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Basher’s Dozen: August 17, 2025
Brian Basher
Program Director, WTYU.rocks
Every week, I dig through the noise to find a lucky 13 tracks worth cranking up. This week, it’s almost impossible for me to pick a winner because every song deserves to win, in my opinion, so I’ll need your help more than ever.
Hit play, discover something new, vote for your favorite, and then hear them on WTYU.rocks—alongside even more music in the same vein.
BlackRain “Orphans of the Light”
France’s BlackRain are up first this week with the third video and title track of their upcoming record Orphans of the Light. I’ve never pictured the guys as pirates, but it works for this banger. Some may not realize this, but BlackRain has been releasing albums since the mid-2000s, as I mentioned earlier; in my opinion, they continue to improve with each new record. Unfortunately, we won’t see the Orphans of the Light album until late February 2026, but if they keep releasing singles and videos like this, it will be worth the wait.
Dirkschneider & The Old Gang “Dead Man’s Hand”
Udo and the Gang are back with the fifth video and the most melodic and catchy song from the upcoming album Babylon. “Dead Man’s Hand” was written by Manuela Bibert on the piano; the demo version consisted only of vocals and piano. The song was then transferred note-for-note to guitar and Hammond organ. Along with Udo, bassist Peter Baltes and Manuela provide the main vocals for the song. Reigning Phoenix Music will be releasing Babylon on October 3.
Erik Grönwall “Dreamer”
With the latest in his long running series of covers on Youtube. Former H.E.A.T. / Skid Row front man Erik Grönwall presents his tribute to Ozzy Osbourne with “Dreamer”, which first appeared on 2001’s Down To Earth. As with the majority of his covers, Erik stays true to the original while also adding his subtle touches. Unfortunately, for now anyways, Youtube is the only place you’ll be able to hear “Dreamer” as it is not currently available on any DSPs.
Fireheart “Wild Hearts; Wild Nights”
The UK’s Fireheart are back with their third video/single in the form of “Wild Hearts; Wild Nights”. According to vocalist Russ Grimmett “This track is all about release. We all carry heavy stuff every day, but sometimes you just need to switch off, crank the volume, and dance like nothing else matters. That’s what this song is, a tribute to those wild, perfect nights that keep us going.” When you pickup “Wild Hearts; Wild Nights” you will also have the chance to grab Fireheart’s previous singles “Staring At The Sun” and “Inner Remedy” all on one download.
FM “Don’t Call It Love”
Showing no signs of slowing down FM will be releasing their new album Brotherhood, which I believe will be their 15th studio record on September 5 through long time label Frontiers Music SRL. As always Steve Overland and company deliver melodic rock perfection with Brotherhood‘s second single.
Hartmann “Twenty Times Colder”
When he’s not on stage or in he studio shredding for Avantasia, guitarist, keyboardist, vocalist Oliver Hartmann is leading his own self-titled band, Hartmann. They are getting ready to release their tenth album Twenty Times Colder. For those not familiar with the Germans, and it’s a crime that most people aren’t, the music falls squarely between Whitesnake and Gotthard. If you like what you hear luckily several of their previous albums are available for streaming on Spotify, which the same can not be said for Apple or Amazon’s streaming platforms. You can also grab heir previous records on Oliver’s website.
Mad Haven “Take Control”
“Take Control” is the first song back for the recently reunited Mad Haven. It’s the first release in two years for the power trio from North Wales and for fans of the band’s previous releases you will find their sound hasn’t changed while the band was on hiatus. Although nothing has been announced I would assume more the music will be on the way. If you’re new to Mad Haven, but fans of The Treatment the chances are good you’ll find a lot to like from these three Welshmen.
Mädhouse “Get a Grip”
I don’t think it would be a stretch to call Mädhouse the 21st century’s version of Hardcore Superstar and I don’t mean that in a condescending way at all, I love HCSS and I become a bigger fan of these Austrians with each new record. “Get A Grip” is the sixth video/single from the band’s fantastic album Plead The Fifth, which was released in July through RPM-ROAR.
Mason “Hard To Tame”
After releasing their 2024 debut I Can’t Wait through Lions Pride Music, Mason, the four-piece led by Canadian-born multi-instrumentalist Marcus Mason will be releasing their sophomore record Seconds To Impact through Eönian Records and it sounds like the label has another solid record on it’s hand. “Hard To Tame” is the second single/video from the record and it delivers a fresh yet familiar take on classic hard rock. Pre-Orders are open now and Seconds To Impact will be released September 1.
Mike Tramp “Fight To Survive”
From the upcoming new album Songs of White Lion, Vol. III out September 19 through Frontiers Music SRL, Mike Tramp returns with a reimagining of “Fight To Survive”. Personally I’ve enjoyed these reimagining’s more than I do the originals.
Royal Republic “I’m So Excited”
What can I say about Royal Republic’s cover of The Pointer Sisters “I’m So Excited”? I didn’t think they could top their version of “Venus”, but I was oh so wrong. “I’m So Excited” is FANTASTIC and the video is even better than “Venus”, but that’s just me. Not sure what the plans are as far as Royal Republic releasing a new album or EP, but I’m there regardless.
The Almighty “The Four Horsemen”
It took 34 years but The Almighty’s founding lineup have finally released new music in the form their blistering full throttle cover of Metallica’s “The Four Horsemen” and my god it does not disappoint at all! This is the first single from No Life ’Til Leather – A Tribute To Metallica’s Kill ’Em All which Silver Lining Music will release on November 14 and feature an all star lineup with the likes of Saxon, Motörhead, Diamond Head, and Tygers of Pan Tang to name a few. With a lineup like that and The Almighty being the first single released says a lot. I know in the past the band has said they wouldn’t be releasing any new music, but maybe this cover will change a few minds.
Treat “Adam & Evil”
It’s been three years since we heard from Swedish legends Treat, but that has changed with the release of their new single “Adam & Evil” through Frontiers Music SRL. What a return it is with a fantastic slice of melodic rock we’ve all come to expect from one of Sweden’s finest. Although it hasn’t been announced I would think a new full length record might not be far behind.
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