San Francisco, CA – January 23, 2026 – Bay Area punk rockers Druglords of the Avenues have just announced pre-orders for their new LP Gotta Light via Pirates Press Records. The LP is scheduled for release on March 20, and features the single “Ghetto Sidewalks,” along with nine other new songs. The album is available for pre-order from Pirates Press Records. “Ghetto Sidewalks” is now streaming on all major platforms! Click here to stream the single.
What began as a side project with legendary San Francisco punk singer Johnny “Peebucks” Bonnel (Swingin’ Utters, Filthy Thieving Bastards, Primitive Heads) and guitarist Matt Grayson quickly evolved into a fully fledged band with a life and perspective all its own. Now releasing their third full length, the band are locked in and firing on all cylinders with their unique brand of rollicking, storytelling streetpunk.
On past albums, influences from the fiery grit of punk & hardcore classics like the Dwarves & Circle Jerks to the ramshackle folk chaos of The Pogues and the dark complexities of The Pixies have been spotted in the mix.
What truly sets Druglords of the Avenues apart is the combination of that punk rock energy with the folk tradition of songwriting as storytelling. While the guitars and the rhythm section – where Bonnel & Grayson are joined by guitarist Rob Pierce, bassist Michael Mininger, and drummer Robert Faria – may be blazing at a breakneck pace, the lyrics are relating street level tales of poor and working class people doing what they have to to survive.
On the single “Ghetto Sidewalks,” primary lyricist Bonnel engages in complex wordplay alongside straightforward snapshots of urban decay with declarations such as “We need some light on the ghetto sidewalks / We’re always stumbling in the dark.” Indeed, Bonnel’s one-of-a-kind, dense but direct lyricism calls to mind a character he describes in “Gutter Roller Mart”: “He’s a street poet / Aggressive misbehavior.”
The characters that populate the streets and sidewalks of Gotta Light have their struggles, mistakes, conflicts, and grudges, but for the most part, they are presented without value judgements. These are simply the stories of lives lived hard, and Druglords of the Avenues are here to tell them.
Gotta Light by Druglords of the Avenues is available from Pirates Press Records on two different 12” Picture Disc editions: both feature the same art by Bonnel on the A-side, while the B-side art is available with both a black & white spiral or a limited edition pink & black spiral. The album will be available everywhere on March 20, 2026!
“The latest serves an uplifting release that chooses positivity amongst chaos and, despite the odds, journeys the desire to thrive in a deteriorating world, all while making sure there’s no one left behind to come along for the ride.” – Remezcla
“Cold World features catchy riffs and an authentic punk attitude that’s both nostalgic and refreshing. It’s an earnest homage to the garage rock scene, packed with tracks that demand to be played loud.” – Knotfest
“Whether or not they want to be lumped in with the current rise in popularity of hardcore as a genre, the punk influence in their music doesn’t go unnoticed — Death Lens make explicit effort to weave social and political activism into their lyrics and live shows.” – AltPress
Death Lens might be the perfect punk band for the moment: four working class, multicultural musicians from Southern California who write stage-dive anthems for the oppressed, wielding a message of resilience and a sound of sweat-soaked celebration that appeals to outsiders of all stripes. Today they are announcing their new album titled What’s Left Now? due for release on April 24th. Their first since 2024’s Cold World and their second for Epitaph Records, it was produced by Zach Tuch (Knocked Loose, Touché Amoré, Movements) for the band’s most fully realized record yet: crunchy, urgent, melancholy, raging and so goddamn easy to headbang along to.
Album opener “Monolith” is out now, beginning with an acoustic guitar and lyrics crooned in Spanish, it explodes into a frenzy of churning guitars and anthemic howling. Vocalist Bryan Torres says of the new song:
“Born with stones in my hands, I carry the weight my parents left behind. Forged under pressure, hardened by everything I had no choice but to bear.” He continues, “Monolith is born from a lifetime of hardship, weight and repetition. It’s my revelation that the role life gives you isn’t the only one you have to play. A testament to how being born with nothing became the source of my strength.”
Stream “Monolith” here Watch the “Monolith” music video here
What’s Left Now? is the product of two tumultuous years for Death Lens, both as people and as bandmates. The year Cold World dropped, the band toured for nine long months, honing their craft as live performers and increasing their fanbase tenfold. However, all of that time on the road stress-tested the band as an interpersonal unit, and Death Lens ended up shedding two members from the subsequent growing pains. Ultimately, they bounced back stronger than ever, gaining guitar virtuoso Ernie Gutierrez into the core lineup of frontman Bryan Torres, guitarist Jhon Reyes, and drummer Tony Rangel. Now, Death Lens are closer as friends and more musically in-sync than they’ve ever been, and What’s Left Now? is a testament to their glow-up.
“Every time we feel like we’re gonna implode, we end up expanding,” Torres exclaims. “We thrive on stress and the energy of anxiety.”
What’s Left Now? is an honest record by a band who’ve always cut the bullshit. Growing up in lower-income homes 20 miles east of Los Angeles, Death Lens’ members weren’t afforded the privilege to effortlessly ascend in the music scene. They’ve had to grind for every opportunity they’ve gotten, and they continue to write music for people just like them. “Our messaging is towards those who always feel like they don’t have a voice,” Torres explains.
Their new record includes songs about first breakups (“Am I A Drug To You?”) and learning to be genuinely, uncomfortably true to yourself (“Out of My Skin”), but also tracks about trials that are far more challenging to conquer. “Saints in the Panic Room” speaks to a present-day nightmare that Death Lens’ own families and communities are facing on U.S. soil. “I’m talking about the ICE raids, things close to home,” Torres says. “Immigrant families who don’t have papers. These are the struggles that we talk about every day.”
What’s Left Now? captures that dichotomy with creativity and candor. A fist-pumping punk-rock escape, and a hard dose of reality. Because for Death Lens, one doesn’t exist without the other.
Death Lens ‘What’s Left Now?’
Tracklisting 1. Monolith 2. Power 3. Out Of My Skin 4. Waiting to Know (feat. Militarie Gun) 5. Drown 6. Am I A Drug To You? 7. Saints In the Panic Room 8. Off The Edge 9. Useless 10. Last Call 11. Pulling Teeth 12. Debt Collector
Death Lens Tour Dates w/Seahaven Jan. 21 – Santa Ana, CA – The Observatory
w/ Drug Church & White Reaper March 14 – Chicago, IL – Concord Music Hall March 15 – Madison, WI – Majestic Theater March 16 – Minneapolis, MN – Fine Line March 18 – St. Louis, MO – Delmar Hall March 19 – Lawrence, KS – The Bottleneck March 20 – Denver, CO – Summit Music Hall March 23 – Seattle, WA – Neumos March 24 – Porland, OR – Aladdin Theatre March 25 – Boise, ID – Treefort Music Fest* March 27 – San Francisco, CA – August Hall March 28 – Los Angeles, CA – The Fonda Theatre March 29 – San Diego, CA – The Observatory North Park March 31 – Las Vegas, NV – Area15 Portal April 1 – Phoenix, AZ – Walter Studios April 3 – Dallas, TX – Ferris Wheelers April 4 – Austin, TX – Mohawk
The Casualties Share New Single “People Over Power” First New Music In 8 Years Via Hellcat Records
Today, punk lifers The Casualties break an eight-year hiatus with their blistering new single “People Over Power”, the band’s first release via Hellcat Records. Starting off the year with a lethal right-hook to the chin of the system, the track’s roaring bark is a call to action imploring us all to fight back against injustice.
“We’re getting stomped by the world, by the government, by the bad news,” vocalist David Rodriguez says of the new song. “We want systemic change, total transformation, degradation to the state. ‘People over Power’: It’s as simple as it sounds.”
“It’s a protest song through and through,” drummer Marc “Meggers” Eggers adds. “We want the vibe to be: You listen, get angry, get your crew together, and get out on the streets.”
The Casualties are the voice of the disenfranchised, the disillusioned and the dispossessed of this planet. The band originally formed in 1990, but these street fighters are still angry, still political and are still keeping the heart and spirit of punk alive. Founded on a mission to revive the sound of punk pioneers like The Exploited and The Sex Pistols, they lyrically weave in scathing denouncements of authority into frantic anthems of resistance, totaling to eleven studio full-lengths, three EPs and three live albums so far.
The Casualties are David Rodriguez (vocalist), Jake Kolatis (guitarist), Marc “Meggers” Eggers (drums) and Doug Wellmon (bass).
Charlottetown punks TeethOut have released their latest EP in its entirety after dropping the lead single 2 weeks ago. It’s available now digitally on High End Denim Records.
After exploding onto the scene with their debut EP Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is (which caught attention for its “explosive, melodic… punk rock gold” vibe) and following that with the sharpened, emotionally deeper second EP Brittle But Elite (described as balancing “chaos with clarity” while digging into themes of survival and regret), TeethOut now steps into a third chapter with Here We Go.
The first EP introduced the band’s skate-punk roots and hooked listeners with urgent melodies and raw energy. The second refined that sound while exploring survival, stumbles, and midnight worries. The new record takes that foundation and moves it forward. With songs like Here We Go, Lifeline III, Down on Richmond, Friend of a Friend, and Whales, the themes stretch wider than before. These tracks talk about travel, connection, loss, and the rush of late-night drives. They carry a sense of time passing and the instinct to keep pushing forward anyway.
The lyric in “Here We Go” – (“Here we go… There’s no sleep when on the road… How fast can we go from here?”) captures the band’s current mindset. The energy is still high, but the songs now come from lived experience. Lifeline III touches on scars and second chances, Down on Richmond reflects on small-town shows and memory, and Whales slows things down to explore loss and distance.
The earlier EPs were about introducing the band and finding their footing. Here We Go feels like the sound of TeethOut embracing who they are. The songs are fast, honest, and built around stories that matter. It’s the sound of punk lifers chasing the same rush they always have, only now with more heart behind every note.
They also released a lyric video for the song “Whales.”
“…catchy riffs and an authentic punk attitude that’s both nostalgic and refreshing.” – Knotfest
“…backed by infectious vocal harmonies, heavy punk drumbeats, and fuzzed shoegaze-leaning guitar melodies.” – Remezcla
Today, Los Angeles alt-punks Death Lens, the self-described “Brown boys from La Puente“, let loose on new single “Power”. Fresh off a tour with Militarie Gun, the punchy new single is up next to be featured in the latest edition of the Skate video game series from EA. As Death Lens’ first new music since 2024’s Cold World, the track’s hooky guitar riffs and uplifting lyrics are a positive omen to close out a tumultuous year. Frontman Bryan Torres comments:
“I know the world feels out of balance, nothing seems certain, and waiting isn’t an option anymore. We can’t let time dictate our choices or our purpose. The world has never waited for anyone, so we stopped waiting too. That’s POWER. Strength. Resilience. When life feels bleak, we push harder for what we want and the vision we hold for ourselves. A song for anyone who loves it fast, with a message that lifts you up.”
Check out the music video for “Power” below, directed by Marco Hernandez and featuring pro skaters Zach Allen, Ethan Loy, Tyler Pacheco, Marley Humphrey and O’Connor Nelson.
Following the rhythmic bark of Cold World, a poignant album that deals with social and political unrest, Death Lens continue to bear the torch for Southern California’s melodic punk tinged with hardcore and social accountability. “Power” is the latest offering in their ever-evolving journey as a band and as people, confronting burnout and feeling like you can’t get up after you’ve been consistently knocked down. Nevertheless, Torres proclaims, “the world waits for no one” and compels listeners to get back on our feet and look out for one another.
Since 2012, Death Lens have aimed to be in your ears at all times. They hide their ferocity underneath a thick veneer of style until the energy and chaos of one of their live shows leaves every audience member disarmed and forever changed. While they started as your typical party garage punks, the band evolved to using their platform to speak on living in heavily policed areas, immigration reform, and using resources to uplift communities. “One world, one community“.
Death Lens is comprised of Bryan Torres (vocals), Jhon Reyes (guitar, backing vocals), Tony Rangel (drums), and Ernie Gutierrez (guitar).
Mega Infinity’s new single “When You Get Home” is out now on all streaming platforms in your country!
“It’s the second single off our second full length album Harmonic Convergence which we recorded in April-May 2025. It will be out on Say-10 Records but for now you can listen to “When You Get Home” and “Temperance.” Want to purchase a digital download? You can visit our website: MegaInfinity.band to download.”
It’s a sweet and sincere track, loaded with pop sensibilities and great hooks. Give it a listen.
A pioneering force in heavy music, Black Sabbath influenced a lot of how I feel about musical styles, and much of how I play. Ozzy’s solo career continued to be a major influence in my life, and the lives of many others.
Sincere condolences to Ozzy’s family, friends, and fans.
Sexy, sleazy, ballsy, and rocking … is my take on the new Cam Girl release.
Hailing from Asheville, North Carolina, the group is about as opposite the folksy, roots, Americana that my mind conjures up when I think of Asheville.
Times they are always changing though. Keep up or get left behind, right?
Musically, the album is full of arena rock beats, arpeggiated guitar runs, operatic vocals, and sweeping solos.
The lyrics ooze innuendo. Clearly politically, and socially charged they add gravity to the theatrics of the album.
This is great rock and roll.
I can’t help but think of Shonen Knife, combined with Iron Maiden, filtered through a Bill and Ted lens.
“classic Propagandhi, in terms of attitude: very confrontational politically-conscious punk.” – Vice
“an ambitious, multi-part thrash epic with tons of nasty, tricky riffs.” – Stereogum
“We’re definitely not a band that responds well to someone telling us we need to put something out,” Propagandhi frontman Chris Hannah quips. “That happens when we have something to talk about – and now is definitely the time for that.” In true Propagandhi fashion, their new record ‘At Peace’ is smart music for dangerous times. Out now via Epitaph Records, listen to it in full HERE.
A limited run of At Peace vinyl in multiple color variants is available to pre-order HERE
The band also shares the official lyric video to focus track “No Longer Young” which bassist Todd Kowalski adds, “This song is about the search to find or revive one’s true spirit despite the pressure and negativity of the present world, and hopefully it’s a little inspiration to keep on working towards a more just world. It’s also a reminder that no one is any better than anyone else, in the end we all return to dust. “ WATCH HERE
The ever-evolving standard-bearers of politically charged punk have actively kicked against musical confines and bro-punk conservatism, promoting a message of anti-fascism since 1986. Distilling their DNA of breakneck riffs, hardcore ethos, and radical consciousness, their message remains as vital, and volatile, as ever.
“Everything I’m singing about is still coming from being the same person that wrote and sang our first record ‘How to Clean Everything’ in 1993,” Hannah recalls the band’s snarky skate-thrash origins. “But what we’re putting into the songs now, probably reflects more despair than 30 years ago when we had similar perspectives, but with strands of hope and naivete. Now it’s the existential dread of eking out a life worth living in this completely failed society.”
Marking their first release since 2017’s Victory Lap, At Peace was forged during the ominous political climate in the months before “Emperor” Trump’s ascent to power. Penned shortly before the American oligarch’s suggestion that Propagandhi’s home country become the U.S.’s 51st State, it was then mixed by Jason Livermore (Rise Against, Hot Water Music) at Blasting Room Studios in December 2024. This collection of poetic and polemic songs captures the anxieties and turmoil of the band’s four members, offering a powerful and poignant portrait of uncertainty.
Though at its core, At Peace is Propagandhi’s plea for hope against hopelessness. “Twenty years ago, we had a sense that things are fucked but that there could be a mass mobilization of people against the oligarchy, the billionaire class,” says Chris. “I don’t think that exists much in our music anymore and I don’t believe that mobilization is forthcoming. I hope to be proven wrong.”
Propagandhi is vocalist Chris Hannah, drummer Jord Samolesky, bassist/co-vocalist Todd Kowalski andguitarist Sulynn Hago.
At Peace Tracklisting
1. Guiding Lights 2. At Peace 3. Cat Guy 4. No Longer Young 5. Rented P.A. 6. Stargazing 7. God of Avarice 8. Prismatic Spray (The Tinder Date) 9. Benito’s Earlier Work 10. Vampires Are Real 11. Fire Season 12. Day By Day 13. Something Needs To Die But Maybe It’s Not You
Propagandhi North American Tour Dates June 5 – Granby, QC – Festival Au Lac June 7 – Pont-Rouge, QC – Parc De Li’le Notre Dame June 20 – Victoria, BC – Victoria Curling Club
From Manitoba, Canada, Propagandhi return with their new single “Cat Guy” ahead of their upcoming record ‘At Peace’ out on May 2nd. A blistering anthem dripping with sardonic wit and razor-sharp critique, the track finds the Canadian quartet as incisive as ever, wielding breakneck riffs and subversive lyricism with a smirk and a snarl.
A tribute to societal identity with a twist, “From my songwriting perspective, the two things I was thinking of was capturing a little bit of Judas Priest’s Firepower LP as if SNFU’s Chi-Pig was writing the lyrics,” laughs frontman Chris Hannah.
In true Propagandhi fashion, At Peace is smart music for dangerous times. The ever-evolving standard-bearers of politically charged punk have actively kicked against musical confines and bro-punk conservatism, promoting a message of anti-fascism since 1986. Distilling their DNA of breakneck riffs, hardcore ethos, and radical consciousness, their message remains as vital, and volatile, as ever.
“Everything I’m singing about is still coming from being the same person that wrote and sang our first record ‘How to Clean Everything’ in 1993,” Hannah recalls the band’s snarky skate-thrash origins. “But what we’re putting into the songs now, probably reflects more despair than 30 years ago when we had similar perspectives, but with strands of hope and naivete. Now it’s the existential dread of eking out a life worth living in this completely failed society.”
There’s no mistaking that on their first album in eight years, their frontline social activism has been supplanted by a deeper sense of reflection. Nearly a decade later, the members of Propagandhi have a lot on their minds. “We’re definitely not a band that responds well to someone telling us we need to put something out,” the frontman continues. “That happens when we have something to talk about – and now is definitely the time for that.”
Marking their first release since 2017’s Victory Lap, At Peace was forged during the ominous political climate in the months before “Emperor” Trump’s ascent to power. Penned shortly before the American oligarch’s suggestion that Propagandhi’s home country become the U.S.’s 51st State, it was then mixed by Jason Livermore (Rise Against, Hot Water Music) at Blasting Room Studios in December 2024. This collection of poetic and polemic songs captures the anxieties and turmoil of the band’s four members, offering a powerful and poignant portrait of uncertainty.
Though at its core, At Peace is Propagandhi’s plea for hope against hopelessness. “Twenty years ago, we had a sense that things are fucked but that there could be a mass mobilization of people against the oligarchy, the billionaire class,” says Chris. “I don’t think that exists much in our music anymore and I don’t believe that mobilization is forthcoming. I hope to be proven wrong.”
Propagandhi is vocalist Chris Hannah, drummer Jord Samolesky, bassist/co-vocalist Todd Kowalski andguitarist Sulynn Hago.
At Peace Tracklisting
1. At Peace 2. Prismatic Spray (The Tinder Date) 3. Rented P.A. 4. Guiding Lights 5. Cat Guy 6. No Longer YounG 7. Stargazing 8. God of Avarice 9. Benito’s Earlier Work 10. VampireS Are Real
