Maverick return with new single and new line-up

 Northern Ireland hard rockers Maverick have released a new single and unveiled a new line up to return with their first new release in more than two years.

‘We Can Rise’ is put now on Metalapolis Reords, and is on all major music streaming platforms and Youtube.

Long-standing stalwarts of the Northern Ireland hard rock scene, the single is the first release from a re-jigged line-up. Former Crazy Lixx drummer Joél Cirera is now part of the Maverick family. The previous drummer Mike Ross has taken up bass duties.

After five albums and an EP this is the first time Maverick have collaborated with external songwriters. Crazy Lixx’s guitarist Chrissie Olsson and renowned Australian songwriter Darren Phillips.

The result bears all the trademark Maverick elements of hooks, riffs and a chorus that will have fans singing along with.

In the words of their label We Can Rise is ‘Blending the reckless spirit of their early days…his is a bold new chapter without forgetting where it all began’.

Released with an accompanying video it is certain to add to the 400,000 streams the band has accumulated on top of their album sales.

Singer David Balfour, commenting on Facebook, said it was a huge milestone for the band.

“We have returned after almost three years with a brand new song,” he explained. “The lyrics are meaningful for us in the band on many levels, but the most important thing for me personally was being trusted by the awesome Chrissie Olsson and Darren Phillips to ‘Maverick-ize’ their great song and also to be able to have my wonderful and ridiculously talented fiancé Sara work with me on the song…

“This song is for everyone who has ever listened to us, shared our music and stood by us through all of these years and tears.”

Listen to We Can Rise through this smart link.

Indominus release Black Lake video ahead of Celestial Sanctuary support slot

Those cuddly metal fiends, Indominus, have released a video to accompany their single 'Black Lake' just weeks ahead of a support slot for Celestial Sanctuary.

Matching the intensity of the single (review here) the video echoes the sentiment of the song, featuring black and white images of both the band and a turbulent sea, pummelling shore. 

The timing is fortuitous, given the forthcoming show, enabling gig-goers to familiarise themselves. (Full video below.

The Celestial Sanctuary show is at the Voodoo on Thursday, August 6th, with Insidious Void. Now that is a crushing show.

 

Evergrey new single from forthcoming album ahead of November Belfast date.

Sweden's Evergrey new single has been released ahead of the new album and a November Belfast date.

'A Burning Flame', featuring Michael Stanne, is from Architects of the New Weave, which will be released on June 5th.

The band play the Belfast's Limelight 2 on November 11th, with tickets on sale (link below)

Napalm Records release, (video (below) details the story of the new single.

Swedish progressive metal masterminds Evergrey release the final glimpse of their new album, Architects Of A New Weave, out 5th June, 2026 via Napalm Records. 

The new single 'A Burning Flame', where frontman Tom S. Englund is joined by fellow Gothenburg icon Mikael Stanne (Dark Tranquillity, The Halo Effect, Grand Cadaver, Cemetery Skyline) in vocal duties; the voices of the two scene legends intertwine compellingly, building a new yet comfortingly recognisable Evergrey sound. 

Tom S. Englund said about the new single: “We’re truly excited to release our new single, ‘A Burning Flame,’ featuring our friend and respected colleague Mikael Stanne. It’s an absolute honour to have him lend his voice to an Evergrey song.

"For us, this is the heart and soul of being a musician - building meaningful connections that reach new hearts through music. Every guest we’ve welcomed over the years has expanded our universe in the most beautiful ways, opening the door to new listeners and deepening the journey we all share.

"It’s a privilege we never take lightly. 'A Burning Flame' is a powerful, catchy duet shaped by genuine mutual inspiration.

"Mikael and I let each other’s melodies guide the next lines, allowing the song to grow into a seamless, ever-flowing river of emotion. To me, it feels like a dark yet profoundly beautiful conversation - raw, honest, and full of life.”

Pre-order Architects Of A New Weave here.

Tickets for the Belfast show are available here.