German metal titans Primal Fear have released their crushing new studio album, ‘Domination’, out now via Atomic Fire Records. The 13-track record is spearheaded by the anthemic single “I Am The Primal Fear,” a relentless showcase of the band’s signature power metal engine. Featuring the soaring vocals of Ralf Scheepers and the debut of the band’s new “guitar dream team,” Thalia Bellazecca and Magnus Karlsson, the track serves as a fierce declaration of resilience. Bassist Mat Sinner and drummer Andre Hilger provide the thunderous foundation for an album that Scheepers describes as a “worst nightmare” for those who doubted the band’s longevity. After nearly three decades, ‘Domination’ proves the eagle has returned with renewed strength, delivering an uncompromising statement that solidifies their place at the top tier of the international heavy metal scene.
Joseph Arthur and Peter Buck Reunite for ‘Arthur Buck 2’
Arthur Buck, the acclaimed partnership of singer-songwriter Joseph Arthur and R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck, has released their much-anticipated sophomore album, ‘Arthur Buck 2’, out now via Lonely Astronaut Records. Marking their first new collection since 2018, the duo joined forces with Grammy-winning producer Jacknife Lee and an all-star lineup including Scott McCaughey, Linda Pitmon, and Gregg Foreman. The album is highlighted by the single “Fall In Love With Me,” a track Arthur describes as a fun tune about winning someone over. The release cements the pair’s reputation for blending inventive arrangements with raw rock energy, featuring contributions from Buck’s longtime collaborators in The Minus 5 and The Baseball Project.
The album’s release is accompanied by a striking music video for “Fall In Love With Me,” filmed in Clermont-Ferrand, France. Director Amelie Chopinet captures Arthur in a split-screen visual as he attempts an ambitious underwater breath-hold, a performance that added a layer of physical intensity and “internal claustrophobia” to the shoot. Clad in silver pants and surrounded by artifacts submerged in a rain-soaked pool, the video serves as a cinematic companion to the track’s upbeat narrative. By combining Jacknife Lee’s polished production with the duo’s signature experimental spirit, ‘Arthur Buck 2’ stands as a vibrant and sophisticated evolution of their musical partnership.
Sheryl Kaskowitz Reveals a Secret New Deal Era in ‘A Chance to Harmonize’
In ‘A Chance to Harmonize: How FDR’s Hidden Music Unit Sought to Save America from the Great Depression—One Song at a Time’, author and music scholar Sheryl Kaskowitz reveals a fascinating, long-forgotten chapter of American history. Released by Pegasus Books, the narrative follows the Music Unit of the 1930s, a government initiative led by figures like Charles Seeger and Margaret Valiant. This group traveled to federal homesteads across Appalachia and the rural South, recording over 800 folk songs to boost morale and foster a sense of cooperative identity among those devastated by the economic collapse. Though the program was eventually shuttered by a conservative Congress wary of its “socialistic” leanings, Kaskowitz argues that its efforts effectively laid the foundation for the 1960s folk revival and the careers of icons like Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger.
Drawing on previously unreleased archival materials and the unit’s complete collection of field recordings, Kaskowitz provides an intimate look at how music was weaponized as a tool for social cohesion. The book highlights the work of Sidney Robertson, who captured the raw sounds of a struggling nation, and illustrates how the Roosevelt administration viewed cultural heritage as an essential resource for national recovery. By exploring this “undiscovered chapter,” ‘A Chance to Harmonize’ offers a poignant reflection on the power of song to provide hope and belonging during the darkest periods of the American experience, making it an essential read for history buffs and musicologists alike.
Keith Cameron Chronicles the Legacy of Manic Street Preachers in New Definitive History
Acclaimed author Keith Cameron has released 168 Songs of Hatred and Failure: The Music of Manic Street Preachers, a definitive hardcover history of the legendary Welsh rock band, out now. Written with the band’s full co-operation, the book traces their unique trajectory from the mining communities of South Wales to global stadium stardom. Cameron utilizes many hours of new interviews to dive deep into their vast discography, exploring the intellectual and emotional “geometry of contempt” that defined their early years with Richey Edwards and the remarkable commercial rebirth that followed his 1995 disappearance.
The narrative spans from their 1988 debut single “Suicide Alley” to the creative peaks of their 2025 album ‘Critical Thinking’, framing the band’s music as the catalyst for their survival and cultural relevance. Cameron masterfully charts an artistic universe where Karl Marx, The Clash, and New Order coexist, capturing what bassist Nicky Wire famously dubbed “the fabulous disaster.” This exhaustive study offers fans an intimate look at the restlessness and working-class pride that fueled multi-million-selling records like ‘Everything Must Go’, serving as a majestic soundtrack to three decades of history, loss, and creative redemption.
Fredo Bang Confronts His Past on Raw New Single “Traumatized Child”
Baton Rouge artist Fredo Bang has released his latest single and cinematic visual, “Traumatized Child,” a vulnerable lead-in to his new 11-track EP, ‘Kreature Muzik’, out now via EMPIRE. Filmed in his hometown, the music video provides a dreamlike yet unflinching look at the streets that shaped him, perfectly mirroring the song’s themes of betrayal, survival, and melodic honesty. The project serves as a powerful tribute to his roots, notably featuring posthumous contributions from his late collaborators Da Real Gee Money and Blvd Quick.
Ava Della Pietra Embraces Independence with Vibrant New Single “Single for Life”
Singer-songwriter Ava Della Pietra has released her latest single, “Single for Life,” accompanied by a high-concept music video that blends personal storytelling with cinematic humor. The track explores the shifting dynamics of friendship and the surreal comedy of modern dating, sparked by the relatable tension that arises when a best friend prioritizes a new relationship. From a slumber party opening to a montage of disastrous speed-dating encounters—featuring everything from shirtless posers to iguana enthusiasts—the visuals capture a lighthearted jealousy spiral and the eventual embrace of self-identity. Choreographed with a playful “friends goofing off” energy, the video builds on the stylistic foundations of Della Pietra’s previous work, such as ‘Marionette’ and ‘Moon Over Capri’, while marking her most accessible and narrative-driven release to date. With a final wink toward the fluidity of relationships, “Single for Life” serves as a bold anthem for anyone navigating the joyful chaos of being on their own.
PRESIDENT Issues a Call to Resistance with New Single “Destroy Me”
Anonymous collective PRESIDENT has released their powerful new single “Destroy Me,” a track that has quickly become a standout fixture in their high-intensity live sets. The single serves as the final preview of their debut EP, ‘King of Terrors’, which arrived on September 26 via King of Terrors / ADA. Taking its title from biblical imagery, the EP explores the intersections of darkness, religion, and mortality through a blend of heavy music, electronic experimentation, and cinematic atmosphere. The release has propelled the group into a busy touring season, beginning with a series of high-profile “U.S. Rallies” this December and an Australian run supporting Architects. Looking ahead to 2026, the band will embark on “The Campaign Trail,” their inaugural headline tour across the U.K. and Europe, which has already seen several dates sell out instantly. Described by the band as a “march” rather than a mere performance, this movement aims to unite listeners under a banner of volume and resistance, transforming their philosophical inquiries into a visceral, live-action statement.
Jackson Dean Flashes His Wit on Charismatic New Single “Make A Liar”
Platinum-selling artist Jackson Dean has released his cheeky new track “Make A Liar,” out now via Big Machine Records. Co-written with frequent collaborators Luke Dick and Randy Montana, the bass-heavy song utilizes a clever lyrical twist where Dean presents a list of false indifference before daring a love interest to “make a liar” out of him. The single follows the sultry “Be Your Man” as part of a new sonic chapter for Dean, building on the success of his sophomore album On The Back Of My Dreams. Currently, Dean is dominating the airwaves with his Top 15 hit “Heavens To Betsy” and maintaining a rigorous global touring schedule. Following high-profile performances like Taylor Sheridan’s inaugural Bosque Ranch Live, Dean is set to support Lee Brice this fall before taking his headlining world tour to Australia and New Zealand, eventually joining Brad Paisley’s tour for dates across Canada this winter.
Mae Estes Solidifies Her Country Roots with New Self-Titled EP
Rising singer-songwriter Mae Estes has released her self-titled EP, Mae Estes, out now via Big Machine Records. The five-track collection serves as a definitive showcase of her signature sound, seamlessly moving from introspective ballads to high-energy “back porch barnburners.” Featuring standout tracks like “Mr. Fix It” and “Mountain Of A Man,” the EP also introduces fans to the vulnerable single “Drunk On That” alongside previously unreleased songs “I Better Go” and “What She’s Havin’.” Estes, who has spent the year touring and building a dedicated fanbase, describes the release as a celebration of finding the community that resonates with her authentic storytelling and traditional instrumentation.
The EP’s latest focus, “Drunk On That,” captures a narrator spiraling through the physical reminders of a lost relationship—vinyl records, packed bags, and a diamond ring—using them as a catalyst for overindulgence. Written by Jay Brunswick, Josh Dunne, and Chancie Neal, the track highlights Estes’ hypnotic vocals and her commitment to preserving classic musical aesthetics. By blending vivid imagery with modern vulnerability, Estes continues to establish herself as a steady torchbearer for her craft. With the full EP now available, she provides a well-rounded musical statement that reinforces her place as one of the most promising voices in the new wave of traditional artists.
Zac Brown Band Teams with Dolly Parton for “Butterfly”
Multi-platinum group Zac Brown Band has released their seventh studio album, Love & Fear, highlighted by the stirring single “Butterfly” featuring the iconic Dolly Parton. Written by Brown as a message of resilience for his children, the track showcases a raw, harmonized performance that Brown describes as “pure magic.” The album, which also features a guest appearance by Marcus King and the standout track “Give It Away,” serves as a deeply personal and transformative exploration of Brown’s life journey. From themes of heartbreak and hardship to growth and redemption, the project reflects the constant evolution of the band’s storytelling, blending their signature country-rock sound with some of the most intimate lyrics of their career.
The release was celebrated through a historic residency at Sphere in Las Vegas, which concluded its initial run this month. The unprecedented show utilized Sphere’s next-generation technology, including the world’s highest-resolution LED display and Immersive Sound system, to create a fully 360-degree visual environment. Moving beyond a traditional concert format, the engagement offered fans a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the journey that shaped Brown as an artist and a person. By integrating high-tech visuals with the raw storytelling found on Love & Fear, Zac Brown Band has established a new benchmark for live performance, marking a powerful and innovative chapter in their two-decade legacy.