of Memphis soul, West Coast supergroup Michael Ward with Dogs and Fishes has officially released their latest single, “Animal Magic.” (Miller PR, 2026)

Recorded at the legendary Hyde Street Studios, the track serves as a sonic tribute to the deep connection between humans and the natural world.

The Supergroup Lineup

The ensemble brings together a staggering amount of musical history, featuring:

  • Michael Ward: Singer, songwriter, and producer.
  • Prairie Prince: Drums (The Tubes, Journey, Tom Waits, XTC).
  • Chris Von Sneidern: Guitar (John Wesley Harding, Chuck Prophet).
  • Richard Howell: Saxophone (Etta James, Earth, Wind & Fire).
  • Marc Levine: Bass (Barry Manilow).
  • Fernando DeSanjines: Percussion (Chalo Eduardo, Escola Nova).
  • Joshua Raoul Brody: Keyboards (The Residents, BATS Improv).

The Philosophy Behind “Animal Magic”

For Michael Ward, the band’s name and this new single aren’t just clever metaphors. They represent a lifelong philosophy of coexistence.

The seeds for the song were planted 33 years ago when a five-month-old dog wandered into Ward’s studio in the Tenderloin. That moment sparked a decades-long partnership that redefined Ward’s view on interspecies companionship.

“All animals, when carefully considered, exhibit the commonality of just getting by in this fragile accident that is life on earth. Interspecies love, such as that between dogs and humans, is a prime and precious example of evolutionary success.” — Michael Ward

In an era of division, Animal Magic leans into oneness, reminding listeners that togetherness is an instinct, not an ideology.

Recording at a San Francisco Landmark

The single was tracked in Studio A at Hyde Street Studios, a space owned by Ward and designated as a San Francisco Legacy Business.

Formerly known as Wally Heider Studios, these rooms are the “last great temple of the San Francisco Sound.” This is the same soil that yielded landmark albums such as:

  • The Grateful Dead – American Beauty
  • Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young – Déjà Vu

By recording here, the band honors a legacy of analog craft and musical continuity rather than mere nostalgia.

Catch Them Live

Following the success of their album Brighter Days, the band is heading East for a rare performance at one of New York City’s most storied listening rooms:

The band continues to perform in honor of the late Drew Zingg (Steely Dan), channeling his incredible musical lineage into their forward-moving sound.

About Michael Ward with Dogs and Fishes

Since 2000, this progressive American rock band has been defined by lyrical depth and “musical telepathy.” With over two decades of performance history, the group balances deep roots with exploratory musicianship, ensuring every arrangement has room to breathe.

“Animal Magic” is out now.

Animal Magic single artwork. Courtesy photo.

Dallas Death Metal Unit Frozen Soul Teams Up with Gerard Way for New Single

Frozen Soul photo by Kate Russell, used with permission.

Frozen Soul Announces New Album No Place of Warmth — Featuring Gerard Way

Dallas’ premiere death metal/hardcore unit Frozen Soul has officially emerged from the frost to announce their third full-length studio album: No Place of Warmth. (another side, 2026)

Arriving May 8 via Century Media, the record is described as a monolithic and exigent collection of anthems. It promises the band’s signature blend of ferocity and subtle melody, guided by soaring guitar leads through a “dark chasm of merciless riffs.”

A Letter to the Fans from the Wasteland

While their previous work explored glacial territories, No Place of Warmth turns inward. The album surveys the emotional wasteland of everyday struggle, serving as an open letter to fans. It decries the cold realities of life while providing the tools and motivation to conquer them.

“Life is always coming at you, and death doesn’t stop—you might slow it down, but it’s always coming—so you have to make the best out of it and march on.”

— Chad Green, Vocalist

The Title Track: “No Place of Warmth” (feat. Gerard Way)

In a landmark collaboration, the album opener and title track features Gerard Way (My Chemical Romance). The track is available now on all digital platforms.

  • The Concept: The song explores the choice between letting the cold consume you or finding warmth in a void.
  • The Video: Directed by Brendan McGowen, the visual features actor London Smith (from 2023’s “Morbid Effigy”) returning to play the personification of Death.
  • The Collaboration: Green and Way became friends a few years ago. “I knew he had a love for metal,” Green recalls. “Gerard is an amazing artist and musician whose creative vision has shaped generations.”

Evolution of the “Cold” Sound

Musically, the album sees Frozen Soul distilled to their primordial essence. Expect a “menacing” version of the band focused on maximal minimalism across eleven new songs.

AspectDescription
Vocal StyleChad Green’s “sandpaper-y bellow” acting as a dungeon master/soothsayer.
Musical DNAHardcore punk aggression meets classic American Death Metal (Obituary, Mortician).
InspirationEarly Earache ruination (Carcass, Bolt Thrower).
Philosophy“Stop overthinking it… emphasizing brutality but with an ear for hooks.”

On the Road

Frozen Soul has solidified their place as leaders of metal’s next generation. This April, they will hit the road across the states with Avatar and Fleshgod Apocalypse. See tour information here.

Frozen Soul is:

  • Chad Green / Vocals
  • Michael Munday / Guitar
  • Chris Bonner / Guitar
  • Samantha Mobley / Bass
  • Matt Dennar / Drums

No Place of Warmth – Tracklist:
1 – No Place of Warmth (Feat. Gerard Way)
2 – Invoke War (Feat. Machine Head)
3 – Absolute Zero
4 – Dreadnought (Feat. Sanguisugabogg)
5 – Chaos Will Reign
6 – Eyes of Despair
7 – Ethereal Dreams
8 – Skinned by the Wind
9 – DEATHWEAVER
10 – Frost Forged
11 – Killin Time (Until its Time to Kill)

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Poison Ruin Announces New Album ‘Hymns from the Hills’ via Relapse Records

L-R: Allen Chapman (drums), Nao Demand (guitar), Mac Kennedy (vox, guitar), Will McAndrew (bass). Photo By Kat Bean, used with permission.

Scythes, Spirits, and Synths: Poison Ruin Announces ‘Hymns from the Hills’

Poison Ruin’s upcoming release, Hymns from the Hills, ambitiously rewrites the rules of punk. The Philadelphia outfit is pushing their sound into expansive new terrains without sacrificing an ounce of the bleak symbolism and uncompromising aggression that established them as one of extreme music’s most urgent voices. (another side, 2026)

Expanding their signature approach to grim mythmaking, these new songs feel equal parts natural, undeniably of this world, and phantasmal.

Release Date: April 3 via Relapse Records

Formats: Vinyl, CD, and Digital

Available for pre-order.

A Tapestry of Dispossession

On Hymns from the Hills, Poison Ruin’s previous stories of toil are revealed to be but one chapter etched upon a bleaker tapestry. This is a landscape populated by:

  • Spirits traversing sunless deserts and wilted hillsides.
  • Demonic torture objects lining the psyche.
  • Bodies transfigured into Luciferian snakes.
  • Sadean prisoners bound to the screaming silence of abandoned towers.

Lead Single: “Eidolon”

The band’s signature raw, anthemic aggression pummels through on the lead single “Eidolon,” recently released alongside its official video.

Frontman, lyricist, and guitarist Mac Kennedy explains the track’s bleak inspiration:

“‘Eidolon’ is about being stuck in a broken reality, a cog in a fate-machine doomed to play out the same cursed loop until it fully breaks down. The ones who had the power to affect change have abandoned the scene… Grim reminders of what could have, but will not be.”

Expanding the Sonic Mythos

The record acts as both a forceful restatement and a bold departure. While listeners will recognize the crackling, cassette-dubbed darkness, it is now supported by a carefully sculpted mosaic of new textures:

  • Killing Joke-style hacksaw primitivism.
  • Blast-beats worthy of the Relapse catalog.
  • Crisp analog synth lines.
  • Ambient serenades reminiscent of Scott Walker and The Durutti Column.

The Craft: DIY Grandeur

Meticulously composed and self-recorded, the LP saw Kennedy relocate to a private practice space to meet the record’s greater sonic demands. To polish this “hissing abyss,” the band enlisted top-tier talent for the final touches:

  • Mixing: Jonah Falco (with Kennedy splicing in gritty tape segments for tonal continuity).
  • Mastering: Arthur Rizk.

The result is a rich structure of unconventional frictions—crystalline flashes of polish ripping through low-end grime, only to shatter against the whipping sting of rusted chains.

Mythic Sensibilities

Lyrically, Hymns from the Hills reaches new poetic heights. While the record continues the tradition of employing medieval-inflected fantasy imagery, Kennedy is quick to note that these figures are not intended to be read as historically accurate, but rather as tools for cynicism and defiant bravado.

“I’m not very interested in conveying the historical facts of medieval culture. If we are to make sense of the present, we need to employ a more mythic mode of language and symbol to reach beyond the spiritual malaise that envelopes us. A mythic truth resonates within any time, but its echoes call from outside of time. Medieval and fantasy imagery are simply effective personal starting points for tapping into that mode of communication.”

Hymns from the Hills tracklist:
01 – Intro
02 – Lily Of the Valley
03 – Hymn from the Hills
04 – Eidolon
05 – Howls From the Citadel
06 – Pilgrimage
07 – Guts (Lay Your Self Aside)
08 – Turn To Dust
09 – Puzzle Box
10 – Serpent’s Curse
11 – Sleeping Giant (Interlude)
12 – Crescent Sun
13 – The Standoff

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