News From The Highway (August)

Canadian Heavy Rock Outfit MAD WET SEA Released Single ‘One Last Breath‘

Canadian hard rock/metal trio return with ‘One Last Breath‘, the first single from their upcoming five-track release ‘Lullabies Of Panic And Fear‘.
Drawing on the raw emotions surrounding war and destruction, the track blends hard rock and classic metal with a Zakk Wylde inspired edge and a gritty, uncompromising approach.

Germany Based Greek Dark/Electro Duo Siva Six Announced Spanish Mini Tour

Germany based Greek dark electro act Siva Six will join Das Ich for a two-date Spanish mini tour in September, with shows in Barcelona on September 11 and Madrid on September 12.
The band will also perform at Vienna’s Schattenwelt Festival on November 7, sharing the stage with SITD, In Strict Confidence, and others.

Australian Old School Heavy Metal Quartet AMARAX Released Single ‘Dream Prison‘

Perth heavy metal quartet Amarax return with their latest release, following their debut single ‘Rescue‘ from June.
Channeling the true spirit of 80s heavy metal with shredding guitars, killer riffs, and soaring vocals, the band deliver an unapologetically old school metal attack.

French Modern Metal Group Lethernal Utopia unveil Single ‘The Halo Of God‘

French modern metal act Lethernal Utopia unveil ‘The Halo Of God‘, a standalone single that further develops their blend of melodic intensity and modern metalcore precision.
Combining aggressive riffs, dynamic rhythms, soaring vocals, and atmospheric depth, the track explores tension, transcendence, and inner conflict.

Canadian Metalcore Force Victoria Lies Set To Release Single ‘Weaving Webs‘

Canadian metalcore band Victoria Lies return with ‘Weaving Webs‘ (out: August 25th), the second of three singles leading up to their upcoming album ‘Vendetta‘, due October 30.
Balancing the band’s heavier side with a huge, memorable chorus, the track delivers a hard hitting sound with a strong melodic hook.

British Hard Rock Outfit Blind Lion Released Single ‘Rock The Night Away‘

UK project Blind Lion, the tongue in cheek side project of Ulysses frontman Luke Smith, unleash their debut single, a gloriously over the top tribute to 80s hair metal.
Channeling Def Leppard and Guns N’ Roses with a deliberately ridiculous attitude, the track arrives with an equally absurd video featuring castles and a swimming pool.

American Hard Rock Band The Ruins Released Single ‘One More For The Road‘

California outlaws The Ruins unleashed ‘One More For The Road‘, a high octane blend of hard rock and Southern swagger.
Driven by raw guitar riffs, pounding bass, and hard hitting drums, the track turns heartbreak, darkness, and road worn freedom into a late night rock anthem.

American Alt-Rock Trio The Rift Released Single ‘Electrifying‘

Los Angeles rock outfit The Rift unleashed ‘Electrifying‘, a high energy track driven by shifting time signatures and relentless momentum.
Blending raw obsession with powerful vocals and an explosive chorus, the song turns extreme devotion into a charged, uncompromising rock statement.

American Metal Outfit First Fifty Feet Released Single ‘Four Truths and One Lie‘

First Fifty Feet return with ‘Four Truths and One Lie‘, a haunting new single inspired by the shifting perspectives of Kurosawa’s Rashomon.
Told through four conflicting accounts of the same event, the track explores guilt, self deception, and the ways memory can reshape the truth.

Welsh Bilingual Nu-Metal Duo Celavi Released Single ‘Ar Dy Liniau (On Your Knees)‘

Welsh bilingual nu metal duo C E L A V I unleash ‘Ar Dy Liniau (On Your Knees)‘, a fierce new single and video ahead of their forthcoming EP ‘Praelia‘.
Combining pummelling riffs, engulfing hooks, and intense emotion with a dark industrial edge, the track is a powerful statement of confrontation, resilience, and standing your ground.

Australian Hard Rock Act Mystery Released Single ‘Change My Hand‘

Melbourne hard rockers Mystery return with ‘Change My Hand‘, the fourth single from their upcoming album, produced, mixed, and mastered by Amaranthe’s Mikael Sehlin.
Driven by soaring melodies, powerful riffs, and an anthemic chorus, the track explores love, heartbreak, hope, and the courage to embrace change.

Canadian Rock Project Just Jody Project Released Single ‘In My Head‘ And ‘Upon High‘

Canadian multi genre rock project Just Jody Project return with two new singles, ‘In My Head‘ and ‘Upon High‘, showcasing a sound shaped by more than five decades of musical experience.
Blending heavy metal, hard rock, blues, reggae, jazz, and folk rock, the project combines handcrafted instrumentation with rich textures and an eclectic, deeply personal approach.

Chilean American Rock Duo Fatales Released Single ‘Voices‘

Fatales, the Chilean American project of musician David Pattillo and singer Kaelin Kost, return with their third single ‘Voices‘, a slow burning and sultry track driven by Kost’s distinctive vocals.
Reflecting on the struggle to find stillness and genuine human connection in an overstimulated world, the song gradually reveals its atmospheric appeal.

British Alt-Rockers Lost Velvet Set To Release Single ‘2003‘

UK cinematic alternative rock duo Lost Velvet announce their debut album ‘Dark Cells‘, due September 4, alongside the new single and video ‘2003‘, arriving August 28.
Blending post rock atmosphere, shoegaze haze, and industrial unease, the album combines distorted guitars, darkwave textures, subtle electronics, and intertwined vocals.

Canadian Death Metal Group Altersoul Released Single ‘Abandoned‘

Canadian metal band Altersoul introduce their new identity with ‘Abandoned‘, a reimagined version of a song originally released by their former project Ominous Eclipse over a decade ago.
Featuring real orchestral performances, live drums, expanded arrangements, and modern production, the single bridges the band’s past with their new creative direction.

Indian Modern Metal Force Shiverwood Shade Released Live Video ‘Crawling Back‘

Indian cinematic metal band Shiverwood Shade unleash a ferocious live performance video for ‘Crawling Back‘, taken from their debut album ‘Escaping Darkness‘.
Blending down tuned nu metal riffs, industrial electronics, and raw vocals, the track explores relapse and destructive patterns with intense emotion and cinematic aggression.

French Fuzz Stoner/Heavy Blues Rock Outfit Voodoo Queen Released Music Video ‘Bright Cage‘

French fuzz stoner/heavy blues rock quartet Voodoo Queen unveil the official music video for ‘Bright Cage‘, one of the most emotionally charged tracks from their debut album ‘Violet Crown‘.
Blending vintage fuzz rock, desert rock, and modern stoner influences, the song explores frustration, inner conflict, and the struggle for personal liberation through powerful riffs and hypnotic grooves.

Canadian Blackened Thrashers Eternal Drak Announces Quebec Tour Dates 2026

Blackened thrash metal entity Eternal Drak will hit the road across Quebec this fall in support of their sixth album, ‘The Violence Of Time‘.
Bringing their most aggressive and concept driven material yet, the band promise varied rhythms, catchy hooks, and uncompromising intensity.

American Heavy Metal Outfit Alpha Destroyer Released Single ‘God Of Thunder‘

Alpha Destroyer put their own high octane spin on the KISS classic ‘God of Thunder‘, drawing on Paul Stanley’s original demo and replacing its groove with Judas Priest inspired double bass.
Featuring Martin Sweet, Kelly LeMieux, and Eric Sexton Dorsett, the track offers a fresh take on the iconic song while showcasing the trio’s heavy, chaotic rock sound.

Canadian Speed Demons Turbo Announced European Tour 2026

Canadian speed demons Turbo are set to invade Europe this October with their first ever EU tour, bringing their high energy blend of rock, metal, and punk to the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland, and Germany.
Following their 2024 album ‘Broke & Ugly‘, the Halifax quartet are also preparing a new album for later in 2026 and promise a wild ride for fans of Motörhead, Mötley Crüe, Municipal Waste, and Airbourne.

British Rock Trio Jaotar Released Single ‘Mr He‘

Birmingham power trio Jaotar make their debut with ‘Mr He‘, an uncompromising blend of rock, funk, and psychedelic textures.
Drawing on their dynamic live energy and instinctive songwriting, the Midlands trio deliver an immersive, groove driven sound that is both hypnotic and explosive.

American Speed Metal Band Savage Grace Set To Release Live-DVD ‘Live In Europe‘

L.A. speed metal pioneers Savage Grace will release their first live DVD, ‘Savage Grace Live In Europe‘, on August 27, 2026, featuring their December 2025 performance at Blast From The Past in Belgium.
The two disc set also includes exclusive interviews with founder Christian Logue and marks the first Savage Grace show with new vocalist Sebastian Hauser.

Italian Thrash/Death Metal Act Butt Splitters Released Video ‘Flowers Of The Wind‘

Italian thrash/death metal band Butt Splitters have released an official lyric video for ‘Flowers of the Wind‘, taken from their 2024 album ‘Nibelvirch‘.
Driven by pounding riffs, relentless drums, and growling vocals, the track explores impermanence, freedom, and the fleeting nature of life.

American Heavy Metal Band Veritas Released Single ‘Limit‘

American heavy/power metal band Veritas have released the new video for ‘Limit‘, taken from their critically acclaimed album ‘Silent Script‘.
Combining raw intensity, technical precision, and soaring melodies, the track delivers a powerful statement of defiance, determination, and breaking free from personal limitations.

American Alt-Rock Trio The Sunmills Released Single ‘Bird That Used To Sing’

Utah alt rock trio The Sunmills return with ‘Bird That Used To Sing‘, a mellow and introspective track that reveals a more intimate side of their sound.
Blending laid back rootsy rock with nostalgic storytelling and vulnerable vocals, the single marks another step beyond the band’s funk rock foundations as they build towards their second album.

Australian Rock Legend Rose Tattoo Cancelled Remaining European Tour 2026

Rose Tattoo have cancelled all remaining dates of their 2026 European Tour after frontman Angry Anderson was hospitalized due to a medical issue.
The band expressed their deep disappointment and gratitude for the support shown to Anderson, while asking fans to respect his and his family’s privacy.

American Alt-Rock Group Place Of Shadows Released Single ‘Rescue Me‘

New York alternative rock band Place Of Shadows blend driving guitars, powerful rhythms, and deeply personal songwriting.
Drawing on the emotional honesty of 90s alt rock and the textured sound of post grunge, they create haunting melodies and dynamic songs filled with raw emotion.

Italian Melodic Metal Artist Alex Mari Released Single ‘Resurrection‘

Italian rock and metal vocalist Alex Mari unveils ‘Resurrection’, the first single from his upcoming debut album ‘Origins‘, due October 9, 2026.
Blending an ethereal atmosphere with emotional depth, the track explores the pain of a broken relationship and the journey toward healing and rebirth.

Finnish Heavy Metal Force Neverfade Released Single ‘Children of Hurin‘

Finnish heavy metal band Neverfade unveil a pre single ahead of their upcoming album release campaign.
Part of the New Wave of Finnish Heavy Metal, they revive the melodic, twin guitar driven sound of 1980s heavy metal with a modern production and fresh energy.

Austrian Hard Rock Sixtet Sergeant Steel Released Single ‘Back On The Track‘

Austrian hard rockers Sergeant Steel return with ‘Back On The Track‘, a driving melodic anthem packed with powerful hooks and an uplifting chorus.
Recorded live in the studio, the track combines an organic feel with modern production while exploring resilience, love, and overcoming disappointment.

American Alt-Rock Outfit Cobra Queen Released Single ‘Venom Era‘

Cobra Queen unleash ‘Venom Era‘, a high energy rock pop anthem blending alternative rock and dark modern production.
Driven by pulsing beats, rebellious vocals, and addictive hooks, the track turns emotional chaos into a bold, unapologetic declaration of strength.

Canadian Acoustic Rock Act Evil Creek Released Single ‘Cut Me Down to Size‘

Evil Creek deliver ‘Cut Me Down to Size‘, a gritty acoustic rock anthem blending blues rock swagger with raw heartbreak and Southern soul.
Driven by catchy hooks, gang vocals, and electric edged choruses, the track turns betrayal and manipulation into a defiant singalong.

Spanish Stoner Band Saturna Released Single ‘Absence‘

Barcelona based Stoner Rock band Saturna return with ‘Absence‘, the second single from their upcoming album ‘Light And Shadow‘, due on September 17.
A slow burning blend of Sabbath and Soundgarden influences, the track showcases James Vieco’s distinctive, Chris Cornell inspired vocals and psychedelic classic rock sound.

Canadian Death Metal Force Truent Unveil Single ‘Vilemaker‘

Vancouver death metal act Truent unleash ‘Vilemaker‘, their fastest and heaviest song yet, driven by technical riffing, groovy drums, and relentless momentum.
Inspired by Berserk’s Golden Age arc, the track explores tyranny, manipulation, and the ruthless pursuit of absolute power, while marking the first Truent song to feature lyrics written by new vocalist Darian.

Canadian Progressive Metal Act Candor Zealot Unveil Singles ‘All For You‘ And ‘Lie For Country‘

Canadian progressive metal newcomers Candor Zealot continue their six single rollout with ‘All For You‘, a more radio friendly and emotionally charged track inspired by Linkin Park and Bring Me The Horizon.
Following their politically charged debut ‘Lie For Country‘, the band blend catchy melodies, heavy guitars, and progressive elements from Gojira and Dream Theater into a modern, energetic sound.

International Symphonic Black Metal Band MorteMutta Released Single ‘På Markene‘

International Symphonic Black Metal project MorteMutta have unveiled their new single ‘På Markene‘, recorded at Eijefjorden Studios and mixed and mastered by Chris Highlander.
Blending Norwegian and Japanese folklore with cinematic songwriting, multilingual vocals, and unconventional instruments, the long running duo continue to expand their unique Fjordmetal universe.

American Classic Rock Act THE EXILES Released Music Video ‘Soul Woman‘

The Exiles have released the official music video for ‘Soul Woman‘, a standout track from their album ‘Turning Time‘, available now via Bad Reputation Records.
Rediscovered from old master tapes, the song has been transformed from a rough demo into a fully produced classic rock anthem with rich guitar layers, Hammond organ, and a strong Led Zeppelin inspired vibe.

American Hard Rockers Blacklist Union Released Single ‘Madame Butterfly‘

Blacklist Union return with their new single ‘Madame Butterfly‘, delivering another dose of their signature hard rock sound. The track continues the band’s gritty, hook-driven approach while showcasing their unmistakable attitude and energy.

Canadian Hard Rock Band STORM FORCE Released Single ‘Savior‘

Storm Force unveil ‘Saviour‘, the second single from their upcoming album ‘Truth‘, ahead of its September 25 release, with a Bandcamp Listening Party scheduled for September 23.
Originally written and recorded by Greg Fraser for Fraze Gang, the song has now been reimagined in its original key, with Pat’s powerful vocals bringing Fraser’s original vision to life.

American Symponic Metallers Levinia Released Single ‘The Blank Page‘

Levinia push into heavier and more versatile territory with ‘The Blank Page‘, while preserving the cinematic atmosphere and emotional depth that define their sound.
Inspired by the frustration of writer’s block, the single is accompanied by haunting artwork that reflects isolation, creative paralysis, and the emotional weight behind the song.

London based Alt-Rock Band Pseudopomp Released Single ‘Pickles‘

London based duo Pseudopomp return with their new single ‘Pickles‘.
Still in the early stages of their journey, the band has released only a handful of singles so far.

British Alt-Metallers Brusic To Release Single ‘Under The Wandering Stars‘

BRUSIC lean into their darker Metal side with ‘Under The Wandering Stars‘, blending influences from Metallica and Trivium in what the band considers one of their strongest songs to date.
The single, accompanied by an official music video, will be released on August 21, 2026.

Romanian Symphonic Metal Act Nocturnal Eternity Presents The Song ‘Face The Trouble‘

‘Face the Trouble’, the seventh chapter of the concept album ‘Eternity’, marks the moment when darkness gives way to hope as the Dragon overcomes fear, pain and inner conflict.
Carrying a powerful message of resilience and self discovery, the song reminds listeners that true strength comes from facing their inner demons rather than running from them.

Pittsburgh-Based Quartet Sweat Released Single ‘Hilary‘

Power pop outfit Sweat return with their new single ‘Hilary’, a vibrant blend of glittering glam rock and late seventies power pop.
Celebrating the strength of true female friendships, the track offers a heartfelt preview of the band’s upcoming album ‘In Dreams’, due on September 25.

Canadian Heavy Metal Act Wooden Released Single ‘Veil of Mankind‘

Montreal heavy metal band Wooden return with ‘Veil of Mankind‘, the first single from their upcoming EP and the band’s most ambitious work to date.
Inspired by Plato’s ‘Allegory of the Cave‘, the seven minute track combines progressive songwriting, blistering riffs and soaring melodies while pushing Wooden’s sound into heavier and more dynamic territory.

British Punk Dez Dare Released Single ‘The Days Are Longer When You’re Around‘

The next single is out next week and Dez Dare heads to Italy for the first time to play a couple of shows including the SLACK ATTACK festival.

Swiss Alt-Rock Outfit Sonic Train Unveiled Single And Video ‘No Kids‘

Swiss alternative rock band SonicTrain return with their new single ‘No Kids‘, the follow-up to ‘The Plan’.
The track offers another preview of the band’s forthcoming album, scheduled for digital release this September.

British Hardcore/Death Metal Band Victormonica Released Single ‘The Eve Of Destruction‘

English Hardcore, Death Metal band Victormonica have released their new single ‘The Eve Of Destruction‘.
Recorded, mixed and mastered by Owen Davies at Loud Noise Production, the track delivers the band’s uncompromising blend of crushing heaviness and raw intensity.

American alt-Metal Act MX The American Released Single ‘From the Shadows’

MX THE AMERICAN unveil their new single ‘From the Shadows‘, a powerful exploration of identity, inner conflict and personal transformation.
Blending dark atmospheres with restless energy, the track captures the moment of leaving the shadows behind and embracing who you are becoming.

American Rock Group Wretched Things Released Single ‘Letting Go‘

Texas based rock band Wretched Things deliver ‘Letting Go’, a powerful breakup anthem built on heavy riffs, emotional intensity and unforgettable hooks.
The track transforms the pain of one sided love into a defiant statement of strength, capturing the moment when letting go becomes the only way forward.

American PsychedelicMetal Band EverFelt Released Single ‘Sludge‘

Southern Illinois based psychedelic metal band EverFelt unleash ‘Sludge’, a powerful exploration of buried pain, lingering memories and the weight of personal struggles.
Blending groove driven heaviness with psychedelic textures and progressive influences, the track delivers a dark and cathartic musical exorcism.

American Psychedelic/Progressive/Stoner Act Decybel Released Single ‘Enough‘

DECYBEL return with their new single ‘Enough‘, a heavy and emotionally charged track about letting go, personal struggles and finding the strength to move forward.
Driven by groove laden riffs and powerful dynamics, the song captures the moment when resistance fades and acceptance begins.

Icelandic Folk Metal Act Hrafnabót Unfolds Their Icelandic Epic New Video ‘Dísablót‘

Icelandic folk metal conjurers Hrafnablót continue the journey toward their debut album ‘Guðlaugar Saga‘ with the release of their second single and music video ‘Dísablót‘, a powerful blend of mystical storytelling, driving riffs and folk inspired metal intensity.
The track marks the first song written by the full band and expands the saga of modern day protagonist Guðlaug, who finds herself mysteriously transported from Reykjavík into the Icelandic settlement age.

American Doom Metal Band Silvertomb Released Single ‘No Way To Live‘

SILVERTOMB return after a seven year hiatus with their second album ‘The Interpretation Of Nightmares‘, bringing together members of Type O Negative, Danzig, Agnostic Front and Sheer Terror for a dark and atmospheric Doom Metal statement.
The first single ‘No Way To Live‘ offers a faster, emotionally charged glimpse into the album’s intense world of pain, rejection and haunting melodies, set for release on November 13, 2026.

Bahrain based atmospheric death metal project Zvindiyar Released Single ‘Shadhavar‘

Bahrain based atmospheric death metal project ZVINDIYAR unveils ‘Shadhavar‘, the final single before the release of their debut six track offering ‘Six Rites‘ on September 3, 2026.
Blending crushing death metal, progressive structures, ambient textures, and Persian and Arabic mythology, the project creates a cinematic world exploring transformation, ruin, mortality, and transcendence.

German Gothic Metal Veterans Lacrimas Profundere Released Single And Video

German Gothic Metal veterans Lacrimas Profundere have announced their new album ‘Lay Me Down O Silent Fear‘, set for release on September 25, 2026, while unveiling the title track as its first single.
Blending Gothic Metal with modern heaviness and melodic intensity, the new material marks one of the band’s most ambitious and diverse chapters after more than three decades of evolution.

German Heavy Metal Outfit Böllverk Released Single ‘In Chaos We Fall‘

German Heavy Metal band BÖLLVERK have released ‘In Chaos We Fall‘, the first single from their upcoming album ‘Other Worlds‘, arriving on November 20, 2026.
Blending crushing riffs, epic melodies, and Bexxi’s commanding vocals, the track offers a powerful first taste of the band’s most mature and intense work to date.

German Metal-Punks Ruynor Released Single ‘Metal Punk Commando‘

RUYNOR have unleashed ‘Metal Punk Commando‘, the second single from their upcoming album ‘Metal To The Punk‘, due on September 25, 2026.
Fueled by raw energy and rebellious Rock’n’Roll spirit, the track delivers an explosive fusion of Punk attitude and Motörhead inspired heaviness.

Belgian Metalband Echoes Of A Dying World releases Single ‘Mathematical Design‘

Belgian Melodic Death Metal band Echoes of a Dying World has released ‘Mathematical Design‘, the third and final single from their upcoming conceptual EP, ‘Revelations‘.
Blending crushing heaviness with atmospheric depth, the track explores humanity’s connection to the cosmos and serves as the final chapter before the EP’s release.

Ottawa’s CAPITAL PUNISHMENT Opens Band Submissions For 2026 Festival Dates

Capital Punishment Festival has officially opened band submissions for its 2026 edition, taking place from November 26 to 29 in Ottawa’s ByWard Market. Canadian artists from Metal, Punk, Hardcore, Rock, Hip Hop, and EDM/Goth are invited to apply for a chance to perform at one of the country’s fastest growing underground music festivals.

Bulgarian/Canadian Tsar Stangra
announced lineup change

Bulgarian/Canadian Pagan Black/Folk Metal band Tsar Stangra has unveiled a major lineup change, welcoming guitarists Alexandre Guay and Francis Wafer, along with drummer Louis Charles Drolet, as the band enters a new chapter.
With more than thirty minutes of new material already written, Tsar Stangra is preparing to move forward with a renewed musical direction.