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*JOURNEY's 'Don't Stop Believin'' Re... 59
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[=||| 18 ìàð 2024

JON BON JOVI Says 'The Door Would Always Be Open' For Reunion Show With RICHIE SAMBORA: 'He Knows The Songs'

JON BON JOVI Says 'The Door Would Always Be Open' For Reunion Show With RICHIE SAMBORA: 'He Knows The Songs'

In a new interview with Audacy Check In to promote BON JOVI's upcoming album "Forever" and the Hulu series "Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story", Jon Bon Jovi was asked if there is any possibility of a one-off concert with the band's former guitarist Richie Sambora. He responded: "Hey, the door would always be open. It's not that. But 11 years ago, for reasons that were certainly nothing to do with the band, he walked out. There was no animosity, there's nothing but love. But we had a show that night, and subsequently had one the next night, and for 11 years, I've been making records and doing shows. So everyone knows where the bus stops. You show up at work… But there's nothing but love. And so Richie's gone off on his own and he raised his daughter. So if he wanted to show up and play sometime, he knows the songs. Absolutely no animosity, I can promise you that."

In a separate interview with Ultimate Classic Rock, Jon said he didn't speak to Richie about the documentary, despite the fact that the guitarist was interviewed for the series. "Not a word," Jon said in response to whether there was communication between the pair about "Thank You, Goodnight". "That was [director] Gotham Chopra. This wasn't a puff piece and this was no bullshit. This is not us behind the scenes pulling strings. Oh, no, no, no. They interviewed Richie in London. I wasn't there. I had nothing to do with it. No, I still haven't seen the [finished] product."

Bon Jovi went on to tell Ultimate Classic Rock that although he and Sambora are not on bad terms, they no longer keep in touch.

"We're not in contact because he's not in the organization any longer," the singer explained. "Doesn't mean that there's not love forever, but it's 11 years ago that he just didn't show up anymore. And there were emotional issues that he was dealing with as a single dad, and there were substance abuse issues that, you know ... [Current BON JOVI guitarist] Phil X had to show up one time, and then Phil X had to show up another time. And then, again, there's a show that night. What are we gonna do?"

Last November, Richie told People that there was "talking" taking place about his possible return to the band. Speaking to the magazine at the Breeders' Cup, the now-64-year-old musician said: "There's a documentary that's being done about the band and stuff that I've participated in, and people want to come see us play, and it's going to make everybody happy. I mean, essentially, that's why you do it at this point."

Sambora continued: "I think that we wrote a lot of songs that changed a lot of people's lives just by letting them have a good time. I know that's what music did to me … kept me company. And I hope that I can reflect that in what I do.

"So yeah, it definitely could happen," he added of a reunion. "It's just a question of when everybody's ready to go do it. It will be a big, massive kind of undertaking."

As for when the BON JOVI reunion could happen, Richie said: "I'm not sure. It's up to peoples, it's got to be right. That's all.

"It's time to do it, though," he added. "This is our 40th anniversary, but I feel younger than ever. I'm having a ball."

Sambora previously talked about the chances of his return to BON JOVI earlier last year during an appearance on "Shred With Shifty", the podcast hosted by Chris Shiflett of the FOO FIGHTERS. At the time, he said: "We're talking about it." Pressed about what "talking about it" looks like and if it involves him and Jon Bon Jovi speaking to each other "on the phone," Richie said: "Yeah, it's that. It's… There's a demand out there for it, you know — especially outside of the USA."

Last June, Sambora painted a different picture when he was asked about his possible return to BON JOVI at the Songwriters Hall Of Fame's 52nd annual induction and awards gala in New York City. Asked by United Stations Radio Networks if plans were still in place for him to play with his former bandmates again, Richie said: "Naaaah! No, not even close. Nobody asked me yet — but I could do it tomorrow if they asked me."

Richie's comments on "Shred With Shifty" were similar to those he made in February 2023 when he told Absolute Radio that he was planning to join forces with BON JOVI again following his performance with them at their Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction in 2018. "We're talking about it," he said at the time. "I don't think there's any reason not to at this point."

He added: "Jon was having a hard time with his voice a little bit there and he needed to take a little bit of a breather.

"I don't know when Jon's going to get his voice together and [when the BON JOVI reunion is] going to happen, but we have to get out there and do it for the fans, really. I feel a second obligation."

Asked if he would write new music with BON JOVI, Richie said: Oh, if he doesn't let me, he's crazy. I'm on a tear.

"Actually, I did write that other [BON JOVI] stuff, too. It's a misnomer when people go just because his name [Jon Bon Jovi] is on [the band] that's the name. We just couldn't think of anything else, really. People think that I just come up with the guitar parts and something like that. But songwriting is conceptual. You have to have a concept. It's a story. And it can sometimes just come from looking out the window and observing and a lot of times it comes from your own life and for the most part of BON JOVI, my life was a lot [more] colorful than everybody else's in the band."

Richie went on to say that he has remained on good terms with Jon in the decade since his departure, explaining: "You know what, there's no malice. I mean, we did something… there's not a lot of bands that did what we did. I mean, obviously, bands like THE ROLLING STONES, PINK FLOYD and U2 [have]."

Four years ago, Sambora opened up about his controversial decision to leave BON JOVI in 2013 in an interview with People magazine, saying that he wanted to spend more time with his daughter Ava, now 26.

"It wasn't a popular decision by any means, obviously, but there was really almost no choice about it. I had a lot of conscious work to do around [my personal life]," the guitarist said.

"We've been through a lot of things together. That was a time of psychological maintenance for the family. You know, I ain't no angel. But I realized, Ava needed me to be around at that point in time. Family had to come first, and that's what happened."

Sambora, who spent time in rehab in 2007 and 2011 for alcohol and prescription drug abuse, added that the rock and roll lifestyle eventually took its toll.

"My lord, when I look back and start to list the tours ... 18-and-a-half months of being on the road, 52 countries," he said. "It's like, Wow. It was really time for a break. We did that 14 times over a 31-year period."

Two months earlier, Sambora told U.K.'s Daily Mail that he wasn't opposed to one day rejoining BON JOVI, provided that the circumstances were right. "It would have to be a special situation for me to go back, but I'm certainly not counting it out," he said. "I have no malice toward that band."

Richie's comments came just a couple of weeks after Jon Bon Jovi told Germany's Rock Antenne that "there's not a day that goes by that I don't wish that Richie had his life together and was still in the band. And yet, in a weird way, it's because of his inability to get it together anymore that we went on and wrote 'This House Is Not For Sale'."

Addressing Jon's remarks directly, Richie told Daily Mail: "When people say I don't have my life together — are you kidding me? I'm the happiest dude on the block."

Sambora, who joined BON JOVI in 1983 and co-wrote most of the group's iconic hits over the following three decades, hasn't performed a full show with the band since he left the "Because We Can" tour 11 years ago. He later said he thought BON JOVI "should have made more strides to become a band" and not turn into "Jon being the front guy and nothing else." Jon, in turn, claimed Sambora's "choices" had "led him astray."

Sambora rejoined BON JOVI on stage in April 2018 at the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony in Cleveland, marking his first performance with the band in five years. Also appearing with the group was bassist Alec John Such, who hadn't played with BON JOVI since a one-off performance in 2001. They performed several crowd favorites, including "Livin' On A Prayer", "You Give Love A Bad Name" and "It's My Life".
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||| 18 ìàð 2024

LEMMY's Ashes To Be Displayed Annually At U.K.'s BLOODSTOCK Festival

LEMMY's Ashes To Be Displayed Annually At U.K.'s BLOODSTOCK Festival

Bloodstock, by arrangement with MOTÖRHEAD management, have announced that our legendary, late, great Lemmy Kilmister will be permanently memorialized at the heavy metal festival. Some of Lemmy's ashes will be housed at Bloodstock — one of only a few places globally — in a unique urn, with the festival commissioning a bust of Lemmy to incorporate the ashes. Fans will be able to view the installation and pay tribute to Lemmy and his legacy in the RAM Gallery on site. Once the festival is over, the bust of Lemmy will move to Nottingham's Rock City venue, where fans will have access to the ashes; they will return each and every year to their primary home on the hallowed turf of Bloodstock at Catton Park.

MOTÖRHEAD's manager Todd Singerman comments: "Bloodstock has always been a special place for MOTÖRHEAD and for Lemmy. The people and the energy matched Lemmy's values perfectly. Alan and Vicky were also great friends and basically family of Lemmy, as he was the reason that they originally got together. This is definitely a fitting honor in the continuing series of enshrinements of Lemmy's ashes in his most loved places."

Bloodstock's Vicky Hungerford adds: "We were humbled and honored to be approached by MOTÖRHEAD management to have Lemmy's ashes at Bloodstock. Lemmy holds a very special place in everybody's heart, but to myself and my husband he was the reason we met and fell in love. Nothing will mean more to us and the Bloodstock family than to honor his legacy and have Lemmy forever at Bloodstock."

The memorial will be part of a bigger picture theme for the festival this year to commemorate this special news and celebrate the remarkable legacy of Lemmy and MOTÖRHEAD. The RAM Gallery on site will be extended this year to accommodate an expanded MOTÖRHEAD theme, including a full wall of MOTÖRHEAD artwork, as well as archive memorabilia, plus you can relive a moment in time by visiting a recreation of Lemmy's touring dressing room (attached on to the gallery, accessible from within the gallery marquee). On site this year, Bloodstockers will see the Motörhead Bomber in the arena, witness various bands paying tribute to MOTÖRHEAD in their live sets, and the opening and closing of the festival will be marked with a sounding of the famous MOTÖRHEAD air raid siren. Bloodstock will also welcome MOTÖRHEAD's Phil Campbell to the festival this year and are thrilled to have his participation in these special celebrations. Even more MOTÖRHEAD-themed activations are still in the works, so stay tuned as this exciting development continues coming together.

Standard weekend tickets to Bloodstock, priced at £185 (+ bkg fee) are available now in the 2024 ticket store. Early Bird, VIP and campervan tickets are already sold out.

Bloodstock's 2024 Ronnie James Dio main stage headliners are AMON AMARTH, OPETH, and ARCHITECTS. Across the weekend you can also expect to see CLUTCH, HATEBREED, CARCASS, ENSLAVED, MALEVOLENCE, SATYRICON, ROTTING CHRIST, SYLOSIS, WHITECHAPEL, DEICIDE, GRAND MAGUS, DESERT STORM, THE VINTAGE CARAVAN, SOEN, GREEN LUNG, COMBICHRIST, XENTRIX, EXIST IMMORTAL, ETERNAL CHAMPION, GROVE STREET, MIMI BARKS, CRYPTA, FORBIDDEN, NERVOSA, BEAST IN BLACK, KORPIKLAANI, UNLEASH THE ARCHERS, FLOGGING MOLLY, SEPTIC FLESH, IGORRR, RUIJIN, UNPEOPLE, NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA, HELLRIPPER, INFECTED RAIN, CULTURA TRES, SADUS, LUDOVICO TECHNIQUE, BURNER, RED RUM, EVERGREY, RAISED BY OWLS, TAILGUNNER, SOUTH OF SALEM and ANKOR, with more still to be announced.

Get full festival information over at bloodstock.uk.com.

Bloodstock will take place at Catton Park, Derbyshire on August 8-11.

Lemmy died on December 28, 2015 at the age of 70 shortly after learning he had been diagnosed with cancer.

MOTÖRHEAD had to cancel a number of shows in 2015 because of Lemmy's poor health, although the band did manage to complete the aforementioned European tour a couple of weeks before his death.

In June 2020, it was announced that Lemmy would get the biopic treatment. The upcoming film, "Lemmy", will be directed by Greg Olliver, who previously helmed the 2010 documentary of the same name, "Lemmy".

A custom-made urn containing Lemmy's ashes is on permanent display in a columbarium at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Hollywood, California.

Lemmy’s ashes to live at BLOODSTOCK in 2024

BLOODSTOCK, by arrangement with Motörhead management, have announced that...

Posted by Official Motörhead on Thursday, March 14, 2024
6
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||| 17 ìàð 2024

DANI FILTH On CRADLE OF FILTH's Collaboration With ED SHEERAN: 'People Will Be Surprised By It'

DANI FILTH On CRADLE OF FILTH's Collaboration With ED SHEERAN: 'People Will Be Surprised By It'

Vocalist Dani Filth of British extreme metal titans CRADLE OF FILTH spoke to Czech Republic's Metalshop about the status of the band's long-awaited collaboration with British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran. Dani said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "The thing is [Ed] is obviously one of the biggest artists in the world. [But he is] very humble. When he came to the studio, it was just him — no security; just him with his guitar, [wearing a] CRADLE OF FILTH hoodie. Then we took him to a pub for some lunch, 'cause he was hungry. We had a good day."

He continued: "The song's been done now for about a year and two months. It was done just before Christmas 2022. And the reason for the delay is because we had plans for it, and then his management said, 'Well, he's releasing a record. Can't do it now.' 'He's doing this. Can't do it now.' So we've got a plan for it. It's gonna actually go on our new record, which is due out the end of this year."

Regarding what CRADLE OF FILTH's collaboration with Sheeran sounds like, Dani said: "People will be surprised by it, because it does sound like Ed Sheeran and it does sound like CRADLE OF FILTH. And it's got a blast beat. It's CRADLE OF FILTH with Ed Sheeran. But he plays guitar and he sings like Ed Sheeran as well."

This past January, Dani told Poland's Pełna Kulturka about CRADLE OF FILTH's next studio album: "It's a very heavy record. We just upped the game as a band. We moved one step further toward the future from our previous record. We see everything as an evolution, everything as an evolutionary step, everything as a necessary link in the chain. And this album's gonna be an important record for us — our first for Napalm Records, if you discount, obviously, the live record… But expect the first single probably about September, October time."

Asked if he had heard Sheeran's collaboration with BRING ME THE HORIZON on a new version of the former's "Bad Habits" song, Dani said: "I did hear it, yeah. They decided to do that after we started working [with Ed]. 'Cause we actually did the song with Ed over a year ago now. And before then, the idea happened off the back of 'Bad Habits', the album. So, it's been about two and a half years, and it's probably gonna be three and a half years before anybody actually hears the song. But it is what it is. Obviously, he's one of the biggest artists in the world, and we have to kind of abide by his rules because… He's a lovely guy — don't get me wrong — but his management, obviously, have his vested interest at heart. And I think this year he's taking a complete year off. And obviously we want him in the video, so if that's gonna happen, we have to release that single with him on next year. But that's not gonna affect the rest of the album."

Filth originally broke the news about potentially working with the 33-year-old singer/songwriter, who is one of the most successful musicians on the planet, during an interview with Kerrang! Radio"Breakfast Show" at the 2021 Bloodstock Open Air festival in the U.K. At the time, Dani said: "I've actually been e-mailing with [Ed]… He actually touched base with me. I've been invited up to his place. Well, he said he could come down to mine, but I pointed out to him that I don't own my own bar or village, and it'd be better if I went there.

"He said he'd do anything," he added. "Quite literally. He said he's a massive fan. He seems like a genuinely very nice guy actually."

Filth went on to say the prospect of collaborating with someone like Sheeran is not as far fetched as one might think. "We've always been like that," he explained. 'If someone tells us not to do something, then we'll do it. That's been our prerogative the whole time. I did this rap song with this band called TWIZTID in America. It's actually turned out more like RAMMSTEIN and BEASTIE BOYS than full-on rap. So, in that respect, I think it the Ed Sheeran collaboration would be great fun. I think it'd be great if we did it for charity, because at least it would bring a bit of credibility to it. Because obviously to his public, it'd be, like, Oh my god, he's got this weird comical guy,' and to my public it'd be, like, 'Oh my god, this is a bit weird, isn't it? But I think that sort of thing nowadays works."

In July 2021, Sheeran floated the possibility of exploring a more extreme musical path while speaking to The Sun. He said: "I was really into death metal as a kid. I listened to CRADLE OF FILTH and SLIPKNOT and all that stuff. I'm not saying I could ever step into that world. I learnt all those riffs on guitar as a kid. That's something I've never thought about doing — but something I would not be opposed to creating."

Sheeran had previously dabbled in a variety of genres, including rock, dance, rap and reggae.

After The Sun published Sheeran's comments, Filth posted a screenshot of an article headlined "Ed Sheeran is open to recording a death metal album after spending his youth listening to CRADLE OF FILTH" and wrote in an accompanying caption, "I'll believe it when I see it. Fellow Suffolk lad could come good in the end. 'Dracula's Castle On The Hill' anyone?"

Last May, Dani was asked by BLABBERMOUTH.NET if he envisions the next CRADLE OF FILTH studio album staying in the same vein as "Cryptoriana" or "Existence Is Futile". He responded: "It's not going to be a million miles away from that. I've been working on some of the material today. We're putting the finishing touches on the songs we're going to record, whether all of them make the grade or not. It has a 'Dusk… And Her Embrace' vibe to them. Musically, it plays across 'Dusk' and 'Midian', but lyrically, and the vibe of it, it has a 'Dusk… And Her Embrace' feel to it. I don't know why. History repeats itself. Maybe it's because we wrote 'Dusk' around this particular time of year, but it has that vibe. It sounds great, but I would say that, wouldn't I?"

In April 2023, CRADLE OF FILTH released its first live album in over 20 years, "Trouble And Their Double Lives", via Napalm Records. The LP was recorded between 2014 and 2019 at different performances in the USA, Europe, Australia and beyond during the band's "Cryptoriana" world tour and dates following. Produced, mixed and mastered by Scott Atkins at Grindstone Studios, with recording captured by Danny B, the effort not only features a slew of fan favorites encompassing the band's discography but also two bonus tracks and two entirely brand new songs, "She Is A Fire" and "Demon Prince Regent".

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dani Filth (@danifilthofficial)
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[=||| 17 ìàð 2024

Watch: FOREIGNER Performs Acoustic Set At Tampa's 107.3 THE EAGLE Studios

Watch: FOREIGNER Performs Acoustic Set At Tampa's 107.3 THE EAGLE Studios

On March 7, just before one of their performances in Florida this year, FOREIGNER members Michael Bluestein, Bruce Watson and Luis Maldonado stopped by the 107.3 The Eagle studios in Tampa Bay to perform acoustic versions of two of the band's classic songs, "Feels Like The First Time" and "Cold As Ice". Watch video of their appearance below.

Last month, FOREIGNER founder Mick Jones revealed that his ongoing absences from the band's farewell tour, which began in 2022, have been due to his battle with Parkinson's disease. The 79-year-old musician added that he is "still very much involved in the background with FOREIGNER" and remains "a presence."

Just a week earlier, FOREIGNER was nominated for the 2024 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. The inductees will be announced in late April, with the ceremony returning to Cleveland this fall and again streaming live on Disney+.

To be eligible for a nomination, the artist or band must have released its first commercial recording at least 25 years before the year of nomination.

FOREIGNER's current incarnation includes Jones on guitar, Bluestein on keyboards, Watson on guitar, Maldonado on guitar, Kelly Hansen on vocals, Jeff Pilson on bass and Chris Frazier on drums.

Jones, the sole remaining original member of FOREIGNER, hasn't played a full show with the band for at least a couple of years.

FOREIGNER's "Renegades & Juke Box Heroes" tour with STYX will visit venues across North America starting June 11, 2024 in Michigan

After singer Lou Gramm left FOREIGNER in 2003, Jones took some time off before regrouping a couple years later with an entirely new lineup, featuring Hansen and Pilson, among others.

Gramm was the voice on FOREIGNER's biggest hits, including "Feels Like The First Time" and "Cold As Ice" from the band's eponymous debut in 1977, and later songs like "Hot Blooded" and "I Want To Know What Love Is".
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||| 17 ìàð 2024

MARTY FRIEDMAN Says He Is 'The Biggest MEGADETH Fan Out There', Wishes TEEMU MÄNTYSAARI 'Tons Of Success'

MARTY FRIEDMAN Says He Is 'The Biggest MEGADETH Fan Out There', Wishes TEEMU MÄNTYSAARI 'Tons Of Success'

In a new interview with Ultimate Guitar, former MEGADETH guitarist Marty Friedman was asked if he has had a chance to hear the band with its latest addition, Finnish guitarist Teemu Mäntysaari, who replaced Kiko Loureiro last September. Marty said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I haven't, as a matter of fact, but I'm sure he's doing a great job if he's up there doing it. And I was able to meet him when I played with the band at Wacken [Open Air festival in Germany last August] and he seemed a very, very cool dude. And I wish him tons and tons of success with the band and it's gonna be a big fun ride for him, I'm sure."

Regarding his current relationship with MEGADETH leader Dave Mustaine, Marty said: "Yeah, it's great. We played two wonderful shows [last year] in Budokan [in Tokyo, Japan] and at Wacken Open Air. Yeah, he's a bro. I'm the biggest MEGADETH fan out there."

Friedman rejoined MEGADETH twice on stage in six months last year — first in February 2023 at Tokyo, Japan's famed Budokan and then in early August 2023 at the Wacken Open Air festival in Wacken, Germany.

At the 2023 Wacken Open Air, Marty performed four songs with MEGADETH: "Trust", "Tornado Of Souls", "Symphony Of Destruction" and "Holy Wars... The Punishment Due".

At Budokan, Friedman came up on stage for three songs toward the end of MEGADETH's main set: "Countdown To Extinction", "Tornado Of Souls" and "Symphony Of Destruction".

Last September, Friedman told Metalhead Marv of This Day In Metal about the experience of playing with MEGADETH again:  "It was wonderful. We have a wonderful history together, so when something special like that came up, it was kind of a definite thing that I wanted to do. And we both enjoyed it immensely. And I just hope the fans enjoyed it as much as we did. For us, it was just a really nice, nice thing to do to kind of just put an exclamation point on the thing that we did in the history of the band. And, of course, I'm the biggest fan of whatever they do in my absence and just rooting them on the whole way."

MEGADETH played its first concert with Mäntysaari on September 6, 2023 at Revel in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The 37-year-old Mäntysaari was born in Tampere, Finland and began playing guitar at the age of 12. In 2004, he joined the band WINTERSUN. He has also been a member of SMACKBOUND since 2015.

Mäntysaari stepped into MEGADETH as the replacement for Loureiro, who announced in September 2023 that he would sit out the next leg of MEGADETH's "Crush The World" tour in order to stay home with his children back in Finland.

Loureiro officially joined MEGADETH in April 2015, about five months after Chris Broderick's exit from the group.

In addition to Mustaine and Mäntysaari, MEGADETH's current lineup includes former SOILWORK drummer Dirk Verbeuren and bassist James LoMenzo.
4
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||| 17 ìàð 2024

DUFF MCKAGAN Announces Expanded Digital Edition Of 'Lighthouse' Album

DUFF MCKAGAN Announces Expanded Digital Edition Of 'Lighthouse' Album

GUNS N' ROSES bassist Duff McKagan will release the expanded digital edition of his latest solo album, "Lighthouse", on March 22. The set will feature 19 songs, including previously unreleased studio and live tracks.

Earlier today, Duff premiered professionally filmed video of his first live band performance of "Lighthouse" material, which took place on December 8, 2023 at Easy Street Records in Seattle, Washington.

"Lighthouse" sees McKagan baring more of his artistic spirit than ever before, fusing acoustic elements with hard-edged rock 'n' roll to land at the sweet spot between soul-searching reflection and pure energy. The album was first announced last summer alongside its title track, "Lighthouse", joined by an official visualizer streaming now at the official Duff McKagan YouTube channel.

"Lighthouse" was soon followed by "I Saw God On 10th Street", also joined by an official visualizer. "I Saw God On 10th Street" received immediate praise from such outlets as Kerrang!, Revolver and American Songwriter. "Longfeather" arrived next, hailed by Revolver as "folky, elegiac" and joined by an official music video directed by longtime visual collaborators Connor Ellmann, Kuj Durollari and Arben Durollari. A video for the song "I Just Don't Know (Feat. Jerry Cantrell)" is also available.

Regarding how Jerry Cantrell ended up on the album, Duff told SPIN: "He and I have been playing on each other's demos for years and have known each other since around 1989 or 1990. We watch football together on Sundays and I played a lot of bass on his last solo album. I sent him 'I Just Don't Know' and he was, like, 'Man, this is great. Do you want me to do anything on it?' I said, 'Yeah. A solo.' He brought that beautiful solo and then asked if I needed him to sing, and I said, 'Sure.'"

On the topic of the lyrical inspiration for the "Lighthouse" title track, Duff told Paste: "I try to be somewhat reserved with my lyric writing and, sometimes, have a few meanings — none are wrong. But 'Lighthouse' I wrote as my wife being the lighthouse, my life. Our kids are grown, and she and I have been through so much stuff together. And then we got a worldwide pandemic that we were going through together. The way she really supported me — I had just got my own studio right before COVID started, and I had recorded two songs. I was supposed to be off on a GUNS N' ROSES tour and, of course, that all came crumbling down. I really realized, with her, in our time when you're not in contact with other people, it was just her and I thought, 'Fuck, man, we're solid.' We'd heard about people splitting up during COVID; we got drawn closer to each other during that [time]. I'm a fortunate guy to have met her, that girl Susan Holmes, when I was 32, two years into sobriety — because there was something that clicked and, hopefully, for both of us, that really has made my life make sense. Even in the darkest times, even when I'm suffering a panic attack or some other malady, I still know I have her."

Starting at just 15, McKagan has been a part of such diverse and influential bands as THE VAINS (1979),THE FASTBACKS (1980),THE LIVING (1982),THE FARTZ (1982),10 MINUTE WARNING (1983) and LOADED (1998),along, of course, with his historic role as founding member of both GUNS N' ROSES and VELVET REVOLVER. Produced by three-time Grammy Award winner Shooter Jennings, McKagan's 2019 second solo album, "Tenderness", marked a powerful new chapter for the ever-evolving artist, taking on societal ills and his own personal transgressions against a rich sonic backdrop of Americana-fueled arrangements. Named by Loudwire as one of that year's "50 Best Rock Albums" and hailed by Rolling Stone in a three-and-a-half (out of four)-starred rave as "an album full of beauty and heart…It's music of conscience, heavy songs with a light touch," the album includes the volatile rocker "Chip Away", which earned extraordinary praise from the maestro himself, Bob Dylan, who declared the song a personal favorite.

Along with his prolific musical efforts, McKagan is The New York Times best-selling author of 2011's "It's So Easy: And Other Lies" and 2015's "How To Be A Man: (And Other Illusions)", and the co-host (with Susan Holmes McKagan) of SiriusXM's popular "Three Chords & The Truth" radio show on Ozzy's Boneyard (Ch. 38). McKagan currently serves as a core member of a modern-day "Wrecking Crew" alongside Grammy Award-winning musician/producer Andrew Watt and RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS' Chad Smith, recording and co-writing on such recent albums as Ozzy Osbourne's "Ordinary Man" (2020) and two-time Grammy Award-winning "Patient No. 9" (2022) and Iggy Pop's acclaimed "Every Loser" (2023).
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[=||| 17 ìàð 2024

STAIND's AARON LEWIS Releases New Country Solo Single 'Over The Hill'

STAIND's AARON LEWIS Releases New Country Solo Single 'Over The Hill'

Ahead of the release of Aaron Lewis's next country album "The Hill" (out March 29 via The Valory Music Co.),the STAIND singer today drops "Over The Hill", the third single from the upcoming project.

On "Over The Hill" — written by Lewis, Matt McGinn and Bobby Pinson — Lewis takes the big-picture view, looking back on his 50-plus years with a self-aware sense of pride. Owning both his missteps and moments of clarity, a true everyday American deciding to make his final stand, figuring the climb was ultimately worth the effort.

"'Over The Hill' is the realization that we all make mistakes, take different paths and learn as we go," explains Lewis. "I've embraced it with no regrets."

"The Hill" track listing:

01. Let's Go Fishing (written by: Aaron Lewis, Bobby Pinson)
02. Over The Hill (written by: Aaron Lewis, Matt McGinn, Bobby Pinson)
03. Made In China (written by: Aaron Lewis, Bobby Pinson)
04. Spinnin' (written by: Aaron Lewis, Ira Dean, Jeffrey Steele)
05. Over Me (written by: Aaron Lewis, Ira Dean, Jeffrey Steele)
06. Outlaw (written by: Aaron Lewis, Matt McGinn, Bobby Pinson)
07. Up To Me (written by: Aaron Lewis, Bobby Pinson)
08. That's My Life (written by: Aaron Lewis, Ira Dean, Jeffrey Steele)
09. Only In My Mind (written by: Aaron Lewis, Ira Dean, Jeffrey Steele)
10. Little More Mine (written by: Aaron Lewis, Matt McGinn, Bobby Pinson)

"Made In China" — written by Lewis and Bobby Pinson — offers the loud-and-proud declaration that some things (like Lewis) are still made in the USA. With a dusky dose of down-tuned acoustic balladry, Lewis tributes a brash sense of patriotic pride, built to last and not ashamed to say so.

"I Ain't Made In China" features such lyrics as "I ain't made in China / From all the cheapest parts / I ain't one for driving them imported foreign cars / I'm more like American muscle from 1966 / I ain't made in China / I'm American as it gets / I ain't made by Uyghur kids for pennies on the dollar / I'm made in the USA / It says so on my collar / Tried and true, red, white and blue / My roots run way too thick / yeah, I ain't made in China / 'Cause I'm American as it gets."

"The best songs come from a place of authenticity," explains Lewis. "This one started as a conversation with friends as we picked up items around the room with 'Made In China' stamped on the bottom. And we put pen to paper."

The "Let's Go Fishing" lyrics find the 51-year-old Lewis — an outspoken conservative rocker who reinvented himself as a solo country artist in the last decade — singing about "making America great again", "turning off CNN" and using the "Let's Go, Brandon!" catchphrase, which was coined by American conservatives to criticize President Joe Biden.

According to Fox 26 Houston, the "Let's Go, Brandon!" phrase, which originally stemmed from a NASCAR interview, is a G-rated substitute for "Fuck Joe Biden" chants that were popular during the COVID-19 pandemic. The explicit saying was recited at sporting events across the country in defiance of the president's coronavirus mandates.

After Brandon Brown's victory at the NASCAR Xfinity Series race on October 2, 2021, a crowd unleashed "Fuck Joe Biden" chants during the young racer's TV interview. NBC reporter Kelli Stavast appeared to misunderstand what the fans were shouting, claiming instead they were saying "Let's Go, Brandon!" — unintentionally coining the phrase.

In November 2021, Lewis claimed that he beat COVID-19 by taking ivermectin, a drug with no evidence of being a safe or effective treatment for the novel coronavirus. He said he also used Z-Pak, an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections by inhibiting the growth of bacteria in the body.

Lewis made headlines in September 2021 when he urged his fans to chant "Fuck Joe Biden" during a STAIND concert in Pennsylvania.

In March 2022, Lewis told the Los Angeles Times that he doesn't blindly listen to information that is delivered by the mainstream media.

"I'm not uneducated; I'm actually really smart, and I look for myself. I seek other options of information," he said. "I refuse to believe that a huge, gigantic corporation has our best interest in mind."

Asked where he gets his news, Lewis said: "I have news feeds and people that I follow on Telegram. Dan Ball. Andrew Wilkow. Mark Levin. If I'm gonna watch any sort of news source on television, it's Tucker Carlson."

At some of his solo concerts, Lewis has been taking the stage while wearing a black hat with white mesh and white lettering on the front clearly stating "FUJOE," an expletive directed toward Biden.

Photo credit: Jim Wright
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||| 17 ìàð 2024

Former HYDROGYN Guitarist JEFF WESTLAKE Launches BIG F'N DEAL; "I've Seen The Devil" Video Available

Former HYDROGYN Guitarist JEFF WESTLAKE Launches BIG F'N DEAL; "I've Seen The Devil" Video Available

Former Hydrogyn guitarist / founder JeffWestlake - who put the band to rest in November 2022 - has checked in with the following update:


"There are always things going through ones mind when you have been stricken by the creative bug. I am a musician that loves many different types of music and I never want to lock myself just into one style, so I don't.


Through the years I have been blessed with some amazing voices to help me get my passion across to you in many different styles. Now is no different than it has ever been.




I am proud to be able to bring this new phase to you. This phase will be different than any of the rest, as I have someone who wants to tell stories and be as edgy as possible in the process of telling them. I have wanted to take this avenue for years but just never had that accomplice to truly get the idea across. Now, not only did I get one, but I have blessed with two. We have used a couple different drummers in this process, but the band nucleus has been myself, Sammi DeVille, Alyx St.Clair and Ryan Stepp. This entire story will come out at some point no doubt but we just do not have the time here for it.


Over the next year there will be many videos and a lot of music coming from what will now be known as Big F'N Deal (BFD), fronted by the amazing Sammi DeVille. This track entitled 'I've Seen The Devil' is release one off of the product out this year called Fire. I hope you enjoy it as much as we have. 


All of this comes to you courtesy of Rapid Fire Global Music and Dangerous Doug Music."
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||| 17 ìàð 2024

Former SABATON Guitarist TOMMY JOHANSSON Shares Metal Cover Of LOREEN's "Euphoria" (Video)

Former SABATON Guitarist TOMMY JOHANSSON Shares Metal Cover Of LOREEN's "Euphoria" (Video)

Former Sabaton guitarist / Majestica frontman Tommy Johansson has shared his weekly cover, this time taking on Loreen's "Euphoria", the winner of the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest.





Johansson recentla announced his departure from Sabaton and issued the following statement:




"My dear friends! After seven glorious years of heavy metal, I have decided to step down as the guitarist of Sabaton. This has been the hardest decision I’ve ever made in my entire life.


As many of you may know, I do a lot of things outside of Sabaton. I play with another band, perform with various artists, and have a career as a singer that I’ve put aside for years to focus on Sabaton. After doing this for seven years, I feel it’s time to start following my heart. This means I will no longer tour with my brothers in Sabaton and will not meet all you lovely Sabaton supporters on the upcoming tours with the band.


I will never quit playing music. I’ll still be touring with Majestica and other projects, but not on the same level as Sabaton, of course. I am sure I will meet you lovely fans on the road again in the future.


My brothers in Sabaton and the best crew in the world will forever be my second family, and I will miss spending time with all these wonderful people. We had so much fun together every day. I’ve come to learn so much about life, about music and about touring that I wouldn’t have learned anywhere else.


A massive thank you to all you lovely Sabaton fans for accepting me as the new guitarist in 2016. I am certain you will accept the person who takes over after me.


All the best to you all and I’ll see you again soon!"
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[=||| 17 ìàð 2024

CYHRA Guitarist EUGE VALOVIRTA Releases New Solo Single "Testify" Featuring Vocalist SONNY ELBANNA; Official Video Streaming

CYHRA Guitarist EUGE VALOVIRTA Releases New Solo Single "Testify" Featuring Vocalist SONNY ELBANNA; Official Video Streaming

Cyhra guitarist Euge Valovirta has checked in with the the following update:


"'Testify' (feat. Samy Elbanna) single is out now! Available on all major streaming platforms. Here's  a few for starters."


"Testify" is taken from Valovirta's forthcoming solo album, Hardtones.







Hardtones will be released on May 31st. Pre-order CD, vinyl LP and bundle formats here.





Tracklist:


"Testify" (feat. Samy Elbanna)
"The Game" (feat. Joonas Kosonen & Ben Varon)
"Gone Without A Trace" (feat. Nico Hartonen)
"⁠Pasadena ’78" (feat. Jules Näveri)
"⁠Rock & Roll Unites" (feat. Jake E)
"Fast Living, Slow Suicide" (feat. Olli Herman)
"⁠Going Down The Hole" (feat. Nico Hartonen)
"⁠⁠Not My Time" (feat. Joonas Kosonen & Ben Varon)
"Wake Up" (feat. Pekka Heino)
"⁠Flesh From The Bone" (feat. Samy Elbanna)
"⁠Road Song II" (feat. Nico Hartonen)


"The Game"
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||| 17 ìàð 2024

AMENRA Singer To Release CHVE Solo Album In May; Video Trailer

AMENRA Singer To Release CHVE Solo Album In May; Video Trailer

As the vocalist of Belgian post-metal collective Amenra, Colin H. van Eeckhout is known for his ability to connect with listeners, and to guide them on Amenra’s transformative path to healing. With his solo work as CHVE, he gets to tell his own story – one that aims to take the listener deep within themselves, to tap into something primal that dwells in us all.


Now, CHVE makes his Relapse Records debut with his powerful solo record, Kalvarie - a dark, ritualistic, and atmospheric experience.


Kalvarie is out May 31 on Relapse Records. Physical pre-orders on LP/CD/CS are available here & digital pre-saves are available here.







Kalvarie was recorded and produced by Amenra’s bassist Tim De Gieter, mixed by Seth Manchester and mastered by Matt Colton. The title Kalvarie is a reference to the location where Christ was supposedly crucified, and also the name of the street where Colin went to school. The cover art shows a stone with a gallow on it – another reference to the Calvary hill, and also to the tattoo on Colin’s back, a symbol that has become synonymous with Amenra’s work. As Colin explains, he sees his solo work as connected to Amenra: “This is the story told by 1/5 of Amenra, so there will always be a connection.”


For Colin, CHVE and Kalvarie represent the opportunity for full creative freedom: to experiment with sound without any limitations, and to embrace the vulnerability that comes with creating alone. The hypnotic music of Kalvarie is almost mind-altering, as the droning repetitions of the hurdy gurdy, various percussions and effects meld with the soft otherworldliness of Colin’s voice throughout a single, 15 + minute track titled "Eternit". Though not in the metal realm, the music contains a weight and heaviness on a par with that of Amenra.





(Photo - Guy Kokken)
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||| 17 ìàð 2024

LIPZ Premier "Bang Bang" Music Video

LIPZ Premier "Bang Bang" Music Video

Lipz, the dynamic force in glam rock, have released a video for "Bang Bang", the new single from their sophomore album, Changing The Melody, out now.


Order Changing The Melody here, and watch the new video below.







Changing The Melody tracklisting:


"I’m Going Under"
"Changing The Melody"
"Bang Bang"
"Stop Talk About..."
"Bye Bye Beautiful"
"I’m Alive"
"Freak"
"Secret Lover"
"I Would Die For You"
"Monsterz"


"Bang Bang" video:





"Changing The Melody" video:





"Bye Bye Beautiful" video:





Lipz are:


Alex K Klintberg (Vocals, Guitar)
Koffe K Klintberg (Drums)
Conny Svärd (Guitar)
Chris Young (Bass)
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[=||| 17 ìàð 2024

ARKA'N ASRAFOKOR Release "Angry God Of Earth" Visualizer Video

ARKA'N ASRAFOKOR Release "Angry God Of Earth" Visualizer Video

When Togolese metal five-piece Arka'n Asrafokor [Asrafocore = "Music of the Warriors" ("asrafo" means "warrior" in their mother language)] promised that their latest single, "Walk With Us: was only the beginning, they were more than right as they haven't only prepared another new track, "Angry God Of Earth", alongside a visualizer video, but also launched pre-orders for their self-produced Reigning Phoenix Music label debut. Dzikkuh will be released on May 24.


Stream/download "Angry God Of Earth" here, and watch the video below.


Arka'n Asrafokor state: "'Angry God Of Earth' is an invitation to get back in tune with Mother Earth's rhythms. Not so long ago, we used to listen...watch...feel...what she wanted. Our every moves used to be in tune with Mother Earth's rhythms... We used to see the magic in bowing down to her might and power. Until we decided otherwise and let our egos take the lead...pushing the victory of cupidity over solidarity. And yet, we are only but guests on this planet. Bringing our asrafocore music to the fore, we hope the warning is loud and clear. It is not too late to calm down the fury of our wounded Earth. It is not too late to calm down the 'Angry God of Earth.'"







Pre-order Dzikkuh on CD, pre-save it on your favourite DSP or pre-order it digitally to receive "Angry God Of Earth" and "Walk With Us" instantly, here.





Dzikkuh tracklisting:


"The Truth"
"Not Getting In Line"
"Walk With Us"
"Angry God Of Earth"
"Mamade"
"Asrafo"
"Final Tournament"
"Still Believe"
"Home"
"The Calling"


"Walk With Us" video:





Arka'n Asrafokor are:


Rock Ahavi - guitars, lead vocals
Enrico Ahavi - keyboards, harsh/rap vocals
Francis Amevo - bass
Mass Aholou - percussion
Richard Siko - drums


(Photo - Mouad El Ykb)
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||| 17 ìàð 2024

WHOM GODS DESTROY Launch Lyric Video For "The Decision"; Insanium Album Out Now

WHOM GODS DESTROY Launch Lyric Video For "The Decision"; Insanium Album Out Now

Whom Gods Destroy, the formidable new progressive metal group formed by keyboardist Derek Sherinian, guitarist Ron 'Bumblefoot' Thal, and vocalist Dino Jelusick, along with the potent rhythm section of bassist Yas Nomura and drummer Bruno Valverde, have released their debut album, Insanium, worldwide via InsideOutMusic.


In order to celebrate the album’s release date, Whom Gods Destroy are now launching a lyric video created by Wayne Joyner for the track “The Decision”, which you can check out below.


Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal commented about “The Decision” as follows: “This song is filled with duality - djenty math metal riffs with contrasting slow clean chord movements, vocal and guitar lines answering each other, and lyrics about struggling with a life-and-death decision, with song sections that score differing points of view...hope vs defeat, euphoria vs despair, internally battling it out.”




And Whom Gods Destroy vocalist Dino Jelusick added the following comment about today’s album release: “Super proud of this chaos that we delivered. Each song on this album is a story for itself and it works as a whole. I cannot wait to tour this album and for us to finally play these songs live!"





Insanium is available on Standard CD Jewelcase, Digital Album, Ltd. 2CD Mediabook (with the bonus track “Requiem”, as well as the entire album as bonus instrumental disc) and as Gatefold 2LP & LP-Booklet on 180g. vinyl in the following variants:


- Black 2LP
- Dark Green 2LP (Ltd. 500x copies from www.insideoutshop.de & various other retailers)
- Custard Colored 2LP (Ltd. 1000x copies at all US outlets)


Order here.





Insanium tracklisting:


"In The Name Of War"
"Over Again"
"The Decision"
"Crawl"
"Find My Way Back"
"Crucifier"
"Keeper Of The Gate"
"Hypernova 158"
"Insanium"


"Crawl" video:





"Over Again" video:





"In The Name Of War" video:





Whom Gods Destroy lineup (from left to right in photo at top):


Bruno Valverde - Drums
Yas Nomura - Bass
Dino Jelusick - Vocals
Derek Sherinian - Keyboards
Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal - Guitars


(Photo - Greg Vorobiov)
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||| 17 ìàð 2024

BREAKING BENJAMIN's KEITH WALLEN To Release Infinity Now Solo Album In May; "The Wolf" Video Playing Now

BREAKING BENJAMIN's KEITH WALLEN To Release Infinity Now Solo Album In May; "The Wolf" Video Playing Now

Breaking Benjamin guitarist, Keith Wallen, will drop his new solo album, Infinity Now, on May 3 via Rise Records. Today, Wallen has shared the video for "The Wolf." Watch below.


"'The Wolf' is a song and a concept that I felt a lot of us can identify with," Wallen says. "We've all known those people that for whatever reason we just can't break ourselves away from them. An addiction on every level, all the while knowing it's a toxic situation. You break all those promises to yourself that you'll stay away, but ultimately there you are again."


Commenting on the video, he shares, "The video for 'The Wolf' was shot in a beautiful house in south Nashville. Directed by Courtney Dellafiora, we wanted an intimate look and setting that was reminiscent of waking from a dream in the middle of the night, and then grabbing the guitar and playing the song. The most exciting thing of all with getting to work with 'Bane,' the real live wolf actor and his amazing training staff for the shoot! That was a first for me, and I couldn't be happier how the video turned out."







Pre-save the Infinity Now album here.





Tracklisting:


"Infinity"
"Strings"
"Headspace Holiday"
"The Wolf"
"Don't Fall Asleep"
"Nemesis"
"Blackout"
"Crown of Thorns"
"Crush Me"
"Dear Father"


"Strings" video:





"Headspace Holiday" video:





Wallen will return to the road this spring.
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[=||| 17 ìàð 2024

ABORTED Open The Vault Of Horrors And Release Music Video For "Condemned To Rot" Feat. FRANCESCO PAOLI

ABORTED Open The Vault Of Horrors And Release Music Video For "Condemned To Rot" Feat. FRANCESCO PAOLI

One day before the kickoff of their European tour, Aborted open the Vault Of Horrors as the new album of death metal's finest finally sees the light of the day.


Ten ferocious, gut-wrenching extreme metal slashers await you in this cabinet of horror movie classics. Aborted invited the crème de la crème of the heavy music scene to the party, and on each track of the album you will find a different guest vocalist - diving down into the dark abyss of horror movie culture. So sit back, grab a snack, and crawl down into the Vault Of Horrors. Order your copy here.


But that's not the end of the show for today. Fresh from the grave, the living dead are about to return (again). Feast your eyes on the music video for "Condemned To Rot", featuring Fleshgod Apocalypse's Francesco Paoli, below.







Tracklisting:


"Dreadbringer" (feat. Ben Duerr)
"Condemned To Rot" (feat. Francesco Paoli)
"Brotherhood Of Sleep" (feat. Johnny Ciardullo)
"Death Cult" (feat. Alex Erian)
"Hell Bound" (feat. Matt McGachy)
"Insect Politics" (feat. Jason Evans)
"The Golgothan" (feat. Hal Microutsicos)
"The Shape Of Hate" (feat. Oliver Rae Aleron)
"Naturom Demonto" (feat. David Simonich)
"Malevolent Haze" (feat. Ricky Hoover)


"Condemned To Rot" video:





"Dreadbringer" visualizer:





"Death Cult" video:





Aborted will be on tour with Carnifex, Revocation and Vexed. Dates below:


March
16 - Köln, Germany - Essigfabrik
17 - Berlin, Germany - SO36
19 - Stockholm, Sweden - Slaktkyrkan
20 - Gothenburg, Sweden - Brewhouse
21 - Copenhagen, Denmark - Amager Bio
22 - Hengelo, Netherlands - Metropool GZ
23 - London, UK - Electric Brixton
24 - Manchester, UK - Club Academy
25 - Bristol, UK - SWX
27 - Paris, France - Le Machine Du Rouge
28 - Sint-Niklaas, Belgium - Casino
29 - Pratteln, Switzerland - Z7
30 - Karlsruhe, Germany - Substage
31 - Munich, Germany - Technikum


April
1 - Milan, Italy - Legend
2 - Vienna, Austria - Arena
3 - Prague, Czech Republic - Palac Akropolis
4 - Wrocław, Poland - Zaklęte Rewiry
5 - Leipzig, Germany - Hellraiser
6 - Hamburg, Germany - Markthalle


Aborted are:


Sven de Caluwé - vocals
Ian Jekelis - guitars
Daniel Konradsson - guitars
Ken Bedene - drums


(Photo - Laura Lateralus)
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||| 17 ìàð 2024

NECROPHOBIC Unleash "Mirrors Of A Thousand Lakes" Road Video; In The Twilight Grey Available Now

NECROPHOBIC Unleash "Mirrors Of A Thousand Lakes" Road Video; In The Twilight Grey Available Now

Swedish blackened death metal masters, Necrophobic, have released their 10th studio album, In The Twilight Grey, via Century Media Records.


To celebrate the release, Necrophobic is now sharing a brand new music video for the single, "Mirrors of a Thousand Lakes". The footage was taken from one of the band's rare club shows at M.A.U. Club in Germany back in January 2024 by Paloosa Productions. The performance had such a positive impact on the band that they decided to preserve it and turn it into a “road video” that happened in the magic of the moment that evening.







With over thirty years of activity, nefarious service under their spikes and bulletbelts, Necrophobic are undisputed legends of the death and black metal scene. Formed in 1989 by drummer Joakim Sterner, the Stockholm blackhearts propagated a singular and fearless vision from the very start. Eschewing the self-conscious amateurism and primitive sonics that many of their peers held dear, Necrophobic established a bold and vivid identity of their own, conjuring a densely melodic, but endlessly wicked take on macabre extreme metal that countless lesser bands have since emulated.


Yet again, In The Twilight Grey was produced, mixed and mastered by Fredrik Folkare (of death metal icons Unleashed) at Chrome Studios, Stockholm and engineered in close collaboration by Folkare and the band themselves. For the artwork they teamed up with Jens Rydén, another likeminded institution from the Swedish scene.


The album is available in the following formats:


- Ltd. Deluxe Gatefold combat green 2LP & LP-Booklet & Poster incl. 2 bonus tracks (1.000x)
- Gatefold dark green LP (300x)
- Gatefold black LP
- Ltd. CD Mediabook (comes with a special, extended booklet and 2 bonus tracks)
- Standard CD Jewelcase
- Digital album


Order here.





Tracklisting:


"Grace Of The Past"
"Clavis Inferni"
"As Stars Collide"
"Stormcrow"
"Shadows Of The Brightest Night"
"Mirrors Of A Thousand Lakes"
"Cast In Stone"
"Nordanvind"
"In The Twilight Grey"
"Ascension (Episode Four)"


"As Stars Collide" lyric video:





"Stormcrow" video:





Lineup:


Anders Strokirk - Vocals
Sebastian Ramstedt - Lead & Rhythm guitar
Johan Bergebäck - Rhythm guitar
Tobias Cristiansson - Bass
Joakim Sterner - Drums


(Photo - Jens Rydén)
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||| 17 ìàð 2024

THOMAS ZWIJSEN Performs Acoustic Guitar Cover Of GUNS N' ROSES' "Sweet Child O' Mine"; Video

THOMAS ZWIJSEN Performs Acoustic Guitar Cover Of GUNS N' ROSES' "Sweet Child O' Mine"; Video

Guitarist Thomas Zwijsen has released the new video below, featuring a cover of Guns N' Roses' "Sweet Child O' Mine", performed on classical acoustic guitar.





Zwijsen previously shared acoustic guitar covers of of Metallica's "Enter Sandman", and Bruce Dickinson's new solo song, "Rain On The Graves". Check them out below:
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[=||| 17 ìàð 2024

MARILLION To Release An Hour Before It's Dark: Live In Port Zelande 2023 Album In June; "Reprogram The Gene" Live Video Streaming

MARILLION To Release An Hour Before It's Dark: Live In Port Zelande 2023 Album In June; "Reprogram The Gene" Live Video Streaming

"Reprogram The Gene" (Live in Port Zélande 2023) is the first single taken from Marillion’s upcoming An Hour Before It’s Dark: Live In Port Zélande 2023, an audio-visual masterpiece showcasing the band’s 2022 studio album in its entirety. Watch the video below, and stream the single here.


From Friday, March 17th, to Sunday, March 19th, 2023, the Marillion weekend took place at Center Parcs, Port Zélande, The Netherlands. On Saturday night, Marillion performed their latest album, An Hour Before It’s Dark, in its entirety. Their impressive live shows, with stunning projections and laser effects, add to Marillion’s reputation as being one of the leading musicians of today.


Pre-order the album here.







Tracklisting:


"Be Hard On Yourself"
"Reprogram The Gene"
"Only A Kiss" (Instrumental)
"Murder Machines"
"The Crow And The Nightingale"
"Sierra Leone"
"Care"
"Estonia"
"Afraid Of Sunlight"
"Go!"
"The Space"
"Zeparated Out"


"Reprogram The Gene" (Live in Port Zélande 2023) video:
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||| 17 ìàð 2024

MOB RULES Share Cover Of IRON MAIDEN Classic "Run To The Hills"; Audio

MOB RULES Share Cover Of IRON MAIDEN Classic "Run To The Hills"; Audio

Today, North German metallers, Mob Rules, share their new single, a cover version of Iron Maiden's "Run To The Hills". This is one of three new cover versions included in the upcoming 30th anniversary compilation, Celebration Day - 30 Years Of Mob Rules, out May 3 via Steamhammer/SPV.


Singer Klaus Dirks says about the cover: "Iron Maiden was the band of my youth and The Number Of The Beast is the album that sparked my passion for heavy metal. Iron Maiden still fascinates me to this day. That's why, after such a long time, I felt a real need to pay tribute to this band with our interpretation."


Stream the song here, listen below:







With Celebration Day - 30 Years Of Mob Rules, the band around singer Klaus Dirks announces an extensive compilation of Mob Rules classics with over 150 minutes of playing time spread over two CDs. Consisting of thirty hand-picked songs, including classics such as "Black Rain", "Hollowed Be Thy Name", and "Rain Song", but also songs that have previously seen less of a spotlight.


Klaus explains: "I immediately have to think of 'Way Of The World', which was the last song on our Hollowed Be Thy Name album from 2002. We were able to get ex-Helloween/Masterplan guitarist Roland Grapow for a guest appearance and in the end the eight-and-a-half-minute track became one of the best in our repertoire."


In addition to this amazing cross-section of the band's career, they have included some tracks which were previously only available digitally (as examples, the latest single "Hymn Of The Damned" and the Amon Amarth cover "Raven's Flight"). These tracks were carefully remastered by Markus Teske especially for this compilation.


With three brand new cover songs, Celebration Day - 30 Years Of Mob Rules also contains previously unreleased material. With great attention to detail, the band took on diverse songs such as "Run To The Hills" (Iron Maiden), "Fame" (Irene Cara), and "Square Hammer" (Ghost) and made them their own.


French artist Stan-W Decker (Primal Fear, Blue Öyster Cult, Rage) was enlisted for the visual design of the anniversary release, creating the perfect setting with a breathtaking cover illustration containing numerous cross-references to the Mob Rules band history.


All in all, every detail of Celebration Day - 30 Years Of Mob Rules displays the high-quality standards of a band that has never done things by halves. Here's to the next 30 years!


Pre-Order Celebration Day - 30 Years of Mob Rules here.





Tracklisting:
 
CD1
"Way Of The World"
"Run To The Hills" (Iron Maiden cover)
"Fame" (Irene Cara cover)
"Square Hammer" (Ghost cover)
"Ghost Town" (re-recorded)
"Sacred Heart" (Dio cover)
"Ghost Of A Chance"
"Hollowed Be Thy Name"
"Sinister Light"
"Black Rain"
"Ice & Fire"
"Somerled"
"Flag Of Life"
"Unholy War"
"Fuel To The Fire"


CD2
"Raven's Flight" (Amon Amarth cover)
"Hymn Of The Damned"
"Lord Of Madness" (re-recorded)
"Evolution's Falling"
"Shores Ahead"
"Hydrophobia"
"Hold Back The Light"
"Tele Box Fool"
"Desperate Son"
"The Sirens"
"Better Morning"
"Trial By Fire"
"On The Edge"
"Rain Song"
"Dykemaster's Tale"





Mob Rules live dates:


May
3 - Bremen, Germany - Meisenfrei
4 - Duisburg, Germany - Parkhaus Meiderich
5 - Waldbronn, Germany - Soundcheck One
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||| 17 ìàð 2024

LEE AARON Reveals Music Video For "Tattoo" From Upcoming Covers Album

LEE AARON Reveals Music Video For "Tattoo" From Upcoming Covers Album

With "Tattoo", the one and only Lee Aaron reveals the first single taken from her forthcoming new studio album, Tattoo Me, set for international release on April 26 via Metalville Records.


Says Lee about "Tattoo": "I've always thought songs are like tattoos. Tattoos are permanent on the skin, but songs are permanent on the soul. When I heard this tune (by the 77s) about a decade ago, I knew I wanted to record it one day. It had a gritty, Stonesy, glam-rock vibe, and I loved the sentiment - tattoo me on YOU. Over the years, I've had many fans get tattoos of my signature, and that's about the highest compliment they could ever give me besides loving the music, too."


Watch the video for "Tattoo" below.







“Songs are like tattoos” - the famous first line of Joni Mitchell’s Blue – is a sentiment that has always resonated deeply for Canadian rocker Lee Aaron.


Eighteen albums into her career, Aaron has written, recorded, and produced music achieving gold and multi-platinum sales. Recognized as one of Canada’s top rock vocalists, she’s also made forays into jazz, blues, and even opera, receiving numerous awards and accolades and, most recently, a 2023 induction into Canada’s Walk Of Fame.


“The one thing I’d never done was a full covers album,” says Aaron. “It seemed like a really cool and super-fun project to tackle at this point…”


Taking a nostalgic journey, Tattoo Me pays homage to musical trailblazers who helped shape her own artistic path. As a reflection of her eclectic taste, yet in keeping with a profound respect for the greats, these 11 dynamic tracks are a unique tapestry of influences that transcend era and genre.


“It started out as a heartfelt nod to artists we’d been influenced by in our youth, but the truth is, we didn’t stop being influenced or being fans at 18, so the list kept evolving. It covers a few decades and a few unconventional choices, but it was incredibly rewarding to make!” she states.


Each track is a labor of love, infused with Aaron and her band’s signature rock ’n’ roll swagger, yet in keeping with a sense of reverence for the originals.


The album was produced by Aaron in her Vancouver studio and mixed by multi-media genius Frank Gryner (Rob Zombie, L7, Def Leppard, Larkin Poe, Ian Hunter, and more).


“One of the positive things that came out of the pandemic was that we all upgraded our home studios and got very good at engineering and recording ourselves. No one was under the pressure of a studio clock, so the performances are as genuine as they’re gonna get.”


From the sizzling blues-rock of 1960's Nina Simone’s “The Pusher,” to the rebellious energy of 1972 Alice Cooper’s “Is It My Body,” Aaron growls, purrs, whispers, and wails, sounding like she’s having an absolute blast infusing these songs with her own fiery spirit. Her voice is as versatile and powerful as ever.


Standout tracks include a rendition of Led Zeppelin's “What Is And What Should Never Be,” Heart’s “Even it Up,” and Hole’s “Malibu.” Stellar performances by Aaron’s long-term band - Sean Kelly (guitar), Dave Reimer (bass), and John Cody (drums) - effortlessly channel these '70s and '80s rock giants and seem to capture the original magic of each of the tunes.


Another gem is Aaron's take on Elton John’s “Someone Saved My Life Tonight”. Kelly’s gorgeous acoustic guitars create the soundscape, then strings and lush harmonies support her stirring vocal performance. The tribute is passionate and heartfelt. She reflects, “I spent hours and hours laying on my basement floor with headphones listening to 'Someone Saved My Life Tonight' on repeat. I desperately wanted someone to save me from my boring life when I was a teenager…music ended up being that for me.”


The album also takes some unexpected turns, with delightful interpretations of songs from a diverse range of artists, including mid '90s BritPop band Elastica, California’s 77’s, and the Undertones. Each track echoes the vibe of the era while seamlessly fitting into the lineage of Aaron's own storied career.


Tattoo Me is a sonic time capsule, bridging the decades. Once again, cementing her status as a rock ’n’ roll chameleon, Aaron blends the old and the new, proving not only that the transcendent power of music never stops, but that she herself isn’t ready to anytime soon.





Tattoo Me tracklisting:


"Tattoo"
"Are You Gonna Be My Girl"
"Even It Up"
"What Is And What Should Never Be"
"Is it My Body"
"Go Your Own Way"
"The Pusher"
"Malibu"
"Someone Saved My Life Tonight"
"Connection"
"Teenage Kicks"


"Tattoo" video:





Lineup:


Lee Aaron - lead vocals
Sean Kelly - guitars
Dave Reimer - bass
John Cody - drums
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[=||| 17 ìàð 2024

Ex-JUDAS PRIEST Guitarist K.K. DOWNING On RICHIE FAULKNER: 'He's A Nice Lad And A Very Good Player'

Ex-JUDAS PRIEST Guitarist K.K. DOWNING On RICHIE FAULKNER: 'He's A Nice Lad And A Very Good Player'

In a recent interview with the "Iron City Rocks" podcast, founding JUDAS PRIEST guitarist Kenneth "K.K." Downing spoke about what it was like to reunite with his former band for a performance at the 2022 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "[FOO FIGHTERS frontman] Dave [Grohl] did come into our dressing room because me and Les [Binks, former JUDAS PRIEST drummer, who was also being inducted] — everything was segregated; there was me and Les Binks, and there was the rest of the guys [in the current lineup of PRIEST]. But Richie [Faulkner, current PRIEST guitarist and K.K.'s replacement] came into our dressing room, and we had a great laugh… Richie, it's a great opportunity for him and I wish him well. He's a nice lad and, obviously, a very good player. But he came in. We had some good laughs. Dave Grohl came in, because Dave is such a down-to-earth person, and he's such a music fan. And he's so grounded, Dave Grohl. I mean, I really do admire him."

Downing added: "Yeah, we had some good laughs, really. Um. And that was it, really. I get on exceptionally well also with Andy [Sneap, PRIEST producer and touring guitarist]. Andy Sneap's a great guy — he's a lovely guy and such a talent. I've known Andy a long time. And that was it, really. I just went on there and did my thing. And that was it."

Last November, Downing told Spain's The Metal Circus that reuniting with his former band for the Rock Hall was "a weird experience, because I was delighted when I was informed by JUDAS PRIEST management that we were being inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. But then I was gutted, myself and Les Binks, the drummer, when the management wrote to us and said, 'Just to let you know, you are guests of the band.' And I'm thinking, 'Oh, fuck. Here we go. We can't just all go up there and have a really nice time. It's gonna be like that.' So that's the way it was — separate slides, separate dressing rooms, separate hotels. Couldn't walk the red carpet with them. And I'm thinking, 'This is really disappointing.' I devoted my life to this, to that band. I devoted my life. I never left that band to record with other musicians, like Rob [Halford, PRIEST singer] did and Glenn [Tipton, PRIEST guitarist] did. I was loyal and true to JUDAS PRIEST because I started it. I introduced those guys into the band, and I was devoted to it, and I'm getting treated like this. And I'm thinking, 'This is bullshit.'"

Downing continued: "But anyway, I went there with Les. I said, 'C'mon. We'll go to L.A. Let's have a few beers and enjoy it as good as we can.' And that's what we did. But the onstage experience, to me, didn't really resemble what I remember. You know, you've got two drummers, three guitar players. I'm thinking, 'This a jam session. But anyway, I'm just gonna enjoy it and rock out.' And that's what I did."

Downing also talked about his Rock Hall reunion with PRIEST during a September 2023 appearance on SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk". At the time, he said: "I deliberated [about attending the event]. I'm thinking, 'It's a long, long way to go, 'cause I'm not exactly sure how it's gonna all pan out.' But both myself and Les Binks, we were delighted when we heard from the management that we were gonna be inducted. That was great. But shortly after that, we had another e-mail saying, 'Just to let you know that you and Les are guests of the band.' So straight off the bat, I'm thinking, 'Oh, here we go. This is not exactly how I thought it would go.' And then, obviously, we were kept segregated — flights, dressing rooms, hotels, the red carpet — so it was just total segregation. And that was it."

He continued: "I really must [give a] shoutout to Richie. Richie was great. He came in the dressing room a couple of times. We had a good few laughs. Because lots of people were coming to our dressing room. It was good. Dave Grohl popped his head in, 'cause he's such a lovely guy, so down to earth, and that was funny. We had a few laughs. And it was great. [I] didn't say anything to the other guys, but there it is. But to be honest, once I got on that stage and I did it, I was glad that I did it, because I think that, justifiably, I kind of earned that, really. And there was some energy — there was a lot of energy from myself and Richie — because I think Richie was thinking, 'I've gotta go toe-to-toe with this guy. Otherwise I'm just gonna look like a shadow or something.' But it was good. We worked it well together. But I have to be honest, it just didn't feel like it used to; it was far from it. I think we had — well, we had two drummers and three guitar players. So that's one reason why it didn't quite seem the same as before, really. But, yeah, it was fun, like I say. I'm so glad that I made the decision to go in the end."

Downing also discussed his reunion with PRIEST in a separate interview with Marko Syrjälä of Chaoszine, saying that the whole event was a bit surreal, seeing as none of the other artists being inducted into the Rock Hall were even remotely close to metal.

"Even right up until the performance, I wasn't sure," Downing admitted. "I kept saying to myself, 'Am I doing the right thing here? Is this really heavy metal? I'm with a bunch of guys that fucking hate me.' I'm looking at Ed Sheeran. I'm looking at Dolly Parton. I'm thinking, 'Fuck it. Am I in the right place? Is it all a dream?' [Laughs] I'm thinking, 'Oh, what the hell? Just grab the guitar and do it and get to the pub.' And that's what I did. I came off stage, put my clothes on, went straight back to the hotel bar and I had some beers and it was great."

K.K. also confirmed that he did have a brief chat with PRIEST singer Rob Halford at the Rock Hall. "Rob came over to me, and I [initially] didn't wanna speak to him, because he left the band for 14 years and I was instrumental in reinstating him back in the band, having him back in," Downing said. "And then he tells me that I can't rejoin the band. How does that work? I don't know how that works."

According to K.K., "it's Glenn [Tipton] and [PRIEST's longtime manager] Jayne [Andrews] who make all the decisions [for the band], and, I hate to say it, but Rob is just… I really think that… The only reason I spoke to Rob [at the Rock Hall] is because I think he's being controlled. That's the only reason. I don't believe that Rob voted not to have me [back] in [PRIEST]. I think he was forced to. I think Rob would have voted me in. But it was their choice. And now Richie's off doing his own thing with [his side project] ELEGANT WEAPONS and everything. So it's not looking great for him, really, is it?"

PRIEST received the Musical Excellence Award at the 2022 Rock Hall, which honored Eminem, Dolly Parton, DURAN DURAN, Lionel Richie, Pat Benatar, EURYTHMICS and Carly Simon in the Performers category.

The JUDAS PRIEST members who got inducted include current members Halford, Ian Hill (bass),Tipton and Scott Travis (drums),along with former members Downing, Binks and late drummer Dave Holland.

Halford, Hill, Tipton and Travis were joined by Binks, Downing and Faulkner for a three-song medley consisting of "You've Got Another Thing Comin'", "Breaking The Law" and "Living After Midnight".

Downing left PRIEST in 2011 amid claims of band conflict, shoddy management and declining quality of performance.

In 2019, Downing said that he reached out to JUDAS PRIEST about taking part in the band's 50th-anniversary tour but that their response was that they were not interested in including him in the celebrations.

In 2018, Downing revealed that he sent two resignation letters to his bandmates when he decided to quit JUDAS PRIEST. The first was described as "a graceful exit note, implying a smooth retirement from music," while the second was "angrier, laying out all of his frustrations with specific parties."

Downing later said that he believed the second letter was "a key reason" he wasn't invited to rejoin PRIEST after Tipton's decision to retire from touring.

JUDAS PRIEST was on the ballot for Rock Hall induction in 2020, but failed to receive enough votes to make that year's class.

Having been eligible for induction since 1999, PRIEST was also on the ballot for the 2018 class of the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, but was ultimately left out of the inductee list.

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||| 17 ìàð 2024

RICHIE FAULKNER Praises TIM 'RIPPER' OWENS-Era JUDAS PRIEST Albums: 'I Think They're Great'

RICHIE FAULKNER Praises TIM 'RIPPER' OWENS-Era JUDAS PRIEST Albums: 'I Think They're Great'

In a new interview with Poland's Eska Rock, JUDAS PRIEST guitarist Richie Faulkner was asked for his opinion on the two Tim "Ripper" Owens-era PRIEST albums — 1997's "Jugulator" and 2001's "Demolition" — which were recorded more than a decade before he joined the band. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I dig those records. Like all records, there are some tracks that you like more than others, as you go through those two records. But I could see, as a fan, I could understand what they were doing at that time. There's some great tracks on there — 'Hell Is Home', 'Machine Man'. There's some great songs on there, 'Cathedral Spires' is a fan favorite. So, yeah, I dig 'em. They're different — even down to the logo; the logo was different. I think they knew they were doing something different."

He continued: "I know that [those albums have] got a lot of hate over the years, but I think that time gives things new context, and I think you see a lot of love for those records as well, when you see, like on Facebook and stuff or you talk to fans. There's a lot of love for those records, given the time it's been out and reflection and context and stuff. So yeah, I dig 'em. I think they're great."

Owens joined PRIEST in 1996 after being discovered when the band's drummer was given a videotape of him performing with the PRIEST cover band BRITISH STEEL. JUDAS PRIEST at the time was seeking a replacement for Rob Halford, who has since rejoined the band.

Last month, former JUDAS PRIEST guitarist K.K. Downing, who is in a new band with Tim called KK'S PRIEST, lamented the absence of the two Owens-era PRIEST albums from the streaming music services, telling "THAT Rocks!": "It just seems like they've — the desire is to want to erase those songs, which is extremely unfair, really, because it's a part of my musical history, Tim's musical history, and [it's] very, very sad. Not to make those albums available to the fans is just crazy, really.

"[KK'S PRIEST] just did a festival at the end of last year, and we played 'Burn In Hell' [from 'Jugulator']. And I think just that one song from that one festival had about 90,000 hits [on YouTube], and considerably more than other songs that we played in the set — KK'S PRIEST and JUDAS PRIEST songs."

Back in 2019, JUDAS PRIEST bassist Ian Hill was asked in an interview with "Rock Talk With Mitch Lafon" if the unavailability of the Owens-era PRIEST albums was a rights-related issue or if it was a deliberate attempt to bury that part of PRIEST's past. Hill responded: "It's an odd one, really, because there's some good material on both of those albums. And Ripper is a terrific vocalist, and he did a tremendous job on 'Jugulator' and 'Demolition'. And why they're not for sale has got nothing to do with us — put it like that. Whether it's a contractual thing between Sony and whoever owns the copyrights to those albums, I don't know. But it is a shame, because there's some good material there. And as a band, it's still JUDAS PRIEST. I know it wasn't the trademark lineup, but it was still JUDAS PRIEST nonetheless. So, it's disappointing — if that's true that the material is not available. It really is."

A few years ago, Tim told "Rock Talk With Mitch Lafon" that he was a little miffed by the fact that fans cannot find the music that he made with PRIEST on any of the music-streaming services or other online retailers. "My issue is I would like to buy the records," he said. "I'd like to buy some to even sell when I'm touring solo, but you can't when they're kind of gone. And that's only the thing I talk about… If they were out there, I could maybe buy 'em at cost and sell 'em at my concerts. That would be kind of cool. Then I'd have my whole catalog."

In a 2021 interview with Classic Rock magazine, Halford was asked if he has ever listened to "Demolition" and "Jugulator". "No. I still haven't," he said. "This might sound selfish, but because it's not me singing, I'm not attracted to it. I sound like a twat, but I'm really just not interested. And that's no disrespect to Ripper, 'cause he's a friend of mine."

Halford went on to say that he first met Owens "when the band went through Ohio, [and Tim] came to the show. Was it awkward? Not in the least," he said. "We gave each other a hug. He's a massive PRIEST fan, and when the opportunity came for me to go back, he was, like, 'Thumbs up, it's great. I'm happy for the band, I'm happy for Rob.' I respect his chops; he's a great singer."

Two decades ago, Halford explained why he was reluctant to hear "Jugulator". "It's just too difficult for me to listen to the band when I'm not in it, and that's nothing to do with taking a shot at Ripper," he said. "I just can't listen to it. It's just psychological. I should just put it on and listen to the fucking thing, but then if I do, [interviewers] will say, 'Well have you heard it?', and I'll go, 'Yeah', and then you'll go, 'What do you think?', and I don't want to do that. I don't want to be put in that situation. I just love all the things that I've done with the band and I'm happy to be a part of that great legacy and that's all. You want to treat it with respect because that's what it deserves."

In October 2020, Halford told "The SDR Show" that he would "absolutely" be open to performing material from "Demolition" and "Jugulator" with PRIEST. "Those two albums are just as valid as everything else in the PRIEST catalog," he explained. "So who knows? That day may yet come."

A year earlier, Faulkner said that "Hell Is Home" is one of his favorite songs from the Owens era. The PRIEST guitarist, who joined the band in 2011 as the replacement for Downing, offered his opinion during a live video chat. He said: "I was listening to the Ripper albums the other day, and 'Hell Is Home' is such a great track. It's really heavy and the vocal melody is really great. I think Ripper sings it really well. It's probably one of my favorite PRIEST songs of the Ripper era. 'Hell Is Home' — I really like that."
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||| 17 ìàð 2024

TIM "RIPPER" OWENS On Touring With KK's PRIEST - "One Of The Biggest Complaints I Seem To Get From Fans Is That They Want To Hear More Of My JUDAS PRIEST-Era Songs"

TIM "RIPPER" OWENS On Touring With KK's PRIEST - "One Of The Biggest Complaints I Seem To Get From Fans Is That They Want To Hear More Of My JUDAS PRIEST-Era Songs"

WOUB’s Nicholas Kobe recently interviewed KK’s Priest / former Judas Priest vocalist Tim “Ripper” Owens. The band is currently on tour in the US for the first time.


Following is an excerpt from the chat.


Q: Looking at the tour’s setlist so far, there’s a mix of new and old stuff. Do you have any particular philosophy behind what tracks you choose to put on a set list and why?




Owens: "I think a lot of this setlist was originally put together for the festivals last summer. We will probably put more of my Judas Priest-era songs in the set eventually. Obviously we’re going to be playing more KK’s Priest songs coming up, but right now we’re still playing off of that setlist. When you make a festival setlist, you have to try to do it for a wider audience because a lot of the festival crowds aren’t there for you. You’ve got to make a setlist that’s got a little bit of everything.


Some people complain that they don’t want to hear 'Breaking the Law' again; and to be honest, I don’t want to hear 'Breaking the Law' either, but when you’re on stage and you play that song - the diehard KK Priest fans and Judas Priest fans, they’re sick of that song - but the weirdest thing is that when you’re on stage and you go into that song, the people, in general, just go crazy. So you have to make a setlist that’s going to make everybody happy. We’re doing half KK’s Priest songs and half classic Priest songs that K.K. wrote."


Q: You were just touching on it, about your two records with Judas Priest and incorporating that more into the set list. How do you look back on those records, especially within the context of KK’S Priest?


Owens: "They were great records and it’s funny, one of the biggest complaints I seem to get from fans is that they want to hear more of my Judas Priest-era songs. I think one song that will go in the set in the future is 'One-on-One', which is one of my favorites off Demolition. It’s a great fit for everything and it’s nice that the fans want to hear those songs."


Read the complete interview here.


KK's Priest's first ever US tour kicked off on March 7 in Fort Lauderdale, FL and featurs support from special guests L.A. Guns and Napalm Records label mates Burning Witches. This tour is scheduled to be the first of at least a two leg US tour, planned to continue later in 2024.


Tickets for this monumental tour are on sale now. Check local venues or visit kkspriest.com to buy yours.





Tour dates:


March
15 - St. Charles, IL - Arcada Theatre
16 - Columbus, OH - King Of Clubs
17 - Pittsburgh, PA - Stage Ae
19 - Newport, KY - Megacorp Pavilion
20 - Cleveland, OH - Agora Theater
22 - Sayreville, NJ - Starland Ballroom
23 - Patchogue, NY - Patchogue Theatre
24 - Glenside, PA - Keswick Theatre


KK's Priest is:


Tim "Ripper" Owens - Vocals
K.K. Downing - Guitar
A.J. Mills - Guitar
Tony Newton - Bass
Sean Elg - Drums


(Photo - Mind Art Visual)
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[=||| 17 ìàð 2024

JUDAS PRIEST's 'Invincible Shield' Is Band's Highest-Charting Album Ever In U.K.

JUDAS PRIEST's 'Invincible Shield' Is Band's Highest-Charting Album Ever In U.K.

JUDAS PRIEST has landed its highest-ever U.K. chart position with its latest album, "Invincible Shield".

The British heavy metal legends' 19th studio LP entered the official U.K. chart at No. 2, just behind Ariana Grande's "Eternal Sunshine".

Prior to "Invincible Shield"'s arrival, PRIEST's highest U.K. chart achievement was with 1980's "British Steel", which reached No. 4.

PRIEST's 2018 album "Firepower" entered the chart at No. 5.

"Invincible Shield" is JUDAS PRIEST's fifth Top 10 album, after the aforementioned "British Steel" and "Firepower", as well as 2014's "Redeemer Of Souls" (No. 6) and the 1979 live album "Unleashed In The East" (No. 10).

"Invincible Shield" has already landed at No. 1 in Germany and Sweden, with other European countries to follow.

The release date for PRIEST's follow-up to 2018's "Firepower" was announced last October during the band's performance at the Power Trip festival in Indio, California.

After BLACK SABBATH's "War Pigs" played as the intro to PRIEST's set, a graphic was displayed on the video screens announcing "Invincible Shield".

In a recent interview with Meltdown of Detroit's WRIF radio station, JUDAS PRIEST guitarist Richie Faulkner spoke about "Invincible Shield". Asked about his previous comment that the follow-up to 2018's "Firepower" would be "a little bit more progressive", he clarified: "I think 'progressive' means different things to different people, so it's not super, super complex DREAM THEATER magic, but I think it's complex and progressive in the way that there's some twists and turns and it doesn't really follow any scripts if it doesn't have to. There's two solos in [the LP's first single, 'Panic Attack']. There's a part in it that's 7/8 time [signature]. There's two kind of bridges. So it just goes out of the box a little bit, without being unaccessible, that's what I mean. So I think compared with 'Firepower', it's a little bit more progressive, a few more twists and turns along the journey of the song."

Asked what the inspiration was to make the music a bit more progressive this time around, Richie said: "That was the stuff we were coming up with. When I come up with music, it's usually the riffs first. I sit down with the guitar and the guitar kind of pulls it out of me, really, wherever it comes from. And it just so happened that some of those parts were a bit more unorthodox, time-changey stuff or different time signatures. And the record takes on its own character by itself. As you write a record, you might have an idea of where you wanna go, but the record takes on its own flavor by itself, and you go with that — you recognize where it's going and go with that. So, that's what we were coming up with, and sort of went with that mindset, really."

Regarding his own personal contributions to the songwriting process on "Invincible Shield", Faulkner said: "Well, it's a fairly shared thing. I'm not a lyricist, and obviously Rob [Halford, PRIEST singer] is, for example. Me and Glenn [Tipton, PRIEST guitarist] write a lot of the guitar parts and musical parts and Rob writes a lot of the vocals and vocal melodies. And Rob's got a great sense of phrasing as well. He might come in one day with an idea for a song and it's got some melody and it's got some timing and you can attach yourself to that timing and come out with a riff. So it's kind of — we get in a room, like me and you put a band together, and 'what have you got?' and 'what have I got?' and we put them together and come up with new songs. And it's fairly organic like that."

Richie also addressed the fact that the main "Invincible Shield" album contains 11 songs, with three additional tracks being made available on various versions of the album. He said: "We wanted to keep it around 10, 11 tracks on the main record. But the bonus tracks, we didn't wanna put them on the shelf never to see the light of day. We wanted to get them out. We wanted people to hear those as well without being part of the standard release. So we released everything we had in different formats."

Faulkner then elaborated on the musical direction of "Invincible Shield", saying: "It's a pretty intense record. There's no real moment where there's a ballad or something like that. It stays up there.

"When you release a record, it's exciting," he explained. "It's also scary at the same time, 'cause is it gonna be well received or not? You never quite know when you let it out in the world. So it's an exciting time, for sure."

Bassist Ian Hill is the sole remaining original member of PRIEST, which formed in 1969. Halford joined the group in 1973 and Tipton signed on in 1974. Rob left PRIEST in the early 1990s to form his own band, then came back to PRIEST in 2003. Original guitarist K.K. Downing parted ways with the band in 2011, and was replaced by Faulkner.
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||| 17 ìàð 2024

Watch KK'S PRIEST Perform In St. Charles, Illinois During First-Ever U.S. Tour

Watch KK'S PRIEST Perform In St. Charles, Illinois During First-Ever U.S. Tour

KK'S PRIEST, which features former JUDAS PRIEST members K.K. Downing (guitar) and Tim "Ripper" Owens (vocals),alongside guitarist A.J. Mills (HOSTILE),bassist Tony Newton (VOODOO SIX) and drummer Sean Elg (DEATHRIDERS, CAGE),played the seventh show of its 2024 U.S. tour on March 15 at Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, Illinois. Fan-filmed video of the concert can be seen below (courtesy of MusicJunkie422, among other YouTube channels).

According to Setlist.fm, KK'S PRIEST's setlist was as follows:

01. Hellfire Thunderbolt
02. One More Shot At Glory
03. The Ripper (JUDAS PRIEST song)
04. Reap The Whirlwind
05. Night Crawler (JUDAS PRIEST song)
06. Burn In Hell (JUDAS PRIEST song)
07. Beyond The Realms Of Death (JUDAS PRIEST song)
08. Hell Patrol (JUDAS PRIEST song)
09. Brothers Of The Road
10. The Green Manalishi (With The Two Prong Crown) (FLEETWOOD MAC Cover)
11. Breaking The Law (JUDAS PRIEST song)
12. Victim Of Changes (JUDAS PRIEST song)

Encore:

13. Strike Of The Viper
14. Raise Your Fists

KK'S PRIEST's first-ever U.S. headlining tour, which features support from L.A. GUNS and BURNING WITCHES, kicked off on March 7 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The tour will be the first of at least a two-leg USA run of shows, planned to continue later in 2024.

KK'S PRIEST's sophomore album, "The Sinner Rides Again", came out in September 2023 via the Austrian label Napalm Records.

KK'S PRIEST made its live debut on July 6, 2023 at Downing's KK's Steel Mill in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom.

KK'S PRIEST kicked off a five-date "Priests, Killers & Witches" U.K. tour on October 7, 2023 at O2 Institute in Birmingham.

K.K. formed KK'S PRIEST after JUDAS PRIEST turned down his offer to rejoin the band for their 50th-anniversary tour. It followed a couple of celebrated stage appearances, first with former MANOWAR guitarist Ross The Boss in the summer of 2019, then with a one-off lineup that included former MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson and former PRIEST drummer Les Binks later that year.

KK'S PRIEST released its debut album, "Sermons Of The Sinner", in October 2021 via Explorer1 Music Group/EX1 Records.

Downing spent four months writing and recording "Sermons Of The Sinner" and, along with new ideas, he even resurrected a few archived riffs from the 1980s.

Downing was reunited with JUDAS PRIEST for a performance at the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony in November 2022 at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

PRIEST received the Musical Excellence Award at the event, which honored Eminem, Dolly Parton, DURAN DURAN, Lionel Richie, Pat Benatar, EURYTHMICS and Carly Simon in the Performers category.

Downing left PRIEST in 2011 amid claims of band conflict, shoddy management and declining quality of performance. He was replaced by Richie Faulkner, nearly three decades his junior.

In 2019, Downing said that he reached out to JUDAS PRIEST about taking part in the band's 50th-anniversary tour but that their response was that they were not interested in including him in the celebrations.

In 2018, Downing revealed that he sent two resignation letters to his bandmates when he decided to quit JUDAS PRIEST. The first was described as "a graceful exit note, implying a smooth retirement from music," while the second was "angrier, laying out all of his frustrations with specific parties."

Downing later said that he believed the second letter was "a key reason" he wasn't invited to rejoin PRIEST after Glenn Tipton's decision to retire from touring.

Owens joined PRIEST in 1996 and recorded two studio albums with the band — 1997's "Jugulator" and 2001's "Demolition" — before PRIEST reunited with Rob Halford in 2003.
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||| 17 ìàð 2024

QUEEN Guitarist BRIAN MAY On FREDDIE MERCURY - "People Think He Was Just Concerned With The Lighter Stuff But It’s Not True; Freddie Was A Good Riffmeister, He Did Enjoy The Heavy Stuff, Too"

QUEEN Guitarist BRIAN MAY On FREDDIE MERCURY - "People Think He Was Just Concerned With The Lighter Stuff But It’s Not True; Freddie Was A Good Riffmeister, He Did Enjoy The Heavy Stuff, Too"

In a world-exclusive interview with Total Guitar, guitar legend Brian May takes you behind-the-scenes of the making of 13 iconic Queen cuts, and reveals what inspired his magical guitar playing in "Bohemian Rhapsody", "Killer Queen", "Don’t Stop Me Now" and many more. An excerpt from the interview is available below.


Total Guitar: In previous interviews with Total Guitar you’ve spoken about the guitar solo in 'Bohemian Rhapsody', but let’s talk now about that song’s end section, in which the band really rocks out. It was Freddie’s song, so did he have all of it planned out, or was that rock section worked out with you?


Brian May: “It was more Freddie’s idea. Freddie had that riff in his head and he played it on the piano, which is quite difficult because he plays in octaves. I just worked off that and slightly adapted it to the way a guitar needs to play it. 




“And I was able to do a lot of interesting stuff with sounds because in Bohemian Rhapsody, I pretty much use every sound that my guitar can create with different pickup combinations. So even during the course of those riffs, the sound is changing because there are different guitars coming in with different pickups selections. 


“But it’s funny – Freddie was a good riffmeister, really! That riff for 'Ogre Battle' (from 1974’s Queen II), a lot of people think that’s mine, but that came out of Freddie’s head. So he had very good ‘heavy’ sensibilities. He was a devotee of Jimi Hendrix. People think he was just concerned with the lighter stuff but it’s not true. He did enjoy the heavy stuff, too.”


Read the complete interview here.
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[=||| 17 ìàð 2024

GOTHMINISTER Presents "One Dark Happy Nation", New Album Single & Music Video Out Now

GOTHMINISTER Presents "One Dark Happy Nation", New Album Single & Music Video Out Now

Earlier this year, Norwegian gothic industrial metal act GOTHMINISTER received remarkable international attention with his new single ‘We Come Alive", that got chosen to compete in the Norwegian Melodi Grand Prix (MGP) to represent Norway at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. In the grand final of MGP, GOTHMINISTER achieved a phenomenal fourth place and won the hearts of many new fans.

Now, a brand new single, entitled "One Dark Happy Nation", continues the story and again shouts out the message: Cherish the art of being different. The song is taken off GOTHMINISTER's forthcoming studio offering, Pandemonium II: The Battle Of The Underworlds, slated for a release on May 3, 2024 via AFM Records.

GOTHMINISTER, Bjørn Alexander Brem, comments:

"It feels great coming back from the Norwegian leg of Eurovision competition where I challenged the whole commercial scene with the Gothminister darkness. And I think they liked it:) After having performed on Norwegian in front of almost 1 million tv viewers preaching the message of darkness - what can be more logical for Gothminister than to continue this mission with this new single called «One Dark Happy Nation»."
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||| 17 ìàð 2024

ONLAP Premiere Music Video For New Album Single "Never Too Late" Feat. Multi-Platinum Award-Winning Artist KIIARA

ONLAP Premiere Music Video For New Album Single "Never Too Late" Feat. Multi-Platinum Award-Winning Artist KIIARA

Paris-based alternative rock and metal outfit ONLAP is premiering a music video for their latest, new single "Never Too Late", featuring a guest appearance by Amercian singer and songwriter KIIARA! The band's forthcoming studio album, "Waves", is slated for a release on June 14, 2024 via AFM Records.

Following a series of previously-released album tracks, such as "Nevermind", "Fever", "Hypnotized", "Crawling In The Dark" and "Afterglow", today's single "Never Too Late" features the Billboard-charting, multi-platinum award-winning artist KIIARA, who is signed to Atlantic Records and who is also known for her guest vocal contribution to Linkin Park's 2017 single "Heavy". ONLAP comments:

"Our new song "Never Too Late" is a rock ballad with a catchy ending and an orchestral touch, with positive lyrics about never giving up and always trying. We're lucky and honored to have KIIARA featuring on this track, who brings a lot to the song, and whom we thank warmly. It's a really special release, and we can't wait to finally share it with you!"
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||| 17 ìàð 2024

Watch: Ex-MEGADETH Bassist DAVID ELLEFSON Brings His 'Bass Warrior Tour' To Bochnia, Poland

Watch: Ex-MEGADETH Bassist DAVID ELLEFSON Brings His 'Bass Warrior Tour' To Bochnia, Poland

On March 14, former MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson performed at Kino Regis in Bochnia, Poland as part of his inaugural "Bass Warrior Tour". Video of the entire concert can be seen below.

The "Bass Warrior Tour" sees Ellefson gracing select European cities with a captivating evening of cherished classics, deep cuts, and insightful storytelling from his illustrious career. This journey encompasses his role as a co-founding member of MEGADETH, his ELLEFSON solo material, and more.

When the "Bass Warrior Tour" was first announced, Ellefson said in a statement: "I've approached my career as that of a musical warrior, always accompanied by my bass guitar. I eagerly anticipate bringing these songs back to the stage, while sharing introspective and entertaining anecdotes about their creation. It's been a wild ride of low notes and high stakes!"

Accompanying Ellefson on this tour is Italian guitarist and musical director Andy Martongelli, a longtime friend and collaborator who has been by Ellefson's side during his solo ventures, "Basstory", ELLEFSON-SOTO and ALTITUDES & ATTITUDE tours across Europe. On drums is Roberto Pirami (Michael Angelo Batio, Rowan Robertson, Gus G.),on vocals Titta Tani (EHFAR, ex-drummer of Claudio Simonetti's GOBLIN),and on rhythm guitar Walter Cianciusi (Geoff Tate band).

Featured songs in video below:

00:00 Intro
03:05 Skin O' My Teeth
06:18 99 Ways To Die
10:53 Celebrity Trash
14:46 Reckoning Day
20:02 Bad Omen
24:25 Go To Hell
29:34 Like A Bullet
34:54 I'll Get Even
42:18 Simple Truth
46:36 Countdown To Extinction
51:02 Lucretia/Take No Prisoners
54:35 Tornado Of Souls
01:00:40 Love Me Like A Reptile
1:03:08 Roberto's Solo
1:04:01 Walter's Solo
1:05:20 Andy's Solo
1:06:48 David's Solo
1:12:20 Anarchy In UK
1:15:19 Symphony Of Destruction
1:19:10 Peace Sells

Ellefson was fired from MEGADETH nearly three years ago, just days after sexually tinged messages and explicit video footage involving the bassist were posted on Twitter.

Shortly before Ellefson was dismissed from MEGADETH, he released a statement on Instagram denying all social media chatter that he "groomed" an underage fan. He also filed a report with the police department in Scottsdale, Arizona alleging unlawful distribution of sexually explicit images of him by unknown offenders.

Dave Mustaine — who formed MEGADETH with Ellefson in 1983 — released a statement on May 24, 2021 announcing the bassist's departure from the band. In the statement, Dave said: "We do not take this decision lightly. While we do not know every detail of what occurred, with an already strained relationship, what has already been revealed now is enough to make working together impossible moving forward."

Last June, Ellefson told Andrew McKaysmith of the "Scars And Guitars" podcast that he was prepared for his latest exit from MEGADETH.

"When my departure from MEGADETH happened, a lot of people were hitting me [up and saying], 'Oh my God. It's so terrible. It's so terrible,'" he recalled. "[And I said], 'Yeah, believe me, it's not.' [Laughs] It really isn't. I was ready for it. I didn't think it was gonna go down that way; I didn't see that coming. But the fact that it happened, I was not sad about it. I was okay with it. Because I knew there's another journey ahead, and that journey wasn't gonna start until I was out of the old one.

"When you're in a group, you're in a setting, you've gotta play company man and you kind of go along with the narrative that's been set forth.

"There was a lot of things, a lot of the narrative in that band that I never agreed with," Ellefson admitted. "A lot of that band was started on a grudge and a hardship of the firing [of MEGADETH leader Dave Mustaine] from METALLICA. That was never my story. I was always a METALLICA fan and I became friends with those guys. I have nothing but gratitude for that group and those gentlemen for what they've done for all of us, and I think they deserve the biggest applause. So it was hard to be in a band that always had this saltiness around that whole narrative, because it was never my narrative. So I went along to get along, but now I don't have to do that. And now I can be on my own path. These are my words; it's my story now. And maybe the events that happened a couple of years ago, I needed to have my own story to tell. 'Cause when you quit a band, everyone's pissed at you; they hate you: 'Oh, fuck you. You quit. You quit my favorite band.' But when you get tossed out… And I'm not looking for the sympathy card. You don't have to feel sorry for me; you don't have to do any of that. But it's interesting that, I guess the way it happened… it went down in a way that it was certainly visible enough and on a level that… It was sort of, like, okay, well, what's gonna happen next? And I just tried to be faithful to just following my heart, following the path."

In 2004, Ellefson filed an $18.5-million lawsuit against Mustaine, alleging the frontman shortchanged him on profits and backed out of a deal to turn Megadeth Inc. over to him when the band broke up in 2002. The lawsuit was eventually dismissed and Ellefson rejoined MEGADETH in 2010.

DAVID ELLEFSON BASS WARRIOR TOUR FEATURING ANDY MARTONGELLI FEBRUARY-MARCH 2024

"I've approached my career as that of a...

Posted by David Ellefson on Thursday, February 15, 2024
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