HELLOWEEN drummer Daniel "Dani" Löble has shared drum-cam video of him performing the song "We Burn" with his bandmates on June 19 at this year's Hellfest festival in Clisson, France. Check it out below.

In a note accompanying the YouTube release of the video, Dani wrote: "One of those magical festival moments. Playing 'We Burn' in broad daylight at Hellfest, surrounded by an incredible crowd of around 50,000–60,000 metal fans, with the French sun adding some extra heat to the experience. Thanks to everyone who made this show so special. See you on the road!"

Löble is a Swiss-born drummer who has been a member of HELLOWEEN since 2005.

Prior to joining HELLOWEEN, Dani had played with Blaze Bayley (former singer of IRON MAIDEN),Thilo Hermann of RUNNING WILD, RAWHEAD REXX and GLENMORE.

In a 2025 interview with Kevy Metal, Löble stated about how he gets ready for HELLOWEEN's live performances: "I prepare at home. I practice sports as a hobby, so I work out on a daily basis. Also, I practice drums every day when I'm at home. So I'm always at 60 to 70 percent of what I need to perform live. That's my ground level, and I almost never drop below that, unless I'm sick.

"When I slowly start preparing for a tour by constantly drumming the songs at home, I will eventually end up at a decent level, fitness-wise," he explained. "Then band rehearsals start, which are even more intensive: you hit the drums harder, it's more physical. Also, our rehearsal phase is relatively long to begin with. So by the time the tour starts, I tend to be at the level I want to be. Maybe at 95 percent for the first five shows, and then I arrive at 120 percent. That's where I need to be; 100 is only just enough. So I prepare. I know my body, and I always approach a rock show as an athlete: the entire day is structured so that I can deliver for two and a half hours. My body needs that. I know my muscles inside and out, and I know exactly: now I need to eat this, be there shortly before the show, then I go to sleep for a bit. Through the years, I have learned how to handle my muscle strength. Sometimes it can be very difficult. When the stage is very hot, for instance. That's when I will hold back just a little bit, so I can make it through two and a half hours."

HELLOWEEN is continuing to tour in support of its latest album, "Giants & Monsters", which came out last August via Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM). The follow-up to HELLOWEEN's self-titled 2021 record was mixed at the legendary Wisseloord Studios (IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST, DEF LEPPARD) in Hilversum, Netherlands.

"Giants & Monsters" pushed the boundaries of HELLOWEEN's sound, thanks to the instincts of producers Charlie Bauerfeind and Dennis Ward, as well as the band's relentless pursuit of excellence. Per example, Löble recorded all tracks using three different drum kits to capture the perfect vibe for each song, a testament to their attention to detail and love of experimentation.

Upon its release in June 2021, "Helloween" landed in the Top 10 in more than 10 countries, including Germany, Spain, Finland, Sweden, Switzerland and Austria. The cover artwork for the LP was painted by artist Eliran Kantor, who has previously worked with HATEBREED, SOULFLY, TESTAMENT, ICED EARTH and SODOM, among others.

"Helloween" saw the legendary German power metallers going "back to the roots," with the band recording fully analog and Löble playing the drum kit previously used by HELLOWEEN's original drummer, the late Ingo Schwichtenberg, on the legendary "Keeper Of The Seven Keys" recordings.

HELLOWEEN released a live album, "Live At Budokan", on December 13, 2024 via Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM). The colossal effort immortalized HELLOWEEN's September 16, 2023 performance at Tokyo's legendary Nippon Budokan.

In a new interview with Albert Perera of Metal Hammer Spain, former NIGHTWISH singer Tarja Turunen was asked if she would ever consider writing an autobiography in which she would give her side of her split with NIGHTWISH, partly in response to the way her exit was portrayed in NIGHTWISH's authorized biography, "Once Upon A Nightwish: The Official Biography 1996-2006", which was published in Finnish in 2006 and in English three years later. She responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Maybe one day. I wrote a book during COVID. It's not really a biography. It's about my career, where I didn't involve too much about my past with NIGHTWISH. Maybe one day I can go back. Maybe. It's just perhaps. I don't feel like I am in need of explaining too much. But I can tell you this, that I was not really involved in that biography ['Once Upon A Nightwish']. They'd made me only one interview on the phone, 20 minutes, and that's it. But maybe [I could write about it in a book one day] — maybe, perhaps."

After Perera noted that Turunen seems much happier now touring as a solo artist than she appeared to be more than 20 years ago when he was on the road with NIGHTWISH, Tarja concurred. "Yeah, I am," she said. "I have some colleagues. I remember, for example, Sharon Den Adel from WITHIN TEMPTATION. When I was touring with them — it was also a little bit more than one year ago, maybe almost two years ago — she was asking me, 'How on earth you are doing so many shows all the time, Tarja? You're touring all the time.' And so she was asking, 'How the hell you work so much? You are on tour all the time.' And I'm, like, 'Yes, I am.' But I also really do enjoy that. I really enjoy, and I'm like a glowing light bulb on my shows. I'm really happy. Very happy. And so I'm happy to hear that you saw that in me, because it's really real."

She continued: "Of course it's hard to be on the road. As a mother, leave the home door and close it behind me, leave my family behind, be weeks away from home. It's hard. I miss my family. It's hard physically to tour and be on the road. But I have the best team of people. I have really good guys with me. I have a beautiful crew, musicians. We all are like a happy bunch family. I don't have a band, but I feel like I have a band with me. So they are there for me, and it feels great. And they are there to support me, and if I have a shitty day, like everybody does one day, they are there to give me a shoulder to cry on. And as well it was with Marko [former NIGHTWISH bassist/vocalist Marko 'Marco' Hietala]. We had good days and bad days, and we were there for each other. So it's very important for me to be able to feel this happiness, because I would never, ever, ever, ever be willing to go back where I was with the days in NIGHTWISH. It was so miserable. It was not happy times. Why? You do music — it should be happy. I want the people to come to my shows, and they also go back home happy. Yeah, having that energy is absolutely important."

Turunen was fired from NIGHTWISH at the end of the band's 2005 tour by being presented with an open letter which was published on the NIGHTWISH web site at the same time. In the letter, the other members of NIGHTWISH wrote: "To you, unfortunately, business, money, and things that have nothing to do with emotions have become much more important."

NIGHTWISH keyboardist and main songwriter Tuomas Holopainen later called the decision to part ways with Turunen "the most difficult thing I ever had to do." For her part, Tarja said the way she was kicked out of the group proved that her former bandmates were not her friends. "Maybe one day I'll forgive, but I will never forget," she said.

In 2019, Turunen dismissed Internet chatter about her possible return to NIGHTWISH after her December 2017 onstage reunion with the band's then-bassist/vocalist Marko "Marco" Hietala during a "Raskasta Joulua" concert in Hämeenlinna, Finland.

"I know a lot of fans would love to see something happen, but it's a very long distance away," she told Kerrang! magazine. "Personally, I don't see anything happening with me and them, to be perfectly honest. Marco came a little later into the band; he wasn't there since the beginning. He was always a guy I was close to. Me and Tuomas Holopainen, however, haven't seen each other in a long time… but we have been in touch. It's not bad. The past is what it is; we can't change that. We can only change the future."

Tarja's husband of nearly 25 years, Marcelo Cabuli, who also manages her career, and his business partners later sued the parties behind "Once Upon A Nightwish: The Official Biography 1996-2006" for defamation. Named in the lawsuit were the publishing house Like Kustannus Oy and the author of the book, Marko "Mape" Ollila. Cabuli and his Brazilian business partners argued that the book includes false accusations and insinuations that have caused them suffering and financial problems.

The book blamed Cabuli for the events leading up to Turunen's dramatic expulsion from the band in late 2005.

In 2011, the Helsinki District Court dismissed Cabuli's lawsuit, ruling that the book — which criticized Cabuli on only a few of its 380 pages — did not detrimentally affect his work or reputation in South America. In addition, the court determined that Ollila did not maliciously portray Cabuli in a negative light.

Turunen's new metal album, "Frisson Noir", arrived on June 12 via earMUSIC. The LP was previously described in a press release as "the heaviest record of her career and a powerful statement of identity, strength and belonging".

Across 10 tracks, Tarja delivers intensity, emotion, and strength, joined by special guest Dani Filth (CRADLE OF FILTH),APOCALYPTICA, Marko Hietala (ex-NIGHTWISH) and Chad Smith (RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS). Mixed by Grammy-winning producer Neal Avron (LINKIN PARK, SKILLET, DISTURBED),the album blends a modern, hard-hitting sound with the dramatic and emotional elements that define Tarja's unmistakable metal identity.

"Frisson Noir" is available in retail as CD digipak, black 2LP gatefold and limited purple 2LP gatefold. The first pressing of all formats is finished with high-quality copper foil and logo embossing. Further exclusive formats as signed editions and a strictly limited collectors' box set (including black 2LP gatefold (180g) with 24-page vinyl size booklet of illustrations, photographs, and lyrics, CD Digipak with 28-page booklet, box set exclusive 7" vinyl single with "I Don't Care (Tarja Solo Version)" and "I Don't Care (Dani Mix)", four box set exclusive animal print postcards, box set exclusive DIN A2 "Frisson Noir" poster and a fine art print signed by Tarja are available in the official album store.

Press photo credit: Tim Tronckoe (courtesy of earMUSIC)

ALL THAT REMAINS frontman Phil Labonte has doubled down on his claim that "therapy is for women" and that "men don't solve their problems by talking."

Labonte made his original controversial comments earlier this month while speaking to Bill Bailey of Today's Boondoggle Podcast about Phil's 2024 op-ed, "The Silent Crisis: Why Society Is Failing Men And Boys", in which the singer highlighted rising male disengagement from education, work, and community, alongside increasing rates of depression, addiction, and suicide.

Labonte told Bailey: "Look, for the better part of the past three decades, men have been told that they are the problem. You saw it in the '90s when every single sitcom had the doofy husband, and the woman was the smart one, and thank God for her because without her, that poor schlub would just run his life into the ground. And that was the standard kind of thing. And it's been like that. And that's not the way that reality is. Raising a family is a team effort. Mothers are super important, but fathers are super important too. And you see a lot of kids that are being raised by single mothers. You've got divorces at all-time highs. Generally, it's initiated by the female. Young men are not going to college. They're not graduating college. They're checking out of society. They're deciding that it's not worth it to try and find a girlfriend. Most kids nowadays — I don't know the numbers — but most kids have not gone on a date. There's not nearly as many young men and young women getting together that are dating. Gen Z is the least sexually active generation in a long time. You see abortion is at an all-time high. All of these things are directly downstream from feminism and the massive influence that the left and feminist ideas have on society."

Phil continued: "The idea that a woman can be the boss babe and a mother at the same time is a total lie. You cannot do both. You can do one or the other. Women are deciding that they want to go to school and have a career, and then when they hit their 30s, they're scrambling to try and find a man, but men have checked out or they've already found — or they're going for younger girls that are looking for families and stuff. Male suicide is at an all-time high. Men are, like I said, they're checking out of society. They're deciding to anesthetize themselves with video games and pot. All these things are absolutely terrible for a society. And so the op-ed was kind of to outline this stuff, and now there's a bill that's in the House — it's in committee, I think — and it's to start the White House council on fathers and sons. It's based on the framework that was created during the Obama administration, which was the White House council on women and girls, and then it was changed during the Biden administration, I believe. I forget what the Biden administration called it, but it was something very gender neutral. And so there is a framework there. So hopefully we can, we can get this passed and have the White House actually talk about this because this is a crisis that is a big deal for society."

Labonte added: "Suicide among men my age — 50 and above — the rates are up. Men have to have meaning. Men need something to do. The idea that men can go to therapy and that's gonna solve their problems is ridiculous. Therapy is for women. Men don't solve their problems by talking. Men solve their problems through action. So men should be doing things with other men, like building things, going out and fixing cars, whatever it is. But those kind of activities are what will help a man feel accomplished, help a man feel like he's got purpose. Just going and talking to a therapist, that's not what fixes men. That's not what fixes men at all. Men need goals that are achievable, and they need to make progress to those goals. That kind of stuff is what will help a man feel empowered, feel good about himself. That's the kind of stuff that men need. And the idea that all of society is telling men, 'Oh, you should be more like women,' or, 'You should go to therapy,' none of these things help men. And the evidence is in the statistics. The evidence is in the suicide rate. It's in the depression rate. It's in the fact that men are checking out from society. These ideas don't work for men because men and women are not the same. And this is not in any way an attack on women, but men and women need to be treated as if they are men and women. They're two different, different psychologies. And that's not to say that there aren't men with more feminine characteristics or women with more masculine characteristics, but broadly, men are different than women, and they need different things to make them feel emotionally fulfilled and psychologically acceptable."

Days after Labonte's original comments were published, former CRADLE OF FILTH keyboardist Lindsay Schoolcraft, whose new solo album, "Harrowing", details her struggles with mental health and surviving narcissistic abuse, was asked by BLABBERMOUTH.NET for her opinion on what Phil said. She responded: "He's not a healthcare professional, he's not a psychologist, he's not a therapist."

She continued: "This is my opinion and I'm not a professional either — I have a lot of male friends in therapy and it's done them a world of wonder and has transformed their lives because you can do healing work and then you can do growing work, and there's life coaching. You can come out on the other side. You don't have to struggle.

"Discouraging people from going to therapy, especially men — that's an extremely toxic, masculine view that is ultimately an opinion from the patriarchy that has done a lot of damage to society and is the reason why it's crumbling right now," Lindsay noted. "I don't know… I think he probably does need to go to therapy and is a scared little boy who cares too much about the scared little boy inside, his inner child and is scared of what his macho homies are going to think of him."

She continued: "There should be no shame in getting help. If your brain is broken, you need a doctor. If you broke a bone, you're not going to leave the bone broken; you're going to get help. You're not going to get a Band-Aid. You're going to get it reset and cast and x-rayed. That's what therapy is. It's healing the brain. But I don't think that's a very good message, especially for young men who could be struggling."

On Saturday, June 22, Labonte shared a video on his X account in which he responded to Schoolcraft's remarks. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Last week I was on a podcast, and it got to the topic of mental health and stuff. And I said that therapy is for women. Now, studies have shown that therapy does actually work better for women, that men have a lower success rate, for a variety of different reasons. And that really upset people — like, this true thing that I said really upset people. There were a lot of people that were coming to my X page and really worked up, and there were a lot of people that even went to the band's Instagram page. And most of the time they were saying basically straw man arguments, saying that, 'Oh, you don't think that men should talk about their problems. You don't think that men should do this,' and da, da, da. I didn't say that. I said that therapy is for women. But there was another thing that happened a lot, and it was a lot of people were doing ad hominems, like this particular lady here, Lindsay. I don't know her at all. But there was a lot of people that said, 'Oh, he needs therapy.' They were ad hominem saying, 'You're a little boy,' blah, blah, blah. 'You shouldn't be saying these things,' and, 'You're just a scared little boy, and you should go to therapy.' And I'm, like, 'Why are you saying that I should go to therapy?' I've already told you, therapy's for women."

Labonte, who has described himself as "a right winger", is the founder and lead singer of ALL THAT REMAINS, a platinum-selling rock band with multiple Billboard-charting releases. He is also a contributor to "Timcast IRL", a popular podcast hosted by renowned American YouTuber Tim Pool, and an advocate for issues affecting men and boys.
i said what i said https://t.co/sm12lbY1Qspic.twitter.com/L6QbL95ZLG

— Phil Labonte 🇺🇸 (@philthatremains) June 21, 2026


broadly speaking, men are validated through accomplishment. Women seek validation from social interaction. this is not controversial.

and i am a right winger, clearly. https://t.co/Y8FqpshfQF

— Phil Labonte 🇺🇸 (@philthatremains) June 13, 2026

British heavy metal legends IRON MAIDEN were forced to cut their concert in Paris earlier tonight (Monday, June 22) short after a city-wide power outage plunged Europe's largest indoor venue into total darkness. Fans waited an hour before the concert at the La Défense Arena — which boasts an indoor capacity of up to 40,000 — resumed.

The performance was being recorded for MAIDEN's upcoming "Run For Your Lives" tour film and fans were notified before the concert that the show would be phone-free, a move meant to provide the "optimal viewing experience" for the film.

Ten minutes into the power outage, the venue's service lights come back on, but the stage remained shrouded in total blackout. When MAIDEN eventually came back on, singer Bruce Dickinson had the unenviable task of telling the fans that the concert would end at 11:30 p.m. due to the venue's strict curfew. As a result, MAIDEN could not play the three encore tracks, namely "Aces High", "Fear Of The Dark" and "Wasted Years".

MAIDEN's setlist for the abbreviated Paris concert consisted of the following songs:

01. Murders In The Rue Morgue
02. Wrathchild
03. Killers
04. Phantom Of The Opera
05. The Number Of The Beast
06. Infinite Dreams
07. Powerslave
08. 2 Minutes To Midnight (cut short by the power outage)
09. Rime Of The Ancient Mariner
10. Run To The Hills
11. Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son
12. The Trooper
13. Hallowed Be Thy Name
14. Iron Maiden

The setlist for the "Run For Your Lives" world tour — which was announced in September 2024 as a global celebration of IRON MAIDEN's 50th anniversary — focuses on material from the band's first nine studio albums.

Last October, MAIDEN announced the North American dates of their critically acclaimed "Run For Your Lives" world tour. In celebration of their 50th anniversary, the band will be performing at stadiums and major amphitheaters across the United States and Canada, allowing fans the chance to witness the brand new, state-of-the-art production, on the scale it is intended for — huge stages in outdoor venues, to accompany the setlist of songs from the band's groundbreaking first nine albums. They will also headline America's rock festival Louder Than Life at the Highland Festival Grounds in Kentucky on September 17, 2026.

The shows will mark 45 years since IRON MAIDEN first visited Canada and the USA on the 1981 "Killer" world tour, according to a press release, and "feature some of the biggest shows the band has ever played there."

Since forming in 1975, IRON MAIDEN has released classic albums like "The Number Of The Beast", "Powerslave" and "Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son".

MAIDEN's most recent LP, the band's seventeenth, "Senjutsu", came out in 2021.

In December 2024, IRON MAIDEN played the final show of its "The Future Past Tour" at Allianz Parque in São Paulo, Brazil. That run of concerts was the last for longtime drummer Nicko McBrain, who has since been replaced by Simon Dawson, a former session drummer and MAIDEN bassist Steve Harris's rhythm section partner of the past 14 years with BRITISH LION.

Former CRADLE OF FILTH keyboardist Lindsay Schoolcraft has pushed back against ALL THAT REMAINS frontman Phil Labonte's claim that "therapy is for women" and that "men don't solve their problems by talking."

Labonte made his controversial comments earlier this month while speaking to Bill Bailey of Today's Boondoggle Podcast about Phil's 2024 op-ed, "The Silent Crisis: Why Society Is Failing Men And Boys", in which the singer highlighted rising male disengagement from education, work, and community, alongside increasing rates of depression, addiction, and suicide.

Labonte told Bailey: "Look, for the better part of the past three decades, men have been told that they are the problem. You saw it in the '90s when every single sitcom had the doofy husband, and the woman was the smart one, and thank God for her because without her, that poor schlub would just run his life into the ground. And that was the standard kind of thing. And it's been like that. And that's not the way that reality is. Raising a family is a team effort. Mothers are super important, but fathers are super important too. And you see a lot of kids that are being raised by single mothers. You've got divorces at all-time highs. Generally, it's initiated by the female. Young men are not going to college. They're not graduating college. They're checking out of society. They're deciding that it's not worth it to try and find a girlfriend. Most kids nowadays — I don't know the numbers — but most kids have not gone on a date. There's not nearly as many young men and young women getting together that are dating. Gen Z is the least sexually active generation in a long time. You see abortion is at an all-time high. All of these things are directly downstream from feminism and the massive influence that the left and feminist ideas have on society."

Phil continued: "The idea that a woman can be the boss babe and a mother at the same time is a total lie. You cannot do both. You can do one or the other. Women are deciding that they want to go to school and have a career, and then when they hit their 30s, they're scrambling to try and find a man, but men have checked out or they've already found — or they're going for younger girls that are looking for families and stuff. Male suicide is at an all-time high. Men are, like I said, they're checking out of society. They're deciding to anesthetize themselves with video games and pot. All these things are absolutely terrible for a society. And so the op-ed was kind of to outline this stuff, and now there's a bill that's in the House — it's in committee, I think — and it's to start the White House council on fathers and sons. It's based on the framework that was created during the Obama administration, which was the White House council on women and girls, and then it was changed during the Biden administration, I believe. I forget what the Biden administration called it, but it was something very gender neutral. And so there is a framework there. So hopefully we can, we can get this passed and have the White House actually talk about this because this is a crisis that is a big deal for society."

Labonte added: "Suicide among men my age — 50 and above — the rates are up. Men have to have meaning. Men need something to do. The idea that men can go to therapy and that's gonna solve their problems is ridiculous. Therapy is for women. Men don't solve their problems by talking. Men solve their problems through action. So men should be doing things with other men, like building things, going out and fixing cars, whatever it is. But those kind of activities are what will help a man feel accomplished, help a man feel like he's got purpose. Just going and talking to a therapist, that's not what fixes men. That's not what fixes men at all. Men need goals that are achievable, and they need to make progress to those goals. That kind of stuff is what will help a man feel empowered, feel good about himself. That's the kind of stuff that men need. And the idea that all of society is telling men, 'Oh, you should be more like women,' or, 'You should go to therapy,' none of these things help men. And the evidence is in the statistics. The evidence is in the suicide rate. It's in the depression rate. It's in the fact that men are checking out from society. These ideas don't work for men because men and women are not the same. And this is not in any way an attack on women, but men and women need to be treated as if they are men and women. They're two different, different psychologies. And that's not to say that there aren't men with more feminine characteristics or women with more masculine characteristics, but broadly, men are different than women, and they need different things to make them feel emotionally fulfilled and psychologically acceptable."

In a new interview with BLABBERMOUTH.NET, Schoolcraft, whose new solo album, "Harrowing", details her struggles with mental health and surviving narcissistic abuse, was asked about Labonte's comments. She responded: "He's not a healthcare professional, he's not a psychologist, he's not a therapist."

She continued: "This is my opinion and I'm not a professional either — I have a lot of male friends in therapy and it's done them a world of wonder and has transformed their lives because you can do healing work and then you can do growing work, and there's life coaching. You can come out on the other side. You don't have to struggle.

"Discouraging people from going to therapy, especially men — that's an extremely toxic, masculine view that is ultimately an opinion from the patriarchy that has done a lot of damage to society and is the reason why it's crumbling right now," Lindsay noted. "I don't know… I think he probably does need to go to therapy and is a scared little boy who cares too much about the scared little boy inside, his inner child and is scared of what his macho homies are going to think of him."

She continued: "There should be no shame in getting help. If your brain is broken, you need a doctor. If you broke a bone, you're not going to leave the bone broken; you're going to get help. You're not going to get a Band-Aid. You're going to get it reset and cast and x-rayed. That's what therapy is. It's healing the brain. But I don't think that's a very good message, especially for young men who could be struggling."

"Harrowing" was released on June 19, 2026 and was produced by Justin deBileck (MOTIONLESS IN WHITE). The album includes guest vocalist Krista Shipperbottom on the track "So Alive", while Rocky Gray (ex-EVANESCENCE) and Spencer Creaghan (Canadian media megastar) return again as composers along with Brian Cook.

A Juno-nominated artist, lead singer/songwriter Schoolcraft first gained international recognition as the keyboardist and backing vocalist for symphonic metal legends CRADLE OF FILTH (2013–2020). Her contributions helped shape the band's albums "Hammer Of The Witches" (2015) and "Cryptoriana (The Seductiveness of Decay)" (2017),released on Nuclear Blast Records.

Stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist, Schoolcraft released her debut album "Martyr" on October 11, 2019, via her own label Cyber Proxy Records, which went on to be Juno-nominated in 2020. Co-written with Grammy Award winner Gray, "Martyr" blended metal with classical elements and ethereal harp, charting globally and laying the foundation for a devoted fanbase.

In a new interview with Melissa Ruggieri of USA Today, KISS leaders Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons discussed the upcoming avatar-based KISS show, which is tentatively scheduled to launch in Las Vegas in 2028. The as-yet unnamed KISS experience will be the first major entry into the U.S. market for Pophouse Entertainment, the Sweden-based music investment firm co-founded by ABBA's Björn Ulvaeus.

Launched in 2014, Pophouse, which is behind "ABBA Voyage", closed its debut fund, Pophouse Fund I, in March 2025, raising over $1.3 billion to invest in music catalogs and IP. KISS's deal with Pophouse, reported to be worth over $300 million, saw the company acquire the band's song catalog, name, image and likeness rights — including their iconic face paint designs — and their artist share of master recordings and publishing rights.

"What we're doing will absolutely blow people away," Stanley told USA Today. "It's as real as you and us sitting here. It's immersive; it will be mind-boggling."

Referencing the fact that a customized venue at a reported cost of $200 million is being built to host the KISS avatar show, Stanley said: "You have to build an arena to make sure everybody's seat is the perfect viewing distance and angle. But quite honestly, I don't think anybody is going to sit. It's not going to be like, 'Gee, that looks just like an amplifier.' It's not a concert in that sense; it's an immersive experience."

Added Simmons: "There's a motion picture. There's a script. There are directors … We're like that caterpillar that looks like it's at the end of its life and goes into its cocoon, but what comes out is more beautiful than it’s ever been."

This past April, Gene and Paul were asked by Pollstar magazine writer Katherine Turman which eras of KISS will be represented in the avatar show, the current lineup or the original lineup. Simmons said: "It's going to be the iconic face personas, The Demon, the Starchild, and so on. Who you want to place into that lineup is up to you." As for which songs will be included in the show, Stanley said: "We will have all the classics through the years and some surprises." Simmons added: "You're gonna get all that stuff, and also new songs."

After Turman asked for clarification as to which "new" songs will make an appearance, Gene said: "Exactly what that means, written by us. We have songs done."

Unlike the "ABBA Voyage" show, which recreates a 1970s-era ABBA concert in a custom-built London arena, KISS's avatars that appeared at the band's final concert in New York on December 2, 2023 were not as grounded in reality as ABBA's digital replicas. Instead, according to BBC News, the KISS avatars that were previewed at Madison Square Garden band appeared as fantasy-based superheroes who are eight feet tall, breathing fire and shooting electricity from their fingers, while floating above the audience.

Pophouse CEO Jessica Koravos told Pollstar: "What the crowd got to see at MSG was an early prototype of the KISS avatar concept. A lot has evolved since then — both in terms of creative concept for the show and avatar technology. We are now deep in development with a top-flight creative team headed by Thierry Coup — the team was on set last week testing out pyro effects against a new generation of LED screens to make sure we max out the KISS signature flame throwing. The show concept is a crazy 4D roller coaster ride through the hits, the comic book worlds and personas of KISS."

KISS will reportedly become the first American band to go fully virtual and stage its own avatar show.

Back in December 2023, Simmons said that "about 200 million" dollars was being invested into the KISS avatar show.

This past March, Stanley praised the much-anticipated KISS avatar show, telling Rock Of Nations With Dave Kinchen And Shane McEachern: "This avatar show that's going to be in Vegas is gonna blow everybody's minds. It's not like what some people have called holograms and all this kind of experimental and kitschy stuff. This is seeing us. This is as real as I am, and I think it's gonna just blow people away. And it extends the band that much further.

"There's no reason for us to live within the boundaries of other rock bands," Paul added. "They live within those boundaries because that's all they can be. And it's great, but we are not that — we're KISS."

In a separate interview with Ultimate Classic Rock, Simmons said about the KISS avatar show: "We're gonna blow your socks off in a way multiple times more exciting than the Sphere. People who go to Vegas to see a show in the Sphere are awed by the massive scale of everything. There's nothing wrong with the Sphere, [but] I'll go out on a limb and make sure people understand this [the KISS avatars] is gonna make that seem like popcorn fart. It'll be mind-blowing."

According to Gene, the KISS avatar show will "attack the senses as well. If you see a dragon coming in to scoop you up and it breathes fire, there will be fire all around you, and you'll feel the heat. The fire, the brimstone, the coffee, you'll be able to smell it. We attack the senses instead of virtual reality, which only attacks the eyes."

Simmons added that the avatar show will be staged "all around the world" and not just in Vegas.

During a question-and-answer session at last year's "KISS Kruise: Landlocked In Vegas", Stanley said the prospect of performing at the Sphere in Las Vegas didn't appeal to him because he felt the technology that is used overshadowed the music.

"From the time the Sphere opened, people would say to us, 'You guys are a natural for the Sphere,'" Stanley said at the time. "I'm not really so sold on the idea because KISS has always been about being larger than life, and at the Sphere, the band is on a postage stamp. For my money, I think you don't even need a live band there. People are watching the screens, which are amazing — what's being programmed, the content, is incredible, but I want the band to matter. You forget that there's a band on that little stage, so I'm not really sure how we would do it."

In a May 2025 interview with Billboard, then-Pophouse CEO Per Sundin was asked if the KISS virtual show would take place at the Sphere. He responded: "No. The Sphere is a fantastic building, a fantastic venue, but for the type of avatar concert we are planning with KISS — which is something else — we are looking at more intimate sites. I've been to the Sphere four times [to see U2 live, a video replay of a U2 show, Anyma and THE EAGLES]. The first time I saw U2 at Sphere, the visuals were amazing, but I didn't feel emotionally connected. Bono is a preacher. He has something to say to the world, and I didn't find he was in the right element. I saw U2 virtual [a recording of a prior Sphere performance], and Bono was more of a preacher there. With U2 [both times], I asked people, 'Did you go for U2 or did you go for the Sphere?' Two-thirds said they went there for the Sphere."

In September 2024, Stanley was asked by Billboard's "Behind The Setlist" podcast about the reports that the KISS avatar show would debut in Las Vegas. Paul said: "What I can tell you is that the technology that's being used, which is a furthering of the technology used on the ABBA show, has to be installed and basically a building has to be built around it. So this isn't something where you're in Kansas City today, and tomorrow you fly with your projector to do it. It demands an arena, so to speak that's really solely used for a show like this. But it's not something that can play on Wednesdays and Thursdays or Saturdays and Sundays, and then something else is in there during the week."

SLAYER guitarist Kerry King has just released an extended deluxe edition of his acclaimed debut solo album, "From Hell I Rise" via Reigning Phoenix Music, expanding the record with five previously unheard demos and new visual elements, including cover artwork by James Bousema and a revamped layout with additional photos.

Available for streaming below, the five demos offer a rare window into King's creative process, complete with scratch vocal performances by Kerry. It's something that he's been doing for many years, and it's never been heard outside the studio, until now.

Accompanying the extended deluxe edition is the earbook, an essential for fans and collectors. Limited to only 666 copies worldwide, the earbook includes two LPs, a live CD, and a live Blu-ray of the band's first-ever show at Reggies in Chicago. The earbook is exclusive to Reigning Phoenix Music, available for mailorder in Europe and the U.S.

"From Hell I Rise" deluxe edition track listing:

01. Diablo
02. Where I Reign
03. Residue
04. Idle Hands
05. Trophies Of The Tyrant
06. Crucifixation
07. Tension
08. Everything I Hate About You
09. Toxic
10. Two Fists
11. Rage
12. Shrapnel
13. From Hell I Rise
14. Crucifixation (demo; Kerry King on vocals)
15. From Hell I Rise (demo; Kerry King on vocals)
16. Two Fists (demo; Kerry King on vocals)
17. Rage (demo; Kerry King on vocals)
18. Trophies Of The Tyrant (demo; Kerry King on vocals)

In an August 204 interview with The SDR Show, King confirmed that he originally laid down the scratch vocals on demo versions of all the songs that appear on "From Hell I Rise". Asked what his singing voice sounds like, Kerry said: "I just sound like an angry white punk kid… I think it sounds kind of adolescent[-like]." King went on to say that his vocals were recorded mostly as "first takes". "Because I know how it goes — unless I stumble on enunciation or something," he explained. "So, yeah, I knew how it went. I just put it on there so we had something existing. I knew I didn't wanna sing because I can't sing and play that much. The easy parts, yeah, but not like Zakk [Wylde, BLACK LABEL SOCIETY] or James [Hetfield, METALLICA] does. They're crazy vocalists that play crazy riffs underneath what they're singing. I don't know how they do it."

Asked if he would ever release his scratch vocal tracks "as a separate bonus thing", Kerry said: "Um, I'm not against it. If you ask me, like, what if Glenn Tipton sang all the PRIEST songs. Would you wanna hear it? I'm, like, that's a weird scenario, 'cause it's fucking Rob Halford. but I'd be curious. It's intriguing."

He added: "We'll see. And I'll sing the next one, too. So it's not like it's going away."

Joining Kerry in his new band are Mark Osegueda (vocals; DEATH ANGEL),Phil Demmel (guitar; MACHINE HEAD, VIO-LENCE),Kyle Sanders (bass; HELLYEAH) and drummer Paul Bostaph (SLAYER, TESTAMENT, EXODUS).

"From Hell I Rise" was released in May 2024. All material for the LP was written by the now-61-year-old SLAYER guitarist. Helming the sessions at Henson Recording Studios in Los Angeles last year was producer Josh Wilbur, who has previously worked with KORN, LAMB OF GOD, AVENGED SEVENFOLD and BAD RELIGION, among others.

In May 2024, the KERRY KING band performed its first live show at Reggies in Chicago. In the days following, the band went from playing an intimate venue to performing at the huge U.S. festivals Welcome To Rockville (Florida) and Sonic Temple (Ohio).

KERRY KING launched its first European tour on June 3, 2024 — King's 60th birthday – in Tilburg, The Netherlands. The trek combined headline shows in the U.K., The Netherlands, Germany, Italy and Spain but also festival appearances such as Rock Am Ring, Hellfest, Tuska, Download, Sweden Rock Festival and many more.

Photo credit: Andrew Stuart

Prominent progressive metal label Sensory Records has announced the signing of LAZARUS EFFECT, the new solo project of former SYMPHONY X bassist Thomas Miller.

"I'm very excited to announce, after years of contemplating and eventually writing and recording my first solo project, the signing to Sensory Records," Miller writes. "After speaking and collaborating with Ken Golden, I've decided it's the perfect team to launch the CD and start the promotions for a fall 2026 release. I met Ken in 1998, while still in SYMPHONY X, and always had it in the back of my mind that, if I did decide to record and release an album, he'd be at the top of the list.

"I hope everyone is as excited as I am. Between recording with some of my old friends and bandmates to finding the perfect match in Sensory Records to give it the proper attention and promotional care I was hoping for. So, the new chapter has begun, and I'm looking forward to a prosperous future relationship with Sensory Records and reconnecting with the old fans as well as new ones. Stay tuned."

Label owner Ken Golden states: "I was a fan of SYMPHONY X early on and met Thomas back in 1998. Those SYMPHONY X albums were part of my introduction into the world of progressive metal and instantly won me over. Thomas was a vital part of the band's sound, and I feel that the LAZARUS EFFECT project is going to surprise and excite fans of SYMPHONY X and Thomas's brilliant bass work."

Thomas Miller started his music career in central New Jersey and played in numerous cover and original bands influenced by progressive bands from the 1970s and 1980s. In 1986, he met Michael Romeo, a local progressive and classically influenced guitarist, whom he then recorded and played out in several bands with. In 1994, they formed SYMPHONY X and recruited the rest of the band members to complete the lineup and sign with Japanese record label Zero Records.

After international critical acclaim for their albums "Symphony X", "Damnation Game", "The Divine Wings Of Tragedy", "Twilight In Olympus" and "A Prelude To The New Millenium", they did various tour dates in Japan, Europe and New York City. Shortly afterwards, due to personal issues, Thomas stepped away from the band.

Continually writing and recording on various projects and honing his writing skills, Miller collaborated on a recording project with vocalist Hollywood How Portney in 2017, who had recorded with several local bands and labels, including Megaforce Records. After interactions with fans over the years and realizing his chemistry with How, he decided to start writing for the LAZARUS EFFECT project. He then asked Michael Romeo and Michael Pinnella to lend their recording talents to the project, and then Eric Rachel, producer of SYMPHONY X's first six albums, to mix and master the album. The result is music and lyrics inspired by majestic themes, progressive metal, and various musical overtones. With the album fully complete, Thomas is now starting to promote the release of the album and working in collaboration with The Lasers Edge Group's distribution and promotional team.

LAZARUS EFFECT's debut is currently being finalized for release early this fall. Expect additional details, previews of the album, and more to begin posting during the summer.

Photo by Rodrigo Gudina

In a new interview with Headbangers Australia, DEVILDRIVER and COAL CHAMBER frontman Dez Fafara was asked what has kept him going for more than three decades through all the ups and downs of the music business as well as his personal life. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "My love and belief of God and a higher power watching over me. My wife, my children, my eight cats, my dog, my home. But — and I don't wanna say 'above all that', but to the side of all that and equal with my relationship with the universe and my family is… ah, it's almost emotional to say, it's all of you. I wouldn't, I couldn't... This actually got me, actually; that question got me. I'm sorry. I have a heart, like other people. But I think it's the fanbase. I hate even that word. Some kid ran up to me at the airport, 'I'm a huge fan.' I was, like, 'Don't call yourself that. Let's just be people.' I think all of you guys, anybody who's ever supported me from 1995 on.

"The next [DEVILDRIVER] single is called 'Dead In The Water', and it's actually about that — that I would be dead in the water without all of you guys," Dez revealed. "And that's why the first sentence is, 'Let the fire rise, you were born for this, stay the course. Turn pain into power. Build from the ashes. Hope is never wasted.' And I don't wanna give away the next single, but it's very much to all of you, to anybody who's ever gave a fuck about this guy. I mean, I'm just a glorified plumber or what have you. I'm just some dude. I just happen to be able to pick up a microphone and... But I'm no more special than you or anybody else that's watching this. I'm very grateful and humbled. And it makes me wanna dedicate myself even more to what I'm doing, and to keep going until it doesn't look right, feel right, act right, sound right."

DEVILDRIVER's new album, "Strike And Kill", is due out July 10 via Napalm Records.

In addition to Dez, DEVILDRIVER's current lineup includes the guitar duo of Alex Lee and Gabe Mangold, drummer Davier Ortega Perez and returning bassist Jon Miller.

Fafara previously stated about "Strike And Kill": "My headspace hasn't changed, I have not become complacent or soft in my view of the world or in my music. Metal is our outlet as listeners and writers, so on this record we focused on 'getting it all out' lyrically, and backing those lyrics with savage, relentless music that fuels the heavy California groove like no other. DEVILDRIVER has never sounded like any other band, we do our own thing in our own way, and I'm the most proud of that."

DEVILDRIVER will tour across the western United States with UPON A BURNING BODY and OV SULFUR. Kicking off August 14 in San Diego, California, the "Strike And Kill" North American tour 2026 will hit a slew of major cities, including Dallas, Chicago, Salt Lake City, and Reno, before its conclusion on September 5 in Anaheim, California.

After COVID-19 nearly took Fafara out in 2021, Dez was very vocal about his brush with death and COVID's after-effects, which were brought into view when DEVILDRIVER canceled its appearance at the 2023 Bloodstock Open Air festival in the U.K. due to inflammation in his lower heart.

In January 2025, COAL CHAMBER canceled its previously rescheduled "Fiend For The Fans" U.S. tour. The trek, which was originally slated to kick off in August 2024 before being postponed to March/April 2025 due to Fafara's health emergency, was supposed to feature support from FEAR FACTORY, TWIZTID, BLACK SATELLITE and FRAYLE.

Photo credit: Stephanie Cabral

In a new interview with Andy Baqone of TotalRock, SNOT guitarist Mikey Doling and bassist John "Tumor" Fahnestock spoke about the reactivated Santa Barbara-based metal/punk rock hybrid's long-awaited new studio album. The upcoming effort is being recorded with producer, engineer and mixer Chris Collier and will mark SNOT's first release with new singer Andy Knapp, who made his live debut with the band in January 2025 in Anaheim, California. Mikey said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "[We are] excited about it." Tumor chimed in: "It's our second record, and it's been 30 years [since SNOT was formed]. And Andy's making it special for us because until we found him, we didn't think it was gonna be possible [to make another LP]." Mikey continued: "It's our second record ever. We've been around 30 years, so that's what's special about it."

Asked about the musical direction of the new SNOT material, Mikey said: "It's more of the same. It's funk, it's punk, it's rock and roll. And it's aggressive, man." Tumor added: "Yeah, the recipe has not changed whatsoever, and Andy's just adding the spice back to it that we need." Mikey continued: "Yeah, Andy really found the vibe for SNOT. He really found his lane, and we're really stoked, man. He's killing it."

Regarding where SNOT is at the moment in the recording process, Mikey said: "We're nine songs into it. We're gonna go home after this tour and complete the album." Tumor added: "And then we're gonna continue to keep writing, 'cause we figure it's been 30 years. Why stop now? So just keep writing and creating that way. We've got a lot of catch-up to do." Mikey continued: "We figure we drop a record every two years. That's the goal."

As for what the response has been like to SNOT's comeback so far, Mikey said: "Better than we could ever have imagined." Tumor chimed in: "Obviously there's always shit talkers out there that wanna rain some fucking turd on somebody's parade, but I haven't seen much turds thrown at us. And I'm, like, wow. There's a lot of acceptance, which is — I'm very grateful for that." Mikey added: "And a lot of acceptance from young fans, which has been mind-blowing. Last night we played a sold-out show in Chester, and the entire crowd were 18-year-olds, 16, 19, just youth. And our record came out 28 years ago. We're just blown away, man."

This past April, Doling shared in a social media post that the writing process for a new SNOT album was "going exceptionally well or I should say fucking killer".

He continued: "Restarting the musical SNOT engine isn't as challenging as expected. The creativity is flowing effortlessly, like back in 1995! It's stankalicious funk, punk, and high-energy rock 'n' roll with sprinkles of what we used to call lounge jams. Andy Knapp's impact and talent, on this album has been hi level, he's crushing it!"

Mikey added: "Stepping into the great [late SNOT singer] Lynn Strait's role is virtually impossible, but Andy's done it head first, professionally and with class and my god he's owning it big time."

Last fall, Fahnestock told Australia's Heavy about SNOT's return to the live stage and the band's plans for the coming months: "Well, I think things are a lot different now. We're pretty much saying SNOT is back at this point. We finally found, in Andy, what we basically were dreaming of having. And I'm not saying anything negative on the past singers that we had. Before, when we put SNOT together, it wasn't, like, 'We're reforming. We're back,' anything like that. We were just more doing it for fun, for the love of music, love of Jamie [Miller, SNOT drummer] and Mikey and myself playing together. And we were, like, 'Let's go out and play the songs,' but it wasn't seriously saying, like, 'We're back and coming back to here to stay and swing,' like we are now. And, like I said, it's a blessing to have found Andy and what he's doing. And, obviously, the response from the fans has been nothing but positivity."

Asked what it was like returning to the live stage under the SNOT banner, Fahnestock said: "Yeah, coming off this last tour and seeing the response from the crowd, it brought tears to our eyes. And it brought tears to their eyes, to our fans. I'd look out and see people crying, and there are 16-year-olds and they're singing our songs and they knew all the lyrics and they're fucking losing their mind. And I wasn't expecting that at all. And it wasn't that way 10 years ago when we ran through those areas. Yeah, a lot has changed. I think there's a big resurgence now of bands from the '90s, the late '90s, getting a whole resurgence. And I see it a lot, and it's a good thing — it's a really good thing. I think that style and the ['90s] metal thing is actually coming back now and being embraced."

Reflecting on how the latest SNOT reunion came about, John said: "There was a festival in the U.S., and it's kind of where this all started, and it's called Sick New World. And I went there, and it was SYSTEM OF A DOWN and COAL CHAMBER and INCUBUS and all the bands that came up in that era. That's when Mikey and I again started getting a fire under our ass, thinking, 'Dude, if we could only find the right singer, we could do this again.' And we did. So we're back."

Asked if the new SNOT music follows the same "eclectic" direction as the band's 1990s output, John said: "Exactly. It's how we write. It's crazy. Mikey picks up a guitar and it smells like SNOT, bro. It's fucking eerie. And what's really eerie is I could hear Lynn. Like, 'What would Lynn do on this?' In my head I could hear him, 'cause it sounds like he should be there. So, yeah. It's crazy."

In September 2025, Doling told Ore Bihovsky of TotalRock's "Louder" radio show about SNOT's return to the live stage: "I'm really excited, first of all. Just having SNOT back — [I] never expected it. We found a new singer who's amazing, and he made it all possible. And we put some tickets on sale and they're all selling out, all the shows, and we're pretty blown away. We're very grateful to be doing it and super stoked."

Asked how it feels to have Knapp fronting SNOT, three decades after the band's formation and 27 years after the passing of Strait, Doling said: "Honestly, it feels kind of like it used to, with Andy. Andy brought energy to the band that we haven't seen or had since Lynn Strait… Having Andy in the band, he's brought that energy again to us. The shows are full of energy. It's wild, man."

After Ore noted that this is the first time that he has heard the members of SNOT say that the band is officially "back", Doling clarified: "Well, before, when we [played gigs with other vocalists], it was more like we wanted to fucking just get together and play. We weren't really focused on new music or promotion or selling shows. We didn't give a shit. We just wanted to go out and play. This time, we feel like we found the right singer. Also, that it's the right time to actually bring it back full blown. So we're getting in the studio, we're recording new music, we're booking tours. We've got the booking agent. And we're just going full-on, man, and it's great."

Asked about new SNOT music, Mikey said: "It's funky. It's punk. It's got attitude. It's cool. It sounds like old SNOT. And we're trying to keep it like that. We don't wanna change the sound. We wanna keep it like 1996, '97 — lots of wah pedal, lots of grooves, some heavy punk influences. It's cool."

In April 2025, SNOT recruited Doc Coyle (GOD FORBID, ex-BAD WOLVES) as the band's touring guitarist after the group's split with Sonny Mayo.

The news of Mayo's departure was broken by Doling, who stated in a video message at the time:  "Sonny Mayo has decided to quit SNOT. SNOT doesn't fit into his life right now, and he just wants to focus on himself and his life. And SNOT's just too busy for him to be able to continue.

"So I'd like to wish Sonny Mayo the best of luck in his future, and I wanna thank him for all he's contributed to SNOT over the years. We love you, brother," Mikey continued."That being said, our very, very good friend from GOD FORBID, formerly BAD WOLVES, Doc Coyle, is going to be filling in on guitar for the upcoming shows. And we're excited to have him on board. And thank you very much, Doc Coyle."

When SNOT's longtime drummer Jamie Miller is unable to tour with the band due to his commitments with BAD RELIGION, he is replaced on the road by Chris "Seven" Antonopoulos, who has previously played with OPIATE FOR THE MASSES and CHANNEL ZERO.

SNOT disbanded in 1998 following Strait's death, putting an end to a career that generated considerable promise but only one studio album, "Get Some". The band had been writing material for its sophomore CD and had completed 10 songs at the time of Strait's tragic passing. As a memorial to Strait, SNOT eventually decided to release those tracks, with lyrics and guest vocals provided by a host of stars from the alt-metal community. The resulting album, "Strait Up", was a fitting tribute from Strait's peers and friends, featuring members of LIMP BIZKIT, KORN, SLIPKNOT, SEVENDUST, (HED) P.E., COAL CHAMBER, SUGAR RAY, SYSTEM OF A DOWN, SOULFLY, and more.

SNOT in 2014 recruited Carl Bensley (VITIATE, CONSUME THE FIRE) to sing for the band following the departure of Tommy "Vext" Cummings (ex-DIVINE HERESY, BAD WOLVES).

According to the Los Angeles Times, Lynn died in died in a car accident in December 1998 as he attempted to drive across Highway 101 in Mussel Shoals, California. The 30-year-old singer died instantly after his 1992 Ford Tempo was broadsided by a southbound full-size pickup truck about noon. Also killed was Strait's small bulldog, SNOT's mascot Dobbs, who adorned the cover of the band's debut album, the 1997 Geffen Records release "Get Some". Strait, a Santa Barbara resident, was crossing the highway after visiting his girlfriend in the community. Lynn apparently pulled into the path of the truck, which was going about 65 mph. The impact sent Strait's car spinning into the center divider where it stopped, a California Highway Patrol officer told the Los Angeles Times at the time.

Cummings fronted SNOT in 2008-2009 before he and Mayo exited the group amid "strained relationships."

In a new interview with Altars Of Metal, Gene Hoglan and Steve DiGiorgio spoke about their involvement with DEATH TO ALL (DTA) — which features former members of DEATH celebrating the life and music of Chuck Schuldiner. The current lineup of DEATH TO ALL includes Hoglan (also of DARK ANGEL and DETHKLOK),DiGiorgio (also of TESTAMENT) on bass and Bobby Koelble on guitar. Max Phelps (CYNIC),who has been touring with DEATH TO ALL, is once again handling the vocal and second-guitar duties. Hoglan was the drummer on the DEATH albums "Individual Thought Patterns" (1993) and "Symbolic" (1995),DiGiorgio was the bassist on 1991's "Human" as well as "Individual Thought Patterns", and Koelble was the guitarist on "Symbolic". Asked if DEATH TO ALL has ever considered writing and recording all-new original music, Steve said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "No. What do you think, Gene?" Hoglan then chimed in: "I agree with Steve. People have asked [us that before], and it's kind of... First of all, we probably wouldn't have the time to be able to put things like that together. But also, we are here to represent DEATH with the name DEATH TO ALL. But for us to write music or something like that, it doesn't make a ton of logical sense. 'Cause if we were to write songs — I've said it before — it's like, do [we call it] 'music inspired by DEATH'? And then there's already DEATH riffs, so if our riffs sound similar to other riffs that are already written… It's not a very complicated situation, but it is just a situation that if we never try to visit it, it's gonna be okay. You get DEATH music, you get two hours of DEATH music, Chuck's music, our music, all this together most nights. And if that isn't enough for people, then, wow, we got some issues. But I think it's well represented every night. We always have great sound. Our performances are always killer, and we do run the entire gamut of the catalog. We play songs from every record. That's our own mandate."

Gene and Steve previously addressed the possibility of all-new original DEATH TO ALL music last December during an interview with Robb Chavez of Robbs MetalWorks. Hoglan said at the time: "I can't really see how that could happen, because we've got some of the coolest death metal, or metal, around to be able to play from. But even just from a flat-out, trying to look at the actual option of that, from the logistical standpoint, what would we write? Would it be 'music inspired by DEATH'? Would that be the name of the album? I don't know. But I'm not sure how much we've ever purposely… Flat out, I don't think any of us have the time to do that, really.

Steve chimed in: "We're all doing so much [other stuff]. We're super busy. With the level of talent in this band, it could go 15 different ways. To tell you the truth, we've never talked about it. We've been asked about it, so we have to kind of improvise an answer because… No, but I mean there's no real need for it right now. We treat this as what it is, and we don't wanna dilute it any by doing something that's too similar or… I don't know. We're all very, very full-time, busy, busy musicians doing stuff. So this is just a live gig, and we'll leave it like that."

Last fall, DEATH TO ALL completed touring North America as part of "Symbolic Healing", a month-long celebration of two of DEATH's landmark albums: "Spiritual Healing" (1990) and "Symbolic" (1995).

DEATH TO ALL celebrated "Scream Bloody Gore" (1987) and "The Sound Of Perseverance" (1998) across North America in 2024.

Along with the dual album celebration, each night on the fall 2025 tour showcased classics from DEATH's catalog. The tour featured special guests GORGUTS and PHOBOPHILIC.

Founded in 1984 by Chuck Schuldiner under the original name of MANTAS in Altamonte Springs, Florida, DEATH was among the more widely known early pioneers of the death metal sound, along with California's POSSESSED. Inspired by NASTY SAVAGE, DEATH was among the first bands in the Florida death metal scene. In the late '80s, the band was both a part of and integral in defining the death metal scene which gained international recognition with the release of albums by a number of area acts.

DEATH TO ALL operates as a tribute band to the original DEATH, which dissolved in 2001 following Schuldiner's passing.

"Born Human: The Life And Music Of Death's Chuck Schuldiner", the fully authorized biography of the legendary DEATH frontman, was released last November via Decibel Books.

"Born Human", authored by accomplished journalist David E. Gehlke ("The Scott Burns Sessions: A Life In Death Metal 1987-1997", "Turned Inside Out: The Official Story Of Obituary"),features exclusive interviews, contributions, stunning new Ed Repka cover art and previously unreleased, hand-selected photographs from those who knew Chuck best. "Born Human" brings life to the dramatic story of the man who blazed an iconic path in metal music, laying the foundation for generations to come.

Fans can order their copy now at store.decibelmagazine.com.

Fan-filmed video of RUSH's June 18 concert at Palacio De Los Deportes in Mexico City, Mexico as part of the band's recently launched "Fifty Something" tour can be seen below.

According to Setlist.fm, the setlist for the sold-out show was as follows:

Set 1:

Where's Rush?
01. Xanadu
02. Dreamline
03. Subdivisions
04. Headlong Flight
Neil Peart Tribute Collage 1
05. Bravado
06. Red Sector A
07. La Villa Strangiato
08. Anthem
09. New World Man
10. The Spirit Of Radio

Set 2 (Moving Pictures):

South Park Intro
11. Tom Sawyer
12. Red Barchetta
13. YYZ
14. Limelight
15. The Camera Eye
16. Witch Hunt
17. Vital Signs
Neil Peart Tribute Collage 2
18. Time Stand Still
19. Closer To The Heart
20. 2112 Part I: Overture
21. 2112 Part Ii: The Temples Of Syrinx
22. 2112 Part Vii: Grand Finale

Encore:

23. Finding My Way
24. Working Man
Neil Peart Tribute

The "Fifty Something" tour is RUSH's first with the band's revamped lineup of classic members Geddy Lee (vocals, bass) and Alex Lifeson (guitar) alongside Anika Nilles, a German drummer who toured with legendary guitarist Jeff Beck in 2022, and newly added keyboardist Loren Gold, who is best known as touring member of THE WHO and CHICAGO.

RUSH's setlist for "Fifty Something" is culled from a pool of nearly 40 RUSH classics, with the band playing two sets a night that celebrate late RUSH drummer Neil Peart's life and legacy.

Speaking to Rolling Stone last October, Geddy promised that RUSH would alter the setlist at different shows, explaining: "We plan on changing the set every night. There will be a large percentage of songs that we will switch between nights. So if you come to, say, four shows in Toronto, you're going to hear four different sets. That's going to include a lot of songs, obviously. They are obviously the big favorites that you sort of have to have in the setlist every night. But we really want to keep the set fresh."

In a recent issue of U.K.'s Classic Rock magazine, Lee explained why he and Lifeson decided to tour under the RUSH name in 2026 without Peart. Admitting that the issue was a hot topic of debate within the RUSH camp, Lee said: "What else do you fucking call it?"When the band ended, we said it's only RUSH with Neil in it," he continued. "Which, of course, is true. RUSH as most people know it. But, you know, over five gigs we will be playing forty RUSH songs. So what the fuck should we call it, IRON MAIDEN?"

Having gotten the blessing from Peart's family for Lee and Lifeson to tour under the RUSH name once again, Geddy said that it was natural for them to go use the moniker that they have had for more than five decades.

"We were twisting ourselves into a pretzel to try to avoid using the name that we have had for fifty years, and even before Neil came," Lee said.

"It just seems silly to go on as 'Lee And Lifeson Present The Music Of…'" Lee concluded. "Let's cut to the chase, shall we? Let's just be who we are and have been for over fifty years."

The 2026 leg of the "Fifty Something" tour, which will cover Canada, USA and Mexico, initially consisted of 22 dates, which sold out immediately, prompting the addition of more shows. The tour now totals 58 shows across 24 cities, with over half a million tickets sold for 2026.

In February, RUSH announced the addition of South America and Europe tour dates to the "Fifty Something" tour, in early 2027. The dates will be the first time the band has played in Europe since 2013 and 17 years since visiting South America.

RUSH performed in public with Nilles for the first time at Canada's Juno Awards in Hamilton, Ontario in late March. They played "Finding My Way", the first song from RUSH's first album, the band's only LP not to feature Peart.

The Juno Awards performance was Lee and Lifeson's first as RUSH since they finished their 40th-anniversary tour in 2015, although they have performed under their own names on occasion, including tributes to legendary Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot and Taylor Hawkins of the FOO FIGHTERS.

In an interview with producer and YouTuber Rick Beato, Geddy and Alex confirmed that RUSH would play, over the course of four shows in a particular city, 38 different songs from the band's vast catalog. Asked if there will be tracks from every RUSH record, Geddy responded: "I haven't checked. I have not checked. I don't think every record is represented, and some are over-represented for kind of obvious reasons. And what's interesting, and one of the reasons I really wanted to go out on tour is there's so many fan letters and messages I get from fans that became young musicians after our last gig. And they really would love to hear some of those songs. And so that's an opportunity for them, and, of course, they're not fortunate enough to hear Neil play those songs, but we'll do our best to make them happy."

Regarding the preparation for the "Fifty Something" tour, Alex said: "Well, that's the difference. In the past, we would plan a couple of months maybe, six weeks, on our own. We'd have a list of about four hours' worth of music. Then we'd sort of whittle it down to what the show would probably be. And then we would have a month together. So you've already prepped, and then we're together for a month, and then we would go into full production somewhere in an arena somewhere for maybe 10 days, and then the tour would start. So we have the benefit of four months, basically, of prep. This time around, Anika had to learn all these songs."

Geddy chimed in: "And one important thing that goes unmentioned is when you're preparing for a tour, when we would prepare for a tour with Neil, we're working really on new material that we just recorded, because the old stuff we knew. For this tour, we're starting from scratch and we're really teaching an incredibly talented, exciting drummer that comes from a very different school of music how to understand 40 songs from this weird, idiosyncratic band. That's a horse of an entirely different color. And that was difficult, but also exciting because when all the tumblers fall into place and she gets the vibe and she's feeling it, and her and I are playing together, and we're smiling. And it's, like, 'Oh, this is gonna be so much fun.' And she's embraced it. She's an amazing talent, but she's such a great person. She's got the right attitude. She works hard. She's not afraid to work hard. And she loves to play the same way we love to play, so we have that in common. Maybe every musician has that — I don't know; I imagine so — but it's been good for us to be around… And she brings something fresh. She brings a different story to our story. And I think that's really nice. And I think our fans have responded to the fact that we didn't get someone from another famous band and all that, 'Well, you should've got this guy or that guy.' This is a whole different feeling. It's non-competitive. And we're very lucky, 'cause she's the only drummer we thought of. We tried out one drummer."

Alex continued: "And after this time together, we've really bonded. It's not just about playing the songs and learning the music and playing it; it's about really falling in love with each other. And there's such a strong feeling, a joyful feeling of working together, playing together, and it just gets better and better and better as we progress with the songs. Now that we're at the stage where we're just playing everything and starting to get our pacing, it's just so much fun. We just can't wait every day to get back in here and do it."

Geddy added: "We added one song, one extra song recently. And she freaked out. I knew she would freak out, but she freaked out. She said, 'My hard drive is full.' And this song has a lot of complicated time signature changes. And so we made a deal. We pulled two songs out in exchange for this one song. She said, 'Okay.' [Laughs] But she's up for it. And that's a very difficult seat to sit in. And some people will never forgive us for going on with somebody else. And she has the guts to sit in that seat, to accept that gig and take whatever fans are gonna dish out. And that's not a small thing. That's a huge thing. And it's not out of arrogance. It's out of confidence and respect for Neil. When you hear her talk about Neil, she really understands and appreciates his greatness. And none of this that happens is diminishing his greatness by one iota."

Nilles, who has more than 275,000 subscribers on YouTube, toured with English rocker Jeff Beck in 2022 and was praised in 2023 by Lee, who told The Guardian at the time: "She played on the last Jeff Beck tour, and I thought she was terrific."

Nilles's official Instagram account, which is filled with her drumming videos, boasts more than 485,000 followers.

In a recent interview with Classic Rock magazine, Anika stated about Neil: "His playing was very energetic, and I really like that. That's something I feel very comfortable with. I also love playing in a very energetic way. That's the first thing that comes to mind, and something I really appreciate about his playing. He also had an incredible range of tonal colors. He had a very melodic approach to drumming and used a wide variety of sounds to achieve that. That set him apart and made him stand out to many drummers, for whom he was — and still is — a role model. He had a very distinctive way of playing the ride cymbal. When you listen to the music, that cymbal always stands out prominently. He had a very distinctive snare sound as well. There are certain signature sounds that come directly from his playing — not from the equipment, but from him. You recognize him immediately. Adapting to his way of playing is a challenge."

"Neil rarely repeated himself," she continued. "He kept bringing something new into the song. Even if a section repeated in terms of songwriting, his drumming the second time was different from the first. That makes it exciting and is part of what gives the songs their identity. At the same time, it's a challenge to remember all those details, because they're important. It's a composition; you can't just ignore certain parts, they're all essential and have to be played. That's challenging."

Peart died in January 2020 after a three-year battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. He was 67 years old.

RUSH waited three days to announce Peart's passing, setting off shockwaves and an outpouring of grief from fans and musicians all over the world.

Fan-filmed video of former SKID ROW singer Erik Grönwall's June 13 performance at the Lisää Löylyä Rockfestival in Vaasa, Finland can be seen below.

According to Setlist.fm, the setlist for the concert was as follows:

01. Born To Break
02. Headless Cross (BLACK SABBATH cover)
03. Bad Bones
04. 18 And Life (SKID ROW cover)
05. Black Velvet (Alannah Myles cover)
06. Who's The Winner
07. Hell & Back
08. Save Me
09. Living On The Run (H.E.A.T song)
10. Highway Star (DEEP PURPLE cover)
11. Lost For Life

Encore:

12. The House Of The Rising Sun (traditional cover)
13. Praying For A Miracle

Grönwall released a new solo album, "Bad Bones", on May 22 via Playground Music.

After years of fronting some of rock music's most iconic acts, Erik had built a massive global following, but his vision for the next chapter was clear: creating music that was entirely his own. Reuniting with longtime collaborator Jona Tee (H.E.A.T) and renowned producer Fredrik Thomander, Erik began crafting the material that would define the next stage of his career. The result is "Bad Bones" — a declaration of independence and a return to the music that shaped Erik both as a fan and as an artist. From the swagger of the title track to the authentic 1970s vibe in the string orchestra enhanced "Who's The Winner" or the self-explanatory "Written In The Scars", it is clear that "Bad Bones" is not just a new solo album; it is the sound of an artist who has fought his way back from the edge and is now stepping forward stronger, louder, and more fearless than ever.

In a recent interview with Jorge Botas of Portugal's Metal Global, Grönwall spoke about his decision to leave SKID ROW in March 2024 after a two-year stint as the band's frontman. Asked why he decided to go solo at this point in his career, Erik said: "Well, first of all, I played with H.E.A.T, the Swedish band H.E.A.T, for 10 years. But then, after 10 years, I felt like it was time for me to do something else. I just wanted to explore what was out there. But then I got really sick. So I got leukemia — I had leukemia five years ago. And at that point, when I was at the hospital, I realized that the only thing I wanna do is get back on stage and sing for the rest of my life. And then the incredible thing happened that SKID ROW reached out to me and asked me to become the singer [of the band]. That's one of the bands I grew up listening to, so it was surreal — it was surreal."

Reflecting on his exit from SKID ROW more than two years ago, Erik said: "The reason why I decided to leave [the band] that was because I could feel that I still needed more time to really properly recover after all my treatments, and I felt like it became too much to be on the road as much as [the other members of SKID ROW] wanted. So my proposal was to do a little less touring, but we couldn't find common ground, and that's fine. That's totally fine. And then I started touring with [legendary German guitarist] Michael [Schenker], and then I guess some people ask, 'But why can you tour with Michael and not SKID ROW?' Well, because when I told Michael about my situation a year after, so I had a lot of time to really recover, but when I told Michael about my situation, he said, 'Don't worry. I'll just get a stand-in singer ready to fill in for you, if you feel like you have to sit one out,' which made me feel really comfortable about trying to tour again. So, yeah, I couldn't say no to that. Michael is very good at finding solutions, so I went for it. And I haven't left Michael. I mean, the door is always open for Michael to [reach out to me and ask me to play more shows with him]. It's just something I have to do for me, and I'm sure you understand. Because he's always been doing his own thing. So, it's all good. All doors are open. So, yeah, that's the answer."

Elaborating on why it was necessary for him to leave SKID ROW, Erik said: "For me, coming from that very strange place, having had that illness and everything that that comes with [it], it's not like you do chemo and you do a bone marrow transplant, and then you're fine. It takes a long time for the body to... I have a new immune system. I have a new blood type — all these things. I have to redo all the vaccinations. Being on a world tour while that is going on is hard. But the reason why I did it was because I really wanted it to work out. I really wanted to still be in SKID ROW. But for me — my necklace here says, 'Health always comes first.' And that's just the way it has to be — I mean, for everyone. But especially when I got that health scare, it's obviously more important for me than ever to really take care of myself. So that comes first."

Erik auditioned for "Swedish Idol" back in 2009 by singing a cover of SKID ROW's "18 And Life".

SKID ROW's longtime friend Lzzy Hale (HALESTORM) handled lead vocals for the band's four concerts in late May 2024 and early June 2024, two months after Erik's exit from the group.

At the time of Grönwall's departure, SKID ROW members said in a statement that they were "proud" of what they had "created and accomplished with Erik" over the previous two years" and wished "nothing but the best to him and his health."

In January 2025, Erik told Finland's Chaoszine about his exit from SKID ROW: "Leaving the band was one of the toughest career decisions I ever had to make. I loved being in that band. It didn't hurt waking up being the lead singer of SKID ROW. But I would still be in the band if that was an option.

"I left to respect the person who went through the leukemia — I mean, the person at the hospital," he explained. "I promised myself that I would always put my health first. And when I felt like I couldn't do that being in the band, I just had to make that decision.

"I loved my time in the band. I had so much fun with the guys. We clicked right away, and I will always look back at that time with a smile, for sure. And I would have loved to stay in the band. But given the circumstances, we just couldn't find common ground in terms of how much we should tour."

Grönwall went on to clarify that he was always open to continuing with SKID ROW if an agreement had been reached regarding how much time to spend on the road.

"I'm not sure if it's been said in any interview, but, for me, it was never about not touring at all," he said. "I just wanted to have more time in between to recover. So, my suggestion was three weeks on the road, including traveling, and then one month off, three weeks on the road, including traveling, one month off, just to have that time in between. But they didn't find that feasible, and that's totally fine. I mean, SKID ROW has been doing this since before I was born. [Laughs] They have a recipe. I totally respect that they didn't find out feasible at all. But it was what I needed, and here we are."

Grönwall sang on four H.E.A.T studio albums — "Address The Nation" (2012),"Tearing Down The Walls" (2014),"Into The Great Unknown" (2017) and "H.E.A.T II" (2020).

More recently, Erik sang on two of Michael Schenker's albums, 2024's "My Years With UFO" and 2025's "Don't Sell Your Soul". He also toured Europe and Japan with the legendary German guitarist.

In late March 2022, SKID ROW released its first single with Grönwall, "The Gang's All Here". The song is the title track of the band's latest album, which arrived in October 2022 via earMUSIC.

SKID ROW played its first show with Grönwall on March 26, 2022 at Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada as the support act on the rescheduled dates for SCORPIONS' "Sin City Nights" residency.

The English version of Grönwall's autobiography, "Power - Music, Death, Life", was made available in December 2024 via HarperCollins.

Grönwall lives in Knivsta, a city in Uppsala County in east central Sweden, with his wife and their son.

The MrTime2Travel channel on YouTube has uploaded video of DOWN's June 5 performance at the Mystic Festival in Gdańsk, Poland. Check it out below.

DOWN, the long-running heavy metal supergroup featuring vocalist Philip H. Anselmo, guitarists Pepper Keenan and Kirk Windstein, drummer Jimmy Bower and bassist Pat Bruders, will return to North American stages this summer for a two-week headlining tour with support provided by HELMET and SPIRIT IN THE ROOM. The "Strap It Down" trek will begin in Atlanta, Georgia on August 15 and close in Shakopee, Minnesota on September 4 with a special previously announced performance as direct support to SLAYER. The journey also includes slots on the 2026 installment of Zakk Wylde's "Berzerkus" festival featuring LAMB OF GOD, BLACK LABEL SOCIETY and others on August 28 in Scranton, Pennsylvania and August 29 in Wantagh, New York.

DOWN's special cover of Dr. John's "Right Place, Wrong Time", initially released in video form to celebrate Mardi Gras earlier this year, is currently available on all streaming platforms.

In a recent interview with Metal Nation, Windstein spoke about the progress of the recording sessions for DOWN's long-awaited new album. Kirk said: "It's done. It's been recorded. The process of trying to find… 'Cause we kind of self-produced it, so it's not that we're looking for a producer. The work is done. We just need to find the right person to mix it properly. So that's what we're looking at right now. But we're hoping to have a release by October or something, I would think."

Windstein also talked about the songwriting chemistry between him and his bandmates. He said: "It's been amazing. It really clicked — when we started writing for this new record, it was like we were back in the '90s or something, writing the 'NOLA' record [debut DOWN album]. It's, like, everybody's got ideas. One guy's got a riff and then somebody's got something that works with that riff. We also have a situation where Jimmy Bower, who plays guitar in EYEHATEGOD, he really started out as a drummer. I always joke with him — it's not even a joke; it's true — I'm, like, 'Dude, you're a way better drummer than you are a guitar player. But you're perfect for EYEHATEGOD,' which is the only band he plays [guitar] in. But Jimmy can write killer riffs. Our bass player Pat does. And the thing a lot of people don't know is how much Phil Anselmo is such a great songwriter and arranger, really, but he's a great riff writer. And I think three of the 10 songs on the record are pretty much his songs; every part is his. And we're, like, 'This is great.' We add a little something to it here and there."

Last fall, Windstein told "The Jasta Show", that the new DOWN album was shaping up to be "a killer, killer record."

As for his expectations for the LP, Windstein said: "It's either gonna totally be this huge thing or just flop. But if you're a DOWN fan, I don't see how you can not like it."

In August 2025, Kirk confirmed to Geoff of the Gas Masks & Hand Grenades podcast that DOWN was originally going to release a covers LP next. "It started out that way," Kirk said. "And that was the talk for quite a while, and it was kind of, like, well, if we're gonna learn all these really obscure songs, in the time it's gonna take us to learn all these fucking things and kind of make 'em our own, we could probably write originals. So we got together in January of 2024. Went to Phil's [rehearsal and recording studio]. Pepper, myself, Jimmy and Pat had gotten together and come up with a few ideas, and Phil had some stuff. We went out for three days and came back, came home, and by the time we were done, we had seven songs — not perfectly arranged."

Elaborating on the songwriting and recording process for the new DOWN material, Kirk said: "When we got together to write, the chemistry is just undeniable. It's just magic. We've known each other so long, we've jammed together for so long. And Pepper and I did something — [it was] kind of his idea, but I thought it was a pretty brilliant idea. Jimmy doesn't play to a click track, so it's harder [to keep time], especially when you're not looking at him. So, he said, 'You know what? Let's track the fucking guitars together. Let's not do one guy, then one guy. Let's pick out one section, let's make it through the whole fucking verse, and if one of us fucks up, we stop, go back and start it again.' So we're doing it, just playing together and shit. So it's got more of a live feel, because Pat and Jimmy laid the drums and bass down together, and now we're doing guitars together with the rhythm tracks and shit."

He added: "DOWN's one of the few bands — of course we use Pro Tools [recording software], but we don't do click tracks and fix shit. It's real music."

Earlier in August 2025, Kirk told The Five Count radio show in Mankato, Minnesota about the upcoming DOWN LP: "We couldn't be more excited about the material we have. The songs are extremely strong and they're very old school. They're put together really well, arranged really well, great riffs. We're real excited about it and I think the fans will be equally as excited."

In April 2025, it was announced that DOWN had signed with Nuclear Blast Records. At the time, the label said in a statement: "Nuclear Blast is proud to be in the trenches with NOLA legends DOWN as their partner in their long overdue return to the metal world. In addition, we are excited to bring some of their key past catalog releases back into the spotlight, especially on the vinyl side. There are so many longtime DOWN fans at Nuclear Blast who are excited to be working with one of their all-time favorite bands. 2026 can't come soon enough!"

DOWN headlined night one of last year's edition of the Milwaukee Metal Fest in May. The show followed the band's Western U.S. tour with DANZIG.

In April 2024, Windstein, who is also the frontman of CROWBAR, told Concrete Spew about the musical direction of the new DOWN material: "It just sounds like DOWN. I mean, it sounds refreshing because we haven't done it in so long, gotten together with me and the guys and done it in — fuck — 12 years or something. So it sounds like DOWN, I think, to me, it sounds more old-school DOWN. And the reason I say that is I think we got to a point where… Like, the 'NOLA' record is so simple, and it just wrote itself; it was so simple. And that's how this is coming about, which is great."

He continued: "We're not overthinking it. We're not trying to make things too complex. Phillip's not trying to write so many lyrics and things. We just kind of got away — I hate to say 'got away', 'cause anything we do is DOWN, but, to me, we kind of got a little bit… We needed to go back and look at each other and just go, 'Let's just get in a room and do it like we did from the beginning.' And that's what it feels like to me. It's very magical. The ideas and the working together, just bounce off of one another, it's a natural thing."

In August 2020, DOWN celebrated the 25th anniversary of "NOLA" with a special livestreamed event. Dubbed "The Quarter Century Throwdown", the high-production, multi-camera event took place using cutting-edge streaming technology to create a one-of-a-kind virtual concert experience.

A founding member of DOWN, Windstein left the band in 2013 in order to focus on CROWBAR and his family life. He was replaced by Bobby Landgraf, DOWN's former guitar tech who was previously in GAHDZILLA MOTOR COMPANY, a 1990s outfit also featuring Jason McMaster (DANGEROUS TOYS, WATCHTOWER),and HONKY.

Windstein announced his return to DOWN in 2019, with the band confirming a number of festival appearances for 2020 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of "NOLA", all of which were later canceled or postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic which swept the globe.

The supergroup hasn't issued any new original material since the arrival of the "Down IV – Part Two" EP in May 2014.

"Down IV – Part Two" sold around 10,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release in May 2014 to debut at position No. 23 on The Billboard 200 chart.

The band's previous EP, "Down IV Part I – The Purple EP", opened with around 12,000 units in September 2012 to land at No. 35.

"Down IV – Part Two" was recorded at Nodferatu's Lair — Anselmo's home studio — and produced by Michael Thompson. It was released via Down Records/ADA Music.

Videographer Dan Petry has uploaded video of DOKKEN's entire June 20 concert at the legendary Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood, California. You can watch the footage below.

Last November, DOKKEN leader Don Dokken spoke to Robert Edwards of Talkin' Bout Rock about the complications from his November 2019 neck and spinal surgery which rendered his right arm nearly paralyzed. The 72-year-old Don said: "I can't play guitar anymore, which is one of my biggest bummers, because if you see my hand, [the left hand is] fine; [the right] one doesn't move. That's all I got. So I can't play guitar anymore. It was a botched spinal surgery, and the doctor was a butcher. And so it was just one bad calamity after the other. So I said, 'Well, we'll keep going.' I can still sing."

Addressing his previous comment from an spring 2025 interview in which he said that would play his final DOKKEN concert "probably within the year", Don said: "I don't know what retirement means. When I say I'm thinking about retiring, kind of what I meant was we're gonna slow down. We don't wanna do 250 shows a year. You get older and you have other interests. You wanna be home, you wanna enjoy your career, all the success you had. You wanna be home in the garden and working and building things and stuff like that, and renovating the house. And you don't wanna live on a tour bus, 'cause we're older now… A lot of bands — KISS, I can name… There's a plethora of bands that are saying, 'All right, we had a good ride, we had fun, we were famous. Let the youngsters come in and take over.' I just saw that [David Coverdale was retiring]. David Lee Roth, he kind of comes and goes. You've got Coverdale. I mean, look, the list is endless. I think I talked to [WINGER's] Kip Winger. He's doing an orchestra album. He's gonna retire. [Former DOKKEN guitarist] George Lynch says he's gonna retire. But you know that stupid saying, you never say never, right? I mean, if we get a big festival in Europe, like Wacken [Open Air] or Sweden Rock or a big festival, we'll probably go do 'em. But it's different now. When you're 27 years old, you go on the road 'cause you have to. Otherwise you come home and your electricity's off. You go, 'Damn it, I didn't pay the electric bill.'"

Asked in an April 2025 interview with Cassius Morris if he has a timeline in mind for when he might stop playing live shows, Don said: "Probably within the year. I mean, what's Paul McCartney — in his eighties? And Mick Jagger's in his eighties, and Keith Richards is still standing up. And even Elton John now, they bring him down and they lower him down to his piano chair, for whatever reason, 'cause we're all getting up there in age. So I think the time will come that I'll announce that it's over.

"The truth is, I guess I'm a selfish person," Dokken explained. "I wanna enjoy my life. I don't want to just keep singing and writing until I drop. I wanna be in my home far away from everybody. I live on top of this mountain [in New Mexico]. No neighbors. [I've] got the dogs. It's the perfect life. And I've had a great career. I started playing at 10 years old.

"If you have to tour and you have to play because you need to pay your gas bill, I understand that," Don added. "Thank God I'm not in that position. And whenever anybody says, are you thinking of calling it a day? I just go like this [and show them the gold and platinum records on my wall]. I've got a few of 'em up there… So I think I've made my point. I think I made my point musically. And, of course, I would've wanted to keep going, but if I can't compose, I'm screwed," he said, referencing the fact that his right arm became nearly paralyzed in the aforementioned neck and spinal surgery. "I am effed."

The follow-up to 2012's "Broken Bones", "Heaven Comes Down" was produced by Bill Palmer and Don Dokken and was mixed by Kevin Shirley (AEROSMITH, IRON MAIDEN).

In August 2023, DOKKEN released the music video for the album's first single, "Fugitive". The clip was directed by Chris Eyre ("Dark Winds", "Smoke Signals") and was filmed at the popular immersive arts venture Meow Wolf in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

DOKKEN released an album called "The Lost Songs: 1978-1981" in August 2020 via Silver Lining Music. Featuring sleeve art by renowned U.S. artist Tokyo Hiro (MOTÖRHEAD, MOTLEY CRÜE),the effort contains material written and recorded by a hungry young Don Dokken as he embarked upon a journey which started in Southern California and Northern Germany.

DOKKEN's classic lineup of Dokken, Lynch, bassist Jeff Pilson and drummer Mick Brown completed a short Japanese tour in October 2016, marking the first time in 21 years the four performed together.

A DOKKEN concert DVD focusing on the band's reunion tour, "Return To The East Live (2016)", was made available in 2018.

At some of the recent DOKKEN shows, Lynch has been rejoining the band on stage to perform three of the classic DOKKEN songs: "Kiss Of Death", "When Heaven Comes Down" and "Tooth And Nail".

KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons and his solo band, GENE SIMMONS BAND, played a headlining concert Friday night (June 19) at the Alameda County Fair in Pleasanton, California. Joining them on stage for a performance of the KISS classic "War Machine" was former MACHINE HEAD and current KERRY KING guitarist Phil Demmel. Fan-filmed video of the show can be seen below ("War Machine" clip filmed and uploaded by Capital Chaos TV).

GENE SIMMONS BAND consists of Gene on bass and vocals, Jason Walker on guitar and vocals, Brian Tichy on drums and vocals and Brent Woods on guitar.

Three and a half decades ago, Demmel told Curious Goods fanzine that he was "a huge KISS fan" growing up. He explained: "On Halloween and Fourth of July, me and my friends would always get a bunch of smoke bombs and put the makeup on and put KISS concerts on in the backyard for the family picnics and stuff like that.

Back in 2020, Demmel cited KISS as "the band that made me want to be a performer."

In a recent interview with Whittier Daily News, Gene stated about his solo band: "My side band, they're killers by the way. They're multi-instrumentalists, and all sing lead. It's really a terrific idea. We don't have a manager. There are no trucks, no nothing. We just set up and play. We have the flexibility of doing requests someone may yell out. Or if we're asked if we know 'Tush' by ZZ TOP, we'll look at each other, it's the key of G, let's go and boom, you're off to the races."

He added: "We're going to do material KISS that has never done. We're going to do some stuff that maybe has never been recorded. The other thing we can do that KISS never did is pull fans up from the audience. Do you want to be a rock star? I may pull you up if you can play an instrument. Or, if it's a kid that looks like he can hold his own on stage, I'll pull him up. No rules."

During an August 2024 appearance on the Steve-O's Wild Ride! podcast, Simmons stated about his performances with his solo band: "[We're] just having a lot of fun."

He continued: "By the way, I designed a business model that is just semi-genius. I show up with my guitar pick. That's it. There's no manager, no roadies, no trucks, no equipment. Everything is provided by the promoter. The flights, the hotels, all the amplifiers, the drums, everything is rented locally. That's the promoter's cost, and whatever six-figure or more amount there is, I pocket. And I literally make more money per gig being Gene Simmons and the GENE SIMMONS BAND than I did in KISS — not counting the ancillaries and all that — because you don't have a 60-man crew, three double deckers, private jet that's on call seven days a week and 20 to 24 tractor trailers."

Simmons was born Chaim Witz in August 1949, at Rambam Hospital in Haifa to Jewish immigrants from Hungary. He was the son of Holocaust survivor Flora Klein and a father, Feri Witz, who soon abandoned his family, leaving them penniless prior to emigrating to America in search of a better life.Simmons is a serial entrepreneur, philanthropist, and media mogul. He has achieved success that reaches far beyond his music career, extending into television shows, films, publishing, merchandising, worldwide restaurants, consumer products, and more.

Gene was inspired to become a rock star when he first saw a televised performance by THE BEATLES. He formed several bands and then met fellow KISS co-founder Paul Stanley in 1970 and they formed the group WICKED LESTER. In the winter of 1972, with a desire to create the "ultimate" rock band, not just "another" rock band, Simmons and Stanley formed KISS with original band members Peter Criss and Ace Frehley. Inspired by his love of comic books and horror films, Simmons conceived the concept of his face paint. The addition of elaborate costumes, frenetic stage performances and ostentatious concert effects, catapulted KISS to international stardom and a coveted position as one of the most recognized rock and roll bands in the world.

Since their inception, KISS has developed millions of fans around the world, also known as the KISS Army. With over 100 million CDs and DVDs sold worldwide, KISS sold out stadiums and arenas around the world for five decades, breaking box-office records set by Elvis Presley and THE BEATLES.

KISS was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2014 and in 1999 received a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame. Merchandising giant Simmons's keen business acumen has expanded the KISS brand beyond the stage. With more than 5,000 licensed/merchandised items, KISS has generated more money from merchandising and trademark deals than any other band in music history.

More recently, Gene launched Gene Simmons MoneyBag soda — a new line of sodas made with all natural flavors, colors, and pure cane sugar, and packaged in painted bottles.

Simmons is renowned and sought after worldwide as a notable and opinionated media commentator on a diverse range of topics from politics to business.

In a new interview with Jonathan of Are You Ready, founding JUDAS PRIEST guitarist Kenneth "K.K." Downing once again spoke about what it was like to be honored, along with other members of his former band, at the 2022 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony. Asked if the accolade meant something to him, Downing responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Yes. At the end of the day, I have to say now, having gone there and experienced the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame and all of its grandiose production and theater and everything, that I think that it's great. It's great to have that accolade, and it's something to hold because when you get to a certain time of life, I think it's unique… Maybe just BLACK SABBATH and JUDAS PRIEST have been inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame of hardcore metal bands, so now hopefully again that can pave the way for all of the other great bands who you know to also be inducted as well, bands that deserve to be inducted, all of the other bands. And so hopefully we will see eventually ACCEPT, SAXON and all of the other metal bands that we've known and loved and grown up with, eventually that they can be in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame too."

Asked if he would like to get back on stage with JUDAS PRIEST one more time if the opportunity arose, Downing said: "Well, it's a situation now where age is a factor, a major factor for all of us. At the moment, unfortunately, Glenn [Tipton, JUDAS PRIEST guitarist] is not able to participate. I think with Rob [Halford, PRIEST singer], Ian [Hill, PRIEST bassist] and Scott [Travis, PRIEST drummer] and myself, I think that we're all okay, but I don't know. I know Rob had some issues with cancer, but I think he's okay now. But I think that it's getting very late in the day. But I think the situation is, unfortunately, that with Rob, Ian and the guys in JUDAS PRIEST now, it's absolutely not what they want. And so that is the situation."

PRIEST received the Musical Excellence Award at the 2022 Rock Hall, which honored Eminem, Dolly Parton, DURAN DURAN, Lionel Richie, Pat Benatar, EURYTHMICS and Carly Simon in the Performers category.

The JUDAS PRIEST members who got inducted include current members Halford, Hill, Tipton and Travis, along with former members Downing, and late drummers Dave Holland and Les Binks.

Halford, Hill, Tipton and Travis were joined by Binks, Downing and current PRIEST guitarist Richie Faulkner for a three-song medley consisting of "You've Got Another Thing Comin'", "Breaking The Law" and "Living After Midnight".

Downing left PRIEST in 2011 amid claims of band conflict, shoddy management and declining quality of performance.

In 2019, Downing said that he reached out to JUDAS PRIEST about taking part in the band's 50th-anniversary tour but that their response was that they were not interested in including him in the celebrations.

In 2018, Downing revealed that he sent two resignation letters to his bandmates when he decided to quit JUDAS PRIEST. The first was described as "a graceful exit note, implying a smooth retirement from music," while the second was "angrier, laying out all of his frustrations with specific parties."

Downing later said that he believed the second letter was "a key reason" he wasn't invited to rejoin PRIEST after Tipton's decision to retire from touring.

In his 2018 autobiography "Heavy Duty: Days And Nights In Judas Priest", Downing wrote that he told Tipton and PRIEST manager Jayne Andrews that he had "hated" them both "since 1985." He later explained his outburst to Classic Rock magazine: "I was angry. Glenn had formed a relationship with Jayne from day one, and it felt a bit like a John-and-Yoko situation. I didn't like that."

Tipton was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease more than 15 years ago but announced in early 2018 he was going to sit out touring activities in support of PRIEST's "Firepower" album. He was replaced by "Firepower" and "Invincible Shield" producer Sneap, who is also known for his work in NWOBHM revivalists HELL and cult thrash outfit SABBAT.

JUDAS PRIEST's current touring lineup consists of Halford, Hill, Faulkner, Sneap and Travis.

Earlier this year, Halford told Germany's Metal Hammer magazine about Downing's involvement in "The Ballad Of Judas Priest", the official documentary chronicling the 50-plus-year history of the metal pioneers: "I think that respect is still there. I think that the love and respect that we still have for each other is still there. And the fact that he's as important to JUDAS PRIEST now as he was then in telling the story, it had to be that way. It had to be that way — because he was there at the very beginning, before I even personally joined the band. So his value and the work that he created in his time with JUDAS PRIEST — the fact that we still play a lot of songs that K.K. wrote with myself and with Glenn — it's really important and vital. And I think it sends a message out to the fans and to everybody else in the metal world that even though there is a separation from being included in the band, or not in the band, when we go out in today's world, that's irrelevant. The fact that we still do have this respect for each other is important."

Pressed about the possibility of a reunion between PRIEST and Downing, Halford said: "Well, I think what he said in the documentary was simple and straightforward and eloquent, that he wasn't feeling certain things.

"When you go to work with music, you really have to wanna get on that stage," Rob explained. "You can't hold anything back. You have to be there for the right reasons. If you're not up there for the right reasons, then you don't really have the right to be on that stage. You can't just be going through the motions. If you're just going there 'cause you want the check at the end of the tour, it's none of that. It's just a really potent internal feeling that makes you wanna get on that stage and give yourself with that amount of honesty and conviction to your fans. And if you're not feeling that, then you do what K.K. did."

JUDAS PRIEST was on the ballot for Rock Hall induction in 2020, but failed to receive enough votes to make that year's class.

Having been eligible for induction since 1999, PRIEST was also on the ballot for the 2018 class of the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, but was ultimately left out of the inductee list.

In a new interview with LA Lloyd, the nationally syndicated radio host for the "LA Lloyd Rock 30", SHINEDOWN frontman Brent Smith addressed the fact that he doesn't have a physical home, opting to spend his time as a 24/7 nomad who lives exclusively in hotels. Smith, whose last home was in Thousand Oaks, California, from 2010 to 2016, explained (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "It's interesting, man. Growing up and then getting the life that I asked for to actually be a reality, I remember my parents, in the first few records and album cycles, my mom and my dad, they were still working, and there were a lot of people that said to my mom, they were, like, 'It almost seems like he's running from something.' And my mom was, like, 'No, he's running towards everything.' And she came up with that, and I think it kind of floored people. And there used to be this idea that I was homeless, and my mom was, like, 'He's not homeless. He's home free.'"

He continued: "I just look at why I choose to live the way that I do… My home is with my son, so I definitely have roots in Florida because of him. And I have roots in Tennessee. I'm in Nashville a lot. The last couple of years, I was in South Carolina with Eric [Bass, SHINEDOWN producer and bassist] pretty much all the time. And again, when I had the house out in California in 2010 to 2016, I was doing a lot out in California. I was working on a lot of different things, obviously with the band, and it made sense. And then it just got to a point where I was, like, 'I kind of did what I needed to do here. I need to move on.' And for me, I've just never, ever had an issue being on the road.

"Obviously the four of us — myself and Eric and [SHINEDOWN guitarist] Zach [Myers] and [SHINEDOWN drummer] Barry [Kerch] — are with each other a lot, and they all have home bases and things like that. But I'm also the one in the band that's doing a lot of the behind the scenes with regards to the business, and what are the next steps and how are we gonna negotiate certain things. A lot of times, just to make an impact, I will fly to where I need to go. And if it's overseas, I'll just fly overseas. I can kind of get up by living the way that I do, I can kind of move on a dime. And it just works for me. Am I saying that I'll never have a home base? No. I just don't know where that is currently."

Regarding how he goes about packing his suitcases for the road, Brent said: "I downgraded my suitcases recently. It's one of the things too, like people will say it online, they're, like, 'He wears the same thing all the time.' And I'm, like, 'Yeah, you're right.' 'Cause it works for me too.

"For me, it's pretty simple. I'm what is considered a — I am a true minimalist," he explained. "So I don't own stuff. I don't have any kind of stuff. I don't save necessarily anything unless it's from fans that we'll put in storage or in the wardrobe cases and things like that. But I really don't own anything. And, again, that just works for me. Barry is probably a bit of the overpacker and has all these very meticulous things in the way that he does certain things, so he's a little bit more of that. There's a lot of, I think, creature comforts that he has to have, so he does things a specific way. Zach had a shoecase built for tour, so that tells you that right there. But Zach kind of has his very specific things that he likes and how he puts things together. Eric's probably a little bit more like me, where he kind of comes out kind of minimalistic. Eric kind of wears the same thing as well on a daily basis; he doesn't really change it up.

"I think more than anything we've learned over time to not overpack," Brent continued. "Because a lot of times, too, when you're out here… The beautiful thing about being on tour is you're — I mean, yeah, and you gotta pay for it, but you can pretty much, when you're out here, just send somebody out to get whatever you need.

"Tour is not the real world," Smith added. "It's kind of an interesting place to live in. It's a lot of hard work. But you kind of learn what you can facilitate out here and how you pack. Over the years I think that the four of us have all kind of — I think everybody's learned to be a little less of pack rats, 'cause you can kind of grab whatever you need while you're out here."

SHINEDOWN's latest album, "Ei8ht", arrived on May 29 via Atlantic Records. The LP was produced by Bass at his Big Animal Studio in Charleston, South Carolina.

SHINEDOWN recently announced a massive "Dance, Kid, Dance Act II" world tour, taking the band to 11 countries across 54 dates, including stops throughout North America and Europe at some of the world's biggest venues.

Joining SHINEDOWN on the massive worldwide tour are COHEED AND CAMBRIA, BLACK STONE CHERRY, FROM ASHES TO NEW, DJ Rock Feed and THOSE DAMN CROWS on various dates.

BEARTOOTH has shared a new single, "Bullshit", the latest track from the band's forthcoming album "Pure Ecstasy", due August 28 via Fearless Records. The song arrives as anticipation continues to build around the band's sixth studio album and follows the previously released tracks "Pure Ecstasy" and "Free".

BEARTOOTH frontman Caleb Shomo says: "'Bullshit' is a familiar song I've written many times. I wanted to revisit the musical style that was the catalyst of so much healing and discovery in my earlier years of BEARTOOTH. It's an exercise in letting the truth out about what you're sick of in your own life. Sometimes the easiest way to deal with something is to yell about it as loud as you can. Can confirm, it felt as amazing to do this exercise now as I'd did when I was 19."

Marking the band's sixth album and first release with Fearless, "Pure Ecstasy" finds Shomo pushing the group further than ever before across 11 massive tracks that channel both the chaos and clarity of hard-won personal growth.

Following the chart-dominating success of 2023's "The Surface" — which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's Alternative and Hard Music charts and produced the No. 1 rock radio hits "Might Love Myself" and "I Was Alive" — BEARTOOTH entered a new creative and commercial stratosphere. "Pure Ecstasy" builds on that momentum while expanding the band into even more ambitious territory, capturing Shomo reckoning with both the darkest and brightest parts of himself in real time.

The title track lays everything bare from the first note, setting the tone for an LP built on confronting every high and low without flinching, while Shomo describes "Free" as "the most honest depiction of my soul I will most likely ever make."

That honesty has always been the foundation of BEARTOOTH. Since emerging from Shomo's Ohio basement in 2013, the band has transformed anxiety, depression, anger and self-destruction into cathartic modern rock anthems that resonate with millions worldwide. From the gold-certified "Hated" and platinum "In Between" to over 1.3 billion streams globally, sold-out tours, and a recent run supporting BAD OMENS on their arena tour, BEARTOOTH's rise has mirrored the growing mainstream dominance of modern heavy music itself.

But "Pure Ecstasy" represents something different. Bigger and more collaborative than any previous BEARTOOTH album, the record finds Shomo stretching himself toward a new level of vulnerability — and for the first time he didn't do it alone. Early songwriting contributions from Skyler Accord (ISSUES, TWENTY ONE PILOTS, BILMURI) helped shape early tracks. Meanwhile, working alongside Fish (BRING ME THE HORIZON, POPPY, ARCHITECTS) cracked Caleb fully open, pushing a rawer examination than ever before. The collaborative spirit continued throughout the recording process as well: bassist Oshie Bichar, guitarists Zach Huston and Will Deely, and drummer Connor Denis — who have evolved into a formidable live unit around Shomo — all played larger roles than ever before. "Pure Ecstasy" also marks the first BEARTOOTH album where Shomo did not perform every instrument himself, with Denis performing drums across the record during sessions at NRG Recording Studios.

For years, BEARTOOTH turned pain into anthems shouted back at the world. "Pure Ecstasy" captures what happens on the other side of that fight: not perfection or peace, but the possibility of freedom.

"Pure Ecstasy" track listing:

01. Pure Ecstasy
02. Eyes Closed
03. Bullshit
04. Beautiful Again
05. Stadiums
06. Free
07. Sorry
08. Lose You To Find Me
09. You
10. For Me By Me
11. Made It

BEARTOOTH will support "Pure Ecstasy" with a massive world tour that kicks off September 17 in Europe. The North American leg begins on November 11 in Boston and includes stops at New York City's Hammerstein Ballroom on November 12 and the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles on December 18. Special guests DON BROCO, MAGNOLIA PARK and WINDWAKER are the support for all dates.

Photo credit: Ashley Osborn

British rock icons SKUNK ANANSIE have released a brand-new remix of the stunningly emotional song "Meltdown", which originally appeared as the closing track of last year's Top 10 album "The Painful Truth", out now via FLG.

SKUNK ANANSIE lead singer Skin explains: "'Meltdown' is this deeply heartbreaking song about isolation. It's one of the few SKUNK songs that doesn't have a beat making it a perfect end to the album. We wanted to do a version that grooved a bit so we called up our friend Nick Sheldon [BLACKHILL] to add that flavor and we love what he's done. Hope you do too."

Check out the visualizer for "Meltdown (Blackhill Remix)" below.

The song, released on the same day as the emancipation of black Americans and is remembered with the Juneteenth holiday, becomes transformed from a sparsely ethereal, vocal-led piece of minimalist piano music into a club-based anthem. Despite the sadness of the lyrics, its new and upbeat musical backing is celebratory and destined to ring out across sound-systems from New York to Ibiza.

The new track's parent album, "The Painful Truth", is a mesmerizing, provocative, powerful and emotional collection, which was greeted by rapturous reviews around the world on its release at the end of May 2026. And to mark that recent one-year anniversary, a brand-new limited-edition zoetrope vinyl version of the album will be released on October 9 via FLG.

SKUNK ANANSIE is currently on a co-headlining tour of the U.K. with Garbage, with further U.K. shows this summer alongside both Alanis Morrissette and MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE. They also have extensive tour dates across Europe.

Photo credit: Rob O'Connor