Arising Empire News: Sable Hills, Vicious Rain, Half Me

Sable Hills - Scars
Following the global momentum of their widely celebrated single 'Namu', Japanese metalcore frontrunners Sable Hills return with 'Scars', an emotionally charged anthem that perfectly bridges the gap between classic and modern metalcore.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/i99wgab7C9w
Stream 'Scars' here: https://arisingempire.com/sablehills

At its core, 'Scars' is a song about perseverance. Inspired by the marks left behind by pain, loss and struggle, the lyrics transform scars into symbols of survival rather than defeat. Instead of hiding from the past, Sable Hills embrace it, finding strength in every wound as they continue chasing the guiding light. Themes of resilience, rebirth and refusing to surrender run throughout the song, culminating in an uplifting message that reminds listeners their darkest moments can become the foundation for a new beginning.
Musically, the band effortlessly balances technical precision with raw emotion. Thunderous breakdowns collide with intricate guitar work, huge melodies and an anthemic chorus that lingers long after the final note. The result is a song that feels instantly familiar to longtime metalcore fans while sounding unmistakably fresh and contemporary.

With 'Scars', Sable Hills continue that upward trajectory. It is a powerful reminder that even life's deepest wounds can become a source of strength, wrapped inside one of the band's most compelling and emotionally resonant songs yet.

Catch the band live:
03.11.2026 I The Underworld I London, GB
28.11.2026 I Kollektivet Livet I Stockholm, SE
Sable Hills online
https://www.instagram.com/sablehillsjp
https://www.facebook.com/sablehillsweb


Vicious Rain - Intertwined
Swiss modern metalcore outfit Vicious Rain unveil 'Intertwined', a soaring new version of one of the standout tracks from their acclaimed album The Anatomy of Surviving. Reimagined as a breathtaking duet with Dream State vocalist Jessie Powell, the song transforms into an even more emotional and uplifting experience, blending massive hooks, crushing heaviness and a chorus that lingers long after the final note.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/NiTDfIYt5vM
Stream 'Intertwined' here: https://arisingempire.com/viciousrain

Built around themes of unbreakable connection, shared resilience and finding light through darkness, 'Intertwined' explores the invisible bond between two souls destined to find each other. Lyrics such as "you & I, we're constellations, side by side" and "I'd chase your ghost across the sea" paint a picture of unwavering devotion, while the radiant refrain celebrates hope even in life's darkest moments. Jessie Powell's powerful performance perfectly complements Vicious Rain's dynamic sound, adding a fresh perspective and elevating the song's emotional impact to new heights.

With its irresistible chorus, cinematic atmosphere and unforgettable vocal chemistry, 'Intertwined' stands as both a celebration of human connection and a testament to the band's ability to combine crushing intensity with genuine optimism. It's a modern metalcore anthem that proves hope can shine brightest through the darkest skies.

Catch the band live:
29.08.2026 I Ortsverwaltung Tennenbronn I Schramberg, DE
19.11.2026 I KIFF I Aarau, CH
20.11.2026 I p.m.k. I Innsbruck, AT
21.11.2026 I Flex I Wien, AT / with Our Promise
05.12.2026 I Club Zentral I Stuttgart, DE

Vicious Rain online:
https://www.instagram.com/viciousrainband
https://www.facebook.com/viciousrainband


Half Me announce new album DOGMA
German hardcore powerhouse Half Me have announced their highly anticipated sophomore album DOGMA, set for release on 23rd October.

Following the band's relentless rise over the past few years, DOGMA marks their most ambitious and uncompromising work to date, expanding both their sonic identity and the conceptual depth that has become a defining characteristic of their music.

Pre-order DOGMA here: https://arisingempire.com/halfme

At its core, DOGMA is a reflection on a society willingly taking part in its own collapse. The album explores a world shaped by fear, manipulated through division and consumed by distractions that keep people from questioning the systems surrounding them. Truth and lies dissolve into blurred lines, leaving humanity trapped in a state of trauma induced ignorance where people unknowingly become complicit in their own demise.

According to the band, DOGMA begins from the unsettling assumption that the damage may already be irreversible. Rather than offering solutions, the album challenges listeners to question accepted narratives, confront absolute truths and look beyond the systems that thrive on fear, obedience and complacency. It is not a call to arms, but an invitation to think critically and look behind the dogma. Musically, DOGMA sees Half Me pushing their sound further than ever before. Combining crushing metallic hardcore, oppressive grooves and emotionally charged songwriting with an even stronger focus on atmosphere and dynamics, the album delivers some of the band's heaviest, darkest and most emotionally resonant material to date.

Catch the band live:
27.11.2026 | Dynamo | Eindhoven, NL
28.11.2026 | Musikzentrum | Hannover, DE
29.11.2026 | Helios37 | Köln, DE
30.11.2026 | Das Bett | Frankfurt am Main, DE
01.12.2026 | Viper Room | Vienna, AT
02.12.2026 | Hansa39 | München, DE
03.12.2026 | Modra Vopice | Prague, CZ
04.12.2026 | Kent Club | Hamburg, DE
05.12.2026 | Hole44 | Berlin, DE
06.12.2026 | The Black Heart | London, UK
07.12.2026 | The Garage | Glasgow, UK
08.12.2026 | Asylum | Birmingham, UK
09.12.2026 | Backstage By The Mill | Paris, FR
10.12.2026 | Rock N Eat | Lyon, FR
11.12.2026 | Werk21 | Zurich, CH
12.12.2026 | Tower | Stuttgart, DE

Half Me online:
https://www.instagram.com/halfme.band
https://www.facebook.com/halfmeband

Quelle: Hold Tight