News / Music

Indiana progressive metal powerhouse The Contortionist made the trek down to Audiohammer Studios in Orlando, FL earlier this week to begin the recording process for the follow-up to their stunning 2010 debut, Exoplanet. Famed producers Jason Suecof and Eyal Levi (August Burns Red, The Black Dahlia Murder) will be behind the boards for the new release, which is set to hit stores in late spring/early summer 2012. The new album is already rumored to be one of the most anticipated new albums of 2012 from one of the most buzzed about up-and-coming bands in the new wave of progressive metal.

Bullet Tooth is excited to announce the worldwide signing of I, Omega! Coming out of the Los Angeles area, I, Omega have been busy playing Southern California and writing songs for their upcoming EP entitled "The Ravenous" due out on Bullet Tooth this Spring. Blending technical melodic metal with bursts of progressive rock in the realm of Protest The Hero or Periphery, they will no doubt make their mark on the scene in 2012. Fans can watch their announcement video on YouTube (below) and listen to the song "Butcher" on their Facebook page.

Nuclear Blast Records proudly announce the signing of another dyed-in-the-wool thrash metal combo – German alcoholic thrashers Tankard.

Mediaskare Records is proud to announce that is has signed Auckland, New Zealand’s Antagonist A.D. and will release their new album ‘Nothing From No One’ this summer. Formed in 2006, the band has been steadily building up their reputation in the international hardcore community touring countries like Australia, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, and more alongside bands such as Have Heart, Parkway Drive, and Earth Crisis. “Mediaskare is a great label with a great reputation,” said vocalist Sam Crocker. “We know their bands are hard working 'real' bands that actually tour and make music. Less gimmicks & more heart - which is what we are all about. The music is paramount - first & foremost before any hype/spin/fashion/faux industry bullshit.” The band recently entered the studio to begin recording ‘Nothing From No One’ and will be documenting their progress via a series of video updates on Mediaskare’s YouTube channel. A teaser of the upcoming series can be found here http://www.youtube.com...

California hardcore stalwarts Xibalba have teased their Australian fans with the news that they will be coming to our shores in the near future. Though no time frame or promoter has been stated, the band has all but confirmed that a tour announcement is imminent.

In Trenches have posted a new song from their forthcoming album onto their Bandcamp page. The song "Beneath" is taken from the band's new album "Sol Obscrua", which will be released on March 5 through Monolith Records.

Byron Bay's In Hearts Wake are currently recording their debut full length in Bay City, Michigan USA at 'Random Awesome Studio's' with Josh Schroeder (Legend, A Plea For Purging, For Today, Still Remains). They are keeping their fans up to date via their Facebook page and have just posted their 1st Studio Diary. You can view it here: http://vimeo.com/36324246

Due to scheduling and time constraints Jung Hearts will be moving the intial Murder By Death tour dates to May. Jung Hearts believe that these new date changes and some venue changes will contribute to a greater overall experience for punters planning on attending shows for this tour. Several new dates have also been added to the tour, allowing the band to visit more locations in Australia. Murder By Death and Jung Hearts are excited to deliver this inaugural first ever tour to Australia in its new and improved format. Please find new dates and venues below. Those who have already purchased tickets can retain their tickets as being valid for these new dates, with the exception of Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne where venues have changed. Those tickets purchased at venues that are no longer being used for the tour can get a refund at point of purchase and then re-purchase their tickets for the new shows. Jung Hearts apologies for any inconvenience caused as a result of these change...

The Menzingers have posted an acoustic version of their song "Sculptors And Vandals" online. The original version of the song appears on the band's new album "On The Impossible Past", which will be released on February 17 through Epitaph Records.

  fun. has launched a stream of their upcoming album Some Nights. You can listen to it below. Some Nights is due for official release on February 21 via Fueled By Ramen.

  The Shins have released a new song titled "The Rifle's Spiral". The track is taken off the band's upcoming full-length Port Of Morrow, due out March 20 via Columbia/Aural Apothecary. You can listen to the song below.