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Italians MADNESS OF SORROW a goth horror metal band that has been around for quite some time, have gone on to release a new EP "The Silent Sovereign", with the band not getting the chance to speak with me for about eight years! But now we have taken the time to talk and catch up, and they go over their latest EP and the plans for the future.

1. It's been eight years since we last spoke, what has been going on with Madness Of Sorrow between then and now?

It has been a long time! We made it through the COVID period by writing the EP '666: The Disciple', which we released in 2022 and promoted live until 2024 with great results. The band also went through some line-up changes (as often happens), but I've built a strong connection with the musicians who have been playing live with me since 2023. The result of this synergy is our latest EP, 'The Silent Sovereign', where everyone was fully involved in the process.

2. Back when vocalist/guitarist Muriel Saracino had stepped down as vocalist and was replaced by vocalist Prophet, is that still the case up until nowadays or is Muriel Saracino back?

At the time, I stepped down due to asthma issues. While they aren't 100% resolved, I can now sing properly again. I’ve always been on good terms with Prophet; we have a twenty-year friendship.

3. It's also been eight years since the last release of what was your fifth full-length to date, are you working on a follow up?

Nope, actually we're satisfied on work at few songs for Ep releases, we're trying to put the best effort on songwriting and supporting songs with videos and stuff.

4. Besides your album releases since then, you have released singles and a couple of EPs, tell me about the most recent?

"The Silent Sovereign" is a horror concept inspired by 'The Omen' saga and some demonic themes. My alter ego, MuriHell—who was possessed and damned in the previous EP, 666: The Disciple—is now climbing the political ranks to rule the world and lead it to total devastation.

5. Would you say that the band's logo has changed its design since its formation?

In 2022, I was looking for a logo with a schizophrenic and horror-based feel. Thanks to a collaboration with Driope, that vision became a reality.

I’m a much better musician, producer, and video maker now. It's important to remember that I write and record almost everything myself—about 90% of the material. That said, I’ve always been surrounded by incredible musicians; their skills have always been top-notch, and I’ve learned a lot from everyone involved in the records over the years. I also want to add that with the current line-up, we share a wonderful and mature personal relationship. It’s likely because we are all roughly the same age—all of us around our 40s—which brings a great balance to the band.

7. Are you working on any other projects music or non that you would like to discuss?

I'm currently working on an industrial metal side project called ROVO. I chose this name because the word 'Rovo' (which means bramble or brier) perfectly mirrors the industrial sound: it's entangled, thorny, and sharp. Just like a thicket of thorns, the music is meant to be intricate and aggressive, creating a sonic landscape that is both raw and hard to break through.

8. Are there any shows and or tours in the works we can expect to see?

We are planning gigs in Italy, something also outside but we have to see what can happens.

9. When can we expect the band to come to the U.S Of A?

There are no immediate plans at the moment, but I love the USA. I honestly wish I had been born there, but fate had other plans! It’s definitely something I want to achieve before eventually wrapping up the Madness of Sorrow project. Hopefully, it will happen in the near future.

10. What other plans does the band have in store for 2026?

We have at least two more videos in the pre-production phase right now. We’re also discussing the possibility of recording one or two covers of songs we love from outside the metal genre. So, stay tuned!

Playful energetic nu-metalcore act SCARCITY have been actively creating music, let alone playing it for a while now, with their debut EP "Through My Veins", coming soon, the band has created pure straight heaviness within the nu-metal style with metalcore elements that will rip! With that said, the band got together to discuss their formation, music content, and just getting the chance to do their first ever interview with me, check it below!

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or did it come out just like that? 

Our drummer's dad wrote a song called "Scarcity" and we put many band name ideas that we had and eventually landed on using "Scarcity" as our name.

2. What genre do you play and why did you want to play this genre?

We play Post Nu Metalcore (Nu Metal & Metalcore) and the reason we play it is because it's fun to play and energetic.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

We knew each other but hadn't talked all that much until the band was formed.

4. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?

We're based out of Riverside, California and the music scene is sick out here. "Where It Lies" is a band straight out of Riverside and they're band that people should check out. "Unisin" is a band based out of Apple Valley, but they have played with us multiple times and they're also a sick band people should check out.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

For our debut original song "Through My Veins" the riffs were inspired by Korn & Pantera, and the lyrics were inspired by our drummer's experience after a falling out with friends. 

6. What are your songs about? (What specific themes do they cover?)

Our songs channel raw emotion and anger towards past friendships and relationships. 

7. Do you write your own songs? (Discuss the songwriting process in detail.)

"Through My Veins" was a long writing process. We had a pretty good amount of riffs and parts that went unused in the final song.

8. You have your debut EP "Through My Veins”, coming soon, briefly tell me about it?

The EP was something that was barely brought up a few months ago, and within that time we've managed to record and finish all the songs. It's 11 straight minutes of pure heaviness with Nu Metal & Metalcore elements.

9. With that release came a single and video for the title track, why pick the title track as the lead single?

So, the lead single had just happened to become the EP name. When we released the "Through My Veins" single, we hadn't had any thought about an EP until February, then we decided on "Through My Veins" being the EP name in March.

10. Besides all of that, you have a cover song turned single of the track titled “Roots Bloody Roots”, by Sepultura, why go with this song in particular and how do you think you did pulling it off?

"Roots Bloody Roots" is a song that we've played for many months now and it's been a crowd favorite as well as one of our favorite songs to play, so we decided to record a cover of the song and release it. We think we did a pretty good job on the cover, and we've gotten some really good feedback on it as well.

11. Does the band have any shows or touring, planned out?

We have shows lined up from the end May till the middle of June and hope that every crowd we play for this summer enjoys the new EP. 

12. What plans do you have for the rest of this year?

After this summer, we don't have anything planned but hope there is definitely more to come.

13. Where can we listen to your band, find you on social media and buy your stuff?

You can stream our music on all music and social media platforms. For social media and all upcoming shows, check out our linktree (Linktr.ee/scarcity.band). Unfortunately, right now we don’t sell merch online, so you’ll have to come to a show! 

Fusion project ROD WESS is that a solo project throughout its creation, releasing several tracks, with more music on the way, plans for playing live has yet to happen but it will get there sooner or later. Rod himself goes onto talks about this project, the style of fusion he's mixed together, what inspires him to do what he does best, writing context, and the plans ahead. 

1. Where did you get the idea for the name Rod Wess? Was it planned or did it happen naturally?

My real name is Rodney, and years ago a former manager suggested shortening it to “Rod.” The name naturally evolved into Rod Wess over time and just stuck. It felt simple, memorable, and fit the energy of the project perfectly.

2. What genre do you play and why did you want to play this genre?

Rod Wess is built around fusion. At its core, the music is rooted in metal, but it also pulls from hip hop, EDM, techno, jazz, blues, and classical music. I never wanted to be boxed into one sound. Fusion allows me to combine cinematic metal guitars with 808s, electronic production, and experimental textures without creative limitations.

3. Tell me about this project. Is it a solo project, a band, what is it all about?

Rod Wess is a solo project through and through. I handle the guitar work, production direction, songwriting, and overall creative vision. The easiest way to describe it is cinematic fusion music — imagine the technicality and atmosphere of players like Steve Vai or Joe Satriani, but blended with modern hip hop production, EDM elements, and darker futuristic themes.

4. Where are you based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local acts you could recommend?

I’m based out of Denver, Colorado, which has a huge electronic music presence and is often called one of the bass music capitals in the United States. The EDM scene here is thriving. Metal has become more underground over the years, but there are still incredible acts coming out of Colorado. Allegaeon is a great example of a band from this area continuing to push things forward internationally.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

I draw inspiration from a wide range of artists and composers. Everything from Mozart and classical music to Megadeth and Wu-Tang Clan has influenced my approach. I’m inspired by musicians and creators who push boundaries and create worlds through their art.

6. What are your songs about? What themes do they explore?

A lot of my music explores themes surrounding science, technology, experimentation, artificial intelligence, space, and the unknown. There’s a strong cinematic and futuristic atmosphere behind the project. I sometimes describe it as my own version of “space metal” mixed with cinematic hip hop and electronic music.

7. Do you write your own songs? What is your songwriting process like?

Yes. My writing process blends original guitar composition with modern production techniques and sound design. I often work with electronic textures, samples, drums, and layered instrumentation, then build cinematic metal arrangements around them. The goal is creating something that feels modern, experimental, and emotionally immersive.

8. What have you released so far and what can listeners expect from your work?

Over the past few years I’ve released several fusion-based tracks including Shaolin Tactics and Haze in PLUR. Listeners can expect a mix of heavy guitars, electronic production, hip hop influence, cinematic atmosphere, and experimental songwriting that doesn’t fit neatly into one category.

9. Do you have any new music in the works?

My newest single, Critical Ambition, releases May 22, 2026 alongside a cinematic music video shot in 8K on the RED Raptor X. The track is part of a larger upcoming project titled Fragments of a Sentient Being. The full project was originally planned for 2026, but due to production scale and budget considerations it has been moved into a 2027 release window.

10. Do you have any plans for shows or touring?

At the moment there are no official tours or live dates announced, but building toward live performances is definitely part of the long-term vision. The goal is to hit the live scene heavily in 2027 once the larger project is fully established.

11. What are your plans for the rest of this year?

Right now the focus is on expanding the Rod Wess project globally through new music, visual content, marketing, and strategic partnerships. I’m also actively looking to connect with the right management and booking team to help elevate the project to the next level.

12. Where can people listen to your music and support the project?

Rod Wess is available on all major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. Fans can also visit rodwess.com for updates, music releases, videos, and upcoming merchandise.

Heavy grunge 90's band RED GIANT have gone on to release their debut self-titled album, with works upon the follow-up album expected next year. Plans for shows and touring has been a bit rough, but some has happened with more slowly in the works. The other plans aside from playing music, is to keep on writing and releasing music, getting themselves heard and known by the end of it. Find out what the band had to say about this below.

1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members

Red Giant formed out of the ashes of a previous project called the Dave Simpson Trio.

We were a more straight forward Blues/Rock band at that point. When we decided to move forward with a new album, we felt that the DST name didn’t connect with the new songs we were writing and the new sound we had so we decided to rename and rebrand ourselves. A risky decision, but one that seems to have paid off. 

On the drums we have Mr John Joe Gaskin. An absolute powerhouse of a drummer who is the strong beating heart of the band. On Guitar & Vocals we have Dave Simpson who is the main songwriter and is always pushing the band forward. 

On bass duties we have 2 that change up the bands dynamic. One is Mr Johnny Simpson. A cool and very calm player that never looks strained but when combined with john Joe’s drums becomes an unstoppable machine and a great platform for Dave’s guitar and vocals. 

The other is Miss Keira Kenworthy. A monster bass player with great stage presence and thunderous sound.   

2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?

The band's name came from an Alice In Chains song. When we were looking for a new name to fit our new sound and direction a lot of things were being batted around.  One day I was listening to Alice In Chains album Rainier Fog and the song Red Giant came on. The line ‘Coming up like a Red Giant’ stuck with me. I then took it to the band, and it was the first time we all agreed on a new name. So. It stuck and Red Giant was born. Thanks Alice In Chains.

3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?

Our band is based out of the midlands. The local scene like many places right now is suffering and isn’t getting any better sadly. Lack of attendance at gigs. Poor album sales due to streaming services. Venues closing left right and centre. It's a mess and is only going to get worse before it gets better. 

There are many bands round the area we play in. Namely Kings & Bears, Henry Atherton to name a few. Theres many bands with so much promise and potential but no infrastructure to support them. This seems to be the case throughout the UK right now. 

4. How would you describe your style?

Red Giant’s style is dark and honest. We are not afraid to talk about the darker side of life and that intern gives us a darker heavy sound much in the style of the 90s grunge bands like Soundgarden, Alice In Chains and Pearl Jam. We use dynamics a lot and have songs that go from dark and heavy to Heart felt ballads. We want to show the world for what it is. Not sell people a lie that everything is ok and life is easy. 

5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?

So far, we have released a debut self-titled album that has sold over 1000 copies. Not bad for an unsigned band doing it themselves.  We have also released a reimagining of a Robert Johnson song and recently as of April 2026 we have released a brand new 4 song EP that we are very, very proud of. We feel the EP is more mature musically and gives a great view of what to expect next.

6. Do you have any new music in the works?

We do yes. We have a new album coming in 2027 and a few singles planned. 

7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?

Playing shows and touring has been the toughest part of the process to date. We are dogged by venue closures and venues not wanting to take the chance booking a band they don’t know. Totally understandable. Times are tough for everyone. We did manage a full UK tour last year that was 19 dates in all and that was amazing and hugely successful for us.

8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?

To keep writing, releasing and playing music for as long as we can. That's all we want. We know we will never be a big band and that gives us the freedom to do whatever we feel like doing. We have nothing to lose so we are going to give it all in any and every way we can. 

9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?

We are on YouTube. We vlog every gig we do, and you can buy our music from our website. We are also on Spotify sadly. I wish we weren’t, but that's the way it is. We have to be a drop in that ocean sadly. 

10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?

We want people to be able to put our music on and escape the chaos of the world. We also want them to know that no matter what happens in life. No matter how dark life gets or how hard it gets that there's always a light at the end. Theres always a way through the hardships of life and to never give up and to always follow your path. Don’t be swayed by others and stay true to you.  Always dream and be as free as possible. Modest thoughts but they’ll keep you alive.

Metalcore up and comer's OVERLAY have been actively creating music for some time, released some single's, with more music in the works, shows set, tours and much more. Check out the interview below.

Canadian Hard Rock band Conjure Hand released their new maxi-single "Baby (I Won't Let Go)" from the band's upcoming album. The release was recorded at the band's home studio and mixed/mastered by "Circle A Studios", and will be released on vinyl in summer 2026.

Check out the new single linked below:

https://open.spotify.com/album/6HvfENwyrUwmIirSLY6w1m

https://conjurehand.bandcamp.com/album/baby-i-wont-let-go

Conjure Hand is a Canadian rock band formed in 2022 in Victoria, BC, fronted by Black Caesar (Andrew Kovar). Blending classic rock, blues, and soul inspired by the ’60s and ’70s, the band delivers a rich, groove-driven sound with harmonized guitars, organ textures, and powerful rhythms. Their lyrics explore African American and Canadian history, voodoo traditions, and working-class struggles, while their dynamic live shows continue to captivate growing audiences.

American Metalcore band Vicious Veil released their new single "Invisible" from the band's upcoming EP. The release was recorded in the band's home studio, and mixed/mastered by Daniel Pitman.

Check out the single linked below:

https://open.spotify.com/album/5XJeispiF6SsD4V3SgZnDW

Vicious Veil is a hard-hitting metalcore band from Columbia, Maryland, blending elements of metalcore, deathcore, and heavy metal. Known for their dynamic sound, they fuse melodic passages with crushing heaviness and gothic aesthetics. Their explosive energy and message-driven lyrics reflect darker themes and social realities. Their standout track “Lucifer’s Son,” inspired by Ozzy Osbourne, continues to gain traction as the band builds a growing fanbase.

German Melodic Black/Death Metal band Emergenz released their debut album "Becoming None". The release was recorded, mixed and mastered by Andy Classen in "Stage One Studios".

Check out the album linked below:

https://emergenz.bandcamp.com/album/becoming-none

Emergenz is a German metal band formed in late 2024 from the remnants of Norron, Azgalor, and Heressiah. The lineup features Paul Burd (vocals), Markus Klein and André Reinhold (guitars), Philipp Jakob (drums), and Till Poot (bass). In 2025, they debuted live at Witchrites and began working with producer Andy Classen on their concept album Becoming None, exploring themes of identity, memory, and existential acceptance.

Up and coming emo rap duo Ash and Milo out of sunny California, has gone on to name themselves "ghxstpul$e" in short "ghost-pulse", since forming only a year ago, they have released a debut album "Worse Case Scenario" in 2025, with a sophomore album following that very next year with "Everybody Is The Same" in 2026. The follow-up is slightly longer than its predecessor, being 11 songs total at 25 minutes and 58 seconds, whereas the debut was 10 songs at 20 minutes 8 seconds, so slightly longer which made it more simplified. 

This release does contain some interesting tracks such as "Mummy In A Coffin", "Right Push, Wrong Direction", "Bodybag", "Life Is Special" and 'Shooting Star", are some of the "stand-out" tracks featured, that really embrace the listener. Very meaningful lyrical context, vocalization provided being very dramatic yet intense, not in a screaming sense but emotionally fixated way. If you're thinking this duo is aligned with the likes of Linkin Park or Papa Roach that rap rock style, far from them, they are more that rap emo sense, to the likeness to that of Lil Peep, Lil Lotus, emoflytrap, with many others out there, that's the similarity in style you get with this duo act.

The duo's vocalization methods are solid, creating this futuristic vocal tone, that makes sense in the current time that we are in, with the ways of the future. The voice usage is done uniquely yet fun. They work off one another, blending together to create a vocal working's that makes them sound flawless. The tone for each of the songs mentioned and the album overall, is upbeat and catchy, having me nodding my head to the beats, they are heavy metal "heavy" but still capture an essence of that classic "emo" 2000's era that a lot could pick up on.

In the end, this sophomore album by the likely duo, captures a moment in time, that just works. It has its melodies, energies, and so much else that makes it fall into place. It's a clever piece of work that makes this best friend duo, be themselves, creating an art that people can love and enjoy.

AIRBOURNE is announcing their new self-titled album in a truly original manner. See below the band's heartfelt letter to Lemmy, sharing their journey through this album's process and paying homage to their mentor and friend.

Dear Lemmy,

Well, mate, it’s been a long time since we’ve said “g’day” or shared a stage together. We’ve never forgotten one of the things you said to us, which was: “No matter what, stay true to yourselves. Don’t worry about all the other bullshit in the music industry.

Make music that your roadies will like. Because they’ve heard your shit more than anyone else, if they like it, everyone will love it.”

Mate, we did it.

Six years ago, we shut the roller doors to everyone and got to work writing songs for this record, spending many, many hours, many, many days, weeks, months, and yearsnwriting and writing, throwing things out, starting again, and always sifting for gold.

After about five years of this, we felt that we had a solid bunch of Rock’n’Roll songs happening. Then, Mutt Lange and Bryan Adams brought in their big guns, and a couple of those songs we wrote with them have made the record. We wrote a lot with Bryan, and he was incredibly inspiring, and we learned a lot from him - a true rock ‘n’ roll gentleman. At that point, a long-time mate of ours, Vick Wright, flew out to Australia, and we wrote and wrote and wrote some more with him. He’s a rock ‘n’ roll street poet, and he taught us a lot as well. We ended up with some real good rockers with him.

We sent everything to Brian Howes, and he said we have a solid record now, and he was pumped to work his magic. Dante from Spinefarm, who has been a real champion all along the way on this record, gave us the green light to make 'Airbourne.'

We shipped out a ton of gear from our Manchester compound and from all over the world, loaded it into a semi-tonne truck, and drove it up the Eastern guts of Australia from Melbourne to Music Farm Studios, hidden in a jungle on the surf coast of Australia. This place is surrounded by snakes, Sydney funnel-web spiders, rats, and cane toads—plenty of stuff that can kill ya. We know you would have loved it there because that which doesn’t kill you only makes you louder!

We coped with hurricane weather, flash flooding rains, and palm trees that were torn out of the ground. One of them almost killed Streety, our bass player. That was a very near miss. The tape machine was a fucker. It wouldn’t stop blowing up, but she sounded great, so she was worth dealing with and waiting on.

Every day we would wake up, jump over a brown snake or python, feed the pigs, say “g’day” to the goats, watch the one male rooster with a harem of hens swooning around him whilst he’s strutting around the place like he was King Dick. Who knew that fowl could be so inspiring?

We’d make our way down the hill to the studio, jumping over “old mate,” the resident snake that lived at the front doors of the studio. When we entered the studio, we’d make some heart-starting coffees, put some pies in the pie warmer, VB’s on ice, then Brian Howes, Mike Fraser, and Karl Dicaire would show up. A few cigarettes, laughs, and caffeine later, we’d talk some bullshit, and then we’d get rocking. For about 12-16 hours, we would go. Time ceased to exist for us, and it was the best fun we’ve ever had making an album.

The last batch of songs we wrote with Brian around the Studio Kitchen table, often whilst hurricanes had killed the power. While they were smashing the Studio together, we brought this album home. The main console was the original Neve desk from Albert Studios 1 here in Australia, (AC/DC, Rose Tattoo, The Angels, Billy Thorpe and more), there’s an unmistakable Raw Oz rock tone in this desk, and you’d love it.

We didn’t finish the record in time, as we had to go back out on tour, which actually worked out really well because lyrics that weren’t written in that studio needed to come from being on the road, and that’s exactly what happened with the song “Alive After Death.”

We came back after the tour to our Melbourne studio home, down in St Kilda, the famous Hothouse Studios, where we recorded our first EP. We’ve always had a love affair with Hothouse—it has the Neve console from Albert’s Studio 2, so it was gutsy to go back there and finish this record off.

Craig Harnath, who we’ve been mates with forever, joined the team, and after another tour, and another few months and trips down to Hothouse, we finally finished the record. Zakk Cervini joined the team and mixed up a Rock’n’Roll storm of a record. He’s a real weapon! Ted Jensen—aka “the great one”— gave Zakk’s atomic mixes a real supercharged spit and polish and brought it all home with his classic trademark Sterling master print that only he can do.

So, we finally ripped off the Band-Aid and mustered up the balls to play it to the roadies…. And guess what? They love this one! Thank fuck! Only took us 20 years!

Thanks again for all of your words back then, mate. We’ve never forgotten them, and we wouldn’t be here without ya. We’ll always keep you "Alive After Death."

Rock on, Lem.

Much Love,

Joel O’Keeffe

The announcement is accompanied by the album's first single, "Alive After Death (Last Plane Out)." The track's new music video is also out now!

Watch the Music Video for "Alive After Death (Last Plane Out)" HERE