Hailed by Rolling Stone as “the Beatles of heavy metal” and ranked by MTV as the “Greatest Metal Band of All Time,” Black Sabbath not only dominated the genre - they helped create it. Founded in 1969, the band’s distinctive heavy riffs, tuned down guitars, and apocalyptic lyrics were a stark contrast to the era’s popular feel-good pop, upbeat Motown, and earnest folk music. Their ominous new sound struck a chord. To date, Black Sabbath has sold more than 70 million records worldwide.


In Into The Void: From Birth To Black Sabbath-And Beyond (Dey Street: On sale: June 18, 2024), now in trade paperback, Geezer Butler tells his side of the story - and the story of his life before and after the band’s rise to fame and notoriety. With honesty, Butler writes of his childhood in Luftwaffe-battered Birmingham, England, as one of seven in a working-class Irish Catholic family, and his disillusionment with organized religion and class systems in his late teens, which would influence the lyrics and artistic themes that made Black Sabbath a sensation. From his awakening to the power of music—and his bold decision to change his career path from accountant to bassist - Butler takes readers behind the scenes of Black Sabbath’s roots, rise, and struggles. Even longtime fans of the band are bound to learn something fresh and surprising as Geezer himself recounts:


• How in 1968 he formed the Polka Tulk Blues Band with guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, and vocalist John “Ozzy” Osborne, and forged a revolutionary creative collaboration.




• The origin story of Black Sabbath. By 1969, Polka Tulk had become Earth, but kept getting mistaken for another group with the same name. Geezer suggested an original name, “Black Sabbath,” after one of their songs, which he co-wrote the lyrics for partly inspired by a nightmare of a black silhouetted figure standing at the foot of his bed.


• Notable appearances with Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Frank Zappa, and The Who, and includes a groundbreaking dedication to creating the rock music equivalent of a horror film, with dark elements of the occult.


• The stories behind Black Sabbath’s biggest hits, including War Pigs,” “Iron Man,” and “Paranoid,” and important later years, culminating with their last studio album, reuniting three of the original members, and last live performance on February 4, 2017, in Birmingham.


Featuring 30 photos from Geezer’s personal collection - some never-before-published - "Into The Void" is both an effusive tribute to one of rock’s most exciting bands and an intimate memoir of a trailblazing musician.


Find pre-order options here.





About the Author:


Terence Michael Joseph “Geezer” Butler, best known as the longtime bassist and main lyricist for Black Sabbath, is one of the most influential bassists in heavy metal and regarded as a “founding father” of the genre. In 2006, he reformed the “Dehumanizer”-era Black Sabbath with guitarist Tommy Iommi, vocalist Ronnie James Dio, and drummer Vinny Appice as Heaven & Hell. In 2017, he took a short hiatus from music to travel and write. In 2018, he joined the British- American rock band Deadline Ritual, composed of founder and drummer Matt Sorum (Guns N’ Roses), vocalist Franky Perez (Apocalyptica), and guitarist Steve Stevens (Billy Idol). A native of Aston Birmingham, England, he makes his home in Nevada and Utah with his wife Gloria Butler, who manages Geezer and co-managed Heaven & Hell. They live with their three cats and dogs.

Metal Blade Records has announced the signing Oxnard, California crossover collective Dead Heat to its iconic roster.


Forged in 2016 in, Dead Heat is known for their high-energy live performances and aggressive sound that draws influence from various subgenres of thrash, punk, hardcore, and metal. Dead Heat's music is characterized by fast, thrashy riffs, driving rhythms, harmonious leads, and intense vocals that often veer into screamed or shouted terrain. Thematically, the band delves deep into social and political issues, as well as personal struggles and experiences.


In addition to crafting pulverizing music, the Dead Heat crew is notorious for their DIY approach to punk/metal culture and their involvement in the broader hardcore scene. The band members are regularly involved in booking shows and events in their local scene, as well as supporting various social and political causes.




Comments vocalist Christian Ramos of the band's union with Metal Blade Records, "To be part of a label that has put out some of our favorite records and has had some of our favorite artists is without words an absolute honor!"


Adds rhythm guitarist Justin Ton, "We're on the same label that birthed Slayer and put Metallica on the map. It's an honor."


States Metal Blade's Ryan Williams; US A&R, "Dead Heat fucking slays; it's an honor to welcome them to the Metal Blade family."


Over the course of their eight-year existence, Dead Heat has released a split with New York heavyweights Mindforce, two full-length albums, and several EPs including their most recent EP, Endless Torment, issued in 2023 on Triple B Records and Tankcrimes to critical acclaim. 





Dead Heat has toured extensively, playing shows across the United States, Europe, and Japan. The band will play a one-off show supporting Bodycount later this month before joining Drain, Terror, Angel Dust, and End It for a short run of shows in June. In July, the band will bring their onstage bedlam to European stages. The latest stretch of live dates follow the band's successful run supporting Municipal Waste, Ghoul, and Necrot on the inaugural Brainsqueeze Tour earlier this year.


Dead Heat:
Justin Ton - rhythm guitar
Ricky Garcia - lead guitar
Chris Ramos - vocals
Yogi - drums
Vince - bass/ rhythm guitar
Chonch - bass


(Photo – Luis Hernandez)

The US melodic power metal band Millennial Reign has released a lyric video for their new single "Wandering", the second single from their new album World On Fire. The single is available on all digital platforms and a lyric video is available below.          


World On Fire will be released on CD, limited vinyl editions and digital via Ulterium Records on June 14.


After completing their previous album The Great Divide, plus all show and festival commitments, Travis Wills (Crimson Glory, Infidel Rising) stepped down as fill in vocalist for the band. The band found their new full time vocalist in Tiffany Galchutt, a fantastic female vocalist with an impressive range and tons of experience from performing with bands around the Dallas, TX area. Pedro Cortes also stepped in as the band's new drummer alongside current members Neil Bertrand (bass) and Dave Harvey (guitars, band founder).




Millennial Reign have over the years shared stage with bands like Accept, Stryper, Delain, Sonata Arctica, Hammerfall, Petra, Y&T, Theocracy and many others, and also played at Exodo Fest in Mexico twice. Last year they played their debut show in Europe at Elements of Rock in Switzerland together with Majestica, Wytch Hazel and others.


World On Fire was recorded, mixed and mastered by Dave Harvey at The Upper Room Studio and the artwork was created by Jan Yrlund (Battle Beast, Apocalyptica, Delain).


The new album has everything you expect from Millennial Reign, and more! Powerful vocals, impressive musicianship, a solid production, epic symphonic elements, memorable melodies and uplifting lyrics! The album should be perfect for fans of power metal, melodic metal and female fronted metal bands. Led by vocalist Tiffany Galchutt and with a really strong new album behind them Millennial Reign are ready to hit the stage and show the metal scene that they are a force to be reckoned with.





Tracklisting:


“Exousia”
“Bring Me To Life”
“Wandering”
“Trust”
“We Follow On”
“Eternity”
“Parousia”
“Crack The Eastern Sky”
“Tongues Of Fire”
“World On Fire”
“Onward To Victory”
“Allied Forces”


"Wandering" lyric video:





"Bring Me To Life" video:

In a new interview with Tom Power, host of "Q" on Canada's CBC Radio One, SYSTEM OF A DOWN singer Serj Tankian, who is promoting his memoir, "Down With The System", was asked about how his relationship with the band's primary songwriter, guitarist Daron Malakian, has evolved over the years, particularly as it relates to their collaborative partnership. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Well, changing the dynamic is basically years of time and the progression of the band, the success of the band, everything that happened in between the day that we met and now, basically, so 25, 30 years. A lot changes in that time. And so I think that's a part of it.

"Daron's been a lifer and he's incredibly serious about his music and he's incredibly protective of his music and vulnerable due to his music," Serj explained. "All of those things kind of go together. So it's those things, I think, that created some of the creative differences that we started finding. And it's also our progression. Listen, when Daron and I started working together, I didn't really write a lot of instrumental music — I mostly wrote lyrics; I was the lyricist; I was the singer. And he didn't write any lyrics; he just wrote music. But as time progressed and I played more musical instruments and I started becoming a songwriter/composer and he started writing more lyrics, we started kind of covering each other's territory. And I was okay with that. If he wrote lyrics, I was trying to encourage him to write more, because I believe in artistic growth. I believe in progression. I don't believe in things staying the same way, for music's sake. Otherwise the music becomes the same thing over and over again. That progression is necessary in every artist's life or in every group's life. So I was very encouraging of that. And I just wish that I got some of that back. And so that wasn't the case, and it was disappointing. And it became a creative difference over the band's path, and whatnot, over time."

Asked why he wanted to write about this in his book, Serj said: "A lot of it has been publicized in a very sensationalist format by media, music media mostly, and I kind of wanted to put it in a proper perspective and grounding perspective, but with love and with balance and understanding that these things happen. This is normal. You have a relationship and you have differences in opinion as [to] how you wanna go forward, whether it's a band or a marriage or whatever it is. And these things happen. And so I wanted to take that aspect out, I wanted to take the sensationalist aspect out of the whole thing and be, like, this is not only what happened, but this is how I see things."

Tankian also addressed the fact that SYSTEM OF A DOWN has toured intermittently since ending its hiatus in 2011, but has only managed to record two songs in the last 19 years, "Protect The Land" and "Genocidal Humanoidz". Released in November 2020, the tracks were motivated by the conflict between Artsakh and Azerbaijan, with all proceeds supporting humanitarian efforts in SYSTEM OF A DOWN's ancestral homeland of Armenia. Along with other donations from fans on their social pages, they raised over $600,000.

"We haven't been making new music," Serj said. "We only put out two songs when the invasion of Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh happened in 2020 by Azerbaijan, because we felt like the Azeri trolls, the government-sponsored trolls were taking over social media and the news networks, and the victims of these attacks weren't getting the word out. So we became kind of obsessed with getting the word out, because we were seeing our people suffer. So we put out those two songs because of that and we donated a lot of the proceeds for that to the cause as well."

Asked how he balances the love and obligation he might feel toward his fans, those who love SYSTEM OF A DOWN, and the internal struggles within the band, Tankian said: "That's an incredibly smart question. It's really hard catering — when you're an artist, it's really hard catering. If you're an entertainer, catering is [what you do], but if you're an artist, then you're just creating what comes to you. You're almost unaware of what people want. Yes, if it's something heavier, you know people are gonna like it more. But if you're a good songwriter, you could do both. I do orchestral music, I do film music, I do rock music — I do it all. So I enjoy 'em all, but I know that if I do rock, more people are going to listen to it than a piano, instrumental orchestral piece of music, soundtrack kind of music. But it doesn't mean that you don't do both, as an artist. So it's hard to really cater to people's feelings. What I love is, and I know that I can speak for the rest of the guys in the band, that no matter what's going on with our creative difference or the band not making new music or not touring fully or whatever, everyone's incredibly appreciative of what we have in terms of the love that we get from our fans and the way that people react to our music and the way that we get all these e-mails about how it's changed people's lives and all of that stuff, and that is mind-blowing. It's the biggest honor. And when I meet people on the street, I'm still incredibly honored that someone would pick me out and look at me in a positive light, not knowing who I am personally, but knowing me through my music, through our music, let's say. And I think that's a great fucking honor. I feel blessed for it. But it doesn't mean that that thing should continue forever either."

SYSTEM OF A DOWN played its first live show in 11 months on April 27 as one of the headliners of the Sick New World festival in Las Vegas, Nevada for the second year in a row.

"Down With The System" is being released today (Tuesday, May 14) via Hachette Books.

Malakian has resurrected his SCARS ON BROADWAY project for its first live appearances in five years: October 5 at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles as the support act for KORN, and October 11 at the Aftershock festival in Sacramento, California.

Earlier this month, Tankian was asked in an interview with the LiveSigning YouTube channel if SYSTEM OF A DOWN fans can expect to see him and his bandmates on tour at some point in the future. Serj said: "I love performing, but especially the long [tours]… I think when you do a long tour, it's not just physically exhausting, but it's artistically redundant after a while, repeating the same thing. That's why we're really enjoying doing these one-offs. They're special events, special occasions. We can't do them everywhere. We can't do them all the time. But performing becomes fun again in a way. And I had kind of lost that. And not just because of that reason, but I also had some back problems, back surgery and things that were hindering me from performing. I'm much better now. I exercise better, all of that stuff, so a lot of that's been worked out. As far as touring somewhere in the near future? Possibly, I would say. I mean, I'm open to looking at stuff, but not thrilled about doing long tours at all, anywhere, just one-offs, or maybe a handful of one-offs with dates in between, personally."

CROWNSHIFT, the new band featuring members of NIGHTWISH, CHILDREN OF BODOM, WINTERSUN and FINNTROLL, played its first concert ever last night (Wednesday, May 15) at Tavastia in Helsinki, Finland. Fan-filmed video of the show can be seen below.

CROWNSHIFT released its self-titled debut album on May 10 via Nuclear Blast Records.

CROWNSHIFT's members are or have been involved in some of Finland's most renowned and universally beloved metal bands, including NIGHTWISH, CHILDREN OF BODOM, WINTERSUN and MYGRAIN, and it shows. On their first album, CROWNSHIFT have managed to combine their collective experiences and have crafted a modern metal masterpiece that sounds distinctively Finnish and offers stellar songwriting and excellent production.

"Crownshift" track listing:

01. Stellar Halo
02. Rule The Show
03. A World Beyond Reach
04. If You Dare
05. My Prison
06. The Devil's Drug
07. Mirage
08. To The Other Side

Born as the longtime idea of four friends, CROWNSHIFT's members come from the ranks of Finland's finest exports such as NIGHTWISH, CHILDREN OF BODOM, WINTERSUN and FINNTROLL, are thrilled to start a new journey together and spread their authentic sonic print across the globe.

Seamlessly covering a diversity of styles, the quartet has a unique signature to their modern sound. Hypnotizing melodies paired with ripping riffs, from moody mid-tempo songs to fierce prog-death-metal opuses, CROWNSHIFT was born to be master of all trades.

Their forthcoming debut album will undoubtedly be a showcase of relentless ambition that will take you through a wide musical spectrum, with no compromises or boundaries, proving that the band are on a quest to put a striking mark on the map.

CROWNSHIFT commented: "We're super happy to start this new chapter in our career with Nuclear Blast. Their history, reputation and devotion as a metal label is incomparable and it is a privilege to embark on this exciting journey together."

Nuclear Blast Records added: "It's a pleasure to start working with this highly talented group of musicians.

"We wouldn't call it an all-star band but it's a five-star result of their collective experience from various bands. And sometimes it takes a while until the right musicians are coming together and find the perfect chemistry. Jukka, Heikki and Daniel already played together in the last NORTHER lineup until 2012. Since then, they went different ways but always crossed each other's paths, and finally came back together as CROWNSHIFT with the addition of the amazing vocal talent of Tommy Tuovinen from MYGRAIN.

"Their music is, of course, rooted in the very unique style of Finnish melodic death metal, but CROWNSHIFT enrich it with their admiration for Devin Townsend, both his raging STRAPPING YOUNG LAD era, as well as the epic prog side, and combine it with a timeless yet modern heaviness similar to the most impressive aspects of metalcore and bands such as KILLSWITCH ENGAGE. Sounds ambitious? Yes, but that's what it' s all about: being ambitious. Welcome CROWNSHIFT!"

CROWNSHIFT recently joined the roster of Till Dawn They Count Ltd management (NIGHTWISH, BEAST IN BLACK, SONATA ARCTICA).

CROWNSHIFT is:

Tommy Tuovinen: Vocals
Daniel Freyberg: Guitar, Backing Vocals
Jukka Koskinen: Bass
Heikki Saari: Drums

Richie Kotzen has premiered the official music video for his hard-driving new single "Cheap Shots". The clip was directed and choreographed by Emmy Award winner Jeff Wolfe and pulls no punches and delivers knockout hooks throughout. "Cheap Shots" is part of Richie's new full-length solo album, to be released later in the year.

"The video was directed by my good friend Jeff Wolfe who had a visual concept after hearing the song," explains Kotzen. "In addition to being a talented director, he is also an accomplished actor and stuntman, so he had the eye for bringing those boxing scenes together. Although the song isn't about boxing per se, I thought it was a good visual to go along with the idea of someone constantly taking what we may call 'cheap shots' in order to bring you down."

When "Cheap Shots" was first released on May 1, Kotzen stated about the track: "I really never know how, when or where inspiration will strike for a song idea. I never try to force anything because I know ultimately at some point in time life will hand you a situation and for a guy like myself that is the perfect spark. I'm not someone that likes to outwardly go at it with someone if I feel I was wronged but I certainly use my creative outlet as a song writer to exercise that stuff out of me so I never find myself carrying around resentment or bad vibes. So if someone does you wrong, multiple times, then we're done here. You're your own worst enemy. I've tried to help and now I'm a target? Nope… No thanks… I'm off the bus. My attitude is 'Get it out! Throw it in the trash where it belongs.' Move on and forget 'em! That is really where the song is coming from."

The single came together very quickly in March 2024 after a trip back to Kotzen's original hometown of Reading, Pennsylvania.

"It has been quite a while since I have released new solo music and I feel very fulfilled to have come to a place where I've got new music I believe in," continued Kotzen. "Although I find myself writing all the time not always do I feel compelled to share the work. When the story for 'Cheap Shots' came to me, I knew I had the perfect lead track to follow up where I left off from my previous record.

"Of course I'm thrilled to be able to say I've got a new song for you but I'm equally overjoyed to announce the upcoming live dates. In fact, the timing is perfect as we embark on an extensive European tour in June which will end in the U.K. on July 13th at London's Islington Assembly Hall. And these dates will most likely spill into a North American fall tour as well."

Ahead of Kotzen's European tour, he plays two warm-up shows in Southern California in mid-May. Full tour dates are below. Tickets and VIP package links at richiekotzen.com.

USA:

May 17 - The Canyon Montclair, Montclair, CA
May 18 - The Canyon Agoura Hills, Agoura Hills, CA

Europe:

Jun. 04 - Batschkapp, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany
Jun. 05 - Colos-Saal, Aschaffenburg, Germany
Jun. 06 - Rosenhof GmbH, Osnabrück, Germany
Jun. 08 - Sweden Rock Festival 2024, Sölvesborg, Sweden
Jun. 09 - Pumpehuset, København, Denmark
Jun. 11 - Victory Podium, Alkmaar, Netherlands
Jun. 12 - Turbinenhalle Oberhausen, Oberhausen, Germany
Jun. 13 - Metropool, Hengelo, Netherlands
Jun. 14 - Le Forum, Vaureal, France
Jun. 16 - Sala Riviera, Madrid, Spain (SOLD OUT)
Jun. 17 - La Salamandra, Barcelona, Spain
Jun. 20 - Rock Imperium Festival 2024, Cartagena, Spain
Jun. 22 - Crossroad, Angoulins, France
Jun. 24 - Garage, Saarbrucken, Germany
Jun. 25 - Große Freiheit, Hamburg, Germany
Jun. 26 - F-Haus, Jena, Germany
Jun. 28 - Backstage Halle, Munich, Germany
Jun. 29 - Amphiteatre, Sokolov, Czechia
Jun. 30 - Charita Olomouc, Olomouc 9, Czechia
Jul. 01 - Collosseum Club, Košice I, Slovakia
Jul. 04 - Dürer Kert, Budapest, Hungary
Jul. 05 - Majestic Music Club, Bratislava I, Slovakia
Jul. 06 - Metal Park 2024, Romano D'ezzelino, Italy
Jul. 07 - Dynamo, Zürich, Switzerland
Jul. 10 - Limelight, Belfast, United Kingdom
Jul. 11 - Opium Live, Dublin 8, Ireland
Jul. 13 - Islington Assembly Hall, London, United Kingdom

Kotzen has performed on some of the biggest stages in the world since he first signed a deal with Shrapnel Records in 1988 as a guitar prodigy. He began releasing records both as a solo artist and in multi-platinum bands POISON, MR. BIG and THE WINERY DOGS. Now known also as a prolific songwriter and one half of acclaimed duo SMITH/KOTZEN with IRON MAIDEN's Adrian Smith, Richie's ever-growing back catalogue (including more than 20 solo albums) ensure that his fans around the world are constantly treated to his prodigious talent both recorded and live.

Photo credit: Travis Shinn

Fishman Music has shared a six-and-a-half-minute video in which SLIPKNOT guitarist Mick Thomson discusses the beginning stages of the band and what led the Iowa masked metallers to being a multi-platinum, award-winning powerhouse. Mick also gives an inside scoop to how the band started wearing their iconic masks.

Regarding how SLIPKNOT was formed, Thomson said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Before SLIPKNOT, Paul [Gray, late SLIPKNOT bassist] and Andy [former singer Anders Colsefni] and I — Andy was our original singer of SLIPKNOT — were in a band called BODY PIT, a death metal band. And they just lost their drummer. They got me in the band, and the drummer and other guitar player left, so we were looking for a drummer. So we were writing songs — me, Paul and Donnie [Steele, former SLIPKNOT guitarist and bassist], we were working on stuff, and I actually got some things on a four-track that never really ended up going anywhere. But we'd written them. So we were doing that stuff, and we were looking for a drummer. Well, at the same time, our gear is there where we were practicing, which was our singer's house, Andy. So, Clown [percussionist Shawn Crahan] would come over. He knew Andy. Clown comes over and starts playing with Paul and Andy, jamming stuff in the basement on the BODY PIT stuff, really — it was where BODY PIT practiced. We didn't have a drummer, so there was some down time when they started doing that stuff. And then that's kind of how that started. Paul and Andy were doing it with Clown. I didn't know Clown, really; I'd met him before. And Paul and Andy and I were in this thing. So it was them just dicking around with a friend of theirs. It was separate; [they were doing] different music. And then we never really… How are we gonna find a technical death metal drummer in Des Moines? [Late SLIPKNOT drummer] Joey [Jordison]. But Joey didn't wanna do it. But Joey did wanna do the SLIPKNOT stuff with Andy and Paul and Clown. So, that's kind of how that went. Our band died. See, Joey was in a band with our other guitar player on the first record, Josh [Brainard], and Craig [Jones], who did our sampling stuff. They were both the guitar players in Joey's band. So it's kind of like you took me, Paul, Andy, Joey, Josh and Craig, and threw those bands together and then added Clown. Clown was kind of the — he was the pivotal thing on that, because basically you had two bands that sort of broke up around him, and reformed around that idea. So I guess, in a way, it's like two different bands sort of dissolved and turned into the other thing. We never really looked at it like that, because just the chronology and the way it happened and it wasn't the intent. What's funny, though, is we went around and broke up another band — we broke up Corey's [Taylor, SLIPKNOT singer] band [STONE SOUR] by stealing him. And then we eventually needed another guitar player, so we got Jim [Root] from Corey's band to come in. So, yeah, it was a very incestuous kind of thing. We basically just went around and screwed up people's bands and shit."

SLIPKNOT has played three shows so far with new the band's new drummer, former SEPULTURA sticksman Eloy Casagrande: April 25 at Pappy + Harriet's in Pioneertown, California, April 27 at Sick New World in Las Vegas, Nevada and May 12 at Welcome To Rockville in Daytona Beach, Florida.

For all three gigs, SLIPKNOT adopted a classic look, bringing back the 1999 red jumpsuits and elements of their early masks into their modern versions, tying into the fact that SLIPKNOT is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

After parting ways with Jay Weinberg last November, SLIPKNOT teased fans with a hint about a new drummer two months ago, posting a photo of a single broken drumstick online with the caption "Rehearsal."

The band explained in a statement that the split with Weinberg was a creative decision. Jay followed up with a statement of his own, saying that he was "heartbroken and blindsided" by his dismissal.

Weinberg has since joined SUICIDAL TENDENCIES and INFECTIOUS GROOVES.

Casagrande abruptly quit SEPULTURA three months ago, shortly before he was supposed to begin rehearsals for the band's recently launched 40th-anniversary farewell tour.

Casagrande joined SEPULTURA nearly 13 years ago as the replacement for Jean Dolabella.

SLIPKNOT's latest album "The End, So Far", arrived in August 2022. It marked the band's the last full-length LP before the departure of both keyboardist Craig Jones, who left the group in June 2023, and Weinberg.

Grammy-winning rock titans, Halestorm, have today surprised fans by releasing new 18-track live album, Live At Wembley, recorded at their biggest headline show to date, held at London's OVO Arena Wembley on December 9, 2023. The setlist traverses the band's widely acclaimed catalogue, including scarcely played song "Takes My Life" from their 2006 EP One And Done.


Fans can relive the magic of the astounding show via the accompanying full concert video, playing now below. The digital-only album is available immediately for download or streaming. Get it here.


Firecracker frontwoman Lzzy Hale comments, "‘Ello Wembley, and hello world! We are so happy to share this amazing moment with you at last! To Sell Out Wembley is a right of passage, and this one was a huge milestone on the ever stretching Halestorm Highway. We’ve been the same band mates and best friends for over 20 years, so this moment was personal for us. What a gift to be able to do the thing you love, with the people you love, on the same stage where so many of your idols have graced before you. Thank you to our entire team, family, and all the fans for bringing this night to life!"







Live At Wembley tracklisting:


"I Miss The Misery"
"Love Bites (So Do I)"
"I Get Off"
"Wicked Ways"
"Freak Like Me"
"Amen"
"Terrible Things"
"Rock Show"
"Familiar Taste Of Poison"
"Takes My Life"
Drum Solo
"Back From The Dead"
"Bombshell"
"I Am The Fire"
"Break In - Shatter Me"
"Raise Your Horns"
"Here's To Us"
"The Steeple"





(Photo -  Jason Stoltzfus)

Metallica’s latest album, 72 Seasons, has been out for more than a year, but it’s not slowing down, reports Forbes. The hard rock outfit’s recent set is still producing hit singles, with one particular cut rising on several charts this frame. Their current smash even manages to reach the #1 spot on one of Billboard’s radio tallies, and as it does, the group makes history.


“Screaming Suicide” rises to #1 on this week’s "Mainstream Rock Airplay" chart. Billboard publishes that list to show which tracks earn the largest number of audience impressions across radio stations throughout the US that play a form of rock that’s known simply as “mainstream.” That’s a fairly vague description, but for the most part, these stations focus on harder style - though the tally isn’t too restrictive.


Metallica has now scored 14 #1 smashes on the radio ranking. With one more leader to their credit, the hard rock band breaks a tie with one act and matches with several others. They now jointly claim the third-most #1 hits in the history of the tally.




“Screaming Suicide” helps Metallica tie with two of the biggest bands in the rock world whose names happen to begin with F. Five Finger Death Punch and Foo Fighters have also both topped the Mainstream Rock Airplay chart with 14 tracks.


Read more at Forbes.com.

Today, Night Laser shares a new single from their forthcoming studio album, Call Me What You Want, out May 24 via Steamhammer/SPV. The track is entitled "Don't Call Me Hero" and is accompanied by a new music video.


While there are many reasons this new album impresses, the band is especially proud of the teamwork that went into Call Me What You Want.


Bassist Robert Hankers enthuses: “In contrast to our previous releases, this time we threw the ideas and visions of everyone involved together, mixed all the different components, and then brought out the best in every one of us at the studio. This has made the material even more versatile and multi-faceted. In our case, it was really helpful to have so many different cooks from the beginning.”







Call Me What You Want is Night Laser's most powerful and multi-faceted studio production to date. A collaborative effort between band founders and brothers Benno (vocals) and Robert Hankers (bass), new additions Felipe Zapata Martinez, Vincent Hadeler (both guitar) and drummer Ingemar Oswald, producer Dirk Schlächter (Gamma Ray, Ross The Boss) and mixing/mastering pundit Eike Freese (Deep Purple, Helloween, Simple Minds, among others).


Call Me What You Want is available via CD, vinyl, and digital download. Pre-order here.





Tracklisting:


“Bittersweet Dreams”
“Way To The Thrill”
“No More Changes”
“Don’t Call Me Hero”
“Law Of The Vulture”
“Laser Train”
“Travelers In Time”
“Captain Punishment”
“Fiddler On The Roof”
“Thin Ice” (CD bonus track)
“Über-Alman” (CD bonus track)


"Way To The Thrill" video:





“Bittersweet Dreams” video:

Devastator have released a video for "Walpurgisnacht", the new single from their Conjurers Of Cruelty album, out now via Listenable Records. Watch the clip below:





Formed in 2017, Devastator is a four-piece black thrash band from the county of Derbyshire in the United Kingdom. They released their debut album Baptised In Blasphemy in 2019 on UK label Clobber records. The album was reissued remixed and remastered with eight bonus tracks in November 2023 on Listenable.




Expanding on the raucous black ‘n’ roll attitude of the band’s debut and turning up the black metal to cacophonous levels, Devastator's sophomore release, Conjurers Of Cruelty, differs in many aspects without losing the spirit and power of the band’s debut, harnessing other avenues in extreme metal and presenting a multilayered and expansive record which explores both black metal and death metal, whilst still delivering the furious Thrash Metal assault and NWOBHM drenched force that the band has become known for.


Conjurers Of Cruelty was recorded at Godhand Studios in Derbyshire with producer Ben ‘Audiomage’ Gaines who also remixed and remastered Baptised in Blasphemy.


Pre-order bundles are available at the Listenable Records webstore.





Tracklisting:


“Beyond The Gate”
“Conjurers Of Cruelty”
“Black Witchery”
“Ritual Abuse (Evil Never Dies)”
“Walpurgisnacht”
“Necromantic Lust”
“Deathspell Defloration”
“Bestial Rites”
“Sharpen The Blade”
“Rabid Morbid Death”
“Liar In Wait”*
“Death Forever”*


*CD bonus tracks


"Black Witchery" video:





“Ritual Abuse (Evil Never Dies)”:

In a new interview with Jorge Botas of Portugal's Metal Global, KREATOR frontman Mille Petrozza spoke about the progress of the songwriting sessions for the band's follow-up to 2022's "Hate Über Alles" album. He said (a transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I'm starting [to put ideas together]. I have some demos. I have some songs. We're looking at [releasing] a new album in the beginning of '26. I have some stuff."

He continued: "I do want this next record to really crush, so I need to take my time. But on the other hand, I was thinking about it and I was talking about it with the band at an earlier stage, when we were on tour, and I remember we were saying all these songs from 'Hate Über Alles' have been lying around for so long because of the pandemic. We could have released 'Hate Über Alles' a year early. So we had some off time. And I constantly write stuff, so from that time, I have a lot of riffs. And so I have a lot of material that we can work on. And I collected some themes and I have kind of like a lyrical direction that I wanna follow, but it's not quite there yet. So '26 is a definitely a very realistic time. Maybe we [will] release a single in '25 or something and then lead it to the album."

KREATOR's fifteenth studio album, "Hate Über Alles", was released in June 2022. The follow-up to 2017's "Gods Of Violence" was recorded at Hansa Tonstudio in Berlin, Germany. Helming the sessions was Arthur Rizk, who has previously worked with CAVALERA CONSPIRACY, CODE ORANGE, POWER TRIP and SOULFLY, among others.

The "Hate Über Alles" cover artwork was created by Eliran Kantor, who has previously worked with HATEBREED, SOULFLY, TESTAMENT, ICED EARTH and SODOM, among others.

"Hate Über Alles" marked KREATOR's first album with bassist Frédéric Leclercq, who joined the group in 2019.

In March 2020, KREATOR surprise-released a new single, "666 - World Divided". The song was produced by Andy Sneap and Markus Ganter and was recorded at Hansa Tonstudios.

KREATOR played its first show with Leclercq in October 2019 in Santiago, Chile.

Before joining KREATOR, Leclercq rose to fame with U.K.-based extreme power metallers DRAGONFORCE for whom he handled bass duties from 2005 until August 2019.

In May 2023, KREATOR released a music video for the song "Conquer And Destroy" from "Hate Über Alles". The performance footage was filmed on March 4, 2023 in front of 6,000 of KREATOR's mighty hordes in their spiritual home of Essen.

KREATOR and TESTAMENT will join forces for the North American leg of the "Klash Of The Titans" tour this fall. The 33-date trek will kick off on September 12 in Reno making its way across the U.S. and will include seven Canadian dates before concluding in San Francisco on October 27. Joining the night are special guests San Francisco Bay Area death metal pioneers POSSESSED.

Photo credit: Christoph Voy

The cinematic progressive metal band, Sunburst, has released a music video for "From The Cradle To The Grave", the second single from their new album, Manifesto. The single is available on all digital platforms.





Manifesto will be released on CD, limited vinyl editions and digital via Inner Wound Recordings on June 14.




The album was produced by Sunburst and Steve Lado, who also mixed and mastered the album. Bob Katsionis performs all keyboards on the album and John K came up with the orchestral arrangements on the songs "The Flood", "Hollow Lies" and "Nocturne". The artwork was created by Sunburst vocalist Vasilis Georgiou (HALO Creative Design Lab).





Tracklisting:


“The Flood”
“Hollow Lies”
“Samaritan”
“Perpetual Descent”
“Inimicus Intus”
“From The Cradle To The Grave”
“Manifesto”
“Nocturne”


"Hollow Lies" video:

The latest episode of "The Allison Hagendorf Show" features the four members of MÖTLEY CRÜE in an unprecedented display of emotional openness and mutual admiration, marking a first in the band's storied history.

During this landmark interview, each member of CRÜE delves deep into their feelings, revealing what they cherish most about their bandmates. "It's the first time they've ever expressed these thoughts and sentiments out loud — not just to the world, but to each other," shares host Allison Hagendorf, highlighting the unique and vulnerable nature of the episode.

Hagendorf skillfully navigates this rare glimpse into the personal dynamics of one of rock's most notorious bands, making it a must-watch for fans and newcomers alike. The episode promises not only to entertain but also to shed light on the complex relationships that have propelled MÖTLEY CRÜE through decades of success.

Regarding how he prepares for a MÖTLEY CRÜE live show, singer Vince Neil said: "I do it at the gig, like a little bit before the show. 'Cause I'm always out there, like, half an hour, 45 minutes before the guys come out. I'm already on stage. I'm checking out the [setup], seeing what's going on, getting my ears going good and stuff. And that's what I really love about outdoor [shows] Everybody's out there to have a good time."

Asked if they do any training or a physical workout to stay conditioned, drummer Tommy Lee said: "I've just been doing some upper-body stuff. That's the most draining part, so for me, I try to freshen that up before we go out and play for two hours. Otherwise you get your ass kicked real quick."

Asked to name his favorite thing about Neil, bassist Nikki Sixx said: "I love Vince because he doesn't overthink things. He is our audience. When I talk to Vince about things, he won't overthink it. He'll just tell it how it is. I always appreciate I can lean on him as a friend. He's been one of my best friends forever. And without that voice, I wouldn't be sitting here today. That voice changed my life. And I get to write lyrics for this guy. And every time I write, I hear his voice. This is, I feel, such a privilege."

Hosted by renowned music journalist and media personality Allison Hagendorf, "The Allison Hagendorf Show" is your all-access backstage pass to the most intimate and electrifying sit-downs with the titans of the entertainment and music industry. This episode with MÖTLEY CRÜE follows a series of captivating interviews, including the recent headline-making sit-down with Richie Sambora (BON JOVI).

"The Allison Hagendorf Show" is produced in partnership with Danny Wimmer Presents and sponsored by functional sparkling beverage company Cloud Water.

Polish heavy metal act, Crystal Viper, will release their new studio album, The Silver Key, on June 28 via Listenable Records. It will be available as a vinyl record, compact disc, cassette, and digitally.  The album is now available for pre-order, here.


The band have released a video for the title track. Watch "The Silver Key" below.


Band leader Marta Gabriel comments: "Our second single 'The Silver Key' (which also is the title track of the new album) is one of the most epic tracks on the album, and you can clearly hear in it echoes of our heroes such as Ronnie James Dio, Tony Martin-era Black Sabbath or even Manowar. The video for this song includes footage from the studio, and which we filmed at last year's Full Metal Cruise festival, where we played 3 shows."







As all the lyrics are once again inspired by the works of the father of cosmic horror, Howard Phillips Lovecraft, The Silver Key is a natural continuation of the previous full length release, The Cult, which came out on Listenable Records in 2021. In fact, working title of the new album was The Cult II. However, The Silver Key is an album with very own identity and character, and is without a doubt the most intense release that Crystal Viper ever recorded.


The new album is heavier, faster and darker, but at the same more epic and melodic than their previous works. In the past the band was very often balancing between power metal and heavy metal, but here, there’s no doubt that we are talking about pure heavy metal. The band had very unique approach to songwriting and production, which was almost like a tribute to classic Metal acts such as Iron Maiden or Judas Priest, but except that Crystal Viper decided to show their love for the metal culture, and incorporated in their songs several new elements, characteristic for other subgenres.


So don’t get fooled by the term “female-fronted” which is usually associated with softer genres: Crystal Viper, founded and led by the vocalist and bassist Marta Gabriel (who for the last few years played rhythm guitar for the band), is simply as that METAL, and very serious about it.


The Silver Key was produced and mastered by the heavy metal veteran Bart Gabriel, and was recorded and mixed by Rafal Kossakowski. Its cover artwork was painted by respected Guatemalan artist Mario Lopez, who was also responsible for the cover artwork of the previous album, The Cult.


Like before, CD and vinyl version of the album will include different bonus tracks. "I guess everyone expected us to record another classic heavy metal cover songs, but we have decided to do something unusual this time, and we recorded Bathory and Misfits covers," says Marta Gabriel. "Both bands had huge influence on me, Quorthon was an amazing composer, and I actually even named my horse after him! And as our new album has both this very in-your-face energy and horror vibes, we thought that the Misfits song will also be a very good choice" she adds.





The Silver Key tracklisting:


"Return To Providence"
"Fever Of The Gods"
"Old House In The Mist"
"The Key Is Lost"
"Heading Kadath"
"Book Of The Dead"
"The Silver Key"
"Wayfaring Dreamer"
"Escape From Yaddith"
"Cosmic Forces Overtake"
"Gods Of Thunder Of Wind And Of Rain" - CD bonus track
"Scream!" - LP bonus track


"Fever Of The Gods" video:





The album will be promoted on a European headlining tour, on which Crystal Viper will be joined by the US heavy metal act, Savage Master.





Tour dates:


September
21 - Zabrze, Poland - CK Wiatrak *


October
4 - Wurzburg, Germany - Keep It True Festival
6 - Salzburg, Austria - Rockhouse
8 - Berlin, Germany - Lido
9 - Copenhagen, Denmark - Beta
10 - Oldenburg, Germany - MTS
11 - Hamburg, Germany - Bambi Galore
12 - Selb, Germany - Rockclub Nordbayern
13 - Ostrava, Czech Republic - Barrak
15 - Munchen, Germany - Backstage
16 - Kassel, Germany - Goldgrube
17 - Mannheim, Germany - 7er
18 - Turin, Italy - Ziggy Club
19 - Colmar, France - Le Grillen
20 - Bilzen, Belgium - South Of Heaven


* no Savage Master


Crystal Viper is:


Marta Gabriel - vocals, bass guitar, guitar, piano
Lukasz ″Andy Wave″ Halczuch - lead and rhythm guitars
Kuba Galwas - drums and percussion
Eric Juris - lead and rhythm guitars

Today, after announcing the release of her new studio album for September 20, charismatic Dutch singer/songwriter Charlotte Wessels unveiled the album’s title together with the first single.


Entitled The Obsession, the album marks Wessels’ Napalm Records debut, and while her earlier solo endeavours - full-length song compilations Tales From Six Feet Under (2021) and Tales From Six Feet Under Vol II (2022) - already gained her a remarkable number of devotees, The Obsession truly takes her solo career to the next level.


The new album promises a cohesive exploration of fear and liberation, as well as spellbinding melancholia and dark, catchy elements meeting progressive and heavier soundscapes. The storytelling within the songs gives the multifaceted album even more depth, making The Obsession an exciting listening experience and Wessels’ most mature solo offering so far.       




First single “The Exorcism” is astonishing proof of Wessels’ matchless talent and genre-bending songwriting qualities, and in addition, marks the heaviest solo offering she has released so far. Quietly drawing the listener into this sonic sphere, the song bursts into a heavy attack shortly after. It’s calm and loud, reduced and bombastic, fragile and confident alike and presents Charlotte Wessels' thrilling full vocal range - heating up the anticipation for everything that’s to come! “The Exorcism” is now available on all streaming services worldwide, and fans can now experience the official high-quality video, below.


Charlotte Wessels on “The Exorcism”: “I’ve been thinking a lot about fears and behaviours I’ve had since I was a child, and how at certain moments in life I thought I’d overcome them for good, but they’d always rear their ugly heads again in time. I keep wondering why. Did I invite them back in? ‘The Exorcism’ is a call for these demons to stay away - but also a message to myself and others facing similar challenges, to hang on – even if they don’t.”


While still writing and producing the songs in her Six Feet Under basement home studio and sharing their first incarnations with her patrons, Charlotte Wessels now takes the songs from her new album, The Obsession, to the next level with a band of her fellow ex-Delain cohorts Timo Somers (guitars, additional arrangements), Otto Schimmelpenninck van der Oije (bass) and Joey Marin de Boer (drums) as well as Sophia Vernikov (piano/hammond), contributing to the new heavier sound. The album also features arrangements by Vikram Shankar (Silent Skies, Pain of Salvation), cello by Elianne Anemaat, was mixed by Guido Aalbers (Muse, Coldplay, The Gathering) and was mastered by Andy VanDette (Porcupine Tree, VOLA, Dream Theater).             


Charlotte Wessels about the new album: "On the one hand, this album tells a very personal story – through its unintended theme of fear, obsessive thoughts and the escapes from them – and at the same time it represents the joy of finding the song's true forms with everyone involved in the making of this record. That’s why I chose The Obsession as a title. It refers to my personal challenges with OCD that inspired many of the songs - but I’ve also started referring to the band as The Obsession - because there were moments in the studio with them that truly reminded me of why I'm obsessed with making music in the first place."


Themes of fear, obsessive thoughts and escapism run rampant on the album, presenting dark and heavy on songs like “The Exorcism”, “The Crying Room” and “Ode To The West Wind” (feat. Alissa White-Gluz of Arch Enemy). In addition, there are songs that offer a more upbeat approach to the subject – like “Dopamine” (feat. Simone Simons of Epica) which deals with SSRI-induced numbness, or “Praise” – which sings the gospel of needing external validation in order to feel anything. The reimagining of fan-favorite “Soft Revolution” won’t leave a dry eye in the room, while “Soulstice” and “Serpentine” present an unprecedented dark sensuality. Each song itself functions like an exorcism, an attempt to cast out a little of the fear it deals with.    


Charlotte Wessels about the guests: “I’m extremely grateful and proud to add Simone Simons and Alissa White-Gluz to the line-up of this album. They are creative powerhouses that I have so much love and respect for. Whenever we get to work together is an absolute treat and they really elevated the songs with their performances.”








The Obsession will be available in the following formats:


- Gatefold 2-Vinyl Splatter + 2 Bonustracks (“Backup Plan” + “Breathe; Extended“), D-Side Etched – ltd. to 200 copies worldwide *Napalm Records Mailorder Only*
- Gatefold 2-Vinyl Recycled Black + 2 Bonustracks (“Backup Plan” + “Breathe; Extended“), D-Side Etched
- Gatefold 2-Vinyl Inkspot + 2 Bonustracks (“Backup Plan” + “Breathe; Extended“), D-Side Etched *Patreon Exclusive*
- Digisleeve + Shirt Bundle
- Digisleeve
- Digital Album


Pre-order here.





The Obsession tracklisting:     
        
"Chasing Sunsets"
"Dopamine"
"The Exorcism"
"Soulstice"
"The Crying Room"
"Ode To The West Wind"
"Serpentine"
"Praise"
"All You Are"
"Vigor And Valor"
"Breathe"
"Soft Revolution (2024)"


"The Exorcism" video:





(Photo - Tim Tronckoe)


 

The Troops Of Doom, the Brazilian death metal supergroup led by Jairo "Tormentor" Guedz, former guitarist of the original Sepultura lineup, will release their new single, "Dawn Of Mephisto", on Friday (May 17). A video for the song can be viewed below:





The Troops Of Doom's new studio album, A Mass To The Grotesque, will be released on May 31 via Alma Mater Records, the Portuguese label run by Moonspell singer, Fernando Ribeiro.




“Imagine a death metal world unaltered and pure since the 1990’s, a musical style so dear to the fans, that time, business and trend, could never hurt,“ death metal fan Fernando Ribeiro recommends. “Go back to the glorious time where death metal reigned supreme, thanks to some bands, artists, studios and an untameable will of progressing and delivering extreme music to its finest shape, like occult jewellery, filigree , brutal yet elegant in its overwhelming task of splitting your ears. The new Troops Of Doom album A Mass to the Grotesque, which Alma Mater Records is brutally proud to present, rescues this long forgotten death metal class. They are the flag carriers of the authentic Morrisound sound (the legendary Florida studio where this album was mixed and mastered) and they leave no stones unturned on this one. Brace yourself for the best and most authentic Death Metal album in ages!”


The Troops Of Doom was formed in 2020, during the pandemic, by the original Sepultura guitarist Jairo “Tormentor” Guedz. He recorded the albums Bestial Devastation (1985) and Morbid Visions (1986). Jairo left the band in 1987, making way for Andreas Kisser, who continues with the band to this day. The Troops Of Doom’s lineup also includes other significant figures from the Brazilian metal scene, such as guitarist Marcelo Vasco (Patria, Mysteriis), a globally renowned graphic artist known for his work with bands like Slayer, Dee Snider, Kreator, Machine Head, Soulfly, and many others. The vocalist and bassist Alex Kafer, former live guitarist for Matanza, and drummer Alexandre Oliveira, a former member of the band Tianastácia, complete the lineup.


Acclaimed by specialized media as a supergroup, The Troops Of Doom emerged to revive the classic death metal of the 80s, inspired by Sepultura’s early era with Jairo and other influential bands such as Slayer, Celtic Frost, Kreator, and Possessed. It serves as a time machine for those nostalgic for the golden age of death metal. In just two years since its formation, the band has released three EPs: The Rise of Heresy (2020), The Absence of Light (2021), and Prelude to Blasphemy (2023), along with their debut album, Antichrist Reborn, that was released in 2022 on CD, LP, and Cassette by Alma Mater Records and lauded by both fans and music press alike.


Now, the band is gearing up for the release of their highly anticipated second album, A Mass To The Grotesque, produced by André Moraes, a multi-talented musician known for his work on Sepultura’s Dante XXI and the soundtrack of the film “Lisbela e o Prisioneiro,” at Audio Porto studio in Porto Alegre/RS. The mixing and mastering of the album were done by Jim Morris at the legendary Morrisound Recording in Tampa, Florida, known for producing some of the greatest death metal classics of the 80s and 90s.


"The entire production and recording of the album were done in Brazil, while the mixing and mastering were handled by the great Jim Morris at the legendary Morrisound Recording in Florida. It's a production that completely diverges from today's standard productions. We are very proud of it," Jairo Guedz comments.


"Every aspect of this album was chosen meticulously," Marcelo Vasco adds. "What could be more intense than having the record mixed in the studio where the greatest death metal classics of the '80s and '90s were mixed? Our idea was to take the production of this album to another level. The sound breaths, it’s organic and lo-fi, oldschool as hell. It’s an experience!”


The cover art was painted by the acclaimed artist Dan Seagrave, responsible for numerous classic death metal album covers. Guedz reveals: "The title A Mass To The Grotesque carries the symbolism of a true ode to the ugly, the evil, the feared. It encompasses everything and everyone that doesn't fit into the molds of a so-called 'evolved' society, choosing to live in the shadows. A dark liturgy to the rejected and their followers, who find shelter and comfort in the absence of light and in the supposed dictatorship of the divine word, whatever it may be. The grotesque is resistance, where nothing is sacred!"


"There wouldn't be a more perfect artist to paint the album cover than the master Dan Seagrave, whose distinctive style is deeply rooted in the genre and has created numerous album covers for death metal that have become iconic and, of course, a great inspiration in The Troops of Doom's music. We are huge fans of his work," Vasco admits, "and it is a giant honor to have him as the cover artist of this new album. It's a dream come true."


Available as:


- CD Digipack
- Black LP ltd 300
- Yellow LP ltd 300


Pre-order here.





Tracklisting:


"Solve Et Coagula" - Introduction
"Chapels Of The Unholy"
"Dawn Of Mephisto"
"Denied Divinity"
"The Impostor King"
"Faithless Requiem"
"Psalm 78 - God Of Bizarre"
"Terror Inheritance"
"The Grotesque"
"Blood Upon The Throne"
"Venomous Creed"


"Chapels Of The Unholy" video:





(Photo - Cissa Flores @cissa_flores)

“Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day” the new studio album from Babylon A.D. is out today on Perris Records. Order/purchase the album here. Along with the album release, Babylon A.D. have released a brand new video for the title track “Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day” – premiered exclusively through BraveWords!





We are so excited about this release, Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day has really put the band back on the map. All the fan support, radio play and reviews we are getting from the album are so amazing. It really feels good to know We Are Back! We can’t wait to share this album on the road and the shows we have lined up this year are gonna be a blast for the band and the fans alike. - Derek Davis, Babylon A.D.




The single "Wrecking Machine" has been featured on numerous new and classic rock radio outlets across the United States, where it recently reached the Top 40 on the Mediabase Classic Rock radio charts. The single has also featured on the nationally syndicated "Alice's Attic" hosted by the legendary Alice Cooper and has received notable airplay including major market spins from the likes of WDRV & WPJX in Chicago, KSAN in San Francisco, KSLX in Phoenix, WCXS in Detroit and KLPX in Tucson.


Too early to spoil it, but I will say 2 things about the record. IMO, it blows Revelation Highway out of the water and if you like the first 2 albums you will LOVE Rome Wasn't Built In A Day. - Brian Basher, BraveWords Radio


This is truly an amazing release! A great album from start to finish... this is truly one of the highlights of 2024 so far. - Pete Eklund, Metal Impact Radio


Babylon A.D. definitely rekindled the romance of their earlier sound with Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day. - Metal Temple


This is a record that sounds just like the band back in the day, full of fire, wonderfully heavy and firing on all cylinders: with guitar and vocals that haven’t lost a thing over the decades. Some bands come back with a bang, it seems that Babylon has just gone nuclear. - The Rock Pit


Derek Davis and his Babylonians deliver the cornerstone of their catalog. Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day is a gem-riddled roof of songs that sits firmly atop the Babylon A.D. empire that has been under construction for more than three decades. - Scott Itter / Dr. Music Podcast and All Music Magazine


Babylon A.D. can’t wait to start playing the songs live and have some very exciting shows coming up, The Whisky Go A Go in June and Monsters On The Mountain in August in Gatlinburg Tennessee.





Tracklisting:


"Wrecking Machine"
"Pain"
"Sometimes Love Is Hell"
"Rome Wasn't Built In A Day"
"Looking For A Heartbeat"
"I Will Never Break Again"
"White Hot Bullet"
"Crashed Into The Sun"
"Face Of GOD"
"Shut Up"
"Super Beast"


"Wrecking Machine":






 
Album details:


Produced, Mixed, Engineered by Derek Davis @ The BADMOFO’s Recording Studio, Pleasanton, CA.
Drums recorded by Gabriel Shepard @ 25th Studios Oakland CA.
Mastered By David Donnelly, DNA Mastering Los Angeles CA.
Photos - Angela Probst - Studio A
Vintage Artwork Concept Design - Derek Davis


Band Members:


Derek Davis - Vocals, Keyboard, Guitar
Ron Freschi - Lead Guitar, Background vocals
John Mattews - Lead Guitar
Craig Pepe - Bass, Background vocals
Dylan Soto - Drums / Background vocals


Background vocals on "I Will Never Break Again" - Lane Borchard


Tour dates:


May
18 - Retro Junkie - Walnut Creek, CA


June
7 - Whisky A Go Go - Hollywood, CA


August
3 - Fulton 55 - Fresno, CA
9 – Liquid Joes – Salt Lake City, UT
10 – Wild Goose Saloon – Parker, CO
17 – The Boardwalk – Orangevale, CA
25 - Monster On Mountain - Gatlinburg, TN


September
20 - Feather Falls Casino - Oroville, CA
21 - Horsefest - Newark, CA


About Babylon A.D.:


Formed in 1987, Babylon A.D. hail from the San Francisco Bay Area, CA. Original members, Derek Davis vocalist/songwriter, guitarist's and music writers John Mathews and Ron Freschi drummer James Pacheco and bassist Rob Reid met in high school before they began playing together as "The Persuaders" making a name for themselves with their powerful live performances and catchy songwriting skills becoming one of the top drawing original Hard Rock bands in the Northern CA.


In 1989 the band changed their name to "Babylon A.D." and caught the attention of Arista Records President and industry music mogul “Clive Davis”, who signed them at a live showcase in Los Angeles thanks to their impressive three song demo and a home made video. John Mattews departed the band and was replaced by another high school friend Dan De La Rosa just before their self-titled album Babylon A.D. was released in 1990. The album included their hard rock classic hits "Bang Go The Bells”, “Hammer Swings Down” and “The Kid Goes Wild”, which featured Screaming "Sam Kinison" and was the trailer song and promotional video for Orion Pictures (Robo Cop 2). The band scored three #1 songs at Metal Radio and reached Gold status on their first release, which spent 38 weeks on the Billboard top 200, peaking at # 46. Their sophomore effort (Nothing Sacred) was produced by the legendary "Tom Werman" and released in 1992, it produced two more top-ten metal rockers. “Bad Blood” and “So Savage the Heart”. Constant touring throughout the early 1990s and several MTV videos made them one of hard rock fans favorite bands.


In 1999 the band and released Live In Your Face on Apocalypse Records, a compilation of live tracks recorded at various cities’ across America. Their next release American Blitzkrieg soon followed in 2002 and both records were well received by critics and fans alike. In 2008 the band released Babylon A.D. In The Beginning on Perris Records, a compilation of songs from the original demo tapes that secured them their recording contract with Arista Records.


After a long hiatus the band started playing and recording again in 2014. Touring across the States and Europe releasing the four song EP Lost Sessions. in 2018 John Matthews rejoined the group and the band signed with Frontiers Records for their forth studio release Revelation Highway. Four singles/ videos and more touring followed through the beginning of 2020. In 2022 original members James Pacheco and Robb Reid left the band for other pursuits remaining connected to the bands legacy and part of a brotherhood of friendship that has lasted for over 30 years!


Present Day...


Fast forward to 2023, Babylon A.D. announced new members Craig Pepe (bass) and Dylan Soto (drums) and a new live concert album Live Lightning from Perris Records. The new album included their top-ten rock-radio classic hits from their debut album as well as songs from “Nothing Sacred”, “American Blitzkrieg”, and “Revelation Highway”.


As 2024 begins the band is set to release their fifth studio album on Perris Records titled Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day on May 17. The 11 track album is classic Babylon A.D. firing on all cylinders, showcasing great songwriting talent, performances and the hard rock sound the band is known for. New videos and singles are coming and the band is currently booking and playing select live shows across the states in support of the new album.

Guitar legend Marty Friedman (ex-Megadeth) releases his new album, Drama, today (May 17) via Frontiers Music srl. Order the album here, and check out the official visualizer for the track "Triumph" below.





Marty Friedman's presence in the world of music, the world of guitar, and Japanese pop culture is mystifying, bizarre, and nothing short of inspiring. From his groundbreaking beginnings with Cacophony, alongside the legendary Jason Becker, to his pivotal role in propelling Megadeth to its peak of popularity with his breath-taking range and unorthodox melodic sense, Marty has solidified his status as a unique guitar icon.




With his latest solo album, Drama, Marty only slightly revisits the atmospheric elements of his acclaimed 1992 release Scenes, elevating them to a modern and exotic collection of epic, extravagant, and unapologetically emotional mini-symphonies.


Tracks like "Illumination" and "Mirage" transport listeners to captivating realms, evoking sudden tears and chills. The entire album spotlights Marty's mesmerizing melodies, game-changing arrangements, and heart-tugging motifs, even more than any of his previous work.


Recorded in Italy, where Marty had access to a treasure trove of vintage guitars along with his modern signature models, Drama is a pure delight for anyone who appreciates music that stirs emotions.





Tracklisting:


"Illumination"
"Song For An Eternal Child"
"Triumph" (Official Version)
"Thrill City"
"Deep End"
"Dead Of Winter" (English Vocal)
"Mirage"
"A Prayer"
"Acapella" (Guitar Solo)
"Tearful Confession"
"Icicles"
"2 Rebeldes" (Spanish Vocal)


"Illumination" visualizer:





"Dead Of Winter" video





Since moving to Japan in 2003, Marty has become a household name even beyond the world of music. Fluent in Japanese, he has appeared on over 900 Japanese TV shows of every variety, as well as motion pictures and commercials including an ad campaign for Coca-Cola / Fanta that ran for over two years. He was recently appointed an Ambassador of Japan Heritage by the Japanese government who also commissioned him to compose the "Japan Heritage Theme Song", recorded by Marty and the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra and is played at official government-related events. He has played the Opening Ceremony at the Tokyo Marathon 5 times, most recently in March 2024. Three books on Marty's life have been released in Japan and a brand-new full autobiography will be released worldwide later this year.


In addition to his legendary work with Cacophony and Megadeth, Marty has released fifteen solo albums starting in 1988 with Dragon's Kiss, and has had multi-platinum, platinum, and gold album sales awards in twenty-seven countries, achieving seven Grammy nominations to date. In recent years, Friedman has put out the distinguished, ongoing Tokyo Jukebox line, which, as the title suggests, is a series of albums featuring covers of Japanese songs starting with Tokyo Jukebox in 2009, Tokyo Jukebox 2 in 2011, and most recently, Tokyo Jukebox 3 in 2020. This series has become a go-to set for people all around the world who are fast becoming fascinated with Japan and its music.


Marty has played the Tokyo Dome, Budokan, and every major Japanese venue multiple times. He has toured Japan countless times with his solo music as well as alongside many legendary Japanese stars. Since the release of Tokyo Jukebox 3 in 2020, Marty has toured Japan twice, performed as a soloist with three major symphony orchestras, and made several TV appearances, most recently performing with Yoshiki of X Japan.


Since the pandemic, Marty and his band have toured the US twice and are planning to tour extensively for Drama.


Band Members:


Marty Friedman - Guitar
Wakazaemon - Bass
Gregg Bissonette - Drums
Mika Maruki - Piano, Keyboard & Synth
Hiyori Okuda - Cello
Miho Chigyo - Violin


Vocals on “Dead of Winter”: Chris Brooks (Like A Storm)
Vocals on “2 Rebeldes”: Steven Baquero Vargas
Bass on “Mirage”: Or Lubianiker
Rhythm Guitar on “Thrill City”: Naoki Morioka
Keys and Synth on “Sanctuary”: Takuro Iga
Drums  on “Thrill City”: Chargeeeeee


Additional recording: Yukiko Takada, Jordan Rudess, Naoki Morioka, Maki Furugaki, Chris Brooks, Matt Brooks, Kent Brooks, Brian Becvar

BON JOVI has released the official Nevil Bernard-directed lyric video for the band's new single "Living Proof". The track is taken from BON JOVI's upcoming 16th studio album, "Forever", which will arrive on June 7. The new LP is now available for pre-order where fans can find exclusive colored vinyl options, CDs, cassettes, and limited edition signed copies. An extremely limited run of Ocean Waves colored vinyl will include a one-of-a-kind instant photo of frontman Jon Bon Jovi.

"We bring back the talk box, the idea based on Peter Frampton and Joe Walsh and our using it first on 'Livin' On A Prayer'," Jon Bon Jovi said about "Living Proof". "This is a big ol' rock song just the way you like it."

"Forever" features Jon Bon Jovi once again alongside fellow founding BON JOVI members, keyboardist David Bryan and drummer Tico Torres. They are joined by bassist Hugh McDonald and guitarist Phil X.

"Forever" is a celebratory album that takes stock of the past and likes what it sees, while keeping one eye on the future. But it's also a defiant record, the most compelling evidence yet that BON JOVI — inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2018, with more than 130 million records sold and dozens of unassailable radio hits to his credit — has nothing left to prove. "Forever" features twelve new songs, including the hit lead single "Legendary".

Jon Bon Jovi's story is one of longevity. Forty years since the release of his namesake band's debut album, Bon Jovi is not only still standing, but thriving. He's stared down the toughest decade of his career — one beset by a global pandemic and his own harrowing vocal injury — to emerge with a timeless new album, "Forever", and a life-affirming discovery: Jon Bon Jovi is happy again.

"For the first time in 10 years, I have joy," Jon says. "I had lost touch with it for a number of reasons, and I'd set out to find it while writing and making this record. At the completion of the project, I realized I was at peace. I really found joy."

Produced by Jon with John Shanks, "Forever" takes stock of the past and likes what it sees, while keeping one eye on the future.

"'Forever' is an opportunity to show that you can look back with one foot firmly entrenched in the future. And that only comes with age, wisdom, and experience," Jon says.

It also helps to have people you can count on by your side. While BON JOVI's last album, the socially conscious 2020, was written almost entirely by Jon alone — "I was the narrator. It was what I saw happening when I turned on my television," he says — "Forever" is a fully collaborative effort, underscoring the bond between Jon and his band of brothers.

"It is absolutely an inclusive record," he says. "If '2020' was 'me,' this album is 'we.'"

"Legendary", which Jon debuted live at the gala honoring him as the 2024 MusiCares Person Of The Year, speaks to that union. The song is a rousing testament to the enduring relationships with his family, both those at home and in the band. "Got what I want/cause I got what I need," he sings over Torres's thumping beat, "Got a fistful of friends that'll stand up for me."

"I've come to realize in this chapter of my life that what matters is that handful of people that truly stood by your side. It's not just my band, but my wife, my kids, my longtime engineer and friend," Jon says. "Out of all this pain and suffering that I've been through in the last decade, I've wrapped my arms around all of these moments and learned that what matters is what you've got. And what I've got has been pretty good."

Jon doesn't mince words when talking about the vocal problems that plagued him beginning in 2015. He says matter-of-factly that he was singing out of tune but, for the life of him, couldn't figure out what was wrong. Finally, a doctor diagnosed an atrophying of one of his vocal cords and the singer underwent major surgery to have a permanent implant affixed to the damaged cord.

But the outcome wasn't a sure bet. To get back to singing at the level he demands, Jon committed to a rigorous daily schedule of vocal exercises. "It's been 21 months of recovery so far. There's no miracle, but there's steady progress," he says. "Recording 'Forever' in the studio in Nashville, I could take my time. And when we rehearse as a band, we make great strides. But I don't know the end game."

To listen to "Forever", though, is to hear an artist confidently in the zone. He throws himself headlong into the daring opus "Seeds", a mesmerizing composition about perseverance brought to life with rich strings and sharp metaphor. In "I Wrote You A Song" — one of those lyrical lightning bolts that came to Jon while he slept — he delivers one of the album's vocal highlights over Bryan's stark piano. And with "Walls Of Jericho", he adds the most epic arena anthem to the BON JOVI catalog since "Bad Medicine".

A pair of tracks on the album directly chronicle the band's history, which is also honestly retold in the four-part Hulu documentary "Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story". "We Made It Look Easy" charts BON JOVI's hard-won evolution from New Jersey bar band to stadium headliners, while "Living Proof" evokes the group's storied past through a signature sound: a TalkBox guitar intro reminiscent of "Livin' On A Prayer".

The chorus of "Living Proof" drives home one of "Forever"'s overarching themes: "This family tree got nothing left to prove now," Jon sings. "Me and you/We're the living proof."

When Jon, a 2009 inductee into the Songwriters Hall Of Fame, wrote those lines, he says they encapsulated everything he was feeling more than 40 years into a rock legacy: "I thought, 'That pretty much sums it up for me.'"

But having nothing left to prove doesn't mean not challenging oneself. "Forever" contains some of the most soul-baring songs Jon's ever written. "Kiss The Bride" he wrote especially for his daughter and is destined to be heard at every wedding from here to eternity. "My First Guitar" is the tale of the cheap but cherished Univox he played as a teenager, sold to a neighbor, and was recently reunited with. And "Hollow Man", which caps the album, is about submitting himself freely and openly to the muse.

"That's me with my hands and eyes towards the sky, saying, ‘I'm an empty vessel. Fill me up,'" Jon says. "I am the hollow man."

In a telling moment, he punctuates one line of the song — "Anyway, I got you to smile…" — with a warm chuckle.

It's the sound of a man, no longer hollow, having fun again. He's successfully navigated obstacles, both universal and personal, and is able to smile about it all.

"Over the course of my life, I've had love and loss all happen more than once," Jon says. "With this album, I'm telling you the truth."

"Forever" track listing

01. Legendary
02. We Made It Look Easy
03. Living Proof
04. Waves
05. Seeds
06. Kiss The Bride
07. The People's House
08. Walls Of Jericho
09. I Wrote You A Song
10. Living In Paradise
11. My First Guitar
12. Hollow Man

Guitarist Richie Sambora left BON JOVI mid-tour in 2013 in order to spend more time with his family. His exit came after he missed 13 shows on the band's 2011 tour when he entered rehab.

Sambora joined his former bandmates onstage in 2018 when they were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.

Last November, Sambora told People that a BON JOVI reunion tour was not out of the question.

Photo credit: Mark Seliger

Today, Kerry King finally releases his solo debut album, From Hell I Rise, via Reigning Phoenix Music, and unveils the project’s brand-new video, "Toxic", which has been co-directed by Jim Louvau and his partner Tony Aguilera.


Similar to King’s acclaimed "Residue" video, which was released last month, "Toxic" was shot at a downtown Phoenix studio and features a fiery, high energy, heavy assault of a performance from Kerry’s new band: Mark Osegueda (vocals), Phil Demmel (guitar), Kyle Sanders (bass) and drummer, Paul Bostaph.


Jim Louvau admits: “We’re at a point where political fatigue has set in and become an issue for most people who live in our country no matter what side of the coin they land on. The lyrics and energy of the song showcase that sentiment, so I wanted to create something visually that almost feels like a trailer for what we are about to experience. I also wanted to address PTSD for people who have serviced in the military and how the increased political landscape affects their mental health which often goes unnoticed”.




Check out the video for "Toxic" below, and stream purchase From Hell I Rise here.





From Hell I Rise tracklisting:


"Diablo"
"Where I Reign"
"Residue"
"Idle Hands"
"Trophies Of The Tyrant"
"Crucifixation"
"Tension"
"Everything I Hate About You"
"Toxic"
"Two Fists"
"Rage"
"Shrapnel"
"From Hell I Rise"


"Toxic" video:





"Residue" video:





"Idle Hands" visualizer:





This month, the band performed their first live show - totally sold out - at Reggies in Chicago. The concert was described as “dark, packed, and exceptionally loud,” everything you could ask for at such a landmark show… truly a once in a lifetime experience. In the days following, the band went from playing a more intimate venue to performing at the huge US festivals, Welcome to Rockville (FL) and Sonic Temple (OH), treating audiences to an incredible experience of pure metal firepower.


Now the band is ready to embark on a European tour that begins June 3 – on Kerry King‘s birthday. He tells us: “Can’t wait to be back in Europe and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate my birthday. Let’s fucking rage!”


The tour will combine headline shows in the UK, The Netherlands and Germany, and also major festival appearances including Hellfest, Download, Rock Am Ring, Tuska, Graspop, Sweden Rock Festival & more.


Find Kerry King's live itinerary here.





(Photo - Jim Louvau)

Serj Tankian, lead singer and lyricist for the Grammy Award-winning rock band SYSTEM OF A DOWN, has released his new single and video "A.F. Day" via Gibson Records. The track, which will also appear on Serj's forthcoming EP titled "Foundations" — due in the fall — fits right into the singer-songwriter's canon and his ability to dive straight into longstanding cultural issues and thoughts that have smoldered to the top of our daily reality demanding to be acknowledged.

Speaking about the new track, Serj reveals: "This is a song I wrote in the early days of SYSTEM OF A DOWN that I never released. The majority of the instrumentation and vocals are recordings from that time. Dystopian in mood, it's a reflection of the angst and anti-authoritarian attitude I had to conformity."

The new single and forthcoming EP kick off a massive year for Tankian, which has already seen him release his exhilarating, thoughtful, and beautifully written debut memoir "Down With The System" via Hachette Books, with remaining book events in Los Angeles at Barnes and Noble-The Grove May 21 and at Book Soup on May 24.

The 56-year-old Lebanese-born Armenian-American musician and songwriter told Metal Hammer magazine about "Foundations": "It's five songs. We just shot five videos for it last week with members of the FCC, my back-up band, which was really fun, and we're going to put it out in September."

He added: "The reason I'm putting it out is that archival nature of writing a book made me look into songs from different periods of time. So one of the songs is from early SYSTEM days, for example, that I've never put out, that I'd never worked with SYSTEM on. A couple of the songs are from my early 2007-2008 solo record period, but didn't fit the record ['Elect The Dead', released in October 2007].

"It's an interesting retrospective of rock music that I've never released from different times, and it's called 'Foundations' basically because it's the founding of my musical life," Serj added. "They're very interesting songs, very different from each other: one is really heavy, one is like, really progressive, there's just different elements to each of them. But I think they work in tandem."

Tankian is best known as the lead singer of the Grammy Award-winning rock band SYSTEM OF A DOWN, but he is also a solo artist, composer, activist, painter, poet, and filmmaker. Since launching on to the rock scene in 1993, he's performed for millions of fans and sold more than 42 million albums worldwide. He's also a proud Armenian-American and a dedicated activist; along with Tom Morello, Tankian co-founded the non-profit organization Axis Of Justice, which strived to bring together musicians, music fans, and grassroots political organizations to fight for social justice. He has composed scores for many films and television series, had his paintings exhibited in galleries in the U.S. and New Zealand, and released two books of his own poetry. He has also been an executive producer on multiple documentaries, including "I Am Not Alone", which tells the story of Armenia's 2018 revolution and which won awards at the Toronto International Film Festival, DOC NYC, American Film Institute Festival, and the Palm Springs International Film Festival, among others. Tankian lives with his wife and his son, splitting their time between Los Angeles and New Zealand.

SYSTEM OF A DOWN has toured intermittently since ending its hiatus in 2011, but has only managed to record two songs in the last 19 years, "Protect The Land" and "Genocidal Humanoidz". Released in November 2020, the tracks were motivated by the conflict between Artsakh and Azerbaijan, with all proceeds supporting humanitarian efforts in SYSTEM OF A DOWN's ancestral homeland of Armenia. Along with other donations from fans on their social pages, they raised over $600,000.

SYSTEM OF A DOWN co-headlined the second installment of the Sick New World festival in Las Vegas on Saturday, April 27.

The quartet will next co-headline a one-off concert with DEFTONES at the Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, California on August 17.

Photo credit: Travis Shinn

Rammstein kicked off their 2024 Europe Stadium Tour on May 11th in Prague, Czech Republic at Airport Letňany. Fan-filmed video of the entire show can be viewed below.


Setlist:


"Ramm 4" (first time since 2019)
"Links 2-3-4"
"Keine Lust" (first time since 2019)
"Sehnsucht"
"Asche Zu Asche (first time since 2013)
"Mein Herz Brennt"
"Puppe"
"Wiener Blut" (first time since 2013)
"Zeit"
"Deutschland"
"Radio"
"Mein Teil"
"Du Hast"
"Sonne"




Encore:
"Engel"
"Ausländer"
"Du Riechst So Gut"
"Pussy"


Encore 2:
"Rammstein"
"Ich Will"
"Adieu"














Rammstein's 2024 European tour schedule is as follows::


May
16 - Dresden, Germany - Rinne (Open Air Gelände an der Messe)
19 - Dresden, Germany - Rinne (Open Air Gelände an der Messe) **
24 - Belgrade, Serbia - Ušće Park
30 - Athens, Greece - TBA


June
5 - San Sebastián, Spain - Estadio Anoeta
8 - Marseille, France - Orange Vélodrome
11 - Barcelona, Spain - Estadi Olímpic
15 - Lyon, France - Groupama Stadium
18 - Nijmegen, Netherlands - Goffertpark
19 - Nijmegen, Netherlands - Goffertpark **
23 - Dublin, Ireland - RDS Arena
27 - Ostend, Belgium - Park Nieuwe Koers
28 - Ostend, Belgium - Park Nieuwe Koers **


July
5 - Copenhagen, Denmark - Valbyparken
6 - Copenhagen, Denmark - Valbyparken **
11 - Frankfurt, Germany - Deutsche Bank Park **
12 - Frankfurt, Germany - Deutsche Bank Park **
17 - Klagenfurt, Austria - Wörthersee Stadion
18 - Klagenfurt, Austria - Wörthersee Stadion
21 - Reggio Emilia, Italy - RCF Arena (Campovolo)
26 - Gelsenkirchen, Germany - Veltins-Arena
27 - Gelsenkirchen, Germany - Veltins-Arena
29 - Gelsenkirchen, Germany - Veltins-Arena **
30 - Gelsenkirchen, Germany - Veltins-Arena **
31 - Gelsenkirchen, Germany - Veltins-Arena **

Elettra Storm has released a video for "Sacrifice Of Angels", fourth single taken from the debut album Powerlords released on February 16 by Scarlet Records.





Powerlords will be released on a limited vinyl version too (300 marbled blue copies) on June 21. Preorder at the Scarlet Records webshop.







Elettra Storm is the brand new power metal sensation brought to life in 2023 by SinHeresy co-founder Davide Sportiello.


Featuring the talented singer and model Crystal Emiliani (Re-X) on vocals and supported by top-notch musicians, the band will start a glorious 100% power metal ride at its finest, blending the magic of early 00’s genre superheroes like Stratovarius and Rhapsody of Fire with the modern female-fronted approach of Unleash the Archers.


Be ready to be enchanted by tales of mighty archangels, moon goddesses and underground civilizations; an escapism from the daily-life fatigue, but also a reflection on humanity virtues and faults.


Powerlords is out now in the following formats:


- digipack CD
- digital


Order/save the album here.





Tracklisting:


“Higher Than The Stars”
“Redemption”
“Origin Of Dreams”
“Powerlords”
“Alone”
“Heirs Of The Descent”
“Sacrifice Of Angels”
“Spirit Of The Moon”
“Voices In The Wind”


"Origin Of Dreams":





“Higher Than The Stars” video:





“Redemption”:





Elettra Storm:


Crystal Emiliani - vocals
Francis D. Mary - guitar, vocals
Matteo Antoni - guitar
Davide Sportiello - keyboards, bass
Matteo Norbedo - drums


(Photo – Beatrice Demori / Oround Media)

Midlands outfit Cloven Hoof must rate as one of the most legendary bands of the entire New Wave Of British Heavy Metal movement. The origins of the group go back to the year 1979, when they first formed under the name of Nightstalker. In 1981, however, the band switched to their new moniker: Cloven Hoof. Original vocalist David Potter, guitarist Steve Rounds, drummer Kevin Poutney and main man Lee Payne on bass adopted the stage characters of ‘Earth’, ‘Fire’, ‘Water’ and ‘Air’.


After recording demo versions of songs such as “Return Of The Passover” and “Nightstalker”, Cloven Hoof issued their debut vinyl 12” EP The Opening Ritual on Elemental Music in 1982. In 1984, the self-titled Cloven Hoof album was released, followed by Fighting Back (1986), Dominator (1988) and A Sultan’s Ransom (1989).


After splitting up in the 1990s, Cloven Hoof returned with a new line-up and a new record called Eye Of The Sun in 2006. In 2014, Resist Or Serve was recorded, followed by Who Mourns For The Morning Star? (2017), both on High Roller Records.




The album was a bit of a game changer for the band, as they were able to tour with it in North America for the first time in their career. Since then, Cloven Hoof have issued two more studio albums, Age Of Steel on Pure Steel Records in 2020 and Time Assassins on FM Revolver two years later.


With songs like “Do What Thou Wilt”, “Sabbat Stones” and “The Summoning” their brand new album Heathen Cross marks the return to High Roller Records. “We are back now where we belong,” smirks Lee Payne. “Heathen Cross is Cloven Hoof’s most dark and heavy album yet! It has the satanic undertones of our debut album, but with the best vocalist the group has ever had. Personally speaking it is hands down my favourite Cloven Hoof album. We wanted to recapture the spirit and the supernatural majesty of the debut album. Talking to the fans we have given them what they wanted most, a return to the roots of the NWOBHM. They are going to love it!”


The bassist is indeed full of praise for the band’s new vocalist, enter a certain Harry “The Tyrant” Conklin, of all people: “Harry Conklin is a world-class vocalist. He is super dedicated and highly professional and we knew he would fit in the band seamlessly. His vocal performance on the new album raises the band to new heights, so I can’t wait for the fans to hear him. Harry is an astounding singer, he is so versatile. He can sing high, low and always with power and passion. He knows how to live and sell a song. Harry is like an actor telling a story, no one interprets my lyrics like Mr. Conklin. I can’t praise him enough. We should have worked together years ago.” – Matthias Mader


Preorder at hrrecords.de.





Tracklisting:


“Benediction”
“Redeemer”
“Do What Thou Wilt”
“Last Man Standing”
“Darkest Before The Dawn”
“Vendetta”
“Curse Of The Gypsy”
“Frost And Fire”
“Sabbat Stones”
“The Summoning”


“Sabbat Stones” lyric video:





“Last Man Standing” lyric video: