Humankind has truly established their sound as a masterclass in modern metalcore, seamlessly fusing atmospheric vulnerability with heavy structure. Honestly, their new single, “Black Sands,” is a seriously compelling track that zeroes in on the huge emotional load people carry when they are forced to grow up way too fast. It’s about that strong, deep desire to finally catch a break and find a place where they can just stop fighting and rest. Christoph Wieczorek from Sawdust Recordings handled the production, mixing, and mastering, which sounds absolutely massive and pushes Humankind’s emotional extremes. You can immediately hear the powerful instrumentation mixed with those sharp, melodic hooks—it’s pure, raw, confessional metal.
Sandy Skye Netburn Debuts Theatrical Album ‘Issues’ And Unleashes New Video
Sandy, the multi-hyphenate artist, delivers a theatrical debut that feels entirely fresh, blending retro pop culture obsession with whipsmart 21st-century commentary. The teenage multi-hyphenate from Long Island, known simply as Sandy, recently released her stunning theatrical debut album, ‘Issues’, which arrived like a present to the world on her 18th birthday this past October. This 14-track record is a captivating collection of acoustic, solo, Americana folk-pop protest songs marked by wry wit, effortless melody, and a truly magnetic allure. The whole project offers a rare glimpse into the expanding and exciting world of an artist who possesses a retro-minded old soul and a clear path to stardom.
Now, the singer, songwriter, guitarist, and producer readies her first official music video for the lead single “I’ve Got Issues,” set for release on Thursday, November 20. The video, directed by the artist herself, takes a trip inside her head to showcase all those pesky little so-called “issues” that dissipate once she hits the stage to sing her songs. Sandy is already attracting a growing network of admirers, including The Monkees’ Micky Dolenz and The Runaways’ Cherie Currie. This colorful spectrum will be on full display across three days at the 2025 NorthEast ComicCon & Collectibles Extravaganza at The Regency Hotel in Boxborough, Massachusetts over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend (November 28 to 30), where she will appear and perform live.
Dick Clark New Year Rockin Eve Adds Chance The Rapper And Rita Ora To Co Host Lineup
Dick Clark Productions and ABC have successfully assembled a star-studded lineup that guarantees a high-energy New Year’s Eve broadcast. The production teams announced additional co-hosts for Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026, airing live on Tuesday, December 31st at 8 pm ET/PT on ABC and streaming the next day on Hulu. Rita Ora joins Seacrest live from Times Square, while Julianne Hough and Rob Gronkowski will take the reins in Las Vegas. This year, Chance the Rapper will host a major segment from his native Chicago, where he will also perform just before midnight. This marks the first time a major segment will be hosted live from Chicago by a Chicago native, promising to showcase the city’s pride and culture nationally.
NANOWAR OF STEEL Unleash Hilarious New EP And Announce Massive European Tour
Parody metal masters NANOWAR OF STEEL once again display their fearlessly humorous and compositionally vast repertoire, proving that no historical figure is safe from their musical treatment. The Italian five piece has packaged some brand new music for their upcoming European tour with Mongolian rockers Uuhai, officially announcing the release of ‘The Genghis Khan EP to End All Genghis Khan EPs’ on January 7, 2026, via Napalm Records. The EP fittingly opens the festivities with the lead single “Feet & Greet,” a quirky marvel filled with cheesy puns and catchy industrial sounds, featuring a screaming guest spot from Amaranthe’s Mikael Sehlin. The band shares the unique inspiration, noting, “We always thought feet in the metal scene were underrated, and VIP meet & greet tickets overrated. So to make things even we combined both things, and we wrote a soundtrack for this incredible event – Feet & Greet.”
The new project also includes the catchy hymn “Genghis Khan (The Genghis Khan Song to End All Genghis Khan Songs),” which features Enrico di Lorenzo of Hideous Divinity, and the programming language themed track “Kotlin.” Rounding out the EP is the previously released single “IRIDE.” The physical tour edition of the EP will be mainly sold at merch tables throughout Europe. Just two days after the release, NANOWAR OF STEEL will launch their 27 date “Across Europe Tour” on January 9, 2026, in Tilburg. They will play shows all across the continent before concluding their campaign in Berlin on February 8, joined by Uuhai and rotating openers. This is certain to be a hard rockin, song filled spectacle.
Bearded Theory Unveils Second Huge Lineup Announcement Including Garbage And The Damned
Bearded Theory proves once again why it remains one of the UK’s most beloved alternative festivals. The highly-coveted, multi-award winning independent event is back at its idyllic homeland of Catton Park, Derbyshire on the 20-24th May, ready to spark another year of inspirational, community-driven, grassroots festivities. Nestled at the meeting point of the West Midlands, South Derbyshire and Staffordshire, and just two hours from 50% of the UK population, its prime location, beautiful setting and unmatched atmosphere make it the perfect place to kickstart your bank holiday weekend and get the festival season underway.
The festival today shares its second selection of artists to be added to the bill. Joining are 90s alternative heavyweights Garbage, pioneering British punks The Damned, respected troubadour Kae Tempest, empowering indie-pop artist Kate Nash, Mercury-Prize winner Badly Drawn Boy, intelligently humorous Irish songwriter CMAT, powerpop rock n rollers Bad Nerves, Scottish indie rockers Idlewild, Hastings beat-punks Kid Kapichi, immersive indie rock quad NewDad, dancefloor fillers EMF, brother and sister pair rock band The Magic Numbers, and so many more.
Bearded Theory takes great pride in supporting emerging artists, and the festival’s independent ethos paired with a strong commitment to championing new music alongside iconic household names, all without corporate sponsorship, ensure it remains a true alternative offer to the mainstream. The event’s booking approach has led to many buzzy names loading onto the lineup during its lifespan. This year, the festival welcomes 90s tinged up-and-comers Westside Cowboy, nu-metal rapper Native James, Irish dream-poppers She’s In Parties, UK punk collective Jools, melancholic heavy shoegazers thistle., Boygenius-endorsed songstress jasmine.4.t, gritty spoken-word duo Good Health Good Wealth, amongst others. Full list below.
Previously announced genre-spanning names include alt-rock legends Pixies in celebration of their 40th anniversary as a band, and genre-blending trailblazers Skunk Anansie. Additional exciting acts include Big Special, Fat Dog, Ferocious Dog, Getdown Services, Lambrini Girls, Panic Shack, Peter Hook and The Light (formerly of the influential post-punk bands Joy Division and New Order), Reverend and The Makers, Sprints, Heartworms, Pop Will Eat Itself, Venus Grrrls, The Wedding Present, Goldie, Neville Staple (The Specials), Stewart Lee, Utah Saints, Leeroy Thornhill (ex-The Prodigy), Phil Hartnoll (Orbital), Bez (Happy Mondays), Toots And The Maytals ft. Leba Hibbert, Graeme Park, Beans On Toast, and more.
Bearded Theory’s wondrously compact site punches well above its weight, with eight unique stages and areas bursting with music, dancing, and unfiltered joy. While the Pallet and Meadow stages deliver the biggest moments of the weekend, the Woodland stage offers a spellbinding, intimate escape – a hidden glade of unplugged sessions, raucous singalongs, and unforgettable late-night memories in the tree canopied silent disco. For those who wish to rave into the early hours, Big Ed and CODA return as the home for all things dance-oriented. Returning to the festival after its introduction at the last event is The Knockerdown – by day, an arts and Q&A hub, and by night, a raucous karaoke hotspot. Elsewhere, Convoy Cabaret, Maui Waui and Something Else Tea Tent provide a huge array of weird and wonderful, peaceful and powerful alternatives with a world of underground talent.
Dedicated wellness and crafting sector, EARTH promises a sanctuary of serenity and creativity at Bearded Theory. Here, festival goers can unwind and recharge weary limbs between sets. EARTH blossoms with eco-conscious, hands-on creativity, from pottery painting to basket weaving and immersive workshops, making it a haven of calm.
Meanwhile, the Festival School (the UK’s first of its kind) returns to the award-winning Children’s Area after receiving glowing praise from The Guardian, who lauded it as “probably the most inclusive school in the country.” With free places, a full curriculum, and lessons ranging from maths to mindfulness (and even DJ workshops) for pre-school, and years Reception through to Year 10, it’s a standout example of Bearded Theory’s commitment to family-friendly, meaningful experiences. The first batch of enrollments have already been completed, with additional spaces for parents to get a highly sought after spot for their kids coming on 2nd January at 6pm.
Bearded Theory festival presents attendees with monthly payment instalment plans, enabling buyers to spread the cost of purchase up until May 2026. Tickets are on sale now. For more info on the payment plans, camping options and facilities please go HERE.
Announced on the line-up so far:
Pixies
Garbage
Skunk Anansie
CMAT
The Damned
Kae Tempest
Badly Drawn Boy
Bad Nerves
Big Special (T)
Fat Dog
Ferocious Dog
Getdown Services
Idlewild
Kate Nash
Kid Kapichi
Lambrini Girls (T)
NewDad
Panic Shack
Peter Hook and the Light
Reverend and the Makers
Sprints
A Certain Ratio (T)
Adult DVD
Au Pairs
Beans on Toast
Bez
Chalk
Dub Pistols (DJ Set)
EMF (W)
GANS (W)
Girl Scout
Goldie
Good Health Good Wealth
Graeme Park
Heartworms
Henge
jasmine.4.t
Kezia Gill
King Prawn
Leeroy Thornhill (ex Prodigy)
Neville Staple – From The Specials
Phil Hartnoll (Orbital DJ set)
Pop Will Eat Itself
Senser
Stewart Lee
The Magic Numbers
The Molotovs
The Sabres of Paradise
The Unthanks (T)
The Wedding Present
Toots and the Maytals feat Leba Hibbert
Utah Saints
Venus Grrrls (T)
Westside Cowboy
3 Daft Monkeys (T)
Amelia Coburn
An Dannsa Dub (T)
Andrea Kenny (T)
Bloodworm (T)
Cara Means Friend (W)
Chris Hawkins BBC 6 Music DJ Set (T)
DJ Rap
Drum Machine
Grandmas House
Jess Silk
Jools (W)
La Sécurité
LIINES (T)
Meatdripper (T)
Meryl Streek (W)
Miki Berenyi Trio
Muddy Summers and the DFWs (T)
Native James (T)
She’s In Parties
Slay Duggee
Split Dogs (T)
Taylor More Swiftly
Teke::Teke
The Bar-Steward Sons of Val Doonican
The League of Rebelz
The Nightingales and Ted Chippington
The Pale White
thistle.
(W) playing Wednesday
(T) playing Thursday
Extreme Finishes The Album ‘Six’ Video Saga With The Anthem “Here’s To The Losers”
Extreme has released the 12th and final single, “Here’s to the Losers,” completing the mission to create 12 videos for their impeccable album ‘Six’. This joyous singalong is a thank you gift to fans, dedicated to those who have fallen but gotten up to try again. Gary Cherone explains, “It’s as close to an anthem as we’ll get.” Guitarist Nuno Bettencourt has reaffirmed his stature this year, earning a GRAMMY Nomination for his performance of Black Sabbath’s “Changes” and serving as music director at the 2025 MTV VMAs.
The Rods Unveil Powerful New Video For “Tears For The Innocent” From ‘Wild Dogs Unchained’
The Rods have unveiled the emotionally charged new video for “Tears for the Innocent,” which stands as one of the most poignant moments on their latest album ‘Wild Dogs Unchained.’ Written and sung by guitarist and vocalist David “Rock” Feinstein, the track is a heartfelt reflection on the devastation of senseless war. Feinstein explains, “This song is about senseless war, and the innocent people that die because of it.” With its powerful message and stirring melodies, “Tears for the Innocent” showcases The Rods’ timeless ability to merge heavy riffs with genuine emotion, proving classic metal still carries deep meaning.
Megadeth Announces Final Canadian Tour Dates
Megadeth is returning to Canada early in 2026 for a string of dates as part of the band’s final ‘This Was Our Life’ world tour, running from February 15th through March 6th. The band also revealed the full track listing for their self titled final album, due out January 23rd, featuring the single “Tipping Point” and a reimagined version of “Ride the Lightning.” Megadeth will also support Iron Maiden’s 50th anniversary Run For Your Lives Tour throughout North America in August 2026. Tickets go on sale Friday, November 28th.
Megadeth 2026 Canadian This Was Our Life Tour Dates:
Feb 15 – Victoria, BC @ Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre
Feb 17 – Abbotsford, BC @ Rogers Forum
Feb 18 – Kelowna, BC @ Prospera Place
Feb 20 – Calgary, AB @ Scotiabank Saddledome
Feb 21 – Edmonton, AB @ Rogers Place
Feb 24 – Saskatoon, SK @ SaskTel Centre
Feb 25 – Winnipeg, MB @ Canada Life Centre
Feb 28 – London, ON @ Canada Life Place
Mar 1 – Ottawa, ON @ Canadian Tire Centre
Mar 3 – Halifax, NS @ Scotiabank Centre
Mar 4 – Moncton, NB @ Avenir Centre
Mar 6 – Québec City, QC @ Videotron Centre
Lil Baby Gives Back To Fans With The Highly Anticipated Project ‘The Leaks’
Rap superstar and GRAMMY winner Lil Baby is rewarding his devoted day one fans with the official announcement of his forthcoming project ‘The Leaks’, perfectly timed to drop on December 3rd for his 31st birthday. Crafted as a special fan first offering, the project compiles full versions of highly popular, previously teased snippets and leaked songs spanning multiple eras of his career. This release follows a strong year which saw him score his fourth number one album on the Billboard 200 with ‘WHAM’ and celebrate the five year anniversary of his seminal album ‘My Turn’. The new release cements his unrelenting grip on the rap game.
Balderdasch Releases Brooding New Single “Stillness Gyrating” And It IS Evocative
Following a tease of new material during a radio broadcast for New York art publishers Montez Press Radio, Balderdasch today shares her evocative new single, “Stillness Gyrating.” The brooding track was self produced, recorded between her flat and the home studio of experimental saxophonist Pete Wareham, who provided additional production and mixing. The track was mastered by Jamie Hyland of M(h)aol, who discovered Balderdasch’s music after she was announced as a showcasing artist for Ireland Music Week 2024. “Stillness Gyrating” is, at its core, about the realization that if you do not align with someone, you will always feel unable to meet their needs, leaving you frozen while they dance around you.
Balderdasch reveals the personal weight of the track, saying, “When someone says, ‘You don’t know how good we have it,’ it doesn’t sound like love. It sounds like, ‘You’re unhappy, but this is all you deserve.’” The stunning cover was shot on Sherkin Island, off the coast of Cork, Ireland, by Balderdasch and her best friend Fai West. She added that shooting the visuals in Ireland was important: “This song is about standing on the precipice of ending a relationship and beginning a journey towards understanding how to let myself give in to my own desires without shame.” The song signals a powerful journey toward self understanding and genuine desire.