Progressive death metal outfit, Revocation, have announced that their full Relapse Records vinyl catalog is in stock and available now.





Shop here, and watch "The Grip Tightens" from Revocation's Teratogenesis EP below:







(Photo - Alex Morgan)

Ah, the sense of traveling, on the road and in the air! The ease of life as a touring minstrel of the 21st century! The miles passing by like the soft breeze of your perfectly tempered air condition, while a brash little waterdrop breaks away from your fogged-up soft drink glass... Whether this is a good moment to wake up or not is surely debatable, because this would probably mean missing out on a wealth of sincerely dreamed-of pleasures. On the other hand, the true adventure begins on arrival, doesn’t it? It sure did for Brazilian power progsters Noturnall – or better for what was left of the band after a 4-day-trip of horror in order to traverse from Brazil to the first Australian show of their extensive ongoing tour.


From vanished singer to missing bass guitar to total loss of all clothes - fate really had it in for the guys this time round!


Maybe sometimes your life’s gotta turn to shit a wee bit for your own perspective to make the world shine a little more? From condoning audiences to street musicians lending you their bass to the relief that only fellows willing to share their underdaks could give you – it’s the awesome things in life that count. Even more awesome is when your drummer gets to battle it out live on stage with a legend such as Mike Portnoy! The awesomest thing could then be to make a ritualistic habit out of this and see where it leads. Curious? Here we go, "Scream! For!! Me!!!" (Live in Sao Paulo feat. Mike Portnoy) and "Scream! For!! Me!!!" (Live in Nova Friburgo feat. Mike Portnoy). Get the tracks here.










And while we’re on the brink of mocking the dear guys for losing their singer in the middle of a massive tour, let’s make up for it by appreciating the sheer insanity of Thiago Bianchi’s incredibly dynamic vocal range with a brand new, over the top music video of their timeless power ballad, "Shadows (Walking Through)":





The song is also featured on the international release of their latest album Cosmic Redemption, which marked a pathway for Noturnall into global metal territory by the end of last year. On the CD, 13 magnificent tracks, including features from renowned artists, such as James LaBrie, Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater) and others, deal with the cosmic turns the world takes – on the micro level as the struggles of individuals, as well as on the macro level in the shape of corruption and battles in society.


The term Cosmic Redemption represents the objective for each human to grow as a person and leave the world as a better place than it was. The album was written during the disruptive time of the pandemic and motivated the band members to keep going.


Speaking of going: The guys are back together and should be having a great time right now together with some of you lucky peeps – rocking the 70000 Tons Of Metal cruise! These remarkable shows will be something very special, as on the ship Noturnall will meet and enter the stage with guitar hero Mike Orlando again, who greatly contributed to the album. With their trip back to Brazil after the cruise, the band will close the great circle that led them lapping around the world: Brazil – Europe – Australia – USA – Brazil.


The tour may be over soon, just not for long: At least for South America, the restless band will reach out to fans very shortly with a ton of new tour dates for 2024.


In the meantime, Noturnall are very happy to announce that a new deal got signed with Rubicon Music (Japan) to make Cosmic Redemption available on the Japanese market as well. And since the guys just can’t sit still, they will be touring Japan later this year, too!

Russell / Guns marks the beginning of a fresh artistic partnership between two legendary figures of Los Angeles hard rock: Jack Russell and Tracii Guns, accompanied by Johnny Martin, Shane Fitzgibbon and Alexandro del Vecchio.


The pair recently released the new studio album, Medusa, via Frontiers Music Srl. Today, they release "Tell Me Why" Official Lyric Video (Version #2). Watch below:







Commenting on the partnership, Tracii Guns said, "Jack is one of the greatest rock voices of our generation. It’s a total honor to play guitar on this record."


For Jack Russell, this project represents a long-awaited return to recording and new music, coming seven years after the release of He Saw It Comin' with Jack Russell's Great White. Instead of dwelling on the past and attempting to recreate the storied origins of the multi-platinum hard rock entity, Jack is excited to be moving forward and collaborating with none other than Tracii Guns, an artist experiencing a creative resurgence of his own.


On Medusa, Jack and Tracii have discovered a common thread in a collection of songs that draw from the bluesy power and heavy energy of their most celebrated material and roots, yet infused with a fresh, energetic drive and modern metallic production.


About the album, Jack had this to say, "It was so great making a record with Tracii! Initially, I had my reservations about making this record, but in the end it kicks ass. I'll play with Tracii anytime!"


Medusa is an album that showcases inspired artistic integrity and commitment to rock'n'roll from two extraordinary rock stars of the 80s and 90s. Order here.





Tracklisting:


"Next In Line"
"Tell Me Why"
"Coming Down"
"Where I Belong"
"For You"
"Give Me The Night"
"Living A Lie"
"In And Out Of Love"
"Medusa"
"Back Into Your Arms Again"
"I Want You"


"In And Out Of Love":





"Tell Me Why" lyric video:





"Next In Line" video:





In 1984, Jack Russell burst onto the scene as the frontman for Great White, a prominent presence in the Los Angeles music scene. The band's self-titled debut, along with platinum-selling albums like 1987's Once Bitten... and 1989's ...Twice Shy, sold over 8 million copies worldwide. Their rock legacy continued into the 21st century, and in 2011, Russell went on to form Jack Russell's Great White.


Tracii Guns is a legend in his own right. He founded LA Guns in 1983, which later merged with another group called Hollywood Rose, laying the foundation for one of the true giants of rock: Guns N' Roses. After departing the band and reuniting with former Girl lead vocalist Phil Lewis to reform LA Guns, he signed with Vertigo Records and released 14 studio albums with the band. He also ventured into various side projects, including Contraband (with Michael Schenker and others), Sunbomb (with Michael Sweet of Stryper), and more recently, Blackbird Angels with Todd Kerns (of Slash & The Conspirators).


Ultimately, this new music from Russell / Guns is a gift to the millions of fans who have steadfastly supported both Tracii Guns and Jack Russell throughout the years. It's everything they've been waiting for and more.

Conquest have announced their new album Paradox, to be released digitally as well as on CD and vinyl on Dark Star Records April 19. The second single and video "Walking Dead” is being premiered exclusively through BraveWords!





Preorders for Paradox include an autographed CD and vinyl bundles are available here.







Paradox is a pure heavy metal record from top to bottom. With the speed of “King Of The World” and “Valley Of The Damned”, and the dynamics of “ Of The Devil’s Creed”, and the thought provoking lyrics of “Save Me”, the depth of this record is by far their greatest accomplishment. Melodic guitar solos and crunchy rhythms, with a furiously tight and precise drum performance, add a touch of lyrical bass melodies and vocals of poise and aggression producing a unique vocal style. Paradox is a heavy metal record with many flavors to choose from.


Derrick Brumley: “By far the best work I have ever done, recording Paradox was a great experience. I can’t wait for everyone to hear it.”


Dark Star recording artists Conquest are strong, aggressive, high energy musicians from the Midwest, Conquest has rocked the nation with their pure breed of modern heavy metal stemming from the old school influences of Metallica, Judas Priest and Testament with a definite presence of their own musical flavor.





Tracklisting:


“Of The Devil’s Creed”
“Walking Dead”
“Save Me”
“He Shall Return”
“Celtic Mist”
“Love Amplified”
“Valley Of The Damned”
“Dying To Live”
“World Of Hate”
“Writing On The Wall”
“King Of The World”
“In The Heavens”
“Babylon America”
“The Killing Time”
“Last Goodbye”
“Man On The Silver Mountain” (Rainbow cover)


"Man On The Silver Mountain":





Production Credits:
Derrick Brumley: Lead Vocals, guitar
Mike Crook: Lead guitar, BG. vocals
Rob Boyer: Bass, BG. vocals
Lee Skyles: Drums, BG. vocals

"'Suspicious Minds' (made famous by Elvis Presley) is very ‘Las Vegas’ and since we live here, where his legacy remains part of the city’s fabric, we knew we had to go for it! We gave it a modern rock n’ roll twist, and the sum of all parts resulted in this larger-than-life hard rock version,” says Velvet Chains founding member and bassist, Nils Goldschmidt, of their new single produced by Jim Kaufman (Danny Worsnop, Helmet, Return to Dust) and mixed by Dan Korneff (My Chemical Romance, Motionless In White, Pierce The Veil).


“Suspicious Minds” is out now digitally. Stream/download it here; listen below.







Having done dates with several of rock’s top acts such as Stone Temple Pilots, The Winery Dogs, and Saint Asonia, Velvet Chains will head to South America tonight, January 29, to kick off a jaunt as direct support for Slash featuring Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators. Find dates and ticket information here.


(Photo - Brian Cox)

Former SAIGON KICK singer Matt Kramer has blasted guitarist/vocalist Jason Bieler and drummer Phil Varone for their recent announcement that they were planning to embark on a tour celebrating the 30th anniversary of the band's third album, "Water".

Released in September 1993, "Water" was the first SAIGON KICK album to feature Bieler on lead vocals, following the departure of Kramer earlier that year over what has been described as financial and creative issues. Joining Bieler during the LP's recording sessions were Varone and bassist Chris McLernon.

On January 9, a day after Bieler and Varone announced their plans to hit the road in celebration of "Water", Kramer took to his Facebook page to write: "My inbox is getting flooded congratulating me about the new SAIGON KICK tour. This tour is not including me, it's the 30 year anniversary of Jason, funneling hundreds of thousands of dollars of my personal publishing money that was demanded I not touch into the band so he could squeeze me out of the band after I sang a top 12 pop hit launching the band's gigantic hit. Then meticulously left me absolutely pennyless and confiscated all of my gear so I couldn't even do writing sessions for a new project. Immediately following to go on to record the Water record, and steal my vocal style mimicking me trying to pass it off as if I never left the band with the vocal sound I created for SAIGON KICK. First he stole all of my money, then he stole my job, and the fact that he sings exactly like me is the ultimate robbery and a perfect example of why being a thief and absolute backstabbing maniac makes you win in the music business."

He continued: "Zero respect for anyone on that tour. Definitely bitter but it's more about the transparency. 30 years later, it's the gift that keeps on giving. Support the good ones, root out the evil."

Earlier today (Friday, January 12),Bieler shared a carefully worded post on both the SAIGON KICK and his personal Facebook pages in which he didn't mention Kramer by name but made it clear that there was no truth to the singer's claims.

"Maybe it's a new Marvel character called 'SUPER VICTIM' ™…I know we are all looking forward to that on the big screen," Jason wrote. "I hear the plot is about a guy who, no matter what happens or is shown to them, regardless of any facts, accepts no responsibility for anything in their own life or career…and somehow, even though they claim to be the most talented person in the room…never actually achieve anything of note in 35 years. Even though they are ignored by nearly everyone, and no one with first-hand knowledge ever says anything publicly to back them up…does our hero stop? Hell to the no…you have to admire someone banging their head on a wall for 35 years…and blaming the wall. I'm hoping he's played by Daniel Day Lewis…or Joaquin Phoenix…it will be their most challenging role…to show no action, no achievements, no accomplishments, not one single bit of forward momentum…just an ever-present pouty 'pre-cry' lower lip…I mean how do you emote nothingness and have it translate to the big screen?

"The climax? Maybe a scene where our protagonist is in therapy and the doctor says… 'show me on the doll where the music industry hurt you.'"

He continued: "The darkest part of the movie is when our hero whips up a little online hate group with nothing to back it up, for people with no first-hand knowledge other than his verbal diarrhea. We enter a dark time where all it takes is one deranged person to put someone, or their friends or family at risk. Maybe we skip that part, I mean that's how some of our heroes met an unfortunate end..and what sane person would put that energy into the universe?

"Maybe the movie ends with an anti-hero 'The EVIL SCUMBAGINATOR™' coming into the room and saying…if you have an issue a real man would deal directly with the people and attempt to correct it, failing that…you would seek legal remedies, Super Victim™…it's time for you to put up or shut up. We have hundreds of pages of facts, first-hand witnesses, and everything corroborated…but because we are not pre-teens on TikTok…we have never released or posted it. Then with a sympathetic look, the SCUMBAGINATOR™ looks back and says, I hope you go on and do something truly great SUPER VICTIM ™, and I wish you well. Surely someone would want to work with somebody so brilliantly influential, blameless, and upstanding. End scene…and it suddenly becomes apparent that The SCUMBAGINATOR™, THE NOT BASS PLAYER™, AND THE ANGRY DRUMMER™…were the heroes all along. It's like the Sixth Sense…but instead of dead people…our star has a complaint and would like to see the manager…like a male Karen or MK for short."

Jason added: "Catch phrase for the SCUMBAGINATOR™: 'you have mistaken 35 years of my silence for weakness…when all along it has been simply pity.' Catch phrase for SUPER VICTIM™: 'I'll never be back' said in an Arnold like accent."

When one fan wrote in the comments section below Bieler's post that "airing dirty laundry makes y'all seem petty", Jason responded: "couldn't agree more, but 35 years of being attacked with no response seems pretty restrained to me, no?" The same fan went on to say that "this retort makes it look defensive. All you have to do is let him twist in the wind or say no comment", to which Bieler replied: "you can only take the high road for so long, his posts have been vile and straight up lies...I appreciate and live by the high road...but at some point you need to defend yourself."

SAIGON KICK is perhaps best remembered for its second album, 1992's "The Lizard", which spawned the band's biggest hit single, "Love Is On The Way". The track reached No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and its accompanying video was in the top 10 MTV countdown for many weeks. Just before touring for the LP commenced, bassist Tom Defile was fired and was replaced by ex-COLD SWEAT bassist Chris McLernon. They toured from summer 1992 to spring 1993 and "The Lizard" was eventually certified gold by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association Of America) for sales in excess of 500,000 copies.

SAIGON KICK's original lineup — Kramer, Varone, Bieler and Defile — reunited in 2012 for live performances but did not record any new music.

My inbox is getting flooded congratulating me about the new Saigon Kick tour. This tour is not including me, it's the...

Posted by Matt Kramer on Tuesday, January 9, 2024

Maybe it's a new Marvel character called "SUPER VICTIM” ™…I know we are all looking forward to that on the big screen. I...

Posted by Jason Bieler on Friday, January 12, 2024

Maybe it’s a new Marvel character called "SUPER VICTIM” ™…I know we are all looking forward to that on the big screen. I...

Posted by Saigon Kick on Friday, January 12, 2024

Vocalist Sammy Hagar (Montrose, Van Halen, Chickenfoot) surprised fans in attendance at the G3 concert at Talking Stick Resort and Casino in Scottsdale, Arizona on January 26th when he took the stage to jam on a Jimi Hendrix classic.


Hagar has since posted the following statement and video to social media: "I’ve never felt more power on stage singing 'Foxy Lady' than Friday night with the G3s: Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson, Steve Vai, with Kenny Aronoff, Bryan Beller and Rai Thistlethwayte throwing it down. What a rush!"







G3 is back! A special reunion of the original 1996 lineup of Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson and Steve Vai is on the road throughout January and February 2024. Watch a video trailer below. Ticket and VIP links can be found at G3Tour.com.





Remaining Dates:


January
29 - Spokane, WA - First Interstate Center for the Arts
31 - Seattle, WA - The Moore Theatre


February
1 - Salem, OR - Historic Elsinore Theatre
2 - Reno, NV - Grand Sierra Reno
3, - Oakland, CA - Fox Theater
5 - Fresno, CA - Saroyan Theatre
7 - El Cajon, CA - The Magnolia
9 - Los Angeles, CA - Orpheum Theatre
10 - Los Angeles, CA - Orpheum Theatre





 

Torn Between Two Worlds vocalist Sarah Jezebel Deva, formerly the backing vocalist for Cradle Of Filth, has checked in with the following update:


"Nagash, Steiner, Myself, Astennu and Hellhammer will be reuniting officially for The Kovenant. Sadly, Blackheart will be missing, hopefully short term; however he will be replaced by Knut from Arcturus for any shows. Luckily for The Kovenant, we have the amazing Photograve Management on our side. Older, uglier, but more professional than ever! Here is to whatever the future may hold for us." 


The Kovenant originally formed as a symphonic black metal act known as Covenant in 1993, but in 1999 were forced to change their name to The Kovenant due to a dispute with a Swedish electronic band of the same name. The band's name change also marked a change in sound/style, as the band from there on began to focus more on an aggrotech / industrial metal sound heavily influenced by Europe's EBM scene. Despite their style change, The Kovenant did however later reissue their early albums under The Kovenant name.










Photo: Håkon Grav

Sebastian Bach says that he threatened to quit SKID ROW after he and his bandmates signed away their publishing rights to Jon Bon Jovi when SKID ROW was first starting out.

Despite the fact that the 1989 debut album from the Bach-fronted SKID ROW went five times platinum and produced several hit singes — including "18 And Life", "I Remember You" and "Youth Gone Wild", there was a lot of bitterness surrounding its success, largely due to the fact that in return for the helping hands of Jon Bon Jovi, SKID ROW reportedly had to enter a publishing deal with the BON JOVI frontman's newly established Underground Music Company in which they waived their rights to publishing royalties. All money was paid to Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora. After a public dispute, Sambora gave his share of the money back to SKID ROW.

Bach reflected on the dispute with Bon Jovi during an appearance on a recent episode of the "Wild Ride! With Steve-O" podcast. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Here's the honest-to-God truth. That is true that we signed a publishing deal with [Jon] and in order for us to sign it, he would take us on his tour. And we were just a bunch of nobodies. So, 'Let's go on tour in arenas.' I mean, that doesn't happen every day."

Bach continued: "All I can say about it is that there were so many bands at that time. There were so many bands. And the ones that made it were very far and few between. Making it was like a unicorn. But here's what we did. I quit the fucking band. When I understood what we signed, I said, 'I'm not doing this again. I'm not doing this. I'm not doing this again.' So we had a big meeting with the lawyer, who's now Jay-Z's right-hand business guy; he was our lawyer then. And I said, 'I'm quitting unless we're redoing the whole thing with Bon Jovi and I get 25 percent of everything in the band.' And there's five guys in the band, so that was kind of ballsy. But they said, 'Okay.' So we redid that. We got out of that. And then our next record debuted at Number One."

Back in August 2012, Bach said that he was "friends" with Jon Bon Jovi again after he didn't talk to the BON JOVI frontman for many years following the aforementioned dispute over money. Speaking to ArtScenics TV, Bach stated: "Bon Jovi took us on our first tour and we signed some papers with him that he got a cut of, if we made it big, that he would get compensated for helping us out. Nobody expected us to get as big as we got. Nobody thought that we would become a big band. That happens all the time in the music industry. Jon was, like, 'We'll take you on tour, but if you guys make it big,' then he gets a cut of it. So I was bitter about that for awhile, but then I realized that we probably wouldn't have made it as big, or maybe at all, if he didn't take us."

He continued, "I actually had dinner with Jon a couple of years ago. We were staying at the Mandarin Oriental in London — me and Axl [Rose, GUNS N' ROSES singer] — and we were sitting there. And the waitress says, 'Hey, guess who's over in the corner.' And me and Axl go, 'Who?' She said, 'Jon Bon Jovi.' And I go, 'Get the fuck out of here.' He was in the corner. And I didn't know what to do. 'Cause we had had words… Most of them were mine. [Laughs] So I go, 'You know what?! Fuck this. I'm gonna go over there and say 'Hi' to him.' 'Cause we used to be great, great friends; I had Christmas dinner at his house and stuff. So I stood up and walked over towards Jon, and Jon was looking at me, going, 'Are you gonna be a dick or are you gonna be nice?' He's looking at me, like, 'What are you gonna do? What are you gonna say?' And I was like, 'Hey, man, how is it going?' And he was, like, 'Hey, man?' And we stood up and we hugged and then he came over to me and Axl's table and we drank about 15 bottles of red wine, had a great time. He gave me his phone number and I've texted him a couple of times. He's a good guy. We're friends again."

This past November, Bach released a new single, "What Do I Got To Lose?" The song was co-written by Sebastian, Myles Kennedy and Michael "Elvis" Baskette, the latter of whom also served as the track's producer. For the single's accompanying music video, Sebastian was joined by his former SKID ROW bandmate, drummer Rob Affuso.

For the release of "What Do I Got To Lose?", the singer, songwriter, author, Broadway star, and actor teamed up with Reigning Phoenix Music.

Among the other musicians who have assisted Bach during the writing and recording process for his new music are Orianthi (ALICE COOPER, Michael Jackson),John 5 (ROB ZOMBIE, MARILYN MANSON),Steve Stevens (Billy Idol),Brent Woods, Eli Santana and Jeremy Colson.

Bach hasn't released a full-length disc since "Give 'Em Hell", which came out in March 2014. Like its predecessor, 2011's "Kicking & Screaming", the disc was released through Frontiers Music Srl, the Italian label which specializes in what's commonly called AOR, a term that once signified a popular radio format ("album-oriented rock") but nowadays applies to acts whose airplay is marginal.

King Crimson founder Robert Fripp and his wife, Toyah Willcox have served up another Sunday Lunch covering the Beastie Boys anthem, "Fight For Your Right".





Fripp and Wilcox performed at the Isle Of Wight Festival 2023 on June 18th, 2023. Toyah has shared pro-shot video of their full band performance of the Lenny Kravitz hit, "Are You Gona Go My Way". Check it out below.

St. Louis metal trio Nest, led by Scour and Agoraphobic Nosebleed bassist John Jarvis, will release their Endeavors full-length on April 12 via Housecore Records, today unveiling the record’s cover art, tracklisting, and first single.


In the wilderness, countless species build nests. Such spaces provide protection and safe harbor for bees, termites, mice, hawks, and eagles alike. You may find some of them repugnant, while others merit admiration.


Vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and producer John Jarvis has constructed a repository for extreme sounds and emotions in Nest. On one end of the spectrum, his grating riffs played with icy industrial precision and hardcore grit will leave you bloody, bruised, and breathless. On the other, his shoegaze hum bellows in a strangely soothing trance, bordering on blissful in the face of raw destruction. In 2024, this vision takes shape like never before on Nest’s fourth full-length LP and Housecore Records debut, Endeavors.




“There are gorgeous nests, and then there are hideous and gross things like rats’ nests,” he notes. “I wanted to make music with beauty in it, but also some ugliness and darkness. A lot can happen in between.”


A lifelong musician, Jarvis has quietly left his imprint on the underground as bassist for Agoraphobic Nosebleed, Fulgora, and Pig Destroyer. Moreover, his low-end shaped the sonic assault of Scour alongside a true murderers’ row of extreme metal luminaries fronted by Housecore Records founder and Pantera and Down vocalist Philip H. Anselmo. Drawing on influences as diverse as Helmet, Hum, Deftones, and Quicksand, Jarvis formally introduced Nest with his self-titled debut in 2020 followed by Pretense [2020] and Tipping Point [2021]. Signing to Housecore in 2023, he personally wrote, recorded, performed, and curated Endeavors over the course of a week in his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri. He harnessed unbridled energy during the sessions, packing intensity airtight into a concentrated punch.


“Run Ahead” storms out of the gate with a battering ram bassline and vitriolic screams, while “Commiseration” hinges on a dreamy wave of distortion topped off by grainy vocals. Off-kilter jazz chords echo through “Concept” as the dirge-y barrage melts into a searing guitar lead.


Elsewhere, first single “What’s The Issue” layers guttural growls above a fast-paced beat punctuated by jarring swells of distortion. The guitar, bass, and vocals snap in and out of focus as the drums ceaselessly pummel.


“It’s a punky song with a lot of space for the drums,” Jarvis elaborates. “I like to leave the lyrics up for interpretation, but this one, like most of my lyrics, came from a personal experience."


Stream “What's The Issue” below.





Endeavors will be released on CD, LP, and digital formats. Find pre-orders at the Housecore Records webshop here, or Bandcamp here.





Endeavors tracklisting:


"Run Ahead"
"Commiseration"
"Installed"
"Burn Clean"
"Ripe"
"Fickle"
"Round Up"
"Concept"
"What's The Issue"
"Plasticine"


"What's The Issue":





The band will open select shows on Pantera’s upcoming headlining tour beginning this weekend. With more performances and surprises on the horizon, Nest ultimately seethe and soar on Endeavors.





(Photo - John Jarvis)

Bridging the gap between the gritty swagger of the Sunset Strip and the soulful depths of Seattle, Budderside resurrect and renew the purity of rock n’ roll with their high-energy anthems. The Los Angeles-based alt-rockers have released an explosive new single, “Good For Nothing,” produced by Matt Good (Asking Alexandria, Hollywood Undead) available now digitally here.





“‘Good For Nothing’ is straight-up grunge & punk,” says vocalist Patrick Stone. “The song instantly feels like riding a nuclear missile bareback with your pants on fire through the apocalypse. Working with producer Matt Good always delivers an exciting and modern twist.”




The “Good For Nothing” video delivers visual fireworks, notes Stone. “The video is a cinematic spectacular honoring movies like ‘Fury Road’ and ‘Sin City’ with a seriously sick sense of Tarantino type humor.”


Watch the “Good For Nothing” video below. Directed by longtime collaborator Vicente Cordero (Industrialism Films) with VFX by Brennan Karem (Wasteland Entertainment), the thrill-seeking, action-packed music video stars the band and a slew of guests - including music personality/VJ Matt Pinfield - being pursued after a money heist with an edge-of-your-seat car chase emphasized by the track’s chugging guitar riffs and pulsing anthemic vocals.





Budderside consists of founder/vocalist Patrick Stone, lead guitarist Sam Koltun (Dorothy, Faster Pussycat, Crossbone Skully), rhythm guitarist Logan Nikolic (Diamante), drummer Jeff Dewbray and new bassist Eliot Lorango. The group are currently working on their third full-length album (due later this year) which will include “Good For Nothing” and their recent 2023 single “Power Hour.” It was written as the official theme song AXS’s weekly countdown show of the same name hosted by Matt Pinfield, SiriusXM VJ Caity Babs, and music industry personality Josh Bernstein.


Having previously toured with bands including Motörhead, Slayer, Anthrax and L.A. Guns as well as on festival stages such as Welcome to Rockville, Rocklahoma, Wacken Open Air, Motörboat, Malmö Festival, and the Monsters Of Rock cruise, Budderside will join gothic rockers The 69 Eyes on their “Death of Darkness” tour across the US this spring. The 16-date tour will stretch across the northern and southern east coast from March 26 to April 13. See the tour poster below for full dates. Tickets are on sale now, here.





(Photo - Steph Gomez)

Internationally acclaimed heavy metallers, Sabaton, are celebrating their 25-year milestone in the music industry.


Founded in Falun, Sweden, in 1999, Sabaton's journey has been nothing short of legendary. Their music industry adventures have been fuelled by powerful anthems, 10 studio albums, passionate historical storytelling, and explosive international shows and tours, not to mention out-of-the-box initiatives and projects, all of which wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of their dedicated fan base across the globe.


To mark this momentous milestone, Sabaton will embark on a year-long celebration. Fans around the world can look forward to a series of celebratory events and an abundance of surprises.




The band has shared the following message:


"Did you know our song 'Primo Victoria' was inspired by the movie, Saving Private Ryan? The lyrics are based on the D-Day landings on the beaches of Normandy in 1944.


This track was a key stepping stone for us in our musical evolution. It was the very first time we arranged the instruments in such a way, and harmonized the vocals the way we do - similar to Lutheran church hymns. The song played a crucial role in shaping the Sabaton narrative."


Check out the Primo Victoria album here.





Each month of 2024 will be dedicated to an album from Sabaton’s discography, beginning with Primo Victoria and ending with The War To End All Wars. Special activities and insights will be provided to grant fans a better understanding of each studio album.


Highlights include album stories, song facts, and album listening parties during which band members will reminisce on and discuss their favorite tracks, while sharing never-heard-before experiences with Sabaton fans.


Other exciting initiatives include fun games, contests, and giveaways that will grant fans the chance to win unique prizes, as well as a limited edition 25-year anniversary merch, including some very exclusive items.


Frontman, Joakim Brodén, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming celebration, saying: "This is a massive milestone for us. Our fans have been with us every step of the way and we couldn't be more excited to celebrate this monumental occasion with them. We're planning some great things that we've never done before, and we're confident that 2024 will be one to remember, especially as we are heading to the studio at the beginning of next year to begin working on new music!"


Meanwhile, bassist and band manager, Pär Sundström, stated: “It’s hard to believe that a quarter of a century of us playing music and doing what we love the most has passed already. It’s been one hell of a journey, that’s for sure. We sing about history, but looking back we also wrote some history! Stay tuned!”


The 25th-anniversary celebrations will also include throwback photos, videos, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into Sabaton's incredible journey, taking fans on a nostalgic trip through the band's history.


Follow the band’s social media channels and website to keep up to date with the latest news and celebrations. Keep your eyes peeled. 2024 is going to be an interesting year!


In the meantime, check out this video message from Pär and Tommy:

In a new interview with Ernest Skinner of Canada's Border City Rock Talk, GREAT WHITE guitarist Mark Kendall confirmed that is still working on new music with Brett Carlisle, who was officially named the band's new vocalist in October 2022. Brett joined the group as the replacement for Andrew Freeman (LAST IN LINE),who sang for GREAT WHITE for only five months.

"I've been writing like crazy and going into the studio, making demos," Mark said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET). "I've been going down to Tracy G's [Grijalva], a former guitar player that was in DIO, [and he] was in a band called WORLD WAR III with Vinny Appice and Jimmy Bain. He has a studio that's more conducive than what I have here. He does a lot of records there and stuff, and it's just a home studio, but it's more ready to go. I just show up and I make songs just to present to the band. 'Cause when we all get together, everybody throws in their ideas and we work on things together as a band. So I've been doing that, but my bass player just went through back surgery — Scott [Snyder] just had back surgery. He's doing much better. So, as soon as he is up and running, we're gonna get together and get a record together."

Regarding how GREAT WHITE plans to release its new music, Kendall said: "We're not sure how we're gonna do it yet. We haven't really had a lot of meetings about that. Are we gonna put out a 12-song thing or are we just gonna put out maybe five songs at a time? The world has changed so much, we're not really sure. We wanna speak to some people and see what the best way to do it."

Mark went on to say that GREAT WHITE will "probably" put out a few singles ahead of a full-length album release. "Just not give [the fans] too much information at once, and just throw out videos of what we feel are the best songs," he explained.

"Since all the mediums are kind of taken away with the record stores, the radio and MTVs and all that, and people mostly download songs, it sounds sensible to just put out one or two songs at a time," he added. "It makes the most sense."

Carlisle made his live debut with GREAT WHITE on September 24, 2022 at the Cannery Casino Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.

According to Brett, he felt welcomed by his new bandmates and the GREAT WHITE fans from the get-go.

"After meeting [the GREAT WHITE guys], they're all super-cool dudes," he told Kevin McKay of the 99 Rock WKSM FM radio station. "In Vegas, we had a rehearsal the day before, and I already knew half the songs well enough to be able to do it. So I wanted to do the best that I could on 'em. But after we hung out, everybody was cool and stuff. I mean, it's a big crowd. I love big crowds; they're fun."

Carlisle has been playing guitar and singing since the age of eight and counts bands like VAN HALEN, SKID ROW and METALLICA as his main influences.

In May 2022, GREAT WHITE announced that it had parted ways with singer Mitch Malloy and had replaced him with Freeman. Malloy had been in GREAT WHITE for nearly four years, having joined the group in 2018 following the departure of Terry Ilous.

Ilous, frontman of '80s L.A. hard rockers XYZ, joined GREAT WHITE in 2010 after stepping in for touring vocalist Jani Lane (WARRANT).

The Ilous-led GREAT WHITE released two albums, 2012's "Elation" and 2017's "Full Circle", before Terry was dismissed from the group.

This version of GREAT WHITE is not to be confused with JACK RUSSELL'S GREAT WHITE, which features original GREAT WHITE singer Jack Russell.

In an April 2023 interview with Larry Mac of the 96.1 KLPX radio station, Kendall said that he is not as concerned about record sales or commercial success as he is about making sure the new GREAT WHITE songs are strong enough to stand alongside the band's classic material.

"Even in our heyday, I've never really thought dollars and cents; I just wanna know if people like the music or not," he explained. "To where I would be so desperate, I would go to friends of mine who are pretty hard on me — tough critics or whatever — just to get feedback. 'Cause that space in time after you're done recording to when it comes out is pretty brutal. So I always run to friends: 'Tell me you love me. Listen to this.' So I'm kind of the same way now. I just wanna get the music to the people and get feedback: 'How is this? Would this hold up in the '80s? Is it better?' Because I still feel really creative. And we can always get better.

"I'm really feeling pretty good about these songs that we're coming up with," Kendall revealed. "So I'm more anxious for people to hear it than I am selling a million records or whatever. And I think it makes us viable that we still are creative; we still wanna make new music. We're not quite an oldies band yet, even though they kind of label us classic rock or whatever. But that's not so bad. So, yeah, that's it. We wanna keep [creating] and not just go out and be the oldies band that plays the hits every year or whatever. We wanna come up with some tunes and get it to the folks and let 'em know that we're still making music for you. And no matter what's happened with the industry or whatever, we're still the same band and we still make music. This is what we do."

In January 2023, Kendall told the "Mark 2.0" podcast that he was surprised by the overwhelmingly positive response to Carlisle's addition to GREAT WHITE. "It was world news," he said. "I'm seeing stuff on the Internet from Italy, Germany, the U.K. And even some of the more online dirt-seeking-type entities that normally are just huntin' for the headline to say, 'He said his singer sucks'. That's the article. That's the way it starts. These guys actually said good things and posted some of the [fan-filmed videos]. They're cellphone cameras, so the quality probably isn't… But you can hear it. You need to sing great."

In October 2022, Carlisle was asked in an interview with AL.com about his approach to singing GREAT WHITE's classic songs. He said: "I just want to do the songs justice, because that's what people expect to hear. They want to go to the shows and hear the songs the way they remember them, the way they know them. It's not about me and how many high notes I can hit or anything like that. I just want to do the give the people, and the band, what they want."

Brett went on to say that he is honored to be singing for a band whose songs — including "Save Your Love", "Rock Me" and "Lady Red Light" — he had previously covered with his other band ALL OR NOTHING.

"I just want to learn from them," Carlisle said of his new bandmates "It's just really cool to be included in what I've grown up listening to, like looking at the CDs and everything. And then now people are coming up after the shows asking me to sign like original GREAT WHITE cassettes and stuff. And I'm sitting here feeling like I'm not worthy. Because I didn't record that. But I'm like, I just sang with them, so, sure, if you want me to."

Always a wet dream for all sleaze / hard rock fans, Kickin Valentina is back with a brand new digital single and official video, teasing their upcoming studio album, Star Spangled Fist Fight. “Takin A Ride” is a shadowy tune about a high-speed chase through the apocalypse... And a renegade outlaw at the wheel who is desperate to escape his past. 





Stream "Takin A Ride" here.




In April 2024, the world will be a bit less shitty, as Kickin Valentina will release their fourth full-length album titled, Star Spangled Fist Fight. Ten bullets of loud, unapologetic rock’n’roll are fired, aiming at the hearts and jugulars of all hard rock fans with a sleaze rock fallout. And, with an almost cynical precision, the four guys in Kickin Valentina, knock each and every one of us with catchy choruses, indecently strong riffs and a sexy rhythm groove that’s almost pornographic. 


Once again, the album was produced by Andy Reilly (UFO, Bruce Dickinson, Cradle Of Filth) at Muse Productions in Atlanta, and mastered by Joel Wanasek. “It’s been way too long since our last album, and we are really excited about Star Spangled Fist Fight,” bassist Chris Taylor states. “I know every band says this, but I think this is our best album so far. Everything just seemed to click while we were writing it”. 


Kickin Valentina still plays the proverbial loud unapologetic rock’n’roll in 2024, as the band enters the second decade of its existence. Except that Star Spangled Fist Fight is a bit louder and a bit more unapologetic. 


Star Spangled Fist Fight will be released on LP (black vinyl, limited to 500 copies), digipack CD and digital formats via Mighty Music on April 19th, 2024. Pre-orders can be placed now at this location.





Tracklisting:


"Gettin Off"
"Dirty Rhythm"
"Fire Back"
"Man On A Mission"
"Turn Me Loose"
"Died Laughing"
"Takin’ A Ride"
"Amsterdam"
"Ride Or Die"
"Star Spangled Fist Fight"


For further details, visit Kickin Valentina on Facebook.


(Photo by John Mortensson)

Symphonic black metal ensemble Vesperian Sorrow is gearing up for the release of their fifth studio album, Awaken The Greylight, on April 26th via Black Lion Records.


This monumental album marks the band's triumphant return after a twelve-year hiatus, and showcases their evolution and artistic maturity. Awaken The Greylight is a captivating blend of atmospheric black metal and symphonic elements, delivering a haunting and immersive sonic experience. Fans can expect an intense journey, filled with intricate melodies, and the signature raw energy that defines Vesperian Sorrow's sound.


This release demonstrates the band's unwavering commitment to their craft, as well as their passion for pushing the boundaries of the genre. Vesperian Sorrow has meticulously crafted each track, pouring their hearts and souls into the music, resulting in a profound and captivating listening experience.




Awaken The Greylight artwork and tracklisting:





"As The Pillars Were Raised"
"Antediluvian - Proceeding The Unshaping"
"An Epistle To The Prime Vivified"
"Traverse The Vorthonian Passage"
"A Dire Flight For The Black Fragment"
"Seek The Last Priestess Of Tyyk"
"They Beheld The Chainbreaker's Crowning Defiance"
"Who Dwells Whithin The Blight Moon"
"The Excillion Ontogenesis"
"Awaken The Greylight"





For further details, visit Vesperian Sorrow on Facebook.


 

Former MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson has opened up about the sex scandal that caused his latest exit from the band. Speaking to Metal Hammer magazine, he said: "There's two sides to it. One: when you bare it all, you've got nothing to hide. Fuck it, now you can truly be yourself. We all come into the world with our birthday suit on, so what are we ashamed of? What I feel the worst about is the embarrassment that it caused some people, like my family, who didn't deserve it. Out of respect for them, I'm going to keep the family dynamic off the table [during interviews]. That's at their request."

Regarding MEGADETH leader Dave Mustaine's response to the report that sexually tinged messages and explicit video footage involving Ellefson were posted on Twitter, David said: "Dave, his manager and his lawyer [called me after the scandal]. There was a sentiment from one of them saying, 'Let's step back, let Ellefson deal with it. It leaves the door open for him to come back.' Dave didn't want that. He made his decision and it is what it is."

At the time, Ellefson released a statement on Instagram denying all social media chatter that he "groomed" an underage fan. He also filed a report with the police department in Scottsdale, Arizona alleging unlawful distribution of sexually explicit images of him by unknown offenders.

Asked in the 2022 issue of Metal Hammer whether dismissing Ellefson from MEGADETH was a difficult decision to take, given the longtime friendship between the two men, Mustaine replied: "I have made mistakes myself and so I know what it feels like to have people gunning for you. But what we had to remember is that MEGADETH has a lot of moving parts to it. There are four bandmembers; you've got their families, their management companies, the agencies, all of their technicians and on and on and on.

"I can tell you I've made decisions in the past that were detrimental to the security of the band and I know what harm that caused," he continued. "But I don’t want to be saying anything about anyone who is unable to defend themselves."

"God, it's so hard to tap-dance around this...

"Let me just say this — it was a hard decision that had to be made," Mustaine added. "There were a lot of people involved and I had to make a decision, because unfortunately, when you're the leader, you're the one that has to suck it up and face the music.

"All I wanted to do was make a clean break, and not hurt anyone, not hurt the fans and not hurt him. I just wanted to move on, and I hope the gentleman concerned is doing okay. I imagine there was some adjustment that had to take place when it happened.

"It was hard for me when I lost my job," Mustaine said, apparently referring to getting kicked out of METALLICA in 1983. "But I've forgiven him before when he sued me and I'll forgive him a thousand times. I just won't play music with him anymore."

Mustaine ended up hiring TESTAMENT's Steve DiGiorgio to re-record Ellefson's bass parts on MEGADETH's latest album, "The Sick, The Dying… And The Dead!", because he is "one of those just really amazingly talented players," Dave told Rolling Stone.

In May 2022, MEGADETH announced bass player James LoMenzo as a permanent member of the band. LoMenzo was MEGADETH's bass player in the mid-2000s and initially stepped back in as a touring member for "The Metal Tour Of The Year".

In the police report that Ellefson filed in May 2021, he admitted that he had been exchanging sexual text messages with a Dutch teenager, who captured a video of several of their virtual "masturbating encounters" without his consent and shared them with friends. (According to Ellefson, the woman was 19 at the time of their first virtual sexual encounter.) Ellefson, who lives in Scottsdale, first became aware of the video on May 9, 2021, when the claim "David Ellefson of MEGADETH is a pedophile" appeared on Instagram. Ellefson told police he was notified on May 14, 2021 by MEGADETH that the band would be parting ways with him. Three days later, he was fired.

During an October 2021 appearance on SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk", Ellefson opened up about the circumstances that led to his dismissal from MEGADETH, saying: "I ran toward the bullets and dealt with it right away. The night [the messages and video were leaked online], a couple of people said, 'Hey, don't say anything.' In particular, the MEGADETH camp didn't want me to say anything. But my legal [advisers] said, 'Hey, I think you should say something. I think some people have done some really shitty things here and made some false allegations about you, and you have every right to defend yourself.' And I did. Ultimately, that led to my dismissal from MEGADETH. But I have every right, as anyone does, to defend yourself, especially when somebody is making false allegations about you like that. So I dealt with it that night, and quite honestly, that was it — it was over, and it was really kind of done. But then, as the MEGADETH camp in particular jumped in and had addressed it — and not that they shouldn't, but they did. That pretty quickly led to them making the decision to part ways with me and to move away from it.

"We had originally talked about doing a joint statement of sorts, and, of course, that was not what happened," David continued. "So I was disappointed in probably the way it went down.

"Ironically, things are fine between [me and MEGADETH]. We parted ways, and they took their road. And there's not ill will between us, believe it or not. And I think any fights and those things, that was 20 years go — lawsuits and all that crap.

"Look, they moved forward [with 'The Metal Tour Of The Year']," Ellefson added. "I wished them well in my [original] statement to them, and I mean it. It's a group I helped form almost 40 years coming up here for the band. And the songs that are on the radio that I see come up are songs that I had a participation in, and we built a big legacy. I still consider them family, and my DNA is all over that. I don't think you build something of that size together and then suddenly you're just out and that's it."

Ellefson also talked about the statement Mustaine — who formed MEGADETH with Ellefson in 1983 — released on May 24, 2021 announcing the bassist's departure from the band. In the statement, Dave said: "We do not take this decision lightly. While we do not know every detail of what occurred, with an already strained relationship, what has already been revealed now is enough to make working together impossible moving forward." Asked if he was aware of any tension between him and Mustaine and whether he "felt like the ice was getting ready to break again," Ellefson said: "I did not. I think one of the things — and this probably started 20 years ago, when MEGADETH was disbanded in 2002 and then put back together in 2004, it was very clear in 2004 that it was gonna be reframed around Dave unilaterally, one hundred percent being the boss and running the show. Gone were the days of the partnership, the '90s, where it was me, Nick [Menza], Marty [Friedman], Dave — kind of 'the four horsemen ride again' kind of mentality… That day was done; it was not gonna be that anymore. And that's where we fell apart in 2004 and I wasn't with the group through those years. Coming back to it in 2010, now we're a few years older, [with] a little more maturity in the situation, realizing that we're better together, that even though it's not, on paper, a partnership, there's a kind of visual partnership — the optics of it are kind of, like, 'Yeah, this looks better as MEGADETH with me and Dave together. We're one of those bands that, although Dave is the quarterback and the quarterback still plays, the overall feeling and likability and I think everything about it just feels better when it's Dave and Dave together, because we've been together from the beginning for so many years. And I think that worked really well for the last decade. At the same time, Dave and I are grown men, and we have opinions. It's not the thing where it's just Dave and three side guys when it's me and the band. And apparently, they didn't want that anymore — they wanted it to not be that. And I can't speak for them, 'cause I don't know. I'm not trying to put words in anybody's mouth about that. But it just seemed like 'there's just too much history here, and let's just part ways now and let MEGADETH move forward on a new day with kind of a new marching order.' So rather than fight it, which is what happened 20 years ago, 'cause we were dissolving a partnership at that point, we're not dissolving a partnership [this time]. It's, like, 'Hey, we don't want you here. There's the door. Don't come to work on Monday.' So, it's, like, 'Okay. Fine.' And that's just how I viewed it, and that's how I view it today. I don't have any sour grapes over it, and I'm not bitter about it."

Ellefson told "Trunk Nation" host Eddie Trunk that he initially "didn't even know what" the word "grooming" was, adding that he "had no idea" about the meaning of the term experts use to refer to the actions that sexual abusers take to get close to and gain the trust of those they are interested in. "And any allegations of anything being illegal [are false]," he said. "There was nothing. And that's why I immediately hired a criminal lawyer. I went right to the police department. And just for the record, the bad guy doesn't go to the police department. Okay? So, just to be clear. The guy who didn't do anything wrong, he goes to the police department. That's why I went to the police department and filed a police report and let them deal with it.

"I think there was a big fear of — there's always this talk of cancel culture and all this stuff," he continued. "And I was, like, 'Listen, that was not me.' And I had every right to stand up against that and defend myself against it. And I just turned that over to the lawyers and police department and let them deal with it, and they did."

David also addressed his decision to step away from social media and stop doing interviews for a few months while things settled, both personally and professionally.

"Look, certainly time heals wounds in these things, which is good," he said. "And that was the thing — I was, like, look, I didn't do anything wrong; there was nothing illegal here; and you let it go. And for me to just kind of take some time away and go dark. I got off all social media. I have one Facebook account that I don't even run, just for kind of professional purposes and everything, but I'm off of that. And I think that helps."

When Trunk brought up the point that the only apparent "illegality" in this case lies with the person who actually leaked the above-mentioned video, Ellefson said: "A hundred percent. That's why I didn't hire a civil lawyer to sue people for a million bucks. I hired a criminal lawyer, and what they do is prosecute to put people in jail. 'Cause those were the crimes. You can't just go do shit like that — put stuff out there, content — and not have a penalty. That is the crime. And I think people just think they can — and not everybody; I'm not saying all people — but there is a faction that they just think that that could be just done as a joke and for fun, and it can't. Of course, it's the Internet, so people live in foreign countries; there's all this stuff. That's why the best thing, I think, is to, first of all, just get away from those platforms because that is a breeding ground for that society to do that."

Asked by Trunk if there were still ongoing legal proceedings in the case, Ellefson said: "It's been resolved. We took the steps necessary, walked through that process, which was necessary to do, and that's all landed and, as of now, that's fine."

David, who studied for a year at Concordia Lutheran Seminary in St. Louis more than a decade ago, also wanted to address one specific "misconception" about him that had been repeatedly raised in the months since his masturbation videos were posted online. He said: "There's a misconception that I'm a pastor. I am not a pastor. I did a year of seminary, and they made it real clear, 'If you are gonna continue at seminary, you need to quit MEGADETH,' so I quit seminary to be in MEGADETH. And I remember telling my mom that, when she was still alive — God rest her soul. I said, 'Hey, I withdrew out of seminary,' in good standing, to continue being in MEGADETH. And she was actually very disappointed. She was, like, 'You know what? MEGADETH is holding you back. That's too bad. You should have stayed in seminary.' Turns out maybe I should have listened to my mom; I don't know. [Laughs] Of course, mom wants the best for you.

"Who knows? Whatever," he continued. "I'm a rock and roller, man. I'm a founding member of MEGADETH. It's who I am. It's what I do. It's part of my life. It's part of my existence. So I have no regrets about any of that. But I think that was a misconception. People started throwing that around. And so I've never been an ordained pastor. Yes. I did explore that world for a time."

David went on to say that there is a perception that people of faith must set a higher standard of how they live with and treat others. "It's almost like you're this entity that's floating up toward the heavens: 'Oh, he's such a wonderful man. He's a man of faith. He's got his family. And then this happens.' It's, like, 'What the hell is this?'

"I mean, look, admittedly I've sort of trained the public to think that I'm one of the more well-behaved rock stars out there, and for the most part I have been," he continued. "But at the same time, and this isn't to claim anything other than just, oops, shit happens. That is what it is.

"In the season that I was away from MEGADETH, in the 2000s, I got involved in other things in church, and raising my family, and blah blah blah, these things, and so by nature, I kind of became more of a suburban homebody — the dad guy," David added. "And then I went back to MEGADETH in 2010. And the thing is to try to reconcile that you're not one guy at home and another guy on the road, that you're the same guy. And I think for anybody who spent any time on the road — whether you're a rock star, a traveling salesman or whoever you may be — that is the challenge, and it's a real challenge, to keep your life in order when every day your toothbrush is in a new zip code."

In 2004, Ellefson filed an $18.5-million lawsuit against Mustaine, alleging the frontman shortchanged him on profits and backed out of a deal to turn Megadeth Inc. over to him when the band broke up in 2002. The lawsuit was eventually dismissed and Ellefson rejoined MEGADETH in 2010.

Ellefson was in MEGADETH from the band's inception in 1983 to 2002, and again from 2010 until his latest exit.

Photo credit: Maciej Pieloch (courtesy of Napalm Records)

In a new interview with Spain's link textMade In Metal, HELMET frontman Page Hamilton discussed the lyrical inspiration for the band's new song "Make-Up", which appears on HELMET's latest album, "Left". He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "That word 'make-up' — term, I should say; it's two words — has so many meanings. Somebody can make stuff up. He made that up; it's a lie. A person's character, their make-up. What is their make-up? Also, wearing make-up, like how people wear make-up on TV. Those specifically, those lines, if you read some of the lyrics, I sing, 'Bloated, feckless / Orange and dick-less / Flaunt your lack of grace.' That's very, very specifically about [former U.S. president] Donald Trump, who's the worst president in the history of the United States and a terrible human being who's caused so much pain and death and destruction. And he's just an evil, evil person who has no interest in this country or any of its citizens. He wants to enrich himself, and he likes to be in that position of power. But I think, hopefully his time is over. I hope."

Earlier this month, Page told Keefy of Ghost Cult that Trump is largely to blame for the political divisions that are ripping apart Americans' social ties. He said: "I have friends that are conservative. I have friends that voted for Trump, people I care for, and we're on the same fucking side. Don't do what he does and pit families… He has separated families. I mean, he is the most toxic pile of shit that we've ever had in American politics. And this fascination with his celebrity or whatever… When I watched the Anderson Cooper interview with that Playboy bunny that he had an affair with, and she was, like, 'He's so brilliant.' And I'm, like, he's not fucking brilliant. He's a moron. He's a fucking moron."

Last month, Page spoke to Australia's "Everblack" podcast about how the world events of the last few years — including the global pandemic and political unrest — have provided him with the inspiration to create some of the songs on "Left".

"We seem to be descending into chaos," Page said. "Each century of humankind has been more violent than the next, and the 20th century managed to murder millions of people. And here we are listening to a presidential candidate in the United States talk about putting kid children in cages, anchor babies, meaning babies that were born in the United States but from immigrant parents.

"We've got some issues," he continued. "And it's where we have to get back on track. The GOP, the Republican party, right wing, whatever you wanna call it, in this country is a minority, and our system is broken, and that's why we've had — since Nixon, we've had these presidents that don't deserve to be president, because they haven't won the popular vote. One of them did; I can't remember which one. They won the electoral college. And so as a nation, the majority is being subjected to policies that we disagree with. And that's not democracy. Democracy is, I get two votes, you get one, I win — my side wins. And the pandemic hit and we saw what a shit show Donald Trump's White House was, and the thought that this guy could win re-election to me is horrifying. And it should horrify everyone, not just Americans."

Circling back to the lyrical inspiration for "Left", Page said: "I think part of this, like in this album, as I've gotten older, and I never really cared what anyone thought, but I was never wanting to stand on a soapbox. We're not RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE. And I admire those guys on many levels, but at the same time, they pick specific causes that they stood behind and those were not necessarily global causes, they were individual causes. And I have a hard time with that because I don't know the facts 'cause I wasn't there, for Leonard Peltier [an imprisoned Native American leader] in 1975 or whenever, so it's really hard to stand behind something that I don't know everything about. But these global issues are pretty obvious and we need to make changes. And I think that the right wing, they always scream and yell and think that they can scream and yell louder than we can. And I'm, like, I sing in one of the loudest motherfucking bands in the world, motherfucker. I can sing pretty loud."

Hamilton previously discussed how the global political situation inspired "Left" in an interview last October with Kevin McKay of Florida's 99ROCK WKSM radio station.

"I feel like there are so many destructive forces politically in our country," Page said at the time. "And I have every right to express my opinion. I pay taxes.

"I wanted a bike at the age of 10 years old, and my dear dad, may he rest in peace, and mom and dad, brother [and] sister, all Republicans, dad was, like, 'Oh, you want a bike? Oh, well, we'd better get you a job.' And he taught me how to do my taxes and everything at the age of 10, 11 years old.

"We always have to be able to discuss things," Page continued. "Discourse is so healthy. And when did this divisive tone develop?

"Anybody that disagrees with [Donald Trump] is a terrible person that should be… General [Mark] Milley should be hung for treason. Come on, man. This guy serves our country, U.S. military. [Editor's note: In September 2023, Trump wrote on his social-media network, Truth Social, that Milley's phone call to reassure China in the aftermath of the storming of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, was "an act so egregious that, in times gone by, the punishment would have been DEATH."]

"The Republicans [in Congress], I don't know what they're doing, but it's dangerous right now — it's really dangerous," Hamilton added. "We need to get it together, man. I feel like there's a huge contingent that they just want… It's probably a pretty cushy job. You got a half-million-dollar-a-year travel budget, and people in your office, in an office, and you make all this money. And it's like a good job, so they don't wanna lose their jobs. So they're doing what they think will help them keep their jobs. Well, that's not what we pay you for. We pay you to govern and to make sure that the citizens of our country, myself included are taken care of. 'Cause I don't know how to pave roads or do stomach surgery or whatever.

"I believe that we outnumber people that don't believe in the country — I honestly do… So as a singer in a quote-unquote heavy metal band or hardcore, post-hardcore, whatever we're called, indie rock, I can sing pretty loud."

Earlier in October, Page told 518Scene.com that the changes in the political climate in the U.S. inspired some of the lyrics on "Left".

"I can't speak for other countries — I know Hungary has a fascist guy too, and there are neo-Nazis popping up and they've always been around — but they were a little more underground before Orange Douche Face made it okay to be a racist douchebag," he said, apparently referencing Trump. "That stuff really had an effect on me. I have a trans godson, for example. I have nieces and nephews. I have two other godsons. I would like to leave a better world behind when I go for them, than the current state of divisive, caustic [beliefs] and whatever is going on in this country."

Hamilton also discussed the new HELMET song "Gun Fluf", saying: "I feel I have a right to express myself. I'm happy to sit down and have a conversation with any gun owner. I own guns. I grew up owning guns. I grew up in southern Oregon. I got a 12-gauge shotgun when I turned 12 from Grandpa Bones, and I hunted. I'm all for it, but I'm not all for there not being tighter restrictions on who can purchase a gun.

"Automatic weapons are unnecessary for a citizen population," he explained. "They're not for hunting; they're not for recreation. They are for killing human beings.

"Every time there's another mass murderer shooting, it affects me deeply. That's just heartbreaking. What we are saying is, yes, we have the right to bear arms, but we also have children who have a right to go to school and not fear for their lives, or go grocery shopping — as in Buffalo — and not worry that somebody's going to come in with an automatic weapon that can shoot 200 rounds in however many minutes. So that song poured out of me. It makes me angry that people are not more responsible."

"Left" was released on November 10, 2023 via earMUSIC.

To coincide with "Left"'s release, HELMET embarked on a European tour the same month. The trek kicked off on November 8 in Prague, Czech Republic and made stops in Germany, Scandinavia, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium and France before concluding on December 13 in London, United Kingdom.

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

POISON drummer Rikki Rockett hit a milestone this week when he was awarded a Brazilian jiu-jitsu fourth-degree black belt.

The 62-year-old musician, who trains under Renato Magno, the owner of Street Sports Brazilian jiu-jitsu in Santa Monica, California, took to his Instagram on Saturday (January 27) to share a photo of him and Magno, and he included the following message: "So this happened today… 4th degree. In just a few words… I am humbled by the journey. Congrats to my Jiu Jitsu brethren and a huge thank you to @renatomagno.streetsports ! @streetsportsbjj @bjjc_streetsports @originusa".

Rockett began training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu back in 1998 with Rigan and Jacques Machado and supplemented his classes with private lessons from Magno.

In a 2019 interview with Jiu-Jitsu Times, Rockett stated about how he got involved with jiu-jitsu: "Like many people, I saw Royce Gracie in the UFC and wanted to know more. This was around the time of UFC 3. I met Jean Jacques Machado and John Machado at a rally and they invited me to their school. One of the first people I met there was Eddie Bravo. I got tapped about a dozen times by a few people and signed up the next day. I never looked back. I trained at the Tarzana school until purple belt, and when Renato Magno (who came over from Brazil with the Machado brothers) opened Street Sports BJJ, I switched over to that school."

Regarding his protocols for training on the road, Rikki said: "I hardly get to train on the road, and it sucks. It's risk versus livelihood. If I get hurt, a lot of people go home. Promoters don't like 'fill-in' players in this band, and it affects ticket sales. When the original four don't show up, it's a pretty big problem. However, I have done a few seminars on the road, and I really love teaching. I can control and sort of 'read' who I want to roll with. If I just walk into a school to train, come free training time, every swinging dick in there wants to tap me out so they can say they did."

Rockett, who was diagnosed with oral cancer in 2015, also talked about how or if jiu-jitsu contributed to his survival. He said: "Going through all of that made me realize just how damn easy it is to take your health and mobility for granted. I was braver because of jiu-jitsu training. I know that to be a fact. I knew I had survived some really tough rolling experiences, so I knew I could handle the treatments… Jiu-jitsu helped me through treatment. Seriously. I got the strength knowing that I could make it because of all the years of blood, sweat and tears on the mat."

As for how his "rock star lifestyle" has been affected by his time as an active martial artist, Rikki said: "When you don't pay attention to nutrition, sleep, your routine, and your overall health, your time on the mat will suffer. In fact, since I am older, I have to pay attention to all of these things in order to play the best I can. Who knows what I'd look and sound like if I didn't? Who knows if I would pay attention to these things if it weren't for jiu-jitsu? I think jiu-jitsu has helped me as a musician… usually, unless I get hurt. Again, it is a second reason to maintain a healthier lifestyle. I have zero desire to get loaded on tour anymore."

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The Commoners are on track for another banner year with the release of their third album, Restless. Released by Gypsy Soul Records on June 21, 2024, the new album features ten tracks that grip your senses and make you groove. The album's available to pre-order in various formats at this location.


Following their critically acclaimed 2022 sophomore album Find A Better Way, the Canadian roots-rock quintet continue their dedicated musical journey to provide listeners with a hearty dose of Southern-style swagger accentuated with slide guitar, organ swell, and heartfelt vocals.


“The Way I Am”, the second single taken from the new album, was released digitally on January 26th. The song is currently available on all streaming platforms. Kicking through the speaker with high energy and grit, “The Way I Am” bears an unapologetically wild spirit, effectively setting a tone that matches the album’s edgy theme. Chris Medhurst’s lead vocals plead and pry over Ben Spiller’s pulsing bass and Adam Cannon’s rhythmic percussion, steering the verses into a true rock n’ roll chorus supported by rich harmonies and wailing riffs.




Combined with Ross Hayes Citrullo’s infectious guitar riffs, the new single delivers a second helping of anthemic, guitar-driven rock. It’s the perfect follow-up to the previous single, “Devil Teasin’ Me”, which proved immensely popular on British classic rock radio.





A natural evolution from their 2022 album Find A Better Way, Restless offers a peek behind the curtain of success, revealing the gruelling routines and ragged emotions that hide behind the glamorous aesthetic of a rock band on the rise. With introspective, slower-tempo numbers pocketed amongst rip-roaring anthems, the new album, recorded at RHC Music in Toronto, is a portrait of a hardworking group revitalizing a classic genre.


“As with our previous album, we wanted to marry old and new southern rock together in a way that was unique to the band’s Canadian roots,” says The Commoners guitarist and producer Ross Hayes Citrullo. “By adding the soul and rock elements of The Black Crowes, and the southern blues rock undertones of The Allman Brothers to a production style akin to Blackberry Smoke and Rival Sons, I think we developed an authentic sound that compares sonically to some of our favourite records across all of those music genres.”


With 2023 rounding out a busy year of recording and touring the UK, in support of none other than Grammy-nominated duo Samantha Fish and Jesse Dayton, The Commoners are an act to keep tabs on. The release of Restless will see the quintet greeting the road once more in 2024, with two UK festivals (Steelhouse and Maid Of Stone) already slated for July, and more dates to be announced in the coming weeks. From the speakers to the stage, one thing is certain: The Commoners are ushering in a party rock renaissance, and we’re all invited.





Tracklisting:


"Devil Teasin’ Me" 
"Shake You Off" 
"The Way I Am" 
"Restless" 
"Gone Without Warning" 
"Who Are You (Ain't Knocked Down)" 
"Body And Soul" 
"See You Again"
"Too Soon To Know You" 
"All That We Have" 





(Band photo by Blackham Images)


 

Decrepit Birth drummer Samus Paulicelli, who runs a YouTube channel under the name 66Samus, has shared his playthrough of Children Of Bodom's "Silent Night, Bodom Night".


The song is taken from Children Of Bodom's second album, hatebreeder, released in 2005.







Back in June 2022, The Haunted guitarist Ola Englund recently shared a video to his YouTube channel featuring himself learning how to play the Children Of Bodom classic, "Are You Dead Yet?". He teamed up with Paulicelli for an instrumental cover of the song. Check it out below.