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Hardcore Supergroup Pig Pen Unleash Ferocious Debut ‘Mental Madness’

Music

Eric Alper

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Aug 23, 2025

Hardcore Supergroup Pig Pen Unleash Ferocious Debut ‘Mental Madness’

Pig Pen is made up of vocalist Matty Matheson (chef, restaurateur, and actor from FX’s The Bear), guitarists Wade MacNeil (Alexisonfire, Dooms Children) and Daniel Romano, drummer Ian Romano (Daniel Romano’s Outfit), and bassist Tommy Major (Daniel Romano’s Outfit, Young Guv). The music is tough, harsh, intense, noisy, soulful – a blitz of pure hardcore energy.

After warming up with a frenzied, sold-out show at Toronto venue Sneaky Dee’s in late April, Pig Pen now announce their recorded debut. Mental Madness is out now through pivotal hardcore label Flatspot Records, a home for many breakthrough acts including Speed, Scowl, and End It. The first song arrives in “Mental Mentality,” highlighted by stomping rhythms, breakneck riffs, and enraged vocals. Matheson delivers “I have the mental madness. I’m sick. I’m sick. I’m sick.” as a cathartic release begging to be screamed back to.

The video for the song features live footage from recording in the studio and on stage at the band’s first show.

After spending months passing along riffs and playlists filled with inspiration, the ten tracks on Mental Madness were written in a day and recorded the next. With a band made up of career musicians, the do-it-yourself approach for the album was a no-brainer, taking the wheel by self-recording and producing. The tracks were sent off to Arthur Rizk (Cold World, Fucked Up, Power Trip) for mixing and Grammy Award-winning engineer Alan Douches for mastering. The album packs grit and bounce, combining elements of ’80s hardcore with true rock and roll flair. The subject matter on Mental Madness sticks to themes that Matheson describes as “mental health shit:” topics like isolation, loneliness, and “letting your mind destroy you.”

Mental Madness Track Listing:

1. Rabid Beach
2. Heat Wave
3. Pig Pen
4. Power Love Train
5. Mental Mentality
6. Highway
7. Venom Moon Rising
8. Problem Mind
9. Howl & Veil
10. XJXIXDX

Lo-Fi Rock Outfit Tlooth Release Self-Titled Debut Album

Music

Eric Alper

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Aug 23, 2025

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Lo-Fi Rock Outfit Tlooth Release Self-Titled Debut Album

Tlooth returns with a new chapter: a self-titled debut full-length steeped in duality, embracing both lo-fi grit and unexpected beauty. When a band falls apart, it usually stays that way—but for Tlooth, dissolution became the catalyst for something new. The result is a record that retains the raw edges of lo-fi recording while pushing into new sonic territories, balancing the immediacy of live tracking with the textural depth of layered production.

The album itself is a study in contrasts—recorded in fragments yet cohesive, embracing imperfection yet deeply intentional.

With this release, Tlooth is also taking action beyond the music. Proceeds will support Phillips Black, a nonprofit dedicated to providing legal aid for incarcerated individuals facing the harshest penalties under U.S. law.

Tlooth Track Listing:

1. Too Calm
2. Roald Dahl
3. Give & Take
4. Song No. 1
5. You Say It’s Prayer
6. The Blood
7. Gone Under
8. Listen

Emo Rock Duo Greywind Release Fierce New Single “I.K.A.M.F.”

Music

Eric Alper

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Aug 23, 2025

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Emo Rock Duo Greywind Release Fierce New Single “I.K.A.M.F.”

Having heralded their return with a stormer of an emo anthem – “Acid Rain” – a few weeks back, Irish brother-sister duo Greywind are adding to their new era catalogue today with the release of a fearsome new single, “I.K.A.M.F.”

“Acid Rain” saw success on the Kerrang! Chart and has been spun on the BBC Radio 1 Rock Show and more, with the cinematic music video (Quentin Tarant-emo anyone?!) racking up over 60,000 views in weeks.

Inspired by great emo pop originators like Jimmy Eat World, Fall Out Boy and My Chemical Romance, Greywind aims to bring the genre into the future with an insatiable energy and armed with a never-ending supply of hooks. The duo’s flair for the dramatic and knack for an earworm melody is seeing them build their musical world, which they welcome you to be a part of.

Hardcore Metal Force Orthodox Drop Crushing New Single “Keep Your Blessings”

Music

Eric Alper

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Aug 23, 2025

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Hardcore Metal Force Orthodox Drop Crushing New Single “Keep Your Blessings”

On A Door Left Open, Nashville heavy hitters Orthodox brutally capture the sense of unease and full-on dread one would feel having their comfort and routine violated. What got in—or what got out? For their next single and new video, “Keep Your Blessings,” drummer Mike White worked with director Errick Easterday to create a story that brings that sense of unrest to life.

Orthodox’s fusion of frenetic, intricate rhythms, pushed-to-the-breaking-point riffing and emotive vocals has refined itself to a bleeding edge proposition on their expansive, monolithic fourth studio album. With help elsewhere by Mastodon’s Brann Dailor, Boundaries’ Matt McDougal and Comeback Kid frontman Andrew Neufeld, Orthodox have truly pushed hardcore heaviness to a new level of brutality.

At the centre of it all is guitarist Austin Evans, whose upside-down, lefty way of playing is as radical as his writing, which is littered with harmonics, squeals and borderline laser noises. The album’s barrage of riffs, shredding solos (courtesy of newest member Ben Touchberry) and countless breakdowns contrast unto crushing chugs—accentuated by diverse rhythms from drummer Mike White and bassist Shiloh Krebs—ensures the whiplash-laden listen never gets comfortable. Atop that, Adam Easterling’s brash bellow is even more powerful here—resulting in new dynamics that had producer Randy LeBoeuf (Jesus Piece, Kublai Khan TX, Dying Wish) exclaiming he could hardly believe it’s coming from the same man.

Orthodox have built a name on fervent, visceral live shows. With their most blunt album, both lyrically and musically, the wrecking ball that is Orthodox is coming to shatter the expectations and minds of fans of metal and hardcore alike. Their headlining U.S. Summer tour kicks off on 21st June with a special hometown release show with fellow straight edge bands Year of the Knife and Inclination in Nashville. Mugshot, Omerta and fromjoy will join them as support for the entirety of the tour, which crosses both coasts, the Midwest, and more.

Metal Visionaries Black Satellite Unleash Dark New Single “Downfall”

Music

Eric Alper

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Aug 23, 2025

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Metal Visionaries Black Satellite Unleash Dark New Single “Downfall”

Rising metal visionaries Black Satellite have released their haunting new single “Downfall,” which is available now on all streaming platforms and accompanied by a striking official video.

Black Satellite continue to carve their own path in the metal world, fusing industrial grit with gothic atmosphere to craft a sound that is as intense as it is unforgettable.

“Downfall” was recorded and produced by acclaimed producer Kane Churko (In This Moment, Five Finger Death Punch, Papa Roach) at The Hideout Studio in Henderson, Nevada.

Rock Titans Shinedown Unveil Stripped-Down Piano Version of “Three Six Five”

Music

Eric Alper

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Aug 23, 2025

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Rock Titans Shinedown Unveil Stripped-Down Piano Version of “Three Six Five”

Record-breaking rock goliaths Shinedown have released a stripped-down and hauntingly beautiful piano version of their hit single “Three Six Five” via Atlantic Records.

The original, electric version of the song has already caused quite a stir at US radio, charting at four radio formats where it has reached #5 at Alternative, #13 at Hot AC, Top 30 at Active Rock, and Top 30 at Mainstream AC radio – and is set to reach Top 40 radio shortly. The song’s spectacular rise at radio was preceded by Shinedown themselves, as they pulled off a similar feat previously with their track “A Symptom Of Being Human.”

Earlier this month the band kicked off their Dance, Kid, Dance Tour at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa. The band delivered an incredible performance with jaw-dropping production and pyrotechnics. The 36-date tour is one of the largest run of shows the band has ever put on. It will be the first time the band has ever headlined some of the USA’s most legendary venues including Madison Square Garden.

Indie Rockers Human Moods Release Debut Full-Length Album ‘Enigma’

Music

Eric Alper

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Aug 23, 2025

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Indie Rockers Human Moods Release Debut Full-Length Album ‘Enigma’

Maine-based indie rock band Human Moods just released their first full-length album Enigma. The band, formed by Chris Muccino and Sheridan Ranger, blends classic and modern rock sounds, pulling influence from bands like Fleetwood Mac and The Pretenders. The album features 10 songs—two never-before-released alongside other fan favorites that were featured on the group’s previous releases.

Enigma kicks off with “Better Times,” a steadily rhythmic song with a mix of gritty guitars and acoustic guitar picking and a tasteful, vintage vocal vibe. The chorus tells listeners, “Better times are meant to live now. You’ve got to live and live well.”

“Hindsight” is about midway through the record and is one of the lead singles. It delivers more of a laid back but upbeat energy with its groovy bass line, smooth synths and piano to give it a dash of class. The song is an easy listen but the message carries some weight. It’s about personal growth through reflection and the realization that clarity often comes only after experiencing confusion or pain. “If I knew then / What I know now / I wouldn’t have wasted / So much time / It’s so much easier from this side / Hindsight is / Hindsight is 20/20.”

The album comes to a close with “Effortless Symphony,” a song originally released on their 2024 double side Capsule Temporelle. The song has a hypnotic feel with a catchy guitar riff and features an energetic chorus.

Enigma was recorded by Muccino at Evergreen Studio in Bath, ME, with help from Anthony Gatti and mastering by Grammy-winner Adam Ayan. Sheridan handles all vocals, with help from guest singers on a few tracks. Greg Goodwin plays bass, and Mike Chasse is on drums. The album art comes from Harpswell artist John M. Mishler, whose pointillist-style ink work adds a creative touch to the packaging.

Canadian Hard Rockers Sierra Pilot Ignite with Explosive New Single “Breathe”

Music

Eric Alper

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Aug 23, 2025

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Canadian Hard Rockers Sierra Pilot Ignite with Explosive New Single “Breathe”

Canadian hard rock quartet Sierra Pilot returns with their most intense and emotionally resonant track yet. “Breathe,” available across all major streaming platforms, delivers a sonic gut-punch that captures the emotional storm of being told to calm down when every part of you is on fire.

A bold evolution in Sierra Pilot’s sound, “Breathe” is emotional, unfiltered, and deeply relatable. With explosive riffs, pounding drums, and visceral vocals, the song mirrors the turbulent nature of mental health, ebbing and flowing between calm and chaos at a moment’s notice. It taps into a universal feeling: the frustration and fury of being silenced or dismissed in your most vulnerable moments. It’s a track that demands to be felt as much as heard.

In the fall of 2024, Sierra Pilot headed out on tour in the U.S. with Pop Evil and Bad Wolves as direct support on their “Animal Instinct Tour.” Although they had only recently recorded a rough demo of “Breathe,” the band decided to take it for a test drive. It wasn’t until they decided to play it live on the tour that the track truly came to life. Performing the unreleased track each night across 21 U.S. cities, the band was struck by the crowd’s immediate and powerful response. Energized by that connection, Sierra Pilot returned home to finish the song and complete the rest of the material for their forthcoming EP, set to release later this year.

The release of “Breathe” marks the beginning of a new chapter for the band as they move toward the release of their forthcoming EP later this year — a collection that promises to push boundaries, challenge expectations, and continue their evolution as one of Canada’s most exciting rock acts.

Daedric Unleash Dark New Era with Haunting Single “Night Mother”

Music

Eric Alper

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Aug 23, 2025

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Daedric Unleash Dark New Era with Haunting Single “Night Mother”

Out of the darkness and on the heels of their Mortal Deluxe Album announcement, Daedric returns with “Night Mother,” the first single from their upcoming full-length sophomore album. “Night Mother” was the first track to go into production for the new album, and it set the tone in the most chaotic way possible. Creative differences, technical issues, and behind-the-scenes struggles made the process feel more like a disaster than a starting point.

But through the turmoil, they knew they had something special. Rob’s initial track idea was inspiring, and Kristyn Hope’s vocal approach brought fresh energy to the song. The struggle was worth it—the final result was so powerful that “Night Mother” became the album’s first single.

Lyrically, “Night Mother” explores themes of deception, blind trust, and painful disillusionment. It tells the story of someone who placed complete faith in another, only to realize they had been manipulated.

Originally titled “Nails,” “Night Mother” also took inspiration from Chinese opera. While some of the high-pitched vocal elements were toned down in the final mix, remnants of that stylistic influence remain. Sonically, the track serves as a bridge between Daedric’s debut album and their evolving sound, blending dark electronic elements with a modern metalcore edge.

At its core, “Night Mother” ties into the album’s overarching theme of free will versus fate. Was the protagonist truly making their own choices, or were they unknowingly controlled? The song captures the weight of that realization, blending betrayal, loss of autonomy, and self-awareness into one of the album’s most emotionally charged moments.

Daedric is an alternative rock and metal project led by vocalist and artist Kristyn Hope, alongside producers Clay Schroeder and Geoff Rockwell.

Three Days Grace Reunite with Adam Gontier for Explosive New Album ‘Alienation’

Music

Eric Alper

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Aug 23, 2025

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Three Days Grace Reunite with Adam Gontier for Explosive New Album ‘Alienation’

After Three Days Grace surprised fans with the return of the band’s original singer, Adam Gontier, the rock giants have announced their epic upcoming record, Alienation, out now. The twelve tracks on the record all play a pivotal role in defining this significantly new, but nostalgic, chapter of the band.

In addition to sharing details of the new record, the band released their second single off the album, “Apologies.” Produced by Zakk Cervini, Dan Lancaster, and Howard Benson, the song bursts to life with riveting guitar riffs, immediately pulling listeners into the dynamic soundscape. Echoing the raw spirit of classic 2000s rock, the energetic tempo drives momentum forward into the chorus, creating an urgent and electrifying atmosphere. Soaring vocals cut through the mix, amplifying the emotion behind the lyrics, while the tight rhythm section anchors the track with steady intensity.

Alienation Track Listing:

1. Dominate
2. Apologies
3. Mayday
4. Kill Me Fast
5. In Waves
6. Alienation
7. Never Ordinary
8. Deathwish
9. Don’t Wanna Go Home Tonight
10. In Cold Blood
11. The Power
12. Another Relapse