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Gogol Bordello – ‘We Mean It, Man!’ (Casa Gogol)

Gogol Bordello – ‘We Mean It, Man!’ (Casa Gogol)

Led by Ukrainian-born singer/songwriter Eugene Hütz, gypsy punk collective Gogol Bordello have been thrilling crowds on the world’s stages since the turn of the century with their high-energy, theatrical live shows and political manifestos. Here, they follow up their defiant 2022 album ‘Solidaritine’ with the more optimistic new long player ‘We Mean It, Man!’, bringing a new sound with the help of Nick Launay & Adam Greenspan, who have produced such luminaries as Nick Cave, Amyl & The Sniffers and Idles.

First impressions stick like glue, and this opus exudes cool from every pore. With its street art-inspired album cover, assertive title, and impressive opening track, ‘We Mean It, Man!’ is an album that shouts its arrival from the streets with a clenched fist. The opening title track is a definite call to arms. Musical carnage where punk riffage and tribal beats collide with vocoder vocals and crazy sax. A killer refrain makes it an intense, instant and memorable opener. Gogol Bordello sure do mean it…man!

Next, ‘Life Is Possible Again’ brings it down with NIN electronica, euro pop vibes and optimistic lyrical suss. Then, ‘No Time For Idiots’ blends traditional rustic instrumentation with modern production values, the verses sound like early Hanoi Rocks meets The Clash and build to a catchy chorus that seizes the moment and triumphs.

Of course, Eugene Hütz is at his best when he is spouting political diatribes and the band is going off on one.  Cue ‘Hate Liquidator’; a song that follows a familiar Gogol shaped path with disco beats, gang vocals and gypsy punk-tinged goodness. Its sure to be a live favourite, this is glorious stuff indeed.

While the ghosts of The Clash and The Pogues are always prevalent, there is a very definite European vibe to Gogol Bordello’s sound that makes them hard to pigeonhole into one particular genre. Take the gloriously upbeat ‘From Boyarka To Boyaca’ featuring the artist Puzzled Panther. What even is it? It could be the sound of a Tarantino crime thriller set in a Spanish tapas bar, or maybe it’s the sound of The Clash if Strummer & Co had been brought up on the Eastern Bloc rather than the East End? Whatever it is, it works.

Euro pop is prevalent on the likes of ‘Ignition’ where they mix up killer melodies with accordion, fiddle, big beats and thumping bass. Elsewhere, ‘Crayons’ amps up the guitars to 11 with frantic indie beats and an attitude to match.

The closing ‘Solidarity’ is an emphatic love letter to the Ukrainian people from one of their own, delivered with the passion and sincerity you come to expect from our ringleader.

On ‘We Mean It, Man!’, Gogol Bordello continue to do what they do best. I feel their brand of frenetic, gypsy punk is best experienced in a live setting, or at least with a glass of something strong in your hand. But the production team have managed to capture the live feel of this band well. Yes, Hütz and his band preach a serious message, and in these troubled time,s we need protest songs more than ever, but Gogol Bordello are also here to have a good time and ‘We Mean It, Man!’ is a testament to that.

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Author: Ben Hughes

Virginmarys Announce New Album Beyond The House Of Fires and UK Tour

Virginmarys Announce New Album Beyond The House Of Fires and UK Tour

 Alt-rock power duo Virginmarys have announced the release of their new album, Beyond The House Of Fires, arriving 15 May. The record is a bold and atmospheric reinterpretation of the band’s most personal 2024 album The House Beyond The Fires. 
 
Stripping away the heavy distortion that defined their previous release, this new version reveals the craft beneath the power. With a greater focus on songwriting, mood and emotion, Beyond The House Of Fires places the band’s raw musicality and storytelling firmly in the spotlight.
 
The original album, The House Beyond The Fires, received strong critical acclaim, with KERRANG! calling it “full-blooded, cathartic brilliance,” while Classic Rock Magazine praised the record, stating “Crucially, it all absolutely rocks.”
 
While the original captured the raw force of the band’s rebirth as a two-piece, Beyond The House Of Fires explores new sonic territory. The album leans into depth, space and texture, reshaping familiar songs into powerful and immersive new forms. The result is a striking companion piece that uncovers fresh layers of vulnerability while reinforcing the strength of the material at its core.
 
Frontman Ally Dickaty explains:
 
“Growing up in the 90’s, we used to really love the MTV unplugged albums that the big rock bands would release, showcasing a completely different and more intimate side of the songs, often with different instrumentation. This is what we’ve done with ‘Beyond The House Of Fires’ and it’s been great to bring all those influences we’ve often cited, Neil Young, Pink Floyd, the Beatles, Peter Green, more to the forefront. I am extremely proud of this piece of work and I hope the fans love it as much as we do.”
 
Alongside the album announcement, the band have revealed a UK tour, beginning in Edinburgh on 28 May.
 
Ally adds: “This will a be tour unlike any we have done before, recreating the intimacy of the 90’s MTV unplugged shows and showcasing all the songs from the upcoming album. We’ll also be joined by one of our favourite guitar players ‘Gareth Price’ whilst I will be playing piano throughout the set.”
 
The UK tour will follow an extensive 15 date headline tour around Europe and before hitting the main stage at 2000 Trees later in the summer. 
 
In other news, the band have recently signed with MaxMusic Publishing who work with acts like The Reytons and big brands such as Versace. 
 
 
2026 TOUR
 
20 March – Crumlin, Wales – The Patriot
 
EUROPEAN TOUR 2026
 
16 April – Arnhem, Netherlands – Luxor Live
 17 April – Paris, France – Le Klub
 18 April – Venlo, Netherlands – Grenswerk
 20 April – Hannover, Germany – LUX
 21 April – Cologne, Germany – Blue Shell
 22 April – Hamburg, Germany – Molotow Club
 23 April – Dresden, Germany – Groove Station
 25 April – Warsaw, Poland – Chmury
 26 April – Prague, Czech Rep – Rock Cafe
 27 April – Berlin, Germany – Badehaus
 29 April – Copenhagen, Denmark – Råhuset
 30 April – Trollhättan, Sweden – Backstage Rockbar
 1 May – Västerås, Sweden – Carlsson Påkajen
 2 May – Motala, Sweden – Bomber Bar
 5 May – Ittre, Belgium – Zik-Zak
 7 May – Southampton, United Kingdom – Joiners
 8 May – Doncaster, United Kingdom – Ey Up Mi Duck Festival
 9 May – Stalybridge, United Kingdom – Stalyfest
 16 May – Bury St Edmunds, United Kingdom – Just Push Play Festival
 22 May – Beuvry, France – Beaverfest
 24 May – Kings Norton, United Kingdom – Breaking Bands Fest
 
UK Tour Dates
 
28 May – Edinburgh – The Mash House
29 May – Northwich – Salty Dog
30 May – Wolverhampton – The Giffard
31 May – Leeds – Hyde Park Book Club
1 June – Barnoldswick – Barnoldswick Arts Centre
4 June – Tunbridge Wells – The Forum
5 June – Norwich – Waterfront Studio
6 June – London – The Grace
7 June – St Albans – The Horn
 
Tickets https://www.thevirginmarys.com/tour
 
Pre-order the album:
https://www.thevirginmarys.com/store
 
More information:
https://www.thevirginmarys.com/

RUSH “FIFTY SOMETHING TOUR” 2026 AND 2027

RUSH “FIFTY SOMETHING TOUR” 2026 AND 2027

RUSH “FIFTY SOMETHING TOUR” 2026 AND 2027

2nd SHOWS IN MANCHESTER, GLASGOW ADDED DUE TO DEMAND

GEDDY LEE & ALEX LIFESON TO CELEBRATE 50 PLUS YEARS OF RUSH MUSIC, THEIR LEGACY AND HONOUR LATE BANDMATE NEIL PEART

FIRST PICTURE RELEASED – ALEX LIFESON AND GEDDY LEE FROM RUSH WITH TOURING DRUMMER ANIKA NILLES

REBELLION FESTIVAL SELLS OUT!

REBELLION FESTIVAL SELLS OUT!

REBELLION FESTIVAL SELLS OUT!

ALL TICKETS ARE GONE FOR THE LEGENDARY PUNK EVENT OVER SIX MONTHS BEFORE IT TAKES PLACE AT BLACKPOOL WINTER GARDENS, 6TH – 9TH OF AUGUST

SPECIAL EXTRA ‘RUN UP’ EVENTS ANNOUNCED FOR TUESDAY AUGUST 4TH AND WEDNESDAY 5TH FEATURING ADAM ANT, THE UNDERTONES, ALTERED IMAGES, NEVILLE STAPLE FROM THE SPECIALS, THE WILDHEARTS AND MORE!

MORE INFO GO TO REBELLIONFESTIVALS.COM

Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Rebellion Festival, the world’s largest annual punk event, has completely sold out of tickets over six months before the event is set to take place at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool this coming 6-9th of August. As the world of punk rock reaches its 50th anniversary, icons from the first wave The Stranglers, Cock Sparrer, Stiff Little Fingers and Sham 69 join a multitude of classic and current artists to celebrate the music and family that has continued to grow over the decades. Rebellion Festival has long been a family run, DIY event with no sponsorship and the wealth of tickets sold this year is indication of that.

Rebellion Festival wanted to stage something special this year to celebrate these landmark birthdays and have now announced a series of Run Up gigs that will take place before the main festival begins.

Commencing Tuesday August 4th, the Run Up concerts will start with a very special evening performance in the Olympia, Winter Gardens headlined by the legend that is Adam Ant, who promises a harder edged set than his recent tour but still packed with all the hits! Joined by Derry’s finest The Undertones and the wonderful Altered Images from Scotland, this will be a Tuesday night to remember.

Then on Wednesday 5th, there will be a suitably upbeat high energy ska night with Neville Staple from The Specials, joined by Arthur Kay & The Originals and Death Of Guitar Pop, who are all certain to have the whole room jumping!

Tickets for both events available HERE:

“Thirty years it’s taken for us to sell out six months in advance! It’s wonderful, exciting and if I’m honest, a bit scary,” exclaims festival organiser Jennie Russell-Smith. “Both Darren and myself can now say we’ve been running this festival for over half of our lives, that’s crazy and what better way to mark that occasion than add more days to the celebrations, it’s what we love.  When we first celebrated 20 years of punk rock all those years ago, who would have thought that it’s not only survived this long but it just keeps getting better, old bands still performing alongside amazing new bands with some of the most talented musicians of the next generation! Punk was never Dead because here we are, all still living our dreams! Getting Adam Ant for one of our Rebellion Run-Up shows is a dream come true.  Someone needs a Time Machine to go back and tell my 12-year-old self with her AATA’s posters all over her walls!! Then on Wednesday we get to dance the night away to the best Ska music ever! These two shows along with the daytime shows at Viva are a chance for everyone to extend their weekend, share in all of the love and really celebrate with us.”

The Tuesday and Wednesday daytime shows as part of our Rebellion Run Up, will take place at new venue in Viva, just up the road in Church St. It’s an intimate 800 capacity room, mainly seated and will run from midday until 5.30pm. Tickets are £25 per day and available from – www.rebellionfestivals.com/run-up

Tuesday 4th August features Tom Robinson with Adam Phillips, an early evening of tall tales and top tunes from half a century working on the wilder fringes of the Music Industry. Expect encounters with Alexis Korner, Ray Davies, Elton John, Peter Gabriel, Todd Rundgren, Eddy Grant and Brian Eno – alongside classics such as War Baby, Glad to Be Gay, and 2-4-6-8 Motorway. Plus, unexpected back catalogue gems from Café Society (1975) to Only The Now (2015) in this brand new two man show with virtuoso guitarist Adam Phillips. These are joined by a special acoustic performance from British rock legends The Wildhearts, and Kirk Brandon (Spear Of Destiny/Theatre Of Hate) aKoustiK featuring Sam Sansbury on Cello, alongside Dave Sharp & The Hard Travellers, guitarist and co-founder of The Alarm.

The Wednesday show features acoustic performances from punk icons The Skids, Charlie Harper, TV Smith and Mick Rossi, joined by David Delinquent & The IOU’s and Jo Carley & The Old Dry Skulls for an afternoon of singalongs and cheer!  

These join many other bands booked to grace the several Winter Garden stages, which include Skids, Buzzcocks, Ferocious Dog, Spear Of Destiny, Ricky Warwick, The Godfathers, Subhumans, Scream, Anti-Nowhere League, Penetration, Bow Wow Wow, Ruts DC, Bad Cop Bad Cop, Adolescents, UK Subs, Discharge, The Chameleons, Au Pairs, The Courettes, The Kids, Riskee and the Ridicule, GBH, The Dickies and many many more.  

Head to www.rebellionfestivals.com for information about this year’s festival and the line-up which is now in days.

REBELLION RUN UP – all information, ticket links etc can be found here: www.rebellionfestivals.com/run-up

Thisisevilpete – ‘zombiesongs pt1’ (Self Release)

Thisisevilpete – ‘zombiesongs pt1’ (Self Release)

An album that’s been a labour of love for way too long finally sees the light of day as South Wales one-man band Peter Squire finally completes his old school thrash epic, all about killing zombies and delivering swashbuckling old school thrash riffs.

Pete makes no excuses for his songwriting and love of all things Frash. He cuts his cloth trading riffs with the Kerry King, Jeff Hanneman, Blake Ibanez, Alex Skolnick, Kirk Hammett and Gary Holts of the world, and to be fair, his delivery and attention to detail is immaculate. Pete even took vocal lessons so he could do the best he could for this album, and did all the programming himself as well as produce and master.

Sometimes embracing the cliche is what makes something authentic and cool, and not trying to reinvent the wheel is exactly what’s needed. Pete is happy to announce that he wanted to write and record an album of old school thrash about slaying zombies and shit, and to be fair its exactly what he’s delivered.

The album, of course, opens with a shallow grave being dug whilst he noodles and picks his way through the early to mid 80s before all Hell breaks loose and the thrash begins. ‘No Known Cause Or Cure’ is early-day Metallica in the delivery of the vocals. Circle pits are compulsory accessories while listening to this and or banging that head that hasn’t banged for some time.

What you get is ten sets of really, really dumb lyrics (Pete’s words, not mine) written over a couple of nights, then recorded the music to complement and somehow managed to fit all the words on
all the music. Oh, apart from the obligatory one instrumental, which has hallmark Thrash time changes galore. It’s all wrapped in dark artwork that looks like it was scratched on a prison wall, only using the overgrown nails on his feet (probably due to him always having a guitar in his hands, arpeggioing away for all his life’s worth before the zombies overwhelm him.

This works best when the Frash intensifies ‘Dead Eyes Don’t Remember’, ‘Field Of Tripwire’, but the widescreen ‘Go For The Head’ could and should be used in the next Netflix Zombie killing series, ‘Cutting It Off Won’t Help’ (complete with Hanneman like dive bombs) could be the themetune for the series on John Wayne Bobbit, perfect fodder for Zombie/Gore fans.

To be fair to Pete, his vision has been realised, and he’s absolutely nailed his MO and his passion and love for the origins of a mighty genre are here for all to hear. Go hit that link and sample some of what’s spilling out of EvilPetes head, but remember, don’t have nightmares. He’s a good boy, honest.

Buy Here

Descendents Reclaim ‘Enjoy!’

Descendents Reclaim ‘Enjoy!’

RECLAIM ‘ENJOY!’ 

ORG MUSIC ANNOUNCES THE THIRD INSTALLMENT IN LANDMARK REISSUE CAMPAIGN 

OUT APRIL 24, 2026

Available in multiple formats, exclusive color variants, and a special “Punk Note” edition with artwork by John Yates inspired by Blue Note jazz classics.
Pre-Order Here
“This classic album has it all. Punk riffs, catchy hooks, and even scatological humour. One could say it is the perfect album.”- The Hard Times
“When it’s at its best, it’s absolutely f*cking brilliant.”– Punknews

Org Music continues its comprehensive Descendents reissue series with Enjoy!, the third installment in the campaign celebrating the band’s foundational catalog and the latest release since the group reclaimed ownership of their master recordings. Originally released in 1986, Enjoy! captures Descendents pushing fully into their instincts, doubling down on short, fast, melody-driven songs that balance juvenile humor with sharpened songwriting and unmistakable urgency.

While the band had already helped define what would become pop punk, Enjoy! finds them expanding the formula without losing intensity. Tracks like “Hürtin’ Crüe” and “Get the Time” channel irreverence through speed, melody, and tension, while subtle new wave and pop touches—including a punked-up take on The Beach Boys’ “Wendy”—broaden the band’s sound without dulling its edge. Forty years on, Enjoy! remains a defining entry in the Descendents catalog and a crucial document of the band’s restless evolution.

This new edition arrives April 24, 2026 on LP, CD, and cassette, with multiple color-vinyl variants. Produced in close collaboration with the band, the reissue brings Enjoy! back into print across formats with careful attention to presentation and detail.

Among the vinyl offerings is a limited “Punk Note” edition featuring alternate packaging by John Yates (Stealworks), inspired by the iconic jazz designs of Reid Miles and Francis Wolff, whose work helped define the Blue Note label. This visual reimagining of punk classics continues the aesthetic series that began with Org Music’s Bad Brains reissues. Each “Punk Note” title includes new liner notes by BrooklynVegan senior editor Andrew Sacher and is housed in a deluxe case-wrapped jacket.

The Enjoy! reissue follows Org Music’s widely praised reissues of Milo Goes to College and I Don’t Want to Grow Up, forming the third chapter in an ongoing archival series dedicated to keeping Descendents’ core albums in print across formats for longtime fans and new listeners alike.

FORMATS

Widely Available

  • Black LP
  • “Wild Cherry” LP
  • Punk Note Edition (black vinyl)
  • CD
  • Cassette (Pink)

Limited / Exclusive Variants

  • Punk Note Edition (magenta vinyl) — Org Music exclusive
  • “Green Green” LP — Descendents exclusive
  • “Sour Grapes” LP — Zia Records & Org Music exclusive
  • “Bubblegum” LP — Amoeba Records & BrooklynVegan exclusive
  • Black LP with Exclusive Obi Strip — Celebrated Summer Records
  • Cassette (Red) — Tapehead City exclusive

Release Date: April 24, 2026
Label: Org Music

PRE-ORDER HERE:

Descendents

Follow Descendents:
[Webstore] | [Instagram] | [Facebook]

Follow Org Music:

[Website] | [Instagram] | [Facebook]

Bratakus – Hagridden’ (Venn Records)

Bratakus – Hagridden’ (Venn Records)

Scottish punk band comprised of two sisters Brèagha Cuinn (Guitar and vocals) and Onnagh Cuinn (Bass and vocals), they play in your face punk rock n roll. 

Formed outside a small whiskey village called Tomintoul in the Highlands of Scotland, Bratakus have been fiercely DIY since starting out in 2015. This is my first exposure to their music, but it’s their second record. One thing is for sure, I’m delighted they dropped into my inbox and haven’t been far from my ears since first hearing them.

It’s easy to see why Venn Records got interested and picked up the girls from the strength of this record. (the label ran by Laurent ‘Lags’ Barnard of UK punk band Gallows, and previously the home of artists like High Vis, Bob Vylan and Witch Fever and more recently the excellent Split Dogs).

So what do they sound like I hear you shouting, well, turn it up would be my first piece of advice then remove all breakables because these ladies aren’t fucking about this shit is on fireas the kids would say. influenced by the garage rock scene and bands like The Distillers, The Donnas and the likes of Wendy O Williams these tunes aren’t just noise for the sake of noise the songs are well constructed and they rage with th ebest of them but when they need to lay back on the gas they aren’t afraid to lean on the melody and go wherever the song may take them. the album is focussed and covers a wealth of subjects close to their hearts; feminism, animal rights, media brainwashing and how normalised sweatshops have become in our society are all tackled on ‘Hagridden’ with raw, raging vocals, barbed-wire guitars and pounding rhythms.  

Word was spreading, and before they knew it, Bratakus were being booked for live performances in countries as far as Japan. Support slots for bands like Propagandhi, Bis, and Discharge helped the sisters turn into a ferocious live combo. If there was ever any doubt that a punk band could pull off not having a live drummer, these two sisters are here to prove you wrong.

Maybe being so far North, the isolation of their surroundings helped shape their sound and unique approach. It doesn’t seem weird anymore for a “Band” to only be two people. Vylan is a drummer and singer, so why not a bass player and Guitarist? The band have been using programmed drums since their inception, so it’s no big deal to them, and with the quality of technology these days as good as it is, you won’t notice live anyway, but they went for the real thing in the studio, but don’t get hung up on it. Making a record sound as good as you can should be applauded.

Recording this, their second album with the same producer who did their debut, which happened to be a drummer, just makes sense. The album kicks off in style with their single ‘Final Girls’, which is a glorious, anthemic rocket ride. Nailing their colours to the mast and setting sail in the choppy waters of punk roc,k the girls have zero fucks to give for what the punk police might say, and the dual vocals works really well. I’m reminded at times of Dragster who were barking out punk rock many moons ago and Fis vocals remind me a lot of what Bratakus deliver.

I particularly love the energy of ‘Turnstile’, and they turn it up a notch on ‘Real Men Eat Meat’ with the Bass guitar cutting through like a chainsaw hacking and slashing. Excellent stuff. The pace eases back for ‘Hypercritical’ not! Don’t be fooled by the intro; this song rages. They do, however, venture into some early Nirvana grungy vibes by the time they reach ‘Tokened’, which just happens to be one of the strongest tracks on the album, reminding me of the finer time delivered by the likes of L7.

The album is made up of Ten tracks, and nothing outstays its welcome. When they go for broke like the UK Subs styled ‘Tonight’, they can rage with the best punk rock offers, keeping it simple and uncomplicated makes for a clean delivery and great production, which always helps.

Of course, there are no chart-targeted ballads or softer daytime radio-friendly pop tunes; this pair are kicking up a shitstorm, and I like it, I like it a lot, and you should give it a go. Move over, Lambrini Girls, this pair are fast approaching, and they’ve got the tunes to back it up. 2026 is already shaping up to outshine last year and this is the evidence. Pick up a copy of ‘Hagridden’, you won’t regret it.

Buy Here

Author: Dom Daley

The Casualties Announce New Album ‘Detonate’

The Casualties Announce New Album ‘Detonate’

First Album In 8 Years Out March 27th via Hellcat Records

European Festival Tour This Summer

punk stalwarts The Casualties announce ‘Detonate’, their first new album in eight years, out digitally on March 27th via Hellcat Records and on vinyl/CD on July 17th. On the new record, David Rodriguez (vocals), Marc “Meggers” Eggers (drums), Jake Kolatis (guitar) and Doug Wellmon (bass), reignite their rage and cement their status as one of punk’s most enduring and uncompromising acts.

The Casualties also share the lyric video to the blistering title track, a scathing hardcore-punk blast of fury and frustration, suggesting we should blow it all up and start anew. “It stems from being overloaded,” Meggerssays. “You feel like your head is about to explode, which I think is what everybody is feeling these days. You’re pounced on day by day with terrible news and social media, and you just feel like you’re going to snap.”

Pre-Order & Pre-Save The ‘Detonate’ Album Here

Politics. Hatred. Endless war. These are just a few of the reasons why the title of The Casualties’ new album is Detonate. Instead of tearing each other apart, The Casualties punch back at authorities and systems that seek to divide, taking the chance to promote unity and camaraderie to all who feel alienated by the cruel state of the world.

Kolatis adds, “There are continuous wars and internal political battles. Everybody’s tearing each other apart. Detonate is saying we’re tired of all this division. With this record, we have a chance to say something and promote some type of unity.”

Detonate is the second chapter in a new epoch for The Casualties. As their second album with Rodriguez at the mic, it solidifies the vocalist’s partnership with Meggers and Kolatis. “It’s like a new era for the band,” Meggers says. “It solidifies that Dave is here to stay.”

As the follow-up to 2018’s Written in Blood and their first record for Hellcat Records — the Epitaph subsidiary curated by Tim Armstrong of Rancid — Detonate sees this new version of The Casualties locking into place. “We were in the studio for Written in Blood about eight months after I joined,” Rodriguez says. “With this new record, we really grew together. For me, it’s the proud moment where we clicked the three Legos together.”

Amplifying the punk ethos that The Casualties have embodied since 1990, Detonate is a powerful installment in the band’s rich history as a voice for the voiceless. “I want people to feel empowered when they hear this record,” Rodriguez says. “I want them to feel like they have a voice. I want them to feel like they’re with like-minded people when they come to a Casualties show. They can be themselves and not watch the show but be part of the show—scream with us, jump off the stage. We want them to feel like they’re part of something.

The Casualties Tour Dates – Tickets On Sale HERE

Mar 29 – Scarborough, UK – Scarborough Punk Festival
Jun 6 – Wels, Austria – Sbäm Fest
Jun 12 – Hagen, Germany – Torgau Ain’t Like You Festival
Jun 20 – Doneztebe, Spain – Ehuneko Bat
Jun 26 – Rennes, FR – Superbowl of Hardcore
Jun 27 – Münster, Germany – Vainstream Rockfest
Jun 28 – Tábor, Czechia – Mighty Sounds Festival
July 10- Prölsdorf, Germany – Krach Am Bach
Jul 18 – Rowy, Poland – Festiwal Urwanych Filmów
Jul 25 – Hohenems, Austria – Speedfest
Jul 27 – Brasov, Romania – Rockstadt Extreme
Jul 30 – Argenta, Italy – DLB Festival
Jul 31 – Sant-maurice-de-gaurdans, FR – Sylak Open Air
Aug 6 – Jaroměř, Czech Republic – Brutal Assault
Aug 7 – Ancora, Portugal – Praia Sonic Blast
Aug 8 – Duffel, Belgium – Brakrock
Aug 11 – Tolmin, Slovenia – Punk Rock Holiday
Aug 15 – Carhaix-plouguer, FR – Motocultor Festival
Aug 20 – Loburg, DE – Spirit Festival
Aug 22 – Oostkamp, Belgium – Parkpop

The Casualties Online
INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | X | YOUTUBE

Social Distortion New Album 8th May

Social Distortion New Album 8th May

‘BORN TO KILL’ 

NEW ALBUM OUT 8 MAY

 EUROPEAN TOUR THIS SUMMER 

INCLUDING DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL AND LONDON HEADLINE SHOW 

Orange County’s finest are back with a vengeance: Social Distortion’s long-awaited eighth album, ‘Born To Kill,’ will be released on 8 May 2026 via Epitaph Records. The hard-charging title track that’s been lighting up crowds at the band’s shows for the last several months is out now. Pre-order the new album here.

LISTEN HERE

‘Born To Kill’ is more than the conclusion to a 15-year wait between Social Distortion albums, it’s a revelation: 11 songs of pure, unadulterated rock ’n’ roll fury, joy and catharsis, all imbued with the signature blend of defiance and world-weariness that has made founder Mike Ness a poet and sage to the dispossessed for more than 40 years. 

The first Social Distortion album since Ness’ recovery from a bout with cancer, ‘Born To Kill’ brims with aggressive optimism. The album wastes no time letting the listener know where its heart is, with its title track and mission statement dropping nods to Lou Reed (“Rock ’n’ Roll Animal gonna come your way!”) and Iggy and the Stooges (“The agenda is yeah to Search and Destroy”) and an homage to David Bowie (“It’s a Rock ’n’ Roll Suicide”) following a few songs later on “Partners In Crime.” This is a man, a band and a record that wear their influences proudly while creating timeless anthems and ballads that both chart Social Distortion’s path forward and celebrate its storied past: “Tonight” and “The Way Things Were” are emotionally charged reminiscences in the vein of classics like “Story of My Life” from the band’s eponymous 1990 breakthrough and “I Was Wrong” from 1996’s White Light, White Heat, White Trash, the latter containing a potent distillation of the Social D ethos: “I wrote a song with a stolen riff / If you ain’t got a song you ain’t got shit.” 

Co-produced by Ness and Dave Sardy, and featuring guest appearances from Benmont Tench of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and Lucinda Williams and collaborative cover art by Ness and Shepard Fairey, ‘Born To Kill’ is the latest installment in a remarkable catalog that spans nearly three generations, including Mommy’s Little Monster (1983), Prison Bound (1988), the RIAA gold-certified Social Distortion (1990) and Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell (1992), White Light, White Heat, White Trash (1996), Sex, Love and Rock ’n’ Roll (2004), and Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes (2011). Social Distortion will support Born To Kill with an extensive European tour this Summer, including two UK dates at Download Festival and London’s Koko. The tour will also cover Norway, Sweden, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, France, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Denmark, and Benelux.

03 June – Sentrum Scene – Oslo, Norway
04 June – Sweden Rock – Solvesborg, Sweden
06 June – Rock Im Park – Nürnberg, Germany
07 June – Rock Am Ring – Nurburg, Germany
09 June – Columbiahalle – Berlin, Germany
11 June – Rock For People – Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
12 June – Nova Rock Festival – Nickelsdorf, Austria
14 June – Download Festival – Donington, United Kingdom
16 June – Koko – London, United Kingdom
18 June – Hellfest – Clisson, France
20 June – Azkena Rock Festival – Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
23 June – Carroponte – Milan, Italy
24 June – Halle 622 – Zurich, Switzerland
26 June – Vainstream – Munster, Germany
27 June – Copenhell – Copenhagen, Denmark
29 June – Amsterdamse Bos Theatre – Amsterdam, Netherlands
30 June – Docks – Hamburg, Germany
02 July – Les Eurockéennes – Belfort, France
03 July – Rock Werchter – Werchter, Belgium
04 July – Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion – Dresden, Germany

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Los Frankies -‘D.E.D. City’ (licorice pizza records)

Los Frankies -‘D.E.D. City’ (licorice pizza records)

I started last year singing the praises of ‘Life’s a Glitch’ by Frankie and the Studs. Over the past 12 months, Frankie Clarke and Frankie Salazar formed another band, with Frankie Salazar being the main songwriter in Los Frankies. What immediately jumps out is the chemistry between the two Frankies to create another awesome album. I have lived with this album for over a month, and it has only become stronger. ‘Life’s a Glitch’ was put together by Frankie Clarke over several years with a mix of previously released and new songs. This debut is all new songs outside of a cover that slots perfectly into the flow of the album. ‘D.E.D. City’ provides a sonic journey over the course of its half hour, utilising a variety of musical touches and leaving them open to whatever rocking musical avenues they want to explore in the future.

Lead single ‘I’m on Drugs’ explodes out of the speakers with a healthy dose of rock n roll attitude. There is not a second wasted in its two minutes, with the ‘I’m on drugs’ chant providing an immediate singalong, but the chorus where the two Frankies sing together is perfection. They don’t let up with ‘Dog City’ where they take an excellent old 70’s glam style beat and layer it with some snotty vocals and cutting guitars. The band transitions into the one cover on the album, ‘Sugar Town,’ where the rhythm reminds me of something from the sleazier musical well Faster Pussycat channelled way back in the day. I would love to hear the band do these live.

The punk-infused rock n roll continues with ‘Gunna Wanna’, where the brief post-chorus reminds me of the rocking side of My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult and should be destined to be the theme song to a gritty spy thriller movie. Wrapping up the first half of the album, ‘Snake Eyes’ demonstrates some restraint while still planting a chorus in the listener’s head. Musically, this would be in the same punch bowl as Earth Eighteen.

One of the remarkable things about this album is that on the first listen or two, the first few songs hint at a straightforward rock n roll album, but when you look back later, there are signs that this album can go a lot of directions. The flipside kicks off with the dark ‘Kick the Stool’ where the rhythm section shines. The song builds into an explosive, but insidious chorus filled with anger. The guitar solo slices its way through the mix. ‘Company Man’ explodes out of the speakers with a punk rage about the worst jobs we have ever experienced. If the speaker from the Supersuckers’ song ‘How to Maximise You Kill Count’ had eventually found work, this would be his new mantra.

The last part of the album continues the musical unfolding as Los Frankies continue to go down new musical alleys. ‘Holy Games’ features great guitar work, with the song slowing down for the chorus to crank up the heaviness. Vocally, this one shines as well. The slow brooding ‘Death to the King’ provides a great total change of pace to the album, where Los Frankies show off how well their vocals work together in the chorus. This one earns extra marks at night, where the vibe hits even stronger. Closing out the album is another song that provides yet another surprise with ‘Far Away (S.F.S.C)’, initially reminding me a bit of where the Replacements ended. The melody-filled chorus demands the listener to sing or at least hum along to it on first listen. The guitars provide their own hook by themselves. The musical journey from ‘I’m on Drugs’ to here showcases how far the band can go in about 30 minutes.

 If there is a fault to the album, it’s the songs are on the shorter side, which just means the album goes on repeat. The musical chemistry leaps out of the speakers and makes this album demand continued airings. Each time I think I might have a favourite song, it tends to change. This album bleeds personality, charisma, danger, and great hooks. Los Frankies have delivered an awesome debut. Now, people need to hear it.

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Author: Gerald Stansbury