Spanish death metal band, Bizarre, have released a lyric video for “Fleshless”, a track from their debut mini CD, Inner Necropolis, available now via Xtreem Music.

Inner Necropolis was partially recorded, and later mixed and mastered at Moontower Studios by Javi Félez (Graveyard) getting a truly dark, heavy and rotting sound for Bizarre's debut release. Compounded by six songs, the style displayed is old fashioned death metal blending heavy and brutal passages with crushing mid-tempos and killer melodies accompanied by an ultra-low guttural vocal performance.

Tracklisting:
"Dying Existence" (intro)
"Damp Earth"
"Asphyxiating Dark Memories"
"Moldy And Decomposed"
"Fleshless"
"Inner Necropolis"

"Fleshless" lyric video:

"Damp Earth”:

The new pro-shot video below features Robert Plant And The Sensational Space Shifters performing the Led Zeppelin classic, “The Lemon Song”, live at Rock Werchter 2016. “The Lemon Song” was originally featured on Led Zeppelin’s 1969 album, Led Zeppelin II.

Nearly 20 years ago, Led Zeppelin introduced BBC Sessions, an acclaimed two-disc set of live recordings selected from the band’s appearances on BBC radio between 1969 and 1971. Later this year, the band will unveil The Complete BBC Session, an updated version of the collection that’s been newly remastered with supervision by Jimmy Page and expanded with eight unreleased BBC recordings, including three rescued from a previously “lost” session from 1969.

The Complete BBC Session will be available in multiple formats from Atlantic/Swan Song on September 16th:

* Deluxe Edition (3CD) – Remastered original album plus a third disc of unreleased audio.
* Deluxe Edition Vinyl (5LP) – Remastered original album, plus a fifth LP of unreleased audio, on 180-gram vinyl
* Digital Download – Remastered album and unreleased audio will both be available.
* Super Deluxe Boxed Set (3CD/5LP)– This collection includes:        

- Remastered album. 2 CDs, each in a replica sleeve.
- Unreleased audio on CD in a separate card sleeve.
- Remastered album on 180-gram vinyl.
- Unreleased audio on 180-gram vinyl.
- High-def audio download card of all content at 96kHz/24 bit.
- 48-page book filled with photos of the band, the recording locations, BBC memorabilia, and session information.
- High-quality print of the original album cover, the first 30,000 of which will be individually numbered.

BBC Sessions was originally released in 1997 and has been certified double platinum by the RIAA. The Complete BBC Session builds on that collection with a third disc that boasts eight unreleased performances. In addition, the set includes extensive session-by-session liner notes written by Dave Lewis. For the first time ever, it provides accurate details and notes about all of the band’s BBC sessions.

Musical highlights on this new collection include the debut of a long-lost radio session that has achieved near-mythic status among fans. Originally broadcast in April 1969, the session included three songs: “I Can’t Quit You Baby,” “You Shook Me,” and the only recorded performance of “Sunshine Woman.”

Also included are two unreleased versions of both “Communication Breakdown” and “What Is And What Should Never Be.” Separated by two years, the performances vividly demonstrate the young band’s rapid evolution over a short period of time.

Jimmy Page spoke about the band’s growth in an interview with Guitar World: “The BBC Sessions show in graphic detail just how organic the group was. Led Zeppelin was a band that would change things around substantially each time it played…We were becoming tighter and tighter, to the point of telepathy.”

Speaking with Wall of Sound, John Paul Jones added: “We’d been on the road a lot by the time those sessions were recorded. The albums were always the starting point of the music, and then we’d take it out and expand it on the road. Then we’d come straight off the road into those BBC studios.”

Recalling the BBC experience in an interview with Mojo, Robert Plant said: “The whole thing was very quaint: the politeness of the audience, the technicians fumbling about, proper hallowed low-key introductions. Like there was some sort of holy moment about to occur.”

In 1968, Jimmy Page formed Led Zeppelin, one of the most influential, innovative and successful groups in modern music, having sold more than 300 million albums worldwide. The band rose from the ashes of The Yardbirds, when Page brought in Robert Plant, John Bonham and John Paul Jones. In 1969, Led Zeppelin released its self-titled debut which was produced by Jimmy Page, as were all the subsequent albums. It marked the beginning of a 12-year reign, during which the group was widely considered to be the biggest and most innovative rock band in the world.

Led Zeppelin continues to be honored for its pivotal role in music history. The band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1995, received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005, and a year later was awarded the Polar Music Prize in Stockholm. Founding members Page, Plant, and Jones, and along with Jason Bonham, the son of John Bonham – took the stage at London’s O2 Arena in 2007 to headline a tribute concert for Ahmet Ertegun, a dear friend and Atlantic Records’ founder. The band was honored for its lifetime contribution to American culture at the Kennedy Center Honors in 2012. In January of 2014, the band won their first ever Grammy award as Celebration Day, which captured their live performance at the Ertegun tribute concert, was named Best Rock Album. The last two years saw an unprecedented reissue campaign of all nine of the band’s studio albums, which achieved Top 10 chart status around the globe whilst also garnering 5-star reviews and other critical accolades along the way.

The Complete BBC Session CD tracklisting:

Disc One
“You Shook Me”
“I Can’t Quit You Baby”
“Communication Breakdown”
“Dazed And Confused”
“The Girl I Love She Got Long Black Wavy Hair”
“What Is And What Should Never Be”
“Communication Breakdown”
“Travelling Riverside Blues”
“Whole Lotta Love”
“Somethin’ Else”
“Communication Breakdown”
“I Can’t Quit You Baby”
“You Shook Me”
“How Many More Times”

Disc Two
“Immigrant Song”
“Heartbreaker”
“Since I’ve Been Loving You”
“Black Dog”
“Dazed And Confused”
“Stairway To Heaven”
“Going To California”
“That’s The Way”
“Whole Lotta Love” (Medley: Boogie Chillun/Fixin’ To Die/That’s Alright Mama/A Mess of Blues)
“Thank You”

Disc Three
“Communication Breakdown” *
“What Is And What Should Never Be” *
“Dazed And Confused” *
“White Summer”
“What Is And What Should Never Be” *
“Communication Breakdown” *
“I Can’t Quit You Baby” *
“You Shook Me” *
“Sunshine Woman” *

* Previously Unreleased

 

 

 

 

Eyexist, the band featuring former Gorelust singer Jean Beaulieu, guitarist Francis Bouillon, and session drummer/bassist/current Kataklysm member Olivier Beaudoin, are slowly gearing up to release their first album, The Digital Holocaust, via PRC Music (worldwide) this fall.

Eyexist describes it’s music as avant-garde death metal while keeping everything very, very heavy, in your face and brutal in its very own way.

Here is what label owner Rémi Coté had to say about the whole project: "Not sure how to actually describe Eyexist’s sound, but its musically original with some over the top drums arrangements and orchestrations and uber thick heavy guitars! The icing on the cake, in my humble opinion, is the amazing vocals delivery from one of the very best death metal singer coming out from Québec, ever! So yeah, we're happy to be working once again with Jean and his new project... all I can add is get this when it comes out!"

Judge for yourself by checking out a lyric video for the track "Chronicles Of Survival":

CD pre-orders are now available at the PRC MUSIC bandcamp page here. Digital pre-orders can be placed at Eyexist’s bandcamp page here.

(Photo - Cecilia Cardenas Photography)

According to an update from Noise11, the Scorpions will play Australia for the very first time in their 50 year history this October. They will perform at The Palais in Melbourne on October 18th, tickets go on sale on Friday, July 29th. Rock Zone fan club members have an exclusive ticket pre-sale starting 25th July at 10:00am (local) to get access to the best seats.

Few rock bands were as successful as the Scorpions by the mid '80s - headlining arenas/stadiums worldwide, scoring two mega-selling albums (the platinum-certified Blackout and the triple-platinum certified Love At First Sting) and two hit singles/videos ("No One Like You" and "Rock You Like A Hurricane). But what quite a few newcomers to the band didn't realize was that the Scorpions had been regularly recording music since 1972, and that throughout the remainder of the decade, featured two guitarists (Michael Schenker and Uli Jon Roth) at separate points that are considered legendary amongst the heavy metal masses.

And while such albums as Lonesome Crow, Fly To The Rainbow, In Trance, Virgin Killer, Taken By Force, Tokyo Tapes, and Lovedrive did not come close to obtaining the commercial success of the aforementioned '80s era efforts, they inspired and influenced countless renowned musicians.

German Metal Machine: Scorpions In The '70s is the first-ever book to focus solely on this period of the band. Interviews include such former members as Michael Schenker, Uli Jon Roth, Francis Buchholz, and Herman Rarebell, longtime Scorpions producer Dieter Dierks, plus members of other bands that are major admirers, including KK Downing (Judas Priest), Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins), Joe Satriani, Tom Hamilton (Aerosmith), David Ellefson (Megadeth), Alex Skolnick (Testament), and Eddie Trunk (That Metal Show), among many others, while Kirk Hammett (Metallica) provides a foreword.

Greg Prato is a Long Island, New York-based journalist, who has written for Rolling Stone, Songfacts, and Vintage Guitar, and has authored such books as Survival Of The Fittest: Heavy Metal In The 1990's, Iron Maiden: '80 '81, The Eric Carr Story, and Touched By Magic: The Tommy Bolin Story. German Metal Machine is his 19th book overall.

German Metal Machine: Scorpions In The '70s is available as a paperback version [222 pages, $16.99], a Kindle download [$9.99], a Nook download [$9.99], and an iBook download [$9.99].

Also available via Nook and iBook.

Classic hard rock act Voodoo Circle (which is led by Primal Fear guitarist Alex Beyrodt) have parted ways with bassist Mat Sinner (pictured right), also a member of Primal Fear. Sinner has posted the following message:

"The sun is shining, but it's raining in my heart. After eight years I will leave Voodoo Circle in silence. I wish the remaining guys all the best for the future and one more time I will remember the good times we had!"

Voodoo Circle released its fourth studio album Whisky Fingers on November 27th, 2015. Whisky Fingers is available as CD, digipak, colored vinyl, and box set (including digipak and whisky glass).

The reunited partial classic lineup of GUNS N' ROSES played the "Chinese Democracy" song "Catcher In The Rye" live for the first time last night (Wednesday, July 20) during the band's second show at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. Fan-filmed video footage of the performance can be seen below.

This marks the fifth song from the 2008 album to be performed on the "Not In This Lifetime" tour so far, with the group having previously played the title track, "Better", "This I Love" and "Sorry".

"Chinese Democracy", which featured only singer Axl Rose from the classic GUNS N' ROSES lineup, was officially certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on February 3, 2009 for shipments in the United States in excess of one million copies.

The CD came out 15 years after its predecessor, 1993's "The Spaghetti Incident". It took more than a decade to record, during which every original member of the band except Rose was replaced and four different producers were used. GUNS N' ROSES' "Not In This Lifetime" stadium tour features classic lineup members Slash, McKagan and Rose backed by drummer Frank Ferrer, guitarist Richard Fortus, keyboardist Dizzy Reed and new second keyboardist Melissa Reese.

As previously reported, drummer Steven Adler performed with GUNS N' ROSES again on July 9 in Nashville, and also spent some time with Slash, McKagan, Ferrer and Reese during soundcheck. Adler joined GUNS for "My Michelle" and "Out Ta Get Me", the same songs he played with them in his first appearance on this tour on July 6 in Cincinnati.

The "Not In This Lifetime" tour is scheduled to hit Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Saturday, July 23.

Brazil-based animator Val Andrade, who made a splash several years ago with his unique cartoons based on Iron Maiden's catalogue of songs, has returned with a new clip for "Blood Brothers", taken from the band's Brave New World album. Check it out below.

Stjepan Juras, an author from Croatia, has just published his fifth book about Iron Maiden. His new book, Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son, is now on sale and the first 300 buyers have a chance to order a very special edition with completely customized book coer including name of buyer in book bar-code. First print of his  previous book, Somewhere In Time, was sold out in just one week.

This is a book about an album which represents not only the very pinnacle of British heavy metal, but also whose release marked the last huge impact of British rock and metal on the scene worldwide. Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son is the last triumphant march of British rock towards the throne with the royal attitude similar to their predecessors such as The Beatles, Rolling Stones, The Who, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Queen, Pink Floyd, Genesis, Police, The Kinks and others respectively.

British rock music has had its moments later on, mostly heavily supported by the media trying to find new Beatles among bands such as Oasis or the Arctic Monkeys, but the saga about British rock dominating the worldwide scene ended with this amazing story.

You can order your copy of this book here.

The classic-era lineup of the horror punk outfit MISFITS is rumored to have recruited Dave Lombardo (pictured; SLAYER, SUICIDAL TENDENCIES) to play drums for the band for their upcoming shows at the end of the summer.

Glenn Danzig, Jerry Only and Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein will reunite for first time since 1983 to headline this year's Riot Fest.

The reunion, billed as "The Original Misfits," will take place at the Riot Fest in Denver and Chicago. The first show is scheduled for September 2-4 at Denver's Riot Fest And Rodeo, while the second will happen at Riot Fest And Carnival, set for September 16-18 in Chicago.

Speaking to Rolling Stone magazine back in May, Glenn wouldn't hint at who will be sitting behind the kit but said: "It will blow your mind when I tell you. It's pretty crazy. He's one of my favorite drummers, and I've known him for a while." Only, meanwhile, said that the drummer was someone who is a "family guy" who had to sacrifice some gigs to stay home.

According to Only, the reunion came about after a meeting he had with Danzig in January. The pair had gotten together with the MISFITS management in order to discuss the rights to the band's name and merchandising with a view towards avoiding any further litigation between the parties.

Glenn didn't rule out more dates after the Riot Fest shows, saying: "We'll see how it goes. It may lead to some other work, but who knows how it's going to turn out? I mean, I don't think it's going to be a disaster; I think it's going to be incredible."

Regarding what fans can expect to see at the upcoming MISFITS concerts, Danzig said: "I'm just going to do what I normally do, which is to go out there and try and have a great time myself and make sure everybody has a fantastic fucking time. I want them to be so blown away they don't know what the fuck just hit them."

The original MISFITS band broke up in 1983, and bassist Jerry Only brought forth a new version of the MISFITS in 1995. Various members have come and gone, but Only, along with BLACK FLAG's Dez Cadena, has kept some form of the MISFITS in the recording studio and on the road for most of the last two decades.

After the original MISFITS disbanded, vocalist Glenn Danzig went on to form SAMHAIN and then the eponymous DANZIG. Several albums of reissued and previously unreleased material were issued after the group's dissolution, and their music became influential to punk rock, heavy metal, and alternative rock music of the late 1990s and early 2000s.

The godfathers of American doom SAINT VITUS are unveiling the first raw track taken from their forthcoming live album, "Live Vol. 2", which will be out in stores on September 23.

The classic and fan favorite "War Is Our Destiny" can now be streamed below.

"Live Vol. 2" track listing:

01. War Is Our Destiny02. Look Behind You03. Let Them Fall04. The Bleeding Ground05. Patra (Petra)06. The Troll07. The Waste Of Time08. White Stallions09. Thirsty And Miserable10. Dying Inside11. Born Too Late

From the very first guitar chords, that unmistakable frying, sizzling, and wailing signature sound of Dave Chandler as well as the trademark deeply resonant vocals of Scott "Wino" Weinrich, any adherent of classic doom metal will immediately know: this is SAINT VITUS.

Despite having been around for more than 35 years, the American heavy legends are only now getting ready to release their second official live album after the 1990 seminal "Live" record.

SAINT VITUS taped "Live Vol. 2" during the tour for their acclaimed comeback album, "Lillie: F-65" (2012), on March 19, 2013 at the Kulturfabrik in Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg. The album and tour marked the return of Weinrich. Out of respect for their vintage heritage, SAINT VITUS chose to preserve the raw and pure live sound without cleaning up and patching with overdubs. As a result, "Live Vol. 2" is a true live document.

Formed in 1979, SAINT VITUS were largely influenced by BLACK SABBATH, whose song "Saint Vitus Dance" obviously inspired the moniker. Since their debut album, "Saint Vitus", came out in 1984, the Americans have released seven more full-lengths and two EPs that are summarily considered to be classics of their genre.

"Live Vol. 2" will also be released as a special digipak edition containing a digisleeve as well as a triple gatefold vinyl, which are both strictly limited and will contain "Marbles In The Moshpit". This live recording from Ontario, Canada in December 1984 was previously available as a bootleg and on limited vinyl, and features the lineup Dave Chandler, Mark Adams, original singer Scott Reagers, and late drummer Armando Acosta, who sadly passed away in 2000.

"Live Vol. 2" recording lineup:

Dave Chandler: guitarScott "Wino" Weinrich: vocalsMark Adams: bassHenry Vasquez: drums

The official lyric video for "Crawling Chaos!", a song from DUNSMUIR, the new project featuring CLUTCH singer Neil Fallon, former BLACK SABBATH drummer Vinny Appice, FU MANCHU bassist Brad Davis, and THE COMPANY BAND guitarist Dave Bone, can be seen below. The track is taken from DUNSMUIR's self-titled debut album, which will be released on July 22 via Hall Of Records. The effort will be made available digitally exclusively on iTunes. The LP will have a limited pressing of 1,000 copies and will include a signed lithograph poster of the album cover. The LP will be available exclusively at this location. The first single at radio will be "Our Only Master".

Appice said about the new record: "This album is pure simple heavy ROCK that ROCKS!"

Added Bone: "This record is an intense collaboration of four minds all set on 'destroy.' It's been a few years in the making and now ready to erupt. Raw and in your face, we hope you like it hot!"

Stated Davis: "DUNSMUIR has given us the opportunity to explore some of our favorite heavy metal influences. We strove to create something I hope will inspire a lot of head banging all over the world."

Fallon said: "We turned out some serious metal on this record and it shreds. The concept behind the lyrics is comprised of 10 tales from the survivors of a shipwreck. What had been intended as a scientific expedition, quickly deteriorates into a struggle to survive both the natural and supernatural world.”

"Dunsmuir" track listing:

01. Hung On the Rocks02. Our Only Master03. The Bats (Are Hungry Tonight)04. What Manner of Bliss?05. Deceiver06. ...And Madness07. Orb of Empire08. Church of the Tooth09. The Gate10. Crawling Chaos!

DUNSMUIR is:

Neil Fallon - Vocals/GuitarDave Bone - GuitarBrad Davis - BassVinny Appice - Drums

MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine is preparing to launch an exclusive MEGADETH beer in partnership with the world-class craft brewery Unibroue.

Unibroue is among the most highly awarded breweries in North America. Its beers have earned over 296 international medals to date.

Get ready for À Tout Le Monde, a Belgian-style saison ale made in Quebec, Canada and coming soon to a location near you.

Be the first to learn more about this brand new adventure launching in the coming weeks by subscribing at MegadethBeer.com.

À Tout Le Monde is not Mustaine's first foray into the business of alcoholic beverages. Back in 2014, the MEGADETH leader teamed up with Fallbrook Winery winemaker Vernon Kindred to create the Mustaine Vineyards Cabernet.

Mustaine, who was raised as a Jehovah's Witness and is now a born-again Christian, spoke to the Reno Gazette-Journal in 2013 about his own struggles with addiction and how his spirituality aided in his recovery.

"It's really weird," he said. "I was forced to go to AA [Alcoholics Anonymous]. And I hated it. But I had come to a point where I knew that the jig was up. The thing was, God had entered my life and he sent me to AA. Then after I got sober at AA, he sent me back to him. Now I have this real simple, easy-Dave-and-the-Big-Guy relationship. There's no middle man. No funky stuff. No having to pay dues or membership or anything. And I don't push my beliefs on anyone. It's about attraction, not promotion."

Dave admitted in a 2007 interview with Decibel magazine that he is "not a sober person," adding that "I'll have a glass of wine once in a while."

Finnish melodic metal quintet SONATA ARCTICA will release its ninth album, titled "The Ninth Hour", on October 7 via Nuclear Blast. Once again, the CD was produced by SONATA ARCTICA themselves and mixed by Pasi Kauppinen to create a typical yet refreshing sound that defines the spirit of the band in the year 2016. "The studio work for the new record started seriously in mid-April 2016 in several home studios around Finland," SONATA ARCTICA singer Tony Kakko explains. "But the main recording and mixing took place at the Studio57 in Alaveteli, Finland. It functions as a kind of centre point and all work finally ends up there. We aimed to create another melodic, beautiful, surprising SONATA ARCTICA album… Did it turn out that way? I surely think so. But maybe I should leave that for you to decide!" After a North American tour with their friends from NIGHTWISH plus many headline shows around the globe, the band was once again able to take a look at the entire world as it is at the moment — on the edge of a possible armageddon. This spirit is reflected in the artwork of "The Ninth Hour". "The artwork of our ninth studio album, 'The Ninth Hour', depicts a future utopian landscape on the background," adds Tony. "Nature and human technologies are in balance. In the middle we have an hour glass contraption with a knob for us to meddle with. The right-hand side cup represents the nature side with no humans left, on the left we have the human dystopia after we have destroyed Nature. The idea I had was, that turning the knob will tilt the hour glass in one direction or another, and the other cup will slowly empty and that future will be erased. Biblically we are expected to repent and sacrifice on 'The Ninth Hour'… to dive right back to a more mundane reality, it's a fact that we are currently living in critical, historical times. Our decisions will define the future. Not only ours as a race, but the future of this entire planet. We need to make sacrifices and in many cases we will repent our already made choices."

Right after the summer festival season and the release of "The Ninth Hour", the band will embark on a European tour together with their labelmates TWILIGHT FORCE to present the new songs to their fans.

Fake Idols have revealed the details for their new album, Witness, to be released on September 16th via Scarlet Records.

Witness has been described as an adrenaline bomb charged up with great rock/metal tunes and plenty of attitude. The album features a very special guest appearance by Motörhead legend Phil Campbell on the song “Mad Fall”. Also charismatic singer Damna (Elvenking, Hell In The Club) guests on one song.

Witness tracklisting:

“Out Of Gear”
“Mad Fall” (feat. Phil Campbell)
“So Now...”
“Sail”
“The City’s Burning” (feat. Damna)
“Silence”
“I’m A Fake”
“Go” (Chemical Brothers cover)
“Could You Bid Me Farewell”
“Prayers On Fire”
“Witness”

The band will offer a taste of new music very soon.

Fake Idols lineup:

Claudio Coassin, vocals
Ivan Odorico, guitars
Cristian Tavano, guitars
Ivo Boscariol, bass
Enrico Fabris, drums

(Photo - Michele Salotto)

Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington has laughed off the perception from some metal purists that the band were nothing more than a boy band with guitars when starting their career.

They released their debut album Hybrid Theory in 2000, which went on to huge commercial success. But some questioned the integrity of their sound, which challenged the concept of what metal could be.

But reflecting on their first album and the reaction to it, Bennington says Linkin Park were partially responsible for bringing metal into the 21st century.

The singer tells Metal Hammer: “I think that’s really funny – just those words, ‘the integrity of metal.’ In my opinion we actually kept metal alive.

“I met a kid a few days ago who said, ‘You were the first rock band I ever listened to’ and I hear that all the time. We played a surprise Vans Warped tour show in California in 2014 and had a whole bunch of singers from other bands come up and sing with us."

He adds: “Every one of them was either, ‘Your band was my first record.’ Or, ‘Your band is the reason I’m playing music.’ It was maybe the first time where I felt like we were the band that people looked at in the way that I look at Deftones, Metallica and Stone Temple Pilots.”

The full feature on Linkin Park’s Hybrid Theory is in issue 286 of Metal Hammer, which includes the 100 greatest albums of the 21st century.

Former METALLICA bassist Jason Newsted will take part in a Mighty Fine Guitars live Facebook webcast on Friday, July 22 at 12 p.m. PST. The event will be hosted by Stevie Coyle. Newsted will talk about his new, mostly acoustic project, WOULD AND STEAL (in which he is joined by Rob Tucker), and whatever else comes up. Tune on in to the Mighty Fine Guitars Facebook page.

Newsted and undisclosed "friends" will also play two acoustic benefit concerts for Little Kids Rock on August 5 and August 6 at Mighty Fine Guitars in Lafayette, California.

Jason in February 2014 canceled an appearance at Australia's Soundwave festival with his NEWSTED project, citing "private and personal circumstances." The cancelation followed more than a year of intense touring and promotional activity surrounding the release of NEWSTED's "Metal" EP and follow-up album, "Heavy Metal Music", both of which were positively received by the critics and fans alike.

In September 2014, Newsted announced that he was no longer on "Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or any other social networking web site" and added that he had "no affiliation with any such impostor sites using his name or likeness unlawfully."

After staying mostly out of the public eye for the past couple of years, Newsted rejoined Canadian metal innovators VOIVOD on stage during their June 8 concert at Slim's in San Francisco, California.

Jason left METALLICA back in 2001 but was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, along with guitarist/vocalist James Hetfield, drummer Lars Ulrich, guitarist Kirk Hammett, and the man who replaced him, bassist Robert Trujillo, in 2009.

A new preview clip for "Ozzy & Jack's World Detour", the show produced by the History channel starring Ozzy Osbourne and his son Jack, is available below. The ten-episode series is set to kick off on July 24 at 10:00 p.m. and will feature the duo traveling the world together, exploring the history behind some of the planet's most storied sites, while checking out some lesser known locations along the way.

During the course of the hour-long, non-scripted series, father and son — self-proclaimed history nerds who have apparently waited years to take this trip — will visit locales like Mount Rushmore, Stonehenge, the Alamo, Roswell, the Jamestown Settlement and Sun Studios. They'll also stop at places like a missile silo, England's famed Bletchley Park and a private museum of working artillery tanks.

As part of the show, Ozzy returned to San Antonio, Texas on November 5, 2015 to apologize for urinating on the Alamo Cenotaph in 1982. The BLACK SABBATH singer visited the historical monument with Jack.

Ozzy allegedly urinated at the monument the night before his 1982 concert in the Texas city. The singer, who was wearing a dress at the time of his arrest — because his wife Sharon had hidden his clothes to stop him from going outside — apparently thought he was relieving himself on a pile of rubble. He was arrested for public urination and intoxication and was reportedly released on a $40 bond.

Ozzy was subsequently banned from ever playing in San Antonio again, but the ban was lifted ten years later after Osbourne donated $10,000 to the Daughters Of The Republic Of Texas, who maintain and manage the Alamo, the mission that was the site of a famous battle during the state's War Of Independence in 1836. The site is considered sacred ground and a symbol of Texas pride.

Asked what the experience of visiting Alamo as part of the "Ozzy & Jack's World Detour" shoot was like, Jack told EW.com: "It was actually much worse, so much so that we had to chop a bunch of things down in the edit just, because it was really quite charged. There were a lot of people there; we weren’t expecting it to turn into what it did. The city of San Antonio was great with allowing us the access, but in the same boat, they totally threw us under the bus, like announcing at a city council meeting that we were coming. We remained relatively under the radar doing this show and going to San Antonio and having that happen was just like, 'Oh, man.' My dad is great with crowds, and he's great with all that when it's in his setting, but he was a musician in the '80s when there was a lot of aggression toward what he does, and he always worries, Is there that one lunatic in the crowd? So I think that just made him really uneasy."

Ozzy has not starred in a regularly scheduled TV series since the MTV reality show "The Osbournes" ended a four-season run in 2005. A variety show called "Osbournes Reloaded" ended after one episode on Fox in 2009.

Ozzy and BLACK SABBATH are currently in the midst of the European leg of the band's farewell "The End" tour.

82-year-old John Hetlinger, who became a viral video sensation last month when he belted out the DROWNING POOL classic "Bodies" on "America's Got Talent", once again brought his screaming vocals to the show's stage on the July 20 episode of the popular NBC competition show. This time, Hetlinger chose to perform ROB ZOMBIE's "Dragula", a decision that didn't go over well with some critics. CarterMatt.com write that "the problem with [Hetlinger's] audition this time is that he didn't have as catchy a song behind him. This literally just felt like an old man screaming." Meanwhile, Gossip & Gab said: "[John] seems like such a sweet, old guy and then sings some hardcore rock and it is just screaming and annoying."

After the retired aerospace engineer's "Bodies" performance went viral, leading to a plethora of tweets, millions of Facebook views and an invitation from DROWNING POOL to join them onstage, he told the Denver Post about his sudden popularity: "I'm taking it in stride. I'm really surprised by the results, but all in all, I think it's really a lot of fun."

Hetlinger explained that been going to karaoke bars in Albuquerque, where two of his kids live, for a while when the DJ at Spectators Sports Pub and Grill asked Hetlinger, about five years ago, to join him for a song. The two took on "Dragula", much to the delight of the bar's crowd.

"That was great — an old guy doing metal," Hetlinger said, later adding, "I have no idea what it means. I have no idea what the words mean. I have no idea at all."

Hetlinger, who was a Navy pilot, later a minister and then an aerospace engineer for Ball Aerospace in Boulder where he worked on a team that made repairs to the Hubble telescope, said that he was not bothered by any of the criticism of his performance.

"There are reviews in all the heavy metal magazines and all over the world, but they include statements like, 'Well, admittedly he doesn't sing very well,'" John said with a laugh.

Sources close to Joe Perry and the HOLLYWOOD VAMPIRES have told The Pulse Of Radio that a combination of dehydration and exhaustion caused the guitarist to collapse backstage in Brooklyn, New York on July 10, resulting in a trip to the hospital.

After being taken to nearby Coney Island Hospital, Perry was transferred to Columbia Presbyterian in Manhattan. He has since been released and flew to California, where he is resting.

Meanwhile, the VAMPIRES — which also include Alice Cooper, actor Johnny Depp, ex-GUNS N' ROSES drummer Matt Sorum and STONE TEMPLE PILOTS bassist Robert DeLeo — have continued with the tour, which had them in Fargo, North Dakota Monday night.

AEROSMITH singer Steven Tyler, who just released his debut solo album, said that he was extremely worried about Perry, claiming that he has been kept in the dark on his banmate's status — with some reports claiming Joe actually suffered a cardiac arrest. "I've had calls in for two days and I'm really concerned," Tyler said. "I don't know what's going on with him and his management people. I just don't know and it's starting to scare me a little bit. I know they're putting out nothing but, 'He's recovering, he's really good, he fainted, exhaustion.' But I know my brother. And he's just about the only other guy that's just as passionate about his art as I am. He's always askin' me to do three, four shows in a row. I know how to maintain my career, my health. I don't think he knows how to."

Tyler told The Pulse Of Radio it's very likely that the VAMPIRES' itinerary is simply too strenuous to allow Perry the time needed to recharge between gigs. "I think he's out there and someone's over-booking him," he said. "Even though one could say the band booked themselves; well, that's righteous of 'em, but they'e doing like eight or nine shows in a row — or five in a row. And I think they're all a little burnt. I think they need to look at that, Y'know, not young anymore, right?"

Mexican metal quintet, Excellion, has debuted a video single from their upcoming EP titled Unsean, due on August 6th. This five track EP was mixed and mastered by Luke Martin (Plini, Nick Johnston) in Peterborough, United Kingdom. The video for “Unlucky Charms” was directed by Sofia Ptacnik.

“The story of the song may be a little different from the video of a metal band and that’s the whole point,” singer and bassist Adrian Vilbel commented. “The song talks about yourself, a reunion with your inner child asking you if what you’re doing right now is what you’ve always dreamed of and the video it’s like an alternate reality where there’s this magical instrument that is capable of make you a virtuoso in any musical endeavor you may take and that’s why it’s so valuable and anyone wants it, even people with a lot of money and what we see at the start of the video. You know, we wanted to make something different to an always dark ambient metal video so that’s why we made it that way, it was actually fun.

“We could relate the song and the video in a way that is kind of a dream of that inner child of yours telling you that sometimes there’re more important things out there, so you should enjoy the ride and stop trying to take shortcuts, that’s what make experiences so valuable,” he continues.

Unsean features only two concept songs — the opening “Unsean Pt. I – In Search Of Infinity,” and closing piece “Unsean Pt. II – The Heart Of The Sapphire.”

“‘Unlucky Charms’ is not a part of this concept, along with the other two remaining songs on the EP, so it has nothing to do with the title but for us it meant a fresh air in our new sound and is an important part of Excellion’s evolution,” Vilbel admits.

Excellion’s plans for the future are known. “We’re planning on taking the international scene for the very first time with this new material and from there, hopefully get to share the stage in every space we get around the world. And of course we’re starting to write Unsean Pt. II too but that’s another story.”

Tracklisting:

“Unsean Pt. 1 – In Search Of Infinity”
“Unlucky Charms”
“The Courier”
“Diablo Jr”
“Unsean Pt. II – The Heart Of The Sapphire” 

Metal Blade Records recently announced the signing of Necromancing The Stone. Featuring former and current members of Arsis, The Absence, The Black Dahlia Murder, and Brimstone Coven, Necromancing The Stone will release their debut full-length on August 5th worldwide. Streaming below is a guitar play-through video of Justin Wood riffing through "Crusher".

Featuring artwork by Ariel Zucker-Brull and guest appearances by Taylor Nordberg (The Absence, Infernaeon) and Jeff Loomis (Arch Enemy, Nevermore), Jewel Of The Vile immerses the listener in fantastical tales, like those found in fantasy novels, or in the playing of an intense game of D&D. The sparing inclusion of death metal growls for characters within the stories adds an extra dynamic to the already epic vocals, which are backed by gigantic riffs and pulverizing rhythms. From the moment the aptly titled "Crusher" rushes from the speakers, Necromancing The Stone own you. True heavy metal fans, look no further - your salvation has arrived with Jewel Of The Vile.

Tracklisting:

“Crusher”
“Bleed For The Night”
“The Descent”
“The Siren's Call”
“Ritualistic Demise”
“The Old One”
“Rotted Reunion”
“Unfinished Business”
“Honor Thy Prophet”
“From Graves to Infamy”
“The Battle of Morningstar”

"Crusher" guitar play-through video:

"Ritualistic Demise":

“The Siren’s Call”:

Pre-order options can be found at this location.

Necromancing The Stone lineup:

"Big" John Williams - vocals
James Malone - guitars
Justin Wood - guitars
Ryan Williams - bass
Jeramie Kling - drums

At this year’s Hellfest in France, Benjamin Waxx orchestrated a recording of Motörhead’s “Ace Of Spades” as a tribute to Lemmy Kilmister featuring Megadeth’s Kiko Loureiro, Halestorm, Amon Amarth, Shinedown, Dragonforce, Atreyu, Metal Blade CEO Brian Slagel, Sick Of It All, Vintage Trouble, Discharge, Nashville Pussy, Ultra Vomit, and more.

 

Ian Fraser “Lemmy” Kilmister, bassist and vocalist of Motörhead, passed away at his home in Los Angeles, California on December 28th, 2015 just days after his 70th birthday.

A memorial was held in his honour on January 9th, 2016 at his famous hangout in West Hollywood, The Rainbow Bar & Grill,  and extended across the entire Sunset Strip. Talk of erecting a statue in Lemmy’s honour was already underway and a funding campaign was created to make the project a reality.

Fans are welcome to gather at The Rainbow Bar & Grill on August 24th at 7pm as they unveil an immortal tribute to their dear friend and beloved patron Lemmy Kilmister. This event is open to the public.

LA-based artist and friend of The Rainbow and the Sunset Strip, Travis Moore was selected to create a realistic depiction of Lemmy. The result will be a life-size cast bronze statue that will stand at just over six foot tall to be permanently housed at The Rainbow Bar & Grill in a special shrine that is currently being constructed in the patio bar area, reports California Rock News.

Travis initially sculpted the likeness as an 18-inch maquette that will then be transferred to a life-size sculpture, which will be molded in wax and ultimately poured and cast in bronze. Check out a timelapse video from Travis below.

Arch Enemy guitarist Jeff Loomis wrote a song exclusively for Schecter to demo his new design 2016 JLX-7 FR. This guitar is also equipped with Seymour Duncan Loomis Signature Blackouts and the Floyd Rose 1500 Series Tremolo & Locking Nut System. Head to Schecter Guitars for more information.

Arch Enemy have updated their summer tour schedule for Europe yet again, this time with club shows in Poland and Switzerland on August 15th and September 21st respectively. Their schedule is now as follows:

August
4 - Colos-Saal - Aschaffenburg, Germany
6 - Wacken Open Air - Wacken, Germany
7 - RheinRiot 2016 - Cologne, Germany
10 - Foir Aux Vins Festival - Colmar, France
11 - Hirsch - Nuremberg, Germany
12 - Brutal Assault Festival - Josefov, Czech Republic   
13 - Metal on the Hill -    Graz, Austria         
15 - Klub B90 - Gdansk, Poland
17 - Barba Negra Track - Budapest, Hungary
19 - Summer Breeze - Sinbronn, Germany
20 - Himos Park - Jämsä, Finland
21 - Norwich, UK - Waterfront 
22 - Sheffield, UK - Corporation 
23 - Cardiff, UK - Tramshed 
24 - Southampton, UK - Engine Rooms
26 - Reload Festival - Sulingen, Germany
27 - Neuborn Open Air Festival - Wörrstadt, Germany    

September 
21 - Z7 - Pratteln, Switzerland
22 - La Belle Électrique - Grenoble, France     
23 - La BAM - Metz, France         
24 - Wünnstock Herbst Festival - Bad Wünnenberg, Germany
25 - Femme Metal Event - Eindhoven, Netherlands

Arch Enemy singer Alissa White-Gluz interviewed by Sam Dunn on site at Heavy MTL festival in 2015 about the allure of the moshpit, which she compares to surfing and yoga. This extended interview excerpt is presented raw and uncut, with new director's commentary.

Arch Enemy vocalist Alissa White-Gluz has announced that she had joined the cast of American Murder Song, a collection of original murder ballads by Terrance Zdunich and Saar Hendelman, the star of Repo! The Genetic Opera and songwriters of The Devil's Carnival.

Says Alissa: “I’ve been collaborating with some very cool people for a very cool project recently. You know I LOVE musical theatre, so when Terrance Zdunich and Saar Hendelman asked me to take part in their unique new horror musical project, of course I said yes! Welcome to American Murder Song, where I act as the subject of a song for once rather than the author. I got to work with some old friends like Chibi Birthday Massacre and some new ones like Aurelio Voltaire to create something very different and interesting!”

More on American Murder Song at this location.

Cleveland metal / hardcore crew Ringworm has released a new track, "The Razor And The Knife", taken from the band's forthcoming new full-length Snake Church.

Ringworm's eighth full-length album Snake Church is a 12-track, 30+ minute testament of vicious aggression. After having converted metalheads and hardcore fans alike with their intense, no-holds-barred live shows and consistently punishing albums over the course of the last 25+ years, Ringworm once again prove that they are in a league of their own when it comes to face-breaking sonic fury. Recorded and produced by Ben Schigel (Chimaira, Zao) at Spider Studios and mastered by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege (Nails, Xibalba, Black Breath), Snake Church obliterates the listener and never relents, leaving nothing but bile and bone in its wake.

Snake Church is due out July 29th on CD, LP, and Digital via Relapse. Physical pre-orders can be found at this location, and digital pre-orders are available via the band's Bandcamp page here.

Snake Church tracklisting:

“Snake Church”
“Brotherhood Of The Midnight Sun”
“Fear The Silence”
“The Black Light Of A Living Ghost”
“Destroy Or Create”
“Shades Of Blue”
“Innocent Blood”
“The Apparition”
“Believer”
“The Razor And The Knife”
“Angel Of War”
“Temple Of The Wolves”

"The Razor And The Knife":

"Innocent Blood" lyric video:

“Shades Of Blue” video:

“Snake Church” video:

 

 

Singaporean grindcore trio Wormrot have announced their long-awaited return with the reveal of their brand new studio album, Voices. New track, “Fallen Into Disuse” is streaming below.

Over five years after the band's last full-length release, 2011's Dirge and the 2009 debut Abuse, Wormrot are back with the same intensity which put them comfortably alongside the likes of Napalm Death, Terrorizer, Brutal Truth and the rest of the grindcore elite.

Following the departure of founding member Fitri, Voices introduces brand new member Vijesh on drums, who brings a fresh and fitting sound to one of the most original bands the scene has had perhaps since its inception.  Combined with Rasyid's godlike grind riffage and Arif's distinct vocals switching effortlessly between deep guttural growls and rasping screams, the band's third full-length goes far beyond expectations from a band that already can seemingly do no wrong.

Wormrot guitarist Rasyid comments: "It's been way too long; it's finally the right time to do this.  We're thrilled to finally release our most heartfelt album to date."

Due to be released worldwide on October 14th, Voices features 20 brand new songs and is available to preorder now on limited edition signed CD and vinyl, as well as regular CD, vinyl, and digital formats.

Tracklisting:

“Blockhead Fuck Off”
“Hollow Roots”
“Exit Fear”
“God’s In His Heaven”
“Oblivious Mess”
“Descending Into The Unknown”
“Dead Wrong”
“Fallen Into Disuse”
“The 1st Syndrome”
“Shallow Standards”
“Fake Moral Machine”
“Forced Siege”
“Take Aim”
“Still Irrelevant”
“Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Grind”
“Compassion Is Dead”
“Buried The Sun”
“Defaced”
“The Face Of Disgrace”
“Outworn” 

“Fallen Into Disuse”:

Seattle, WA progressive doom metal band Lesbian will release its new album, Hallucinogenesis, on August 26th via Translation Loss Records. Produced, recorded and mixed by Randall Dunn (Sunn O))), Wolves in the Throne Room, Boris) at Seattle's Avast! Recording Company (Earth, High On Fire), the record features four towering tracks of the group's "Pre-Historic Phantasy Thrash" and is the follow-up to Lesbian's 2013 LP, Forestelevision, a one song, 44-minute release. Hallucinogenesis also marks the recording debut of new Lesbian vocalist B.R.A.D Mowen (Asva, Master Musicians of Bukkake, Accused), who joined the band in 2015.

"'Hallucinogenesis tells a fantastical story of a spore-filled asteroid that collides with earth and forever alters its history and the course of consciousness," said the band of the album's concept. "The impact of this fungal explosion signals a new dawn of creation called "Pyramidal Existinctualism". As meteorites are pulled towards the sun, they collide, levitate, circulate, then populate. One of the few survivors of this catastrophe is the Kosmoceratops. It’s time to bow to the new lord of this world."

In keeping with the record's surreal storyline, its cover artwork was designed by distinguished heavy metal artist Dan Seagrave (Morbid Angel, Entombed).

In addition to Mowen, Lesbian features Daniel Joseph La Rochelle (guitar), Dorando Peter Hodous (bass, vocals), Arran Emory McInnis (guitar, keyboards) and Benjamin Paul Thomas-Kennedy (drums, percussion).

Tracklisting:

“Pyramidal Existinctualism”
“Labrea Borealis”
“Kosmoceratops”
“Aqualibrium” 

Preorders are being taken at this location.

Brooklyn’s Family have released a drum playthrough video for “Floodgates”, a track from their sophomore album, Future History, out now via Prosthetic Records. Order the album at this location.

Family has been wowing audiences since 2011 with its unique and earnest blend of classic rock meets modern heaviness, alongside a healthy dose of behind-the-beat New Orleans groove and progressive rhythmic patterns. The band has embraced an amorphous collective approach, enduring lineup shifts that have continuously evolved its sound. Throughout the process, previous members have maintained involvement, contributing to live performances and forming offshoot bands together.

Tracklisting:

“The Dark Inside”
“Evacuation”
“Day Vision”
“The Trial”
“Prison Hymn”
“Floodgates”
“Transmission”
“Funtime For Bigboy”
“Night Vision”
“Precedent”
“Last Looks”
“Bone On Bone”

“The Dark Inside”:

“Floodgates”:

Family hit the road tonight on a full US tour (including an appearance at the Psycho Las Vegas festival). The band has previously appeared with acts including Intronaut, Scale the Summit, The Ocean, The Atlas Moth, Weedeater, Full of Hell, Jucifer, Lazer/Wulf, Meek is Murder, Primitive Weapons, and many more.

Tour dates:

July
20 - Philadelphia, PA - The Fire
21 - Allentown, PA - Alternative Gallery
23 - Frederick, MD - Guido’s
25 - Richmond, VA - Strange Matter
26 - Raleigh, NC - Slim’s
27 - Atlanta, GA - 529
28 - Charlotte, NC - The Milestone
29 - Asheville, NC - The Odditorium
30 - Birmingham, AL - The Nick

August
1 - Austin, TX - Dirty Dog Bar
3 - New Orleans, LA - Siberia
4 - Dallas, TX - Tomcats
5 - Little Rock, AR - Vino’s
6 - Nashville, TN - The East Room
7 - Indianapolis, IN - 5th Quarter Lounge
8 - Cincinnati, OH - Northside Yacht Club
9 - Louisville, KY - Highlands Tap Room
18 - Chicago, IL - Beat Kitchen
19 - St. Louis, MO - The Firebird
20 - Kansas City, MO - The Riot Room
21 - Denver, CO - 3 Kings
22 - Albuquerque, NM - Burt’s Tiki Lounge
24 - Phoenix, AZ - Yucca Tap Room
27 - Las Vegas, NV - PSYCHO Las Vegas @ Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

September
2 - Portland, OR - High Water Mark
3 - Vancouver, BC - The Astoria Lounge
4 - Seattle, WA - The Highline
6 - Boise, ID - Wastelander Studios
7 - Salt Lake City, UT - Urban Lounge

Voted Best Metal Band for four years running (Austin Music Awards, 2012-2016), Dead Earth Politics continue to prove their longevity and power. Now charging forward with their latest release, The Mobius Hammersmith EP, the band's relentless work ethic is clearly leading to their much deserved recognition and success.

The Mobius Hammersmith EP will be released July 29th; it is available for pre-order here. The band have also released their new video for the song "Runescarred”, which can be found below.

Front man Ven says of the CD: "I don't know how we did it, but I feel we made an album that is both more progressive and heavier than the last two. I can't wait to take this on tour come 7/29!"

The Mobius Hammersmith EP tracklisting:

“Runescarred”
“The Mobius Hammersmith”
“Balancing Broken Scales”
“Wretched Things”
“Broad Wings & Distant Shores”

“Runescarred” video:

In support of The Mobius Hammersmith, Dead Earth Politics will hit the road this summer. The tour kicks off July 29th in Lake Charles, LA and runs through August 13th winding up at the band's hometown haunt The Dirty Dog Bar in Austin, TX.

Live dates:

July
29 - Lake Charles, LA - Luna Live
30 - Metairie, LA - Twist Of Lime
31 - Montgomery, AL - Head On The Door

August
1 - Louisville, KY - Highlands Taproom
3 - Richmond, VA - Wonderland
4 - Asheville, NC - The Boiler Room
5 - Hickory, NC - The Wizard Saloon
10 - Albany, GA - The Oglethorpe Lounge
11 - Oceans Spring, MS - Juke Joint
12 - Houston, TX - Acadia Bar & Grill
13 - Austin, TX - Dirty Dog Bar

Hamilton, New Zealand-based rock/metal act, Devilskin, have released their new single, the grand and majestic “Fade”, from the album We Rise.

Following the empowerment and self-belief of the singles “Start A Revolution” and the introspective “Never See The Light”, sonically softer than its predecessors, “Fade” is just as relevant and just as powerful.

“Fade” was one of the first songs they wrote together as a band and they believe, “its genesis really propelled Devilskin onto bigger and better things.”

Shot on a cold wooded beach out of Auckland, Devilskin wanted the beauty of nature as a backdrop to capture all the elements of the song, “beauty, mystique, power, passion and hurt.” The stark colour grading is crucial and highlights the mood and intensity of “Fade”.

“Fade” along with “Never See The Light” and “Start A Revolution” are taken from their debut album, We Rise. The album debuted at #1 in New Zealand and became the first album since 2010 by a domestic rock band to achieve Platinum status, while the critics have lauded its UK release.

We Rise has now been in the NZ Albums chart for 100 weeks while the videos for We Rise, have amassed over in excess of 1.82 million views on YouTube.

Devilskin are currently mixing their new album and plan to return to the UK and Europe early 2017.

D.C.-based prog innovators Periphery are streaming the track “Habitual Line-Stepper”, from their new album, Periphery III: Select Difficulty, out this Friday, July 22nd via Sumerian Records. The track is streaming below.

Periphery III: Select Difficulty tracklisting:

“The Price Is Wrong”
“Motormouth”
“Marigold”
“The Way The News Goes…”
“Remain Indoors”
“Habitual Line-Stepper”
“Flatline”
“Absolomb”
“Catch Fire”
“Prayer Position”
“Lune”

“Habitual Line-Stepper”:

“Remain Indoors”:

“Prayer Position”:

“The Way The News Goes…”:

“Marigold” video:

“Flatline”:

“The Price Is Wrong”:

“Periphery III: Select Difficulty is finally complete and we’re extremely excited to show everyone,” said guitar player Jake Bowen. “For the past couple of years we’ve been refining our collaborative process as a band and we feel that it’s only getting better with the completion of this album. We spent two months writing songs that are not only representative of the Periphery sound but also reflect where all of us are as musicians, working together has helped us tread new ground musically and creatively. In support of Periphery III you’ll see us hit the road in the States this summer with SikTh, Chon, and Toothgrinder on the Sonic Unrest tour, it’s going to be a blast! See you on the road!”

Periphery’s own Adam “Nolly” Getgood oversaw production for the album as he did with the Juggernaut releases. Nolly will no longer be a touring member of Periphery, as he will be expanding his production work in his native UK. He remains an integral part, and a member, of Periphery. At this time no decision has been made about a touring bassist.

“Touring with Periphery has shown me some of the most incredible experiences I could ever have imagined, to meet amazing people all over the world and to create friendships for life; it has truly been an honour to perform in front of every audience who has watched us play over the years. However the touring life isn’t something that everyone can continue doing indefinitely, and for me, the time has come where I want to settle into a more normal existence, be able to make plans further into the future than the touring life enables, and to be able to focus more on the studio side of my music career,” explained Nolly. “I will, however, be remaining as a band member and contributing in any way that I can while the band is off the road; I love all of my fellow bandmates like brothers and I’m so grateful for the incredible support they’ve shown as I make this huge life change. I know they are going to be taking the music and performances to the next level when they hit the road later this year.”

The Sonic Unrest tour, a month-long outing, sponsored by D’Addario and Guitar Center, includes openers SikTh, Chon and Toothgrinder and kicks off on August 4th in Raleigh, NC. Tickets are on-sale this Friday at 10 AM, local time. VIP packages, which feature a private meet and greet with the band as well as a limited edition, exclusive poster are available simultaneously via periphery.net.

Sonic Unrest Tour dates include:
 
August
4 - Raleigh, NC - Lincoln Theatre
5 - Atlanta, GA - Masquerade
6 - Memphis, TN - New Daisy Theater
7 - Dallas, TX - House of Blues
8 - San Antonio, TX - Alamo City Music Hall
9 - Houston, TX - House of Blues
11 - Phoenix, AZ - The Press Room
12 - San Diego, CA - House of Blues
13 - Los Angeles, CA - The Regent
14 - San Francisco, CA - The Fillmore
16 - Portland, OR - Hawthorne Theater
17 - Seattle, WA - The Showbox
19 - Salt Lake City, UT - The Complex
20 - Denver, CO - Summit Music Hall
22 - Minneapolis, MN - Varsity Theater
24 - Milwaukee, WI - Turner Hall Ballroom
25 - Grand Rapids, MI - Intersection
26 - Detroit, MI - St. Andrew’s Hall
27 - Pittsburgh, PA - Mr. Small’s Theatre
28 - Philadelphia, PA - Theatre of the Living Arts
30 - Boston, MA - Paradise
31 - New York, NY - Irving Plaza

September
1 - Baltimore, MD - Baltimore Sound Stage

Periphery will host a four-day, immersive summer camp dubbed the Periphery Summer Jam on July 25th to 29th at the Full Moon Resort in Big Indian, New York. Registration and further information can be found here.

The self-titled debut album from Swedish AOR band, Cruzh, will be released on August 26th. The album cut “Aim For The Head” is streaming below:

Cruzh was put together after the demise of Swedish glam rockers TrashQueen, in which both Anton Joensson and Dennis Butabi Borg played. They shared a love for melodic rock and AOR and joined forces with Tony Andersson, who previously worked as a studio musician on the never released TrashQueen record.

It all started in March 2013 when Cruzh was announced online. The only things shown to the public were an image of the silhouette of the three band members, the debut song "In A Blink Of An Eye”, information that the band was Swedish, and the text "Get ready for the Cruzh". The song quickly spread on the internet and both Swedish and international websites and radio stations played it and speculated about the identities of the band members. In May came the sequel "Stay", which continued in the same melodic rock spirit. Meanwhile, the band spread various clues on social media regarding their whereabouts. In the fall of 2013 Cruzh had reached a point where they chose to “unmask” and take it all to the next level and reach out to the masses together with the release of the Hard To Get EP, the first of two very successful self-produced demos. Hard To Get and its successor, the darker Aim For The Head got great reviews worldwide.

By late spring of 2015, just when Cruzh was about to release a new EP, they were approached by Frontiers Music Srl who wanted to sign the band, so Cruzh started the recording process by the end of summer 2015. The result is truly an awesome debut, in the spirit of Def Leppard, Danger Danger, H.E.A.T, Winger, Firehouse and Bryan Adams.

“We all share the love for Melodic Rock,” says bassist Dennis Butabi Borg, “but in the meantime we all have very different musical background and inspirations. This shows in our songs”. “When we started out, almost immediately I felt this synergy in the band,” adds Tony Andersson, “and despite our musical backgrounds and differences, we all head in the same direction.” “When a piece of music is coming to me and I am developing someone else’s work, I am filled with some sort of emotion that I want to convey,” concludes guitarist Anton Joensson, “it’s easy to do this in a natural way with Cruzh because I could not feel more at home with our band and the music we create. This is also true with Tony and Dennis. This is who we are!”

Tracklisting:

“In N' Out Of Love”
“First Cruzh”
“Aim For The Head”
“Anything For You”
“Survive”
“Stay”
“Hard To Get”
“You”
“Set Me Free”
“Before I Walk Alone”
“Straight From My Heart”

“First Cruzh” video:

EPK:

Cruzh lineup:

Dennis Butabi Borg – bass
Anton Joensson – rhythm, lead and acoustic guitars on all tracks, backing vocals
Tony Andersson – lead vocals on all tracks, keyboards

With:

Erik Wiss – piano on “Anything For You”, intro on “In N’ Out Of Love”
Louisian Boltner – drums on all tracks
Mattias Silfver – backing vocals on all tracks
Martin Johansson – backing vocals on “Anything For You”
Patrik Norén – backing vocals on “Aim For The Head”