BBC is reporting that a founding member of one the UK's most successful heavy metal bands has been jailed for historic child sex offences.


Stephen Dawson was the bassist in Saxon, who formed in 1975 in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, and went on to sell more than 23 million records.


Dawson, of Street Lane, Rotherham, was jailed for repeatedly abusing a six-year-old girl in the 1990s. The 72-year-old was sentenced to six years in prison on Thursday (April 11) after a trial at Sheffield Crown Court.




Dawson was found guilty at an earlier hearing of four counts of indecent assault of a child under 14.


Detective Constable Robert Heath, the officer in charge of the case, said Dawson "thought he had got away" with his attacks on a vulnerable victim 30 years ago. "It is clear that his evil acts have remained with her throughout her life, and I hope this sentence goes some way to allowing her to move on from these traumatic events," he added.


Read more at BBC.com.

White Stones -- Opeth bassist Martín Mendéz' brainchild -- surprise fans with a brand new song titled “La Ira.” It serves as an appetizer for their third studio album Memoria Viva, which will be released on June 28, 2024 via Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM).


"'La Ira' is a song reflecting on the power that greed has over our minds. The awakening of 'La Ira' [engl. 'the anger'] refers to our instinctive reaction about choices that affect humanity and life itself. It's a song of hope; the hope of decisions for the betterment of the world we live in," Mendéz explains.


Preorder the album in the physical format of your choice [CD-digipak; sepia marbled vinyl LP (eco-friendly recycled, every copy is one of a kind!)], pre-save it on your favourite DSP or preorder it digitally to receive “La Ira” instantly now at this location.




Memoria Viva melts together disparate genres into a unique sonic experience. The instrumental frenzy migrates with delicate intricacies creating a mesmerizing atmosphere captivating the musical connoisseur. To up the antics, the energetic Spanish language was chosen to round up this multi-faceted endeavor. A treat for anyone who enjoys devouring multi-experimental musicianship.


Elements of aggression, that can be seen rearing their head in instrumental frenzies, manage to co-exist along softer vibes, generating a distinct dynamic among the songs, with interludes allowing listeners to take a breath and appreciate what they're hearing.


Memoria Viva was recorded at Farm Of Sounds Studios (Barcelona, Spain), and mixed & mastered by Gerard Porqueres at Heartwork Recording Studios.


Martín adds, "Making an album in Spanish is something that I wanted to do for a long time. We tried it out with our second record Dancing Into Oblivion, but at the time we couldn't convince ourselves that it worked on that album. This time we did and I feel very proud of the result."


"One of the most notable aspects of this new album, apart from not setting any creative limits musically, has been the challenge of having proposed to sing in the Spanish language. It has been a very exciting experience and we believe we have found a new way to continue giving something new to the White Stones sound, and make this musical proposal something more unique!" comments vocalist Eloi Boucherie.


The line-up has been enhanced with the participation of the multi-faceted Joan Carles Marí Tur on drums. The guitar solos were the job of João Sassetti. Additional guests José Ignacio Lagos (flute) and Joakim Svalberg (keyboards) accentuated the album further with their sound facets.





Tracklisting:


“Memoria Viva”
“Humanoides”
“D-Generación”
“Zamba de Orun”
“La Ira”
“Somos”
“Grito al Silencio”
“Vencedores Vencidos”
“Yemayá”


“La Ira” video:

THE TROOPS OF DOOM, the Brazilian band featuring former SEPULTURA guitarist Jairo "Tormentor" Guedz, will release its sophomore album, "A Mass To The Grotesque", as a limited LP vinyl edition and CD digipack on May 31 via Alma Mater Records, the Portuguese label run by MOONSPELL singer Fernando Ribeiro.

The official music video for the LP's first single, a brutal banger titled "Chapels Of The Unholy", can be seen below.

"Imagine a death metal world unaltered and pure since the 1990s, a musical style so dear to the fans, that time, business and trend, could never hurt," death metal fan 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 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.

THE TROOPS OF DOOM emerged to revive the classic death metal of the 1980s, 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.

Guedz comments: "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."

"Every aspect of this album was chosen meticulously," 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, old school 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."

"A Mass To The Grotesque" track listing:

01. Solve Et Coagula - Introduction
02. Chapels Of The Unholy
03. Dawn Of Mephisto
04. Denied Divinity
05. The Impostor King
06. Faithless Requiem
07. Psalm 78 - God Of Bizarre
08. Terror Inheritance
09. The Grotesque
10. Blood Upon The Throne
11. Venomous Creed

THE TROOPS OF DOOM have been confirmed to headline the Waves stage at the Brazilian edition of the German festival Summer Breeze, taking place at the Memorial da América Latina in São Paulo this April, followed by THE TROOPS OF DOOM's first-ever European Tour in August.

Photo credit: Cissa Flores

Kerry King has shared the music video for "Residue", the second single from his upcoming debut solo album, "From Hell I Rise". Co-directed by Jim Louvau and his partner Tony Aguilera, who have made videos for Jerry Cantrell, Sebastian Bach, EXODUS and KILLER BE KILLED, the clip was shot at their downtown Phoenix studio in early April, and features King's new band consisting of drummer Paul Bostaph (SLAYER),bassist Kyle Sanders (HELLYEAH),guitarist Phil Demmel (formerly of MACHINE HEAD) and vocalist Mark Osegueda (DEATH ANGEL).

According to Louvau, his concept for the video was simple: "A fiery, bitchin', heavy fucking metal performance introducing the world to Kerry King's new project and band members. A no-bullshit, no-prisoners showcase of the bandmembers, performing while engulfed in flames and surrounded by burning pentagrams."

"I come from a big fire pedigree," said King, "and my music works with fire. I've always written horror-type music, so it made sense to incorporate fire into the first video, where you get to see the entire band, which I think is just awesome. I think fire goes hand in hand with the devil, and I'm no stranger to talking about the devil."

Added Louvau: "I knew this would be the first time that the world was going to see the band performing together, so I wanted to create a fast-moving visual assault. Pyrotechnics and Kerry King clearly go hand in hand and seem to fit like a glove, so Tony and I wanted to create something that felt familiar but also something new and exciting. I also knew I could get away with certain visuals like a burning pentagram."

"From Hell I Rise" will be released on May 17 via Reigning Phoenix Music. All material for the LP was written by the 59-year-old SLAYER guitarist. Helming the "From Hell I Rise" recording 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.

"From Hell I Rise" 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

King told Rolling Stone of the LP's first single: "'Idle Hands' are what I've been doing the last four years. That and 'From Hell I Rise' have been my frame of mind in the last four and a half years."

As for the decision to call the band KERRY KING, the guitarist explained: "It was going to be KING'S REIGN for a long time, which is really cool. But even with that one, I went to the guys, like, 'I'm not a vain dude. I don't want my name to be a part of it.' We talked about BLOOD REIGN for a while, but it didn't work. Every time I came up with anything remotely cool, it was taken by some obscure band in Eastern Europe. It became KERRY KING because I love that logo."

King said the album is about "various religious topics, some war entries, heavy stuff, punky stuff, doomy stuff, and spooky stuff, with Herculean speeds achieved," adding, "If you've ever liked any SLAYER throughout any part of our history, there's something on this record that you'll get into, be it classic punk, fast punk, thrash, or just plain heavy metal."

King added there's more to come, too. "Even with a record in the can, I've still got so many songs that need to be finished," he said. "This is what I know how to do…number one being music, number two being metal. It's been a part of my life for 40 years, and I'm nowhere near being done."

KERRY KING will be special guest on the upcoming LAMB OF GOD/MASTODON North American "Ashes Of Leviathan" co-headline tour. The six-week run will launch on July 19 in Grand Prairie, Texas and will wrap on August 31 in Omaha, Nebraska. KERRY KING will make the band's 2024 concert debut next month, beginning with a recently announced club show at Reggie's in Chicago on May 7 that will serve as a warm-up to the band's Welcome To Rockville festival appearance on May 9. KERRY KING will also play Sonic Temple on May 16.

During SLAYER's final show back in November of 2019 at the Forum in Los Angeles, California, King took off his signature chains from his belt, held them high, dropped them onto the floor, turned around and walked off the stage. "I knew early on that I wasn't done, and I had no intention of not continuing to play," he revealed in a press release.

King previously told Metal Hammer his solo album would follow in the sonic footsteps of his former band. "If I wasn't in SLAYER, I would be a SLAYER fan. So yes, I think it's an extension of SLAYER, and I think a lot of people will think it might have been the next record. I guess maybe 80 percent of it would have been, maybe it would have been exactly what I'm putting on this one."

Photo credit: Jim Louvau

Norwegian black metal veterans DARKTHRONE have released an animated video (created by Matthew Vickerstaff) for their new song "Black Dawn Affiliation". The track is taken from the band's upcoming album, "It Beckons Us All", which will arrive on April 26 via Peaceville Records.

DARKTHRONE's Fenriz comments: "Nocturno Culto sculpted 'Black Dawn Affiliation', and as much as I writhe in woe trying to describe riffs I did not make, we are certainly rocking hard and dark around a dungeon of slow KREATOR 1986-era riffs (think 'Awakening Of The Gods' or 'Take Their Lives' from the 'Flag Of Hate' 12").

"The song is linearly constructed, which is bold for a single but we often write this way. One could say it is a two-pronged beast which after the intermission (filled with a choir of the damned that we sung ourselves, believe it or not: 'Aaaaaa.') continues with my favorite riff in the song since I first heard it appear early in the second part and it is there that I was given the reins to let the halls and chambers of stardust levitate with unearthly synth and a voice that still today, when writing this, strikes me as being influenced by the first rock album I heard back in 1973 — 'Morrison Hotel'. Lyrics darker and more disturbed than ever solidify these halls now."

DARKTHRONE's Nocturno Culto adds: "It is not easy to describe the music you make, but for sure I will try…it's heavy! Everything worked out as I hoped for this track. Some things are just forged in the studio, like as Fenriz's excellent vocals at the end of the song; and the choir I wanted. Instead of just taking shortcuts, Fenriz and I recorded three vocal tracks each, and it was brilliantly mixed by Silje at Chaka Khan. There are many things one can say about riffs, but I make songs from a combination of a very methodical approach and happy accidents! And somewhere in the back of my head, it's most likely there is something affecting a lot of my decisions on little details that shapes the riffing."

Pioneers of a sound that changed the world. Lifelong disciples of suspense and mystery. An enigmatic duo like no other, hell-bent on haunting souls through the eternities. There are many things DARKTHRONE have been called since forming in 1986 and these are but a few, having drawn from a creative well so potent and powerful it turned them into one of Norway's biggest musical exports. Following from their debut album "Soulside Journey", the next three full-lengths, often referred to as "the unholy three", set the benchmark for black metal in the early '90s, though in truth they've never been the kind to rest on such laurels — distilling elements of vintage punk, doom, thrash and death into their own sonic fingerprint and continuing to test that equation throughout the years. It's been quite the journey, having won cryptic pair Nocturno and Fenriz legions of loyal fans around the world. This tradition will only continue with latest masterpiece "It Beckons Us All".

The new music is an intense observation of the world around them — exciting and challenging the listener in equal measure, in the way only they can. Some of the riffs howl across a gallery of ice and snow while others crackle like a volcano awakening from its timeless slumber, Nocturno's demonic barks ricocheting across the intoxicating structures almost like it's beaming from long-distant galaxy. As DARKTHRONE have shown us so many times in the past, their music is as visual as it gets — evoking tangible imagery through the medium of sound. Whether the ideas are somber, reflective or incensed, they exist as emotional concepts you can see and feel as much as you hear.

"I am having difficulties putting into words my personal feelings around the existential title 'It Beckons Us All'. I can only hope others out there can feel the darkness that encompasses it," muses Fenriz.

Never afraid to venture beyond the confines of the extreme metal template they were paramount in creating, there are moments on "It Beckons Us All" that will dazzle and surprise, as well as satisfy fans of old. Nocturno comments: "We recorded in the manner we always do, live, meaning drums and guitar, with another guitar added later. We found a new twist during this process that surely benefited this album. Fenriz did stellar clean vocals on several songs, and his way of thinking creatively made it so good. We also shared the bass work this time around. We added a lot of extra layers like solo guitars… it was just a cauldron of ideas. Instead of finding a plug-in or choir synth patch, we both recorded four vocal tracks each. DARKTHRONE is an ever-evolving band, as many should know by now, and this album is touching a bit into the heavy genre. I have no idea what genre we are, and have really not cared much about it, but I know for sure it's metal."

In that sense, "It Beckons Us All" is very much demonstrative of two visionaries at their world-commanding best. They know what works but more importantly they choose to grow, throwing every ounce of their hearts and souls into evolving the jaw-dropping whirlpool of noise that could only ever have come from their collective minds. There are clean guitars, clean vocals and less typical instruments thrown into the mix, but the approach, intent and ethos at the heart of their fearless artistry remains very much the same. This is music for dreamers who find themselves paralyzed by the contrasting beauty and ugliness in the world surrounding them. Never ones to appease the faint-hearted, DARKTHRONE are as real and human as it gets.

"It Beckons Us All" was recorded in April and May 2023 at Chaka Khan Studios in Oslo, the same location used for the "Eternal Hails" and "Astral Fortress" albums, mastered by Jack Control at Enormous Door, with artwork courtesy of Polish artist Zbigniew Bielak.

"It Beckons Us All" track listing

01. Howling Primitive Colonies [06:30]
02. Eon 3 [05:43]
03. Black Dawn Affiliation [06:11]
04. And In That Moment I Knew The Answer [03:17]
05. The Bird People Of Nordland [07:27]
06. The Heavy Hand [04:18]
07. The Lone Pines Of The Lost Planet [10:03]

Nocturno Culto photo courtesy of Peer Olav Kittilsen

Charismatic Dutch singer/songwriter Charlotte Wessels is set to release her new studio album on September 20, 2024 via Napalm Records. The LP's first single, "The Exorcism", will arrive on May 16, 2024.

Wessels's album promises a cohesive exploration of fear and liberation, as well as spellbinding melancholia and dark, catchy elements meeting progressive and heavier soundscapes. Charlotte and her band will bring this story to the stage on October 4, 2024 at Utrecht's TivoliVredenburg.

The former DELAIN vocalist's earlier solo endeavors, "Tales From Six Feet Under" (2021) and "Tales From Six Feet Under Vol II" (2022) already gained Wessels a remarkable number of devotees, but for the upcoming release, Wessels is raising the bar significantly. While still writing and producing the songs in her Six Feet Under basement home studio and sharing their first incarnations with her patrons, now she's taking the songs 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, mixing by Guido Aalbers (MUSE, COLDPLAY, THE GATHERING) and mastering by Andy VanDette (PORCUPINE TREE, VOLA, DREAM THEATER).

Wessels states: "This album is significant, for on the one hand, telling such a deeply personal journey — through its unintended theme of fear and obsessive thoughts — and at the same time, representing the joy of finding the song's true forms with everyone involved in the making of this record. There were moments in the studio with the band that truly reminded me of why I love making music in the first place, and I don't think I've ever been as excited about music going out into the world. This is the album I want to re-introduce myself with, and I'm so glad to do it with this amazing team."

In a 2022 interview with Spain's The Metal Circus TV, Wessels was asked how she feels about the fact that DELAIN made a comeback with a new lineup. A short time earlier, DELAIN released a single, "The Quest And The Curse", featuring keyboardist, founder and main songwriter Martijn Westerholt alongside new singer Diana Leah, original guitarist Ronald Landa and original drummer Sander Zoer, plus bassist Ludovico Cioffi. Charlotte said: "I'm trying not to engage with it too much, honestly. I've seen positive responses about it, which I think is good. But I do try to keep some distance and just focus on what I'm doing rather than checking that out, because I still don't feel like that will make me happier per se."

In February 2021, Westerholt announced the dissolution of DELAIN's previous lineup. At the time, he explained: "For the last year or so, the collaboration within the band ceased to work as well as it once had. Some of us were no longer happy with the current roles in the band. We all tried very hard to find a solution for over a year, but sadly we were unable to find one. As a result, we will all be going our own ways and pursuing our own endeavors.

"I am very sad our cooperation has come to end, but at the same time I am very grateful for all the years we were able to work together. Together we toured the world, shared highs and lows, and met with many successes as well as times that pushed us to learn and grow. We all enjoyed meeting our fans and making new friends all over the globe."

At the time, Wessels said about her departure: "I know that you might have questions about the 'why' in all of this. I fully understand and respect that. Simply put, it is the sad conclusion of more than a year of trying to find solutions to built-up grievances. Part of me feels like I'm letting all of you down, I'd like you to know that this decision was not taken lightly and I apologize to those of you who had high hopes of seeing all of us together live on stage again after lockdown. Until recently, I thought this might still be in the cards for us as well."

The new DELAIN lineup made its official live debut in August 2022 at the Riverside festival in Aarburg, Switzerland.

Photo credit: Tim Tronckoe

In a new interview with The Jesea Lee Show, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH guitarist Zoltan Bathory discussed the band's upcoming tour with MARILYN MANSON. The trek, which will launch in early August, will mark the shock rocker's first live appearances since 2019. Zoltan said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Manson hasn't been out on the road for a while, so a lot of people wanna see him. At one point he was one of the most iconic artists on planet earth. So he's back on stage, back in the saddle. That's gonna be amazing. He's also sober and clean, so we always support that, obviously. Ivan [Moody, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH singer] had a dark period, and he was gone, man. My little brother was on the brink of dying, man, and he came back from that. And he's clean and sober for six years. If he can do it, somebody who was that gone can do it, and he's now a different man, then it's a good example for anyone else. If you're struggling, man, don't give up. You can come back from that. And Manson is sober and he's staying clean and doing the work, so also we're supporting that. So it's gonna be an amazing tour."

Manson's 30-date arena/amphitheater tour with FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH is slated to kick off on August 2 at Hersheypark Stadium in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Over the past three years, Manson has been embroiled in a series of court battles and has been accused by several women — most notably "Westworld" star Evan Rachel Wood — of sexual, emotional and physical abuse.

Manson, who has denied all the allegations, has countersued a number of his alleged victims and judges have dismissed several of the abuse lawsuits against him.

The 55-year-old musician, whose real name is Brian Warner, has been off the road since the final August 18, 2019 date on the "Twins of Evil: Hell Never Dies" joint tour with Rob Zombie.

Manson hasn't released new music since his 2020 "We Are Chaos" album.

In 2022, Marilyn confirmed he was dropped by his record label, Loma Vista Recordings, and talent agency CAA after he was accused of sexual assault.

Manson has consistently denied sexually assaulting or abusing anyone, claiming that his "intimate relationships have always been entirely consensual with like-minded partners".

Hulu's upcoming docuseries, Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story, is set to premiere April 26 on Hulu in the United States and later in the year on Star+ in Latin America and Disney+ in the rest of the world.


Jon Bon Jovi has revealed that he watched the first three episodes of the documentary with his former Bon Jovi bandmate, Richie Sambora.


Speaking with Entertainment Tonight, Jon talked about his split with Richie, who departed Bon Jovi in 2013, and has only played with them once since - at the band's Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony in 2018.




"There was never a fight," Bon Jovi told ET of Sambora's falling out with the band. "It was never about money, it was never about a girlfriend. He had issues... and he literally didn't show up. We were playing for 20,000 people and there's a black hole on the stage."


"Substance abuse or anxieties or single parenting, all those things weighed on him, losing his dad. These were all very hard things," Sambora's former bandmate admitted. "But in fairness, why would I take away the livelihoods of not only the band, but the 120 guys in the crew? Or the millions of people that bought a ticket? What am I going to do? Shut it down because you don't want to go to rehab?"


Ultimately, Bon Jovi said he and Sambora actually watched the first three episodes of Thank You, Goodnight together, and Bon Jovi said that onscreen was the first time he'd heard Sambora apologize for his departure - adding that time has helped heal their relationship.


Read more at etonline.com.


Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story is a four-part, all access docuseries chronicling the epic past and uncertain future of one of the most recognizable bands in the world and its frontman Jon Bon Jovi. A 40-year odyssey of rock and roll idolatry on the precipice as a vocal injury threatens to bring everything to a screeching halt.


Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story joins the band in February 2022 and follows their real time journey with its fits and starts as they attempt to chart out their future. As thrilling as the story of a once-in-a-lifetime talent is, it is even more rare that a legend like Jon Bon Jovi lets the world into his most vulnerable moments, while he's still living them.


40 years of personal videos, unreleased early demos, original lyrics, and never before seen photos that chronicle the journey from Jersey Shore Clubs to the biggest stages on the planet. The series relives the triumphs and setbacks, greatest hits, biggest disappointments, and most public moments of friction.








Bon Jovi continues their 40th anniversary celebration with the recent release of new single and video “Legendary”, out now via Island Records. The monumental new track sets the stage for Bon Jovi’s upcoming 16th studio album, Forever, arriving on June 7. Watch the video below.





 The new album is now available for pre-order here 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 Jon.


“This record is a return to joy.  From the writing, through the recording process, this is turn up the volume, feel good Bon Jovi,” said Jon Bon Jovi.





Forever tracklisting:


"Legendary"
"We Made It Look Easy"
"Living Proof"
"Waves"
"Seeds"
"Kiss The Bride"
"The People's House"
"Walls Of Jericho"
"I Wrote You A Song"
"Living In Paradise"
"My First Guitar"
"Hollow Man"


"Legendary" video:





(Bon Jovi band photo - Mark Seliger)

Amiensus, the US progressive black metal band, offer another sample from their forthcoming album with “Senses Amplified.” The digital single is on all streaming/download platforms now, along with its accompanying lyric video.


“‘Senses Amplified’ should feel familiar to longtime Amiensus listeners, but crossed into some new territory we've never explored musically,” explains singer/guitarist James Benson.


“Kakophonix guests adding cello in lieu of any synths on this song. This song is about a dream, but the interpretation is up to the listener.”




James Benson may sound like a familiar name to fans of the label as James also fronts Midwest post-black metal operatives Chrome Waves, and hence the personal introduction needed to cement future work with Amiensus. In addition to James, Amiensus includes Ghost Bath drummer Chris Piette plus guitarists Alec Rozsa, Kelsey Roe and bassist Todd Farnham.


April 26 marks the release of Amiensus’ new album, Reclamation: Part 1, which will be followed late summer by another album of melancholic, epic, harsh and emotional take on progressive black metal, perfect for fans of like-minded visionaries Agalloch, Enslaved, Borknagar and Insomnium.


“11 years ago, now we released our debut album, which was our first, and most successful, to date,” continues James. “Our current lineup has been together for the past 6 years, and this album being a double album, is our proclamation to the world that we are still here, and as strong as ever. Lyrically it covers a myriad of subjects, many of which pertain to my experience as a therapist and drug and alcohol counselor for the last 10 years, as well as our experiences with religion and spirituality, addiction, and world events.”


Reclamation: Part 1 is now available for preorder on limited edition turquoise vinyl, compact disc and digital download. Preorder at m-theoryaudio.com.


“We are very excited to have been able to work with Aria Fawn Art for our covers of Reclamation (part 1 and 2). Aria did a great job interpreting the overall messages of each part of this double album, and her skills are unmatched,” states James. “There is beauty, and chaos in all things, condemnation, and redemption, defeats, and victories, and she was able to elegantly capture this through these two paintings. Please follow her on social media."





Tracklisting:


“Blink Of The Moment”
“Reverie”
“Senses Amplified”
“Sun And Moon”
“Consciousness Throughout Time”
“Vermillion Fog Of War”
“Spoken Into Will”
“Transcendence Through Grief”


"Senses Amplified":





"Vermillion Fog Of War" video:





"Reverie":

In a new interview with Jordi Pinyol, HELMET frontman Page Hamilton reflected on how he first started playing guitar. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Well, I wanted a guitar because of LED ZEPPELIN. The first album I got was 'Led Zeppelin IV', the one with 'Stairway To Heaven'. I bought it because I liked the album cover — that old man with the bundle of sticks. And I saw it at a Payless drugstore; it was probably three dollars. And I traded… For Christmas that year, I got two copies of 'A Night On The Town' by Rod Stewart. That was the big hit at the time. And so I took the second copy back to Payless and traded it for LED ZEPPELIN. And I got home and I put the record on my crappy record player, and it starts off with 'Black Dog'. And I just was, like, 'What is this? What is this?' I didn't know anything about chords, I didn't know anything about music, I knew about vibe. That vibe was so fucking powerful. It took me someplace. It created this world, this musical world."

He continued: "So many people get impressed by quote-unquote musicianship — you know, 'Wow. He's got incredible technical facility.' I'm, like, where is he going — he or she? Where are they going with it? Is it technique for the sake of technique? Oh, no, thanks. It doesn't do it for me. I mean, as a guitarist, for 15 minutes, I can be, like, 'Wow, this guy can really get around the fretboard. That's really great. Are you going to say anything? Are you going to communicate anything from [the heart]?' Mozart said music is ear, brain and heart. You need all three of those to make a great song, to be a great musician. And I'm more heart than anything. My brain, I'm a half jackass; I can barely express myself. And my technique is okay. I practice and I can play some fast stuff, but I'm not a shredder. But my solos are part of a musical statement. The solo is supposed to do something.

"I always loved Rick Nielsen from CHEAP TRICK — not a technically amazing guitarist, but when he plays a solo, he jumps out for eight measures, boom, and he hits you with this solo and it's, like, 'Yeah!'," he explained. 'Or THE STOOGES' 'Raw Power'. Those solos, they jump out and punch you in the face. And that to me is — I need that, I need that kind of raw energy and excitement in music too. And that's why I love everything from [John] Coltrane to AC/DC and THE BEATLES.

"Not all music is gonna connect with all people, and I never made that a goal of mine," Page added.

HELMET is continuing to tour in support of its latest studio album, "Left", which was released in November via earMUSIC.

Guided by Hamilton alongside co-producers Jim Kaufman and Mark Renk, and mastered by Howie Weinberg, the 11 songs on the new album are leaner and meaner in their execution than previous aural throwdowns.

Joining Page in HELMET's current lineup are drummer Kyle Stevenson, guitarist Dan Beeman and bassist Dave Case.

HELMET's first official live album, "Live And Rare", was released in November 2021 via earMUSIC. It was made available on heavyweight black vinyl as well as a CD digipak edition and digital.

Although HELMET disbanded in 1997, Hamilton revived the band in 2004, and the group has continued to tour and record.

Having cut his teeth playing with avant-garde guitar icon Glenn Branca and indie stalwarts BAND OF SUSANS, Hamilton launched HELMET in 1989, and the band released its debut album, "Strap It On", on the independent Amphetamine Reptile label the following year. HELMET soon became the subject of an unprecedented major-label bidding war, ultimately signing with Interscope and releasing "Meantime" in June 1992.

Even while the band was absent from the spotlight, HELMET continued to exercise considerable influence on multiple generations of bands. Their songs have been covered by the likes of CHEVELLE, DEFTONES, FAITH NO MORE, PIG DESTROYER and SOULFLY, and the band inspired a 2016 HELMET tribute album titled "Meantime Redux". HELMET has also been cited as a key influence on such bands as GODSMACK, KORN, MARILYN MANSON, MASTODON, PANTERA, QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, SEPULTURA, SLIPKNOT, STAIND, SYSTEM OF A DOWN and TOOL.

Aaron Lewis has released an acoustic-performance video for his song "Let's Go Fishing". The track is taken from the STAIND frontman's latest solo album, "The Hill", which arrived today (Friday, March 29) via The Valory Music Co.,

An upbeat song that's "very much not about going fishing," "Let's Go Fishing" finds Lewis calling out the nation's problems — but deciding to leave them for another day. Co-written with Bobby Pinson, a mix of fed-up frustration and organic-country comfort creates an intriguing contrast — a lightly-coded protest anthem with a let-it-be theme. "I find the whole thing tongue in cheek," Lewis admitted in a press release.

The "Let's Go Fishing" lyrics find the 51-year-old Lewis — an outspoken conservative rocker who reinvented himself as a solo country artist in the last decade — singing about "making America great again", "turning off CNN" and using the "Let's Go, Brandon!" catchphrase, which was coined by American conservatives to criticize President Joe Biden.

According to Fox 26 Houston, the "Let's Go, Brandon!" phrase, which originally stemmed from a NASCAR interview, is a G-rated substitute for "Fuck Joe Biden" chants that were popular during the COVID-19 pandemic. The explicit saying was recited at sporting events across the country in defiance of the president's coronavirus mandates.

After Brandon Brown's victory at the NASCAR Xfinity Series race on October 2, 2021, a crowd unleashed "Fuck Joe Biden" chants during the young racer's TV interview. NBC reporter Kelli Stavast appeared to misunderstand what the fans were shouting, claiming instead they were saying "Let's Go, Brandon!" — unintentionally coining the phrase.

Lewis made headlines in September 2021 when he urged his fans to chant "Fuck Joe Biden" during a STAIND concert in Pennsylvania.

In March 2022, Lewis told the Los Angeles Times that he doesn't blindly listen to information that is delivered by the mainstream media.

"I'm not uneducated; I'm actually really smart, and I look for myself. I seek other options of information," he said. "I refuse to believe that a huge, gigantic corporation has our best interest in mind."

Asked where he gets his news, Lewis said: "I have news feeds and people that I follow on Telegram. Dan Ball. Andrew Wilkow. Mark Levin. If I'm gonna watch any sort of news source on television, it's Tucker Carlson."

At some of his solo concerts, Lewis has been taking the stage while wearing a black hat with white mesh and white lettering on the front clearly stating "FUJOE," an expletive directed toward Biden.

In November 2021, Lewis claimed that he beat COVID-19 by taking ivermectin, a drug with no evidence of being a safe or effective treatment for the novel coronavirus. He said he also used Z-Pak, an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections by inhibiting the growth of bacteria in the body.

In the summer of 2021, Lewis's solo single "Am I The Only One" debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's Hot Country chart. The song takes aim at liberals and touches on American flags burning and statues that have been removed in the country. The track, which Lewis wrote with Ira Dean and  Jeffrey Steele, was released in July 2021 and topped the Hot Country Songs chart on  Billboard.

Lewis sings in the song's chorus: "I'm not the only one, willin' to fight / For my love of the red and white / And the blue, burnin' on the ground / Another statue comin' down in a town near you."  Lewis also criticizes Bruce Springsteen at the end of the track, singing: "Am I the only one who quits singin' along every time they play a  Springsteen song."

Springsteen can best be described as Lewis's political polar opposite, having been a vocal opponent to former U.S. president Donald Trump on many occasions.

When Lewis first performed "Am I The Only One" in June 2021 for a crowd in Virginia, he described himself as a then-"49-year-old father of three" who has been "watching a very small handful of people destroy the country."  Lewis then ripped President Joe Biden and blamed "every racist law that's ever been put into place" on "Democrats."

In March 2022, Lewis seemingly embraced the popular belief among conspiracy theorists that Russian president Vladimir Putin is attacking Ukraine to destroy the Deep State, a secret part of government they believe is on a mission undermine Donald Trump. Lewis voiced his views on the war in Ukraine before performing "Am I The Only One" during his concert at Vern Riffe Center in Portsmouth, Ohio. He told the crowd: "We have no order. We have no president. Every single day that goes by, we lose standing in the world. Everyone's laughing at us. Everyone is positioning themselves against us. And it's not us — it's the government that we put in power. These are the people that are making us look bad throughout the entire world — the same people that have you convinced that we all need to support Ukraine even though all of their money laundering systems, all of their everything, the way that they get all their kickbacks and they wash everything is all through the Ukraine."

Aaron then repeated the conspiracy theory that Russia's invasion of Ukraine is somehow tied to billionaire philanthropist George Soros and Klaus Schwab, who is the founder of the World Economic Forum (WEF) that holds a yearly economic symposium in Davos, Switzerland.

"You know, as fucked up as it sounds, maybe we should listen to what Vladimir Putin is saying," Lewis said. "Maybe, just maybe, when Klaus Schwab and George Soros and every other dirty fucking earth-destroying motherfucker all jumps on the same bandwagon, maybe, just maybe we should fucking take a good look at that. Why are they trying to protect Ukraine so much? What do they all have to lose?"

Veonity has welcomed Isak Stenvall into their mighty realm. The change comes after Anders Sköld, who's been carrying the flame for years, has decided to focus on his guitar playing only.


After recently celebrated 10 years as band, Veonity now reworks the line-up to reach new levels of power metal:


“Bringing Isak into the band gives us a new direction and makes us even stronger. Isak is a fantastic singer, frontman and songwriter and his addition will secure Veonity's fast and melodic power metal another dimension.”




In 2018, Isak Stenvall left fellow Swedish power metal merchants Lancer as their frontman:


"I have always had an eternal passion for power metal and when Veonity called me, I knew this would be a perfect fit and I heeded their call. It feels great to be back on the metal scene: writing, singing and forging pure power metal again!”


Anders Sköld, who has been the singer of Veonity since the release of Into The Void (2016), has decided to hand over the vocals duties to Isak.


“Guitar has always been my main instrument and I realized over the years that I have to follow that calling more strongly.”


Veonity is ready to enter the studio to record their sixth album, the follow up to the acclaimed 2022 effort Elements Of Power, planned for a fall 2024 release through Scarlet Records.


Veonity:
Isak Stenvall - vocals
Samuel Lundström - guitar
Anders Sköld - guitar
Kristoffer Lidre - bass
Joel Kollberg - drums


(Photo – Mathias Flink / Edit – Thomas Holmstrand)

The US melodic power metal band Millennial Reign will release their new album World On Fire via Ulterium Records on June 14. The album will be available on CD, limited vinyl editions and digital.


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”

JUDAS PRIEST, SAXON and URIAH HEEP drew 15,000 fans to their March 29 "Metal Masters" tour stop at O2 Arena in Prague, Czech Republic. Fan-filmed video of PRIEST's performance can be seen below.

PRIEST's 17-song setlist included three songs from the band's latest album, "Invincible Shield": the title track, "Panic Attack" and "Crown Of Horns".

PRIEST's setlist for the Prague concert was as follows:

01. Panic Attack
02. You've Got Another Thing Comin'
03. Rapid Fire
04. Breaking The Law
05. Lightning Strike
06. Love Bites
07. Saints In Hell
08. Crown Of Horns
09. Turbo Lover
10. Invincible Shield
11. Victim Of Changes
12. You Don't Have To Be Old To Be Wise
13. The Green Manalishi (With The Two Prong Crown) (FLEETWOOD MAC cover)
14. Painkiller

Encore:

15. The Hellion / Electric Eye
16. Hell Bent For Leather
17. Living After Midnight

In a recent appearance on The Break Down With Nath & Johnny podcast, JUDAS PRIEST bassist Ian Hill was asked who in the band has the final say when it comes to picking a setlist for the PRIEST live shows. He responded: "Well, it is probably Rob [Halford, PRIEST singer], really. But then again, we've got a whole spectrum now. You've got the younger element with Richie [Faulkner, PRIEST guitarist]. He's the same age as my eldest son. And then comes Scott [Travis, PRIEST drummer] and you've got Glenn [Tipton, PRIEST guitarist], of course. He can't do it anymore [due to his battle with Parkinson's disease]. [But] he's still sharp as a pin between his ears. Then Andy [Sneap, PRIEST touring guitarist] and Rob and myself. So you've got a full spectrum there of ages. So everybody has their own favorites and their own types of JUDAS PRIEST song. We all sort of [go], 'Yeah, like that. No, don't like that one.' And then we'll go. If someone's adamant that they really don't wanna do something, well, you don't wanna do something, and vice versa — if someone really wants to do a particular track, you do it. Like I say, you've got the ring-fence tracks there that you've gotta do — the 'Breaking The Law's and the 'Living After Midnight's and things like that, that you have to do. It's what brings people to the shows, basically. And then you've got your other sort of classic PRIEST songs, which is a little bit easier because you can swap and change those between — do a month maybe using one song, change it to another one of a similar kind. And then try to get some new stuff in there — three, maybe four maximum is about as much as you can get at any one time. I'm sure there'll be more than that, that we'll go through. And just swap and change as we go."

Asked if there are any songs that he can think of straight off the top of his head, in the PRIEST back catalog that he really loves to play live but never has, Ian said: "Ah, there's one that we have played live that we haven't played for a while and that's 'Dissident Aggressor'. I still say that's probably my all-time favorite song. It's just so raw — it's just pure rock, really. It's one of those songs that, even in the studio, I can remember it being — it's two guitars, bass, drums and vocals. And I think there might be one extra guitar on there through the lead break. Other than that, it's totally raw. It's exactly as it would be on stage. And I love that song, apart from it being a great song. And there's always other things. We've never really done 'Before The Dawn' — from the other point of view, the other end of the spectrum, if there's a quiet part in [the show]. These days people tend to prefer the more upbeat stuff rather than the quieter pieces. But that would be cool to do as well. It's only about two and a half, three minutes long anyway, so it wouldn't take much time. But there's loads in there — there's loads of them. 'Sinner' we haven't done, so it'd be great to do that again. We haven't done that for a while. But we'll see."

In a separate interview with Metal Pilgrim, Halford spoke about the setlist for the European leg of PRIEST's tour with SAXON and URIAH HEEP. He said: "We've had this conversation before as far as trying to put the setlist together. And after 19 studio albums, it's, like, 'Oh my God. Where do we go?' If we didn't play 'Breaking The Law', there'd be a riot. If we didn't play 'Painkiller', there'd be a riot. There are certain songs that you are indebted to your fans to play, because they're part of the fabric of who you are as a band. Without naming names, there are certain bands where you know you wanna hear that song when you go to a show. So there's a portion of the setlist that already writes itself. Having said that, yeah, we are gonna go quite deep, and we found some songs from previous albums that we're gonna work with and we're gonna bring out. So there'll probably be at least two or three deep cuts on this setlist."

Rob continued: "At any given moment, we've got 60 to 70 songs we can play — at any given moment. And then we're gonna add more into the mix. It's fun to see the texts and the e-mails flying through: 'Well, I'll give you this one if you give me that one.' 'Cause you've gotta find a balance. When a band plays on stage, every single bandmember has to agree on the set list. There's no place for, 'Oh, dude, I've gotta play this one.' There's no place for that. You've all gotta be believing in that particular song as you go through the show. And it's gonna be fantastic. And this is gonna be a really eventful tour as we're about to kick off in Europe, with our friends SAXON and URIAH HEEP."

Hill is the sole remaining original member of PRIEST, which formed in 1969. Halford joined the group in 1973 and Tipton signed on in 1974. Rob left PRIEST in the early 1990s to form his own band, then came back to PRIEST in 2003. Original guitarist K.K. Downing parted ways with the band in 2011, and was replaced by Faulkner.

"Invincible Shield" entered the U.K. chart at No. 2, just behind Ariana Grande's "Eternal Sunshine".

Prior to "Invincible Shield"'s arrival, PRIEST's highest U.K. chart achievement was with 1980's "British Steel", which reached No. 4.

PRIEST's 2018 album "Firepower" entered the chart at No. 5.

"Invincible Shield" is JUDAS PRIEST's fifth Top 10 album, after the aforementioned "British Steel" and "Firepower", as well as 2014's "Redeemer Of Souls" (No. 6) and the 1979 live album "Unleashed In The East" (No. 10).

"Invincible Shield" landed at No. 1 in Germany, Finland, Sweden and Switzerland, as well as No. 5 in France, No. 8 in Italy and No. 16 in Australia.

15,000 strong🤘tonight in Prague 🇨🇿 Thank you!! 🙏 @judaspriest #invincibleshieldtour2024 #judaspriest2024 #goodfriday #czechrepublic

Posted by Scott Travis on Friday, March 29, 2024

In a recent interview with Mexico's Sopitas, IRON MAIDEN singer Bruce Dickinson was asked why he chose to release "Afterglow Of Ragnarok", the opening track from his new solo album, "The Mandrake Project", as the first single from the LP. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "We had a variety of choices that we could have gone with for the first track. And I liked 'Ragnarok' because — we could have gone with a song which was sounded a bit more — how can I put it? —a bit more conventional, a bit more classic rock-type stuff. And I didn't want to give people the impression that that was the album, because first impressions are, unfortunately, really important. So I wanted people to be aware that this album was dark and growly and heavy and also more than that. So, as we go through towards the actual release of the album, I think people are gonna figure out that, 'Wow, there's a lot more going on in this record than just after 'Afterglow Of Ragnarok'.' But you've gotta put something — something's gotta be first. And that was the track that I felt that it was maybe not the catchiest song on the record — probably the second or third, maybe — but that's why we put it out first, because people are still blown away, going, 'Oh my god. This is great.' I'm, like, 'Okay, well, wait until you get the second one. And wait until there's a third one,' because this is an album that has a lot of depth to it."

"The Mandrake Project" was released on March 1. Bruce and his long-term co-writer and producer Roy "Z" Ramirez recorded the LP largely at Los Angeles's Doom Room, with Roy Z doubling up as both guitarist and bassist. The recording lineup for "The Mandrake Project" was rounded out by keyboard maestro Mistheria and drummer Dave Moreno, both of whom also featured on Bruce's previous solo studio album, "Tyranny Of Souls", in 2005.

"The Mandrake Project" is not just an album. The comic book of the same name is a dark, adult story of power, abuse and a struggle for identity, set against the backdrop of scientific and occult genius. Created by Bruce, it is a collectable series of graphic novels scripted by Tony Lee ("Dr. Who"),stunningly illustrated by Staz Johnson ("2000AD") and with covers by industry heavyweight Bill Sienkiewicz for Z2 Comics, which will be released as 12 quarterly issues that will be collated into three annual graphic novels, with the first coming at the end of 2024.

"The Mandrake Project" has become a global smash hit, with huge chart success already announced across Europe and further major worldwide chart positions to follow.

In Germany and Sweden, Bruce has topped the album charts, while in the U.K. the album has entered the official album chart at No. 3, just behind Liam Gallagher and John Squire at No. 1, and narrowly pipped to the No. 2 spot by Rod Stewart and Jools Holland with a last-minute Mother's Day surge of sales.

Elsewhere, the album is already a Top 10 success in many European countries' national charts, including Finland, Switzerland, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands and France. And in Latin America's iTunes charts, "The Mandrake Project" is Top 10 in both Brazil and Mexico.

#1 In Germany and Sweden
#2 In Finland and Switzerland
#3 In U.K.
#4 In Brazil
#5 In Belgium and Italy
#6 In Netherlands
#10 In France and Mexico

"The Mandrake Project" is Dickinson's seventh solo album and is released via BMG worldwide on multiple formats.

Prior to the new LP's release, Bruce's highest-charting album in the U.K. was his 1990 debut, "Tattooed Millionaire", which landed at No. 14.

Last month, Bruce revealed the addition of two new guitarists to his solo touring band. Swedish-born guitarist, songwriter and multi-platinum-credited producer Philip Näslund and Swiss session and touring guitarist Chris Declercq (who incidentally played on Dickinson's current single, "Rain On The Graves") will accompany previously announced members Moreno, Mistheria and Tanya O'Callaghan (bass). Roy Z will not be part of the touring lineup.

The first chance to see the six-piece live will now be at The Observatory in Orange County, California on April 15.

Roy played guitar on Dickinson's 1994 album "Balls To Picasso" and went on to produce, co-write and perform multiple instruments on Bruce's subsequent three solo albums, "Accident At Birth" (1997),"The Chemical Wedding" (1998) and "Tyranny Of Souls" (2005).

O'Callaghan is an Irish musician who joined WHITESNAKE in 2021 and toured with the David Coverdale-fronted outfit the following year. She also hit the road with Dickinson last year as part of a performance of Jon Lord's "Concerto For Group And Orchestra" on nearly a dozen dates in Europe and South America.

Californian drummer Moreno previously played on "Tyranny Of Souls" and has worked with BODY COUNT, Jizzy Pearl, Dizzy Reed and Steve Stevens, among others.

Italian keyboard wizard Mistheria has collaborated with an array of artists live and in the studio, including Rob Rock, Mike Portnoy, Jeff Scott Soto and Joel Hoekstra.

Dickinson made his recording debut with IRON MAIDEN on the "Number Of The Beast" album in 1982. He quit the band in 1993 in order to pursue his solo career and was replaced by Blaze Bayley, who had previously been the lead singer of the metal band WOLFSBANE. After releasing two traditional metal albums with former MAIDEN guitarist Adrian Smith, Dickinson rejoined the band in 1999 along with Smith.

Seven Spires has shared "Architect Of Creation," the second single from their upcoming studio album A Fortress Called Home to be released June 21 via Frontiers Music Srl. The track is accompanied by a new music video, available below.


Frontwoman Adrienne Cowan had this to share about the track:


“'Architect Of Creation' is a bombastic romp through many of our favorite genres. On the spectrum from ‘mania to nothing’, this falls heavily on the mania side. But the true joy for me was in the arrangements — painting that world as the scenery of my soul! — and frolicking through them with Devin Townsend-inspired clean vocal stacks and Shagrath-y storytelling harsh vocals.”




Guitarist Jack Kosto follows up with:


“Those of you who have been with us since 'Solveig' will recognize the horned mask from the cover of that album in this video! Funny enough, during the multi-day shooting process, our rental car was broken into and the mask (along with the rest of all of our stuff) was stolen! We managed to recover it with only a few hours left on the last day of the shoot, and it’s crazy that this important visual piece of Spires history was almost lost to time over a freaking car. If you’re interested in the full story, it’s posted on our Patreon.”


A Fortress Called Home, Seven Spires' fourth studio album is the follow-up to Gods Of Debauchery (2021), and takes their signature blend of symphonic power and extreme metal to new heights, dragging the listener to the deepest abysses in the process.


Adrienne Cowan comments: “I visited the void twice while writing this album. I don’t know which begat the other. It’s ugly. I love it and I hate it, and I think it’s our best work yet.”


A Fortress Called Home was produced, mixed, and mastered by Jack Kosto who had this to say about it: “If our previous albums have intended to take you on an emotional journey of our design, this album forces you to confront the one of your own making. Good luck and enjoy!”





Tracklisting:


"A Fortress Called Home"
"Songs Upon Wine-Stained Tongues"
"Almosttown"
"Impossible Tower"
"Love’s Souvenir"
"Architect Of Creation"
"Portrait Of Us"
"Emerald Necklace"
"Where Sorrows Bear My Name"
"No Place For Us"
"House Of Lies"
"The Old Hurt Of Being Left Behind"


"Architect Of Creation":





"Almosttown":





Pre-order A Fortress Called Home now at this location.


Seven Spires’ 2024 touring schedule includes a European tour with Skálmöld and Atavistia in March, four North American shows as direct support for Kamelot with Ad Infinitum in April, a headline set at Mile High Power Fest in Denver, CO, in August, and their first-ever headlining Japanese tour with Lords Of The Trident in December. Further details can be found here.

Ulcerate, who recently announced the June 14 release of their new album Cutting The Throat Of God (Debemur Morti Productions), have shared a second single from the new album, with today’s arrival of “To Flow Through Ashen Hearts”.


The song was released in conjunction with a Dehn Sora-directed video for the seven-minute track.


Last month the New Zealand-based trio shared news of the album’s forthcoming arrival, and with it was the first taste of music from the seven-song album: “The Dawn Is Hollow”.




Cutting The Throat Of God was recorded in the fall of 2023, under the watchful eye of drummer Jamie Saint Merat, who also oversaw production and provided artist direction for the collection. Renowned mastering engineer Magnus Lindberg (known for his work with Cult Of Luna, Russian Circles and Tribulation) put the finishing touches on the release. Cutting The Throat Of God explores a cohesive lyrical theme centered on the rupture of morality, the delicate boundary between depravity and extremity, and the irreversible descent into darkness.


Preorder here.





Tracklisting:


“To Flow Through Ashen Hearts”
“The Dawn Is Hollow”
“Further Opening The Wounds”
“Transfiguration In And Out Of Worlds”
“To See Death Just Once”
“Undying As An Apparition”
“Cutting The Throat Of God”


“To Flow Through Ashen Hearts” video:





“The Dawn Is Hollow” video:





(Photo courtesy of Ulcerate)

7D Media is thrilled to announce the upcoming release of Tu-Ner For Lovers, a new CD from the ensemble of Pat Mastelotto and Trey Gunn (best known for their work with King Crimson) and Markus Reuter. Scheduled for release on May 3, this album is a prelude to the much-anticipated US Tu-Ner tour in May.





Tu-Ner For Lovers is taken from their live shows in 2023. It weaves together an immersive audioscape that blends the churning rhythms of Mastelotto, the dripping touch guitar layers of Reuter, and the seductive Warr Guitar of Gunn.




“Tu-Ner For Lovers is not just music; it’s an invitation to experience love and intimacy through a progressive rock prism and a wonderful precursor to their live performances.”


Pre-order the album here.


Upcoming tour dates:


May
9 - Phoenix, AZ - The Rhythm Room
10 - San Marcos, CA - The Bornemann Theater
11 - Los Angeles, CA - The Baked Potato
12 - Los Angeles, CA - The Baked Potato
14 - Mill Valley, CA - Sweetwater Hall
16 - Stockton, CA - Haggin Museum
18 - Arcata, CA - Arcata Playhouse
20 - Eugene, OR - WOW Hall
22 - Portland, OR - Alberta Abbey
23 - Seattle, WA - Triple Door
25 - Vashon Island, WA - Open Space Arts Center
26 - Vancouver, BC - - BlueShore Financial Centre for Performing Arts
30 - Redding, CA - The Dip


Pat Mastelotto - Very rarely does a drummer go on to forge the most successful career on the demise of their former hit band. Phil Collins and Dave Grohl have managed it, and so too has Pat Mastelotto, a self-taught drummer from Northern California, who has also been involved with pushing the envelope of electronic drumming. Pat has spent a lifetime jumping genres from pop, to prog, to electronica to world music with – among others – Mr. Mister, XTC, David Sylvian, The Rembrandts, Kimmo Pohjonen, and for the last 25 years with King Crimson and Stick Men.


Markus Reuter is a composer, guitarist, and producer. He began his musical journey as a composer before delving into Robert Fripp’s Guitar Craft, mastering the Chapman Stick, and eventually transitioning to the U8 Touch Guitar. Reuter has released numerous solo albums and has collaborated extensively with various musicians. He holds a prominent position in the experimental band Anchor and Burden and forms the duo Tuner with Pat. Additionally, he was a member of Europa String Choir and has worked alongside notable artists such as Gary Husband, Robert Rich, J. Peter Schwalm, Mark Wingfield, and
many others. Reuter's versatility is evident through his involvement in Devin Townsend’s touring band. Notably, he also performs in power trios including Stick Men with Pat and Tony Levin, Truce with Asaf Sirkis and Fabio Trentini, and Markus Reuter/Tim Motzer/Kenny Grohowski.


Trey Gunn, the extraordinary Warr guitarist and musician, has left an indelible mark on the world of progressive and experimental music. Renowned for his virtuosic talent, he has graced the stages and recording studios with legendary acts such as King Crimson, David Sylvian, Robert Fripp, Brian Eno, Happy Rhodes, Puscifer, Tool and John Paul Jones, contributing his unique blend of mesmerizing and innovative playing. As the founder of the esteemed 7D Media record label, Gunn continues to be a guiding force in curating exceptional musical experiences. Trey Gunn’s visionary artistry and unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of sound make him a true luminary in the realm of progressive music.


(Photo - Julia Hensley)

Billy Idol Rewind: A Twitch Livestream Event was held in July 2023, and today, Idol shares the official video for "Rebel Yell" from the session. Watch below:





Billy Idol will embark on his transcontinental Rebel Yell Canada 2024 arena tour this summer, beginning July 30 in Vancouver and running through August 25 in St. John’s, Newfoundland.




Produced by Live Nation Canada, Idol’s show will include a myriad of hits from across his career with a focus on the landmark Rebel Yell album, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Joining Idol is his longtime backing band, including his lead guitarist and collaborator of over 40 years, Steve Stevens. Canadian Walk Of Fame inductees Platinum Blonde will appear as special guest across all stops.





Dates:


July
30 - Vancouver, BC - Rogers Arena


August
1 - Edmonton, AB - Rogers Place
2 - Calgary, AB - Scotiabank Saddledome
5 - Saskatoon, SK - SaskTel Centre
6 - Winnipeg, MB - Canada Life Centre
9 - Toronto, ON - Scotiabank Arena
10 - Ottawa, ON - Canadian Tire Centre
14 - London, ON - Budweiser Gardens
16 - Montreal, QC - Bell Centre
19 - Quebec City, QC - Videotron Centre
21 - Moncton, NB - Avenir Centre
23 - Halifax, NS - Scotiabank Centre
25 - St. John’s, NL - Mary Brown’s Centre


Billy Idol is set to celebrate the 40th anniversary of his landmark album, Rebel Yell, with a deluxe expanded edition due April 26 via Capitol/UMe.


Available for pre-order here, the reissue includes a selection of previously unreleased songs and demos, the Poolside remix of Idols smash hit "Eyes Without A Face", and the never-before-heard Billy Idol/Steve Stevens original "Best Way Out Of Here" from the original sessions.


Idol has debuted the demo version of his 1984 hit single “Flesh For Fantasy” from the original Rebel Yell recording sessions. Listen to/share the track here and below:





Originally released in November 1983, Rebel Yell is the twice-platinum follow-up to Idols self-titled debut. The album features the iconic singles "Eyes Without A Face", "Flesh For Fantasy", "Rebel Yell", and "Catch My Fall". The reissue is available in 2xLP, 2xCD, and digital formats. See below for complete tracklistings.


Idol recently released the concert film Billy Idol: State Line, a Vertigo Live concert film documenting his April 2023 show at the famed Hoover Dam the first-ever concert performed at the location on DVD and Blu-ray following a successful limited theatrical run. The film highlights the history and significance of Hoover Dam and includes performances from two unique sets of Billy Idols iconic hits: a full band concert at sunset with special guests that electrified and illuminated the surrounding Black Canyon, and an acoustic duo set on the roof of the powerhouse at the foot of Hoover Dam straddling the Colorado River, directly on the Nevada/Arizona state line. For both sets, Idol is joined by his longtime collaborator and guitar player Steve Stevens, as well as special guests Alison Mosshart (The Kills, The Dead Weather), Steve Jones (Sex Pistols, Generation Sex) and Tony Kanal (No Doubt).


For 46 years, Billy Idol has been one of the definitive faces and voices of rocknroll. Between 1977 and 1981, Idol released three albums with Generation X as their camera-ready frontman. In 1982, he embarked on a transatlantic/trans-genre solo career that integrated the bold and simple lines of punk and rock 'n' roll decadence. Touring consistently around the world for the last ten years and showing no signs of slowing down, Idol released both The Roadside EP in 2021 and The Cage EP in 2022 on Dark Horse Records, earning praise from fans and critics alike. In January, Idol cemented his name among Hollywood legends with the first Walk of Fame Star of 2023.


Rebel Yell (Expanded Edition) tracklistings:





2xLP:


Disc 1, Side A
"Rebel Yell"
"Daytime Drama"
"Eyes Without A Face"
"Blue Highway"


Disc 1, Side B
"Flesh For Fantasy"
"Catch My Fall"
"Crank Call"
"(Do Not) Stand In The Shadows"
"The Dead Next Door"


Disc 2, Side A
"Best Way Out Of Here"
"Love Don't Live Here Anymore"
"Daytime Drama" (Demo)
"Flesh For Fantasy" (Demo)


Disc 2, Side B
"Catch My Fall" (Early Version)
"Crank Call" (Demo)
"(Do Not) Stand In The Shadows" (Demo)
"Eyes Without A Face" (Poolside remix)





2xCD/Digital Album:


Disc 1
"Rebel Yell"
"Daytime Drama"
"Eyes Without A Face"
"Blue Highway"
"Flesh For Fantasy"
"Catch My Fall"
"Crank Call"
"(Do Not) Stand In The Shadows"
"The Dead Next Door"


Disc 2
"Best Way Out Of Here"
"Love Don't Live Here Anymore"
"Daytime Drama" (Demo)
"Flesh For Fantasy" (Demo)
"Catch My Fall" (Early Version)
"Crank Call" (Demo)
"(Do Not) Stand In The Shadows" (Demo)
"Rebel Yell" (Session Take)
"Blue Highway" (Original Demo)
"Flesh For Fantasy" (Session Take)
"Catch My Fall" (Original Demo)
"Motorbikin" (Session Take)
"Eyes Without A Face" (Poolside remix)


"Love Don't Live Here Anymore" visualizer:

Charlie Benante has once again said that PANTERA fans who have attended the band's recent shows have embraced the opportunity to see the songs performed live more than 20 years since the classic PANTERA lineup was last together.

Joining the ANTHRAX drummer in PANTERA's reformed lineup are surviving members Rex Brown (bass) and Philip Anselmo (vocals),along with guitarist Zakk Wylde (OZZY OSBOURNE, BLACK LABEL SOCIETY).

According to Billboard, the lineup was given a green light by the estates of the band's founders, drummer Vincent "Vinnie Paul" Abbott and guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott.

It was first reported in July 2022 that Anselmo and Brown would unite with Wylde and Benante for a world tour under the PANTERA banner.

Benante opened up about his participation in PANTERA's return during a new interview with Australia's Heavy, conducted at this month's Knotfest Australia festival. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "We get people coming, we see them after the show, we see them during the VIP meet-and-greet things, and some of them are crying because it's a part of their youth. And they never thought they would hear these songs in this environment again. And it's the same thing for me. When I'm playing, I'm looking down at the setlist. I get excited about the next song coming up. It's good."

Charlie also addressed the negative comments he has received for his participation in PANTERA's comeback without Dimebag and Vinnie Paul. He said: "It's more important to — again, like I said a little while ago about hearing these songs again… Some of these people who were negative at the at the start of this whole thing, my whole thing was just, please shut up for a minute and just wait. If you don't wanna come, don't come. But if you do wanna come, and just come and then witness it, and then afterwards you can say, 'Fuck this. This was horrible.' But that hasn't happened. A lot of people are so positive about it and they enjoy it.

"There's no way I was gonna make this a bad, bad decision or a bad kind of vibe," Benante explained. "It had to be meeting my standards. It's gotta be killer. It's gotta sound like PANTERA. And that was it. There was a lot of homework that went into it. So for people to insult and say this, that, and the other thing, it's, like, well, that's not true. That's not true right there."

After one of the interviewers noted that most of the complaints center around the fact that the new PANTERA lineup is not "the real thing", Benante fired back: "What band is the real thing? What band is the real thing right now? Give me one band.

"Things happen. Life happens sometimes," he continued. "I went to see U2 about a month and a half, two months ago, and the drummer wasn't there. But I enjoyed the shit out of it anyway. It was just great.

"People online, they got those Internet balls and they have to talk shit. They can't exactly show any restraint. 'No, I have to push that 'enter' [key],' you know what I mean? It's, like, fuck you. Let me come to where you are. Let me just fuck with you all day."

Benante previously opened up about his participation in PANTERA's return during a February 2024 interview with "THAT Rocks!", the YouTube series hosted by Eddie Trunk, Jim Florentine and Don Jamieson. Speaking about some of the criticism he has received for his involvement with PANTERA, Charlie said: "People had their preconceived notions of what they were gonna think: 'Oh, I don't dig this without Vinnie and Dime.' And of course… What do you think? We don't know that Vinnie and Dime are not with us anymore? But when we start playing the songs and you just see the faces in the crowd, all that shit goes out the window, the negative stuff that has been said.

"Man, that's all I ever wanted to do, is just come and do this and make people hear these songs again," he explained. "And that's what it's all about, really. It's about the music."

Asked who was in charge of making the decision to use the name PANTERA for the new lineup instead of calling it a tribute or naming it something else, Charlie said: "It wasn't me. [Laughs] For us it was about the celebration of the music and Dime and Vinnie; that's what it was about since day one. No one called it a tribute; no one called it a reunion. It can't be a reunion. This is a celebration of the music of PANTERA. Come and enjoy it. And that's it. That's all could do."

Benante also talked about his personal connection to Dimebag and Vinnie, saying: "Yeah. I loved those two guys, man. You never think that certain things would ever, ever happen, and then when it does, you sit back and think, like, 'How did this happen so fast? How did this time just slip by?' And Darrell's been gone for a while now. But it doesn't change how we all miss him and feel him.

"Every show that we play… [Longtime PANTERA engineer, bass tech and friend] Sterling [Winfield], who used to work for PANTERA — still does, in a sense. The first show, he came to Mexico City and he brought me one of Darrell's wristbands and a pair of Vinnie's gloves that they used. And every show that I've played so far, I wear the wristband and Vinnie's glove is in my pocket because I feel like they're with me. And I do that for every show, and I'll continue to do that for every other show we play. It just has significance."

Benante previously discussed his involvement in PANTERA's comeback during an interview with Consequence. Addressing the negative comments he has received for his participation, Charlie said: "I don't go [online] looking for [people's negative comments about it]. There's people that send me, 'Hey, did you see this?' And I'm, like, 'Why did you send me this? Why ruin my day?'

"I think the people who do these things, these comments, I don't even think they realize how much of an effect that they could have on people," he continued. "And whether or not you hate the situation, or whatever it is, why can't you find some sort of restraint? Why do you need to say this thought that you have? Can't you just hold it in and maybe be, like, 'I'll keep my thoughts to myself.' No, they've gotta tell you. I've never seen more of it in my life than I [did] in these past couple of months about just people judging."

Regarding his personal approach to playing the parts originally written and recorded by Vinnie Paul, Charlie said: "I just spent a lot of time on Vinnie's parts and more importantly the tone that Vinnie had because I wanted it to sound like PANTERA. That was my thing. And my drum configuration is different from the ANTHRAX one because I wanted to challenge myself to play those parts like he played them in that configuration, which, to me, was more important than anything. But yet people still have to find some problem in that."

According to Benante, the initial rehearsals for the PANTERA comeback tour were "an emotional thing" for Philip and Rex "too, because they hadn't played as a group, those two hadn't played together in a long time, playing PANTERA songs. Yeah, they played [together] in DOWN, but this was an emotional thing for them," Charlie said. "And I remember after the week of rehearsals that we did, saying goodbye was weird, because it was an emotional thing; we really kind of bonded, the three of us. Zakk wasn't there at the time. But for me, I knew I had done something right."

Up until his passing, Vinnie remained on non-speaking terms with Anselmo, whom the drummer indirectly blamed for Dimebag's death.

Vinnie Paul and Dimebag co-founded PANTERA. When PANTERA broke up in 2003, they formed DAMAGEPLAN. On December 8, 2004, while performing with DAMAGEPLAN at the Alrosa Villa in Columbus, Ohio, Dimebag was shot and killed onstage by a troubled schizophrenic who believed that the members of PANTERA were stealing his thoughts.

Vinnie passed away on June 22, 2018 at his other home in Las Vegas at the age of 54. He died of dilated cardiomyopathy, an enlarged heart, as well as severe coronary artery disease. His death was the result of chronic weakening of the heart muscle — basically meaning his heart couldn't pump blood as well as a healthy heart.