M-Theory Audio is proud to announce the signing of the Dutch hard rock powerhouse 7 Miles to Pittsburgh. Known for their masterful blend of classic hard rock grit and contemporary progressive power, these seasoned veterans are set to release their highly anticipated third studio album, ‘Beyond Repair’, on September 4, 2026.

To kick off this new chapter, the band has released the driving new single, “Pacific Coast Highway,” now available on all digital platforms. The track is accompanied by a visually stunning music video created by the band’s frontman, Andrew Elt.

Watch HERE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCRWFPNFRm4

“Pacific Coast Highway” is just the first mile of the journey that is 7 Miles to Pittsburgh’s third album, ‘Beyond Repair.’ The record will release Sept. 4th and we’re already offering it for pre-order HERE www.m-theoryaudio.com/store on limited red smoke vinyl or jewelcase CD. Orders will ship from Europe or US depending on your location. The new material captures the band’s signature “organic and loud’ production fusing ‘70s-rooted rock with modern intensity.

About the band:

Formed in 2017, 7 Miles to Pittsburgh is a “supergroup” of sorts within the Dutch rock scene, featuring veteran musicians whose pedigrees define the genre’s history in the Netherlands:

• Andrew Elt (Vocals): Best known as the powerhouse frontman for Atlantic recording artists Sleeze Beez, who famously cracked the Billboard 200 with their 1990 hit “Stranger Than Paradise” and toured with Skid Row. Since Andrew fronts Europe’s leading Led Zeppelin tribute band Physical Graffiti while tour managing Walter Trout and Kenny Wayne Shepherd.
• Martin Helmantel (Bass): A cornerstone of the progressive metal legends Elegy for 17 years, contributing to seven globally acclaimed albums and extensive international tours. In addition, Martin plays bass in progressive/hard rockers Headless, also on M-Theory Audio.
• Dirk Bruinenberg (Drums): Another veteran of Elegy, as well as recording with Place Vendome, Adagio and more. Dirk also currently plays in the Iron Maiden acoustic tribute Maiden United.
• Joris Lindner (Guitars): A versatile multi-instrumentalist known for his work with stoner/grunge rock outfit Komatsu. Joris is a sought-after musician, currently also involved and playing with Dutch prog acts Kris Gildenlow, Plan Nine and Rock Party of the Year.
• Remco van Zandvoort (Keyboards): Learned and perfected his trade playing the Piano, Hammond B3, Fender Rhodes, Moog and Melotron at the renowned Rock Academy in the Netherlands. He has toured with The Gathering and also plays alongside Elt in Physical Graffiti.

Since their formation, 7 Miles to Pittsburgh has been making waves in the European rock scene. ​ Originally starting as a trio, the band has evolved into a formidable unit that balances progressive technicality with raw, bluesy soul—often described as “Plant meeting Rodgers” with a heavy, modern edge. Their self-titled debut album, released in 2017, garnered critical acclaim and led to performances alongside Tyketto and appearances at major festivals. ​ Their sophomore album, ‘Revolution On Hold,’ followed in 2019, solidifying their reputation as a band to watch. ​ Now, with ‘Beyond Repair,’ the band promises their most ambitious and polished work yet. ​

7 MILES TO PITTSBURGH ARE:

Andrew Elt – Vocals
Martin Helmantel – Bass
Dirk Bruinenberg – Drums
Joris Lindner – Guitars
Remco van Zandvoort- Keyboards

Southern California native Chris Johnson has long been a fixture, and a bit of a legend, in the West Coast country rock scene. Born into a family of professional musicians, he grew up surrounded by music and developed his craft at Hollywood’s prestigious Musicians Institute, setting the stage for a lifelong journey through rock, blues and country.

Over the years, Johnson’s powerhouse vocals and gritty authenticity have carried him through several acclaimed projects, from fronting Rumor Haz-It, a national touring pop-rock act represented by William Morris, to leading The Big Johnson Band and later working as lead vocalist and co-writer for Blues Train, sharing stages with respected musicians including Gregg Bissonette, Matt Bissonette, T Lavitz, Mike Thompson and Denny Freeman.

Today, Johnson fronts The Hollywood Hillbillies, a high-octane country rock band active from California to Texas. The upcoming album Tales From The Cowboy Palace features guitarist Jordan Ziff of Ratt and Trans-Siberian Orchestra, alongside bassist Federico Delfino, known for his work with Sebastian Bach, Madman Theory and Mercury Riots.

Beyond the stage, Johnson is also a respected guitar and studio tech, vintage gear authority and tone expert. His work has connected him with major names including Rick Rubin, Eddie Van Halen, Warren Haynes, John Fogerty, Steve Stevens, Steve Lukather, Tommy Shaw and many others.

He also owns Hollywood Studio Rentals, Drum Paradise Los Angeles and The Cowboy Palace Saloon, the legendary San Fernando Valley honky-tonk purchased in 2010 and featured in major music videos and films including Terminator, La Bamba and Thelma & Louise.

CHRIS JOHNSON & THE HOLLYWOOD HILLBILLIES IS:
Chris Johnson – Lead and backing Vocals & Guitar
Jordan Ziff – Lead Guitar
Fede Delfino – Bass Guitar
Stephen Haaker – Drums
Skip Edwards – Keyboards
Miles Napier – Keyboards
Aubrey Richmond – Fiddle & backing vocals
Randall Hess – Pedal Steel

Additional musicians:
Kenny Aronoff (John Fogarty, John Mellacamp, Sammy Hagar) – Drums
Skip Edwards (Dwight Yoakham, Johnny Rivers, Flying Burritos) – Keyboards
Dean Parks, Lyle Lovett, Willie Nelson, LeAnn Rymes, Clint Black – Guitar

 

BLACK BLOOD Sthlm return with their EP, set for release on September 18, 2026, marking the band’s first structured release after their debut single “Avalon.”

Formed by musicians with decades of international experience, BLACK BLOOD Sthlmbring together four established names from the Swedish and Scandinavian hard rock and metal scene. The band is rooted in the tradition of 1970s hard rock, with a strong focus on songwriting, arrangements and a sound that combines classic weight, melody and character.

The line-up features Matti Alfonzetti on vocals, one of Sweden’s most respected rock singers, known for his work with Jagged Edge, Bam Bam Boys and, above all, Skintrade. On guitar, Stefan Bergström brings his long-standing experience from Skintrade, as well as collaborations with Baltimoore, Zinny Zan and Martina Edoff. The rhythm section is completed by drummer Johan Kullberg, whose career includes work with Lion’s Share, Zan Clan, Therion and session duties with HammerFallduring extensive world tours, and bassist/vocalist Jarmo Lindell, an experienced musician who has worked with Cloud Circus, Andreas Johnson and as a solo artist.

The EP features four tracks: “In The Wind,” “I Know You Believe,” “Fallen Angel”and “Holy Man.” More than a simple follow-up to “Avalon,” the release represents the first complete statement of intent from BLACK BLOOD Sthlm. It presents the band in a broader and more defined form, highlighting their ability to channel classic hard rock foundations into a sound that feels focused, mature and fully connected to their musical background.

After the first introduction offered by “Avalon,” this EP allows BLACK BLOOD Sthlmto show the full potential of the line-up: strong musicianship, experienced songwriting, powerful vocals and a natural chemistry built on years of activity in studios, clubs, major festivals and international tours. The result is a compact but substantial release, shaped by musicians who know the language of hard rock from the inside and approach it with authenticity rather than nostalgia.

With this new EP, BLACK BLOOD Sthlm establish themselves as a band with a clear identity and serious ambition. Built on experience, chemistry and a shared vision, the release lays the foundation for the next chapter of the band, opening the way to new material, live activity and a stronger presence on the international hard rock scene.

Back To Life marks a significant moment in Saeko Kitamae’s artistic journey, a project that looks both backward and forward, reconnecting with the roots of her songwriting while redefining its sound through a modern lens.

Rather than presenting new material alone, this EP focuses on revisiting compositions written across different stages of her life, including songs that predate her official debut. Some of these tracks trace back to the earliest expressions of her musical identity, shaped long before her move to Europe and her emergence on the international metal scene.

Working alongside an established international line-up, Guido Benedetti (Trick Or Treat) (guitars), Alessandro Sala (Rhapsody Of Fire) (bass) and Michael Ehré (Metalium, Gamma Ray, The Unity) (drums), Saeko approached each song with a clear intention: to preserve its core identity while expanding its sonic weight, clarity and structure. The result is a set of tracks that feel cohesive and current, while still carrying the emotional imprint of their origins.

The EP was mixed and mastered by V. Santura (Triptykon, Dark Fortress), who also worked on Saeko’s second and third albums. His contribution plays a key role in maintaining the sonic continuity of Saeko’s work, connecting this new chapter with her previous releases.

The title Back To Life reflects both a creative and personal transition. Following a period that forced her to step away due to injury, surgery and other circumstances, this release represents a return, not simply to activity, but to a deeper awareness of her own artistic direction.

Across the EP, there is a strong sense of continuity. Despite being written years, in some cases decades, apart, the songs share a consistent voice, revealing how Saeko’s musical identity has remained intact while evolving over time.

Track by track

1. Seek the Light (Reimagined)

Originally written in the early stages of Saeko’s career, this track sets the tone for the EP. The new version emphasizes structure and contrast, bringing forward elements that were less defined in the original. It reflects the search for direction and clarity, both musically and lyrically.

2. Sinners for False Lights (Reimagined)

One of the earliest key pieces in Saeko’s catalogue, originally used as an audition track leading to her debut album in 2004. The reimagined version deepens its darker atmosphere, reinforcing its themes and giving it a more solid and focused arrangement.

3. Sins for the Gods (Reimagined)

Originally written in the 1990s and first recorded as a demo, the song was shaped by a strong emotional response to global conflicts, questioning the silence of a higher power in the face of human tragedy. It was later included in Saeko’s debut album in 2004 and revisited again in a piano version in 2017. In this new version, the track evolves beyond its previous forms, introducing new lyrical elements and an expanded arrangement that leads to a different conclusion, while retaining its core intensity and relevance.

4. Glorious Day

Also originating from her pre-Saeko period, this song carries a more immediate and uplifting character. In its current form, it stands as a point of contrast within the EP, highlighting a different side of her songwriting while maintaining a strong sense of identity.

5. A Verse to the Universe (2026 Remaster)

Originally released as a bonus track on the Japanese edition of Holy Are We Alone, this marks the first time the song is available outside Japan. Its origins trace back to the 1990s, when it was part of a key piece from the band Saeko was involved in before moving to Europe. Presented here in a remastered version, the track retains its original structure while benefiting from improved balance and clarity, offering a sense of closure to the journey outlined by the release.

TRACKLIST:

1. Seek the Light (Reimagined)
2. Sinners for False Lights (Reimagined)
3. Sins for the Gods (Reimagined)
4. Glorious Day
5. A Verse to the Universe (2026 Remaster)

SAEKO LINE-UP:
Saeko – Vocals
Guido Benedetti – Guitars
Alessandro Sala – Bass
Michael Ehré – Drums

Canadian melodic rock band Fatal Vision return with their brand new studio album Four Sides To Every Story, scheduled for release on May 22, 2026 via Escape Music. The album represents the band’s most ambitious and cinematic work to date, combining powerful Melodic Rock songwriting with a narrative-driven visual concept that has become a hallmark of the band’s recent releases.

Building on the momentum of their acclaimed album Three Times Lucky, Fatal Vision continue to expand their artistic vision with a record that explores the emotional complexity of relationships, heartbreak, and redemption. The album title reflects the idea that every story can be seen from different perspectives, an approach that shapes both the musical and visual storytelling behind the project.

The record features fourteen songs, each accompanied by its own music video, forming the fourth season of Fatal Vision’s ongoing cinematic video series. Together, the videos tell the continuing story of a young woman’s journey after heartbreak, with the same actors portraying the same characters throughout the saga of love lost and found.

Musically, Four Sides To Every Story stays firmly rooted in the timeless melodic rock tradition that defines Fatal Vision, drawing inspiration from classic acts such as Survivor, Bad English, Heart, Van Halen, Journey, and Asia, while also introducing fresh sonic elements. Several songs explore more progressive arrangements, featuring time changes and contrasting sections that expand the band’s musical palette without losing their signature sense of melody and emotional impact.

The album features an impressive lineup of guest musicians and collaborators from across the international melodic rock scene, including:

Phil X (Bon Jovi, Triumph)
David Forbes (Boulevard)
Harry Hess (Harem Scarem)
Jeff Scott Soto (Journey, Trans-Siberian Orchestra)
Paul Laine (Danger Danger, The Defiants)
Alessandro Del Vecchio (Edge Of Forever, Hardline)
JK Northrup (King Kobra, XYZ)
Michael Shotton (Von Groove)
Marc LaFrance (Loverboy, Mötley Crüe)
David Cagle (Silent Tiger)

Christine Corless, who appears on several tracks in powerful duet performances with Fatal Vision singer Simon Marwood.

Songwriting duties are primarily handled by Simon Marwood and Juan Miguel Gomez Montant, with additional collaborators including Alessandro Del Vecchio, Michael Shotton, and members of Boulevard. For the first time in the band’s history, bassist Andrew Burns and drummer Alex Wickham also contribute as songwriters on two tracks.

The album also includes “Turn Around”, Fatal Vision’s first-ever single, which has already surpassed 150,000 streams and now appears on an album for the first time.

Production of Four Sides To Every Story was handled by Marwood, Montant, and JK Northrup, with mixing by JK Northrup and legendary producer Ron Nevison, known for his work with artists such as Heart, Survivor, and Europe. Mike Shotton oversaw lead vocal production, while Alessandro Del Vecchio handled backing vocal production, contributing to the album’s rich layered harmonies and powerful vocal arrangements.

“Four Sides to Every Story” tracklist:

1.Girl Against the World (5:25)
2.All That Glitters (6:19)
3.Run With Me (4:28)
4.Turn Around (5:36)
5.No More Tears to Cry (5:56)
6.If This Is Who You Are (5:28)
7.Maybe Someday (5:07)
8.Out Of the Blue (4:42)
9.After All These Years (4:50)
10.Do You See Me (5:33)
11.Every Time I Think of You (6:12)
12.Too Close to The Sun (5:24)
13.Fly (4:16)
14.The Best Is Yet to Come (6:46)

FATAL VISION IS:
Simon Marwood – Vocals
Juan Miguel Gomez Montant – Guitars
Andrew Burns – Bass
Alex Wickham – Drums

Swedish hard-rock risers Velveteen Queen return with their most ambitious statement yet, their sophomore album, The Greater Good, set for release on September 18^th via Silver Lining Music. Pre-orders available from May 6^th at this location.

Velveteen Queen are rapidly emerging as one of the most electrifying young acts in the modern rock scene, channeling the grit, swagger, and anthemic power of classic ’80s influences into a bold and contemporary sound. Having shared stages with Alice Cooper and Judas Priest, the five-piece have already built a reputation for their explosive live performances, undeniable stage presence and anthemic rock songs with instantly memorable hooks.

From the very first teasing riff and maraca-shake of ‘Too Far Gone’, the opening track of the album, the Swedish rockers make it clear your hips had better be ready to swing and your rockin’ boots ready to roll. Produced by renowned producer Sören Andersen, this is a record which brings the strut of the Sunset Strip’s glory days via Sweden, with a healthy dash of old-school Guns N’ Roses, alongside spiritual ties to Aerosmith, Velvet Revolver and Hanoi Rocks.

The new single and title track, ‘The Greater Good’, is out now. The song featured Peter Keys (Lynyrd Skynyrd) on piano and is accompanied by a larger-than-life video directed by esteemed filmmaker Patric Ullaeus.

“In ‘The Greater Good’, we confront the lies that run deep in our city, challenging apathy while calling for action amid chaos. When the fight for truth fades, where does the ‘greater good’ truly lie?” – Velveteen Queen

Watch/Listen to ‘The Greater Good’ here

There’s a snap and vigour in Velveteen Queen that is instantly exciting to the ears. Take the bounce and groove of the glam-punk ‘Talk or Walk’, which boasts a huge choral hook and a snarling top lip of attitude. Meanwhile, ‘Adrenaline’ is built around a razor-sharp, singalong chorus, with riffs swinging low and hard. Yet there’s also full ballad artistry on display with the soulful ‘Chains’, showing that Velveteen Queen can bring it down to strands of raw emotion.

Make no mistake, while the influences on Velveteen Queen are clear, the approach, songwriting, and delivery is utterly fresh, packed with undeniable positive energy and rebel attitude. There’s a new generation of young glam/trash rockers craving The Greater Good, and Velveteen Queen confidently and successfully deliver exactly what they are looking for.

And that same high-voltage energy captured on the record will soon be unleashed on stage, with Velveteen Queen poised to turn every show into a full-throttle rock ’n’ roll event. Their next live chapter continues in truly grand fashion, joining forces with rock legends Alice Cooper and Danko Jones at Rättvik on June 27^th.

Upcoming shows:
27 June – Dalhalla, Rättvik (SE)
18 Sept – Debaser Nova, Stockholm (SE)
19 Sept – Valand, Gothenburg (SE)

More dates soon to be announced; for tickets and more information visit velveteenqueentheband.com