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The Reticent Plunges into the Heart of Panic with “The Bed of Wasps” and 2026 Festival Announcements

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Multi-instrumentalist Chris Hathcock has delivered one of the most punishingly brilliant tracks of his career with the new video for “The Bed of Wasps (Those Consumed with Panic).” Taken from the critically acclaimed new album ‘please’, the track is a technical masterclass that sonically mirrors the disorientation of a real-world panic attack through jagged rhythms and dissonant shifts. Engineered by Hathcock himself at Silent Muse Studio and mixed by the legendary Jamie King, the song is a visceral dive into the battlefields of mental health. It’s raw, it’s technically demanding, and it’s a perfect example of why The Reticent is hailed as the most emotionally gut-wrenching band in the progressive metal underground today.

The momentum continues to build as The Reticent prepares to bring their devastatingly powerful live performance art to the international stage in 2026. Fans can witness the group—featuring James Nelson of Nospūn and Paul McBride of Voraath—at the 25th-anniversary edition of ProgPower USA in Atlanta this September, followed by an opening-night appearance at ProgPower Europe in the Netherlands. These performances are set to be landmark events for the band, showcasing the intense storytelling and cinematic metal that made ‘The Oubliette’ a modern classic. With a follow-up record already in development, Chris Hathcock remains at the vanguard of the genre, turning personal tragedy into a sonic haven for fans across the globe.

Tour Dates:

Sep 09 – Atlanta, GA – Center Stage (ProgPower USA Day 1)

Oct 02 – Baarlo, Netherlands – Sjiwa (ProgPower Europe)

Blink-182’s ‘Enema of the State’ Joins the Elite Definitive Sound Series as a Premium Audiophile One-Step

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Pop-punk royalty meets audiophile perfection as blink-182’s legendary 1999 album ‘Enema of the State’ becomes the newest masterpiece in Interscope-Capitol’s prestigious Definitive Sound Series (DSS). This isn’t just a reissue; it is a full-throttle sonic restoration of the album that redefined a generation, now meticulously crafted using the state-of-the-art One Step process to deliver unparalleled clarity. Mastered directly from the original analog master tapes by the renowned Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering, this 180-gram AAA vinyl pressing allows fans to hear every high-velocity hook and thunderous drum fill from Travis Barker with a depth and punch never before achieved on the format. Limited to just 3,000 hand-numbered copies, the package is a true collector’s dream, featuring a heavyweight Tip On gatefold jacket protected by a custom DSS slipcase and a certificate of authenticity to verify its elite pedigree.

The cultural impact of ‘Enema of the State’ remains massive, having launched the trio into global superstardom on the strength of era-defining hits like “All the Small Things,” “What’s My Age Again?”, and the raw, emotional “Adam’s Song.” By selecting this landmark recording for the DSS lineup, Interscope and Capitol are honoring the architectural influence blink-182 holds over modern alternative music. Pressed at the world-class Record Technology, Inc. (RTI), this $100 limited edition is designed for the most discerning listeners who want to experience the irreverent energy and melodic genius of the late ’90s in its ultimate form. Pre-orders are officially open, with the high-definition discs expected to ship on February 20, 2026—making this the definitive way to “stay together for the kids” and your turntable.

Kitchen Dwellers Channel Montana Magic on Surprise ‘The Katabatic EP’ and Announce 2026 Winter Tour

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Bozeman’s own progressive roots powerhouses Kitchen Dwellers have just dropped a breathtaking surprise with ‘The Katabatic EP’, a three-song journey that captures the raw, windswept soul of a Montana winter. Recorded during a fertile creative window in late 2021, this new project is a sonic masterclass in “Galaxy Grass,” blending high-octane bluegrass with psychedelic grit and atmospheric depth. The EP is bookended by the instrumental tracks “Katabatic” and “Mimas and Ida,” both featuring the fiery brass textures of guest trumpeter Eric “Benny” Bloom of Lettuce, while the poignant “Madison” dives into the erratic, beautiful rhythms of life and fly-fishing. It is a thrilling snapshot of a band at the height of their powers, taking their Montana-bred storytelling to soaring new heights.

The excitement continues as the quartet prepares to ring in the New Year with a sold-out two-night stand in Portland before launching an expansive 2026 Winter Tour. This trek is set to be a legendary run of multi-night residencies in home-turf venues like The ELM in Bozeman and the Mission Ballroom in Denver, featuring an elite roster of guests including Lindsay Lou, Cordovas, and Mountain Grass Unit. From the high-altitude energy of Telluride to the coastal vibes of Solana Beach and the immersive art of Meow Wolf, Kitchen Dwellers are bringing their explosive live chemistry to every corner of the country. Whether you are catching them in a cozy opera house or at the tropical Viva El Gonzo festival in Mexico, these 2026 dates are a mandatory pilgrimage for anyone craving the cutting edge of modern string music.

Tour Dates:

Dec 30 – Portland, OR – Revolution Hall

Dec 31 – Portland, OR – Revolution Hall

Jan 15-16 – Telluride, CO – Sheridan Opera House

Jan 17-18 – Crested Butte, CO – Center for the Arts

Jan 20 – Buena Vista, CO – Surf Hotel

Jan 22-23 – Denver, CO – Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom

Jan 24 – Denver, CO – Mission Ballroom

Jan 29 – Billings, MT – The Pub Station Ballroom

Jan 30-31 – Bozeman, MT – The ELM

Feb 12 – Jackson, WY – The Virginian Lodge

Feb 13-14 – South Salt Lake City, UT – The Commonwealth Room

Feb 15 – Boise, ID – Knitting Factory

Feb 17 – Menlo Park, CA – The Guild Theatre

Feb 19 – Solana Beach, CA – Belly Up Solana Beach

Feb 20-21 – Pioneertown, CA – Pappy & Harriet’s

Feb 22 – Flagstaff, AZ – Orpheum Theater

Feb 24 – Santa Fe, NM – Meow Wolf

Feb 26 – Oklahoma City, OK – Beer City Music Hall

Feb 27 – Dallas, TX – Deep Ellum Art Co.

Feb 28 – Austin, TX – Empire Garage

Mar 13-15 – Charleston, SC – Charleston Pour House

May 07-09 – San Jose del Cabo, MX – Viva El Gonzo

Chris Williams and Kid Reverie Capture Transcendent Magic on the Stunning New Single “Bees”

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Americana fans, get ready to lose yourselves in the ordered chaos of “Bees,” the breathtaking new single from Chris Williams and Kid Reverie (aka Steve Varney). Following the “life-affirming” success of their 2023 debut ‘Something From Nothing’, this new collaboration marks a thrilling shift as the duo moves from remote Zoom sessions to the legendary Blasting Room Studios in Colorado. “Bees” is a masterclass in atmospheric folk, weaving together pensive banjo, soaring cello from Russick Smith, and Varney’s restrained tenor into a ruminative meditation on human self-interest. The track beautifully captures the duo’s evolving chemistry, blending Williams’ roots-rock sensibility with Varney’s subversive production edge to create a soundscape that is as intellectually sharp as it is emotionally resonant.

This latest project signals a deeper level of collaboration, with Williams and Varney trading songwriting duties and pushing each other into new creative territories. While their first album was born from a serendipitous connection over a banjo lesson, this upcoming EP proves they have blossomed into one of the most exciting partnerships in modern folk. Recording in person has added a raw, immediate energy to the tracks, anchored by the stellar musicianship of a full ensemble including Max Barcelow and Jeb Bows. It is rare to find music that feels this cinematic yet deeply personal, but “Bees” manages to strike that perfect balance, offering a quietly powerful entrance into what is certain to be one of the most anticipated folk releases of the coming year.

AI Comic Generator: How Artificial Intelligence Is Transforming Digital Storytelling

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By Mitch Rice

The comic industry has for a long time been fueled by creativity, imagination, and visual storytelling. From hand drawn panels to digital graphic novels, the medium is in a state of change. At the forefront of what they will see in the future of comics is the AI comic generator which is a tool that uses artificial intelligence to present artists with full comic pages from basic ideas, prompts, or scripts.

This shift isn’t one of replacement of artists or writers, but of empowerment. AI tools reduce technical barriers, speed up processes, and open up the field to new storytellers which may not have had traditional illustration skills. As demand for digital content in social media, games, marketing, and entertainment grows AI powered comic creation is becoming a very important resource.

What Is an AI Comic Generator?

AI-based comic generators are platforms that use machine learning, natural language processing, and image generation to produce comic panels, characters, scenes, and dialogue layouts automatically. Creators put in a story idea, scene description, or character prompt, and the AI turns that into visual comic panels.

Today’s tools are able to identify genre, tone, and pacing. As for what the story is—be it action, romance, sci-fi, fantasy, or a simple slice of life—AI is able to put forward the right visual style and composition. Thus, creators are able to see better consistency in narrative as they speed up production.

Why AI Is Becoming Essential in Comic Creation

Traditional comic creation requires multiple steps: scripting, sketching, inking, coloring, lettering, and layout design. While this process does great art, it is also time-consuming and expensive. AI brings efficiency to the table, which does not remove creative control.

Key benefits include:

  • Speed: In minutes instead of weeks. Whole comic pages can be created.
  • Accessibility: Artists that don’t know how to draw can bring to life great stories.
  • Consistency: Characters and in panels. Environments also.
  • Cost Efficiency: Reduces the role of large production teams for early drafts or independent projects.

These benefits, which in turn are very much so for independent creators, educators, content marketers, and game developers, require visual storytelling at no great cost.

The Rise of AI-Powered Storytelling Platforms

AI in recent years has seen a growth in what it does thanks to the use of generative models, which train on large sets of images, layouts, and narrative structures. They see that today’s AI systems do much more than past automation tools in that they analyze context, emotion, and visual flow.

An instance of these new tools is Anifun, which is a platform they designed for AI-based comic creation.

Transform what creators type into full comic pages at the speed of thought. Anifun AI Comic Generator is the tool to create action, romance, sci-fi, fantasy, or everyday life comics.

This short report shows that AI is no longer in the business of just concept art—instead, it is producing organized, readable, and publishable comic pages.

How an AI Comic Generator Works

While there is variation between platforms on which they present, most AI comic generators do so in a similar fashion:

Input Prompt or Script
The user inputs a story idea, dialogue, or scene description.

Style and Genre Selection
AI applies visual themes of manga, Western comics, anime, or cinematic realism.

Panel Composition
The system sets panel dimensions, pace, and visual organization.

Character & Scene Rendering
Characters, in that which, also have the same backgrounds and actions.

Final Layout Output
The digital format of the comic is ready.

This approach is for creatives to put focus on story instead of tech.

AI Based Comic Generator vs Traditional Comic Creation

FeatureTraditional ComicsAI Comic Generator
Production TimeWeeks or monthsMinutes or hours
Skill DemandHigh (art and writing)Story ideas only
CostHighLow to moderate
Iteration SpeedSlowInstant
AccessibilityLimitedGlobal

This report shows that AI tools are growing in adoption not to replace but to serve as creative supplements.

Use Cases for AI Comic Generation

AI comedy tools are beyond entertainment. They be situated in use across several industries:

  • Education: Storytelling for visuals in lessons and tutorials.
  • Marketing: Brand stories and promotional tales.
  • Gaming: Storyboard and character design.
  • Social Media: Short graphic anecdotes as well as memes.
  • Publishing: Rapid concept development for comics.

As online visual content grows in popularity the ability to put out comics fast is a competitive advantage.

Why Anifun.ai Stands Out

Platforms which include anifun.ai pay attention to user experience, speed, and creative flexibility. Instead of providing generic image generation they have made a point to do sequential storytelling—a feature that many AI tools have not yet fully realized.

Using AI comic generators that include Anifun, creators can:

  • Maintain story continuity across panels
  • Generate genre-specific artwork
  • Experiment with multiple story variations
  • Publish faster without sacrificing quality

For creatives that are after a dependable comic maker AI this is key.

SEO and Digital Publishing Advantages

AI created comics also bring in SEO benefits when published as web content. They see that visual storytelling upsurges engagement time, reduces bounce rates, as well as encourages sharing. When paired through optimized text descriptions, comics may also overgrown well on search engines.

Publishing original AI generated comic content on webpages instead of downloadable files improves indexability, which is key for visibility and monetization.

The Future of AI Comics

The world of comics is headed toward a human and machine partnership. Writers bring in emotion, narrative depth, and originality, while AI handles structure, visuals, and speed. As AI models improve, creators will see more personalization, real-time editing, as well as interactive storytelling.

Instead of what AI does in comics, the question is how best to use it for telling better stories.

Final Thoughts

AI in comics is redefining what is achievable in visual storytelling. They see greater access and more creative freedom, which brings more voices into the conversation and a wider range of stories. Anifun, for example, is a platform that shows special-purpose AI supports the creative process rather than constrains it.

Whether creators are writers, marketers, educators, or indie creators, an advanced comic maker AI allows them to put ideas into vibrant visual stories in a faster and more efficient way than ever before.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

A Complete Guide to Kado Bar Flavors and the Kado Bar KB10000

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By Mitch Rice

In recent years the disposable vaping industry has seen great growth, which is in large part due to consumers’ wants for a greater variety of flavors, better-lasting products, and more consistent performance out of their devices. In this space, which is seeing such growth, it has also been noticed that a brand that is standing out is Kado Bar, which is becoming known for premium disposable vape products. Known for their extensive range of flavors and large-capacity models, Kado Bar has established itself as a go-to choice for both new and experienced vapers.

This article looks at Kado Bar flavors, which will also be discussed in detail along with the Kado Bar KB10000, and also looks at what makes these products so popular with disposable vape users. For official product info and release dates, go to kadobarofficial.com.


Understanding the Kado Bar Brand

Flavor profile, device lifespan, and user ease of use. Unlike past disposable vapes, which provided a little bit of vapor and very basic taste options, Kado Bar products focus on a smoother draw, better taste, and increased use time while portability is kept the same at the same time.

The brand’s focus is on different flavors that are put out, and at the same time steady vapor production is maintained, from which the brand also benefits. This is a key element that is putting Kado Bar on the map in very competitive markets.


Exploring Popular Kado Bar Flavors

One of the brand’s best features is the great variety of Kado Bar flavors. It is seen that flavor is a key element in user satisfaction, which is improved by the fact that Kado Bar has profiles for people that love fruit as well as those that prefer classic or dessert-inspired tastes.

1. Fruit-Based Flavors

Fruit flavors still lead the pack with disposable vapes. At Kado Bar, blends are presented that are very lively yet not too much so, which also play with sweet and cool elements. A lot of tropical combinations, berry sets, citrus arrays, and also single fruit options are available, which still present a pure taste.

2. Menthol and Ice Variants

For people who prefer a cool hit, Kado Bar has menthol and ice-infused flavors. These are designed to provide a sharp inhale, which at the same time doesn’t overpower the base taste. The coolness achieved is well balanced, which makes these suitable for all-day use as opposed to occasional use.

3. Dessert and Sweet Profiles

Dessert-based flavors are created for people who prefer creamy, smooth, or candy-type tastes. Also, these options do well with smokers who are switching over to other products, as they provide a very familiar and comforting flavor.

4. Balanced and Hybrid Flavors

Hybrid blends of fruits, ice, and sweetness are balanced to not overdo it in intensity. This category is offered for users that prefer a complex taste without a very strong flavor presence.

Variety at Kado Bar is what is presented to customers, which in turn allows them to switch up their choices and avoid what is seen as a very common issue of flavor monotony in the disposable vape products.


What sets Kado Bar KB10000 apart?

The Kado Bar series, which includes the KB10000, is what may be termed a premium disposable product that the brand puts out there for the customer that values performance and durability the most out of their vapor product. Also, as the name of the product gives away, it has a run time of up to 10,000 puffs, which in turn makes it a very attractive long-term option in comparison to the average disposable vape.

Key Features of the Kado Bar KB10000

  • High Puff Capacity: Designed for extended use, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
  • Rechargeable Battery: Unlike what is found with disposables, the KB10000 has a rechargeable battery, which in turn means the device will last until the e-liquid is out.
  • Mesh Coil Technology: Improves flavor clarity and vapor consistency over the device’s lifetime.
  • Smooth Airflow Design: Provides a wide range, which is great for mouth-to-lung and direct-to-lung users.
  • Pre-Filled Convenience: No maintenance or refills required, which is great for users on the go.

These features place the Kado Bar KB10000 in a premium category as opposed to a one-time-use item.


Flavor Performance in the KB10000

In the KB10000 flavor delivery is optimized via advanced coil design and consistent power output. It is also noticed that the first and last puffs on a single pod are very much of the same intensity, which isn’t always the case in other lower-quality disposables.

When the device is paired with popular Kado Bar flavors, what users get is consistent performance and very smooth throat hits. This consistency is a key feature for users who make disposable vapes their primary alternative to traditional smoking.


Who Should Choose Kado Bar Products?

Kado Bar products are well-suited for:

  • Users looking for long-lasting disposable vapes
  • Vapers that seek out a variety of flavors
  • Individuals who prefer low-maintenance devices
  • Those transitioning from cigarettes to vaping

The KB10000 model is great for users that prefer long-term use, which also does not require complicated refillable systems.


Buying from the Official Source

To make sure authentic products and the latest info are received, it is recommended to buy or do research at the Kado Bar official site, kadobarofficial.com. Buying from authorized dealers also helps to avoid counterfeit items and ensures quality products.


Final Thoughts

Kado Bar’s growth in popularity is a part of a larger trend in vaping, which is towards high-capacity and flavor-rich disposable products. It is seen in Kado Bar’s wide range of flavors and the high-performance Kado Bar KB10000 that the company has put forth a great balance of what users want in terms of convenience and quality.

As disposable vapes improve in technology, products like the KB10000 present what innovation has to offer in terms of better flavor delivery, longer life, and very reliable performance. For those looking into the premium disposable segment, Kado Bar is a brand that is still put forward as a great option.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

25 Things You Need To Know About Chris Rea

The music world is saying goodbye to Chris Rea, who passed away on December 22, 2025, at the age of 74. For more than five decades, Rea turned ordinary moments into songs that felt lived-in, human, and quietly profound. His voice sounded like it had already traveled a few thousand miles, and his songs reminded listeners that the road itself often matters more than the destination.

Here are 25 things you need to know about him, the artist who made driving, longing, and reflection feel timeless.

  1. Chris Rea was born in Middlesbrough, England, in 1951 to an Italian father and Irish mother.
  2. His family owned Camillo’s Ice Cream, a well-known local business that shaped his working-class upbringing.
  3. Before music, Rea seriously considered becoming a journalist.
  4. He did not start playing guitar until his early 20s.
  5. His first guitar was a 1961 Hofner V3, bought second-hand.
  6. Rea became known for his distinctive slide guitar style, inspired by Delta blues players.
  7. His breakthrough song in the U.S. was “Fool (If You Think It’s Over),” which reached #1 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.
  8. That same song earned him a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist.
  9. He released 25 studio albums over his career.
  10. Two of those albums, ‘The Road to Hell’ and ‘Auberge’, reached #1 on the U.K. Albums Chart.
  11. Rea sold more than 30 million records worldwide.
  12. “Driving Home for Christmas” was written during a low point in his career while riding in a car stuck in holiday traffic.
  13. The song became a perennial holiday classic years after its original release.
  14. Many of Rea’s songs revolve around cars, roads, and travel as metaphors for life.
  15. He was an avid car enthusiast and historic motor racer.
  16. Rea raced vintage cars including Ferraris, Lotuses, and a Morris Minor police car.
  17. He even worked as a pit mechanic for the Jordan Formula One team in 1995.
  18. Rea wrote and starred in the 1996 film ‘La Passione’, combining his love of music and motor racing.
  19. Health challenges deeply shaped his life and music, including pancreatic cancer and major surgery in 2000.
  20. After his illness, he shifted away from pop toward blues-based music.
  21. He founded his own label, Jazzee Blue, to release music on his own terms.
  22. Rea created the ambitious ‘Blue Guitars’ project, an 11-CD exploration of blues history.
  23. He suffered a stroke in 2016 but returned to recording and touring afterward.
  24. Rea remained married to his wife Joan, whom he met as a teenager, for more than 50 years.
  25. His daughters, Josephine and Julia, both inspired songs bearing their names.

Fishbone Reclaims Their Throne with an Explosive Live Cover of Alice in Chains’ “Them Bones”

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The legendary genre-defiers Fishbone are capping off a monumental year with a sonic explosion, officially releasing their long-coveted live cover of Alice in Chains’ “Them Bones.” Captured in a single, blistering take during the 2020 MoPop Founders Award tribute, this release is more than just a cover—it is a historic document marking the only time the original lineup has performed together publicly since 1993. Driven by punchy horns and that signature dissonant vocal harmony, Fishbone transforms the grunge classic into a soulful, R&B-infused riot that Spill Magazine rightly claimed “stole the show.” It is a powerful reminder of the deep, mutual respect between these 90s alt-rock titans and a gift to fans who have been clamoring for an official recording of this “red hot” performance for five years.

This release follows the massive success of their June 2025 album ‘Stockholm Syndrome’, their first full-length effort in two decades, which proved the band hasn’t lost a single ounce of their bite. With tracks like the George Clinton-assisted “Last Call in America” and the scorching “Racist Piece of Shit,” the album has been hailed as a vital masterclass in controlled mayhem. As the band prepares to head back into the studio for new 2026 material, they are also hitting the stage for select dates, including a highly anticipated support slot for Dance Hall Crashers at the House of Blues Chicago this April. Still innovative and still kicking against the pricks, Fishbone continues to expand their legacy as the ultimate musical revolutionaries.

Karen King Delivers a Shimmering Holiday Anthem with “Christmas Time In New York City” and the Return of Alleva Dairy

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Native New Yorker and powerhouse vocalist Karen King has gifted us the ultimate holiday soundtrack with her festive new music video for ‘Christmas Time In New York City’. This original anthem, co-written with longtime collaborator Adelaide Mancuso, is a vibrant love letter to the Big Apple that perfectly captures the resilience and magic of the city during the most wonderful time of the year. Backed by a magnificent 12-piece orchestra with arrangements by the legendary Angelo DiPippo and Tedd Firth, King’s vocals soar over a track recorded at the world-class Cove City Sound studio. But the celebration doesn’t stop with the music—King has also announced the highly anticipated reopening of the historic Alleva Dairy in Chelsea Market this February. After 130 years as a Little Italy staple, America’s oldest cheese shop is bringing its century-old recipes and family traditions to a new Manhattan home, proving that Karen King is truly the reigning queen of both “cheese and show” in the city that never sleeps.