My most recent interview was with the French metal artist Hex Divided. We talked about his influences, the five riffs that define him, his musical history, and so much more. (In fact, there will eventually be extras from this one; I cut out a lot of our more casual conversation for the initial upload.)
Please check out the interview, and if you enjoy it, subscribe to my podcast. There’s a lot to come over the next couple of months!
When: Formed earlier, circa 2024, but didn’t debut their first single until 2026
Where: New York, Maryland, Massachusetts
Genre: Modern metal/Metalcore
FFO: Spiritbox, I Prevail, Poppy
Velcara has existed in some form for a couple of years, yet they did not unleash their debut single, “Fury,” until January 2026. Since then, the band has released two more songs, “Green-Eyed Suicide” and “Lunacy.” The members are vocalist Janel Monique (formerly of Conquer Divide), drummer Luka Stinar, guitarist Nick Palma, and bassist Kenjamin Smiertelny.
Velcara are still writing, gearing up to share new music and eventually bring all their hard work to the stage! Check them out below and be sure to follow their socials so you don’t miss any updates!
“Fury”
“Green-Eyed Suicide”
“Lunacy”
Sleeping With Sirens has announced a North American trek alongside Rain City Drive and Shyeye, with special guest Hate It Here or Shade House on select dates. The “An Ending in Itself Tour” is promoting their latest album of the same name which was released in June. Tickets and VIP are available at sirensmusic.co!
* Festival
# w/Hate It Here
^ w/Shade House
Metal outfit A Killer’s Confession has announced the “Everything Comes Full Circle Tour.” Promoting Victim 3, the final album in their conceptual trilogy, this late 2026 run features special guests Dizasterpiece and Dead Things. The tour kicks off November 4th in Raleigh, North Carolina. Tickets and VIP packages are available at akcglobalrecords.com!
Many moons ago, I went to Taste of Chaos. It was…2008? Avenged Sevenfold was headlining. Fantastic show! And now, 18 years later, TOC is set to return.
Featuring co-headlining acts Hollywood Undead and In This Moment, with support from I See Stars, Vana, and Melrose Avenue, this triumphant return is stacked! The tour begins September 22nd in Charlotte, North Carolina. Tickets are on sale now at tasteofchaostour.com!
* I See Stars not appearing
I have decided to start sharing covers released in 2026 as I find them instead of compiling a year-end list like I did for 2025.
First up is Seventh Day Slumber’s heavy rendition of the Elevation Worship song “Praise.”
Japanese visual kei metal band Jiluka is coming back to the States for a second round of the “Devils World Tour.” This time they will be accompanied by What Lies Below and Mirrorcell. Tickets are still available at jiluka-web.com!
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