Akron, Ohio's If These Trees Could Talk will release their third full-length, The Bones Of A Dying World, on June 3rd worldwide via Metal Blade Records. Featuring 9 instrumental tracks of the quintet's signature post-rock, The Bones Of A Dying World can be pre-ordered in various formats at this location. The new track “Berlin” is streaming below.

Formed in 2005, If These Trees Could Talk has grown tremendously since their humble origins in drummer Zack Kelly's basement as an instrumental project in college. After self-releasing their If These Trees Could Talk EP (2006) and two full-lengths, Above The Earth, Below The Sky (2009) and Red Forest (2012), the group garnered buzz from the global music community, and consequently sold out a three-week European tour in 2012. Music from the band's catalog has also been heard in Sony PS3 titles, and on NBC, MTV, VH1, the NFL, in videos for Vans, and for projects on the Sundance Film Festival. Cumulatively, If These Trees Could Talk has sold over 20,000 copies for their efforts, with 3,000 on vinyl alone across all of their albums. Their upcoming third full-length, The Bones Of A Dying World, promises to be another landmark achievement in the band's career.

"We feel this album 'steps up the sound' in a way that could only come after Red Forest and not before," Mike Socrates (guitar) comments. "The songs were constructed in a much more deliberate and cautious approach. A lot of time was spent on small parts and transitions in order to maximize the full effect of the song as a whole. In a way, we feel like this is the perfect continuation from Red Forest."

Recorded over the past year at NE Meadow Studios in Akron, OH, The Bones Of A Dying World was once again produced and engineered by the band's own Zack Kelly (drums). Mixing duties were handled by Zack Kelly and Freddie DeMarco while the final master was completed by Alan Douches at West West Side Music. For the album artwork, If These Trees Could Talk called upon long-time designer Charlie Wagers, who worked with the band on their past two releases. After four years of fine-tuning these audio and visual components, the quintet is now ready to unleash their Metal Blade Records debut this summer.

The Bones Of A Dying World tracklisting:

“Solstice”
“Swallowing Teeth”
“Earth Crawler”
“After the Smoke Clears”
“The Here and Hereafter”
“Iron Glacier”
“The Giving Tree”
“Berlin”
“One Sky Above Us”

“Berlin”:

“Earth Crawler”:

“Solstice”:

After The Bones Of A Dying World's release, If These Trees Could Talk will play two special album release shows in their home-state of Ohio (see below for details), with a full US tour planned for September. Stay tuned for more news and dates coming soon.

If These Trees Could Talk album release shows:

July
8 - Rumba Cafe - Columbus, OH
9 - Musica - Akron, OH

If These Trees Could Talk lineup:

Zack Kelly - Drums
Tom Fihe - Bass
Jeff Kalal - Guitar
Cody Kelly - Guitar
Michael Socrates - Guitar

Kiss star Gene Simmons says there's a "special place in hell" for child abusers
Gene Simmons has described paedophilia as "an incurable condition" to which "death is the only answer."

The Kiss bass player is the subject of a regular feature called The Gospel According To... in the latest issue of Classic Rock magazine, in which he tackles everything from politics and drugs to religion and paedophilia.

Simmons says: "Paedophilia is an incurable condition – death is the only answer, apart from sending them to the gulags of Siberia.

"And priests who are paedophiles are the lowest of the low. If you put on a priest's collar and use your influence to command someone to suck your cock, there's a special place in hell for you."

Last year, Simmons' Los Angeles home was raided by officers from the city's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, with the musician saying his internet connection was "used by some very bad people to do porn of a certain kind – the worst kind.”

Simmons was away on tour at the time the alleged offences took place.

Also in The Gospel According To Gene Simmons article, he insists he doesn't believe Islam is a violent culture and says he advocates marriage, but only for older men as "males of all ages are actually 16-year-old horny toads."

GUNS N' ROSES singer Axl Rose played his fifth show as the temporary frontman for AC/DC on Thursday night (May 19) at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion in Vienna, Austria.

For the Vienna concert, Rose was only partly confined to a throne after snapping his metatarsal bone while singing during GUNS N' ROSES' Troubadour reunion show on April 1. It is the same custom throne Dave Grohl used last year for FOO FIGHTERS concerts after breaking a leg.

The setlist for the Vienna show:

01. Rock Or Bust02. Shoot To Thrill03. Hell Ain't A Bad Place To Be04. Back In Black05. Got Some Rock & Roll Thunder06. Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap07. Rock 'N' Roll Damnation08. Thunderstruck09. High Voltage10. Rock 'N' Roll Train11. Hells Bells12. Givin' The Dog A Bone13. If You Want Blood (You've Got It)14. Sin City15. You Shook Me All Night Long16. Shot Down In Flames17. Have A Drink On Me18. T.N.T.19. Whole Lotta Rosie20. Let There Be Rock

Encore:

21. Highway To Hell22. Riff Raff23. For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)

Rose told NME in a new interview that he didn't speak with Brian Johnson before temporarily replacing the latter as frontman for AC/DC, saying it was only because he didn't have enough time. Rose explained: "I have not spoken with Brian. We haven't spoken much about Brian. There hasn't been any negative talk with the guys or anything — it's just the time schedule of having to get things together for the shows, while I also had GUNS N' ROSES commitments, and then breaking the foot."

Rose took over the mic in AC/DC after Johnson was warned by doctors that he would face a total loss of his hearing if he stayed on the road. Rose is slated for now to play AC/DC's current run of European shows as well as ten postponed North American gigs.

Rose also spoke about his injured foot, saying: "The day I found out it was broken I left the hospital to rehearse. My only day off was the surgery day, and the next day was back to rehearsals."

The singer said he had "about twenty rehearsals" with AC/DC, adding, "If I really screw up, they can blame me for that, because I did have good rehearsals."

Rose reached out to AC/DC himself after hearing about Johnson's misfortune. Guitarist Angus Young said: "A lot of people were putting people forward. You get a lot of people. The modern world being what it is, everyone's, 'Well, I can sing a song.'" AC/DC did audition at least two tribute band singers during their search.

Rose recently indicated that he's willing to continue with AC/DC past the 22 shows he's contracted for. He will have to take a break from them this summer, however, for his North American stadium run with GUNS N' ROSES.

On Jeff Beck's forthcoming studio album "Loud Hailer", his first in six years, the legendary guitarist combines fluid fretwork with topical lyrics to make a powerful statement about everything from the love of power, to the power of love. "Loud Hailer" will be available on Atco Records, an imprint of Rhino Entertainment, on July 15 on CD ($18.98), LP ($21.98), and digitally. "Loud Hailer", which is another name for a megaphone, is a suitable moniker for an album that isn't shy about speaking its mind. The two-time Rock And Roll Hall Of Famer explains: "I really wanted to make a statement about some of the nasty things I see going on in the world today, and I loved the idea of being at a rally and using this loud device to shout my point of view." The album's first single, the riotous rocker "Live In The Dark", will be unleashed soon. To help him write the 11 tracks on "Loud Hailer", Beck enlisted two fierce young females from London: singer Rosie Bones and guitarist Carmen Vandenberg. It was a chance meeting with Vandenberg last year at a birthday party for QUEEN drummer Roger Taylor that eventually led to the trio's collaboration. "She invited me to one of their shows, and I was blown away," the guitarist recalls. "When we got together in January, I explained the subject matter I had in mind, we sat down by the fire with a crate of Prosecco and got right to it. The songs came together very quickly; five in three days." Beck produced "Loud Hailer" with Filippo Cimatti, who also works with Rosie and Carmen. In addition to the core trio, the album also features drummer Davide Sollazzi and bassist Giovanni Pallotti, who were both recruited by Cimatti. Bones lends her powerful voice to nine of the 11 songs on "Loud Hailer", including the intense album opener "The Revolution Will Be Televised", the reflective ballad "Scared For The Children", the funk-infused "O.I.L." and the tranquil album closer "Shrine". The album is rounded out by two signature Beck instrumentals in "Pull It" and "Edna". A few days after the album's release, Beck will launch a summer tour of the U.S. with blues legend Buddy Guy. And on August 10, Beck, with special guests to be announced shortly, will make his Hollywood Bowl debut for a very special, career-spanning concert that celebrate 50 years of "dynamic music making." "It will be head teacher Beck in a gown and mortar board in front of the class giving everyone a history lesson," he jokes. The show will also include an orchestra. Over the course of Beck's illustrious 50-year career, the trailblazing guitarist has earned many accolades. He has twice been inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame — first as a member of THE YARDBIRDS in 1992 and then again, as a solo artist, in 2009. Rolling Stone ranked him as one of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time" and he has earned a total of eight Grammy Awards during his long career. In addition, Beck has been a guest performer at scores of sessions with everyone from Stevie Wonder and Buddy Guy to Tina Turner and Mick Jagger. Throughout his career, Beck routinely makes the fantastically difficult sound effortless. In addition to recording "Loud Hailer", Beck has been hard at work on his first official book, "BECK01" (Genesis Publications). Available on July 12, this signed, limited edition book explores Beck's passions for hot rodding and rock 'n' roll. Inspired by the sleek curves, luxurious finish and iconic imagery of the hot rods he builds, "BECK01" is hand-bound in leather and aluminum with every book numbered and personally signed by the author, Jeff Beck. The guitarist's handpicked selection of more than 400 rare and unseen photographs and items of memorabilia is narrated with an original manuscript of nearly 20,000 words, making "BECK01" the definitive visual and historical record of the dynamic musician. Included is an eloquent foreword by John McLaughlin that begins, "Jeff Beck is my all-time favourite guitarist, what do I say after that?" Indeed. "Loud Hailer" track listing: 01. The Revolution Will Be Televised02. Live In The Dark03. Pull It04. Thugs Club05. Scared For The Children06. Right Now07. Shame08. Edna09. The Ballad Of The Jersey Wives10. O.I.L.11. Shrine

Inquisition are streaming a track off their forthcoming new album, Bloodshed Across The Empyrean Altar Beyond The Celestial Zenith. The song, titled "Wings Of Anu" can be heard via the YouTube clip below.

Regarding the track, guitarist/vocalist Dagon comments: "Anu is the god of all gods, the cosmos, the all. His seeds were dropped to the soil of earth and life was spawned. His wings represent those who came here and seeded the earth. Still today those wings continue to return and are at times seen in the skies in various forms in the most unnatural forms transcending through interstellar portals to earth."

Bloodshed Across... will be released by Season Of Mist worldwide on August 26th. The artwork and tracklisting can be found below. Pre-orders across several CD and LP formats, including several limited edition bundles, are available at the Season of Mist e-shop.

Their first new record in three years,Bloodshed Across The Empyrean Altar Beyond The Celestial Zenith was recorded at the legendary London Bridge Studios in Seattle (Alice In Chains, Queensryche, Soundgarden) with long time engineer Arthur Rizk (Prurient, Power Trip).

Regarding the album, Dagon adds: "Bloodshed Across The Empyrean Altar Beyond The Celestial Zenith represents a multi layered theme beginning with the universe as an infinite space of war between the cosmic gods of our creation, transcending into the spirit of our inner space which is an extension of the gods, and the connection between our species, our spirit, and the absolute universe as a whole as a result from the interstellar warfare. Inspired by the forces before creation, its mechanics and the ancient question/reason as to what placed us here as the most recent ruling species in such an instantaneous window of time."

"Intro: The Force Before Darkness"
"From Chaos They Came"
"Wings Of Anu"
"Vortex From The Celestial Flying Throne Of Storms"
"A Black Aeon Shall Cleanse"
"The Flames Of Infinite Blackness Before Creation"
"Mystical Blood"
"Through The Divine Spirit Of Satan A Glorious Universe Is Known"
"Bloodshed Across The Empyrean Altar Beyond The Celestial Zenith"
"Power From The Center Of The Cosmic Black Spiral"
"A Magnificent Crypt Of Stars"
"Outro: The Invocation Of The Absolute, The All, The Satan"
"Coda: Hymn To The Cosmic Zenith"

 

 

Gruesome are streaming their Dimensions Of Horror EP in it’s entirety. Listen below. The EP is out tomorrow, May 20th, on CD, LP, cassette and digitally worldwide. Pre-orders are available at Relapse Records.

Self-produced by the band and recorded with Jarrett Pritchard at New Constellation Studios in Orlando, FL, Dimensions Of Horror is a gruesome salute to Death’s iconic Scream Bloody Gore. and once again features cover art by the legendary Ed Repka (Death, Atheist, Massacre). A six-song slab of grisly, bone-breaking death metal jams, Dimensions Of Horror continues the development of Gruesome’s homage to the founding fathers of the genre and proves that no matter the decade, old-school death metal is always relevant, always savage, and always irresistible.

Tracklisting:

“Forces Of Death”
“Raped By Darkness”
“Amputation”
“Hellbound”
“Seven Doors”
“Dimensions Of Horror”

EP stream:

“Dimensions Of Horror” video:

Trailer:

Check out "Revocation Of Humankind" - the opening track from the upcoming Blood Red Throne album entitled, Union Of Flesh And Machine, to be released in July by Spinefarm Records.

Tracklisting:

"Revocation Of Humankind"
"Proselyte Virus"
"Patriotic Hatred"
"Homicidal Ecstacy"
"Martyrized"
"Union Of Flesh And Machine"
"Legacy Of Greed"
"Exposed Mutation
"Primal Recoil"
"Leather Rebel"
"Mary Whispers Of Death"

 

"Tied Up", a brand new song from Long Beach, California's RIVAL SONS, can be streamed below. The track is taken from the band's upcoming album, "Hollow Bones", due on June 10 via Earache

RIVAL SONS' fifth studio album features nine brand new tracks of electrifying rock 'n' soul, including a breathtaking cover of "Black Coffee".

With a huge range of "Hollow Bones" products available, including limited-edition gold, silver and transparent vinyl, plus ultra-limited signed CD and vinyl editions, there's something for everyone from the casual fan to the die-hard collector.

Once again recorded with two-time Grammy winner Dave Cobb, "Hollow Bones" follows the release of RIVAL SONS' chart-hitting 2014 album "Great Western Valkyrie". Since then, the band has appeared on "Later... With Jools Holland" in the U.K. and "The Late Show With David Letterman" in the USA, performed at the iconic Glastonbury and Isle Of Wight festivals and sold out countless headlining shows.

Always a band who feel artwork is as much a part of the album experience as the music, their first outing was a collaboration with legendary artist Storm Thorgerson, known for many iconic album covers from the likes of PINK FLOYD and LED ZEPPELIN. This time they have teamed up with artist Martin Wittfooth, whose intensely allegorical paintings all suggest the future of the human condition — without showing a single person — on a piece called "Rainsong". Guitarist Scott Holiday commented: "I discovered Martin Wittfooth about halfway through making 'Hollow Bones'. I was immediately drawn into his work. I loved his imagery with animals and felt it was calm and unnerving all at the same time. I also loved the touch of whimsy and beautiful psychedelic overtones he used. First time I saw his work, I immediately felt it was right for this album.

"I won't try to overly interpret the album cover or explain in detail why I believe it works perfectly with the album… but I can safely say I think this just might be my favorite cover of ours yet."

Having recently supported the legendary BLACK SABBATH on "The End" world tour, and with the upcoming release of yet another jaw-dropping record, 2016 looks set to be RIVAL SONS' best year yet.

In the words of frontman Jay Buchanan: "Each record we've made has been part of a distillation toward revealing the band's essence. This record finally is the release of the unapologetic, wild beast that has long lived within the ribs of RIVAL SONS howling to be freed."

Brian Rademacher of RockEyez recently conducted an interview with CRASHDÏET guitarist and SWEET CREATURE frontman Martin Sweet. You can now listen to the chat in the YouTube clip below.

Speaking about vocalist Simon Cruz's sudden departure from CRASHDÏET in January 2015, Sweet said: "Well, he left the group when we were in Tokyo [Japan]. We had two shows to play — two shows in a row; like maybe Saturday and Sunday, or something like that. We were opening for EUROPE. And after the first show, he left home to Sweden without announcing anything. But he had been acting weird for some time before."

He continued: "We've been through some rough times, with our manager dying in the midst of our world tour. And I don't know… He changed after Michael Sundén died, and he seemed to be having a lot of personal stuff going on. And we actually wanted to cancel the Japanese tour, 'cause we didn't think he was fit for it, but he was stubborn, as he is, and he went to Tokyo anyway. So we did what we could. I mean, we did a whole show; we did like an hour set, and it was fine. Then he left the morning after."

According to Sweet, Cruz's exit from CRASHDÏET came at a time when the band was already working on material for the follow-up to 2013's "The Savage Playground". "We had plans for the next album, and demos were being made," he said. "We had plans, but it just didn't work out. And then when [Simon] left, we kind of lost the spirit for a while."

Despite the fact that CRASHDÏET has been inactive for nearly a year and a half, Sweet insists that the band still has a future. "A lot of people are talking about, you know, they ask, 'Is CRASHDÏET over?' Fuck no!" he said. "CRASHDÏET is my main band, you know. And when the time is right, we will start the search for a new singer."

Martin does stress, however, that fans shouldn't expect to hear new music from CRASHDÏET for quite a while. "I don't think we have the energy to start a huge campaign about searching for singers right now," he said. "We get e-mails every now and then — or quite often, actually — [from singers offering their services] so we look at all of them and listen. But we're not actively searching for a new singer right now. We're just kind of trying to recoup and trying to get our lives together."

Cruz, who was previously a member of the Stockholm act JAILBAIT, joined CRASHDÏET in 2009 as the replacement for H. Olliver Twisted (now in RECKLESS LOVE).

Former CRASHDIET singer David Hellman (a.k.a. Dave Lepard) was found dead on January 20, 2006 at his apartment in the Swedish city of Uppsala, north of Stockholm. It was reported in several places that he hanged himself, although this was never officially confirmed.

"The Savage Playground" entered the official chart in Sweden at position No. 2. The CD was released in January 2013 via Frontiers.

CRASHDÏET released a DVD titled "Shattered Glass And Broken Bones – Three Years Of Generation Wild" on December 4, 2012. The disc featured three hours of live and behind-the-scenes footage complied by the band with Bear Productions.

THE APOCALYPSE BLUES REVUE (formerly BLUE CROSS BAND), the new project from GODSMACK's Shannon Larkin and Tony Rombola, has inked a deal with Provogue. The band's debut album will be released later in the year.

THE APOCALYPSE BLUES REVUE, whose lineup is rounded out by frontman Ray Cerbone and bassist Brian Carpenter, honors blues traditions, while etching their stamp on the genre in blood. "As far as blues goes, APOCALYPSE BLUES REVUE is a little heavier, a little darker, and has some punk rock attitude in the lyrics," affirms Shannon. "We wanted to make something deep that will provoke thought. It had to be evil, though. We're not trying to make it happy. It's called blues for a reason! It was also an opportunity to show the world what a phenomenal guitar player Tony is." Shannon witnessed Tony's knack for the style firsthand while writing together for GODSMACK's 2010 offering "The Oracle". Burnt out on metal and hard rock, the pair would loosely jam without boundaries. During one impromptu session in their Southwest Florida rehearsal spot, the drummer laid down a slow, simmering groove, and another side of the guitar player reared its head. "I couldn't believe it," smiles Shannon. "I didn't even know he was into blues or could play the way he does. My reaction was immediate. We had to officially start a blues band.” Provogue/Mascot Label Group's CEO Ed van Zijl was equally impressed when he heard the band for the first time: "This is a very cool band and they made a very cool record," he says." Melodic and groovin' blues rock with touches of Hendrix and THE DOORS. The whole album sounds very organic and natural, great songs and vibe as if they have been playing together for a long time. I love it!"

Talking about joining the label, Larkin adds: "We looked at Mascot's roster and track record, and made the decision on the spot. We didn't feel we needed to shop the band to any other labels; it just felt too perfect."

Southern California’s Nails will release You Will Never Be One Of Us on June 17th via Nuclear Blast Entertainment. Today, the band has released a music video for the track “Savage Intolerance”. Check it out below:

You Will Never Be One Of Us was recorded, mixed and produced by Kurt Ballou (Converge, High On Fire). Artwork was created by WHTHD. Pre-order the album in CD or vinyl format, with or without several bonus items, from the Nuclear Blast web shop. Pre-order the album digitally right now through iTunes or Amazon and receive the title track instantly.

You Will Never Be One Of Us tracklisting:

“You Will Never Be One Of Us”
“Friend To All”
“Made To Make You Fall”
“Life Is A Death Sentence”
“Violence Is Forever”
“Savage Intolerance”
“In Pain”
“Parasite”
“Into Quietus”
“They Come Crawling Back”

“You Will Never Be One Of Us” video:

Making-of documentary videos:

Part 1:

Part 2:

In support of their new album, Nails has announced several worldwide tour dates. Confirmed shows are listed below.

Tour dates:

June
11 - Sound and Fury Festival - Regent Theater - Los Angeles, CA

June (with Full Of Hell, God’s Hate, Eternal Sleep)
17 - The Empty Bottle - Chicago, IL
18 - The Loving Touch - Femdale, MI
19 - Hard Luck - Toronto, ON CANADA
20 - Les Foufounes Electriques - Montreal, QC CANADA
21 - Middle East - Cambridge, MA
22 - Marlin Room at Webster Hall - New York, NY
23 - Underground Arts - Philadelphia, PA
24 - Ottobar - Baltimore, MD
25 - Strange Matter - Richmond, VA

July (with Terrorizer, Freedom, Nomads)
20 - Brick By Brick - San Diego, CA
21 - Constellation Room - Santa Ana, CA
22 - The Roxy Theatre - West Hollywood, CA
23 - Thee Parkside - San Francisco, CA (no Terrorizer)

August
5 - This Is Hardcore Festival - Electric Factory - Philadelphia, PA

October
21 - Southwest Terror Fest - 191 Toole - Tucson, AZ

November (with Full Of Hell)
4 - Cathouse - Glasgow, Scotland
5 - Damnation Festival - Leeds, England
6 - The Fleece - Bristol, England
7 - Underworld - London, England
8 - Point Ephemere - Paris, France
9 - Trix - Antwerp, Belgium
10 - Underworld - Cologne, Germany
11 - Aalborg Metal Festival - Aalborg, Denmark
12 - Babel - Malmo, Sweden
13 - Hafenklang - Hamburg, Germany
14 - Musik & Frieden - Berlin, Germany
15 - Futurum - Prague, Czech
16 - Arena - Vienna, Austria
17 - Hansa 39 - Munich, Germany
18 - Keller Club - Stuttgart, Germany
19 - Doorroosje Indoor Fest - Nijmegen, Netherlands

(Photo - Jimmy Hubbard)

"Hated", a brand new song from Columbus, Ohio's BEARTOOTH, can be streamed below. The track is taken from the band's new album, "Aggressive", which will be released on June 3 via Red Bull Records.

In the two short years since their debut album was cooked up in frontman Caleb Shomo's basement, BEARTOOTH has catapulted into heavy music's stratosphere. They have collected over ten million views on YouTube, trekked around the globe sharing the stage with SLIPKNOT, PIERCE THE VEIL, BRING ME THE HORIZON and SLEEPING WITH SIRENS and playing festivals like Reading and Leeds, Download and the Vans Warped Tour.

For "Aggressive", Shomo again retreated to his home studio to write, perform and produce the album's twelve tracks, re-teaming with John Feldmann (THE USED, BLINK-182) for a bit of songwriting contribution and enlisting David Bendeth (KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, PARAMORE) to mix the release. The resulting songs have as much in common with stomping metalcore as old-school punk, vintage screamo and harder-edged pop punk, combining circle pit-inducing bangers with soaring choruses and bridging raw authentic intensity with accessibility.

"Aggressive" track listing:

01. Aggressive02. Hated03. Loser04. Fair Weather Friend05. Burnout06. Sick Of Me07. Censored08. Always Dead09. However You Want It Said10. Find A Way11. Rock Is Dead12. King Of Anything

Italian thrashers Extrema are preparing for the release of The Old School EP, set for May 27th by Punishment 18 Records. The EP will be released as digital version, CD and vinyl (250 copies limited edition), and will feature two powerful guests: Ralph Salati (Destrage) and Bob Capka (ex-Vicious Rumours).

A video for the song  “Carcasses”, featuring Ralph Salati, can be found below. The clip was filmed, directed and edited by Daniele Farina with additional filming from Jimmy Rey, Loris Marinoni and Nicole Alagna.

Guitarist Tommy Massara comments about the track and video: “”Carcasses" is the only track on the new EP that was never recorded before, even on a demo. I found the song on a rehearsal tape that was unheard and un-played since 1987. All we did was change up the lyrics for this EP.

“It was immediately clear to the whole band that this song was perfect for an in-your-face video. We contacted our close friend Daniele Farina to direct, film and edit the video, who also filmed and edited two of the videos from our 2013 album, The Seed Of Foolishness. The place he suggested to film it is currently abandoned, a totally dangerous place for us to be and I don't think we were even supposed to be in there. But it was incredible for the video - such a cool place. The results came out amazing."

The Old School EP embodies the spirit, immediacy and brutality of the years in which its tracks were originally written, accented by fresh, pummelling production. Recorded last year at Fear Studios in Alfonsine (Ravenna, Italy) with The Seed Of Foolishness producer Gabry Ravaglia, these tracks do not just prompt the "old school" cliché - they are the real deal - recorded in classic brutal fashion with only minimal writing tweaks.

All five tracks were originally written in 1987, shortly after the release of Extrema’s We Fuckin ' Care EP. Only one of these songs saw the light on an album - "Life" was originally released in 1993 on the band's first full-length album Tension At The Seams. The track has been re-recorded for The Old School EP in addition to tracks the band is known for performing live-only or releasing as raw demos on rare tapes, including "Child Abuse", the instrumental "M.A.S.S.A.C.R.O", "Tribal Scream" and "Carcasses". The idea came to guitarist Tommy Massara while tidying Extrema’s audio archives. He began listening to a tape on which there were no notes or text records of any kind.

In addition to those tracks, The Old School EP will feature two bonus tracks, including live versions of "Life" and Motörhead's "Ace of Spades", both recorded in Rome, Italy.

Tracklisting:

“Life”
“Carcasses”
“Tribal Scream”
“Child Abuse”
“M.A.S.S.A.C.R.O.”
“Life” (Live in Rome)
“Ace Of Spades” (Live in Rome)

Extrema will perform an EP showcase presentation on May 21st at Legend Club in Milan, Italy.

100 Years will release their debut, selt-titled album via Suicide Records on June 17th. The Swedish indie-metal outfit formed back in 2012, housing members from the legendary, pioneering death metal band Merciless as well as one of Sweden's most influential and esteemed acts Dia Psalma.

Written, recorded, produced and mixed over the last two years by the band themselves, 100 Years is a gloomy celebration of rain battered concrete, human downfall and desperate solitude that will delight fans of acts such as Voivod, Swans, Killing Joke and Celtic Frost. Watch the band’s new video for the track “All Grey” below.

Tracklisting:
 
“The Medicine Knows My Name”
“Breath Of Summer”
“Too Far From Goodness”
“Incendie”
“All Grey”
“Calling For Daylight”
“All The Fools And Me”
“The Flood”
“Concrete Eden”

“All Grey” video:

100 Years is available on pre-order now at this location.

100 Years lineup:

Roger Petersson - vocals
Magnus Borg - bass
Adam Magnusson - guitar
Henrik Borg - drums
Pontus Andersson - guitar

(Photo - Uffe Sandin)

They came from Venus to destroy the cities. Valient Thorr is a wild ass rock ’n roll band said to hail from inside of the planet Venus. Since crash landing on Earth in the year 2000, they've played well over 1,500 shows all over the world. They've toured with visionaries from Motörhead and Joan Jett to contemporary heroes like Mastodon, Gogol Bordello, and Clutch. Since 2005 they have put out six full-length records and two seven inches! And just so you don't think we're blowing smoke, look them up! This is only the cusp of the feats of greatness this hard working, sweat drenched band has accomplished!

Today the aliens can confirm a July 29th release date for their Napalm Records debut and seventh full-length release. Old Salt is the follow-up to 2013's Our Own Masters. Additional details including album art and track listing have been revealed as well.

Valient Himself commented on the new album: "Old Salt wouldn't have happened if it wasn't for Eidan Thorr. He helmed this beast & put the wheels in motion. What is it about? If you ask me it's about stepping into the future as an artist while trying to anticipate what comes next using that old man logic that comes with age- that no one ever tells you about until it's time to say "if I'd known then what I know now". All the best old storytellers aren't just weaving you yarns. They are recounting from experiences. And believe me, we've had plenty of those in the last few years."

Pre-order your copy of Old Salt in exclusive bundle packages here.

Old Salt tracklisting:

“Mirakuru”
“Lil Knife”
“Cut And Run”
“No Count Blues”
“The Trudge”
“Worm Up”
“Spellbroke”
“Linen Maker”
“The Shroud”
“Looking Glass”
“Jealous Gods”

In support Old Salt, Valient Thorr will be hitting the road in North American on the 15 Years on Earth Tour. Joining them on the road will be Pears, Black Wizard and label-mates Hammer Fight. The tour kicks off May 25th in Asheville, NC and runs through July 13th in Baltimore, MD.

 

 

Valient Thorr - 15 Years On Earth Tour:

May
25 - Asheville, NC - The Mothlight
26 - West Columbia, SC - New Brookland Tavern
27 - Gainesville, FL - The Atlantic
28- Satellite Beach, FL - Sports Page
29 - Lake Worth, FL - Propaganda
31 - Mobile, AL - The Blind Mule

June
1 - Atlanta, GA - Drunken Unicorn
2 - Birmingham, AL - Syndicate Lounge
3 - Memphis, TN - Hi Tone Café
4 - Hattiesburg, MS - The Tavern
5 - Houston, TX - Rudyards
6 - San Antonio, TX - Jacks Bar
8 - Austin, TX - The Lost Well
9 - Dallas, TX - Three Links
10 - Oklahoma City, OK - The Blue Note
11 - Denver, CO - Marquis Theatre
12 - Salt Lake City, UT - Metro Bar
15 - San Diego, CA - Soda Bar
16 - Glendale, CA - Complex
17 - Reno, NV - Shea's Tavern
18 - Sacramento, CA - Starlight Lounge
19 - San Francisco, CA - DNA Lounge
20 - Portland, OR - Mississippi Studios
22 - Seattle, WA - El Corazon Lounge
23 - Vancouver, BC - SBC
24 - Edmonton, AB - Starlight Room
25 - Calgary, AB - Palomino Smokehouse
27 - Winnipeg, MB - Pyramid Cabaret
30 - Fort Wayne, IN - Brass Rail

July
1 - Louisville, KY - Haymarket Whiskey Bar
2 - Columbus, OH - Shrunken Head
3 - Ferndale, MI - Zeke's
5 - Toronto, ON - Hard Luck
6 - Montreal, QC - Bar Le Ritz PDB
8 - Buffalo, NY - The Studio at Waiting Room
9 - Providence, RI - Firehouse 13
10 - New Haven, CT - Café Nine
11 - Brooklyn, NY - Black Bear Bar
12 - Philadelphia, PA - Underground Arts
13 - Baltimore, MD - Baltimore Sound Stage

German blues rockers Zodiac will release their new album, Grain Of Soul, on July 29th via Napalm Records. It was recorded and mixed by Arne Neurand (Guano Apes, Subway To Sally, The Intersphere) at Horus Sound Studio in Hannover, Germany. The mastering duties were handled by Grammy Award winning Jean-Pierre Chalbos (Gojira, Kavinsky) at La Source Mastering in Paris, France. Watch the new lyric video for the album’s lead track, “Rebirth By Fire”, below.

Grain Of Soul tracklisting:

"Rebirth By Fire"
"Animal"
"Follow You"
"Down"
"Faithless"
"Crow"
"Ain't Coming Back"
"Get Out"
"Like The Sun"
"Sinner"
"Grain Of Soul"
 
Bonus 7-inch single:

"Shore"
"Dying One"

"Rebirth By Fire" lyric video:

"The recordings of Grain Of Soul were the most intense so far and the album turned out deep and heavy," says drummer Janosch Rathmer. "It's definitely a new chapter that just happened and it's gonna be a blast getting the material up on stage!"

Prior to kicking off a European headline tour in support of the album in September / October, Zodiac will be playing two exclusive record release shows in Germany.

July
29 - Münster, Germany - Skater’s Palace
30 - Berlin, Germany - Privatclub

Upcoming summer festival dates:

May
21 - Bully-les-Mines, France - Bully On Rocks Festival

June
24 - Hamburg, Germany - Hamburg Harley Days

August
17-20 - Dinkelsbühl, Germany - Summer Breeze Festival

Finnish melodic deathsters INSOMNIUM have been forging a very special release during the past few months. Titled "Winter's Gate", it is a concept album made up of one epic 40-minute song. The album is built around a short story, "Winter's Gate" ("Talven Portti" in Finnish), written by vocalist and bassist Niilo Sevänen, recipient of numerous Finnish awards and nominations. The compelling short story is about a group of Vikings who set out to find a fabled island west of Ireland, despite the treacherous winter drawing near.

The full story will be released together with the album as a book with translations in English, Finnish and German, and illustrated by the artist Teemu Tähkänen.

"Winter's Gate" is currently being mixed by Dan Swanö at Unisound AB studio in Sweden and will be out worldwide through Century Media Records on September 23. Upcoming tour dates for autumn and winter will be announced soon.

INSOMNIUM's latest album, "Shadows Of The Dying Sun", was released in April 2014 in North America via Century Media Records. All the drums were recorded at studio SF Sound with Kimmo Perkkiö while the rest of the instruments were laid down at studio Korkeakoski with Teemu Aalto. André Alvinzi of Fascination Street Studios took care of the mix, with Svante Forsbäck at Chartmakers overseeing the mastering. The artwork was once again created by Wille Naukkarinen.

Artistically imperious, instinctively forward-thinking and remorselessly creative, Satyricon have long since earned the right to be hailed as one of black metal’s most important and influential bands. And now they are to revisit the album that raised them from underground heroes to bold contenders on the world stage… the timeless and towering Nemesis Divina.

To herald the 20th anniversary of this most illustrious piece of dark art, Nemesis Divina will be re-released on May 20th via Napalm Records, newly remastered by Satyr himself and boasting upgraded and revamped packaging worthy of an album that has had a huge and enduring impact on both the black metal scene and underground heavy music in general. A full album stream can be found below.

Satyricon will return to celebrate the 20th anniversary of this seminal masterpiece with a never-to-be-repeated series of exclusive European shows, wherein the Norwegian trailblazers will perform the album in its entirety for the first and last time.

“It’s not what we do and it won’t happen again!” avows frontman and creative mastermind Satyr. “This band, as you know, is definitely not retrospective. But we started playing live in 1996. Our most groundbreaking milestone record came out in 1996.  It’s the only one that we still play several songs from in our set to this day… so if we're ever going to do anniversary shows, do a reissue and make it a big deal, it’s gonna be Nemesis Divina and it has to be now.”

When Satyricon released their third album in 1996, their status as one of the most significant and creatively vital bands in Norwegian black metal was already beyond dispute. But Nemesis Divina was no ordinary record or just another step along the road to infamy. Instead, this was a revolutionary and groundbreaking piece of work from a band that had suddenly hit their stride on every conceivable level. From its uniquely vibrant and impactful artwork, which broke every supposed rule in the black metal handbook with its vivid colours and refined aesthetic core, to the supremely confident and idiosyncratic songs and individual performances that heralded a newfound sophistication and a freshly incisive vision, Nemesis Divina almost single-handedly took black metal from its voluntarily shadowy and obscure origins into the glaring spotlight of the international metal scene. There are many classic albums to salute from the Norwegian scene of the early 90s and while the likes of Mayhem, Darkthrone, Emperor and Immortal undoubtedly share Satyricon’s esteemed position in the genre’s spectral hall of fame, it was arguably Nemesis Divina that most vigorously announced the arrival of this arcane musical phenomenon to the rest of the world, destroying the notion that black metal was an entirely self-contained and inward-looking subculture in the process. Most of all, however, Nemesis Divina showcased a band that finally had the skill and the musical intuition to back up the undeniable potency of their artistic vision. Sonically devastating and compositionally meticulous, songs like Mother North and The Dawn Of A New Age redefined what black metal was capable of, while proudly retaining the genre’s ageless essence and aesthetic values.

“Everything expanded tenfold with Nemesis Divina,” Satyr states. “For most people who liked the first two records, Satyricon climbed to a whole different level on Nemesis Divina and people really started to love the band. This album has a special place in our history. Suddenly we were selling 80,000 and then 100,000 records, and those numbers were unheard of in our small part of the world. That was the record that everyone that was into this scene wanted to buy. If you say there are two stages of evolution in black metal – the 80s, with Venom and Celtic Frost and Bathory, and then the 90s with the Norwegian stuff and everything followed in its wake – there are, at most, a handful of albums and a handful of songs that really define modern day black metal. Nemesis Divina is definitely one of those records and Mother North is definitely one of those songs.”

Nemesis Divina tracklisting:

“The Dawn Of A New Age”
“Forhekset”
“Mother North”
“Du Som Hater Gud”
“Immortality Passion”
“Nemesis Divina”
“Transcendental Requiem Of Slaves”

Album stream:

Nemesis Divina formats:

- Limited Edition Mediabook CD + extended Booklet incl. exclusive liner notes
- Limited Vinyl 1LP Gatefold + A2 Poster
- Limited Deluxe Box Set incl. Mediabook CD + 12” Picture Vinyl + 12” Slip Mat + A2 Poster

Pre-Orders are now available here.

Satyricon will then embark on a series of exclusive one-off shows, performing the record in full for the first and only time.

“Its 20 years since Satyricon made its live debut as a band, and 20 years since we released Nemesis Divina,” Satyr states. “I thought  ‘Either we do multiple shows, re-release the album and do it properly…or we don’t do it at all’. «So here we are. We’ll be performing Nemesis Divina, front to back, doing only a few exclusive shows and we look forward to sharing this unique experience with our loyal fans."

Tour dates:

June
10 - Norje, Sweden - Sweden Rock Festival     
18 - Dessel, Belglium - Graspop

July
8 - Harzgerode, Germany - Rockharz Festival    

August
12 - Jaromer, Czech Republic - Brutal Assault
13 - Graz, Austria - Metal On The Hill Festival
14 - Walton On Trent, UK - Catton Park
19 - Sinbronn, Germany - Summer Breeze
27 - Crispendorf, Germany - Wolfzeit Festival

Deadlock have released their new music video for the new track “Berserk”, from their upcoming Hybris album. Watch below:

Sabine Scherer has decided to leave Deadlock to have more time for her family and her two children. Margie Gerlitz has been confirmed as new permanent female singer in the band. Sabine has released a special farewell video for her fans and supporters, including the first audio sample with Margie! Check it out below:

Deadlock have risen from the ashes, scarred, but with their heads held high, fully fueled with new strength and their well-known passion for releasing their upcoming album, entitled Hybris.

Hybris is set to be released on July 8th via Napalm Records and turns out to be a multi-faceted monster in terms of both shape and content. At the same time it painfully digs through the latest events in the Deadlock camp. Despite the tragic death of founder and drummer Tobias Graf (immortalized with a moment of silence on the album) and the departure of singer Sabine Scherer (now replaced by Margie Gerlitz), the megalomaniac creative urge could not be suppressed.

Sebastian Reichl on Hybris: “Hybris is both powerlessness and hope, melancholia and confidence united, accounting for the past in the truest sense. The effort to meet your demons, to forgive and to find salvation with your own history. The release of dammed aggressions and wash away all fears. Put all wrath and anger in music and lyrics to fill with new passion. This is all what Hybris symbolizes and you can feel it every second on the album. It was our longest trip. Giving up was never an option.”

Hybris tracklisting:

“Epitaph”
“Carbonman”
“Berserk”
“Blood Ghost”
“Hybris”
“Wrath / Salvation”
“Backstory Wound”
“Ein Deutsches Requiem”
“Vergebung”
“Welcome Deathrow”
“Uncivil Hands” (Bonus Track)
“Fight Song” (Bonus Track)

Hybris finds its inseparable counterpart in a 90 min. DVD documentary, The Longest Road, that translates the album concept to visuals. The DVD tracklisting reads as follows:

Intro
Winter - Restart
Spring - Songwriting
Summer - Demo
Fall - Pre-Production
Winter - Recordings
Spring - Hybris
Credits

Deadlock have always been about extremes – and always will be! Fans love these Germans for every emotional force run through the raging depths of death metal, technical prowess, borderline pop-laden melodies, nods to classic metal, and casual flirtation with trance and beats. A gripping and blunt rollercoaster ride that sees light in the blackest night – and that is something only Deadlock can achieve!

See Deadlock live at these upcoming summer festivals:

July
3 - Basinfirefest - Spálené Porící, Czech Republic
7 - Rockharz - Ballenstedt, Germany
8 - Out & Loud - Geiselwind, Germany

August
19 - Summerbreeze - Dinkelsbühl, Germany
20 - Rockin' Rümmerschen - Wenden, Germany
26 - Metalacker Festival - Tennenbronn, Germany

Deadlock lineup:

Margie Gerlitz - Vocals
John Gahlert - Vocals
Werner Riedl - Drums
Ferdinand Rewicki - Guitar
Sebastian Reichel - Guitar
Christian Simmerl - Bass

"Clandestine Ways (Krokodil Rot)", the new video from San Diego-based deathgrind masters CATTLE DECAPITATION, can be seen below. The clip was once again directed by Mitch Masse, who previously helmed the band's video for "Your Disposal".

CATTLE DECAPITATION frontman Travis Ryan comments: "Mitch Massie once again hurls us into a nightmarish world of the eye for an eye table turning that CATTLE DECAPITATION lyrics exude, but this time in a much more surreal manner. Here we see the circus has come to town and with it a grisly 'freaks' exhibit featuring the barbaric aftermath of what the protagonists (the 'Ringmaster' and a freed 'specimen') have done to the leading researchers at Cosmeugenics Laboratories — a place where cosmetics testing is performed on earthen creatures all in the name of human vanity — but this time by completely incorrectly administering the clandestine, flesh-eating drug 'krokodil.' I'll leave out the horrific details as you'll have to see that for yourself!"

"The Anthropocene Extinction" came out last August via Metal Blade. The CD was once again helmed by Dave Otero (ALLEGAEON, CEPHALIC CARNAGE), who worked on 2012's "Monolith Of Inhumanity".

CATTLE DECAPITATION also enlisted a surprising array of guests to help achieve their vision. The one and only legendary Philip H. Anselmo lends his throat to "The Prophets Of Loss" while recent signee to his Housecore Records label, fellow San Diegan and friend of the band, AUTHOR & PUNISHER, brings forth the industrial damnation as an intro to the track "Plagueborne". Additionally, Germany's dark metal misanthrope, Mr. Jurgen Bartsch of the almighty BETHLEHEM, lends a spoken-word piece in his native tongue to the apocalyptic final track "Pacific Grim".

The record also sees the band extending their collaboration with illustrator Wes Benscoter, who's handled the artwork for every CATTLE DECAPITATION release since 2002's "To Serve Man".

"Father Of Lies", a brand new song from San Francisco Bay Area metallers DEATH ANGEL, can be streamed below. The track is taken from the band's new album, "The Evil Divide", will be released on May 27 via Nuclear Blast. The CD was once again recorded at AudioHammer studios in Sanford, Florida with producer Jason Suecof (TRIVIUM, DEICIDE), who previously worked on 2010's "Relentless Retribution" and 2013's "The Dream Calls For Blood". Mastering duties were handled by Ted Jensen at Sterling Sound in New York City. The cover artwork was created by Tyrrell and can be seen below.

DEATH ANGEL guitarist Rob Cavestany said: "Both Mark [Osegueda, vocals] and I had been tattooed by Bob, and when the subject of album artwork came up, we approached him to create the design. We wanted an image that would represent the idea of 'The Evil Divide'; something beautiful, yet simultaneously wicked, hence the death moth. Bob realized our vision with mere pencil and paper, and now we proudly present to you the cover art for our eighth studio album, 'The Evil Divide'."

Osegueda told SFWeekly.com about working with Suecof again: "It's the third time we've used him, and we couldn't really be happier."

He continued: "This time, all the music was written and lyrics were written with the exception of one song, which I purposely saved to write on the spot.

"Sometimes you can get a great vibe from a studio and draw inspiration from that. That song came out great."

Mark added: "It's got the aggressiveness of the last two records, but our songwriting has improved dramatically. Really, it sounds like DEATH ANGEL should."

Regarding DEATH ANGEL's mindset going into the songwriting process for the new CD, Osegueda told Rock Hard magazine: "When we started working with Jason Suecof for the last two records, 'Relentless Retribution' and 'The Dream Calls For Blood', we thought we were gonna do two records intense like that and kind of go back [to the more] melodic [direction of 1990's] 'Act III', but the last two records, we've been loving so much writing that style, and the crowds have been enjoying them so much.

"In our minds, even if we think we're being more brutal than we've ever been, it's inevitable that we are obsessed with melody, so there's always gonna be melody that separates us from, say, different thrash bands or extreme bands, because we always veer to a melody and catchy hooks. No matter how brutal we think we're being, we like to throw in hooks, so we're just gonna carry on how we're doing now and try to pick as many of the young punters there and keep our stronghold on the old punters."

"The Evil Divide" track listing:

01. The Moth02. Cause For Alarm03. Lost04. Father Of Lies05. Hell To Pay06. It Can't Be This07. Hatred United, United Hate08. Breakaway09. The Electric Cell10. Let The Pieces Fall

Bonus:

11. Wasteland

+ "Making Of" DVD

DEATH ANGEL will take part in a live performance and signing session on Thursday, May 26 at 5:00 p.m. at the Amoeba record store in San Francisco, California.

The official visualizer video for HATEBREED's new song "A.D." can be seen below. The track is taken from the band's latest album, "The Concrete Confessional", which was released on May 13 via Nuclear Blast Entertainment. The follow-up to 2013's "The Divinity Of Purpose" was produced by longtime collaborator Chris "Zeuss" Harris (ROB ZOMBIE, SUICIDE SILENCE, WHITECHAPEL) and mixed by Josh Wilbur (LAMB OF GOD, MEGADETH). The artwork was created by Marcelo Vasco (SLAYER).

A number of tracks provide a pragmatic look at issues that have become front-and-center in today's New Normal, and "A.D." is a case in point. Reflecting what is today a challenging time, it's a song that fuses together frustration with torrential thrashed-out guitars, double bass drums, and Jamey Jasta's immortal growl.

"'A.D.' was a way that I could voice my frustration about the loss of opportunities available to the average guy," said Jasta. "With the government and big business drowning in corruption and greed, the average person is being squeezed, so achieving the American Dream is becoming less and less real.

"We all need to pay closer attention to what our elected leaders are doing," Jasta added. "Start locally, in your own community, make your representatives accountable."

Regarding the "The Concrete Confessional" artwork, Jasta said: "I think da Vinci said it best when he said painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt, and poetry is painting that is felt rather than seen. Marcelo was able to capture a feeling that will accompany our musical and lyrical vision and he put together a striking piece that speaks volumes."

"The Concrete Confessional" track listing:

01. A.D.02. Looking Down The Barrel Of Today03. Seven Enemies04. In The Walls05. From Grace We've Fallen06. Us Against Us07. Something's Off08. Remember When09. Slaughtered In Their Dreams10. The Apex Within11. Walking The Knife12. Dissonance13. Serve Your Masters

HATEBREED's last album, "The Divinity Of Purpose", sold 17,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 20 on The Billboard 200 chart.

Seminal guitarist Punky Meadows (ex-ANGEL) is set to release his first-ever solo album, "Fallen Angel", on May 20 via Main Man Records. The offering will be the first new music from the guitarist in years and features the soaring guitars and arena-sized rock sounds for which Meadows and ANGEL came to be known.

The official video for the album's first single, "Straight Shooter", can be seen below.

Meadows commented: "It feels great to be back and I can't wait for all my fans to hear my new album. It's badass, rocks and every song will have you rockin' and singing along. This album is diversified and has something for everyone while still keeping true to form. Everyone who played on this record had amazing performances and made this album killer! We run the streets! This is the album you will be playing in your house, in your car, when you work out and anywhere else your ears will take you. Long live rock n' roll!"

"Fallen Angel" will be available in two formats. The standard CD will include a 16-page booklet which features previously unreleased images of Punky Meadows throughout the years. A very special limited edition will also be available which is autographed by Punky and includes two bonus tracks, one with ANGEL lead singer Frank Dimino, as well as an exclusive Meadows guitar pick. Both formats are available for sale at MainManRecords.com. Punky Meadows is best known as lead guitarist of the '70s band ANGEL (Casablanca Records). ANGEL, like labelmates KISS, were a highly successful theatrical band that headlined throughout the world, but was particularly successful in Japan. Punky was a huge influence to many musicians for not only his great feel, tone and unique style of guitar playing, but also his image that many have tried to emulate over the years. ANGEL released six albums on Casablanca before disbanding in 1981 due to the demise of the label. During his career, Punky had been sought after and asked to join such bands as KISS, AEROSMITH, NEW YORK DOLLS and Michael Bolton. Upon the disbanding of ANGEL, he occupied himself with successful business ventures while continuing to play guitar and write songs.

Through social media, fans have let him know that they want to hear from him and with his newfound passion in music and inspiration from close friend Danny Farrow Anniello, together they have written 15 new songs for "Fallen Angel".

In addition to Punky and Farrow, the band includes Felix Robinson (bass), Chandler Mogel (lead vocals), Bob Pantella (drums) and Charlie Cav (keyboards). Felix and Punky last worked together in ANGEL.

"Fallen Angel" track listing:

01. Descent02. The Price You Pay03. Straight Shooter04. Breathless And Jaded05. Loaded Gun06. Lost And Lonely07. Home Wrecker08. I Wanna Be Your Drug09. Leavin' Tonight10. Searchin'11. Something Strange12. Shadow Man13. Shake Shake14. Summertime Love15. Fallen Angel

Foghat comes full circle with their new album Under The Influence, released Friday, June 24th. Drawing from their collective musical influences, the band not only brought in some special guests from their past who helped launch and inspire the Foghat story, but also invited some new friends into the mix to continue the journey of this never idle band.  
 
They started recording at their Florida studio, Boogie Motel South in 2013. In addition to Foghat members Roger Earl, Craig MacGregor, Charlie Huhn and Bryan Bassett,  two additional figures helped shape the sessions - Buddy Guy alumni, Scott Holt, who lent a hand in the writing, and added fantastic guitar and vocals to several tracks, and Grammy winning producer/songwriter, Tom Hambridge.  
 
With their resident genius, guitarist Bryan Bassett at the helm, the project was going slow since Bryan was doing triple duty, playing, writing and recording the tracks, while in the midst of a Foghat tour. So Tom Hambridge came aboard. According to Roger Earl "I met Tom when presenting 3 awards to Buddy Guy and Tom (his producer) at the Memphis Blues Awards.  Tom said that he was a fan, and would love to produce a Foghat record. Putting that in the back of my mind, this was the perfect opportunity. Tom came down to Boogie Motel South to meet the band and we clicked and started writing together immediately. Working with him was inspirational!
 
During this time, an opportunity arose for some ‘other’ recording at Dark Horse Institute in Nashville for a friend's graduation project. Scott, Bryan and Roger recorded 6 tracks and a new ‘band’, ‘Earl and the Agitators’, with Scott Holt as lead guitar/vocals was born.  They are now playing some dates opening for Foghat with Roger and Bryan doing double-duty.  This great experience prompted Foghat to move the recording of “Under the Influence” to Dark Horse Studios where they brought in two of their major influences.
 
Foghat was ‘spawned’ from the British Blues band Savoy Brown in 1971, so it was fitting to ask Savoy founder and guitarist Kim Simmonds to join in.  
As Roger Earl puts it “Kim gave me my shot!” As soon as Kim started playing, everyone was mesmerized!
 
Included on this release is a new recording of ‘Slow Ride” to celebrate the 40th anniversary. They invited Nick Jameson, (original bass player and producer of “Slow Ride” on the 1975’ Fool for the City album) to play along with Foghat bassist Craig MacGregor who played bass on Foghat LIVE (1977). They had a blast, and Foghat lead singer, Charlie Huhn, was as usual at the top of his game with his incredible vocals and guitar work!
 
And to round out the project the amazing Dana Fuchs added some of her bluesy/sultry vocals to a couple of tracks!
 
Three years in the making, Foghat had fun with this record and the result is an eclectic blend of rock and blues with a little funk and R&B on the side for good measure. It showcases the combined talent of all of the members both in the writing and the playing. This band never stops!

Under The Influence tracklisting:
“Under The Influence”
“Knock It Off”
“Ghost”
“She’s Got A Ring In His Nose”
“Upside Of Lonely”
“Heard It Through The Grapevine”
“Made Up My Mind”
“Hot Mama”
“Heart Gone Cold”
“Honey Do List”
“All Because Of You”
“Slow Ride”

Teaser:

Dan Reed Network’s new album, Fight Another Day, will be released on June 3rd. The new song “Infected” is now available for streaming below.

Fight Another Day marks the return of one of the most infectious and gifted bands to come out in the melodic rock world in the second part of the 80's. The new album was recorded primarily in the home town of members of DRN, Portland, Oregon, while most of the writing process took place in Dan Reed's private studio in Prague in the Czech Republic, where Reed currently resides with his family. Demos were sent back and forth between Derek Shulman (A&R for Frontiers), Brion James, Melvin Brannon Jr. and Rob Daiker, making notes and refining the songs over great distances via the internet. This process was not unlike with DRN composed songs back in the late 80's and early 90's as Dan Reed used to demo out songs on his Akai 12 track machine and bring the songs into rehearsals where the band members would then arrange and flesh out the band's classic 'funk rock' sound.

After the tracking was completed, band's keyboardist Rob Daiker went to work editing and mixing each track alongside Shulman and Reed, sending mixes back and forth, making notes and shaping and moulding the album to best represent what DRN sounds like currently, while paying respect to what brought the band to the world's attention back in the late 80's.

"I thought it would be a great experiment and interesting challenge to revisit what endeared the band to so many back in the day and deliver a rock record with funk and soul elements, strong melodies, but this time around incorporate even edgier lyrics while not losing sight that this release needed to be uplifting, infectious, and most of all, powerful when performed live," says Dan Reed. "The title Fight Another Day'represents the fact that after 25 years we were able to gravitate back to the passion we discovered playing together all those years ago, and battle once more!"

The band looks forward to the world's response to this new labor of love, and this testament to the bonds of friendship and musical chemistry! Worldwide touring over the next twelve months will support the album release.

Fight Another Day tracklisting:

“Divided”
“The Brave”
“Infected”
“Champion”
“Ignition”
“Give It Love”
“B There With U”
“Save The World”
“Eye Of The Storm”
“Reunite”
“Heaven”
“Sharp Turn”
“Stand Tall”

“Infected”:

“Champion”:

“Divided” video:

EPK:

Tour dates:

June
4 - Oslo, Norway - Hard Rock Cafe (CD Release Show)
6 - Stockholm, Sweden - Gronalund
7 - Goteborg, Sweden - Liseberg
10 - Sweden Rock Festival - Friday, Main Stage
13 - Hamburg, Germany - The Rock Café - St. Pauli
15 - London, England - 100 Club (UK CD Release Show)

Dan Reed Network is:

Dan Reed - Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitars, Piano, Synth Programming, Moog Bass
Brion James - Vocals, Lead and Rhythm Guitars, Synth Guitars, Synth Programming, Drum Programming
Dan Pred - Drums, Percussion, Videographer
Melvin Brannon II - Vocals, Bass, Acoustic Bass, Electric Contra Bass, Synth Bass
Rob Daiker - Vocals, Keyboards, Synth Programming, Drum Programming

Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, will release Steve Vai's Modern Primitive / Passion And Warfare 25th Anniversary Edition, a celebratory 2CD collection of classic tracks and previously unreleased music, on Friday, June 24th. It is available now for pre-order (widget below).

Steve Vai and Legacy Recordings are commemorating the 25th anniversary of Passion And Warfare with a special 2CD edition of the album which includes the first-ever release of Vai's Modern Primitive songs and recordings. Based on song sketches and works-in-progress penned and recorded by Vai following the release of Flex-Able, his debut album, in January 1984, the music on Modern Primitive has been completed by Vai for release as a full album disc and the 2nd CD is the bonus remastering of the Passion And Warfare 25th Anniversary Edition.

"The music on Flex-Able is so vastly different from Passion And Warfare, one could wonder if the same guy actually made both records," Steve writes in his liner notes for the collection. "Modern Primitive is the missing link between these two records. It's sort of Cro-Magnon Vai."

Newly remastered from the original analog tapes, the Passion And Warfare 25th Anniversary Edition disc includes, as bonus tracks, four previously unreleased recordings from the Passion And Warfare sessions.

Modern Primitive / Passion And Warfare 25th Anniversary Edition is being released as a 2CD physical collection while each disc will be available as a separate title on all digital platforms.

The 2CD Modern Primitive / Passion And Warfare 25th Anniversary Edition will be housed in a 4-panel soft-pack with a 20-page Modern Primitive booklet and a 24-panel Passion And Warfare poster fold.

In addition to the first-time release of his "lost" Modern Primitive music, composer/producer and electric guitar virtuoso Steve Vai will celebrate the 25th anniversary of his landmark album, Passion And Warfare, with a world tour starting on May 28th featuring—for the first time ever in concert—full performances of his groundbreaking instrumental rock masterpiece in its entirety.

"Performing this record from top to bottom (with some very special surprises in the works) is something I've always dreamed of doing," Vai said.  "There are songs here I've never performed before, and I'm delighted that 25 years after its release, I feel as though my guitar chops are as much up to the task as ever before."

Often cited as one of the greatest and most influential instrumental rock guitar albums ever recorded, Vai's Passion And Warfare was originally released through Relativity/Epic Records in September 1990 and has been certified Gold by the RIAA. Inspired by a series of dreams Vai had experienced as a young man, Passion And Warfare has been described by the artist as "Jimi Hendrix meets Jesus Christ at a party that Ben Hur threw for Mel Blanc." Recorded at The Mothership, Vai's home studio in the Hollywood Hills, Passion And Warfare includes the classic track, "For The Love Of God," cited as one of the best solos of all time in a Guitar World magazine reader's poll.

Modern Primitive tracklisting:

“Bop!”
“Dark Matter”
“Mighty Messengers”
“The Lost Chord”
“Upanishads”
“Fast Note People”
“And We Are One”
“Never Forever”
“Lights Are On”
“No Pockets”
“Pink and Blows Over: Part 1”
“Pink and Blows Over: Part 2 (Mars Attack)”
“Pink and Blows Over: Part 3 (Jazzbo Paddle-foot)”

Passion And Warfare 25th Anniversary Edition tracklisting:

“Liberty”
“Erotic Nightmares”
“The Animal”
“Answers”
“The Riddle”
“Ballerina 12/24”
“For Love Of God”
“The Audience ls Listening”
“I Would Love To”
“Blue Powder”
“Greasy Kid's Stuff”
“Alien Water Kiss”
“Sisters”
“Love Secrets”
“Lovely Elixir” (Bonus)
“And We Are One” (Solo #2) (Bonus)
“As Above” (Bonus)
“So Below” (Bonus)

“Lovely Elixir”:

 

 

Steve Vai, age 12, picked up the guitar in 1973 and started taking lessons from Joe Satriani (another future guitar hero) shortly after. He soaked up influences ranging from Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page to Jimi Hendrix and Brian May and by the end of the 1970s, was transcribing guitar parts for Frank Zappa. He became a full member of Zappa's band in 1980.

Rapidly becoming one of the most in-demand, versatile, eloquent and soulful sidemen in the business, Vai recorded with Alcatrazz, Whitesnake, David Lee Roth and Public Image Ltd.

He launched his solo career with the release of Flex-Able, a homemade indie album, in 1984. Since 1990, he has recorded and released eight studio albums, eight live albums, two EPs, 12 soundtracks, 20 compilation albums, seven videos and more. Vai has won three Grammy Awards and earned 15 Grammy Award nominations.  He has appeared as a guest artist on more than 40 albums, playing with artists like Alice Cooper, Ozzy Osbourne, Gregg Bissonnett and Joe Jackson, among others.

Sony Music Entertainment and Legacy Recordings signed Steve Vai to an historic multi-album agreement in February 2015.

Guitar legend Paul Gilbert will release his newest record, I Can Destroy, on May 27th via earMUSIC on CD Jewel and digital. A snippet of the new song “Make It (If We Try)” is streaming below:

From platinum album sales and number one chart success as a founding member of Mr. Big, to frightening the guitar community with new levels of ferocious picking technique with shred-pioneers Racer X, to exploring punk, pop, classical, blues, jazz, and progressive instrumental styles in his solo career, Paul Gilbert has recorded a massive amount of stunning guitar music, all while circling the globe to play sold-out arenas from Japan to Jakarta.

Gilbert’s style stands out for its rare combination of accuracy, creativity, and power – all which are balanced with Paul’s sense of humour and pure love of music.

Although Paul is best known for his work with Mr. Big and Racer X, he has also toured with Joe Satriani’s G3, played in a host of tribute concerts with legendary drummer Mike Portnoy, and been integral in the design of his signature Ibanez PGM and Fireman guitars.

Paul’s legacy as a guitar instructor began when he was eighteen, when he was hired to teach at Hollywood’s Guitar Institute of Technology. His groundbreaking “Intense Rock” videos and DVDs have inspired legions of guitarists to improve their accuracy, speed, and phrasing. Years as a columnist for Guitar Player magazine, and most recently, Premier Guitar magazine, along with giving countless clinics, private lessons, and serving for five years as the dean of MI Japan, have given Paul Gilbert deep experience in the art of communicating music to all levels of guitarists.

Over 25 years in the music business have only increased Paul’s passion to explore the possibilities of music and the art of playing the guitar. Whether he’s playing to 10,000 fans or jamming one-on-one with a student, Paul Gilbert is living his childhood dream of taking the sounds in his head and bringing them into reality – on the electric guitar.

I Can Destroy is Paul’s next solo-masterpiece and will be his 18th solo album. The album features 13 very diverse rock-tunes. With Kevin Shirley producing, and an amazing band of Freddie Nelson and Tony Spinner on guitars and vocals, Kevin Chown on bass, and Thomas Lang on drums, Paul rocks with more power and emotion than ever before.

Tracklisting:

“Everybody Use Your Goddamn Turn Signal”
“I Can Destroy”
“Knocking On A Locked Door”
“One Woman Too Many”
“Woman Stop”
“Gonna Make You Love Me”
“I Am Not The One (Who Wants To Be With You)”
“Blues Just Saving My Life”
“Make It (If We Try)”
“Love We Had”
“I Will Be Remembered”
“Adventure And Trouble”
“Great White Buffalo” (Bonus Track)

"Everybody Use Your Goddamn Turn Signal" video:

“I Can Destroy”:

Reformed 80s hard rock/heavy metal legends, Q5, will release their third album, entitled New World Order, on July 8th. You can pre-order the album now via Amazon.com (widget below) or iTunes. Watch the new video for “The Right Way” below:

Q5 was formed in 1983, comprised of members of two popular Seattle bands: vocalist Jonathan K and guitarist (plus famous guitar tremolo inventor) Floyd Rose from The C.O.R.E. and Rick Pierce (guitar), Evan Sheeley (bass) and Gary Thompson (drums) from TKO. The band released its first album, Steel The Light (on Music For Nations) in 1984, receiving immediate worldwide critical acclaim, and landing them touring spots with Twisted Sister, Y&T and Lita Ford. The success of Steel The Ligh" led them to eventually sign with Polygram/Squawk for their 1985 sophomore release, When the Mirror Cracks. Due to personal differences, the original lineup dissolved shortly after this release.

In 2014, Q5 was asked to perform at Sweden Rock Festival, a performance that the band had agreed would be a "one off" show, but at the completion of the performance, it was obvious that this was not an ending, but merely a beginning. Upon returning to Seattle, The band secured drummer Jeffrey McCormack (former Heir Apparent, Fifth Angel) and guitarist Kendall Bechtel (former Fifth Angel) and began rehearsing formally as Q5. The band's relaunch debuted at the Rock You To Hell Festival in Athens, Greece followed by a headlining performance in Cyprus. The band then returned to Seattle to begin work on music for a new album. Kendall Bechtel, however, was unable to stay with the band due to personal reasons, so the band secured guitar virtuoso Dennis Turner to complete the lineup.

So, while the band’s debut album, Steel The Light  continues to grow in popularity all over the world, the fans are writing from all corners of the globe, eagerly inquiring about the next chapter in the Q5 story. That chapter begins NOW. With their new lineup solidified, and a new album slated for release, Q5 is poised to take its rightful place again in the hard rock/heavy metal hierarchy.

New World Order tracklisting:

“We Came Here To Rock”
“One Night In Hellas”
“The Right Way”
“New World Order”
“Tear Up The Night”
“Halfway To Hell”
“A Prisoner Of Mind”
“Unrequited (A Woman Of Darkness And Steel)”
“Just One Kiss”
“Fear Is The Killer”
“Land Of The Setting Sun”
“A Warrior’s Song”
“Mach Opus 206” (Instrumental)
“Get Next To You” (Bonus Track)

Trailer:

Q5 lineup:

Jonathan Scott K.: Vocals, Background Vocals
Rick Pierce: Lead Guitars, Rhythm Guitars
Dennis Turner: Rhythm Guitars, Lead Guitars, Background Vocals
Evan Sheeley: Bass Guitar, Backgr. Vocals
Jeffrey Mccormack: Drums And Percussion, Background Vocals

 

 

The Guardian’s Peter Robinson recently spoke with KISS bassist/singer Gene Simmons about touring, politics, the KISS Rocks Vegas concert film and more.

Asked why KISS haven’t had a platinum record since the 80s, Simmons responds: “It is what it is; the people speak. That’s the beginning and end of it. I will say that I think, in hindsight, we never spent enough time in the studio. We’ve always been more of a live band. Personally, I don’t have the patience to be in the studio. I admire bands like Pink Floyd and the Beatles who’d spend enormous amounts of time honing their craft, but I don’t have that DNA in my system. Some bands are more about being live. You want to get in there, bang it out and go out and play.”

Asked what happens in KISS Rocks Vegas, coming to cinemas later this month, Gene says: “We were going to try some new technology for our show and we planned to rehearse in Vegas and set up the stage, then we figured, if we have the place for 10 days, why don’t we do 10 concerts in front of a live audience? We tried descending on a flying saucer thing from the back of the hall. There was no net; if you fall, you die. We only did that once or twice. I still fly up to the top of the rafters and spit fire – there’s enough life-threatening stuff during the show without adding something else.”

Read the full interview at TheGuardian.com.

KISS fans around the world - prepare yourself for one crazy, crazy night as KISS Rocks Vegas hits up a cinema screen near you on May 25th for one night only! Expect sky high flames, ear-bursting volume and a few drops of blood! Includes exclusive interviews with the band and footage you will only see in the cinema. An extended movie trailer can be found below.

 

 

In November 2014 a helicopter landed at the infamous Hard Rock Hotel as KISS invaded Las Vegas for an historic nine-show run. Now, for one night only on May 25th, fans will be able to experience this spectacular night for themselves as KISS Rocks Vegas hits cinemas across the globe.

Book your tickets at KissMyCinema.com.

RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS frontman Anthony Kiedis "will be back better than ever," according to the band's drummer, Chad Smith. The singer was rushed to a hospital on Saturday night (May 14) with severe stomach pains, forcing the group to cancel that night's performance at a radio festival in Irvine, California as well as a show on Tuesday evening (May 17) in Burbank. They later announced that Kiedis was stricken with intestinal flu.

Smith spoke to Radio X about Kiedis's health and confirmed RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS will return to the stage for their scheduled gig at Ohio this weekend.

"His stomach was killing him [and] It was really scary," the drummer said. "So we went directly to the hospital and we were really upset we couldn't play for the fans, but also more worried about him.

"I really appreciate all the well wishes. People sent so much stuff."

Referring to all the tragic deaths the in the world of music this year, Smith added: "I know everyone's freaked out when they hear about another musician going into the hospital. It's been such a rough year.

"He's a very strong man and he"ll be back better than ever."

The CHILI PEPPERS are expected to perform this Sunday (May 22) at the Rock On The Range festival in Columbus, Ohio.

The quartet's new album, "The Getaway", arrives on June 17. The band issued the first single, "Dark Necessities", earlier this month.