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Hasbro, a leading games, IP and toy company, today unveiled My Little Pony: Forever Friendship, a brand-new YouTube animated series introducing the next generation of pony adventures premiering on YouTube in early 2027.  

A feelings-first fantasy adventure, My Little Pony: Forever Friendship follows Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy as they embark on a new journey of friendship, magic and self-discovery. Building on the legacy of My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic and featuring beloved characters from that era, this new digital series introduces a fresh creative vision while staying true to the themes that have defined My Little Pony for generations. Through character-driven storytelling and heartfelt adventures, these bi-weekly, 9-minute episode drops on YouTube will explore individuality, belonging and emotional growth as the ponies navigate the everyday magic of friendship together.  

Led by Showrunner and Head Writer Gretchen Mallorie and Series Director Tayhan Mustafa, My Little Pony: Forever Friendship introduces a new visual direction for My Little Pony, defined by luminous color, iridescent magic and expressive design rooted in character and emotion. Developed in collaboration with Lil Critter Workshop and featuring key artistic contributions from acclaimed illustrator Nicholas Kole, the animated series brings a richly imagined vision of Equestria to life, balancing playful charm with emotional depth, while honoring the warmth and heart fans have long associated with the beloved brand. 

Bringing the characters to life is a talented voice cast featuring Jenna Weir as Twilight Sparkle, Ava Preston as Rainbow Dash, Kayla Samson as Fluttershy and Kaya Kanashiro as Pinkie Pie, delivering the warmth, energy and authenticity that defines this next chapter. 

“For over forty years, My Little Pony has remained one of Hasbro’s most beloved and enduring franchises, connecting with generations of fans around the world through stories rooted in friendship, imagination and creativity,” said Kim Boyd, President of Global Licensing & Entertainment, Hasbro. “With My Little Pony: Forever Friendship, we’re continuing to grow the brand through fresh storytelling, a visionary creative team and new entertainment experiences designed to inspire today’s audiences while staying true to the heart of what fans have always loved about My Little Pony.” 

Building on the news, Hasbro also unveiled a brand-new music track titled FOREVER FRIENDSHIP, a bright, feel-good anthem that celebrates the series' themes of connection, self-belief, and individuality. Performed by vocalist Cali Rodi and produced and written by Super Weirdo Productions, the track is a special cover of the show's theme song, which will be featured in the title sequence and performed by the pony voice cast. The anthem is available to stream now across major digital platforms, including Apple, Spotify and Amazon music. 

At its core, My Little Pony: Forever Friendship is a story about emotional growth, individuality and the everyday magic of connection. Through heartfelt adventures, humor and evolving friendships, the digital series invites a new generation of fans of all ages into a world where kindness and self-discovery take center stage. The series will come to life through bi-weekly 9-minute episode drops on YouTube, clipped and celebrated across social media platforms, ensuring we reach our multi-generational fans wherever they are.  

For more information on My Little Pony, please visit YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/mlpequestriagirls/mlpequestriagirls and follow the brand on social media on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mylittlepony/, Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mylittlepony/ and TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mylittlepony. Fans can also look forward to new music, evolved social media presence, and a podcast series that will accompany the My Little Pony: Forever Friendship series coming soon. 

Check out the new theme song HERE.

Check out the all-new cast right HERE.

With Midsummer Scream about a week away now. There are certain rules that one must abide by to celebrate a horror franchise as esteemed as Scream... and rule number one is you never, ever miss a reunion this big. In an unprecedented partnership with Paramount Scares, Midsummer Scream is thrilled to announce a massive, weekend-long celebration marking the 30th Anniversary of Wes Craven’s genre-shattering masterpiece.

Creeping into the Long Beach Convention Center from August 7-9, the massive three-day event includes hundreds of spooky vendors, over a dozen haunted experiences inside the Hall of Shadows, and panels, presentations, and performances across seven different stages all weekend long.

The Ultimate Woodsboro Reunion

Horror fans can meet the original survivors and killers of Woodsboro for autographs, selfies, and professional photo-ops throughout the weekend, including:

Matthew Lillard (Stu Macher)

Skeet Ulrich (Billy Loomis)

David Arquette (Dewey Riley)

Jamie Kennedy (Randy Meeks)

Lee Waddell (stunt actor), Joseph Whipp (Sheriff Burke), and more!

For those needing something that stabs deeper, an incredibly limited number of fans can book a private meet-and-greet with Roger L. Jackson, the voice of Ghostface himself, record a custom voicemail or audio greeting.

Celebrity photo-ops and the Roger L. Jackson meet and greet can be ordered through Pose Photo-Ops here.

Step Inside the Paramount Scares Bradley Video Store

PARAMOUNT SCARES is rewinding to Woodsboro 1996 for SCREAM's 30th anniversary, recreating Bradley Video — the fictional store where the nightmare began — right on the Midsummer Scream floor, with best fright-friends FANGORIA manning the counter old-school style, playing genre expert to help fans dig up hidden gems worth renting instantly. Ghostface photo ops and merch giveaways await anyone brave enough to ask "do you like scary movies?"

Can’t-Miss Weekend Panels

The weekend’s programming is packed with dynamic, heavy-hitting panels that will gut you like a fish:

Saturday, August 8: Matthew Lillard takes the stage to host the SCREAM 30th Anniversary Panel, promising special guests, wild franchise insights, and plenty of chaotic audience engagement.

Sunday, August 9: Dive deep into the auditory terror that kept you looking over your shoulder with THE SOUND OF SCREAM. This panel features master horror composer Marco Beltrami, Spencer Charnas (frontman of Ice Nine Kills), Roger L. Jackson, film producer Marianne Maddalena, and music supervisor Ed Gerrard. Together, they will dissect the spine-chilling music, terrifying vocal delivery, and razor-sharp audio that defined the franchise.

An Exclusive Slice of Horror History

In honor of the anniversary, attendees can snag a special Midsummer Scream edition of Fangoria magazine, available only at the show. Featuring a blood-pumping cover starring Ghostface, this collector's item is packed with archival articles, deep dives, and retrospective looks at Midsummer Scream’s 2026 guest line-up.

Don’t Get Woozy! Admission Will Sell Out Soon!

"Weekend" and "Gold Bat VIP" passes have already been slashed to zero and are completely sold out. If you want to make it to the final credits, you need to move fast, and visit midsummerscream.com as single-day passes are on the verge of selling out next.

About Paramount Scares

Before Rosemary had her baby, before Jason arrived at Camp Crystal Lake, and before Ghostface asked “Do you like scary movies?”, Paramount has been there to scare.  Paramount Scares is a dedicated brand from Paramount Pictures that showcases more than a century of iconic chills and thrills and super-serves fans all year round as a horror community hub.  Through online, theatrical, and live events, Paramount Scares connects with audiences and creates a space where all fans—from the newly curious to the deeply devoted—feel seen, celebrated, and part of the exciting and ever-evolving horror genre.

About Midsummer Scream

Midsummer Scream is presented by David Markland (Co-Founder/Executive Director), Gary Baker (Co-Founder/Executive Producer), Claire Dunlap (Co-Founder/Producer), and Rick West (Co-Founder/Creative Director). Their goal is to showcase the diversity of Southern California’s haunt and horror communities as a welcoming beacon for fans around the world to converge on Los Angeles for a weekend of excitement, networking, and non-stop spooky fun.

Portuguese Progressive Metal band Freitanás released their debut album "Ergo Sum". The release was recorded, mixed and mastered by João Pedro Freitas in his home studio.

Check out the album linked below:

https://open.spotify.com/album/6GS6LwusJhrP3tnBX9dBay

https://freitanas.bandcamp.com/album/ergo-sum

Formed in Castanheira de Pera, Portugal, Freitanás is the solo rock and metal project of "Aoidos" vocalist/guitarist João Pedro Freitas, named during a legendary gathering at "Taberna 58". The project reached a major milestone with the release of the debut album "Ergo Sum". Culminating older unreleased tracks and brand-new material, the album bridges the guitar-driven metal of Zakk Wylde and Nevermore with the sonic spirit of Ornatos Violeta and Devin Townsend. Conceptually, the music serves as a visceral attempt to navigate the storm of adulthood, translating the heavy burdens of independence and isolation into cathartic art. 

Norwegian Black Metal band Northern Krig released their new single "Return of the Elfking". The single was recorded/mixed at "Icelandic Fire Records" by Jan Reichel, and mastered at "Totenklang Studios".

Check out the single linked below:

https://open.spotify.com/album/4tB82Bmpqsujho8K9XYxwW

https://music.apple.com/us/album/return-of-the-elfking-single/6782076537

Formed in Oslo in 2021 by Morfran, Erik Lund, Mikkel Stein, and Jonar Gunnarson, Norwegian black metal force Northern Krig emerged from the ashes of "Skyrsdag". Now fronted by Morfran (vocals/guitar), Miasma (bass/guitar), and Maikon Q. (drums), the band established their raw sound on the 2022 demo "Myrk Blóðfórn". Key milestones include their 2024 debut "Concept of a Suicidal Journey" and the February 2026 release of their devastating full-length album "Worship Files for Anthropophagolagnia Predators" via Icelandic Fire Records, promoted by GlobMetal Promotions.

Alternative metal band SHARP LIVES have a debut album out and their latest single "Tit for Tat", with much more in the works, including the band playing some shows, and hoping to head out on tour as well! Fronted by a fierce frontwoman, who is not just in this band, but fronts another band FORGE THE SUN. In short, SHARP LIVES goes into talks about releasing new music later this year, plans to play shows and much more!

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

Sharp Lives started in 2023, it transformed into a solo project, a place for singer Ally Rose to create music that is most true to her as an artist. 

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

An MCR song, The Sharpest Lives, inspired the band name! 

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

Band is based out of Detroit, MI. There's so much talent in the MI music scene! Annex Void, Wisher, Shadows Reflection, Second Salem are a few that come to mind as great acts.

4. How would you describe your style?

Early 2000's mall goth meets alternative metalcore.

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

I have released a few covers and my debut EP! Listeners can expect a raw and real reflection of my life in song. The music is heavy but also pretty. I love to mix clean theatrical aspects with metal.

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

Yes, my new original song feat. Snakes At The Gatehouse drops 9/18!

7. As far as shows and touring, what is on the agenda?

The next show is Bitter Bloom Festival 8/8 at the Orchid Theater in Ferndale, MI. Asking all the fans to join my mailing list "Join the Coven" so we can start building tours to see everyone!

8. What else do you have planned for the rest of this year?

More writing and recording with a few new producers!

9. Where can we find you online, listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?

https://linktr.ee/sharplivesband is where you can find all my socials, stream music, buy merch, and join my mailing list!

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

I would just hope anyone that's listening can be inspired by my stories!

Thirteen years gone, with relentless work done, an album, a recent single "On Fire" with much more in-store, the band known as CAPTIVES has been doing music for a quite a bit. Playing shows, releasing more music is all set in-stone from these fine musicians. The band discussed their most recent offerings, and the more that they got coming up.

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

We've been around for 10 years. Formed in 2013 in Tasmania Australia. Go look up that island off the bottom of Australia. Cool part of the world. We've toured internationally (Japan, Taiwan, New Zealand, China) playing international festivals and supporting a load of rad bands along the way. More recently, we travelled to New Jersey (USA) to record our latest material with producer Jon Markson (The Story So Far, Drug Church, Koyo, Quicksand) and Alan Day from Four Year Strong. 

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

There's nothing groundbreaking to it. We threw a few names around in the early days and the name Captives stuck. 

3. 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 in Melbourne, Australia. Melbourne has a strong local music scene. Loads of rad bands hail from this city and we love playing here. You should totally check out our good friends 'Mannequin Death Squad' and also a new band on the block called 'Copperhead' (they're actually from Tasmania where we grew up). 

4. How would you describe your style?

Always the hardest question. We tend to think we fit into the Punk or Rock genres. But there's so many genres these days. Who even knows. We're happy for you to decide! 

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

We've released a load of music over the years. A few albums, EP's and singles. Our latest single 'On Fire' came out last week, with more new music on the way from our time over in the states. 

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

There's more new music on the way. Real soon. We're stoked to be back on the block. So keep an ear to the ground as they say. 

7. As far as shows and touring, what is on the agenda?

We're launching our new single in our hometown of Melbourne on August 29th (Bergy Bandroom). It'll be a rad night with some great bands joining us. It'll be a nice way to officially launch some new music. More touring plans are in the works for 2027. 

8. What else do you have planned for the rest of this year?

More new music is on the way. We can't wait to share it. 

9. Where can we find you online, listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?

You can find us on Instagram @captivesofficial or on Spotify, Apple music and YouTube. 

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

The music is yours. We hope it brings a good time; you enjoy it and come back for more. 

Modernized melodic hard rock duo features Swedish vocalist and guitarist Andi Kravljaca and Norwegian multi-instrumentalist Andreas Nergård. to create KINDRED NORTH. With them, they have taken that 80's arena rock with a modernized flare, going on to release singles leading up to their debut album release this year! Both of them got together to talk with us about formation, music, and plans for the future.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name? Was it planned, or did it just come about naturally?

Andi: It was definitely considered, but it arrived fairly naturally once we understood what this band was. “Kindred” describes the relationship between Andreas and me. After fifteen years of working together, we are closer to brothers than hired collaborators. “North” represents Sweden and Norway. The letters, K and N represent the names Kravljaca and Nergård. We wanted the name to say something real about the people involved rather than merely sounding like a rock band. 

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Andi: Because this is the musical language we speak without having to translate ourselves. We grew up on Winger, Dokken, Europe, and that whole generation of players and writers. It's also not about the clothes, the hair or about nostalgia, but the standard they set. Those records made musicianship feel heroic. Kindred North is our attempt to imagine all that ambition, danger and craftsmanship evolving in that same direction.

Andreas: I've always wanted to write and record this kind of music but never got the opportunity. We did some AOR oriented tracks with Nergard and I had the honor of being the drummer on the Tony Mills album "Over My Dead Body" but that's it. It has been clear to me for a long time that Andi and I share the same influences. We speak the same musical language which made it quite easy to make this album. 

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

Andi: Yes, for nearly twenty years now. Andreas first encountered one of my old bands, Silent Call, when he reviewed our debut album in 2007 or something! I later became a session vocalist and musician for his band Nergard, and we worked together across several records and live appearances. Kindred North was the first time we stopped thinking like employer and session musician and built something together from the ground up. I still call him 'boss' in my emails though, for old times' sake.

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

Andi: The band exists between Stockholm and Trondheim, which means that mathematically the average location of the band members is in Orsa, Sweden. Which is great because Orsa is a hugely musical town (even though neither of us lives there).

Andreas: Even though I make my living from being a live musician I actually have no idea how the local music scene is in Trondheim anymore. It's a very different thing touring all over the country and being part of a local scene. I have wanted to update myself on what's going on for years but never get to it. 

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Andreas: First of all, I have to be in a happy place. I can't write music when I'm sad. At least not Melodic Rock, even though lyrically this album deals with heartbreak most of the time. Writing lyrics for Melodic Rock songs is something different from the Symphonic Metal that I've been writing for the past 10-15 years. So, I spent a lot of time listening to Winger, Poison, Stage Dolls, Warrant etc. just to get in the zone. Not trying to copy anyone, but it wouldn't make sense listening to Power Metal and dragon-themed songs for inspiration while writing a Melodic Rock album.  Musically I develop hooks, chord progressions and the foundations of songs while walking in the woods. When I get home, I make very spartan demos of it and send it to Andi. 

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

Andi: The classic themes, love, sex, broken hearts and second chances. A lot of the record is about relationships under some sort of pressure: distance, regret, desire, loss. The age-old question of whether something damaged can be brought back to life. There is a thread of people trying to reach one another before it becomes too late.

7. Do you write your own songs? Please discuss the songwriting process.

Andreas: Yes, we do. I always make the music first. The idea for a vocal melody pop into my head and I start developing the song from there. 90 percent of the time I make the chorus first. Then I make a demo of the entire track and start working on melodies for the verses, mid-sections etc. With this album I have tried to make every line into a catchy hook. Lyrically I struggle with every album I make. It is a process that takes forever and can be very frustrating. It is a very satisfying feeling when I've finished a lyric that I like. Some of the songs turned into such a nightmare that I sent them to Andi instead so he could write the verses or choruses. The thing is that he has the same musical language as I have so I always like the stuff he comes up with, whether it is instrumental or vocal/lyrically. 

When I'm done writing the musical foundation of the songs, I make very simple demos and send it to Andi. The demos have very little in them. Some programmed drums, a simple bass line and maybe a keyboard pad. I might hum the vocal lines for the parts that are ready. Then Andi puts his signature on it with all these amazing guitar parts. When he is done, I start the real job by making the drums, bass and keyboards respond to what he is doing. It is a very orchestrated album if you look at it in details. 

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

Andi: So far, we have released two singles, “Natural High” and “Learn To Love Again.” “Natural High” has that synth-pop lift, but real guitar muscle underneath. “Learn To Love Again” is our power ballad: heartfelt, dramatic and built around soaring vocals.

Our self-titled debut album follows on August 21 through Pride & Joy Music. It contains eleven songs and its melodic hard rock with aggressive guitars, dense harmonies and big choruses. It puts the songwriting - real human songwriting - and the performance - real human performance - right in your face!

9. You have some new singles and an album coming soon. Tell us briefly about them, and why should we check them out?

Andi: The third single, “Lose Control,” arrives on July 24, followed by the album on August 21. That song captures the philosophy of the record particularly well: the concept is not only in the lyrics, but in the execution. Real amplifiers, a real performance and enough human danger left in the take to make it breathe. 

10. How about playing shows and touring? Do you have anything planned?

Andi: Kindred North is fundamentally me and Andreas, but that doesn't mean it has to remain two people in a studio forever. If we take it live, we will build the right group of musicians around that core. We'll find a way to do it properly, without changing the identity of the band.

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

Andi: The immediate job is to release the album and then actually support it rather than behaving as though the work ends at midnight on release day. There will be more videos, guitar and vocal playthroughs, interviews and material showing how the record was made. We will also explore the right live opportunities. Beyond that, we intend to begin developing the next record!

12. Where can we find you online, listen to the band and buy your music?

Andi: Just search for Kindred North. You can find us on Spotify, Apple Music and the other major streaming services, as well as YouTube, Instagram and Facebook. The easiest approach is simply to search for Kindred North. We appear to have chosen a sufficiently unusual name to defeat most of the algorithmic competition. The physical CD will be available through Pride & Joy Music and its distributors. Follow the official social pages for new music, videos, release information and any future announcements!

Californian old school death metal act 𝙈𝘼𝙎𝙎𝙀𝘾𝙐𝙏𝙊𝙍 got its formation start by Joseph Landeros, gathering together members within the scene, they have played shows, released some material, including a recent single "Chaos Magick", with an upcoming album out sometime soon! Joseph himself discusses a lot of the band's insight about their formation, releases thus far, and what plans are set in stone, as far as shows, music, and much else.

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

The Name “Massecutor” first originated from one of the many names I chose for when I was creating the band, initially as a thrash metal band believe it or not. A lot of people connect the dots when reading it ultimately is a shortened version of Mass Executor.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

I ended up falling in love with Old School Death Metal as many know is a derivative of thrash from back then. I just absolutely loved everything about it. In addition, Its just fucking heavy as hell.

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

I started Massecutor alone. I ended up meeting all of my boys who are now my closest friends through the metal scene of L.A. and I met Zvon in my hometown of Santa Clarita.  I felt inspired by the music and decided to put something out there which was a couple of demos and my debut release of “Conceptual Visions”. I asked them to be a part of this passion of mine and as time went on we've been dedicated to this project ever since.

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 are based in Los Angeles, which is where we play most of our shows. 3 of us are actually originally based out of Santa Clarita. A.K.A.  the Six Flags Magic Mountain city haha.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

My personal inspirations for writing music would have to be Slayer, Death, Suffocation, and Obituary. And of course, almost all of the 90s OSDM bands! The list goes on.

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

Themes usually covered in our songs pertain to what many old school death metal bands wrote about as well. The story of a gruesome death, The complexities and mysteries of reality, and real-world tragedies. 

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

In the very beginning I wrote all the songs. But as for our upcoming album release. Me and my boys have written and collaborated with each other in the new songs we will be featuring very soon. The song writing process has been an easy-going process. The two main forces of songwriting have so far been me (Joseph) and Zvon, our bassist. Jake and Ayden created their own unique touches on the song(s). Zvon and I usually meet up and write the structures and lyrics of the songs together to see what best serves the song and the integrity of our sound.

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

What we have released as a full line up has been our Live and newest version of “Arctic Autopsy" and our newest single “Chaos Magick”. Fans and new listeners should expect the old school brutality of our sound and our image.

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

Yes! We have an upcoming album we've been working on for 2 years now that will hopefully be released by the ending of this year… so stay tuned!

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

We’re very limited to playing shows at the moment since we are prioritizing our upcoming releases. As far as touring. We will have one planned once the album is released.

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

The only plans we have for the rest of the year is recording the album, mastering it and opening for VIO-LENCE in December! 

12. Where can we find you online, listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?

You can find Massecutor mostly on all streaming platforms, YouTube and Bandcamp. We mostly sell our merch at shows! But if people want to buy online they just DM the account so then we can mail it out! I appreciate your time for this interview Natalie! Much love from me and my boys.  Hails!!! - Joseph

Rock trio UNDER CLOUDS AND SURVEILLANCE have gone on to release some singles, a couple of albums, with another album on the way, the band took the time to talk with us about these releases, the future plans, and how they got involved with creating the band in the first place!

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

Well, there’s a certain vibe us 3 thrive on and it’s just that mysterious feeling that this existence isn’t always what it appears to be. There seems to be powers at play that are outside the realm of what we consider natural and based in reality and yeah, there’s just a feeling of being watched by them as well as the powers that govern our societies down here in our everyday rat race. We’re not paranoid we promise haha. Rj came up with the name that fit those perspectives while he was just driving down a country road one day looking at the sky. 

2. Why did you want to play this genre? 

We’ve always been avid fans of rock and roll and any sub genre of rock. Especially alternative. In the beginning it was strings only. We played acoustic guitars and it was very convenient when throwing out ideas for songs.  We could write a song inside on the floor of the kitchen or outside at midnight by the fire.  Once the songs started coming together more fluidly and we were building more of a catalogue of songs it just naturally felt right to crank up the distortion on the guitar, hit hard on the drums and have the bass guitar banging. 

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

Yes. Two of us are brothers by blood. But John has always been our best friend. We grew up together. We went to school with each other, played little league baseball and football together and rode motocross together. We spent a lot of time playing video games and listening to our favorite bands over the years. 3 brothers connected by soul. 

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 are based out of Western Kentucky. Cadiz, Ky to be exact. But now one of our members currently resides in Tennessee. The music scene we have been a part of for over a decade is the Clarksville, TN music scene. In recent years we haven’t been involved as much because we’ve been working on new material and not playing out as often, but this was truly a stomping ground for us in the past. The scene is still very much alive although a lot of the bands we had the privilege of playing with or we used to catch at a gig have come and gone over the years. 

There are multiple venues and events going on throughout the year in Clarksville with the highlight being Possumstock down in Adams, Tn on the bank of the Red River. This years date is August 20th-23rd. This festival brings all the bands in the scene together for a spectacular weekend that can’t be described in words. It is legendary. Full of so many different genres and personalities. There is something there for everyone to enjoy and vibe with. We have made so many amazing memories and connected with so many people through our experiences in this scene. It truly helped shape us and build our chops for our live shows. We are super thankful for every show and every venue/event we’ve played here. Here are some awesome local bands: GRYME Paronism Cohen Noise Cody Parson & the Heavy Change ReallyBadPeople EvinceTN Khamsin Fuzzripper Wayward Grey Maewyn 

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs? 

Our journey through life inspires us. The past, the present and the infinite possibilities of the future. The good and bad times we’ve been through and the dreams we have for ourselves one day. The mysteries of this world and the little everyday questions that you ask yourself really get the juices flowing. Knowing you won’t get all of the answers when you ask but you still feel it in your soul that the truths are out there. That helps with our discovery of ideas because we can incorporate our own truths and views. We can build a new world with each song. Or we can build off of the energy of a certain song then another song can become like a different chapter of that same initial story. We’re existing here in this world but can never truly pinpoint what’s behind the curtain even though at times we feel like we are on to something and so very close to the ultimate reveal. It gets us going and we just pull our ideas from the source and let em rip. 

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

To us they may have a specific meaning, or the idea came from a certain experience or memory we lived through. But overall, they aren’t concrete and don’t have to mean one thing. You might get something totally different from the lyrics and vibe than we do. And that’s the incredible thing about songs. Whether it’s straightforward or abstract. The meaning is there but it could be different for everyone. We like to promote thinking outside of the box and thinking for yourself. 

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

Yes, all of our songs are original. There is no specific process we follow exactly. Most of our ideas start as snippets and we build them from there. Honestly most of our song ideas “come out of thin air”. It’s like they already exist and we just pull them from somewhere. We do a lot of improvising on the spot and in the moment and when these ideas come together naturally, they stick. For example, one of our upcoming songs on our album called Youth was a complete freestyle.  We just happened to be recording on an iPhone when we jammed it and boom, a new song was created. We didn’t alter anything other than the vocals. That song will be released later this year. I’d say 90% of our song structures/lyrics come from freestyled parts that we build from and when we jam together, we use the trial-and-error method to perfect everything. 

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

Since 2015, we have released two full length albums and 5 new singles off of our upcoming album. Our first self-titled album (2015) is not on any streaming services or YouTube because we plan on revamping the entire album. We have grown a lot over the years skill wise and creative wise, and we wish to do the songs even more justice by having more of a professional product. We believe in those songs, and they must have their day how we envision them. In 2019 we released Artificial Air. The album had 11 songs, and we wanted to push them pretty heavily and get them out to the world, but covid hit not long after our tour for Artificial Air and the release of the “Blue House” music video, which was the first song on the album. But recently we have released 5 new singles of our upcoming album that will be out later this year. As of now we have 6 music videos we have done since 2019, and we plan on releasing a bunch more visual content. You can always expect us to have a different flavor for every release. We try to keep every song as fresh as we can. Albums: Self-titled LP (2015) Physical copies only Artificial Air (2019) Streaming on all platforms Singles/Music Videos: Blue House (2019) Slippin’ on 7, Not For Sale In California (2025) Halo Stain, Don’t Care, Mr. I’m Dead (2026) 

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

Yes. The 5 recent singles we have released are going to be on our 3rd full length album, currently untitled. We still have sound 6 more songs from that album to release. Recording is done, we are just in the postproduction stage and polishing the remainder of the songs while we are scheming behind the scenes. On top of that we have about 30 more song ideas we are piecing together for the future. 

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

Right now, the only show we have planned out is at the Possumstock Festival 2026 in Adams, TN. We take the stage Friday, August 21st at 9 PM. We are going to be booking more shows and mini tours once a few more songs are released. 

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

We plan on finishing this album and releasing more music videos/singles to get ready for that release. We also plan on getting back to booking shows locally, regionally, and nationally as well. We have some ideas for other projects such as a live acoustic recording session of about 10-12 songs, showcasing some old and newer tunes and giving people a different side to our cloudy vibe. Will be similar to MTV unplugged sessions where we will be recording video footage as well. 

12. Where can we find you online, listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff? 

You can find us on our website: www.undercloudsandsurveillance.com Merch will be available on the website coming soon. We are streaming now on all platforms. 

Social media: 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@undercloudsandsurveillance 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Undercloudsandsurveillance 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/undercloudsandsurveillance/ 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ucasmusic

At Noble Demon, we have always believed that music is ultimately about people. While Shaun Glass's legacy as a guitarist, songwriter, and pioneer of Chicago metal will continue to inspire generations, the greatest legacy he leaves behind is the countless lives he touched with his generosity, kindness, and unwavering belief in others.

The tribute below was written by Troy Dixler on behalf of Shaun's family. We hope you'll take a moment to read it, remember the remarkable man behind the music, and, if you're able, help honor the legacy he cared about most: his son, Maddux.

On July 1, 2026, the world lost Shaun Glass, a legendary musician who spent over four decades shaping the Chicago metal scene through Terminal Death, Sindrome, Broken Hope, SOiL, Dirge Within, The Bloodline, and most recently Repentance. He shared stages with some of the biggest names in the genre and left behind music that fans still play on repeat.

But if you ask anyone who actually knew Shaun, the music was never the most impressive thing about him.

Shaun's wealth was never in a bank account; it was in every room he ever walked into. You could know him for five minutes and walk away feeling like you'd known him your whole life. He introduced bands, friends, and strangers to chances they never would have found on their own, not because it benefited him, but because that's just who he was, and he never once asked for anything back. Ask around the metal scene and you won't find one person who claims to be his best friend. You'll find fifty. That's not an exaggeration. That was just Shaun.

On May 31, 2026, Shaun suffered a stroke brought on by undiagnosed high blood pressure. He spent nearly a month in the hospital on life support, surrounded the entire time by people who truly loved him, before passing peacefully on hospice care. Shaun's insurance is pending, and anyone who has ever dealt with a hospital bill knows what even a few days in intensive care can cost. A month on life support has left behind an overwhelming amount of medical debt and final expenses.

A fundraiser has been set up for Shaun's family by Troy Dixler. 

https://www.gofundme.com/f/a-life-in-metal-a-future-for-his-son-shaun-glass

Every donation goes into the Maddux Glass Irrevocable Trust. Shaun's medical and final expenses are paid from it first, but the heart of this fund is Maddux, giving him the education, stability, and future his father always wanted for him. That future is protected in this trust, permanent, and something no one can ever take from him.

If Shaun ever made you feel like family, connected you to someone, or picked up the phone when you needed him, this is the moment to give back a fraction of what he gave so many of us for free.

Shaun Glass made thousands of people feel like they mattered. Now it's our turn to make sure his son knows he mattered too.

Check out the interview below I had done with him in person way back in 2009 when he was in DIRGE WITHIN! - 

American Deathcore band Orgasmic Savage released their new single "Sacrificial Betrayal" from the band's upcoming album. The release was recorded by Darrell Young and mixed/mastered by Paul Francis over at GetRight Recordings Studio.

Check out the new single linked below:

https://orgasmicsavage.bandcamp.com/track/sacrificial-betrayal-3

https://open.spotify.com/album/01MwDRqiIr8kFU4FCWOsyB

Formed in Redford, Michigan, in April 2024 by guitarist Darrell Young, Orgasmic Savage expanded a year later into a full lineup driven by sheer passion. The band delivers a dark, gritty, horror-infused, and nasty sonic experience that completely lives up to its name. Their raw creative process is heavily fueled by substance use, famously culminating in their latest single, "Prelude To Assimilation". 

American Power/Heavy Metal band Ageless Warrior released their debut album "Unifier". The release was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Micah Devereaux in his home studio.

Check out the new album linked below:

https://agelesswarrior.bandcamp.com/album/unifier

https://open.spotify.com/album/2aEYJnGSqAYLj7HGRn64FJ

Formed in the Twin Cities in 2018 by founding members Micah Devereaux and Jeff Igelsrud, Ageless Warrior was born as a defiant middle finger to traditional metal elitists. Blending heavy and power metal with a tongue-in-cheek edge, the band debuted with 2018’s "Defy The Ages" and quickly built major local live momentum. Though the pandemic later forced the band onto ice and shelved their follow-up album "Unifier", Ageless Warrior’s unique style remains a fierce proof of concept, rooted in their desire to shake-up more traditional metal by mixing old school and new.

Bulgarian Pagan Black/Folk Metal band Tsar Stangra released their new album "Hymns of the Broken Worlds" on GlobMetal Promotions. The release is recorded at "Holywaves Studios", mixed by Stanislav Stefanovski, and mastered by Olivier Vaillancourt-Girard.

Check out the new album linked below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJoSTFkBCnY

https://tsarstangra.bandcamp.com/album/--6

https://open.spotify.com/album/7CbqPhgHPB1CC2GvdOVMaT

Tsar Stangra (Цар Стангра) is a Bulgarian pagan black/folk metal project founded in 2007 in Quebec City, Canada, evolving from a solo vision into a full band in 2014. Blending extreme metal with Bulgarian mythology and tradition, the band gained underground recognition through early releases and the debut album "Небесният ковач" (The Heavenly Blacksmith). Tsar Stangra has performed at events like Messe des Morts and Skogen Fest alongside Graveland and Tormentor, and opened for Arkona in their hometown. The band returns with the ambitious second album "Химните на разрушените светове" (Hymns of the Broken Worlds).

American Black Metal band Antithetic released their debut album "Kadath". The release was recorded, mixed and mastered in "Gavett Hall Studios" by Mikhail Amrayev and William Seastrand.

Check out the debut album linked below:

https://antithetic.bandcamp.com/album/kadath

https://open.spotify.com/album/1cg6wd7OnY5cExsrstVIni

Formed in Rochester, NY, by Hauras (lead guitar/vocals/synths) and Surma (guitar), alongside Nøkken (bass) and drummers Onidaiko and Andrew Dewar, Antithetic is a melodic black metal project blending aggressive Finnish and Russian traditions with grandeur and sorrow. Performing with concealed faces, the band shifts focus from personality to raw ritual. Driven by a central tension of beauty and violence, frost and fire, they deliver a cinematic, multilingual descent through Lovecraftian dreamlands, cosmic horror, and a medieval sense of dread that channels the influence of Dissection and Horna.

Finnish Doom Metal band Majestas Regia has released their debut self-titled EP. The release was recorded at "Clock Bridge Studios" by H., mixed by Majestas Regia and mastered by Valo Elios.

Check out the debut EP linked below:

https://majestasregia.bandcamp.com/album/majestas-regia-majestas-regia

Jamming since 2018, the veteran lineup of Mika S. (guitar/vocals), Markus W. (guitar/vocals), and Ilmari J. (drums) officially debuted as Majestas Regia in 2026. Rooted in '80s/'90s underground tape-trading culture, the trio retools classic riffs into grand, dark doom metal. Bringing decades of experience from cult Finnish acts (including Defection, Mindgrind, TIMB3R, Slugathor, Azazel, and Witchtiger) and underground fests like "Finnish Death Metal Maniacs" and gigs of "Metal Warning", the members blend influences from Black Sabbath and Candlemass with extreme black metal and slow death to create a sound of cold, decaying grandeur.

Madness of Sorrow have released a new video on their YouTube channel for the track "Infernal Ascension", the third single taken from their latest studio effort, "The Silent Sovereign", which was released in late 2025 via Ad Noctem Records. Check it out HERE.

The massive Hall of Shadows dark zone returns to Midsummer Scream, the world’s largest Halloween and horror convention, featuring a monstrous array of haunted attractions, photo ops, and live entertainment August 7 to August 9 at the Long Beach Convention Center. Passes for this year’s show are on sale now at MidsummerScream.com.

With the 2026 Hall of Shadows theme of “Descent Into Darkness,” guests are invited to venture beyond the veil into a world of perpetual nightfall, where the most ambitious collection of haunted attractions in Midsummer Scream’s history have been assembled. Creating the entry portal experience this year is Eulogy Collective, Southern California’s only year-round haunted attraction. With each step deeper into the hall, guests will encounter vignettes and characters from its various seasonal overlays, each more twisted and macabre than the other.

Universal Horror Unleashed is bringing the heat from Las Vegas with a terrifying character encounter that marks the attraction’s blood-soaked debut at Midsummer Scream. Guests will get up-close-and-personal with some of the attraction’s most infamous icons.

Lionsgate Entertainment returns for their third year with an all-new walk-through attraction, inviting guests deep into the woods, where they’ll come face-to-face with an ancient evil.

All passes for Midsummer Scream include admission to every attraction in the Hall of Shadows. Guests holding Gold Bat VIP credentials will enjoy priority access to most attractions in the Hall of Shadows, bypassing General Admission standby queues. Hall of Shadows will be open to guests all three days of Midsummer Scream — Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, August 7 to August 9.

“I sound like a broken record every summer,” says Rick West, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Midsummer Scream. “But yet again, this year’s Hall of Shadows is absolutely the most intense and ambitious lineup of haunts and attractions we’ve ever assembled at Midsummer Scream. It’s so exciting to welcome the team from Universal Horror Unleashed — this is the first time we’ve hosted an attraction from Las Vegas; a very important bridge between the SoCal and Southern Nevada haunt communities. Of course, we’re also thrilled to have Lionsgate returning with a brand-new walk-through for fans to experience. Our friends at Eulogy Collective will set the tone for everyone’s descent into the darkness and fog-filled belly of the beast, where fans will find more than 15 unique attractions created by some of the most talented haunters anywhere in the world.”

Within the darkened expanse of the Hall of Shadows, guests can explore an incredible assortment of haunted attractions, chilling displays, thrilling photo ops, and live entertainment that include:

•  A visit to the Hawkins National Laboratory for some photographic fun provided by Rawl of the Dead

•  A terrifying witch hunt through a cursed forest led by H&L’s Realm of Horror

•  Kooky, spooky home haunt fun with the return of Clowns v Skeletons

•  A shot of fear and a round of terror as guests explore a ramshackle Floridian distillery presented by Straite to Hale

•  The eerie, hallowed grounds of a long-forgotten Celtic graveyard known as The Haunt With No Name… Yet

•  The Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns Bar, serving up spooky libations for guests 21 and older, in the glow of dozens of grinning gourds, courtesy of Thirteenth Floor Entertainment

•  A blood-sucking horde hidden away for generations within a dilapidated manor from Fear Farm

•  Another go-around with your favorite soapy and sudsy monsters from The Haunted Carwash

•  A totally tubular romp through an old movie theater showcasing some of the best horror flicks of the 1980s, presented by The Dreich Society

•  A chilling exploration through whisper-filled halls of the Shadows Hollow Asylum, created by Realm of Shadow

•  The continued twisted cinematic misadventures of Sid from Toy Story, from Monclova Media Group

•  And an abandoned old morgue where forgotten souls refuse to decay in silence, from Black Casket Productions.

The Decayed Brigade returns to Long Beach with three days of slider exhibitions that must be seen to be believed. Fans of all ages gather each year in the Hall of Shadows to witness this epic display of inhuman agility and terrifying precision. Midsummer Scream guests can catch this world-class sliding team on Friday night, followed by three shows daily both Saturday and Sunday.

All of this and more await within the fog-filled corridors of the Hall of Shadows, as fans dying to get in pry open the doors to Midsummer Scream the evening of Friday August 7, in Long Beach.

Guests will want to plan their weekend in advance -- “like” panels and presentations, as well as attractions they’re interested in, connect with fellow fans, and browse hundreds of vendors with the official Midsummer Scream app, now available as a free download in the Apple and Android stores.

For breaking information about Midsummer Scream, sign up for our digital newsletter at MidsummerScream.com. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook by searching @midsummerscream.

About Midsummer Scream

Midsummer Scream is presented by David Markland (Co-Founder/Executive Director), Gary Baker (Co-Founder/Executive Producer), Claire Dunlap (Co-Founder/Producer), and Rick West (Co-Founder/Creative Director). Their goal is to showcase the diversity of Southern California’s haunt and horror communities as a welcoming beacon for fans around the world to converge on Los Angeles for a weekend of excitement, networking, and non-stop spooky fun.

French symphonic power metal band HARTLIGHT have released not one but two albums, and an EP. With a third full-length underway, expected sometime this next year, the band plans to just prepare for it's release, then go forth to play live and see where it goes. Releasing music, is the main focus for them at this time, but playing live isn't that far behind, the band discusses with us how they came together, the music released, and all of the rest.

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

We settled on the name Hartlight after a long period of reflection. To us, it evokes a powerful light that casts an equally powerful shadow. This image embodies the duality and contradictions of human nature, and the journey toward truth, freedom, and healing. We believe that only by facing both light and shadow can we move closer to wholeness.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

We wanted to play symphonic power metal because it is a genre that allows a great deal of freedom. It gives us the possibility to create unique and highly cinematic atmospheres, and to convey images of hope and strength. It is a musical style that can range from something very gothic and very frightening to something very bright and evocative of a fantastical and glorious nature.

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

The four of us already knew each other before forming this band, and that is actually one of the reasons we chose to do this together. We wanted to make the most of our time at concerts by spending it with friends, enjoying a good atmosphere, and sharing a sense of camaraderie. The bond between us is an integral part of our experience as a metal band.

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 are based in France, spread between the north and the south of the country. We have a loyal French audience, but people still find it difficult to travel to concerts. And if we could recommend a band, we would choose Oïkoumen. They are very good friends of ours, and they create music that is truly sincere, progressive, and very interesting.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

As for the lyrics, I am inspired by the arts in the broadest sense of the word, by philosophy, by my life experiences, and by esotericism—everything that relates to the sensitive and intangible world. As for the music, Adrien is inspired by all kinds of bands and musical influences, whether they come from musical theatre, metal, classical music, film scores, or any other genre. He is inspired by the music he listens to and that moves him emotionally.

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

Our songs share a common thread: Alchemy. To us, Alchemy is the ability to transcend oneself in both mind and body - to move from one state of being to another, becoming something entirely different, in a process of healing and liberation. This idea runs through all of our songs. To express it, we make extensive use of imagery, symbolism, and esoteric and alchemical poetry. It can be a sense of wonder in the face of nature, rejection, solitude, anger, hatred, a fascination for what lies beyond the visible, sadness and empowerment.

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

I am entirely responsible for the lyrics, working on them on my own, in my own space. Adrien is responsible for the composition and orchestration, also working independently, in his own creative space, while incorporating riffs and ideas contributed by everyone in the band. This is the approach we have followed so far, including for the third album.

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

We have released a first EP called "From Midland and Beyond", a first album called "As Above, So Below", and a second album called "The Triumph of Metal". We are currently working on our third album, which will be released next year. These are the main things we have accomplished during roughly the first two years of our band’s existence.

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

This new album will be an epic journey set in a fantasy world, populated by fantastical creatures and centered around a heroine. Throughout a quest for revenge, she will encounter individuals who will play a decisive role in her journey. The story will explore themes such as recovery and society, while remaining rooted in the concept of alchemy, which is embodied and made tangible within this world.

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

As for dates and touring, we will not announce anything before everything is fully confirmed, as we are completely self-produced and self-managed. We are therefore the ones who also book our own shows. What we can say is that we will continue to play live dates, and that this year we will be performing at the Symphonic Metal Echoes Festival in Romania in August. It will be a great road trip for us, and we hope to meet you there.

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

For the end of this year, we will be preparing a release plan. We are currently working on the preparation of our third album, which includes the album artwork, merchandising, promotion, as well as the mixing and mastering of the record, which for the first time will be handled by someone outside the band. So, at the moment, it is about preparing - both in the shadows and in a more visible way - what is to come.

12. Where can we find you online, listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?

You can find our YouTube channel, where you will discover many music videos that we have created ourselves. You can also follow us on Instagram and Facebook to keep up with our journeys and concerts. Our website allows you to purchase tickets for upcoming shows, and our merch is available on Bandcamp, which can be accessed via the link on our website! Thank you for this interview. We hope to see you very soon at a concert! :D

Up and coming solo artist POWER ROB became a project out of another project, which would grow into him releasing music, playing shows, and touring. Rob himself talks about his music releases, further plans, and more!

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

For Power Rob it came from a joke between myself and the other half of my other project Megatronix, Robbie. We brought up how I performed, liked power metal and he liked darker metal, so he was Dark Rob and I was Power Rob. We went with those names when Megatronix was launched, I was approached by a pop label to launch a solo project and went with what I called myself in the other project so there was synergy.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

I did metal/rock for years and then stumbled onto synthwave around 2015 and became a major fan. As a writer I try to write music I would want to listen to, not what I can make, and I happen to like synthwave a lot.

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

Power Rob is a solo project, might be best skipping this one. lol

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

I'm based out of Baltimore, it's a decent music scene, synthwave is growing here. Years ago I'd say the music scene really hit a peak thanks to 98 Rock's Noise in the Basement, these days my projects focus more out of the region so I'm not too keen on how the local scene is these days.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

I don't really get inspired to write per se, ideas just kind of come out of the blue or I have an instrumental sent over to me. It's very rare I write because of something that inspires me to do so, the last time I guess that occurred was when a label had a meeting with me and told me the kind of music they'd want me to write. I got the idea in my head, sat down and banged it out.

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

With solo material a lot of songs are about romance, I try to capture the essence of classic 80s pop songs but to do so earnestly while other songs like Dark Star are about personal perseverance I've had over my adult life as an artist. The songs I do with Battlejuice vary, one song is about Freddy Krueger, another about recent events in Russia, while another is about the addictive elements of social media.

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

Yes, for the most part. Aside from covers and one original I write all of my vocals, sometimes I collaborate with producers while for many songs I write the music as well.

If it's a collab I'll listen to the original, map the melodies out, figure out what syllables enhance the melody then from there fill out words and then a theme. The most important aspect of a vocal line is the melody itself; the words must serve this above all else.

If I write music usually it's because an idea hits me out of the blue, I sing the melody to my voice recorder app then later take the idea to FL studio and build it via MIDI, after that I construct the rest of the notes by ear.

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

Everything? That's a list, at least two dozen albums, here's the main ones that are still available.

Aries - Rise (Album)

Thrillkiller - Showdown (Album)

Thrillkiller - San Francisco Moto (EP)

Megatronix - Powerwave (Album)

Megatronix - Limitbreaker (EP)

Power Rob - Runaway (EP)

Power Rob - Monsterman (Album)

Power Rob - So Alive (feat. Elevate the Sky, Single)

Ehrah - A Little Time(feat. Power Rob

Ends 84 - Thunder (feat. Power Rob)

Miami Nights 1984 - This Christmas (feat. Power Rob)

Power Rob - Dark Star (Album)

Battlejuice x Power Rob - The Edge of Death (Single)

Battlejuice x Power Rob - Roll the Old Chariot Along (Single)

Battlejuice x Power Rob - Love to Hate (Single)

Power Rob x Night Rider 87 - Phantoms (Single)

Power Rob - Gettin' Heavy (feat. Fulvio Colasanto, Single)

Megatronix - Invisible (Single)

Megatronix - Shot in the Dark (Single)

Megatronix - Blood Red Skies (Single)

There's a bunch of others but that's a good list.

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

Yes, I have an EP I'll be announcing soon, I'm also going to be featured on two upcoming albums as well as a new collab with Battlejuice.

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

I had a show not that long ago at Reclaim Arcade in Virginia, which will be followed by more shows that will be announced soon.

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

Releasing new music, booking tour dates, teaching vocal lessons online and from my home studio near Baltimore.

12. Where can we find you online, listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?

Most of my socials use the handle PowerRobMusic, Power Rob is super easy to find on Google too! 

Melodic metalhead BRIAN HUNSAKER has been releasing music for some time, as of late releasing his latest single "Lie To Me" off his newest EP. Brain himself has taken some time to discuss this release, its single, and what other plans are in-store.

1. How and why did you want to become a musician, what is it that made you say "Thats what I want to do with my life". 

I was 16 years old when I heard Joe Satriani's "Surfing With The Alien" at a friend's house, and it quite literally changed the trajectory of my life. I was blown away by the expressive capability of the guitar—I’d never heard an instrument "speak" like that. I knew immediately that I wanted to reach a level of proficiency that would allow me to inspire others in that same way. I started practicing four to six hours a day almost immediately; I felt like I had a lot of catching up to do!

2. What genre do you play and why did you pick this particular one out of all the others in existence?

I specialize in melodic metal and hard rock, moving between vocal-led epics and technical instrumentals. I’ve always been drawn to heavy music because of its unique ability to combine raw power and technical precision with genuine beauty. It’s that balance of intensity and melody that defines my sound.

3. 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 in Plano, Texas, within the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. There is a massive pool of talent in this region, though much of the current scene is dominated by tribute acts. My goal is to use the foundation I'm building with my original material to offer the local scene something distinct—modern melodic metal with a cinematic scope.

4. What artists or bands have inspired you the most? 

The "Pillars" would definitely be Dio, Iron Maiden, Rush, Queensrÿche, and Symphony X. But I also draw a lot from the arena-rock sensibilities of Journey, Boston, and Dokken.

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

I treat each song as its own cinematic world. The tracks on the upcoming EP cover everything from a John Wick-esque narrative about being hunted by unseen forces to the story of a powerful sorceress returning from exile to reclaim a world through magic. I’ve explored searching for a partner across desolate alien landscapes following an invasion, and the sleepless horror of war. My latest single, "Lie To You," is a more grounded psychological study of how relationships erode when honesty is sacrificed for a comfort that eventually destroys the connection.

6. What is your writing and recording process like?

I handle the foundational architecture—writing all the guitars, vocals, and harmonies, and programming the initial arrangements. To achieve the world-class sound I wanted for the Where Dreamers Fall EP, I utilized SoundBetter to recruit an elite team of session specialists. I also brought back my bassist, Clif Chambliss, who played with me when most of these riffs were first born. I believe in hiring masters of their craft and giving them a "blank check" to play what they feel fits the song. Their skill and taste elevate the material to a level I couldn't achieve alone.

7. Go down your array of releases, what have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?

In 2011, I released my debut instrumental album, Across the Galaxy, and performed regionally in the Pacific Northwest as "Triaxe" alongside guitarists George Varghese and Sergio Ortega. With my new material, listeners can expect guitar work that is tight, precise, and technical, yet always in service of the song. I’m not interested in shredding just to show off; it has to have emotional purpose. On the vocal side, I focus on what I call "Vocal Architecture"—large, multi-layered harmonies in the tradition of Yes and Journey, delivered with power and conviction.

8. Your latest EP is described as the "Car EP" elaborate for this for us?

This project is a testament to resilience. All five songs were finished and tracked inside my Ford Freestyle during lunch breaks at work in the years leading up to the pandemic. 4 of the 5 tracks were reworkings of riffs I’d written with my original band back in 2005 that never saw the light of day. For over a decade, I struggled to find the right melodies for those riffs, but after the passing of my best friend—the person who first put a guitar in my hand—the inspiration finally poured out. As a new father of twins, I had zero time at home for music, so the car became my inspiration and "fortress of solitude". It was a weird and probably funny sight for my coworkers to see me belting out metal vocals in a parking lot, but it was the only way to keep my vision alive.

9. Would you say is there a story or concept to it at all?

While I initially considered a single overarching concept, I decided instead to let each song stand as its own immersive environment. I try to get as deep into the atmosphere, lyrics, and performance of each individual "world" as possible, rather than forcing a linear narrative.

10. Can you give me some insight behind the single "Lie To You", tell me about the song itself, and it's accompanying music video.

It explores the moment when communication breaks down so completely that you resort to deception simply to avoid confrontation. It’s about how avoiding difficult truths feels easier in the moment, but it’s actually what ends up destroying a connection beyond repair. The response has been staggering—many people have reached out to say how relatable that specific psychological "disconnect" is. 

To bring that feeling to life visually, we wanted a video that felt as expansive as the music. It features the band performing across a dark and surreal urban landscape—from lonely subway platforms to wind-swept rooftops—juxtaposed against the stark, isolated imagery of a lighthouse. It’s a blend of high-energy performance and cinematic melancholy, designed to pull the viewer into the "emotional stew" that the song creates.

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

Absolutely. The final single for the EP, "Final Score," is set for an Autumn 2026 release, followed immediately by the full Where Dreamers Fall EP. Beyond that, I have three more songs nearly complete and a new instrumental track brewing. The momentum isn't slowing down.

12. How about any other projects, you are working on currently?

The current focus is the long-form album that will follow the EP. Beyond that, I still do occasional live sessions and cover gigs in the Dallas and Houston area when the right project calls.

13. Have any shows or touring, planned out yet?

At the moment, this is a studio-intensive project focused on achieving the highest possible production value. However, once the full catalog is out, bringing this "Cinematic Metal" experience to a live stage would be a powerful next step.

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

Finalizing the production for the EP launch and continuing to build the infrastructure for the next cycle of releases.

15. Where can we find you online, listen to your band and where can we buy your merch if any exists?

Find me on YouTube, Spotify and Facebook.

https://www.youtube.com/c/BrianHunsakerMusic

https://open.spotify.com/artist/5kKW5bQT3sM3iBw6euEFx1

https://www.facebook.com/brianhunsakermusic

Russian metalcore band THE REVERSE SIDE have been together for only a year, released roughly nine tracks, with more material out this summer, the band discusses their content, coming together, and what the future holds.

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

The history of the band began on March 23, 2025, when a conflict between two friends, Alex, the vocalist, and Artyom, the guitarist, finally came to an end. That day, they left all resentment behind, and Alex played Artyom the first demo of “In Your Eyes” on his phone. After that, on June 2, they decided to join forces and officially launched a new project called The Reverse Side. In the autumn of that same year, Alex gave up the role of second guitarist and focused entirely on vocals. That was when our second guitarist, Vanya, joined the band.

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

The band name was придумано by our vocalist Alex. He says that sometime around 2022–2023, he was watching Mötley Crüe’s “Smoking in the Boys Room” video and noticed the words “other side.” That phrase immediately stuck in his head, and after thinking about it a bit, he came up with the name The Reverse Side.

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

We are based in Russia, in the cities of Volgograd and Volzhsky. As for the local scene, we especially want to highlight Breakdown Machine and Point 102 — they are incredible bands, and we know them personally and have shared the stage with them more than once.

4. How would you describe your style?

We sing about personal things — about what happens inside us. We never limit ourselves to just one genre, and we try to make music for everyone who finds something of themselves in these songs.

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

So far, we have released 9 tracks. But we are not planning to stop there will be more experiments with our sound, more singles, more EPs, and in the future, we also plan to release our first full-length album.

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

Right now, we are working on a new single that will be released in July sometime this month.

7. As far as shows and touring, what is on the agenda?

We plan to perform as often as possible and everywhere we can. We have a small tour across Russian cities coming up, and in the future, we dream of performing outside our country for an international audience.

8. What else do you have planned for the rest of this year?

By the end of this year, we plan to keep performing активно, releasing new music, and giving our audience great content. We may also release a new music video for one of our tracks.

9. Where can we find you online, listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?

We are on all major social media platforms. You can listen to us on services like Apple Music and Spotify. Merchandise sales will begin closer to the end of summer, and if possible, we will try to make them available outside of Russia as well.

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

What we want listeners to remember most after hearing us for the first time is the sincerity of our music. For us, it is important that the song grabs them emotionally, creates an atmosphere, and leaves them with a feeling they want to return to again.