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

Following its history-making sold-out performance and global livestream, "Back To The Beginning: Ozzy's Final Bow" will make its theatrical debut in early 2026.

The feature-length concert film, currently in production from Mercury Studios, will be a celebration of one of rock's most enduring legacies, the film will aim to capture the raw power and emotional weight of Ozzy's final bow in his hometown of Birmingham, United Kingdom. Presented as a 100-minute cinematic experience spotlighting the music of Ozzy Osbourne and BLACK SABBATH.

Presented as a love letter to Ozzy and the pioneering sound of BLACK SABBATH, the theatrical release will be a distilled version of the epic all-day event held at Villa Park. Featuring thunderous performances of "War Pigs", "Iron Man", "Children Of The Grave" and a show-stopping "Paranoid", the film promises a deeply personal and electrifying farewell from the godfather of heavy metal with exclusive behind-the-scenes access and interviews from this iconic live performance.

Hosted by Jason Momoa and packed with surprise appearances, the original live event was widely praised as "the most iconic night in metal history." Performances from BLACK SABBATH, Ozzy Osbourne, METALLICA, GUNS N' ROSES, Ronnie Wood, Steven Tyler (AEROSMITH),SLAYER, PANTERA, TOOL, Yungblud, Papa V (GHOST) and a star-studded drum-off between TOOL drummer Danny Carey, BLINK-182's Travis Barker and RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS' Chad Smith, made for an unforgettable send-off.

Yungblud has today announced the release of "Changes" as a standalone single, featuring live footage from his performance at Villa Park during "Back To The Beginning: Ozzy's Final Bow". A standout moment of the day, the track captures the emotional thread of the concert and reflects the cross-generational reach of Ozzy's legacy.

"Changes - (Live From Villa Park) Back To The Beginning (Feat. Nuno Bettencourt, II, Frank Bello, Adam Wakeman)" is a breathtaking rendition of the 1972 track by the supergroup, featuring a powerhouse lead vocal by the 27-year-old British artist, whose recent album "Idols" went to No. 1 in the U.K. chart, becoming his third consecutive album to do so. Delivered in front of over 40,000 fans at BLACK SABBATH's home stadium, the performance served as part of a moving send-off for a group widely regarded as a seminal force in rock.

Yungblud dropped the track as a single today, announcing that all proceeds will be donated to Cure Parkinson's, Birmingham Children's Hospital and Acorns Children's Hospice.

Speaking about the single, Yungblud said: "This was hands down the biggest moment of my entire life. I got to stand on stage and honor one of my heroes, and the fact that it has touched so many is truly overwhelming."

He added: "The best part about this release is that we can take such a monumental moment, immortalize it on tape, release it and donate all the money to such important causes in Cure Parkinson's, Birmingham Children's Hospital, and Acorns Children's Hospice. This is what rock and roll is about. Stream it, buy it, add it to your playlist — let's raise some fucking money."

Last week, Yungblud shared a video online which captured a tender moment between him and Ozzy ahead of the concert. In the video, the young artist is seen gifting Osbourne a custom piece of jewelry. Yungblud is heard saying: "Thank you for everything."

Yungblud's performance on the single received the seal of approval from Osbourne, who said: "He did an amazing job. I couldn't have done it better myself."

A physical product release of "Back To The Beginning" will follow later in 2026 from Mercury Studios.

Fans around the world who joined the livestream or were there in person, and those who missed it, will now have the chance to experience this landmark event on the big screen.

More details on the theatrical rollout will be announced in the coming months.

According to The Guardian, "Back To The Beginning" was livestreamed to more than five million fans worldwide.

Ozzy played a five-song set with his solo band — consisting of guitarist Zakk Wylde, bassist Mike Inez, keyboardist Adam Wakeman and drummer Tommy Clufetos — before being joined by fellow original BLACK SABBATH members Tony Iommi (guitar),Geezer Butler (bass) and Bill Ward (drums) for the aforementioned four classic SABBATH songs: "War Pigs", "Iron Man", "N.I.B." and "Paranoid".

Ozzy's solo set consisted of four songs from Osbourne's 1980 solo debut album "Blizzard Of Ozz" — "I Don't Know", "Mr. Crowley", "Suicide Solution" and "Crazy Train" — along with his 1991 "No More Tears" ballad "Mama, I'm Coming Home".

The 76-year-old heavy metal singer, who has Parkinson's disease, sang while seated on a black throne and appeared overcome with emotion at times. "You have no idea how I feel. Thank you from the bottom of my heart," he told the crowd.

At the end of SABBATH's set, Ozzy said: "It's the last song ever. Your support has enabled us to live an amazing lifestyle, thank you from the bottom of our hearts." Osbourne was then presented with a cake, while fireworks lit up the stadium from overhead.

A message on screen then read, "Thank you for everything, you guys are fucking amazing. Birmingham Forever," before the sky lit up with fireworks.

There was also an online auction benefiting those charities. Items up for bid included two Gibson guitars signed by performers, a GUNS N' ROSES pinball machine, several gold record and CD displays including BLACK SABBATH's "Paranoid", LED ZEPPELIN's "Physical Graffiti" and METALLICA's "Master Of Puppets", plus more than a dozen travel packages.

A livestream of the daylong event was announced in June. While it was called a livestream, the video was delayed two hours from the in-arena start time.

Livestream tickets were priced $29.99, which got you live viewing and access to video for 48 hours. The livestream and T-shirt bundle was priced $64.98. It got you event viewing and a "Back To The Beginning" T-shirt.

"Back To The Beginning" was captured, produced and distributed by Mercury Studios ("One To One: John & Yoko", "American Symphony", "Metallica Saved My Life"). Mercury has partnered with Kiswe — the global D2C streaming partner behind the record-breaking BTS concert livestream — to deliver this moment of music history to fans across the globe.

Curated by RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE guitarist Tom Morello, the event featured arguably the greatest lineup of rock and metal bands ever assembled on one day.

Two hastily assembled supergroups — dubbed Supergroup A and Supergroup B — performed at the event, with EXTREME's Nuno Bettencourt taking part in a five-song set of covers, while ex-Ozzy guitarist Jake E. Lee made an appearance for covers of "The Ultimate Sin" and "Shot In The Dark". Former JUDAS PRIEST guitarist K.K. Downing joined Morello, Billy Corgan (SMASHING PUMPKINS) and Adam Jones (TOOL) for a rendition of PRIEST's "Breaking The Law", while LIVING COLOUR's Vernon Reid hopped onstage for a cover of Ozzy's "Bark At The Moon", with GHOST's Papa V Perpetua (a.k.a. Tobias Forge) handling lead vocals.

Photo credit: Ross Halfin (courtesy of Premier)

During an appearance on today's (Thursday, July 17) episode of SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk", ANTHRAX bassist Frank Bello offered an update on the progress of the recording sessions for the long-awaited follow-up to the band's 2016 album "For All Kings". He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET) "The record's done. It's going into mixing now. Look, I know it's a long time coming, and thank you to the fans that are listening right now, and I know it's been a while. But between COVID, side projects, everything, we've all had different lives, and everybody's very much into what we're doing now with ANTHRAX. So, you'll be hearing something before the end of the year, for sure."

Asked by host Eddie Trunk if that means that ANTHRAX fans will at least get a new song before the end of 2025, Frank said: "That is the plan, Eddie. That is the plan. 'Cause nobody puts out records right away — just a song and then a song, and you tease it out."

Elaborating on the musical direction of the new ANTHRAX material, Frank said: "I can't say the title [of the album yet], but what I can say is people who have liked the last two records, and there's been a lot of you, and thank you for that, I think we took another step from that. And this isn't just a salesmanship thing. I am, as a fan, really proud of the band stepping up like this — musicianship, songwriting. Joey's [Belladonna] vocals — I'm not even joking when I say this about Belladonna, it's one of the best singing he's done on an ANTHRAX record. I'm not even joking with that. So, we made sure the melodies, everything is right with this record. We're ready to go. It's been a long time, but I think we have the goods. I'm really proud of it, and I can't wait to play this stuff. It's gonna be a little challenging, definitely, but I'm looking forward to getting out there again."

Asked if 2026 has been "carved out" as the year when everyone in ANTHRAX will focus on touring with the band in support of the upcoming album, Frank said: "That is carved out, from my manager Mike Monterulo, straight from his mouth. We're we're concentrating specifically on ANTHRAX. Look, there may be shows here and there for other projects and that's fine when we're off, but it's absolutely focused on ANTHRAX and the record and getting it out there and really making people hear the stuff."

On the topic of ANTHRAX's touring plans for 2026, Frank said: "There's things being booked now. There might be even stuff being booked for this year, at the end of the year. We don't know. The contract's being signed right now. We'll see. I can't tell you right now, Eddie, 'cause it's not signed, but you'll love the tour we're talking about doing later this year, if that works out. I hope it does. [If it happens, it will be] with a package… It'll be fun. I hope it works out. That's just a tease I have to put out there, because I wanna let people know that we are actually working on this and we are hungry. And, look, I'm biting at the bit to do this, and that [BLACK] SABBATH [final concert in Birmingham] we just did [in early July] made me wanna play more, obviously. So, it'll be fun to do. I'm looking forward to it."

Last November, Bello returned to Dave Grohl's Studio 606 in Northridge, California to resume recording the bass tracks for ANTHRAX's next effort.

ANTHRAX is once again working with producer Jay Ruston, who previously helmed "For All Kings" and 2011's "Worship Music" albums.

Earlier this month, Belladonna told Chicago's Rebel Radio 92.5 FM as part of the station's 31st-anniversary celebration that he had "finished the vocals" for ANTHRAX's upcoming album. "I'm really happy with what I've done," he said. "And the band sounds great on the record. And as far as I know right now, we're still finishing up a few things. We're not even mixing yet, so at this point I'd be just speculating [about a possible release date]. Obviously, things are going in the right form and the timing is right. So, all good. I'm happy. You're gonna love it."

In September 2024, ANTHRAX guitarist Scott Ian told Jon Wiederhorn of Guitar World magazine that he and his bandmates hoped to finally release their new album in 2025.

"We're taking our time and not rushing anything because we want it to be exactly how we want it," Ian said. "We're not in a place in our lives anymore where we could have dropped everything and said, 'All right, we've got two months of studio time. Let's finish writing and then get in there and record it all and do the vocals. Mix, master and we're done — like in the old days.' We have families and commitments now, so it can't work that way anymore and hasn't in a long time."

Regarding the musical direction of the new ANTHRAX material, Ian said: "There are crushing riffs and great, hooky choruses. Even some of the thrashiest songs have great choruses. We're always looking for the hook, and I think we've accomplished that."

He added: "With the songs we've written, we'd be able to put together a nine- or 10-song record that would be thrashier than anything we've done in a long time. But there would also be a way to make it a very different kind of album depending on which songs we choose. And I can tell you, I know which way I'm leaning. And I think we're all on the same page. We want this record to punch people in the face. And then we can use the bonus tracks for other things, but in the context of the record, I really want it to hit hard."

As for his expectations for the new ANTHRAX album, Scott said: "I'd like to think this record will be a slew of songs that people are going to be very excited about hearing live for the next few years. I generally feel the riffs, the grooves and the breakdowns – we used to call them mosh parts in the old days — I think they're gonna connect with our fans. And a lot of these songs are tailor-made for our live show, so I hope we'll be playing them for a long time."

In August 2024, ANTHRAX drummer Charlie Benante told Metal Hammer magazine about the band's upcoming LP: "There's a song which has the same kind of epic feel as 'In The End' [from 2011's 'Worship Music'] and 'Blood Eagle Wings' [from 'For All Kings']. It revolves around the journey we've been on in the band. And there are three songs that don't sound like anything we've done before. One called 'The Edge Of Perfection' I had way before COVID, and it has just stayed with me — the melody and the chords, but also the aggression."

In January 2024, Bello told Rodney McG about the long delay in getting new ANTHRAX music out: "There wasn't a rush, obviously. I know it's been eight years since our last record, but we wanna make sure it's right, and it is [right]. We are very confident. I'm not worried about how right it is. It's right on exactly where I think, and the rest of the band think, we need to be. I love that it's more complicated for me to play. I love the challenge of that. I think we stepped it up a little bit, the heaviness. Again, everybody's gonna prop their record. Doing this for so long, this is how I feel.

"I don't wanna get complacent," he continued. "I want the challenge, 'cause I'm a fan. I'm a fan, and it has to stimulate me. And it has to get me going on stage."

As for the musical direction of the new ANTHRAX material, Bello said: "On this record, there's stuff that we've never done before. I'm just saying right out — there's stuff, in a heavy way, which I'm very proud of. I like that we went that way with it and just went, 'What the fuck was that?' Some of the things that Charlie Benante does on drums, Scott and I were just, 'What the fuck was that?' And that's great, 'cause you wanna raise your game after that. I think it makes everybody step up a little bit. I'm doing some bass stuff that I had some fun with on this that I would never have done. I think there's a lot of cool stuff that's going on vocally, melody-wise. I'm really happy where the next ANTHRAX record is going."

In October 2023, Ian told "THAT Rocks!" that he and his ANTHRAX bandmates had "only really been working on" their new LP "for a year-ish, I would say… But then once lockdown and all that stuff happened, we just all walked away; nothing creative was happening at all with us through that whole period," he explained. "And then, slowly but surely, when we started playing shows again in '21 and going into '22, that's when we started working again, really. And then in the last year, we really started to put stuff together and Charlie and Frankie and I getting together and having writing sessions and arranging stuff."

In September 2023, Belladonna was asked by Tulsa Music Stream if he is typically presented with finished lyrics to sing or if he gets to contribute a lot lyrically to the content. Joey said: "I love doing lyrics, but there's a lot of lyrics that Scott — he just loves to do it. It's his thing. He just digs into such — these topics that he likes to go and get into, and we all kind of have our own little thoughts on the songs. But I get in there and I really kind of — I dig into the whole thing a lot further. There's a lot of stuff that I have to… When you start singing on something, you really have to find the pockets of what you wanna do, what kind of tone I wanna throw on it and how I wanna go for a certain range for certain things and how I approach it is very important. There are lyrics, but at the end of the day, I have to go in there and still sing as good and catchy and appropriate as I can to make this stuff my thing, my style. Obviously, we're not the hit-oriented type of thing, but I'm always going for something cool to catch you off guard and neat and different. I have my own style, so I just kind of do my thing."

During an August 2023 appearance on SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk", Ian said about the musical direction of the new ANTHRAX material: "Certainly of the nine [songs] we've tracked so far, from a riff point of view, it's definitely — I mean it's riffs with all capital letters. Like if you were going to write, you would write 'riffs' in all capitals with an exclamation point. The riffs are killer. It's very riff-centric. There's a lot of faster uptempo material, certainly."

Ian added: "I will say there is a song — I won't say any titles yet, 'cause it's still probably a working title — there's definitely one song, it's the fastest thing we've ever done. There's another song that we haven't recorded yet that's also in the vein, more of a 'Gung-Ho' or a 'Caught In A Mosh'. Because Charlie and I talk all the time. I said, 'We still need something that's like a three-and-a-half-minute just ripper. You know, something like that.' And then we come up with something like that and I'm, like, 'Hey, I forgot I'm 60 now, and now I have to play this song for the next three years.' Just make my life harder."

Earlier in 2023, Benante was asked by Robert Cavuoto of Metal Rules why it has taken so long for ANTHRAX to complete the writing process for a new LP. Charlie said: "If we didn't get hit with this whole global pandemic thing, it would have been out probably two years ago, three years ago. But we all know what happened. But now, being that some of the songs were [written] before the pandemic hit, they're old to me. So now there's a bunch of new songs that kind of came in the mix. So that's a good thing. You can never have enough… We're still working on the older ones because we really like a lot of those."

ANTHRAX celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2021 with a number of special activities and events. Formed by Ian and bassist Dan Lilker in Queens, New York on July 18, 1981, ANTHRAX was one of the first thrash metal bands to emerge from the East Coast and quickly became regarded as a leader in the genre alongside METALLICA, SLAYER and MEGADETH.

Active over the past five decades, ANTHRAX has released 11 studio albums, been awarded multiple gold and platinum certifications, received six Grammy nominations, toured the world since 1984 playing thousands of shows, including headlining Madison Square Garden and playing Yankee Stadium with the "Big Four".

"For All Kings" was called by some critics ANTHRAX's strongest album to date. Its arrival followed a five-year period during which the group experienced a rebirth of sorts, beginning with ANTHRAX's inclusion on the "Big Four" tour, and continuing with the release of comeback LP "Worship Music".

Frank played his first show with ANTHRAX in nearly a year and a half on October 12, 2024 at the Aftershock festival in Sacramento, California.

Bello and ANTHRAX were supposed to perform at the Louder Than Life festival in Louisville, Kentucky on September 27, 2024, but their show ended up being canceled due to severe weather.

Prior to Aftershock, Bello last played with ANTHRAX in May 2023 at the Milwaukee Metal Fest in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

In April and early May 2024, Bello sat out ANTHRAX's South American tour as well as two U.S. festival dates due to "personal reasons." Filling in on those shows was ANTHRAX founding member and original bassist Dan Lilker, marking his first appearance with the band in 40 years. Lilker, who co-wrote and played on ANTHRAX's debut album "Fistful Of Metal", was also a member of STORMTROOPERS OF DEATH with Benante and Ian.

In a new interview with The Keyboard Chronicles, DREAM THEATER keyboardist Jordan Rudess was asked about the fan response to the progressive metallers' latest studio album, "Parasomnia", which came out in February. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Live, we've only played two of the songs, 'Night Terror' and 'Midnight Messiah'. And they're really, really fun to play live. You don't know until you do it, but they have a lot of power. There's a lot of energy in those songs, and you can feel it. It's very tangible. So that's what I've experienced live as far as feedback from people. Other than that, the album has been very well received, which is so exciting."

Referencing the fact that DREAM THEATER completed a 2025 40th-anniversary sold-out North American tour Radio City Music Hall in New York City in March, Jordan added: "It's really a great time for DREAM THEATER, and it's really unusual because, think about it: we were just out there celebrating the 40-year anniversary — I've been with [the band] for 26 [years] — but [it's been] 40 years since the [some of the other DREAM THEATER] guys met at Berklee [College of Music, a private music college in Boston, Massachusetts], basically; this celebrates the day they met, I think, in the Berklee halls, that kind of thing. But it's been incredible — after 40 years, to have one of the best [runs], if not the best run, or the best year of our career. So we're just doing it, enjoying it and kind of trying to take it in at the same point."

Later this summer, DREAM THEATER will embark on another run of dates in the United States. The upcoming tour will be "An Evening With Dream Theater" that will celebrate "Parasomnia". The tour is scheduled for 30 cities across the United States, kicking off September 5 in Reading, Pennsylvania and running through October 25, when it wraps in Long Island, New York. The tour will make stops in Orlando, Floria; Detroit, Michigan; Kansas City, Missouri and Providence, Rhode Island, among others. DREAM THEATER will be performing its latest album in its entirety as well as classics and fan favorites from the band's catalog in what promises to be an unforgettable evening of music.

"Parasomnia" came out on February 7, 2025 via InsideOut Music. The LP marked DREAM THEATER's first release with drummer Mike Portnoy since 2009's "Black Clouds & Silver Linings".

"Parasomnia" was produced by guitarist John Petrucci, engineered by James "Jimmy T" Meslin, and mixed by Andy Sneap. Hugh Syme returned once again to lend his creative vision to the cover art.

Portnoy co-founded DREAM THEATER in 1985 with Petrucci and bassist John Myung. Mike played on 10 DREAM THEATER albums over a 20-year period, from 1989's "When Dream And Day Unite" through 2009's "Black Clouds & Silver Linings", before exiting the group in 2010.

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

The North American leg of DREAM THEATER's 40th-anniversary tour kicked off on February 7 at The Met in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The trek was "An Evening With Dream Theater" and was the first tour of North America since Portnoy's return to the lineup, joining Petrucci, singer James LaBrie, Myung and Rudess. The tour concluded on March 22 in New York City.

In a new interview with The Metal Summit, former TYPE O NEGATIVE drummer Johnny Kelly was asked if he is surprised by the fact that TYPE O is still as popular as it is, a decade and a half after the death of the band's frontman Peter Steele from heart failure at the age of 48. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "It's pretty mind-blowing, I have to admit. I'm really surprised by it because I never — none of us — ever thought about the band ever having any kind of legacy or where we were leaving something behind. While we were doing the band, while the band was active, everything that we did, we always thought that this would be the last thing we ever did, and that would be the end of it. The band will fall apart, the band will break up or whatever, and we'll just disappear and go get jobs and get on with the rest of our lives. We never thought that the band would last as long as it did. And now, after Peter being gone for 15 years, and people are still talking about the band. It's pretty crazy. We never thought that, we never thought that there would be any kind of legacy or anything. We figured that all the records would wind up in the used bin and it would just be that moment in time where it was, like, 'Oh, yeah, that band from back then. I remember them.'"

Drummer Sal Abruscato was a co-founder of TYPE O NEGATIVE, along with Steele. After Abruscato left TYPE O NEGATIVE in 1993, following the release of the band's third album, "Bloody Kisses", he was replaced by Kelly, who remained with the band until Steele died. After Steele's death, TYPE O NEGATIVE formally broke up, with members stating that the band could not continue without Peter, who had served as the TYPE O NEGATIVE leader and main songwriter since the group's formation over two decades earlier.

Steele was born Petrus T. Ratajczyk on January 4, 1962 in Brooklyn, New York. He stood 6' 7" (201 cm) tall, and had a low, bass-heavy voice, which was one of the most recognizable features in TYPE O NEGATIVE's music.

Before forming TYPE O NEGATIVE, Steele played for the metal group FALLOUT and the thrash band CARNIVORE.

In a 2020 interview with Meltdown of Detroit's WRIF radio station, Kelly remembered Steele, saying: "Peter, for the most part, he was a clown. He was always joking around — sarcastic, very self-deprecating humor. Just the opposite of what the music portrayed. When we were working on music and stuff, the end result, he was very serious about what he wanted, how he wanted something to sound. Other times, he was a clown.

"I always said that he wanted to be a normal person, but because he was Peter, that was just not in the cards for him; it was completely impossible," he continued. "I bet he would love to just be able to hang out, go to the bar, have a few drinks. And we would try to do that, and the minute he would come out to the bar, everybody gravitated towards him. He couldn't go to the store by his house without something happening to him."

Asked if that was because of Peter's size, Johnny said: "I think so. He just had this very striking look. He didn't look normal. And he had fangs. [Laughs] He was six and a half feet tall, [had] long black hair and fangs. You're not gonna get the normal response when you're going grocery shopping."

Legendary Swedish guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen has launched a line of protein powder.

If you visit the 62-year-old musician's official online merchandise store, you can now purchase probiotic capsules, electrolyte supplements, watermelon-flavored pre-workout supplements and even yoga mats.

"When I'm on stage, there's no compromise, only precision, power, and passion," Yngwie wrote earlier this month in a social media post. "I take these supplements to stay razor-sharp, night after night. This isn't hype. It's fuel!"

This past March, Yngwie was asked during an appearance SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk"about his decision to step into the world of health and wellness with the Yngwie Malmsteen's Force multivitamin supplement gummies, which were made available last year. He said: " Well, in order for you to be in good health, you need to take supplements. And I've always done that. And so the reason I put my line out is because I want other people to do it too. And it really works. I highly recommend it."

When host Eddie Trunk noted that it was a "nice move" for Yngwie to go the "health-conscious" route instead of doing what many other rock musicians have done by releasing their own lines of liquor or beer or weed, Malmsteen said: "Well, because that's what I do. I don't drink. I don't do drugs. I don't believe in it. Listen, if you wanna do that, go ahead. Be my guest. But I prefer not to do it. And also I think it's great to let people know — take your vitamins, and it really works."

According to a post on the Swedish musician's official merchandise webstore, "Yngwie's focus on peak performance extends beyond music and into personal well-being. His line of multivitamin gummies is designed for those who, like him, demand the best from their bodies. With his bold stage presence and a lifestyle fueled by passion and intensity, Yngwie knows the importance of maintaining energy and health. These multivitamin gummies are packed with essential vitamins and nutrients, providing the perfect boost to keep anyone feeling powerful, focused, and ready to conquer the day. Yngwie believes that 'feeling good and healthy is vital,' whether you're shredding on the guitar or managing daily life. These gummies are formulated to support a strong immune system, enhance energy levels, and promote overall wellness, all in a tasty, rockstar-approved form."

In an August 23, 2024 post on his official Facebook, Yngwie shared a picture of his guitar along with three of his vitamin gummies, and he included the following message: "The secret to my force over the past forty years isn't what you'd think… vitamins. I am super health conscious, I wake up early, play tennis take my vitamins, drive my cars spend time with my family and make music for you guys".

Yngwie released a new live album, "Tokyo Live", on April 25 via Music Theories Recordings. The concert was recorded at the Zepp DiverCity, Tokyo on May 11, 2024 as part of Yngwie's 40th-anniversary world tour. The setlist for the 100-minute concert tracks Malmsteen's illustrious career, from "Hiroshima Mon Amour" and "Evil Eye" and through his remarkable solo career with "Rising Force", "Far Beyond The Sun", "Arpeggios From Hell" and "Seventh Sign" all the way up to his most recent material taken from 2021's "Parabellum", with "Wolves At The Door", "Relentless Fury", "(Si Vis Pacem) Parabellum", not to mention rousing renditions of "Paganini's 4th" and "Smoke On The Water".

Only four of the songs on "Parabellum" featured vocals. The album title is Latin, translating as "Prepare For War".

After working with some of the top hard singers of the past four decades, Yngwie now handles much of the lead vocals himself in his own band, backed by a lineup that includes keyboardist Nick Marino, bassist Emilio Martinez and drummer Kevin Klingenschmid.

In a new interview with Chicago's Rebel Radio 92.5 FM, SOIL bassist Tim King gave an update on the band's recent and upcoming activities. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Just last year we did a completely sold-out headline U.K. tour. We went to Europe for all the fests and did some off dates. So SOIL's still alive and well. We did a U.S. tour with our buddies THE UNION UNDERGROUND. It was their first tour since we played together with them in 2001, so 23 years later, we played together again. It was their first tour in 23 years. So it was pretty cool. It was kind of a coming-full-circle-type thing. And this year SOIL's kind of taking a bit of a break from playing out. We've got a lot of new music that we finished up and we're going in the studio this September to do some new music, which is long overdue. It's been 2013 since we put out a new record, so we're finally getting that going on. And then next year we'll go and tour our asses off."

King previously addressed SOIL's lack of new original material following the release of 2013's "Whole" album during an August 2024 interview with Moshpit Passion. He said at the time: "SOIL is kind of an enigma. It's been something that we've been very proud of for a long time. I guess the best thing to say is we pick and choose our battles. We do things that make sense and when they're gonna be good, like coming to Europe and playing Wacken Open Air festival and a bunch of other festivals and doing headline dates. We don't tour just to tour. We tour when it makes sense and we do things when it's a beneficial thing. With that being said, we are very, very, very long overdue for new material, which me and Ryan [McCombs, SOIL frontman] will not disagree with and we'll talk about all day long. The weird thing about that is we all live in very different areas. I'm not gonna make excuses at this point. We need to do new material.'

Tim continued: "Anyway, we got an offer to do a covers record and re-record old material, which we did during COVID, when nobody was doing anything. And honestly, the covers record I listen to more than any SOIL record that we ever released. I don't know why, but we just really nailed it. I think we did a great job on that. It sounds so good.

"But long story short, we're not gonna release anything else until it's something new, because the fans deserve that," King added. "We've waited long enough. We're long overdue. When the time comes that we have it ready to go, we'll do it. But we have really no excuses for it other than the fact that we suck. [Laughs]"

King went on to say that there are other factors involved in why writing and recording new music with SOIL is taking a lot longer than it used to.

"What is cool is as opposed to SOIL back in the day, when SOIL was our life, we all do different things," he explained. "Our guitarist Adam [Zadel] has his own business, our drummer TJ [Taylor] has his own business. I have the record label. I have my little side project, the death metal band. Ryan got asked to rejoin DROWNING POOL, and instead of being angry and mad about it, we were, like, 'Yeah, do it.'

"Everything's in a very great place," Tim said. "We embrace Ryan doing DROWNING POOL. We embrace what we do with SOIL. Ryan loves what we do with [my death metal side project] EMBRYONIC AUTOPSY. The older we've gotten, we embrace the outside activities to where we might've pulled them a METALLICA-type mentality back in the day, like, 'You can only do METALLICA. You can only do this. You can't do anything else. It's not right.' But now, it's kind of, like, guess what? It's a new era. It's a new thing. We're older, and we understand it more now. So you've gotta do what you need to do to either pay your bills or scratch your itch music or anything.

"But what's great about it is we've rekindled our relationship with DROWNING POOL when we had kind of a falling out before, and now we're all friends," King added. "And it's really awesome to just get along and all enjoy what we're doing. I look at Ryan playing in front of people at a DROWNING POOL festival, I don't get mad at it. I'm, like, 'Wow, cool. He's doing something great like that.' We just played Wacken in front of — what? — 20,000 people, whatever it was. And everybody's just happy for one another. And that comes with age, and it comes with what we're doing now. It's a great, great thing."

In 2023, SOIL celebrated its long list of compositional accomplishments with "Restoration", a brand-new set of studio recordings of the band's biggest hits throughout their prolific history. "Restoration" highlighted the band's best musical moments, including smash hit singles "Halo" and "Breaking Down", from SOIL's 2001 award-winning album "Scars".

In August 2022, SOIL released the "Play It Forward" album, consisting of some of the songs that inspired the bandmembers throughout the years. Prior to that. SOIL issued "Scream: The Essentials" in September 2017 via Pavement Entertainment and AFM Records. That effort celebrated the band's 20-year career and featured early recordings as well as alternate versions and mixes.

In March 2023, it was announced that Ryan had rejoined DROWNING POOL.

McCombs originally hooked up with DROWNING POOL in 2005 and appeared on two of the band's studio albums, "Full Circle" (2007) and "Drowning Pool" (2010),as well as a live album, 2009's "Loudest Common Denominator". He rejoined SOIL after exiting DROWNING POOL in 2011.

McCombs is planning to continue to front SOIL and perform with both bands moving forward.

McCombs, who has lived in Swindon, England since 2018, played his first shows back with DROWNING POOL in March 2023 at Club L.A. in Destin, Florida and at the inaugural Throwdown At The Campground festival in Fruitland Park, Florida.