Atlanta’s breakout sensation Pluto has officially unleashed her debut album ‘PLUTO WORLD,’ a bold and electrifying 20-track collection that cements her as one of the most exciting voices in hip-hop today featuring an all-star lineup of collaborators including Sexyy Red, YoungBoy Never Broke Again, Nardo Wick, Quavo and Rylo Rodriguez. The high-octane ride through Pluto’s universe is raw, ruthless and larger than life, blending aggressive trap drums, gritty basslines and cinematic melodies with hypnotic flows and magnetic hooks that only Pluto can deliver, from explosive anthems like “Crash Out” and “Bow” to icy street records like “How U Feelin” and “Triffy,” balancing heavy pressure with emotional depth while tapping into her femininity and ferocity at once, flexing dominance on records like “Show Haters” while revealing flashes of vulnerability on “Keep My Head Strong.” Backed by heavyweight features but never overshadowed, Pluto commands every beat whether she’s gliding over spacey production on “Take You To Pluto” or dropping bars on “Just In Case,” with ‘PLUTO WORLD’ being more than a debut but a takeover, a new wave of Southern energy that proves Pluto has arrived. The album features hit singles that had fans buzzing all 2025 including “Motion” featuring Sexyy Red and NaNaski, “Party All Night” and “Pluto Walking,” which showcases Pluto’s signature energy and fearless attitude, with Pluto noting this album is everything she’s been building toward, showing the world who she really is: confident, unstoppable and ready to dominate.
Rob Zombie Returns With “Punks And Demons” From Upcoming Album ‘The Great Satan’ Arriving February 27
Heavy metal legend, acclaimed filmmaker and pop culture icon Rob Zombie returns for his 8th studio album ‘The Great Satan’ arriving February 27th from Nuclear Blast Records, following the success of his Top 10 charting record ‘The Lunar Injection Kool Aid Eclipse Conspiracy’ (2021). Zombie revisits his early Hellbilly roots for a slaughterhouse of anthemic punk infused heavy rock and metal, with the record’s first single “Punks And Demons” accompanied by a video directed by Zombie himself. The 15-track album includes frenetic cuts such as “Heathen Days,” “(I’m a) Rock ‘N’ Roller,” “Tarantula,” “F.T.W. 84,” “Black Rat Coffin,” “Sir Lord Acid Wolfman,” “The Devilman,” “Revolution Motherfuckers,” “Welcome To The Electric Age,” “The Black Scorpion” and “Grave Discontent,” available now for pre-order in a variety of formats including a limited box set and accompanying apparel.
As a rock icon and filmmaker with a unique vision, Rob Zombie has continuously challenged audiences as he stretches the boundaries of both music and film, having sold more than fifteen million albums worldwide while remaining the only artist to experience unprecedented success in both music and film as the writer and director of nine feature films including “HOUSE OF 1000 CORPSES,” “THE DEVIL’S REJECTS,” “THE MUNSTERS” and the number one smash “HALLOWEEN.” Zombie achieved great success in the music industry first as a member of the multi-platinum band White Zombie and later as a solo artist with even greater results collecting numerous multi-platinum and gold albums along the way including ‘Hellbilly Deluxe,’ ‘The Sinister Urge’ and ‘Educated Horses,’ with ‘The Lunar Injection Kool Aid Eclipse Conspiracy’ debuting at #9 on Billboard’s Top 200 chart, making it his 7th consecutive solo album to debut in the top 10.
Sammy Hagar & The Best Of All Worlds Band Release Live Album ‘The Residency’ Recorded At Dolby Live
GRAMMY Award winner and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Sammy Hagar and The Best of All Worlds Band featuring Michael Anthony on bass and vocals, Joe Satriani on guitar, Kenny Aronoff on drums, and Rai Thistlethwayte on keyboards, guitar and vocals have released ‘Sammy Hagar & The Best of All Worlds Band – The Residency’ via Big Machine Rock. The electrifying new live album captures the energy, hits and incredible sound that made Hagar’s Las Vegas residency at Dolby Live at Park MGM in 2025 one of the most celebrated rock residencies in Sin City history. The 19-track album includes fan-favorites “Summer Nights (Live),” “Best of Both Worlds (Live),” “Right Now (Live)” and “I Can’t Drive 55 (Live)” alongside sonic masterpieces rarely heard live like “5150,” “Love Walks In” and “Humans Being (Live).”
Hagar reflects that there’s nothing like the sound of this band and that Vegas crowd, with the energy, spirit and friendship, noting ‘The Residency’ is everything he loves about rock & roll: loud, live and bad ass. The album arrives as Hagar prepares to return to Dolby Live in 2026 for new performances of The Best of All Worlds residency, March 11th through 21st and September 18th through 26th, 2026.
South Bay Pop-Punk Artist MEGG Released “Clarity” From EP ‘Low Life Club’
South Bay–born, Nashville-based alternative and pop-punk artist MEGG released her single “Clarity” from her EP ‘Low Life Club,’ with the track taking her back to her roots as a vocalist as a cry for any semblance of honesty in a currently very dark world. A collection of six raw and unapologetic tracks, ‘Low Life Club’ cements MEGG’s status as one of pop-punk’s boldest new voices, blending pop sensibility with punk-rock roots into a sound that’s rebellious, catchy and deeply personal, a fearless soundtrack for tomboys, romantics, loudmouths and misfits alike. Channeling Gwen Stefani’s swagger, Hayley Williams’ firepower and Joan Jett’s grit, MEGG brings early-2000s energy into a modern, unapologetically self-defined era, with the EP feeling like the unofficial soundtrack to the West Coast and easily some of the best music she’s ever put out, multidimensional with heaviness, vulnerability, riot, vocal chops, nostalgia, party and everything in between. A graduate of USC’s inaugural Popular Music Performance Program, MEGG has been tearing up stages across the country from headlining hometown venues like Saint Rocke in Hermosa Beach to packing The End in Nashville, sharing stages with KISS and The Used, opening at Musink, performing at the 30th Anniversary Vans Warped Tour in Long Beach and singing the National Anthem for the LA Dodgers, LA Galaxy and LA Sparks at Crypto.com Arena. Following a string of singles including the bratty fan-favorite “IDC” currently spinning on SiriusXM’s The Pop Off and 107.7 The Bone’s Bone Breakers, MEGG continues building momentum that just might be unstoppable in 2026.
How Music and Sound Design Influence Player Behavior in Online Casinos
By Mitch Rice
Music and sound design play a far bigger role in online casinos than many players consciously realize. Every spin, win, and bonus trigger is supported by carefully selected audio elements designed to guide emotions and decision-making. As sound designer Brian Eno once said, “Sound is the emotional glue of experience.” In digital gambling environments, that glue keeps players engaged, relaxed, and focused, even during long sessions.
Online casino platforms intentionally use audio cues to create familiarity and trust. Subtle background music lowers stress, while win sounds reinforce positive feedback loops in the brain. Australian and international players who explore modern casino platforms often respond instinctively to these cues, staying longer and interacting more frequently with games. This approach is especially visible on curated platforms such as The Clubhouse casino, where soundscapes are designed to feel premium, immersive, and balanced rather than overwhelming. At The Clubhouse casino, players encounter clean interface sounds, controlled win effects, and ambient music that supports concentration instead of distraction. This type of sound design encourages users to play responsibly while still enjoying the thrill of real-money gaming in a refined digital environment.
Why sound affects decision-making
Human brains are wired to respond to sound faster than visuals. A sudden tone triggers attention instantly, while rhythmic patterns can influence mood and perception of time. In online casinos, developers use this principle to make gameplay feel smooth and continuous. Soft looping music reduces the sense of waiting between spins, while celebratory sounds after wins increase dopamine release, reinforcing engagement.
Psychologist Charles Spence explained this effect clearly: “What we hear changes how we feel about what we see.” When a win is paired with uplifting audio, players perceive it as more significant, even if the payout is small. This does not force behavior, but it subtly nudges emotional responses in predictable ways.
The role of tempo and rhythm
Tempo is one of the most important sound elements in casino games. Faster rhythms create excitement and urgency, while slower tempos promote calm and longer play sessions. Slot games often adjust tempo dynamically, increasing intensity during bonus rounds and lowering it during base gameplay.
This technique mirrors strategies used in video games and even retail stores. Studies show that slower music encourages people to stay longer, while faster beats increase short-term activity. In casinos, balancing these tempos is essential to maintain enjoyment without creating fatigue.
Audio branding and trust
Sound also helps build brand identity. Just as a luxury hotel has a recognizable atmosphere, premium casino platforms use consistent audio themes to signal quality and reliability. Repeated exposure to the same sound palette builds familiarity, which reduces uncertainty and increases comfort.
Players often associate clean, non-aggressive audio with fairness and professionalism. Platforms that avoid harsh sounds or excessive noise are perceived as more trustworthy. This perception directly affects how confident users feel when depositing, playing, and withdrawing funds.
Common sound elements used in online casinos
Most modern platforms rely on a structured audio framework that includes:
- ambient background music to set mood
- win and bonus sounds to reinforce success
- subtle interface clicks for feedback
- silence during losses to avoid frustration
Each element is carefully tested to ensure it supports engagement without manipulation.
Sound design and responsible play
Well-designed audio does not aim to pressure players. On the contrary, responsible operators increasingly focus on neutral, controlled soundscapes. Excessive noise can increase impulsive behavior, while balanced audio helps players stay aware of time and spending.
Game developers now collaborate with behavioral researchers to refine audio systems that support enjoyment without encouraging harmful patterns. This shift reflects a broader industry trend toward sustainable entertainment rather than short-term intensity.
Final reflections
Music and sound design quietly shape how players feel and behave in online casinos. From reducing stress to enhancing the excitement of a win, audio influences perception more deeply than visuals alone. The most successful platforms understand that sound should guide, not overwhelm.
As online casinos continue to evolve, sound design will remain a key factor in player experience. When used thoughtfully, it transforms digital games into immersive environments that feel engaging, trustworthy, and enjoyable. For players, recognizing this influence adds a new layer of awareness and appreciation to every spin and every sound they hear.
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.
Canadian Singer-Songwriter Maddisun Shares Official Music Video For “Big Star” From Third Album ‘The Pages’
Canadian singer-songwriter Maddisun has shared the official music video for “Big Star,” written by Maddisun and produced by Jim Bryson as the featured track from the Cranbrook, BC-based artist’s third album ‘The Pages.’ The album features twelve tracks all written by Maddisun with ten produced by Julian Bueckert and one produced by Ian Docherty in addition to Bryson’s contribution of “Big Star,” with each song or “page” reflecting Maddisun’s experiences with love, loss, growth, connection and self-discovery through an old soul vibe structured as a deeply personal musical journal. The bold release strategy honours her fans, the mediums from which Maddisun first discovered music, and the album’s vintage folk, rock n’ roll, southern rock and Americana influences. “Big Star” specifically tackles the emotional cycle artists run through in the ongoing quest to “make it,” with Maddisun self-producing a video starring herself and her 1976 Chevy Chevette that reflects the timeless vibes of the song and reinforces the album’s core themes about turning hardest moments into beauty. The nomadic musical adventure for Maddisun has taken her throughout Canada, to Ireland and to Los Angeles, with the last five years seeing her drop two prior albums and over ten singles while playing 500+ shows including four NXNE showcases and a Folk Canada showcase at Folk Alliance International.
Chris Jericho Announces Rock N’ Wrestling Rager At Sea: The Seventh Cruise Of A Seventh Cruise Sailing November 2026
World champion pro wrestler, lead singer of Fozzy and New York Times best-selling author Chris Jericho and Sixthman have rung the bell for Chris Jericho’s Rock N’ Wrestling Rager at Sea: The Seventh Cruise of a Seventh Cruise, sailing November 7th through 11th, 2026 from Miami, FL to Bimini, Bahamas aboard Norwegian Jewel. Presales for Sea Alumni begin October 20th with additional presales through October 26th, while the public sale begins October 28th at 2 pm ET, with bookings available for just $100 down per person when reservations are made before May 11th, 2026 or while cabins last. Presided over by the Regent of the Rager himself Chris Jericho, the seventh sailing will feature four high-flying days of pro wrestling mayhem, loud music and immersive adventure on the Caribbean Sea with an all-star assortment of legendary superstars of the squared circle including Jeff Hardy, Saraya, The Great Muta, Dave LaGreca, Nic Nemeth, Bully Ray, Elayna Black, Ted DiBiase, Carlito, Shotzi Blackheart, The Shockmaster, Vampiro, The Blue Meanie, A.J. Francis, Natalia Markova, Victoria Crawford, Mo Jabari, Indi Hartwell, Lacey Lane, Kacy Catanzaro, Ricky Knight Jr., Sonny Onoo, Chris Van Vliet, Gabby LaSpisa and more to be announced.
The incredibly stacked card will also boast electrifying musical performances by Fozzy, The Iron Maidens, Kuarantine, Guardians Of The Jukebox, Downstait, Killer Dwarfs, The Violent Hour, Beasto Blanco, Peroxwhy?Gen, Little Miss Nasty, Jeremy Would Let Me Drown, David Roy and Dueling Pianos, plus the comedy stylings of Brad Williams, April Macie, J.B. Ball and Marcus Monroe, live podcast recordings including Talk Is Jericho, The Paranormal 60 with Dave Schrader and Rulebreakers with Saraya, and an extensive selection of talent-hosted experiences, autograph and photo sessions, paranormal activities and more. The Norwegian Jewel will make certain this is the most exciting festival cruise ever with fully stocked bars at almost every corner, tasty dining options, the Pool Deck with multiple hot tubs, the Jewel Club Casino, Mandara Spa, Body Waves Fitness Center, Sports Court and so much more. Beyond the onboard experience, Ragers will explore and enjoy the crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches in the breathtaking island of Bimini, Bahamas, a first-time port of call for Chris Jericho’s Rock N’ Wrestling Rager at Sea situated only 50 miles from Miami in the Bahamas’ western-most chain of islands.
SAINT ASONIA Unleash Blistering Cover Of Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid” As Tribute To Ozzy Osbourne
Hard rock powerhouse SAINT ASONIA have unleashed their electrifying take on the Black Sabbath classic “Paranoid,” paying tribute to the legendary Ozzy Osbourne and honoring the song that helped lay the foundation for heavy metal, with the cover arriving alongside an official visualizer. Fronted by Adam Gontier and joined by Staind guitarist Mike Mushok, SAINT ASONIA deliver a blistering version of the iconic 1970 anthem with their own unmistakable intensity through razor-sharp riffs, a thunderous rhythm section and Gontier’s gritty, soaring vocals that breathe new life into “Paranoid” while saluting the Prince of Darkness himself. The band recorded this cover of Sabbath years ago while recording the ‘Extrovert’ EP, though it didn’t end up on that release, with Gontier sharing that when they recently lost Ozzy, they all talked and decided now was the time to put it out there as their own little tribute to the band and the man who changed the landscape of heavy music forever and opened the door for bands like them.
British Singer-Songwriter Ben Denny Mo Releases ‘The Norfkl Tapes’ EP Shaped By Dyslexia And Mediterranean Life
British singer-songwriter Ben Denny Mo has released his new EP ‘The Norfkl Tapes,’ capturing the essence of his artistry through a marriage of deeply personal storytelling with dynamic, textured arrangements. The 8-track EP was primarily recorded with producer Jack Murphy at Crystal Studios in North Norfolk, expanding on Ben’s acoustic demos with layers of guitar, drums and keys, with standout track “Medusa” coming from sessions with Rhys Downing at Grange Farm, That Other Studio and Abbey Road where the EP was mastered by Christian Wright. The record is shaped by Ben’s dyslexia, the reason he turned to music in the first place after not being allowed into certain classes at school because they didn’t understand dyslexia or think he was smart enough, with picking up a guitar showing him that none of that mattered. The title ‘The Norfkl Tapes’ reflects this part of his story, offering a subtle nod to the misspellings that once defined his struggle, now reclaimed as a source of strength. Thematically, the EP traces the highs and lows of relationships with songs like “In The Breakdown” and “You and I” wrestling with the pain of letting go while “September” celebrates fleeting love and tender memories, “Lay Me Down” talks of falling in love but having to let them go for the good of both, “Asylum” widens the lens to the struggles of people Ben has observed around him, and the vibrant “Change My Eyes” and myth-inspired “Medusa” bring playful energy to the collection.
Ben’s journey has carried him from the Norfolk countryside to the Maltese island of Gozo where the rhythms of the sea and Mediterranean sun seep into his music, blending acoustic folk, pop and soul with a storyteller’s heart that’s been compared to Jonah Kagen, Dave Matthews Band and John Martyn. Known for his unconventional “two capo” guitar style and soulful, raspy vocal delivery, Ben’s performances are as intimate as they are anthemic, having graced Glastonbury, Cambridge Folk Festival, Secret Garden Party and London’s Omeara, while radio support has included two Record of the Week slots on local BBC Introducing and spins on BBC 6 Music. With his band Barefoot Lions he has performed at several festivals in Gozo and is a regular face on the local music scene, while when not writing or performing, Ben works as a chef on Gozo, feeding the soul in more ways than one.
NYC Industrial Metal Act BLACK SATELLITE Release Post-Apocalyptic Video For Third Single “Doom Or Die” From ‘AFTERMATH’
NYC-based BLACK SATELLITE artfully fuse industrial and metal influences to create a sound that’s dark, edgy and distinctly their own on their third single and video “Doom or Die” from their self-released second full-length album ‘AFTERMATH’, out now. Singer, songwriter and frontwoman Larissa Vale wanted to go in a completely different direction and write a party song for the end of the world, assuming an alter ego and exploring a concept from an entirely new angle that functions outside of mundane reality. The video was shot in the Nevada desert’s scorching heat with the band filming in Las Vegas for their first time doing a video on the west coast, and Vale notes they didn’t have to pretend to appear stranded in the middle of the desert as they really did feel like they were fighting for their lives in the middle of summer in Vegas. “Doom or Die” follows the sonically intense and lyrically unflinching second single “Kill For You” along with a captivating video, and the first single “Downfall”accompanied by a haunting video.
Ben Grosse mixed the bulk of ‘AFTERMATH’ with Kane Churko producing and mixing/mastering the album’s three singles, with Femmemetalwebzine.net describing the album as fusing industrial and metal influences that transcend conventional boundaries while solidifying their place in the genre, marking the follow-up to their debut album ‘ENDLESS’ hailed by Alternative Press as one of their “12 Bands You Need To Know.”