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Swedish Melancholic Metal Masters KATATONIA Announce ‘Waking State Of North America 2026’ Tour

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Swedish masters of melancholic heaviness KATATONIA bring their acclaimed album ‘Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State’ to North America in 2026. Around their run supporting Opeth, the band also unveil select headline shows under the banner “Waking State Of North America 2026.” The first headline date lands in Pittsburgh, with major cities including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Montreal, and Brooklyn following.

Jonas Renkse states, “USA and Canada! On top of our run with Opeth, we’re also bringing our own headline shows to your shores, something you wouldn’t wanna miss. See you all in the parlour of dusk.” The message is clear. This tour expands the reach of a record that stands among their most celebrated.

NORTH AMERICA 2026
KATATONIA supporting Opeth:
2/5 – Montclair, NJ – The Wellmont Theater
2/6 – Boston, MA – Orpheum Theatre
2/7 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore Philadelphia
2/9 – Pittsburgh, PA – Thunderbird Café & Music Hall – KATATONIA headliner
2/10 – Detroit, MI – Masonic Jack White Theatre
2/11 – Chicago, IL – Riviera Theatre
2/12 – St. Louis, MO – The Pageant
2/14 – Dallas, TX – The Bomb Factory
2/15 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center
2/16 – San Antonio, TX – Majestic Theatre
2/18 – Colorado Springs, CO – Pikes Peak Center
2/20 – Las Vegas, NV – The Pearl
2/21 – Riverside, CA – Riverside Municipal Auditorium
2/22 – Sacramento, CA – Channel 24
2/24 – Seattle, WA – Paramount Theatre
2/25 – Vancouver, BC – Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre

KATATONIA “Waking State Of North America 2026” Headline Dates:
2/27 – San Francisco, CA – August Hall
2/28 – Los Angeles, CA – Regent Theater
3/1 – Mesa, AZ – Nile Theater
3/3 – Austin, TX – Come and Take It Live
3/5 – Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade (Hell)
3/6 – Orlando, FL – The Beacham
3/7 – Charlotte, NC – The Underground
3/8 – Towson, MD – The Recher
3/10 – Toronto, ON – Mod Club
3/11 – Montreal, QC – Le Studio TD
3/12 – Brooklyn, NY – Elsewhere (The Hall)

EUROPE + UK 2025
KATATONIA headline tour with Evergrey and Klogr:
11/10 – Turku, FI – Logomo
11/11 – Tampere, FI – Tavara-asema
11/12 – Helsinki, FI – House of Culture
11/14 – Oslo, NO – Rockefeller
11/15 – Gothenburg, SE – Pustervik
11/16 – Hamburg, DE – Gruenspan
11/18 – Warsaw, PL – Progresja
11/19 – Berlin, DE – Huxleys
11/20 – Leipzig, DE – Täubchenthal
11/21 – Prague, CZ – Palac Akropolis
11/22 – Vienna, AT – Simm City
11/24 – Munich, DE – Backstage Werk
11/25 – Stuttgart, DE – LKA Longhorn
11/27 – Milan, IT – Alcatraz
11/28 – Zurich, CH – Komplex 457
11/29 – Lyon, FR – La Rayonne
12/1 – Madrid, ES – BUT
12/2 – Barcelona, ES – Salamandra
12/3 – Toulouse, FR – Le Metronum
12/5 – London, UK – Electric Ballroom
12/6 – Glasgow, UK – Garage
12/7 – Manchester, UK – Academy 2
12/8 – Bristol, UK – Electric Bristol (SWX)
12/10 – Paris, FR – Le Trabendo
12/11 – Luxembourg, LU – Rockhal
12/12 – Frankfurt, DE – Batschkapp
12/13 – Cologne, DE – Live Music Hall
12/14 – Amsterdam, NL – Melkweg Max
12/16 – Antwerp, BE – Trix
12/18 – Copenhagen, DK – Amager Bio
12/19 – Karlstad, SE – Nöjesfabriken
12/20 – Stockholm, SE – Fållan

Australian Progressive Metal Standouts Caligula’s Horse Celebrate ‘Bloom’ With 10th Anniversary Edition

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Australian progressive metal force Caligula’s Horse mark ten years of their breakthrough album ‘Bloom’ with a newly expanded anniversary edition. First released in 2015, the record became a defining statement for the Brisbane band, pairing emotional depth with vibrant, technical precision. The 10th anniversary digital reissue now adds four bonus tracks from the original sessions.

The band reflects on the milestone: “10 years ago, we released Bloom into the world – an incredibly special album that would become a statement as to who we are as a band and as people.” They add, “We hope that in times of struggle, Bloom will continue to be there for you. Remember: You have what you need in you. Just let it grow.”

The expanded edition offers deeper insight into the creative process, including pre-production demos and a 2015 recording of “Across the Universe.” The physical reissue features new artwork by Chris Mangos, refreshing the album’s visual identity while honoring its legacy. The result underscores why ‘Bloom’ remains central to the modern progressive metal conversation.

Bloom (10th Anniversary Edition) – Tracklist:

  1. Bloom
  2. Marigold
  3. Firelight
  4. Dragonfly
  5. Rust
  6. Turntail
  7. Daughter of the Mountain
  8. Undergrowth
  9. City Has No Empathy Acoustic
  10. Across the Universe (Recorded 2015) – digital only
  11. Rust (Pre-Production Demo 2015) – digital only
  12. Turntail (Pre-Production Demo 2015) – digital only
  13. Undergrowth (Pre-Production Demo 2015) – digital only

Progressive Rock Tribute ‘Rewiring Genesis’ Reimagines ‘The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway’

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‘Rewiring Genesis – A Tribute To The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway’ is out now, marking 50 years of the Genesis classic with a bold reimagining from Nick D’Virgilio and Mark Hornsby. Originally released in 2008 and long out of print, this expanded edition features new recordings, including contributions from Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett and strings tracked at Abbey Road Studios in London.

A standout moment arrives with “Counting Out Time,” which adds fresh texture while honoring the spirit of the original. Nick D’Virgilio shares, “’Counting Out Time’ is one of my favorite songs on The Lamb… As we were recording, one of the guys… suggested we try a ‘second-line’ groove for the bridge, and it totally worked! I love that part.” The performance carries energy and playful precision.

This tribute revisits the full scope of ‘The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway’ across two discs, balancing reverence with inventive arrangement. The result feels expansive and celebratory, grounded in musicianship and studio craft. It is a fitting homage to one of progressive rock’s defining statements.

Track Listing:

Disc 1:

  1. The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway
  2. Fly on a Windshield
  3. Broadway Melody of 1974
  4. Cuckoo Cocoon
  5. In the Cage
  6. The Grand Parade of Lifeless Packaging
  7. Back in N.Y.C.
  8. Hairless Heart
  9. Counting Out Time
  10. The Carpet Crawlers
  11. The Chamber of 32 Doors

Disc 2:

  1. Lilywhite Lilith
  2. The Waiting Room
  3. Anyway
  4. Here Comes The Supernatural Anaesthetist
  5. The Lamia
  6. Silent Sorrow in Empty Boats
  7. The Colony of Slippermen
  8. Ravine
  9. The Light Dies Down on Broadway
  10. Riding The Scree
  11. In the Rapids
  12. It

Progressive Rock Visionaries Big Big Train Unveil “The Sharpest Blade” From ‘Woodcut’

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Award-winning progressive rock ensemble Big Big Train release their 16th studio album ‘Woodcut’ via InsideOutMusic, their first full-length conceptual work. Formed in Bournemouth in 1990, the multinational lineup now delivers a continuous narrative centered on creativity, sacrifice, and The Artist, a character walking the line between inspiration and madness.

The new single “The Sharpest Blade” features violinist Clare Lindley sharing lead vocals with frontman and producer Alberto Bravin. Lindley explains, “Having gone for a walk in the woods… he begins to carve the heartwood… It’s so good that he feels it is perhaps not of his own hand.” The track blends storytelling precision with sweeping melodic depth

Big Big Train also recently launched The Artist’s Workshop, a special site dedicated to all things ‘Woodcut’ where fans can explore and unlock hidden content.

Woodcut feels like a Big Big Train record quite unlike any that came before—an assured union of music, storytelling and visual invention. The album is graced with a striking cover design from Dorset (England) based artist Robin Mackenzie – a black and white woodcut print, of course, derived from a woodcut which the band commissioned from him specifically for the album.

Available as a Limited CD + Blu-ray edition, including extensive liner notes as well as Dolby Atmos & 5.1 Surround Sound mixes by Shawn Dealey of Sweetwater Studios, the album will also be available as a stunning Gatefold 180g 2LP with special embossed cover, Standard CD Jewelcase & Digitally in both Stereo and Dolby Atmos versions.

Featuring 16 tracks across 66-minutes of runtime, Woodcut feels epic without outstaying its welcome. From the intimacy of ‘Inkwell Black’ to the grandeur of ‘Counting Stars’, Woodcut is a defiant analogue statement in a digital age—a handcrafted, deeply human exploration of art, faith and endurance.

The full track-listing is as follows:

1. Inkwell Black 00:56
2. The Artist 07:16
3. The Lie of the Land 02:55
4. The Sharpest Blade 04:16
5. Albion Press 05:46
6. Arcadia 05:46
7. Second Press 00:37
8. Warp and Weft 03:45
9. Chimaera 05:37
10. Dead Point 05:28
11. Light Without Heat 03:22
12. Dreams in Black and White 02:34
13. Cut and Run 06:19
14. Hawthorn White 01:54
15. Counting Stars 05:40
16. Last Stand 03:34

Swiss Nu-Core Titans PALEFACE SWISS Close ‘The Wilted EP’ Chapter With “Everything Is Fine”

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Swiss nu-core heavyweights PALEFACE SWISS unleash “Everything Is Fine,” the final single from ‘The Wilted EP,’ out now. Following a year of sold out tours across Europe, the UK, the United States, and Australia, the band sharpen their emotional and sonic intensity with a track that blends crushing weight and cinematic melancholy.

“‘Everything Is Fine’ tells the story of two lovers caught in situations they can not change,” Zelli explains. “In trying to numb the pain, it only cuts deeper because they keep asking why love fails even when they’ve done everything right.” The song hits with stark honesty, pairing towering heaviness with vulnerable depth.

Directed by longtime collaborator Kriss Jakob and co edited by Zelli, the video explores love, death, and disassociation through theatrical imagery. The visual continues the Wilted cycle’s symbolism, where once vivid blooms now appear curled and brittle. The aesthetic mirrors the EP’s themes of burnout, collapse, and uneasy regrowth.

Written during relentless touring, ‘The Wilted EP’ extends the narrative that began with ‘Cursed.’ With headline runs across Europe and the UK and festival appearances at Welcome To Rockville and Sonic Temple Festival, PALEFACE SWISS carry this chapter forward at full intensity.

Oakland Hardcore Heavyweights Lionheart Detonate “Roll Call” From ‘Valley of Death II’

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California hardcore force Lionheart fire back with “Roll Call,” the latest strike from their new album ‘Valley of Death II,’ out now via Arising Empire. Fresh off the impact of “Bulletproof,” the Oakland band double down with groove-heavy aggression and pit ready gang shouts that land with authority. The momentum is relentless.

“Roll Call” locks into razor sharp riffs and crushing breakdowns, reinforcing Lionheart’s standing at the top of modern hardcore. The track hits direct and unfiltered, built for packed rooms and raised fists. It is a statement of intent from a band operating at full throttle.

‘Valley of Death II’ marks a new chapter following their re-signing with Arising Empire. As the long-awaited sequel to their 2019 release, the album pushes darker tones and heavier dynamics across its run. The pressure never lets up.

Lionheart take this energy back to Europe for a January 2026 headline tour alongside Madball, Gideon, and Slope. With “Bulletproof” and “Roll Call” leading the charge, Lionheart enter this era in attack mode.

Progressive Death Metal Titans PERSEFONE Unveil ‘Live In Andorra’ With Orchestral “One Word”

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Andorran progressive death metal masters PERSEFONE release their first live album ‘Live In Andorra,’ capturing a landmark orchestral performance at the National Auditorium in Ordino. Recorded alongside the Orquestra Nacional Clàssica d’Andorra, the show celebrates 20 years of the band’s evolution with symphonic scale and razor sharp execution. The live version of “One Word” sets the tone with towering intensity.

“In every show, there are different moments, but nothing compares to the thrill of the intro that leads to the very beginning,” the band shares. “For this particular show, the song that was chosen to ignite the whole experience had to be ‘One Word’.” Performed live, the track expands with orchestral force, capturing the band’s stage energy in pristine detail.

Conducted by Albert Gumí with concertmaster Pere Bardagí, the orchestra weaves seamlessly through the set. Daniel R. Flys brings new fire to beloved material, reinforcing PERSEFONE’s dynamic precision. The album moves across their catalog, blending brutality and symphonic depth into a cohesive live statement.

Live In Andorra Track Listing:
Sounds and Vessels
One Word
The Equable
Stillness is Timeless
Prison Skin
Cosmic Walkers
Living Waves
Kusanagi
Leap of Faith
Merkabah
The Great Reality
Flying Sea Dragons
Mind as Universe
Outro

Available as Blu Ray + 2 CD with a 12-page booklet, limited to 500 copies worldwide, and digital album, ‘Live In Andorra’ stands as a monumental document of PERSEFONE’s power at home in Andorra.

French Sludge Metal Force CELESTE Revives ‘Morte(s) Née(s)’ For 15th Anniversary

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Influential French sludge metal band CELESTE mark the 15th anniversary of their landmark album ‘Morte(s) Née(s)’ with a newly remixed and remastered edition, out now. The reissue sharpens the record’s bleak grandeur, reinforcing its status as a defining statement in extreme music. The updated closer “De Sorte que Plus Jamais un Instant ne Soit Magique” arrives as a towering centerpiece.

“At thirteen minutes, this closing piece is the ultimate representation of CELESTE at that point in time,” says vocalist and bassist Johan Girardeau. “Rather than a collection of riffs, it’s a fully realized musical narrative.” Featuring piano and string arrangements from Les Fragments de la Nuit, the track expands into cinematic territory. The scale feels immense and unflinching.

Originally released in 2010, ‘Morte(s) Née(s)’ has been remixed by Chris Edrich and remastered by Pierrick Noël, restoring depth and dimension to one of the band’s darkest works. The updated version of opener “Ces belles de rêve aux verres embués” further underscores the album’s suffocating intensity and melodic dissonance.

Emerging from Lyon’s hardcore scene, CELESTE fused black metal, sludge, and post-hardcore into a singular force. Two decades in, the band remain uncompromising and relentless. This anniversary edition stands as both a tribute and a reaffirmation of their enduring impact.

Los Angeles Alt.Punk Firebrands Death Lens Ignite With “Power”

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Los Angeles alt.punk outfit Death Lens return with “Power,” a fast, hook driven anthem set to appear in the latest Skate video game from EA. Fresh off tour with Militarie Gun, the band charge forward with their first new music since ‘Cold World.’ The guitars bite, the chorus soars, and the message lands with force.

Frontman Bryan Torres frames the track in direct terms. “I know the world feels out of balance, nothing seems certain, and waiting isn’t an option anymore,” he says. “The world has never waited for anyone, so we stopped waiting too. That’s POWER. Strength. Resilience.” The song hits hard and refuses to back down.

The video, directed by Marco Hernandez, features pro skaters Tristan Funkhouser, Tyler Pacheco, Zach Allen, Marley Humphrey, and O’Conner Nelson. It captures the speed and grit that define the band’s Southern California roots. The energy is relentless and built for movement.

Death Lens continue to carry melodic punk laced with hardcore urgency and social accountability. European and UK summer festival dates include Berlin Breakout, Vainstream, and Mighty Sounds Festival, with more to follow. Since 2012, they have fused chaos and purpose into a sound that leaves a mark.