Mr. Big could not disband without one last show at Wacken Open Air 2024 as part of their Big Finish Farewell Tour. Watch them playing some true classics to the crowd that gathered in front of the festival’s Louder Stage: “Addicted To That Rush”, “To Be With You” and “Wild World”.



Mr. Big closed out their 35-year career in a big way by releasing two sonically powerful albums to serve as a farewell and victory lap. In July 2024, they released their 10th studio album, simply entitled Ten, and their last-ever live album and DVD release, The BIG Finish Live, which came out September 6th, 2024 via the Evolution Music Group.

During an interview with We Go To 11, bassist Billy Sheehan was asked if the band will continue as a studio project, or if they intend to perform live in the future when the opportunity arises.

Sheehan responded: “The end is the end. It’s finished. If some extenuating circumstances come up, we might do a show or two, maybe, but touring and recording… we kind of wanted to put a period at the end of the sentence. And as I’ve said many times, we wanted to run over the finish line, not crawl over it. And for us, a fully functional band is on tour playing live and writing, recording, and then go out after the record and do another tour. We’ve done that for 34 years, and it’s been an amazing run. We have friends all over planet earth. It’s fantastic, and it’s probably our greatest asset, personally, for me, the amazing people that we’ve touched around the world. But we decided to really… ‘Let’s do it the right way,’ and not to have some continual farewell thing that goes on for an eternity. I’m glad we did it. We did it with as much class as we’re capable of. We did the final tour, and I’m very, very pleased about it.”

During an appearance on the July 15 episode of SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk", Wes Scantlin was asked if it's fair to say that PUDDLE OF MUDD is "a band in name only", with Wes as the sole remaining original member and a "revolving door" of musicians playing alongside him. Scantlin — who is joined in PUDDLE OF MUDD's current lineup by Michael Anthony Grajewski on bass, Miles Schon (son of JOURNEY's Neal Schon) on guitar, and Jon Smith on drums — responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Right now everything's solid, and I pray to God that no one leaves me again. Please, dear God above, do not let any of these people leave. It's hard to make — the transitions are a pain in the butt."

Asked why he thinks there has been so much turnover in PUDDLE OF MUDD over the years in terms of the band personnel, Wes said: "Well, I got signed by Fred [Durst] from LIMP BIZKIT [25 years ago], and they just were, like, 'Here, we just want you to come. We just want you to come.' But the band was already dissolved at that point, and I was at the breaking point to where I was just gonna stop doing music anyway. And lo and behold, Fred, man, he came to the rescue. But he was just, like, 'Yeah, we just want you to come.' So we had to piece the band and we had to do a lot of tryouts and stuff. And people come and people go and there's nothing you can do. People have their lives and they have different jobs and stuff. It's a weird situation to be in a rock band — or any type of band or any type of artistic situation. But all I know is they said, 'Here's a guitar. Here's a hotel room. And write. Keep writing, keep writing, keep writing.' And, unfortunately, some people have different situations in their lives and stuff, and I can't control that stuff. So, I've had to make different moves and stuff. And hopefully these guys, hopefully they won't take off on me like a lot of other people have. So, we can keep this one intact for now and hopefully forever."

Scantlin also talked about the various problems with the law, alcohol, finances and other issues that he has encountered over the years, a lot of which was covered by the mainstream media. Asked if he feels like much of that stuff is behind him at this point, Wes said: "Yeah. [My] main goal [is] just [to] stay out of trouble. And I really seriously don't really do that much wrong things. I really just don't. But I'm like a big fish in the little pond. I call myself a Christmas dinner trophy for the Poppo. I wonder how many times they've explained that they arrested me at their Christmas dinner, at Christmas day. I'm telling you, man. I'm just a big, huge trophy."

On the topic of whether a lot of his troubles with the law have been misrepresented in the media, Wes said: "I've made some mistakes, but at certain points I could breathe in the wrong direction and get cuffed and slammed in a dungeon. Shoot, man. It's weird. My whole thing, my whole motto is turn around and run for your life as fast as you possibly can, man." Clarifying that he wasn't referring to running away from the police, he added: "I'm talking about maybe like a girlfriend or something. If they hit the 'psycho wall', as I call it — turn around and run… Somebody's gotta go down, and they usually pick me, 'cause I'm the trophy. But my motto is turn around and run as fast as you can and just run."

According to TMZ, Scantlin was arrested this past March after allegedly getting into a physical altercation with his girlfriend. Additionally, the now-53-year-old musician was found in possession of a small amount of a controlled substance.

Earlier that same month, Scantlin made headlines when he claimed he was "roofied" by an ex-bandmate before a disastrous PUDDLE OF MUDD gig at Daytona Bike Week.

Scantlin's most recent legal problems came just eight months after he was arrested in Burbank, California for an outstanding warrant and a new charge of resisting arrest.

Wes claimed to have gotten sober in 2017, explaining in an interview that he ended up going back to rehab and receiving treatment "because there [was] really nowhere else to go." He also credited his family and fans for giving him the strength to try to get better.

In February 2023, RadarOnline.com reported that Scantlin was arrested after he allegedly showed up at an old home he lost to foreclosure.

Prior to that, Scantlin was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in September 2017 after he attempted to board a plane with a BB gun. He pleaded no contest and was banned from LAX unless it involved traveling for work.

Less than two years earlier, in December 2015, Scantlin was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and had several previous busts that same year for driving under the influence.

Additionally, he was arrested at a Denver airport in 2015 for taking a joyride on a baggage carousel and taken into custody as far back as 2012 for an altercation with a flight attendant.

He also ended a number of PUDDLE OF MUDD shows in 2016 early with various meltdowns, including one in which he accused a fan of stealing his house.

Nearly four years ago, Scantlinmade headlines when he walked offstage midconcert at the EPIC Event Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin after complaining about the venue's lights.

PUDDLE OF MUDD was formed in 1991 in Kansas City by Scantlin, the only original member still with the band. The group into the mainstream with 2001's "Come Clean", which yielded three hits — "Control", "Blurry" and "She Hates Me".

PUDDLE OF MUDD's latest album, "Kiss The Machine", came out in May via Pavement Entertainment.

In a new interview with American Musical Supply, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE frontman Jesse Leach spoke about how he takes care of his singing voice while on the road. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "It's just learning how to take care of yourself, number one. Getting a proper sleep. And it doesn't hurt that my vocal coach, Melissa Cross, is one of the best in the entire world to do it. She's the originator of The Zen Of Screaming. And she's not just a coach; she's a friend, and she's kind of a guru. So I have to give her a ton of credit. And working with people like Adam [Dutkiewicz, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE guitarist and producer] in the studio. He's taught me a lot about being genuine as a vocalist and learning what pitch is what. He's taught me a lot. So between Adam D. and Melissa Cross, those two have kept me afloat in my career. And then just learning how to dial back on the partying and sleep better and just take it really serious, 'cause the shows are everything. If the shows aren't good, the rest of the day is shot. And we owe it to the fans, dude. People show up to see us put our best. So I'm gonna do that as best as I can."

Asked how he gets into that head space where he puts a hundred percent into his live performance even on those days when he might be feeling down about something in his personal life, Jesse said: "I'm not gonna say it's easy, but it's kind of easy because I'm so hyper aware of that. So, for me, it's a lot of deep breathing, breath work, meditation. And on occasion, with the boys, having a couple beers. And we remind each other. So, for example, if somebody knows I'm not in a good space, I'll say it. Or somebody will be, like, 'Hey, are you okay? I can tell you're off.' And we talk about it. I think that's super important. And to this day, I'm still learning how to be a better communicator. You just have to realize who you are in this world, what people expect of you, and what you can give, and learn how to balance that out. But be vocal, talk about it, ask for help, and then get the help. And moments before I go on stage, if I've just had a little chat with Adam or [KILLSWITCH ENGAGE bassist] Mike [D'Antonio] or somebody and I said to them, 'Hey, I'm missing home right now,' and we do a little hug. And that changes everything, instead of carrying that on stage with me. So I'm super aware of not only the fans, but the energy that I'm giving off. So when you see me on stage, hopefully you're seeing a man who's doing his best to give love and reciprocate. It's a deep thing, but at the same time, we make stupid jokes and laugh and have fun. So the balance of ritual and performance, I think, is really important."

KILLSWITCH ENGAGE's latest album, "This Consequence", came out in February via Metal Blade. "This Consequence" is KILLSWITCH ENGAGE's ninth album overall, and sixth with Leach, who rejoined the band in 2012.

"This Consequence" arrived alongside a hugely successful winter/spring 2025 tour, yielded a Top 10 single with "I Believe" and landed KILLSWITCH ENGAGE on the covers of Revolver and Outburn.

KILLSWITCH ENGAGE returned to the road last month on the massive "Summer Of Loud" tour, co-headlining alongside BEARTOOTH, I PREVAIL and PARKWAY DRIVE.

Fans got their first taste of "This Consequence" with pulverizing track "Forever Aligned", swiftly followed up with the instant classic "I Believe". More recently, the group shared a video for "Collusion".

Mystical masters of heavy metal Castle Rat have delivered their epic second single, “Wolf I,” from their highly anticipated odyssey, The Bestiary, that will be released September 19 via King Volume Records (US) and Blues Funeral Recordings (UK/Europe).

Preorder The Bestiary on Bandcamp.

Commenting on the song, Riley Pinkerton (The Rat Queen) states:

“‘Wolf I’ marks the gateway into The Bestiary, setting the stage for the epic journey ahead. The Wolf—fierce, solitary, and primal—serves as both symbol and sentinel, embodying the shadow self and guiding listeners through peril with instinct and ferocity. The track is a tempest of layered riffs and surging energy, building toward a thunderous, headbanging climax. With its haunting vocal chants and immersive atmosphere, ‘Wolf I’ expands the Castle Rat sonic universe—introducing, for the first time, a blistering, razor-edged solo by Franco ‘The Count’ Vittore, delivered with surgical precision and flair.”



Since their formation in 2019, Castle Rat have created a vivid labyrinth of fantasy lore led by “The Rat Queen” (AKA Riley Pinkerton). Together with “The Count,” “The Plague Doctor” and “The All-Seeing Druid,” the group has carried out countless battles against “The Rat Reaperess” with riffs, swords and spells on stages across the country.

Recorded by Randall Dunn (Sunn O))), Wolves in the Throne Room, Björk) and mixed by Jonathan Nuñez (Torche, Restless Spirit), the band’s latest odyssey features 13 spellbinding tracks of epic carnage and mystical metal.

Commenting on the new album, The Rat Queen says:

“The Bestiary’ is a conceptual book of beasts containing a collection of mystical creatures from a world forgotten. The last remaining souls of each have been gathered and preserved by ‘The Wizard.’ Cautionary tales of each beast and The Wizard himself are woven through the power of traditional heavy metal song and spell.”



Tracklisting:

“Phoenix I”
“Wolf I”
“Wizard”
“Siren”
“Unicorn”
“Path Of Moss”
“Crystal Cave”
“Serpent”
“Wolf II”
“Dragon”
“Summoning Spell”
“Sun Song”
“Phoenix II”

Alpha Destroyer, the explosive new band featuring Martin Sweet (Crashdïet), Kelly LeMieux (Buckcherry), and Eric Sexton-Dorsett (Sleepless), has launched the first single off their upcoming debut album, Fast Lane. The album is out this fall on Necromantic Press Records.

“The first single and title track, ‘Fast Lane,’ really sets the pace for the LP,” comments Sexton-Dorsett. “Though the album is super diverse, Fastlane comes right out of the gate with a straightforward, almost punk vibe that is matched by Martin’s heavy yet melodic lyrical approach to life’s struggles.”

Physical copies of Fast Lane -including limited-edition red splatter and standard black vinyl – will begin shipping on September 15. The album will be available on all streaming platforms on October 31. Pre-orders are available at the Necromantic Press webstore.



Tracklisting:

“Straight Into The Grind”
“Masterplan”
“Dirt In The Ground”
“Lobotomized”
“Transmission”
“Fast Lane”
“Sweet Dreams From Oblivion”
“Manic Messiah”
“Conspiracy”
“The Prophet”

During an appearance on the July 16 episode of SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk", IRON MAIDEN's longtime drummer Nicko McBrain once again opened up about his decision to retire from touring with the band. The now-73-year-old British musician, whose real name is Michael Henry McBrain, announced his retirement on December 7, 2024 in a statement on MAIDEN's web site and social media. He also said that night's concert at Allianz Parque in São Paulo, Brazil would mark his final show with the legendary rock band.

Reflecting on his four-decade run with MAIDEN and his eventual decision to stop touring, Nicko told "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk" (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I'm not complaining about that at all. It was an incredible journey, one that if the good Lord said, 'Would you do it all again?', 'yes' would be the answer. My age — it always catches everybody up, doesn't it? We always know that as soon as you're born, you're dying. And then you get down to the top end of 60 and things start drooping where they shouldn't [laughs], things just start affecting you. My health — I had my health issues, which was one of the primary reasons as well that I decided to hang it up with the guys. And I wasn't doing the songs justice because of the handicap that I had. And it wasn't fair on everybody else either in the band. They supported me 100% through the 'The Future Past Tour', and that was fantastic. I couldn't have asked for a better bunch of brothers to support me through my darkest hour."

Elaborating on the physical ailments which contributed to his decision to retire from touring with IRON MAIDEN, Nicko said: "Primarily, I was fed up with touring in terms of the travel and not having days to recoup my body. As of December, prior to December last year, I was a granddad of the band. I was four years older than Harry [MAIDEN bassist Steve Harris] and five years older than Dave [Murray, IRON MAIDEN guitarist] and Adrian [Smith, IRON MAIDEN guitarist]. Bruce [Dickinson, IRON MAIDEN singer] is a baby at 66. [Laughs] He's a baby at 66. [Laughs] Can you believe it?"

McBrain continued: "I wasn't so much slowing down, although we did play the songs that… I got told off at rehearsals last year because I was playing the songs too fast, 'cause I'd been playing with [my Florida-based side project] TITANIUM TART [which plays MAIDEN songs] before I went off and did the rehearsals in Australia with MAIDEN. And I actually got told off for playing too quick. So it wasn't a question of not being able to drive the band. It was just not being able to drive the band with the drum fills that I'd been used to playing for 42 years. So the question mark was raised about the performance side. And that's quite right…So that was part of the decision that I made."

Asked by host Eddie Trunk if there was a specific moment on "The Future Past Tour" where it hit him that it was time to step back from touring permanently, Nicko said: "Yeah, there was a second night in Sydney, Australia, where it was probably — personally, for me. I thought it was a really bad performance. And I remember saying to Bruce, walking back to the dressing room, or I think we did a runner, actually, we were walking back to the cars. I said, 'Oh, mate.' I said, 'I'm really struggling up there.' And he said, 'You looked like you were struggling, Nick.' And actually he said, 'I was worried about your health.' And that was another issue that I had to contend with, because in the early days of those Asian and Far East gigs — 'cause we started in Australia, and it was early days, but I also had lost one of my very best friends. He drowned at the end of the rehearsal week — we had actually two and a half weeks of rehearsal — and that really, really affected me. So I had a lot of stress going on in my life, which we all get that. We all get issues where sometimes you people deal with stress differently. For me, I went into a depression with it. And so I'm not making excuses for myself, but that was the time when I thought, 'Hmm, maybe it's time. I'll finish the tour and I think I'm gonna hang it up.' And that was the mental side of it in my mind. So, yeah, I'd say it was the second night of Sydney."

Nicko went on to say that he was largely spared from some of the most frequently reported drumming-related injury diagnoses, such as tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome. "I was truly being blessed in that respect that I had not had… I always thought my knees, 'I'm gonna have to have surgery,' my knee-replacement stuff. I've been blessed with that, not having to have that," he explained. "My main issue was my sciatic nerve problem on my lower back, on my right side. And I still have that. I've had treatment going back to 2019 when it first hit me. So up until that time, the only thing that really affected me was just the fatigue after a two-hour show with MAIDEN. 'Cause it's like you're running for two hours, even though you're sitting down on a drum set… It's your heart when your heart gets racing and the respiratory thing… So that was fine for me. I mean, my heart is very strong. I don't have an issue. Praise the Lord for that. But — oh my gosh — the sciatic nerve problem. I had different procedures on the back. I had epidurals. I went under a laser epidural when I was in Australia, and that got me through the tour, actually. But it was still not getting enough time to rest my back and my body. I was fatigued all the time. And going on stage for a slightly short two hours for 'The Future Past Tour', it was tough, mate. But I've been very, very fortunate. I haven't been where I've had to have surgeries or getting carpal tunnel. I've been very, very blessed in that respect."

Nicko also talked about MAIDEN's decision to hire Simon Dawson as his replacement. Dawson is a former session drummer and Harris's longtime bandmate in BRITISH LION. Asked if he had a relationship with Simon and if he knew ahead of time that Simon was going to be the new MAIDEN drummer, McBrain said: "Well, I've known Simon for a number of years. He actually was a British Drum Company endorsee for a bit. I got him his deal, actually, probably six, seven years back. When I first went with British Drum Company back in 2018, yeah, about six years ago I got Simon a deal. He left British Drum Company. He went with Natal. But I knew Simon. And we were hanging out. Now obviously Steve took BRITISH LION on tour with him on 'The Future Past Tour', and we discussed the possibility of… When we started the North American tour, we were down in San Diego, then we came out to L.A. and I sat with Steve and that was basically when I decided that it was time to let him know that I was gonna retire. And we had a chat about it, and he said, 'Well, would you mind if we have a rehearsal with Simon?' And I went, 'Absolutely not. I mean, he's been on tour with us since Asia and Australia.' I said, 'He's bound to know the songs.' I said, 'Why not?' So they had a rehearsal with him in Portland. And it went really well. And it wasn't a question of, 'Well, let's replace you now, Nick.' The understanding was I was gonna finish the tour and that he was gonna replace me… This was a decision that Steve made, and I thought, well, fine. He's a great player… And so I had no issues with that whatsoever. So, yeah, that was when I knew. We were in North America. I knew Simon was gonna rehearse with the band and that he was chosen one to replace me. So, yeah, I knew Simon. We had a relationship. We were sitting in Japan. We had a couple of nights together. We sat down, had a cup of tea, a couple of sandwiches in the clubhouse at the hotel… And he's a great guy, and he's doing a fantastic job. I mean, he's not me. And they didn't want somebody like me, like a Nicko clone or whatever. But he's got his own fingerprint, which is great. And the one thing I'm really happy about is I'm still the best-looking bloke in IRON MAIDEN. [Laughs]"

After Trunk noted that McBrain himself was a replacement drummer, having stepped into MAIDEN in 1982 following the departure of Clive Burr, who played on MAIDEN's first three albums, Nicko said: "Yeah, absolutely. And that was a great thing. And I'm sure this is what I can imagine Steve would've said to Simon. It was what he said to me was, like, 'Nick,' he said, 'On the old stuff,' he said, 'You play what you want, the way you wanna play it, but keep to the arrangement that Clive did on the songs.' And that's the only kind of instruction that I got from Steve, is 'you do your thing, but keep the arrangements as what Clive had played on the old stuff.' And I'm sure he said the same to Simon. 'Look, you're not Nicko, but do your thing.' And that's great. He is. And I'm very happy. I haven't really watched a lot of YouTube stuff — for two reasons. The main one is it sounds shit… So I tend to not watch it, but I've seen a couple of things, and they're rocking out really well… But, yeah, he's doing great. And I really like Simon. I'm glad he is doing good."

Regarding his current status with MAIDEN and his plans going forward, Nicko said: "Well, I'm not touring… And basically I am still part of the family. I'm doing a lot of work with the fan club, and there's some books. I'm writing a book [about my life]. Actually, I've been writing a book for 10 fricking years. It's about time I finished it. [Laughs] I've got 21 chapters, and that's one chapter per year of my life. So it's gonna be a marathon book. I'm only up to when I went pro. Anyway, so yeah, I had a ghost writer I sat with, but I'm not sure whether I'm gonna go that [route]. I prefer to do it myself. It's just I had to get off my arse and get inspired to do it. But I think I'm gonna make the effort."

Addressing the possibility of him playing with MAIDEN again, possibly as a guest appearance at a live concert, Nicko — who still lives in the same Boca Raton, Florida home he bought in 1989 when he relocated from England — said: "I don't know. I mean, it's a possibility that when they come over here [to Florida], I might end up doing a show with 'em, just getting up and doing a song or two or just being there… Yeah, who knows? We're all still part of the family, although I'm not playing the shows."

McBrain has just kicked off a four-date tour of Florida with his TITANIUM TART project. Joining Nicko in TITANIUM TART are Rob Stokes on bass, Eldad Kira on keyboards, Mike Rivera and Mitch Tanne on guitar, and Paolo Velazquez on vocals.

In January 2023, Nicko was at his home in Boca Raton when he suffered a stroke with partial paralysis.

When Nicko first went public with his stroke in August 2023, the drummer said in a statement that the episode left him "paralyzed" down one side of his body and "worried" that his career with the band was over.

Five years ago, McBrain was diagnosed with stage 1 laryngeal cancer and opened up about it in a single interview in 2021 but otherwise kept it mostly under wraps. The musician received his cancer diagnosis after undergoing an endoscopy at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University Of Miami Health System and the Miller School of Medicine. Within a week, McBrain's cancer was surgically removed and he now gets check-ups every few months to make sure the cancer hasn't returned.

McBrain was born in Hackney, East London, on June 5, 1952. His first experience of music came via his father's love of traditional jazz. Young Nicko's hero was Joe Morello, the late, great drummer with the legendary THE DAVE BRUBECK QUARTET. Nicko would often take to the kitchen, using forks and knives to beat on anything he could find at home. Fed up with him bashing up the kitchen utensils, his parents finally bought him his first drum kit when he was 12.

By the time he left school at 15, he was already a veteran of several part-time pub groups. Musically, however, his tastes had broadened to include more contemporary sixties sounds from THE SHADOWS, THE ANIMALS, THE BEATLES and THE ROLLING STONES. On the recommendation of another drummer he knew, he began to take on session work, playing on countless different recordings.

In 1975, Nicko joined STREETWALKERS, the band formed by ex-FAMILY members, vocalist Roger Chapman and guitarist Charlie Whitney. From the late seventies until 1982 when he joined IRON MAIDEN, Nicko had spent his time in session work, most memorably with the PAT TRAVERS BAND on their 1976 "Makin' Magic" album, and also appeared in the band MCKITTY in the early 1980s. It was during a MCKITTY gig in Belgium that he first met Harris.

He officially joined IRON MAIDEN in December 1982 for the 1983 "Piece Of Mind" album and tour, replacing Burr, after McBrain's previous band TRUST had supported IRON MAIDEN during the U.K. leg of the "Killers" tour in 1981. McBrain brought a degree of finesse and technicality that was largely missing from IRON MAIDEN's early output. Whereas Burr was often lauded for his heavy-handed, punk-oriented style, McBrain was largely the opposite, playing with a degree of dexterity and flair that helped primary songwriter Harris take MAIDEN down more adventurous paths. He eventually became the third longest-tenured member of MAIDEN, behind Harris and Murray.

Sweden's Viking metal titans AMON AMARTH played their new single, "We Rule The Waves", live for the first time last night (Thursday, July 17) at Pine Knob Music Theatre in Clarkston, Michigan during the band's North American tour as the support act for PANTERA. Fan-filmed video of the performance can be seen below.

The official music video for "We Rule The Waves" was made available on Thursday. With the track, AMON AMARTH returns with its first new song in years and unleashes a war cry worthy of the gods — an unstoppable surge of galloping riffs, wave splitting melodies, and Viking fury. Produced with the help of Grammy-nominated producer and mix engineer Jacob Hansen (VOLBEAT, ARCH ENEMY, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, KATATONIA),this is more than a song — it's a sonic raid, carved from salt and steel, echoing across oceans. Modern metal doesn't get more epic, or more essential, than this.

The video for "We Rule The Waves", shot in Riga, Latvia, continues the band's collaboration with Pavel Trebukhin of Tre Film, who directed the band's "The Great Heathen Army", "Heidrun" and "Saxons & Vikings" videos.

AMON AMARTH comments: "'We Rule The Waves' is our tribute to the spirit of freedom, brotherhood, and the will to conquer — not just lands, but your own limitations. It's about standing tall with your clan, facing the storm head-on, and carving your mark into the world like a Viking longship through blackened seas."

In conjunction with the new song's arrival, AMON AMARTH has also announced the release of limited-edition special merchandise available from the band's Victorious merch store.

Earlier this week, AMON AMARTH kicked off their U.S. live takeover with PANTERA. Accurately dubbed "The Heaviest Tour Of The Summer", the U.S. amphitheater tour commenced on July 15 in Burgettstown, Pennsylvania and will wind its way through over two dozen cities, coming to a close on September 13 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Additional support is being provided by SNAFU, SHOCK NARCOTIC, KING PARROT and FLESH HOARDER on select dates. Not to be missed, AMON AMARTH is armed with as much of their infamous theater production as the stage can handle.

Last August, AMON AMARTH frontman Johan Hegg was asked by Germany's Rock Antenne if he and his bandmates had commenced work on the follow-up to 2022's "The Great Heathen Army" LP. He responded: "To be honest, we've been starting to talk about a new album, but we haven't started working on it yet. So we don't really know. That's the simple answer."

He added: "I've been working on some lyrical ideas. I know the [other] guys have some musical ideas, but we haven't started putting anything together yet. So it's just really in its infancy. So there's really nothing to say."

"The Great Heathen Army" was released in August 2022 via Metal Blade Records. The LP was recorded with acclaimed British producer Andy Sneap, who previously worked with the band on 2013's "Deceiver Of The Gods" and 2016's "Jomsviking" albums.

Hegg previously stated about "The Great Heathen Army": "Overall 'The Great Heathen Army' is one of the heavier albums we've made. There are some dark and heavy songs that are really powerful and in your face, but we obviously have some trademark melodic AMON AMARTH songs on there as well and a few surprises too. It's a really well-balanced album. It sounds great. Andy Sneap is awesome. It was great to be able to work with him again."

Guitarist Olavi Mikkonen added: "We've been away making new music and we're back with new darker, more death metal-sounding album. If 'Berserker' was our 'heavy metal' album, then 'The Great Heathen Army' is our 'death metal' album. But with that said, it's still very much contemporary AMON AMARTH, but perhaps style-wise we have gone back to our roots a little bit."

From pole to pole and sea to sea, AMON AMARTH are the undisputed kings of Viking heavy metal. Formed in Tumba, Sweden, in 1992, they have forged an extraordinary legacy over three decades of thunderous, anthemic metal, all rich in the magical imagery of Viking history, folklore, and culture.

From their underground smash debut "Once Sent From The Golden Hall" (1998) onwards, AMON AMARTH have been an unstoppable creative force. With a unique and unmistakable sound that combines the best of several epic strains of metal, the quintet have become renowned for their ageless anthems and explosive, theatrical live shows. With albums like 2008's widely acclaimed "Twilight Of The Thunder God" and 2016's conceptual triumph "Jomsviking", the Swedes have been consistent standard bearers for heavy metal as a life-affirming and communal experience, armed with a seemingly endless stream of instant classic songs.

Now reaping the rewards of all those years of hard work, AMON AMARTH are regarded as one of the metal world's most vital and imperious live acts. From headlining festivals across Europe to claiming a place on SLAYER's final tour of the U.S. in 2019, they have honored the adventurous ethos of their Viking forebears by taking their music anywhere and everywhere.

AMON AMARTH is:

Johan Hegg - vocals
Olavi Mikkonen - guitar
Johan Söderberg - guitar
Ted Lundström - bass
Jocke Wallgren - drums

On their upcoming second album, "Buckle Up", D.D. VERNI & THE CADILLAC BAND make big band music more accessible and relatable than ever before, marrying rock 'n' roll's visceral energy and succinct songwriting to suave, swinging throwback arrangements and aesthetics. Out September 19 via Deko, the 14-track album launches today (Friday, July 18) with the first single/video "Lucky 13".

As the album's opener "Lucky 13" sets the tone for the album, its blazing riff, blistering guitar solo and rapturous horns complemented by a similarly irresistible video featuring the full 13-piece band.

"This was the first song I had written for this new album and kinda set the tone," says D.D., who is primarily known as bassist/songwriter with thrash metal pioneers OVERKILL. "Everything the band is about, cool riffs, great horn arrangements by Jim McMillen. Really wanted the first song and video to let people know again where the heart of the band is." For the video, he adds, "This is really where this music comes alive...on stage! I can just feel the energy and vibe. So fun to be a part of! This was a really fun day, lots of laughs with a good bunch of guys and gals."

"I was watching 'Casino' or maybe an old Dean Martin movie," D.D. adds of the song's inspiration. "I love the idea of being at the craps table with your girl and she's blowing on the dice, you're having a few drinks, and your buddies are around. You really don't care whether you win or lose — you just want to be with the girl!"

"Buckle Up" brings the storm-the-stage ethic of OVERKILL to D.D.'s lifelong love of Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Fats Domino and, more recently, the BRIAN SETZER ORCHESTRA. "Buckle Up" picks up and goes further than their exciting 2021 debut album "Let's Rattle", on which D.D. sang and played red hot guitar. "Buckle Up" retains all its predecessor's verve and vitality while adding more evolved horn arrangements written by Jim McMillen, known for his work on TV's "Beverly Hills 90210" and "Bridgerton", and with Grammy-winning artists Christina Aguilera and Ricky Kej.

"When I'm writing and demoing these songs, it's just a guitar and me," D.D. explained. "And they should be able to have that energy with just that, before anything else is added."

Indeed, D.D. 's fun-first rocker's approach and robust songcraft has attracted a who's-who of musicians to the CADILLAC BAND, intrigued by its stylistic nuances and go-for-broke ethos. "Buckle Up" features longtime Brian Setzer drummer Bernie Dresel and slap bassist Johnny Hatton; horn players with Paul McCartney's band and THE EAGLES; pianist Or Matias (Josh Groban, Broadway music director); guitarist Angus Clark (TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA); and backing vocals by acclaimed pop-rock duo KINGSTON & GREYSTARR. Recorded in New Jersey and Los Angeles, "Buckle Up" was produced by D.D. and mixed by Michael Frondelli (Billy Idol, Pat Benatar).

"So psyched for you to hear round two!" D.D.says. "I worked with so many great people on the last record I couldn't wait to do another. 'Buckle Up' means just what it says…this record brings together all of the experiences I got writing and recording the first record, as well and the shows we did to support it, and takes it to a new level.

"This is timeless, fun music. And for me, in a world that seems so chaotic every day, it's a joy to have something that's just plain fun, simple and energetic. To just leave your troubles behind, grab a drink and your girl and go out to a show like ours and have fun! Hoping to get to your town later in the year with the band!...and bring some of that energy."

"Buckle Up" track listing:

01. Lucky 13
02. If U Wanna Dance
03. Hey Mr. DJ
04. I Can Be Most Anything
05. Devil Dance
06. Jambalaya (On The Bayou)
07. These Days
08. Not That Kind Of A Guy
09. So Long
10. Just Like Magic To Me
11. Let's Go Crazy
12. Man With The Golden Arm
13. Two Of A Kind
14. I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas

Verni is the founding member/songwriter/producer and bassist for heavy metal pioneers OVERKILL, a legendary band that has sold millions of records and headlined venues and festivals worldwide for four decades. They have released 20 studio albums dating back to their debut album in 1985.

While Verni is a legend in his own right, he has always dreamed of creating a swing/big band, and so began D.D. VERNI & THE CADILLAC BAND. He started by writing an album full of the kinds of songs he loved, a blend of rockin big band and swing, with a new contemporary edge.

Back in 2021, the New Jersey-based artist stated about his decision to take this musical direction, sing lead vocals and play guitar: "Yeah, I think it will be a bit of a shock to some people, but I have been a fan of this kind of music for a long time. The old big band standards were playing at my house when I was a kid. My dad was a big Sinatra fan, so I'm sure some of it's from growing up with that and AM radio. And I always loved '50s music and doo wop — Fats Domino, Jerry Lee, etc. And loved the crooners too — Bobby Darin, Dean Martin, Tom Jones — and even in metal and rock: Jim Morrison, Ian Astbury, Glenn Danzig…all of the crooning type of vocalists I've always loved. And then I don't know how long ago it was now, but when Brian Setzer put his big, band orchestra together the first time I thought, 'This is amazing.' I never really understood why no one else was trying their hand at that. I mean there's a thousand blues bands all in the same genre and doing their own thing with it, but almost no swing/jump blues/rock and roll type of bands. I had collected a lot of riffs and material through the years — I just put it aside thinking one day I'll get to this and so with that in mind I just started writing the types of songs I liked best. High-energy, tap-your-toes, get-up-outta-your-seat kind of songs. I'm not one for jazz really or even a country twang as some bands in the genre touch on, so I kept it moving and jumping even on the standards we recorded, because that's really what I love best."

He continued: "I am a songwriter at heart; I have done all these records with OVERKILL, and also some side projects and was involved in writing a musical for a few years, so changing my head space is not such a big deal to me. I like what I like and as long as the energy is good, I can roll with it. Even with OVERKILL, I'm not trying to be ultra-heavy, or ultra-punk…the only real line I follow is, 'Am I digging it?' and if the answer is 'yes,' then I jump in. And I think the singing and playing guitar throws people a bit as well as I'm known as a bassist. But that's part of the fun to stepping out and trying new stuff. I had been the vocalist on my solo album and was not such a stretch doing this. Although I learned a lot and have to say singing is not as easy as I once thought. [Laughs] And I am not really an upright bass player, which I knew I wanted for this, so it just made sense to stay with the guitar."

D.D. VERNI & THE CADILLAC BAND's first video, "Cadillac Man", featured the band rocking on stage and showing the live energy of the group. Their second video, "Olivia… That's Who!", saw the band using stills to create a new storyboard idea.

The 13-piece band made its live debut at the Vogel theater in Red Bank, New Jersey in October 2021.

West Coast deathgrind icons CATTLE DECAPITATION have confirmed a North American headlining tour this fall. The "No Fear For Tomorrow" trek begins November 16 and runs through December 20. Support will be provided by ABORTED, FROZEN SOUL and TRIBAL GAZE. The journey will see CATTLE DECAPITATION perform its critically lauded "Death Atlas" full-length in its entirety.

Additionally, the band will unleash a special tour-only "Death Atlas" 2xLP. The "Bring Back The Plague" variant, limited to 300 units, will only be available at the merch booth on the tour and only 10 units will be available per show. The "Time's Cruel Curtain" variant, limited to 700 copies, will be available at retail stores in the U.S. and at the Metal Blade webstore.

Comments CATTLE DECAPITATION's Travis Ryan: "We will be performing our magnum opus 'Death Atlas' in its entirety once and for all! Thanks to the pandemic of 2020-2022, we felt 'Death Atlas' didn't get enough tour love like the rest of our records received, so we've decided to honor it by doing the album in its entirety on tour this November/December. We'll also be throwing in some favorites at the end and we also have some other surprises in the works. Joining us on this journey is none other than the mighty ABORTED, FROZEN SOUL and TRIBAL GAZE. We will also have a brand-new tour-specific vinyl variant available at the merch booth so get there early and see you at the show!"

Tickets go on sale today (Friday, July 18) at 10:00 a.m. local time. See all confirmed dates below.

CATTLE DECAPITATION with ABORTED, FROZEN SOUL, TRIBAL GAZE:

Nov. 16 - Nile Theater - Mesa, AZ
Nov. 18 - Diamond Ballroom - Oklahoma City, OK
Nov. 19 - Granada Theater - Dallas, TX **
Nov. 20 - Vibes Event Center - San Antonio, TX
Nov. 21 - Bad Astronaut Brewing Co. - Houston, TX
Nov. 22 - Chelsea's Live - Baton Rouge, LA
Nov. 24 - The Masquerade - Atlanta, GA
Nov. 25 - The Orpheum - Tampa, FL
Nov. 26 - Revolution Live - Fort Lauderdale, FL
Nov. 28 - The Underground - Charlotte, NC
Nov. 29 - The Canal Club - Richmond, VA
Nov. 30 - Baltimore Soundstage - Baltimore, MD
Dec. 02 - Warsaw - Brooklyn, NY
Dec. 03 - Palladium - Worcester, MA
Dec. 05 - Club Soda - Montréal, QC
Dec. 06 - The Concert Hall - Toronto, ON
Dec. 07 - Saint Andrew's Hall - Detroit, MI
Dec. 09 - House Of Blues - Chicago, IL
Dec. 10 - First Avenue - Minneapolis, MN
Dec. 12 - Summit - Denver, CO
Dec. 13 - Urban Lounge - Salt Lake City, UT
Dec. 15 - Roseland Theater - Portland, OR
Dec. 16 - The Showbox - Seattle, WA
Dec. 18 - Ace Of Spades - Sacramento, CA
Dec. 19 - The Observatory North Park - San Diego, CA
Dec. 20 - The Belasco - Los Angeles, CA

** No FROZEN SOUL

Photo by Becky DiGiglio

DARON MALAKIAN AND SCARS ON BROADWAY's new album, "Addicted To The Violence", is out now. The 10-song collection includes the head spinning singles "Killing Spree" and "Destroy The Power", with the latter now accompanied by a gripping new video. Malakian continues to bridge the brutal and the beautiful with a sound that's as punishing as it is poetic.

Over the last few years, Malakian meticulously pieced together what would become "Addicted To The Violence". Once again, he helmed the project as its primary creator — composing, producing, and performing — with contributions from longtime bandmates Orbel Babayan (guitar) and Roman Lomtadze (drums).

"As far as the process goes," Malakian continues. "I'm always writing songs, because it's the only way I know how to live. It's my purpose. When I write, I try to stay honest. I don't put myself in a box, which is why you have both heavy and mid-tempo material. It takes you through different feelings, and that's what I've always done. If I was a painter, I wouldn't tell myself, 'I can't use these colors.' So, all the colors are available to me. All the emotions are also available, because we go through each one of them as people. I'm expressing everything I can."

Best known as a founding member of SYSTEM OF A DOWN and songwriter of iconic tracks such as "Chop Suey!" , "Toxicity" and "B.Y.O.B.", Malakian says, "I'm just as proud of SCARS as I am of SOAD. This is another musical outlet for me. I think it's some of the best stuff I have to offer. I'm blessed that I can still do this and write songs every day." "Addicted To The Violence" is a rollercoaster of aggression, vulnerability, satire, and soul.

"Addicted To The Violence" track listing:

01. Killing Spree
02. Satan Hussein
03. Done Me Wrong
04. The Shame Game
05. Destroy The Power
06. Your Lives Burn
07. Imposter
08. You Destroy You
09. Watch That Girl
10. Addicted To The Violence

As a songwriter, vocalist, producer, and guitarist / multi-instrumentalist, Grammy Award-winning Daron Malakian creates from a limitless palette. Like painting a moving target, he seamlessly integrates elements of rock, punk, metal, pop, psychedelia, electronic, and Armenian stylings into a living sound untethered from tradition and bound only to inspiration. The music grows and evolves with him. Under the moniker of DARON MALAKIAN AND SCARS ON BROADWAY, he continues to approach his craft with an alchemist's open heart, an absurdist's appreciation for the ridiculous, and an artist's attention to detail. Malakian introduced SCARS ON BROADWAY with its self-titled debut in 2008. The LP bowed in the Top 20 of the Billboard 200, spawning fan favorites such as "They Say", "Serious" and "Funny". The follow-up, "Dictator", arrived exactly a decade later during 2018. In addition to praise from Billboard, Revolver and more, Rolling Stone hailed it as one of the "20 Best Metal Albums of 2018."

The world initially got to know Malakian as a co-founder, songwriter, vocalist, producer (alongside Rick Rubin) and guitarist for SYSTEM OF A DOWN whose legacy encompasses global sales of over 42 million records, a Grammy Award and countless sold-out stadium shows. Now, the same creative instinct and internal compass have led him to "Addicted To The Violence", the third full-length offering from SCARS ON BROADWAY, introduced by the first single "Killing Spree".

Photo credit: Travis Shinn

Long-running Swedish-Norwegian rap-metal combo CLAWFINGER will release "Before We All Die", its first studio album in 18 years, on February 20, 2026 via the Perception label, a division of Reigning Phoenix Music. Loud, furious, darkly humorous and brutally honest, it's everything you forgot you needed — and exactly what you'd expect from a band that never cared much for subtlety.

"This isn't about finding peace," CLAWFINGER frontman Zak Tell says. "It's about telling the truth — even when it’s ugly. Especially then."

From environmental collapse to political hypocrisy, personal disillusionment to collective denial, this is CLAWFINGER at full volume — still pissed off, still sharp as ever, and still refusing to shut up while the world pretends it’s all fine.

Already released, the single "Scum" sets the tone: zero tolerance for corrupt leadership, fake morality, or the rising tide of right-wing garbage. It's not a love song — unless you really love rage and distortion.

"This album is part protest, part therapy, and part middle finger," the band adds. "We're not offering solutions. We're screaming because silence is surrender."

CLAWFINGER are considered pioneers of European rap-metal. Formed in Stockholm in the early 1990s, the Swedish-Norwegian band made an explosive debut with "Deaf Dumb Blind" (1993),blending aggressive guitar riffs with politically charged lyrics and rap vocals. The album sold over 600,000 copies worldwide — more than 250,000 in Germany alone — and won a Swedish Grammis award in the hardrock/metal category.

CLAWFINGER's follow-up, "Use Your Brain" (1995) continued their success with chart placements across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Sweden. Over the years, they released seven studio albums, including "A Whole Lot Of Nothing", "Zeros & Heroes", "Hate Yourself With Style" and "Life Will Kill You", selling over 1.5 million records worldwide.

Known for their direct, riff-driven sound and strong political stance, CLAWFINGER address topics such as racism, political delusion, drug policy, environmental destruction, and social inequality. In the 1990s, they toured intensively with acts like ALICE IN CHAINS, MEGADETH and FAITH NO MORE and appeared at major festivals including Rock Am Ring, Roskilde and Monsters Of Rock in South America.

After a brief hiatus, the band returned in 2014 and has since released new singles like "Save Our Souls" (2017) and "Environmental Patients" (2022]) In 2025, CLAWFINGER signed a new label deal with Perception, with more music on the way — still as loud, sharp, and uncompromising as ever.

Earlier in the month, CLAWFINGER released the official Rune Foss-directed music video for "Scum". The track, which was mixed by Jocke Skog at the Sunmountain Facilities and mastered by Jens Bogren at Fascination Street, is a clear jab at U.S. president Donald Trump, with such lyrics as "a bad taste in my mouth, a sore sight for my eyes a foul stench in the air, a nasty vibe in the house a bad excuse for a man, a dark time for the earth" and "another pussy to grab, yes that's what you said, a small cock in your pants, no brain in your head".

Tell said in a statement: "'Scum' is a raw, loud, and brutally honest punk rap anthem that goes straight for the throat. It's aimed at the kind of guy who's selfish, sexist, full of himself and somehow still talking. With sharp lyrics and a beat that hits like a punch, 'Scum' says what we're all thinking about that one guy we all wish would just vanish from the face of the earth. It's angry and it's dark. If you've ever wanted to spit in someone's face but lacked the upper-body strength or social permission, this song's for you."

Five years ago, Tell expressed his disdain for Trump while speaking to Germany's Metalogy about the enduring lyrical themes covered on the band's debut album, "Deaf Dumb Blind", which came out more than 30 years ago. He said: "I wish I could say that things have changed [since that record has released]. I guess a couple of things did that too. But if you look at what's going on in the world and how we behave as human beings, I think we haven't made much progress. And it looks like there is a Trump for every Greta [Thunberg] — that's just an example because it's just so much on the news. For every person who wants to improve the world, there is an idiot who wants to turn everything back. It kind of feels like it happens every time. I already thought that maybe this is simply human nature; the constant back-and-forth and colliding. I'm really not sure if things have gotten better. I wish I could say that they were. But I don't think they are. So I think that the 'Deaf Dumb Blind' message is still up to date and that it has stands the test of time quite well. Of course, it's difficult to be objective with something that is a big part of me."

In March 2022, CLAWFINGER released the official music video for its previous single, "Environmental Patients". The track marked the first new music from CLAWFINGER in more than two years.

Prior to the arrival of "Environmental Patients", CLAWFINGER released a single called "Tear You Down" in September 2019 and "Save Our Souls" in 2017. "Save Our Souls" was made available four years after CLAWFINGER announced it was calling it quits.

During the break from the studio, the members of CLAWFINGER were reportedly taking care of their families while performing sporadic reunion shows, mostly at European festivals. "CLAWFINGER no longer is our main job," the band explained at the time. "We all have other jobs and families to love."

CLAWFINGER's last studio album, the aforementioned "Life Will Kill You", was released in the U.S. in July 2008 via Locomotive Records. The CD, which entered the German Media Control chart at position No. 89 upon its European release in 2007, was recorded and produced at Sweden's Fear And Loathing Studios, a facility that CLAWFINGER runs along with the members of MESHUGGAH.

CLAWFINGER is:

Zak Tell - vocals
Jocke Skog - guitar, keyboards
Bård Torstensen - guitars
André Skaug - bass
Micke Dahlén - drums

Photo credit: Peter Bjöns