This week's round-up: New music from Evanescence, When Rivers Meet and Harem Scarem

Evanescence is releasing a brand-new song. “Afterlife,” is co-written by Alex Seaver of Mako and Evanescence’s Amy Lee and co-produced by Nick Raskulinecz and Alex Seaver. “Afterlife” will be released by Netflix where an alternate version will appear multiple times in their new animated series of Devil May Cry. The lyric video drops on March 27th, the song will be available on all audio streaming services at midnight and the soundtrack album for the series will be released on April 3rd.

In this animated adaptation of the popular Capcom game and from the vision of Adi Shankar, sinister forces are at play to open the portal between the human and demon realms. In the middle of it all is Dante, an orphaned demon-hunter-for-hire, unaware that the fate of both worlds hangs around his neck.

While Evanescence is primarily focused on creating new music this year, they also have some exciting performances planned for 2025, which include dates with My Chemical Romance, Metallica, and Halsey. Shows confirmed so far are below:

May 14th Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles, (Special Guest with Halsey)

Sept 13th Raymond James Stadium, Tampa (Special Guest with My Chemical Romance)

Sept 21st Louisville, KY, Louder Than Life Festival

Nov 1st Optus Stadium, Perth (Special Guest with Metallica)

Nov 5th Adelaide Oval, Adelaide (Special Guest with Metallica)

Nov 8th Marvel Stadium, Melbourne (Special Guest with Metallica)

Nov 12th Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane (Special Guest with Metallica)

Nov 15th Accor Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park (Special Guest with Metallica)

Nov 19th Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand (Special Guest with Metallica)

Acclaimed British duo When Rivers Meet have released their brand new single, entitled ‘Break Free’. It’s taken from their upcoming fourth studio album, Addicted To You, which is released on May 23rd on One Road Records.

A raw and rousing rock song, ‘Break Free’ arrives on a thumping four-to-the-floor drum beat and strident guitar riff, with Aaron Bond taking lead vocal duties. Boasting an explosive chorus, and a psychedelic middle-eight, it’s another example of the power and excitement When Rivers Meet are channelling on their new album.

“’Break Free’ is about those times in real life when everything feels overwhelming, like being trapped in a nightmare you can’t escape,” reveals Aaron. “It’s that feeling of not being able to control things and knowing you have to break free before it takes over. The song is about finding the strength to reclaim your freedom and push through the chaos.”

When Rivers Meet have a unique sound defying genres, fusing the raw power of blues-rock, the storytelling soul of Americana, and the heartfelt intimacy of folk. Their music is gritty, soulful, and electrifying, with Grace’s powerhouse vocals and Aaron’s dynamic musicianship creating something truly unforgettable. Whether harmonising in haunting unison or trading lead vocals, their voices create a magnetic dynamic that sets them apart.

On Addicted To You they have taken their songwriting, sound and ambition to new heights, fueled with passion and electrifying with power. It’s an album that sets its sights on ever-greater success and will find the band a global audience who resonate with its heart and soul.

Recorded in The Boathouse Studio, Suffolk and produced and mixed by Adam Bowers, it dramatically expands the band’s signature blues-rock sound, bringing an incredible array of new sonic textures and an atmospheric and intriguing production which showcases the ambitious and dynamic music When Rivers Meet have crafted.

When Rivers Meet will be taking to the road, bringing their explosive live show to four very special and intimate headline shows in May as follows:

May 23 – Glasgow, Oran Mor

May 24 – Nottingham, Rescue Rooms

May 26 – Southampton, The Brook

May 29 – Norwich, The Waterfront

They will also be supporting the legendary Blue Oyster Cult at the London Palladium on May 25th.

Canadian hard rockers Harem Scarem unveil their new official video, “Better The Devil You Know”, taken from their highly anticipated new album “Chasing Euphoria”, set for release on April 25, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl.

Vocalist Harry Hess comments on the new single, by saying: “We are very excited to share our new single “Better The Devil You Know” with everyone. We’ll be playing this one live on our upcoming tour. Turn it up load, see you on the road”.

Harem Scarem are finally back with their anticipated return album “Chasing Euphoria”, their first new album in 5 years. Their new record is an absolute belter for all Melodic Hard Rock fans and shows clearly why, when a discussion arises on who are the current heavyweights of the melodic hard rock scene, the list of names being bantered about cannot avoid a mention of Harem Scarem.

“Chasing Euphoria” brings back the band’s classic sound and shows a band at the top of their game. A cohesive unit still able to deliver a power-rock-packed punch, swaggering riffs, and hooks to die for. Harry Hess and Pete Lesperance, without a doubt, show the world that their partnership still works!

Arguably Canada’s finest melodic hard rock band, Harem Scarem were formed in 1987 by guitarist Pete Lesperance and singer Harry Hess, formerly of the heavy metal band Blind Vengeance. The lineup was rounded out by Darren Smith (drums) and Mike Gionet (bass).

They recorded a demo in 1999 and, on the strength of it, they were signed to Warner Music. Their self-titled album was a significant success in Canada and paved the way to the release of the heavier “Mood Swings” album in 1993, often considered the crown jewel of their early releases.

Enjoying a particular success in the land of the Rising Sun, Harem Scarem kept on releasing albums regularly during the 90’s, until they decided to ultimately change their name and music style to Rubber between 1999 and 2001.

In 2002, the band came back to melodic hard rock with the milestone album “Weight Of The World,” which was their first proper release in the European marketplace thanks to their newly signed deal with Frontiers. With the Italian label, Harem Scarem released another five original albums (not counting 2006’s “Human Nature”) until they took a break from recording in 2008 after the release of the album “Hope”.

In December 2012, it was announced that a reunited Harem Scarem would headline the 10th Firefest festival in Nottingham, UK, in October 2013, to perform the “Mood Swings” album in its entirety. The band regrouped and performed at Firefest and moved forward re-recording “Mood Swings II”, a twenty-year anniversary re-recording of their critically acclaimed and fan favorite second album.

The three new songs included on that release showed renewed musical vigor and chemistry. This new energy was confirmed on 2014's “Thirteen” release, which was a definitive return to the sound that put Harem Scarem on the map over 20 years earlier.

Two more acclaimed albums followed: “United” (2017) and “Change The World” (2020), where the band presented a new lineup featuring Harry Hess (lead vocals, keyboards), Pete Lesperance (guitars, keyboards), long-time drummer Creighton Doane, Mike Vassos on bass, and backing vocals from original sticksman Darren Smith.

With well over a million records sold in 43 countries and 12 top 40 hits around the globe, the new year will see Harem Scarem return and ready to dominate! Check them on tour in Europe in spring!