Swedish glam rockers Cruzh have announced the release of their new album, The Jungle Revolution, set for release on March 22, 2024. They’re also sharing a taste of the upcoming work with the first single, “FL89”, out today.


Preorder The Jungle Revolution here.


About the new single, bassist Dennis Butabi Borg said "It feels great to release FL89 as the first single of our new album, because I really see it as a natural bridge between our last release Tropical Thunder and The Jungle Revolution. Fun fact, at first the song lyrics might seem like a typical, nostalgic story about broken hearts. But there's a much cooler twist to it if you listen carefully. Who knows, I might tell you the origin story down the road."




"We're super excited to release the album” – Butabi adds – “because it's by far our most honest release so far. We've gone full circle and landed in the jungle where we came from. Enjoy the squealing guitars and massive sing-along choruses until we meet on a live show near you.”


With The Jungle Revolution, Cruzh is going back to find the pureness of the wild, their inner animals, the attitude of rock ‘n’ roll. With full force and some added power in the line-up, Alex, Butabi, Anton and Silver are joined by guitar slinger Johan Öberg. With two guitar players, the band has drifted towards a tougher more riff-driven direction without losing their love for big choruses with insanely catchy hooks.


Hailing from Sweden, Cruzh was conceived when former TrashQueen members Anton Joensson and Dennis Butabi Borg united with Tony Andersson, known for his work on an unreleased TrashQueen record. Cruzh made waves in March 2013 with their online debut, sparking intrigue with the unveiling of "In a Blink of an Eye." The subsequent release of "Stay" and cryptic social media clues further fueled speculation. The fall of 2013 marked their unmasking, coinciding with the acclaimed Hard To Get EP. Cruzh's journey reached new heights in 2015 when Frontiers Music Srl embraced them.


Fast forward to 2024, Cruzh anticipates the release of The Jungle Revolution, an album set to redefine their musical narrative and captivate audiences worldwide. Stay tuned for Cruzh's next chapter as they continue pushing the boundaries of rock music.


With all five band members operating as songwriters, the band is hungry and eager to spread The Jungle Revolution on the road.





Tracklisting:


“The Jungle Revolution”
“Angel Dust”
“FL89”
“Killing In The Name Of Love”
“SkullCruzher”
“At The Radio Station”
“Split Personality”
“Sold Your Soul”
“From Above”
“Winner”
“Gimme Anarchy”


“FL89” lyric video:





Cruzh:
Alex Waghorn – lead vocals
Anton Joensson - guitar, background vocals
Dennis Butabi Borg - bass, background vocals
Johan Öberg – guitar
Matt Silver – drums, background vocals

Vipassi will release their new album, Lightless, this Friday, January 26, via Season Of Mist. Pre-order the album here, and find an advanced album stream below.


Vipassi have been carefully unlocking a mystery. The Australian quartet's new album, Lightless, explores all sorts of twisted phenomena, from the hooded ritual of "Phainesthai" to the distorted maze of "Labyrinthine Hex". 


As a purely instrumental band, Vipassi are blessed with a telepathic chemistry. No wonder they spin epic stories without uttering a single word.







Tracklisting:


“Lightless”
“Labyrinthine Hex”
“Morningstar”
“Shapshu”
“Phainesthai”
“Ruination Glow”
“Neon Rain”
“Promethea”


Album stream:





“Morningstar”:

Born out of a love of rock music and for the virtuosity of bluegrass musicians, CMH Records’ Pickin’ On series features the best in bluegrass, paying tribute to the biggest and brightest artists in rock and pop.


After revisiting some past recordings in the label’s back catalogue, it was clear the heartfelt and inventive take on “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” originally released on the 2007 album The Bluegrass Tribute To Guns N’ Roses, deserved a little extra attention. Performed by Alabama-based quartet Iron Horse, with this new video the music can be appreciated in a whole new way.







When Iron Horse approached this Guns N’ Roses classic, they did the unthinkable by completely forgoing the song’s iconic guitar intro. In doing so, they completely reinvented the song, taking its once epic melodrama and replacing it with a warm, nostalgic, and familial sweetness. With virtuosic instrumental performances and beautiful pitch-perfect harmonies, this cover shows Iron Horse at their best, approaching a rock classic with both creativity and admiration.


“Well, it's been a minute since 2007 and a lot of songs have been played, added and subtracted to our set list but one song has been with us through all this time, ‘Sweet Child O’ Mine,’” Iron Horse’s Tony Robertson shares. “No matter the venue or reason for music to be played, this song fits every single situation. When we start into this song the crowds, no matter small or large, will erupt into approval as soon as they recognize the banjo and diamonding intro, and they will sing along until it's over. I think every person who’s ever heard this song can relate to it on some level either from memory or something they are experiencing at that moment in time. Everything ends but I don’t think this song ever will…enjoy!”





Though Pickin’ On started modestly in 1993 with the release of Pickin’ On the Movies, tributes to The Beatles and Eagles soon followed, and by 1997 the Pickin’ On Series was on fire. It continues to thrive with one hand in traditional bluegrass and the other in popular music, ready for the next chance to create innovative bluegrass music.


Recent releases featuring Iron Horse, Pickin' On Pearl Jam and Pickin’ On Nirvana, were well-received. Pickin’ On Modest Mouse and Fade to Bluegrass: The Bluegrass Tribute to Metallica both charted on Billboard’s Top Bluegrass Albums chart. The series currently has nearly 200,000 monthly listeners and more than 91,000 followers on Spotify. Songs from Pickin’ On have been featured in the television series Revolution and HBO’s True Blood. Other artists that have been given the Pickin’ On treatment include Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, the Allman Brothers Band, Coldplay, The Black Keys, Jack White, The Killers and many more.

In a new interview with Australia's "Everblack" podcast, FILTER frontman Richard Patrick spoke about his relationship with his brother, actor Robert Patrick, who is best known for his role as T-1000, the antagonist of "Terminator 2: Judgment Day". Robert has previously described himself as "a devout Episcopalian," a member of the Episcopal Church, which is governed and pastored by bishops.

Richard said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Robert and I don't spend a lot of time talking. We don't spend a lot of time talking. I am an atheist, leftist, left-leaning, moderate Democrat who understands science and cares about the environment and understands climate change. I understand everything that's going on. I'm an atheist because it sounds made up — religion sounds made up. You can't be horribly crucified and then walk around after it. I think people kind of made it up. It sounds made up to me or exaggerated or whatever. And 2,500 years ago, people were fucking bizarre; they were bizarre people back then. The Bible is rife with, like, 'And if your wife commits adultery, stone her' — all that kind of wacky shit. So I don't believe in religion. I am. And he does, like extensively. And so we just can't talk. We just can't talk about it."

He continued: "I love my brother. I wish him well, but I understand what [former U.S. president Donald] Trump is. I see him for exactly what he is. He's a con man. He's been indicted four times. He breaks the law every time he does anything. He broke the law in New York. That's why his businesses are being shut down because they were, because he committed fraud and exaggerated on all what his business really is and conned people out of millions of dollars. I see him for what he is — he's a con man. And my brother's not with me on that. He doesn't get it. He's kind of a Trump guy. And so sadly we don't see eye to eye anymore. And I love him, but it is weird."

Richard went on to say: "A third of the country is in a cult, and they are fucking doubling down on this guy [Trump] that literally does not like democracy, who is challenging democracy. In democracies, someone has to be the loser. Someone has to be the guy that goes, 'You know what? I lost. I concede.' And that's what every presidential candidate has done since the dawn of our country. And he is the first one that said, 'I'm not gonna concede. I'm gonna contest this.' He's been through 60 courts — 60 courts! — and he has no evidence. And the judges are, like, 'There's no evidence of voter fraud. There's no evidence of voter fraud.' Including the [U.S.] Supreme Court. So he's lost — he has lost the election — but he's lying because that's what he does. He lies and he is tearing the country in half because of this — over this fucking guy.

"I look at Republicans, and I love them 'cause they come to my shows and everything like that. I'm, like, you're losing your shit over this guy? A fucking con, someone who has been convicted of fucking sexual harassment, like a sexual predator. 30 women came forward. And they just [have] blinders [on]. They're, like, 'Oh, that's just the left trying to tear him down.' No."

Patrick added that he doesn't engage with people about politics on social media anymore. "I keep it off of social media because my audience is… Social media is so toxic and it's so awful that I'm, like, you know what? I'm just gonna provide music. I'm just gonna put music to it. My lyrics are rife with statements about politics. The [FILTER] song 'Summer Child' is dedicated to Trump supporters. The whole thing is dedicated to them and how they're being misled, and they wanna be misled. And so I'm getting my message out there. It's just that I've chosen to stay off of social media. I've kicked it to the curb like about a year and a half ago, or a year and 10 months, or, excuse me, about a year and a month ago."

FILTER's latest album, "The Algorithm", arrived in August via Golden Robot Records.

FILTER recently completed the "Freaks On Parade" tour with ROB ZOMBIE, ALICE COOPER and MINISTRY.

MÖTLEY CRÜE guitarist Mick Mars has released "Undone", the third single from his upcoming solo album, "The Other Side Of Mars".

"The Other Side Of Mars" will be released on February 23, 2024. The effort will be made available via Mick's own label 1313, LLC, in partnership with MRI.

Birmingham, Alabama rocker Jacob Bunton collaborated extensively with Mars on "The Other Side Of Mars".

Bunton had previously worked with former GUNS N' ROSES drummer Steven Adler and CINDERELLA frontman Tom Keifer, and has songwriting credits with Mariah Carey, Steven Tyler and Smokey Robinson, among others.

Bunton sings lead on all but two of the 12 songs on "The Other Side Of Mars".

Other guests on the LP include WINGER/ALICE COOPER keyboardist Paul Taylor, KORN drummer Ray Luzier, and Brion Gamboa, who handled lead vocals on the songs "Undone" and "Killing Breed".

Bunton previously fronted the Alabama bands MARS ELECTRIC and LYNAM.

"The Other Side of Mars" track listing:

01. Loyal To The Lie
02. Broken On The Inside
03. Alone
04. Killing Breed
05. Memories
06. Right Side Of Wrong
07. Ready To Roll
08. Undone
09. Ain't Going Back
10. LA Noir

In a recent interview with Chris Akin Presents, Mars was asked if he intentionally tried to incorporate fresh elements into the sound of "The Other Side Of Mars" that he didn't pursue during his four-decade career with MÖTLEY CRÜE. He responded: "You're exactly right. You hit the nail on the head when you said it was way different from MÖTLEY, which is what I wanted to do. The part that was the scariest part about doing that stuff is because my guitar tone is associated with MÖTLEY's sound. I was kind of concerned about that, so I just played around a little more. I mean, it turned out well for me."

He continued: "I know that a lot of people were expecting probably more of a blues-oriented thing or kind of an extension of MÖTLEY or something like that. And I wanted to go a whole different route and leaning more towards the left instead of the beaten path, I guess. I wanted to go somewhere with it. I didn't know if it would work or not. I just did the stuff and got acquainted with different people, like [fellow musicians and collaborators] Paul Taylor and Jacob Bunton and Brion Gamboa and Ray Luzier, of course."

In October, Mars shared "Loyal To The Lie", the lead single from "The Other Side Of Mars", along with a music video featuring imagery from classic horror films and pictures of infamous serial killers. A second single, "Right Side Of Wrong", followed in December. Lyrically, "Right Side Of Wrong" explores the oxymoron of two individual minds viewing their position as the right one, while in reality it is simply personal perspective — a present theme in interpersonal relationships we all navigate and more broadly the catalyst of many conflicts on a global societal basis.

Discussing the title behind the upcoming album, the 72-year-old explained that it refers to the two different sides of his playing style: "the MÖTLEY side and the Mars side."

"I always have a very clear vision of what I want to do," he said, revealing that he plans to release more music beyond the debut album. "There's a lot of ideas that I have that. I don't want to call them 'left,' but they are, you know what I mean? My feeling has always been, I might gain some fans, I might lose some fans. But what they’re hearing, it's all me."

Regarding his motivation to pursue a solo project, Mick said: "I'm trying to keep growing. Because if you stop learning new things, if you stop playing new things, if you close your mind, you're done. You have to keep moving and creating. Next!"

When Mars announced his retirement from touring with MÖTLEY CRÜE in October 2022 as a result of worsening health issues, he maintained that he would remain a member of the band, with John 5 taking his place on the road. However, he has since filed a lawsuit against MÖTLEY CRÜE in Los Angeles County's Superior Court, claiming that, after his announcement, the rest of CRÜE tried to remove him as a significant stakeholder in the group's corporation and business holdings via a shareholders' meeting.

Mars — whose real name is Robert Alan Deal — served as MÖTLEY CRÜE's lead guitarist since the band's inception in 1981.

EMPEROR drummer Kai Johnny Mosaker, professionally known as Trym Torson or just Trym, has released the third song, "Slaget" ("The Battle"),from his ambient solo project TRYMR.

On January 22, Trym took to his social media to write: "Yet another track from the upcoming album 'Saga Of The North'. This is also in the ambient, soundscape style, with sound effects as main theme. Hope you enjoy it".

When Trym first announced his new project earlier in the month, he wrote in a statement: "New year, new opportunities.

"I have been a big movie fan my whole life, and a big fan of movie themes and soundtracks.

"For the past years, I have been busy with EMPEROR, but I also have been working on my first solo project.

"This will have nothing in common with what I have been doing before, but a complete new chapter in my musical journey.

"My passion for soundtracks and cinematic soundscapes is what my new project will be all about.

"The name will be TRYMR but spelled in the old norse language (thrymr-lord among the giants)

"The first project will be themes about an old village being threatened by roving warlords.

"The tracks I'm working on right now are: Landsbyen (the Village),Trusselen (the threat),Slaget (the battle),Gravferd (the funeral),Sorgen (the sorrow),Minner (the memories),Vandring (the journey),Håpet (the hope)"

"Please check out my Bandcamp page where I have uploaded the first song: Trusselen (the threat)

"A scout have found the peaceful village and reports back to his warlord, who summon his troops and prepare them for battle.
They march towards the village in the cover of nightfall, torches raised for war!"

Torson started his career in the extreme metal band ENSLAVED and was later invited to play in black metal band EMPEROR. He also co-founded ZYKLON together with EMPEROR guitarist Samoth. Trym has also played shows with SATYRICON in the U.S., temporarily replacing Kjetil-Vidar "Frost" Haraldstad, who was unable to obtain a visa at the time. Torson is also a tattoo artist and owner of the Emperial Tattoo studio.
Slaget (The Battle) by ÞrymrVandring (the Journey) by ÞrymrTrusselen ( The Threat ) by Trymr

Former Slipknot drummer Jay Weinberg, who was fired from the band in early November 2023, will play his first official show since his depaarture with Infectious Grooves on April 1st at the Byron Bay Bluesfest in Australia. In a brief statement, Weinberg said "it's an absolute honor to play with the legendary Infectious Grooves on this incredibly exciting Australian tour! Playing with some of my favorite musicians, in one of the most beautiful countries, for some of the greatest fans of heavy music in the world. I couldn’t be more thrilled to get started. See you all soon!"


Infectious Grooves has issued the following statement regarding the show:


"Warning Number One…




This Ain’t No April Fool’s joke..but you definitely won’t be laughing if you miss out on Infectious Grooves April 1st at the Byron Bay Bluesfest!


Warning Number Two…


Infectious Grooves is gonna bring a super special extra Funk and Punk and everything in between edition. Unfortunately our brother, drummer Brooks Wakerman was not available to do this run of shows due to Avenged Sevenfold dates.


Drummer for IG is definitely not an easy gig to fill.


Starting with Stephen Perkins (Infectious Grooves) on drums, then followed with a 17 year old Josh Freese (Foo Fighters etc) and then came a 14 year old Brooks (The Teenage Drum Sensation) Wakerman, IG has always been blessed with some amazing drummers.


So Warning Number Three…


IG is beyond stoked and honored to be able to have the incredible Jay Weinberg to be the driving force as he beats the funk out of the drums on this run!


Rounding out the band, on guitar will be a bit of reunion. Dave Kushner (Velvet Revolver etc) played on some of the first IG album. He’ll be reuniting with IG for these dates also. Dave is a good friend and we are all looking forward to getting on stage and having a blast, and giving a big dose of the Infectious Grooves!


Warning Number Five… (yes, we skipped warning number 4, we’ll save that for later, lol)…


Super limited dates due to everyone’s schedule. We’d love to do a massive run of dates, but it’s not possible with everyone's schedule. These are short notice, but we jumped at the opportunity to lock some dates in at this time.


So when the rest of the dates are announced, be there or be prepared to let your friends tell you what you missed out."

Earlier today, January 24, The Black Crowes unveiled the official lyric video for their brand new single, "Wanting And Waiting".





Fresh off the heels of announcing their first album in 15 years, Happiness Bastards, legendary rock band The Black Crowes today announced their 2024 headline tour - set to hit 35 cities in North America and Europe this Spring in support of their forthcoming studio album.




The Happiness Bastards Tour will kick off at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville on April 2, making stops in major markets, including Atlanta, Los Angeles, Seattle, Vancouver, Chicago, New York, and Boston, before ending the North American run in Philadelphia on May 7 at The Met Philadelphia.


The Happiness Bastards Tour international run will begin May 14 in Manchester, UK, at the O2 Apollo, making stops in London, Brussels, Amsterdam, Paris, Milan, Berlin, and more before wrapping up the expansive tour on June 9 in Mérida at the Stone & Music Festival.


Pre-sales for the Happiness Bastards Tour began on Tuesday, January 23 and tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, January 26 at 10 AM, local here.  


Frontman Chris Robinson said, “Hope everybody is ready to rock & roll with us on the Happiness Bastards Tour this spring! We’re excited to be playing songs from our new album along with some deeper tracks, juicy covers and the songs you want to hear!”


2024 marks 40 years since the inception of The Black Crowes, and the Robinson Brothers are claiming this momentous year as their own. Following decades marked by sex, drugs, fights, breakups, and divorce, they are leaving their bullshit behind and coming together to celebrate their mutual love for rock n’ roll.





Tour dates:


April
2 - Nashville, TN - Grand Ole Opry House
3 - Atlanta, GA - Fox Theatre
5 - Houston, TX - 713 Music Hall
6 - Irving, TX - The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
8 - Denver, CO - Fillmore Auditorium
10 - Phoenix, AZ - Arizona Financial Theatre
12 - Los Angeles, CA - Greek Theatre
13 - Oakland, CA - Fox Theater
15 - Seattle, WA - McCaw Hall
16 - Vancouver, BC - Queen Elizabeth Theatre
19 - Chicago, IL - Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
20 - Detroit, MI - The Fillmore Detroit
23 - Montreal, QC - MTELUS
24 - Toronto, ON - Massey Hall
27 - New York, NY - Radio City Music Hall
28 - Boston, MA - MGM Music Hall at Fenway
30 - Washington, DC - The Anthem


May
1 -  Charlotte, NC - Ovens Auditorium
3 -  Bethlehem, PA - The Wind Creek Event Center
4 -  Atlantic City, NJ - Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino Resort
7 -  Philadelphia, PA - The Met Philadelphia
14 - Manchester, UK - O2 Apollo
15 - London, UK - Eventim Apollo
17 - Newcastle, UK - O2 City Hall
18 - Wolverhampton, UK - The Civic at The Halls
21 - Brussels, BE - Ancienne Belgique
22 - Amsterdam, NL - AFAS Live
24 - Paris, FR - L'Olympia
27 - Milan, IT - Teatro Arcimboldi Milano
29 - Frankfurt, DE - Alte Oper
30 - Stuttgart, DE - Liederhalle


June
1 -  Berlin, DE - Verti Music Hall
4 -  Copenhagen, DK - Falkonersalen
5-8, 2024  Sôlvesborg, SE - Sweden Rock Festival**
9 -  Mérida, ES - Stone & Music Festival
 
**Festival Date


The Black Crowes are leaving the bullshit in the past. 15 years after their last album of original music, the Robinson Brothers present Happiness Bastards - their 10th studio album.


Some may say the project has been several tumultuous years in the making, but we argue it’s arriving at just the right time. Call it brotherly love or music destiny that brought them back together, the highly anticipated record consecrating the reunion of this legendary band just may be the thing that saves rock & roll. In a time where the art form is buried beneath the corporate sheen of its successors, The Black Crowes are biting back with the angst of words left unsaid penned on paper and electrified by guitar strings, revealing stripped, bare-boned rock & roll. No gloss, no glitter, just rhythm and blues at it’s very best – gritty, loud, and in your face.


Since The Black Crowes reunited in 2019, they’ve made a triumphant return to form with over 150 shows spanning 20 countries worldwide, celebrating the 30th anniversary of Shake Your Money Maker, the album that put them on the map. Upon their return from the road, they knew they needed something new to show for their lost time. The Robinson Brothers and longtime bassist Sven Pipien headed to the studio with producer Jay Joyce in early 2023 and the experiences of years past transcribed themself through the music as the band found their way back to their roots. And it’s finally here - Happiness Bastards is out March 15, 2024.


Pre-order / pre-save Happiness Bastards here, listen to the single "Wanting And Waiting" here and below.





Tracklisting:


"Bedside Manners"
"Rats And Clowns"
"Cross Your Fingers"
"Wanting And Waiting"
"Wilted Rose" (Feat. Lainey Wilson)
"Dirt Cold Sun"
"Bleed It Dry"
"Flesh Wound"
"Follow The Moon"
"Kindred Friend"


"Wanting And Waiting":





(Photo - Ross Halfin)


 

Galvanizing modern classic rock trio The Black Moods unveiled an electrifying cover of The Doors’ 1970’s hit “Roadhouse Blues” featuring The Doors’ guitarist Robby Krieger and rock singer-songwriter Diamante last October.


The Black Moods have shared an extended version of the track along with an extended music video featuring behind-the-scenes clips of the recording session with Krieger and Diamante at Krieger’s Los Angeles studio, Love Street Sound. Watch “Roadhouse Blues (ft. Robby Krieger of The Doors & Diamante) – Extended Version” streaming below.







“Playing ‘Roadhouse Blues’ with the man that wrote it was life changing,” remarks The Black Moods vocalist/guitarist Josh Kennedy. “It’s something I never ever thought I’d have a chance of doing having grown up in a small town in the Ozarks.”


“Lately, I seem to meet more and more young musicians who are into The Doors,” says Krieger. “It was really fun recording ‘Roadhouse Blues’ with The Black Moods. They seem to connect with 60’s style music.”


“We have a big year ahead,” Kennedy adds. “We kicked it off with ‘Roadhouse Blues (Extended Version)’ and we have a lot of touring coming up too. We have been writing new material and have a new single coming out soon that we can’t wait for our fans to hear!”


The Black Moods have relentlessly brought their raw, amplified rock & roll to stages across North America alongside acts including The Doors’ Robby Krieger, Shinedown, Jane’s Addiction, Whitesnake, Collective Soul, The Dead Daisies and The Gin Blossoms as well as appearing at festivals such as Aftershock, Luna Del Lago and Roger Clyne’s Circus Mexicus. 


The band finished 2023 with an opening show for Rick Springfield in their hometown of Phoenix, AZ and will perform their first show of 2024 on February 4 at Phoenix’s Celebrity Theatre with multi-platinum singer-songwriter and guitarist Orianthi.  The trio will then perform a headlining show on March 9 in Chandler, AZ at SanTan Gardens which will include the relaunch of their limited-edition “Bad News” Bourbon in collaboration with SanTan Brewing. Head to theblackmoods.com for ticket information.

The Rolling Stones, Bring Me The Horizon, and Foo Fighters have earned nominations for The BRIT Awards 2024. The event takes place at London’s The O2 on Saturday, March 2. 


Legendary rockers The Rolling Stones and British metalcore unit Bring Me The Horizon received nominations for Alternative/Rock Act while Foo Fighters are up for International Group Of The Year. 


Alternative/Rock Act:
The Rolling Stones
Blur
Bring Me The Horizon
Young Fathers
Yussef Dayes




International Group Of The Year:
Foo Fighters
blink-182
boygenius
Gabriels
Paramore


Head to brits.co.uk for more information.

This Friday, January 26, German melodic death metal act Hiraes - featuring former members of Dawn of Disease and Critical Mess - will unleash their sophomore studio album, Dormant, via Napalm Records.


In support of their upcoming album, the band has announced a series of live dates kicking off on Friday, followed by a tour with psy-core metal act Dymytry in March (tour itinerary here). To shorten your wait, today, the band is presenting a video clip for the furious album title track, "Dormant"


The band comments about the track and video: "Today, before the release of our brand-new album Dormant this Friday, we unveil to you, the title track. After an atmospheric intro, you are hit with a gigantic wall of sound of thundering guitars, shattering blast beats, and rousing vocals. Our third single is also one of the most varied songs on the album, and will hopefully shorten the next few days of waiting for the release date. Lyrically, the track guides you into the depth of the self, as it draws a picture of the soul’s core, the hidden place inside where time and space stand still. The atmospheric music video underlines the message even more and marks another cornerstone of Hiraes’ artistic variability.”







Compared to their lauded 2021 debut, Solitary, it's immediately evident that Hiraes did not only grow within their sound due to countless live appearances, but have invested more time and energy into developing their sophisticated songwriting and production, leaning further into their own unique sound profile. Due to the use of varying keys and sonic elements, Dormant is undoubtedly fresh without sacrificing the nuances that caused their first album to connect so successfully with fans.


With their very first offering, Hiraes already created an exciting new melodic death emergence, built upon a brutalized vocal attack, intense melodies and aggressive guitars. On Dormant, Hiraes flexes their own trademarks in an intensified way, ranging from versatile drumming, catchy riffs and hymn-like melodies to enthralling soundscapes and an impressive vocal onslaught by singer Britta. From the epic intro of album opener "Through The Storm" - which bursts into a thunderous melodic death metal assault - to fast-paced ragers like "We Owe No One", Hiraes delivers a truly versatile album performance!


The band states: “The album will grab you with its intensity from the first second on and won't let you go. We invested a lot of energy, dedication and passion to create this monumental and melancholic piece of melodic death metal. Having played countless shows over the last two years, Dormant captures the energy of Hiraes’ live performances and places the songs right between heart and gut."


Dormant was mixed by Jens Bogren and Ricardo Borges, and was mastered by Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios in Sweden. Hiraes' second studio album is a stirring, intense and dynamic death metal affair that is both heavily brutal and dark, yet full of melodic melancholy. This album is highly recommended for fans of Insomnium, Dark Tranquillity, Arch Enemy, Amon Amarth and At The Gates.





Dormant will be available in the following formats:


- 1 CD Digisleeve (6page)
- 1 LP Gatefold solid royal blue
- Digital Album


Pre-order here.





Dormant tracklisting:


"Through The Storm"
"We Owe No One"
"Undercurrent"
"Chance To Fail"
"About Lies"
"Come Alive"
"Ocean Child"
"Nightflight"
"Red Soil"
"Dormant"


"We Owe No One" video:





"Through The Storm" video:





Hiraes are:


Britta Görtz - vocals
Lukas Kerk - guitars
Oliver Kirchner - guitars
Christian Wösten - bass
Mathias Blässe - drums


(Photo - Lisa Ulferts)

In a new interview with Canada's iHeartRadio, PAPA ROACH singer Jacoby Shaddix reflected on his friendship with late LINKIN PARK frontman Chester Bennington. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Oh, man. What an amazing man, amazing creator, great human. He just had a heart of gold.

"I met him way back. This was, like — shoot — maybe 2000 or '99. It was 2000. I heard some of their music when they were [called] HYBRID THEORY before they popped off. And then I met him in Atlanta. They did a show, and I went and watched them on stage. I was, like, 'Oh my God. These guys, they're the business.' And we hit it off, and we had a good old time. We did Ozzfest together. We took 'em out on tour in America, and we really clicked up. We were trying to get our wives pregnant at the same time. We had babies, like, a month apart from each other. And so Draven, his son, and my son Makaile are just like a month apart from each other. And so that really solidified a solid bond between me and that cat. And through the years, we'd just check in on each other and see how each other was doing and know that we both had our struggles. I think honestly, for a little while, early on in 2000, I was running amok and he was out there running amok with me, just partying. And we both knew at some point that that life was over. And we both overcame those demons through the years and I commend him for that."

Jacoby added: "It just hurts my heart to know how he went out and just the loss from the fans, but most importantly for his son. God, it hurts my heart.

"But what an amazing dude that had such a massive impact on music and creativity and rock. And he will echo through the ages through his music."

Shaddix previously talked about Bennington's suicide in a December 2017 interview with Meltdown of Detroit's WRIF radio station. At the time, Jacoby said: "I knew him quite well. I went out to dinner with him about a month before all that went down. He just had great advice to give me and was just super friendly and I just thought everything was cool. But the reality is I've struggled with a lot of the same demons he's struggled with, and I understand the darkness.

"For anybody out there that's walking through that themselves or has somebody in their lives that are in that dark place, my heart goes out to 'em, 'cause it's not easy," he continued. "And sometimes it just feels like everything is just way too heavy and you just can't handle life. And it's tough sometimes. I'm just glad I'm still breathing, 'cause that really just hit me hard. It made me go, 'Ugh. That's just too heavy.'"

Bennington's passing was ruled a suicide soon after his body was found in July 2017 at his home in Palos Verdes Estates, California.

Chester had been candid about mental-health battles in numerous interviews over the years, saying he grappled with depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts and substance abuse. His struggles with drugs and alcohol landed him in rehab twice around 2006.

Bennington's friends told Rolling Stone that he fell off the wagon for three days in August 2016 and drank until he blacked out, adding that he had been consuming alcohol again as recently as October 2016. Bennington's longtime friend Ryan Shuck, who played with the singer in DEAD BY SUNRISE, thought Bennington may have had "a couple of drinks" before hanging himself on July 20, 2017.

Investigators found no illegal drugs or prescription drugs while searching Bennington's home following his passing, although a partially consumed bottle of alcohol was found in the bedroom where the 41-year-old singer’s body was discovered.

Bennington's private funeral service took place on July 29, 2017 near his home in Palos Verdes. It was attended by five hundred guests, including members of all three bands Bennington sang in: LINKIN PARK, STONE TEMPLE PILOTS and DEAD BY SUNRISE.

LINKIN PARK paid tribute to Bennington in October 2017 with an emotional three-hour show that featured numerous guests joining the band onstage in Los Angeles.

LINKIN PARK released a concert album titled "One More Light Live" in December 2017.

In a new interview with Chris Akin Presents…, former DREAM THEATER drummer Mike Mangini was asked if he had any "advance notice" that the band's original drummer Mike Portnoy would return to the group last fall or if it was "really immediate". He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Immediate. But it's like… So the fish comes up out of the water, it's immediate, but the fish was swimming for a while. Where was the fish? Whatever."

He continued: "The reason it was easy for me to deal with — very easy, actually — I was, like, 'Oh, okay. Yeah. Yeah. Original guy back in band.' I got I got it. And I didn't have to go do through a drop-down menu; I didn't have to do it. It was just I looked at it and went, 'Okay.' And plus I don't know whether it was intuitive, instinctual [or] intellectual… but I have left so many things on the table for so many years — the publishing of more books, the classes that I wanna teach, the interaction that my own self-development comes largely from me having to teach and talk about it to people. At some point, I mean, I see the whole picture, the grid, and I know what I can't do, and that inspires me.

"But anyway, the answer to your question is, I got a call and understood the call, and said, 'Okay, let's do a joint statement,'" he explained. "And then the next day, I'm, like, 'Okay.' I'm having coffee and quite literally, at my think tank, looking at my list and going, 'How am I gonna complete this job now? I've gotta fix this or do that. I've got a lot to do.' My studio facility had construction, there was stuff that had to be fixed. I was, like, 'Let me just let all of this stuff happen and breathe and just finish these things.' So that's what my mindset was. I can't tell you anything different because that's what it was."

Asked how he managed to avoid being angry over the fact that he was being pushed out of DREAM THEATER when Portnoy wanted to come back, even though Mangini was the drummer that helped the band win its first Grammy Award, Mangini said: "Well, a) because I don't know that that's what is the full picture. I don't know that that is what happened indeed. And I don't let myself even think about it. People decide things and I respect that. It's just it is what it is."

In early November, Mangini told SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk" about his exit from DREAM THEATER and the return of Portnoy: "All I know is the decision was made and when I heard it, all I pictured was, 'Oh, this is an original guy going back to his band. Uh, okay. All right. Let's go to the next thing.' It was nothing more. I was told. It was just nothing more than — it seemed so simple to me. And maybe intuitively it's, like, 'Oh yeah, I get it.' And that was that. That's really it… So that's really the crux of it all is it was an easy thing for me to understand. And then once the news hit and it became real, which is when it set in, because once I knew about it, I just got busy. I was, like, 'Okay, I've got all these videos to finish.'"

The 60-year-old Mangini, who joined DREAM THEATER in 2010, continued: "I'm actually doing like a lot of stuff for my [recently released solo] album. I'll do some drum playthroughs. Not to yap and yap and yap about it, but I have a lot on my cork board and my lists and things to do and things to accomplish and things to complete. There's so much there I haven't been able to do. But once it hit and it became real, it was real quick for me. I'm, like, 'Okay, I get it.'"

When host Eddie Trunk noted that everything about his exit from DREAM THEATER, from the way it was handled to the fans' response to Mike's attitude about it, was "about as good as it could be," Mangini concurred. "It is as good as it could be," Mike said. "I think people are where they need to be. It's, like, there's stuff to do, there's places to be, there's people to see, there are things to accomplish and roles to fulfill and tasks to do. And that's what it is. That's really what it is.

"How lucky am I, how fortunate am I to be just a part of that history, to have all this amazing stuff happen?" he continued. "It's positive, positive, positive.

"I know I've accomplished some things with my career, and I've had a lot of struggles and a lot of things that didn't work or whatever, but for my parents to be in their 90s, to see this happen, and I'm not talking about career stuff; I'm talking about how I've treated people and how they treat me. I mean, I think that's what I want for my kids — I wanna feel well about how they are with people and how people treat them at the end of the day. I think that's just awesome."

Portnoy attended DREAM THEATER's concert in March 2022 at Beacon Theatre in New York City. It was the first time he witnessed his then-former bandmates perform live since his exit from the iconic progressive metal outfit 13 years ago. Asked by Trunk if it was "a weird thing" for him to see Portnoy at the gig, Mangini said: "No, and you can ask him. It was like nothing ever changed. In other words, I was post-show getting dressed, and Mike, he walked up the stairs like, and, of course, my door's open. Of course, I'm basically pantless in a way. And he comes up and I really just like clothed myself. And the first thing I said to him was, I think, something like, 'Dude, your timing's off. I just have no pants on for a second.' I don't remember what I said. It was like my underwear, whatever it was. But it was like nothing ever changed from the phone calls that we made, from the time he brought me on stage with DREAM THEATER, from the time I'm at a DREAM THEATER show we would though watching ZAPPA DOES ZAPPA and talking about Vinnie Colaiuta and Terry Bozzio. I mean, what other way is there to live? I don't know anything different. So that's the truth. That's the vibe. That's your answer to your question."

When Portnoy's return to DREAM THEATER was first announced on October 25, 2023, Mangini said in a statement: "I understand DREAM THEATER's decision to get Mike Portnoy back at this time. As was said from Day 1, my place was not to fill all the roles that Mike held in the band. I was to play the drums in order to help the band carry on. My main role of keeping our live show working tightly on a nightly basis was an intense and rewarding experience. Thankfully, I got to experience playing music with these iconic musicians, as well as some fun times laced with humor. I also really enjoyed spending lots of time with the crew. And then there's the Grammy win, which was amazingly satisfying. To the fans: thank you so much for being amazing to me. I cherish the pictures I have of you all losing your minds and having fun. Finally, I really love the band, crew and management and wish them and the entire organization all the best."

Two months after the aforementioned Beacon Theatre concert, Portnoy told "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk" about what it was like to see another drummer play his parts live with DREAM THEATER: "I've always been the type of drummer that just flies [by] the seat of my pants in the moment. Even with my own drum parts, I don't necessarily stick to them faithfully from show to show, whereas Mangini obviously really studied the drum parts and they had everything programmed out. They're all about the precision, and that's surely their thing. And yeah, he killed it. There's no doubt he's an amazing drummer and he plays my parts incredibly faithfully."

Portnoy continued: "I feel bad for him. He and I joked about it. He's in a horrible situation where he's damned if he does and he's damned if he doesn't. He expressed that frustration to me, and I feel for him; it's definitely a weird position to be put into. I kind of had it a little bit when I played with AVENGED SEVENFOLD and TWISTED SISTER, coming into the throne of two drummers that have passed away, and I tried to learn those parts as faithfully as I could. When I had a hired-gun gig like that, I spent a lot of attention trying to honor the drummer that came before me — it's important. I don't wanna go into a gig like either of those and try to force my style onto it."

Mangini released his debut solo album, "Invisible Signs", on November 11, 2023. Accompanying Mangini on the LP are Tony Dickinson on bass, Ivan Keller on guitar, Gus G. (FIREWIND, OZZY OSBOURNE) on lead guitar and former EVANESCENCE guitarist Jen Majura on vocals.

Mangini joined DREAM THEATER in late 2010 through a widely publicized audition following the departure of Portnoy, who co-founded DREAM THEATER 38 years ago. Mangini beat out six other of the world's top drummers — Marco Minnemann, Virgil Donati, Aquiles Priester, Thomas Lang, Peter Wildoer and Derek Roddy — for the gig, a three-day process that was filmed for a documentary-style reality show called "The Spirit Carries On".

Mangini made his name in the hard rock world in the mid-1990s when he played with EXTREME, before landing the gig with guitar legend Steve Vai in 1996. Nearly a decade later, Mangini took up a full-time teaching position at the world-renowned Berklee College Of Music.

Former WHITE LION frontman Mike Tramp will release his second solo album sung entirely in Danish, "Mand Af En Tid", on March 15 via Target Records.

Tramp is probably the only person ever to sing about Jolly Cola, THE BEATLES, sauerkraut (a traditional German food) and karate on the same album. It happened on "For Første Gang", which was released in 2022 and was Mike Tramp's first-ever album in Danish.

With "Mand Af En Tid", he does it again. This time the songs are about everything from Andy Warhol's "Fifteen Minutes Of Fame" to Ingrid & Lillebror, Muhammad Ali, Ole Olsen and roast duck. Again, it all happens in Danish.

Thus, Mike shows that it was not for fun when, to the surprise of most, he released a record in his mother tongue after more than 45 years of singing in English. The Danish songs are a way of telling some of the stories and sharing the experiences that have been gathered together throughout his life.

Says Tramp: "Many of those I meet at my concerts have always followed me, and we have almost grown up together. I can feel that it means something very special to them that I suddenly sing in Danish. They can recognize themselves in the stories and songs because I sing about something that means something to me. I'm a grown man who's tried a little bit of everything, but I'm still here and don't need to chase the latest trend. I know who I am and stand by it. Therefore, the record could not be called anything other than 'Man Of A Time'."

Tramp's career is longer and more colorful than most. He has been the country's biggest teenage idol, made records in Germany and was an MTV star in the USA. With "Mand Af En Tid", he makes up for it, and as he states in one of the album's tracks: "I have chosen my path and the path gave me answers / I came as I was". Or as he describes himself in another song: "Stiff-necked, stubborn and retro, but really okay".

"In the past, I have always written songs that should suit a band," Mike explains. "Therefore, there have been many things that I just couldn't do because I had to live up to a certain image or a particular sound. With the Danish songs, I go where the songs demand it. If it's a big mess, well then it's with strings. If it's a song about the old nightclubs on Vesterbro, then of course it should also sound like that. I grew up with albums where songs could sound different. 'Mand Af En Tid' is such an album."

On "Mand Af En Tid", this means that there is room for the pure rock numbers such as the album's title song and "Storm Og Stille", the great break-up song "Indeni", the rock hymn "Altid Farvel" and not least the glimpses of memory in "Ham Vi Vil Være" and in "Nat På Libelle", which is a song about Tramp's late mother.

As with "For Første Gang", all the songs on "Mand Af En Tid" were written together with Lars Daneskov, and the record was produced by Tramp himself together with Søren Andersen. The record also features Søren Skov, Claus Langeskov, Kenni Andy, Emily Garriock Langeskov and Jørgen Thorup.

"Mand Af En Tid" will be released on LP (black vinyl, limited to 500 units),digipack CD and digital formats. All pre-orders made in Targetshop.dk are signed by Mike Tramp.

Recording lineup:

Mike Tramp - vocals, guitar
Claus Langeskov - bass
Søren Andersen - guitar
Kenni Andy - drums
Søren Skov - piano, B-3, keyboards
Emily Garriock Langeskov - harmonies
Jørgen Thorup - harmonies

Mike Tramp Danish tour dates:

March 15 - Slagelse Musikhus, Badeanstalten, Slagelse
March 16 - Stars, Vordinborg
March 20 - Agger Darling, Vestervig
March 21 - Ferritslev Fritidshus, Ferritslev
March 22 - VINDANMARK, Aarhus
April 12 - BIO Huset, Galten
April 13 - Kulturcafé Ludvig, Sorø
April 19 - Ny Ridehus, Kulturcentret i Næstved, Næstved
April 20 - Gribskov Kultursal, Helsinge
May 10 - Bygningen, Køge
May 11 - Karosserifabrikken, Helsingør

Photo credit: Marcus Nand (courtesy of Target Records)

Powerhouse vocalist James Durbin has shared a new track, "Hallows", from his upcoming heavy metal opus "Screaming Steel", due out February 16 via Frontiers Music Srl under the DURBIN banner. The track is accompanied by a new music video.

On the new track "Hallows", James had this to say: "'Hallows' is an ode to my love of the Harry Potter series. It is kind of a 'montage' song, in that I could see it playing over scenes from all eight films. Like a poetic short form retelling of the story in my own words, 'Hallows' is my own contribution to the Wizarding World fandom and to everyone who's still waiting for their owl from Hogwarts. Slytherin rules!"

DURBIN will celebrate the release of "Screaming Steel" with a street-date performance at Streetlight Records in Santa Cruz on February 16.

Durbin's signature vocal prowess and commanding stage presence have earned him praise from rock and metal legends such as Steven Tyler, Sammy Hagar and Rob Halford. With four full-length albums to his name, Durbin continues to evolve as an artist, pushing the boundaries of heavy metal while staying true to its roots.

Now, with the upcoming release of "Screaming Steel", James Durbin is poised to deliver another sonic assault. If you're a fan of the classic sounds of JUDAS PRIEST, early DIO, '80s BLACK SABBATH and timeless U.S. heavy metal, brace yourself for an intense musical experience. "Screaming Steel" promises to resonate with heavy metal enthusiasts, drawing inspiration from the genre's rich heritage while maintaining a contemporary edge.

Following the success of his label debut "The Beast Awakens", which was released on February 12, 2021, Durbin has solidified his place as a force to be reckoned with in the heavy metal scene. "The Beast Awakens" showcased pure, unadulterated, headbanging heavy metal, drawing influences from classic '80s heavy metal while forging a path uniquely his own. The album received acclaim from fans of the genre and marked a triumphant return for DURBIN.

James Durbin's journey into the music industry gained widespread attention during his appearance on Season 10 of "American Idol", where he fearlessly championed heavy metal. On the finale, he shared the stage with legendary metal icons JUDAS PRIEST for unforgettable renditions of "Livin' After Midnight" and "Breaking The Law".

Throughout his career, Durbin has collaborated with an impressive array of musicians, including Stevie Wonder, Don Was, Zakk Wylde, Sheryl Crow, Tom Jones, Mick Mars of MÖTLEY CRÜE, Bob Babbitt of THE FUNK BROTHERS and STEEL PANTHER, among others.

Fans of heavy metal revivalists and classic heavy metal aficionados alike are in for a treat as Durbin continues to unleash his metal prowess upon the world.

"Screaming Steel" track list:

01. Made Of Metal
02. Screaming Steel
03. Where They Stand
04. Hallows
05. Power Of The Reaper
06. Blazing High
07. Beyond The Night
08. The Worshipper - 1897
09. Tear Them Down
10. Rebirth

Total Time: 41:15

Produced by: Aldo Lonobile
Recorded by: Aldo Lonobile, Eric J. Peterson & James Durbin
Mixed by: Aldo Lonobile
Mastered by: Aldo Lonobile

Band members:

Vocals - James Durbin (USA)
Guitars - Aldo Lonobile (Italy)
Guitars - Luca Birotto (Italy)
Bass - Mike Roberts (USA)
Drums - Marco Sacchetto (Italy)

Solos:

"Blazing High" and "Hallows" - Jadran "Conan" Gonzales (USA)
"Tear Them Down" - Taylor Washington (USA)
"Power Of The Reaper" - Jon Yadon Jr. (USA)
"Screaming Steel" and "Made Of Metal" - Dylan Rose (USA)
"Blazing High" and "Beyond The Night" – MOKSHA (USA)
"Where They Stand" - Aldo Lonobile (Italy)

M-Theory Audio in cooperation with thrash metal force Warbringer and Century Media Records is pleased to announce the upcoming vinyl reissues of three of the band’s iconic albums on March 8, 2024. 


Limited to 500 copies each these three albums follow a similar format Century Media presented in 2018 when they reissued the debut War Without End with each title being presented in a gatefold jacket format with colored vinyl including all bonus tracks from each cycle and a poster, but we’ve gone one step further and included extensive liner notes from Warbringer vocalist John Kevill on an insert with added pics.







Preorder at the M-Theory webstore or on Bandcamp.


“We’ll give you what you’ve been waiting for!” Another badass collaboration with M-Theory Audio - prepare for the 2024 vinyl reissue of Waking Into Nightmares, Worlds Torn Asunder and IV: Empires Collapse! All pressed on colored vinyl and including bonus tracks! Limited pressings, so don’t sleep on these or the cassettes!” cites drummer Carlos Cruz.


"We are pleased to see these three Warbringer records reissued on LP! These have been unavailable for a while now, so we are glad that they will be available again for you all to add to your collections,” states vocalist John Kevill. “Thanks to all of you metalheads out there for continuing to jam our records - as always, play it loud!"





These three albums follow a recent cassette reissue campaign, including a box set of seven cassettes – the band’s entire discography including demos. Box sets and some individual cassette titles of the band’s first four albums out February 9) available as well through m-theoryaudio.com.


(Photo - Alex Solca)

Six Foot Six has released a lyric-video for “The Siege (A Templar's Tale pt. 2)”, fifth single taken from the new album Beggar's Hill released on December 8th through Scarlet Records.


A Templar's Tale is a trilogy of songs and videos based upon Jan Guillou’s books about the Swedish Knight Templar Arn Magnusson.







"The Prodigy (A Templar's Tale Pt. 1)":





Order Beggar's Hill here.


Produced by Kristoffer Göbel and Christoffer Borg; mixed by Christoffer Borg; featuring Snowy Shaw as special guest on drums on all tracks; illustrated by Frode Hovde; Beggar's Hill is available in the following formats:


-digipack CD
-gatefold LP (splatter red & black; black)
-digital


Pure anthemic heavy metal at its best: Beggar's Hill is the third Six Foot Six record and the most coherent of their works until this date.


Influenced by classic bands such as Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and Metallica, it's a guitar and vocal melody-driven album, but still with a powerful up-to-date sound.


The catchy songs take you on a melancholic journey through salt-beaten winding seaside cliffs, medieval battles, decrepitude and abandonment, cinematic glimpses and the general state of the world – a planet of war, love, pollution and wonders.





"Tears" video:





“Raise The Dead” video:





(Photo – Jörgen Hinder)

Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, along with their children Jack and Kelly, have released the twentieth episode of their revived podcast. In this episode, Ozzy and Sharon answer listener call-in questions about their enduring love story. From sharing their couple's song and perfect date night to addressing challenges and offering advice for early-20s engagement, the dynamic duo navigates a range of topics. Laugh along with anecdotes about ketchup on steak and discover heartfelt moments, including insights into their touring life and thoughts on remarrying after tragedy... and a wild wrap-up question about Viagra.

Regarding his four-decade-plus marriage to his wife, who also manages his career, Ozzy said: "Sharon is like my soulmate — sometimes I love her, sometimes I don't love her, sometimes I'm angry with her, sometimes I'm crazy about her, sometimes I'm very jealous of her, sometimes I wanna fucking kill her. But through it all, at the end of the day, I love her more than anything in the world. Put it this way: I couldn't live without her; I don't wanna live without her. And my love for her now is bigger than it ever has been." Sharon added: "Ditto."

In a September 2023 interview with E! News, Sharon was asked about the secret to her "successful partnership" with Ozzy, 53 years after they first met when Sharon's father, Don Arden, was managing Ozzy's band BLACK SABBATH. She responded: "This thing is we're two oddballs. We're both oddballs. I might look quite, oh, the way I dress, quite normal, but normal is not a word I use often. So, we're two oddballs, and we were two wild young people that found each other. And I think we're cut from the same mold. And it's not been easy. No relationship is easy, and you have to work at it, and you get your ugly times, your bad times, and your horrific times. But if you love each other enough, you'll work through. And to realize that you have to accept people for what they are. They'll never be what you want them to be. You have to accept them — their good and their bad parts. If you love them enough, you'll accept it and realize that you can't change it."

Ozzy and Sharon first met when Sharon was only 18, and Ozzy was 22. After Ozzy was fired from the band in 1979, he started dating Sharon and she took over as his manager. The couple married in an intimate ceremony in Maui, Hawaii in 1982 and have since had three children together: Aimée, Kelly and Jack.

Ozzy and Sharon renewed their wedding vows shortly before their 35th wedding anniversary in May 2017, one year after they separated as reports circulated that he had been caught in an affair with a celebrity hairstylist. She turned out to be one of several women that Ozzy had been seeing and claimed that she and Ozzy had fallen in love. Ozzy later told Sharon that he would "go to any lengths necessary to repair the damage" that he had caused by his alleged affair. The couple went to marriage counseling and Ozzy reportedly checked into rehab for sex addiction.

Sharon said at the time: "We've survived everything: drink, drugs and now it's women... When you're fucking a load of women, one of them is going to want more. That's the one that's going to get you."

Sharon told The Sun that she didn't entirely blame Ozzy, saying: "It is hard when you are both successful and both working away. It is easy to take each other for granted… You have to have some ups and downs."

Ozzy later apologized publicly to the women with whom he has had extramarital sexual relationships.

Sharon continued to manage Ozzy's career throughout their marital crisis.

Following the 2017 ceremony, which was held at The Wynn in Las Vegas, Ozzy told Hello! magazine: "For me, this was actually our real wedding day. This is the one that I will remember. Sharon and I have been through so much, and this honestly feels like a new beginning."

In the fall of 2021, it was reported that Ozzy and Sharon had partnered with Sony Pictures and Polygram Entertainment for their upcoming biopic. The as-yet-untitled film, which will focus on the love story between the musician and his wife and manager, will be scripted by Lee Hall, who previously worked on Elton John's "Rocketman".

"Our relationship at times was often wild, insane and dangerous but it was our undying love that kept us together," said Sharon. "We're thrilled to partner with Sony Pictures and Polygram to bring our story to the screen."

The film is being produced by Sharon and her children Jack and Aimée Osbourne via their label Osbourne Media (which was also behind the Showtime documentary "God Bless Ozzy Osbourne" and A&E's "Biography: The Nine Lives Of Ozzy Osbourne"),alongside Michele Anthony and David Blackman on behalf of Polygram Entertainment. Andrea Giannetti is overseeing development for Sony.

In 2020, Ozzy stated about the biopic: "From what I understand, it's about Sharon and I and our relationship. It's how we met, fell in love, and how we married. She's my other half. She grew up a lot with me, and I grew up a lot with her."

Alternative chart-topping and 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards "Best New Artist (Alt & Rock)" nominee BAD OMENS and Grammy-nominated artist and multi-hyphenate Poppy have spun a gripping story straight out of your sci-fi horror nightmares on their collaborative new single "V.A.N". Following an exclusive audio premiere earlier today on SiriusXM's Octane, the ferocious single and cinematic music video officially released this afternoon via Sumerian Records.

Written and produced by BAD OMENS frontman Noah Sebastian, the song is the first glimpse of what the band will be offering on their upcoming album, the "Concrete Forever" project also known as "Concrete Jungle OST". The project is an experimental extension of BAD OMENS' hit LP "The Death Of Peace Of Mind" and the soundtrack to their "Concrete Jungle" comic book universe.

"V.A.N" is an industrial metal masterpiece about an artificial intelligence entity set out on a course to destroy humanity. The track immediately captivates the listener with BAD OMENS' hypnotic production and Poppy's angelic, whispering vocals as she takes on the role of the Concrete Jungle Universe AI character V.A.N. It then shock-transitions into a powerful onslaught of frantic drums, heavy guitars, and Poppy's vocals evolving from otherworldly tones to aggro screams.

When asked about his approach to creating the single, Noah explained: "That's a song that started just with the hook 'Violence against nature', and then after saving the project with the acronym and seeing it we realized it could be fun to think of 'VAN' as a name. Thus the rabbit hole of ideas began that led us to decide to write lyrics from the perspective of an artificial intelligence gone rogue."

Playing off the AI concept of the track and taking additional visual inspiration from the video game "Portal", the film "Ex Machina" and "Stranger Things", the story is brought to life by a visually stunning sci-fi thriller. In the mini film written by Sebastian, Poppy and Garrett Nicholson, Poppy portrays a synthetic human being held captive and subjected to experiments in a laboratory, eventually escaping and embarking on a murderous rampage. Watch the Garrett Nicholson- and Poppy-directed video below.

Fans will get to experience "V.A.N" live for the very first time on the European leg of BAD OMENS' "Concrete Forever" tour with Poppy. The tour kicks off in Berlin this Saturday, January 27 and international fans can tune in to livestreams of the sold-out shows from Cologne, Germany on January 28 and January 29, exclusively on Veeps. The number of fans from around the world who streamed the BAD OMENS' recent sold-out Hollywood Palladium show on Veeps was more than double the capacity of the venue.

BAD OMENS are coming off a wildly successful two years with the explosive success of their breakthrough third studio album "The Death Of Peace Of Mind" (2022). Hailed as "a stunning fusion of dark, Weeknd-esque pop and industrialized metalcore" (Revolver),the project has racked up over 940 million streams globally and surged BAD OMENS catalog to over 1.5 billion streams. The hardworking bands ascension was driven in part by the albums hit-single "Just Pretend" experiencing a viral TikTok moment that yielded a growing, dedicated fandom who catapulted them into the spotlight. Becoming the band's first RIAA gold-certified single, "Just Pretend" reached No. 1 at U.S. Alternative Radio and smashed multiple Billboard year-end charts, coming in at No. 1 on Hot Hard Rock Songs, No. 6 on Alternative Airplay Songs, No. 11 on Rock and Alternative Airplay Songs, No. 11 on Mainstream Rock Airplay Songs, No. 14 Hot Rock & Alternative Songs, and No. 23 on Hot Alternative Songs. The genre defyers continue their climb with the albums seductive title track, "The Death Of Peace Of Mind", currently sitting at No. 23 on Mediabase Alternative Radio Charts and No. 37 on Billboard Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart. The song also became RIAA gold certified in January 2024. Their radio success also earned BAD OMENS a nomination for "Best New Artist (Alt & Rock)" at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards.

Gaining momentum online and over the airwaves, BAD OMENS persistently surged ahead, captivating their rapidly expanding fanbase with electrifying live shows at numerous sold-out tours and festival performances worldwide. The band is already set for an intense touring schedule in 2024, recently concluding U.K. dates with BRING ME THE HORIZON, embarking on their "Concrete Forever" European headline run, announcing rescheduled U.S. performances and unveiling a lineup of festivals throughout the 2024 season.

Photo credit: Bryan Kirks

GUNS N' ROSES unveiled the music video for their brand-new single "The General". The cinematic clip notably stands out as the band's first-ever artificial intelligence-powered music video.

The video for "The General" intercuts 20 live vignettes with an A.I.-animated psychedelic visual trip. Between the concert footage, it dives into the subconscious of a young boy who stares down the monsters of dark childhood memories, blurring worlds in the process. The result is unlike anything the band has done before and continues a longstanding historic tradition of bold visuals from GUNS N' ROSES.

To bring this vision to life, GUNS N' ROSES collaborated with Dan Potter — creative director of London-based creative studio Creative Works. This was a collaboration between real designers and artificial designers, and the inspiration came from within the band.

"The General" is the B-side of GUNS N' ROSES' limited-edition seven-inch vinyl single titled "Perhaps", which was made available for pre-order in August 2023.

GUNS N' ROSES performed "The General" live for the first time on November 2, 2023 at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. The track was introduced by singer Axl Rose as a song they hadn't played before and that "it could be very interesting."

Like "Perhaps", "The General" was written during the sessions for GUNS N' ROSES' "Chinese Democracy" album. It was previously talked about by ex-GN'R drummer Bryan "Brain" Mantia, who reportedly wrote some of the song's music and gave it its title, and former SKID ROW singer Sebastian Bach.

In a 2008 interview with Rolling Stone, Sebastian said that Axl told him that "The General", which was described as "a slow, grinding track," is the sequel to "Use Your Illusion II"'s "Estranged", that goes to the parable that Del James wrote of the trilogy. (James penned the short story that inspired the "November Rain" video).

Bach told Metal Edge magazine back in 2007: "One of my favorite songs is this song called 'The General', which is so... it's by far the heaviest metal tune I think I've ever heard Axl do, this slow, grinding riff with these high, piercing vocals, screaming vocals."

Like GUNS N' ROSES' 2021 singles "Hard Skool" and "Absurd", "Perhaps" was originally written and recorded during the sessions for "Chinese Democracy", and a rough demo version of the song had previously been leaked and uploaded to YouTube.

GUNS N' ROSES released a four-song EP, "Hard Skool", in February 2022. The effort, which was exclusive to the GUNS N' ROSES' official store, contained the two new songs the band released in 2021 — the title track and "Absurd" (stylized as "ABSUЯD") — as well as live versions of "Don't Cry" and "You're Crazy".

In September 2021, the guitarist and his bandmates dropped "Hard Skool", which came more than a month after their performance and subsequent official release of "Absurd", a reworking of GUNS N' ROSES previously unreleased "Silkworms".

According to Slash, several other older GUNS N' ROSES tracks have also been reworked during the pandemic. "There's a handful of those songs that we actually fixed up and did when we were in lockdown," he explained to "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk". "So those have yet to be released. So those are gonna come out. They're really good, too. So I'm excited for those. We're just gonna put out like one or two songs, and another one or two songs. And I think that's gonna be pretty much all of 'em. I'm not sure exactly how many we did in total."

When host Eddie Trunk noted that "Hard Skool" in particular was a strong cut, Slash said: "These other ones, they don't have the same kind of amount of history, 'cause I know 'Hard Skool' seriously has… [it] goes way back. But there's a couple of epic ones coming out, so I'm excited about that."

If and when it happens, the new GUNS N' ROSES studio album will be the first under the GUNS banner since "Chinese Democracy" and the first to feature Slash, Rose and bassist Duff McKagan since 1993.

Slash previously spoke about "Hard Skool", one of the first two songs he recorded with GUNS N' ROSES in more than 25 years, in February 2023 in an interview with Rolling Stone. At the time he said: "'Hard Skool', in essence, was a completed song when I was first introduced to it. And Duff and I went in and redid the bass and the guitars. It's a simple song, so it didn't take a hell of a lot of thought and analysis. I think it was a lot of fun just because it was part and parcel of a bunch of stuff that we were working on that was all sort of new — at least to Duff and I — so we had a good time."

In October 2021, Slash told Audacy Check In host Remy Maxwell that GUNS N' ROSES had yet to begin writing new material after releasing the two reworked songs from the "Chinese Democracy"-era sessions.

"As far as new GUNS is concerned, we haven't even gotten to that point of really in earnest sitting down and writing," Slash said. "We've been doing a lot of material that's been sort of sitting around for a while. So that will be a whole focused endeavor unto itself."

As for how "Hard Skool" and "Absurd" came about, Slash said: "They both have a lot of history. What happened was Axl has all these songs that he recorded at some point along the way. And so Duff and I went in and re-did them, basically… Like, I wrote my own kind of parts to what else is going on, and [we] just sort of took the drums and re-did everything else."

Written by Rose and co-produced by Rose and Caram Costanzo, "Hard Skool", which had the working title "Jackie Chan", was originally recorded during GN'R's "Chinese Democracy" era but was eventually omitted from that album. Short clips of the song were later posted online and a full version was leaked in August 2019.

On "Hard Skool", Axl sings: "But you had to play it cool, had to do it your way/Had to be a fool, had to throw it all away/Too hard school and you thought you were here to stay/ If that were true, it wouldn't matter anyway."

"Absurd" came out on August 6, 2021, three days after GUNS N' ROSES performed the tune live for the first time during its concert at Boston's Fenway Park.

GUNS N' ROSES last performed "Silkworms", which was also reportedly written during the "Chinese Democracy" sessions, in 2001.

Photo courtesy of The Oriel Company

Toxic misogyny, violence against women and incels are the latest target MINISTRY frontman Al Jourgensen takes aim at in the song "B.D.E." (a.k.a. "Big Dick Energy") out today, including a spellbinding music video that draws the line on the poisonous behavior seen in both politics and everyday life in 2024.

The song's whiplash riffs, barreling drums, punchy keys, and pummeling bass all come to a head in the thrash breakdown mid-song, putting the aggressive talents of Jourgensen and the full MINISTRY band — John Bechdel (keyboards),Monte Pittman and Cesar Soto (guitars),Roy Mayorga (drums) and Paul D'Amour (bass) — on full display.

Jourgensen says of the track: "The incel subsect and general misogynistic tendencies in our society are dangerous yet seem to fly under the radar so we figured it's time to shine a light on it. In true MINISTRY fashion, we battle it with sarcasm."

"B.D.E." follows the release of earlier singles "Just Stop Oil" and "Goddamn White Trash", which are taken from MINISTRY's upcoming album "Hopiumforthemasses", due on March 1 via Nuclear Blast Records. The three songs give a preview of the state of mind of Jourgensen who is cantankerous as ever about a fucked-up world ripe for a boot up its ass. Like always, he's merely looking around at the same dumpster fire we all are, but he's got a microphone and uses it well to rage on about the state of the world.

"Hopiumforthemasses" also has a slew of special guest contributors, including GOGOL BORDELLO's Eugene Hutz, longtime collaborator and LARD companion Jello Biafra and CORROSION OF CONFORMITY frontman Pepper Keenan.

"Just like you or anybody else, I'm simply a passenger in this lifetime," said Jourgensen. "I'm watching social changes, political changes, and economic changes, and I comment on them because I do have a First Amendment right. A lot of people say artists and athletes should shut up and play ball. No, I'm on this trip too. If I see something, I say something. That reflects on where each album goes. Instead of staying sedentary and singing about broken relationships, inner turmoil, or whatever is hurting this week, I comment on what's going on from the perspective of a fellow passenger."

"Hopiumforthemasses" track listing:

01. B.D.E.
02. Goddamn White Trash***
03. Just Stop Oil
04. Aryan Embarrassment**
05. TV Song 1/6 Edition
06. New Religion
07. It's Not Pretty
08. Cult of Suffering*
09. Ricky's Hand

* Featuring Eugene Hütz (GOGOL BORDELLO)
** Featuring Jello Biafra
***Featuring Pepper Keenan

"Hopiumforthemasses" will be available in three vinyl variants, a CD jewelcase and digital/streaming platforms. The vinyl variants include: green with yellow splatter (in stores everywhere); blue with pink splatter (nuclear blast exclusive); red with white splatter (band/tour exclusive).

Last June, Jourgensen told Yahoo! Entertainment 's Lyndsey Parker that he was close to putting MINISTRY to bed, more than 40 years after he launched the band in his former hometown of Chicago.

"My career is winding down with MINISTRY," Jourgensen said. "I'm gonna stop MINISTRY in an album or two. I have to. I have other things I wanna do."

He continued: "My public and my band are all in agreement that we are being shackled by… We are taking our genre to the farthest limits it can go, and we're happy with that. And we'll stop when it's time instead of keep going and trying to just recreate the same stuff. We keep trying to push further. So, I figure there's only maybe one more MINISTRY album to go. Maybe two, but probably one."

Jourgensen added: "I have other things to do. I have projects that I'm working on with various people. I have film scores. And MINISTRY, now we're being held to the standard of this new MINISTRY of, okay, either push further or do the most popular stuff over and over and over and over, which we have with 'Psalm 69' or something like that. I'm tired of that. We're all tired of that. Well, we are. The fans aren't. So I think this next year or two is gonna be really transformative in the sense that I'm wrapping a bow on my entire career and saying, 'Drop mic. Thank you. Thank you for buying our t-shirts… Good night. And now I hope you follow me on my next journey."

Al revealed that one of MINISTRY's final recordings might be a 'remake" of the band's first album, "With Sympathy", which he claims he had little control over, with the record company at the time dictating its direction. According to Jourgensen, a new version of "With Sympathy" would "tie a bow on the whole thing, and just say, 'Drop mic. Good night. I'm outta here.'"

The MINISTRY mastermind said that he and his bandmates are heading into the studio to commence work on a new recording of "Revenge", one of three singles from "With Sympathy", with the possibility that they will re-record three of the album's other cuts: "Effigy", "Work For Love" and "Here We Go". As for when fans might hear these new versions, Al said: "I think it's going to be sooner than you think."

This is not the first time Jourgensen has vowed to make a "final" MINISTRY album. 2007's "The Last Sucker" was supposed to be the band's last-ever LP. Then, while working on other projects, inspiring riffs were born that would eventually become 2012's "Relapse". Later that year, Jourgensen began work on yet another MINISTRY album with longtime guitarist and collaborator Mike Scaccia. Three days after leaving the MINISTRY sessions in El Paso, in the early hours of December 23, 2012, Scaccia suffered heart failure onstage while performing with his other band, RIGOR MORTIS, and was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. Scaccia's death both devastated and motivated Jourgensen to return the studio to put the final touches on what they had started in memory of his best friend. The result was 2013's "From Beer To Eternity". Two more albums followed, 2018's "AmeriKKKant" and 2021's "Moral Hygiene".

Photo credit: Derick Smith / Nuclear Blast

In a new interview with Sense Music Media, COAL CHAMBER and DEVILDRIVER frontman Dez Fafara was asked if he would be "open to playing shows with the new iteration of PANTERA," referencing the latter band's current lineup, which consists of surviving members Philip Anselmo (vocals) and Rex Brown (bass) alongside Zakk Wylde (BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, OZZY OSBOURNE) on guitar and Charlie Benante (ANTHRAX) on drums. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Oh, I talk to Philip all the time. He's writing the foreword to my autobiography right now. I love that band and I love what they're doing for the brothers, and for people who never got to see it, they get to see it now.

"I mean, for me, people will say METALLICA, but PANTERA is the best heavy metal band on earth. End of story. And I know he's [Philip] got a sordid past and he said some things and this and that, and don't get me caught up in any of that," Dez continued, apparently alluding to the incident eight years ago when Anselmo made a Nazi-style salute when he performed at the January 2016 "Dimebash" event at the Lucky Strike Live in Hollywood in honor of late PANTERA guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott. "I follow the music and that's what I follow. And then again, I toured the world with him for fucking three and a half, four years and multiple times, and I lived at Anselmo's house for years. Whenever I didn't have a home and I came home, I didn't have a home, I either went to a hotel in L.A. or went to his house. So that being said, I'm glad that they're out and people should go check it out."

Fafara added: "I took my wife — our first date was PANTERA and BLACK SABBATH at the Forum [in Los Angeles], my wife and I. She disappeared with fucking Sharon Osbourne [who managed COAL CHAMBER for a period] for like three hours. And then she comes back, and Sharon told me, 'She's the one,' and I was, like, 'Of course, I know she's the one, but you took her for three hours. So where the fuck did you guys go?'"

"So, yeah, if [PANTERA] comes to [play near] you, you should definitely go see that."

Anselmo and Brown, along with Wylde and Benante, are headlining a number of major festivals across North America, South America and Europe and staging some of their own headline concerts. They are also supporting METALLICA on a massive stadium tour in 2024.

According to Billboard, the lineup has been given a green light by the estates of the band's founders, drummer Vincent "Vinnie Paul" Abbott and guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott, as well as Brown, who in 2021 said Wylde wouldn't tour with PANTERA if a reunion were to happen. It's unclear what changed his mind.

Up until his passing, Vinnie remained on non-speaking terms with Anselmo, whom the drummer indirectly blamed for Dimebag's death.

Vinnie Paul and Dimebag co-founded PANTERA. When PANTERA broke up in 2003, they formed DAMAGEPLAN. On December 8, 2004, while performing with DAMAGEPLAN at the Alrosa Villa in Columbus, Ohio, Dimebag was shot and killed onstage by a troubled schizophrenic who believed that the members of PANTERA were stealing his thoughts.

Vinnie passed away on June 22, 2018 at his other home in Las Vegas at the age of 54. He died of dilated cardiomyopathy, an enlarged heart, as well as severe coronary artery disease. His death was the result of chronic weakening of the heart muscle — basically meaning his heart couldn't pump blood as well as a healthy heart.

A few days after Vinnie Paul's death, Dez told Inquisitr: "It's the fucking worst, you know? I don't like burying friends, I don't like burying legends and I don't like burying guys that gave me my start in the business. It's the worst. I feel for his family and for his girl right now, and for the whole heavy metal community. That guy had a light and a fucking smile that nobody else had. He never had a backstabbing moment in his fucking life. He helped everybody around him."

He continued: "So it's the fucking worst, man, but it's a physical passing. He left music. He left a lot of memories and so he'll live on, and that's what it's about in life: making a scar, so when your physical presence leaves, you leave some kind of fucking memory, y'know? Maybe you helped a local high school, maybe you built a bridge, maybe you wrote music, maybe ran a good fucking good company, maybe you helped something out."

Dez added: "We have to remember the person that he was, the smile that he had, the things that he left. I was very fortunate to tour around the world with PANTERA for years. Vinnie was the one who always spun. I mean, me and Philip were very close; I lived in Philip's house. We still are very close friends."

DEVILDRIVER was reportedly dubbed "the next PANTERA" by Anselmo, who had been friends with Fafara since the mid-'90s. When asked about Anselmo's stamp of approval in a 2007 interview with "Rebel Access" TV, Dez replied, "Phil is by far the best frontman out there, and everyone knows we've been friends for a long time. We first heard that comment when we were at a press conference in Europe. That comment kinda humbles you, and you don't know what to really say to that. There will never be another [PANTERA] — no one is trying to do that, we can never hold a candle to that band. All the things you have to say just to humble yourself for a comment like that makes you say, 'Thanks bro.' After all that, you just say, 'Thanks, man, I'll do a shot of whiskey for you saying that.' Every single member of that band is an ultimate player and we can't hold a candle to that, so we say thank you and leave it at that."