In a new interview with Metal Pilgrim, SAXON frontman Biff Byford spoke about the renewed popularity of the heavy metal genre in the past couple of decades. He said: "Yeah, I think there's been a massive resurgence in metal, and especially that New Wave Of British Heavy Metal, the British metal thing. So, yeah, I think we're all riding a wave at the moment that's looking good for bands. A lot of new bands, like BURNING WITCHES and things, now they're doing quite well. So, hopefully they can come up with a 'Number Of The Beast' or 'Wheels Of Steel' or something, or a 'Crusader' that gets them into the stratosphere. That's what they need. Whether you can do that these days, I don't know. But back in the day, it was all about getting a record deal. These days it's all about getting a million views on Instagram, which is the same thing. It's still promotion."

Asked if he thinks it is still possible for a metal band to skyrocket in this environment, Biff said: "I think it's possible, yeah. There's been some bands. AMON AMARTH are doing really well. GHOST have gone stratospheric. They're not really metal, but they've got metal roots. So it definitely can happen if you've got the right songs. You just have to have a lot of luck — a lot of talent and a lot of luck."

After interviewer Vladyslav Stadnyk noted that only a couple of bands from a particular geographical region usually become successful enough to sustain themselves while others fall by the wayside, Biff said: "That's the lottery. That is the music business. You can write the best songs in the world, and if nobody's heard them, then you may as well just play them at your local pub or to your mum and dad or something because you have to get it out there. Back in the day, the record company got it out there. Now, basically, young bands have to get it out there themselves — or go on tour with bands like us and get in front of an audience that already exists. That's one of the ways to do it — to go on stage in front of the headline act and blow them off, as we used to say back in the day. It's always good for the fans. Obviously if you're sat in the dressing room and somebody's going down incredible, you're, like, worried. 'What's happening here?' But you have to step up and take it and do better. This is what it's all about."

SAXON's 24th studio album, "Hell, Fire And Damnation", will be released on January 19, 2024 via Silver Lining Music.

Produced by Andy Sneap (JUDAS PRIEST, EXODUS, ACCEPT) and Byford, with Sneap mixing and mastering, "Hell, Fire And Damnation" strides the perfect line between confident, current power, and gloriously irreverent flexing of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal muscle which SAXON co-created.

Last year, SAXON guitarist Paul Quinn announced that he was stepping back from touring with the band. As a result of his decision, SAXON canceled its April 2023 South American tour as well as the appearance at the Monsters Of Rock cruise. Quinn has since been replaced on the road by DIAMOND HEAD's Brian Tatler.

Brian has already joined fellow guitarist Doug Scarratt, drummer Nigel Glockler, bassist Tim "Nibbs" Carter and Byford for several European shows but will continue to be a member of DIAMOND HEAD.

Byford and Quinn are the sole remaining original members in SAXON's current lineup.

Originally from South Yorkshire, England, SAXON has gone on to sell about 23 million albums and has produced such classic songs as "Denim And Leather", "Princess Of The Night", "Wheels Of Steel" and "Power And Glory".

METALLICA has announced the winners of its inaugural "For Whom The Band Tolls" marching band competition.

In April, METALLICA challenged marching bands at all levels to craft the most exciting, unique, and impressive performances of the legendary heavy metal act's music. METALLICA partnered with sponsors to provide winning high school and collegiate bands funds for new equipment for their music programs. As part of the competition, METALLICA allowed bands to use their music for free.

Bands who entered the competition had access to a library of marching band charts for METALLICA songs, provided by Hal Leonard via sheetmusicdirect.com. The bands with the best performances won musical equipment for their school program, furnished by METALLICA and its sponsors.

High School and Collegiate winners were narrowed down to five finalists by professional judges, furnished by Conn-Selmer. METALLICA then selected the final prize winners in each category.

Says METALLICA: "WOW! Back in April, we challenged marching bands across the country to create performances incorporating METALLICA songs into their shows, and boy, did they deliver in a major way! The response blew us away and made for a heated competition, but the results are in. And the winners are…

* College (Division 1) - $75,000 in prizing: Auburn University

*College (Divisions 2 & 3) - $40,000 in prizing: Eastern New Mexico University -

*High School (Large) - $15,000 in prizing: Dobyns-Bennett High School (Kingsport, TN)

*High School (Medium) - $15,000 each in prizing: Tie

Boerne High School (Boerne, TX) -
Malverne High School (Malverne, NY) -

*High School (Small) - $15,000 in prizing: Oakton High School (Vienna, VA) -

*Fan Favorite (College) - $10,000 in prizing: Auburn University

*Fan Favorite (High School) - $10,000 in prizing: Dobyns-Bennett High School (Kingsport, TN)

"Massive thanks to all who brought METALLICA to their marching band programs, and congratulations to all the schools who claimed a prize!

"If this is the first you're hearing about this competition, here’s some background. Marching bands at high school and collegiate levels cranked their repertoires up to 11 to compete for nearly $200,000 in equipment by creating the most exciting, unique, and impressive performances incorporating our music.

"Over 450 schools accepted our challenge! Once submissions closed, fans from all over the country chimed in, casting their votes for their favorite performances, while professional judges narrowed it down to five finalists in each category. Finally, we — as in the members of METALLICA — chose the grand prize winners!

"The victors in each category will receive instruments and equipment for their programs thanks to our sponsors TAMA, KHS America, Zildjian, D'Addario Woodwinds, Evans Drumheads, ProMark, and Gator, in partnership with Sweetwater, Conn Selmer, and Hal Leonard."

To learn more about this competition, visit MetallicaMarchingBand.com.

The Metallica Marching Band Competition promises to be a yearly national challenge to marching bands of all levels to craft their most exciting, unique, and impressive performances of the band's songs.

NYC Rocks TV has premiered Chapter 1 of a new documentary film series on RIOT, titled "Immortal Soul: A Riot Tribute & Concert Film Series". Check it out below.

RIOT formed in the mid-1970s in Brooklyn, New York. By 1980, the band was poised to make it big and toured with many of the heavy hitters of the day. But poor management and bad timing created the perfect storm of missed opportunities for what should have been the East Coast's VAN HALEN. The band continued carrying on into the 21st Century in various formations with the only constant being founder and lead guitarist/songwriter Mark Reale. A cult fan following exists today that is extremely passionate about RIOT's musical legacy and believes the band deserves significantly more recognition.

This four-part documentary mini-series will explore the history and archives of the different eras of the band, spotlighting specific live performances from each era. The film centers around the Keep It True festival in Germany, where interviews with RIOT fans young and old illustrate this passion for the band. "Immortal Soul" also features interviews with longtime RIOT members Don Van Stavern and Mike Flyntz, as well as "New York rock" author/historian Steven Blush and Keep It True festival founder Oliver Weinsheimer. The final chapter of the series tells the origin story of the current day formation of the band, RIOT V, and how they are well suited to carry on the musical legacy of Reale for a new generation of fans.

Upcoming chapters:

* "Immortal Soul" chapter 2 "The Crimson Storm" premieres Saturday, January 13 at 2 p.m. New York time

* "Immortal Soul" chapter 3 "Riot Metal" premieres Saturday, January 20 at 2 p.m. New York time

* "Immortal Soul" chapter 4 "Shine On" premieres Saturday, January 27 at 2 p.m. New York time

* Bonus chapter: "Mark & Guy Writing Jam 1994" (to be determined)

For more information, click here.

Reale died in January 2012 in a San Antonio hospital due to complications of Crohn's disease — an ailment he had battled for most of his life. He was 56 years old.

RIOT's original singer Guy Speranza died on November 8, 2003 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 47 years old. Often regarded as the best RIOT vocalist, he sang on the group's first three full-length albums — "Rock City" (1977),"Narita" (1979) and "Fire Down Under" (1981) — before being replaced by Rhett Forrester. Forrester himself left in the mid-'80s to pursue a solo career, only to be murdered on January 22, 1994 in Atlanta.

Singer Mike Tirelli, who toured with RIOT after Mike DiMeo officially left the band in 2007, was diagnosed with stomach cancer in the fall of 2008 and underwent treatment for this life-threatening illness. All the treatments were reportedly a huge success in eradicating the disease.

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH has announced the digital deluxe edition of "AfterLife", the band's critically acclaimed ninth studio album. Set for digital release on February 9 via Better Noise Music, the deluxe version will include the original 12 tracks recorded with the band's longtime collaborator, producer Kevin Churko (OZZY OSBOURNE) in addition to four bonus tracks: three acoustic versions of the album's songs "The End", "Judgement Day" and "Thanks For Asking" plus a brand new song, "This Is The Way", featuring the late rapper DMX. An official music video for "This Is The Way (Featuring DMX)" will premiere on February 9, 2024 to coincide with the release of the digital deluxe version of "AfterLife".

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH guitarist Zoltan Bathory says about "This Is The Way (Featuring DMX)": "Music is meant to be shared, and it starts at the top with us, the artists. We have always embraced the mixing of genres, whether it be the remake of LL Cool J's 'Mama Said Knock You Out' featuring Tech N9ne as a guest or our collaboration with blues warrior Kenny Wayne Shepherd, country star Brantley Gilbert, and Brian May, the legendary guitarist of QUEEN, on the song 'Blue On Black'.

"The idea of collaborating with DMX had been in discussion for years, and it was a long and winding road to turn this particular item on our wish list into reality. He was a lyrical warrior, a true original who spoke his mind incorruptibly. We have always viewed DMX as 'the metalhead of hip-hop' because of his aggressive, raw, and untamed style. He growled and snarled, aiming to rattle some cages — an attitude we share, as FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH has always been drawn to the fearless and the real. It made all the sense in the world, but today this is more than just a song; it's a salute to a legend, a way to honor DMX's memory."

Upon announcement of the digital deluxe version of "AfterLife" today, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH has premiered an advance listen to the previously unreleased acoustic version of "Judgement Day" which can be streamed below. The band previously partnered with Covenant House in November 2023 and released an official video for "Judgement Day" during National Runaway Prevention Month to help raise awareness about the Youth Homelessness Crisis.

"AfterLife: Deluxe" track listing:

01. Welcome To The Circus
02. AfterLife
03. Times Like These
04. Roll Dem Bones
05. Pick Up Behind You
06. Judgment Day
07. IOU
08. Thanks For Asking
09. Blood And Tar
10. All I Know
11. Gold Gutter
12. The End
13. This Is The Way (feat. DMX)
14. Judgment Day (acoustic)
15. The End (acoustic)
16. Thanks For Asking (acoustic)

As previously reported, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH will embark on a full European tour of headline dates as well as festival appearances this summer. The tour also coincides with the European portion of METALLICA's "M72" tour on which FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH continues to tour stadiums around the world as special guest.

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH celebrated the 10th anniversary of "The Wrong Side Of Heaven And The Righteous Side Of Hell, Volume 1 & Volume 2" by releasing a limited-edition vinyl 6LP box set, as well as a digital version of the box set, on December 1, 2023.

"AfterLife" is FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH's first album with its latest addition, renowned British virtuoso Andy James, who replaced Jason Hook in 2020. James was previously featured on "Broken World", a song that was included on the second installment of FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH's greatest-hits collection, "A Decade Of Destruction – Volume 2", which came out in the fall of 2020.

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH played its first show as the support act for METALLICA on the "M72" tour on August 6, 2023 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH was originally supposed to support METALLICA on several European shows last spring but ended up canceling the dates in order to allow singer Ivan Moody to fully recover from a hernia surgery.

Photo credit: Hristo Shindov

THE BLACK CROWES will release their new album, "Happiness Bastards", on March 15. The band's first full-length LP of new material in 15 years will be released via THE BLACK CROWES' own record label, Silver Arrow Records.

THE BLACK CROWES leaders Chris Robinson (lead vocals) and Rich Robinson (guitar) worked on the follow-up to 2009's "Before The Frost… Until The Freeze" with producer Jay Joyce.

The first single from "Happiness Bastards", a song called "Wanting And Waiting", is being released on Friday, January 12.

In a statement, Chris said: "'Happiness Bastards' is our love letter to rock 'n' roll. Rich and I are always writing and creating music; that has never stopped for us, and it is always where we find harmony together. This record represents that."

Rich added: "This album is a continuation of our story as a band. Our years of experience writing and making music and touring the world are represented in this record, and we were brilliantly guided by one of the best producers in the business, Jay Joyce. I am incredibly proud of what we put together."

"Happiness Bastards" contains 10 tracks, including a guest appearance by Lainey Wilson, a Grammy-nominated country singer and songwriter who rose to prominence after her music was featured on the television drama "Yellowstone". She was named the 2023 CMA Entertainer Of The Year.

"Happiness Bastards" track listing:

01. Bedside Manners
02. Rats And Clowns
03. Cross Your Fingers
04. Wanting And Waiting
05. Wilted Rose (featuring Lainey Wilson)
06. Dirty Cold Sun
07. Bleed It Dry
08. Flesh Wound
09. Follow The Moon
10. Kindred Friend

THE BLACK CROWES released an acoustic collection called "Croweology" in 2010. An EP, "1972" — a collection of covers — arrived in May 2022.

Joining Chris and Rich in THE BLACK CROWES' most recent touring lineup were returning bassist Sven Pipien, who played with the band live from 1997 up until the band's hiatus in 2015, along with Brian Griffin on drums, Joel Robinow on keyboards and Isaiah Mitchell on guitar.

In celebration of the culmination of their 2021-22 reunion tour, THE BLACK CROWES released "The Black Crowes: Shake Your Money Maker Live", an ode to the band reuniting and following an epic two-year anniversary tour with over 100 dates worldwide.

A deluxe reissue of "The Southern Harmony And Musical Companion" arrived on December 1, 2023. The set included previously unreleased studio recordings, rare B-sides and a live performance from 1993 at Houston's Sam Houston Coliseum.

THE BLACK CROWES' debut album, 1990's "Shake Your Money Maker", was re-released in multi-formats sets in February 2021 through UMe/American Recordings. The album, fueled by singles "Jealous Again", "Twice As Hard", "She Talks To Angels" and a cover of fellow Georgian Otis Redding's "Hard To Handle", has sold over five million copies.

Photo credit: Ross Halfin

Former KILLSWITCH ENGAGE singer Howard Jones has completed recording his vocals for his collaborative new project with KILLSWITCH ENGAGE guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz.

Earlier today (Friday, January 12),Howard took to his Instagram to share a photo of him and Adam in the studio, and he included the following message: "Vocals are done, now Adam has some tracking and mixing to do. We can't wait to share all these songs with you."

Regarding how the project came together, Adam told Ore Bihovsky of TotalRock's "Louder" radio show: "[Howard] just hit me up. He was, like, 'Why don't you write some music for me?' And I was, like, 'Sure.' So yeah, we're working on a record right now."

As for when fans can expect to hear the first music from this new project, Adam said: "I've got so much on my plate right now. It's really hard to schedule anything particularly, like 'it's gonna come out at this point,' 'it's gonna come out at this point,' but we're just almost at a situation where we can maybe release a single. But I think the entire record's gonna take a little bit longer than expected. Because now I have to do double duty and record [the next] KILLSWITCH [album] at the same time. So I'll be doing that."

In August 2023, Jones took to his Instagram to write that "13 demos" were created for the as-yet-unnamed new group, which hoped to put the finishing touches on the record "as soon as possible."

Jones left KILLSWITCH ENGAGE in 2012 and battled manic depression and bipolar disorder before forming a new project, DEVIL YOU KNOW, with guitarist Francesco Artusato (ALL SHALL PERISH) and drummer John Sankey (DEVOLVED). Along with bassist Ryan Wombacher (BLEEDING THROUGH),they recorded and toured behind two well-received albums, 2014's "The Beauty Of Destruction" and 2015's "They Bleed Red". In 2017, the band changed its name to LIGHT THE TORCH.

Jones makes an appearance on KILLSWITCH ENGAGE's latest album, 2019's "Atonement", contributing guest vocals to the song "The Signal Fire".

Jones discussed his previous mental health issues in a 2016 interview with Metal Hammer. He said: "For a lot of the time during the whole manic depression thing, I didn't realize how bad I was. I thought the high levels of anxiety I was experiencing was just my lot in life, I didn't realize that there was help on hand for me to be able to deal with that. I thought that I was just meant to feel really nervous around large crowds. Now it's like being a kid again, because I can deal with it, so I've got my passion back and it's great."

Asked what made him get back into music after leaving KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, Howard told Heavy New York: "Honestly, I think it was because I was just kind of tired of doing nothing and I don't do much else other than music. I felt like I needed to venture out because I was basically agoraphobic for three years. It's kind of well known. I went off the grid. I didn't have a cell phone for three years — I was gone. It felt, like, 'Okay, maybe I should dip my toe in. I don't have to do it full time. I don't have to do what I don't want to do.' That's all I was thinking. I started moving, I started doing things. It was definitely a struggle, especially for the first few years. I was, like, 'What am I doing?' There's been few things in my life that has been consistent other than music. I just did it. It just took some time, then all of the sudden, the spark showed up. I fell back in love with what I was doing. I really can't explain it. It just sort of happened."

Current KILLSWITCH ENGAGE singer Jesse Leach appeared on the band's self-titled debut and sophomore album, "Alive Or Just Breathing", before exiting the group. Jones took over on vocals for "The End Of Heartache", "As Daylight Dies" and the 2009 self-titled set before being dismissed from KILLSWITCH ENGAGE 11 years ago and being replaced by a returning Leach.

In 2012, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE bassist Mike D'Antonio told Boston Globe that the band's split with Jones was necessitated by the singer's struggle with personal issues, including diabetes that had gone untreated for several years. "It became very apparent we had to move on without him," D'Antonio said. "Howard didn't quit."

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During an appearance on the latest episode of "The Music Universe" podcast, legendary guitarist Steve Vai was asked about the enduring worldwide appeal of his music. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I think there's various factors involved. First and foremost, I think that I'm able to do what I do today because the music has something in it. Every artist infuses their work — anybody, actually, that is doing anything creative infuses their work with their DNA, their creative DNA, if they can surrender to it and they're not just pantomiming something else, but they have found something in them that pushes their button and they're able to manifest it into their work, their art. So, I've been able to do that. There's a quirkiness, there's an intensity, there's a charm to my melodies through the years — and this is just from my observation — that the people who are attracted to it stick with. So that's one factor, that there's something in the music that attracts a certain type of listener. The other factor is, the guitar is just the greatest instrument in the world — come on. And it's universal. It just represents something to people that is kind of locked away in their fantasy zone. The guitar is a visceral instrument. It's dynamic. It's cool. It clangs. You can do so much with it. So there's guitar players all around the world — you'd be surprised."

He continued: "You'd never learn about other countries and all these other places, the way they really are, you don't learn that in school. You've gotta go there. So I started going to places like Eastern Europe and Russia and South America in the '90s. And China. I was going to these places nobody was really going at the time. And what I discovered was there's guitar players all over the world. And they're listening to the stuff I'm listening to. They have access to my music. So because there's so many guitar lovers in every corner of the planet, and because I've carved a career in the guitar community, when I go there, they come. Maybe they're fans, maybe they're guitar players that aren't quite fans, but there's a guitar player here. So I have a built-in audience all around the world in all these four corners. I mean, I toured Russia once for five weeks. I've been to Russia many times. I did Moscow three times in one year. And I started going there in the mid-'90s. I remember I was in India once, back in the '90s. I wasn't even there to play. And I was at this hotel. I didn't think anybody was gonna recognize me or know me. I'm in India in the '90s. And the woman behind the desk recognized me. And next thing I know her brother's there and he's a guitar player and then he brings all of his friends, and he brought his guitar and he wanted to play for me. And I thought I was going to get a little rendition of some rock and roll guitar with real classic Indian traditional values in it. I got 'Tobacco Road' [from David Lee Roth's 'Eat 'Em And Smile' album featuring Vai] from the guy. So the point is, Western rock guitar playing is prevalent all around the world. And if you're a part of that team, if you go there, they come. That's why I'm able to play all around the place."

On June 4, 2022, Vai began a world tour that has now staged 194 performances in 51 countries across the globe. Some of these markets he had never appeared in prior, amongst which are Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam),Kaohsiung (Taiwan),Zallak (Bahrain),Bangalore and Kolkata (India),Mumbai, Macedonia, Ecuador, Costa Rica, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, alongside six new markets in China (Foshan, Xi'an, Chengdu, Chongqing, Nanjing and Hefei). Over the course of this worldwide odyssey, Vai stepped foot on every continent other than Antarctica.

Now back at home after this marathon 19-month tour, Vai shared: "And I'm feelin' good." He reflected: "Did this really happen? The 'Inviolate' world tour saturated the entire globe. It's far beyond anything I could have imagined when I was a kid practicing feverishly in my teenage bedroom. Traveling the world like this with my band, crew and family, touching and tasting all these magnificent cultures and feeling the powerful energy from the audiences was a transformative experience. I am eternally grateful to all the fans that came out showing their enthusiastic support, and to my band, team Vai crew, and all the promoters. Your efforts, support and love have made this phenomenal experience a reality. My cup runeth over."

From January 2 to 5, Vai began the year staging his annual Vai Academy. Titled "A New Breed Of Virtuosity", Vai Academy 7.0 was held at the Omni Championsgate Resort in Orlando, Florida. The "G3" tour will follow from January 22 through February 10, and then "The Satch-Vai Tour" will be staged from March 22 in Orlando, Florida through May 12 in Santa Rosa, California, featuring an extensive itinerary that will stage 38 appearances. This marks the first time that longtime friends Vai and Joe Satriani have toured as a duo-bill. It is also the first time they've collaborated on new music, which will be premiered just prior to the tour heading out.

Satch and Vai's musical careers have been intertwined since their very early days. Satriani served as Vai's guitar teacher during their teenage years on Long Island, New York. Their connection has continued to evolve over the years, even sharing record labels, starting at Relativity Records in the late '80s, to both calling Sony/Epic Records home for a significant portion of the 90's. Together, they have also frequently teamed up with a third guitarist on multiple occasions throughout the span of 29 years, participating in the semi-annual "G3" tours, both in the U.S. and abroad.

As a multi-platinum artist known for blazing creative trails, Aaron Lewis has never been afraid to stand on conviction. With a catalog of soul-baring hits, he's never been one to hide behind his lyrics, either. And with his new album "The Hill", due March 29 via The Valory Music Co., the North-Country native is unfiltered — and unplugged — in a way that leaves no room for doubt. A deeply personal set written from a lifetime of highs and lows, it pairs Lewis's iconic vocal rasp with a bare-bones acoustic sound, a reflective mindset and little else, as a confessional hit maker chooses the hill where he'll make his stand.

Featuring 10 tracks penned solo or with a tight circle of collaborator/confidants, the set speaks to a time of upheaval — both in the wider world and within. Pledging to shoot his fans straight, Lewis offers up a 50-50 mix of riding out the winds of change and driving another mineshaft deep into his soul. Like his 2022 collection "Frayed At Both Ends", Lewis delivers "The Hill" as an acoustic record, maximizing the potential for lyrical impact. Produced by Lewis alongside Ira Dean, it's raw in the purest sense of the country-rock term — often backing his jagged-edge vocal with just a guitar, dobro and mandolin.

"Music has always been my escape, my way of expressing the things that I don't express very well in life," Lewis explains. "I'm coming up on 52 years old, and I'm on the hill I'm going to stand on. Nobody's going to change me now. This record is a snapshot of my life and how I'm feeling and where my head is at — and that's what my records have always been."

"It's another record that's just really stripped down to the guts," he explains. "I like raw. I like life's imperfections showing through. I'm not perfect, nobody is. And I don't want the music I'm putting out to be either."

Right from the opening track, those guts take center stage. An upbeat track 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 admits.

The Vermont-born powerhouse first found success with STAIND — the 2000s-era hard rockers who injected meditative muscle into an era better known for mindless aggression. But while that band is still very much alive, it was never enough to satisfy Lewis's creative drive. Embracing his roots to earn a rare second round of success, a series of solo country projects have led to two No. 1 Billboard Country Album debuts — "Town Line" (2011) and "Sinner" (2016) – plus a platinum collab with heroes George Jones and Charlie Daniels ("Country Boy"),and a gold-certified Billboard No. 1 with "Am I The Only One" in 2021. Lewis's 2022 solo album followed suit, with "Frayed At Both Ends" emerging as the best-selling country album in America, but he never wrote songs for the stats. No matter the sonic setting, Lewis writes and sings to get his truth out and "The Hill" is no different.

"Somebody's got to live this shit, and these songs, they're me," he says. "I really don't feel like I'm alone in my feelings – I'm just more willing to open up my mouth."

"The Hill" track listing:

01. Let's Go Fishing (written by: Aaron Lewis, Bobby Pinson)
02. Over The Hill (written by: Aaron Lewis, Matt McGinn, Bobby Pinson)
03. Made In China (written by: Aaron Lewis, Bobby Pinson)
04. Spinnin' (written by: Aaron Lewis, Ira Dean, Jeffrey Steele)
05. Over Me (written by: Aaron Lewis, Ira Dean, Jeffrey Steele)
06. Outlaw (written by: Aaron Lewis, Matt McGinn, Bobby Pinson)
07. Up To Me (written by: Aaron Lewis, Bobby Pinson)
08. That's My Life (written by: Aaron Lewis, Ira Dean, Jeffrey Steele)
09. Only In My Mind (written by: Aaron Lewis, Ira Dean, Jeffrey Steele)
10. Little More Mine (written by: Aaron Lewis, Matt McGinn, Bobby Pinson)

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.

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.

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.

Photo credit: Jim Wright

The Italian power metal band Draconicon has released a cover of Ghost's "Square Hammer". The cover is available as a digital single on all digital platforms.





Philip Skrim of Draconicon comments on the new single:




"Recording a cover is not a common choice among bands. We believe it's a great way to demonstrate how much a song can change when our own unique sound is applied to it. We enjoyed arranging it, and we hope you like the result!


“Additionally, covering a song is our way of paying tribute to a band we really admire. We are huge fans of Ghost, and they are one of the main sources of inspiration for us. Their ability to create simple yet powerful songs is incredible in the contemporary metal/hard rock scene."





The new Draconicon album Pestilence was released on CD, limited vinyl editions and digital on November 17 via Inner Wound Recordings.


Check out BraveWords’ feature with Draconicon here.

The melodic power metal band Signum Regis just released a cover of the Megadeth classic "Tornado Of Souls". The cover is available as a digital single on all digital platforms, and you can also check out an official music video below:





Ronnie König of Signum Regis comments:




"'Tornado Of Souls' by Megadeth became iconic for a reason. In the age of Instagram musicians, you can probably find hundreds of covers of this song, because it has had such an impact. However, most of the time, you will find guitar solo covers or drum covers played by an individual. Our cover is very unique, because we did it as a real band. From the legendary guitar solo, through the vocals and amazing audio production by Jacob Hansen to a real music video, we are bringing the full experience. We did our very best to honor this classic the way it deserves and we hope you'll enjoy it!"





The new Signum Regis album Undivided was released on CD, limited vinyl editions and digital on November 17 via Ulterium Records. Undivided have received excellent feedback from media and fans around the world and most agree that this is the strongest release from the band so far. 


Signum Regis was interviewed by BraveWords' Nick Balazs in November 2023 about the album - check out our feature here.

CODE ORANGE has canceled its previously announced headlining tour, along with other shows, due to "serious health issues" suffered by guitarist Dominic Landolina.

CODE ORANGE's run of shows was scheduled to kick off on the ShipRocked cruise in early February and was slated to wrap up in March in the Philippines at the Pulp Summer Slam festival.

In a statement posted earlier today (Friday, January 12) on the band's official social media channels, CODE ORANGE wrote: "It pains us deeply to announce that we are canceling our upcoming headline tour, as well as the ShipRocked cruise / Pulp Summer Slam around it.

"Our guitarist Dom has been dealing with serious health issues over the past year that have led to his inability to play, perform and live comfortably. While he gritted through our fall performances, his issues were exasperated by them. We wanted to give him proper time to heal before making a group decision, and were very hopeful he would be able to return by February. Ultimately it's been determined that he is unable to play guitar at this time. We take this decision very seriously, and this is the last way we intended to start this era.

"We have been together since we were teenagers, have ridden in vans and slept on floors for the majority of our career. No time period has been as difficult for us as the last few years. We are now focused on regaining our strength. We will be back with more stability and in full force.

"Thank you for the continued love and respect. Please support the amazing GEL, TEENAGE WRIST, SOUL BLIND, SPY and GRIDIRON on whatever they choose to do. Refunds are available at point of purchase."

CODE ORANGE's latest studio album, "The Above", was released last year via Blue Grape Music. The follow-up to 2020's "Underneath" was produced by the band's own Jami Morgan and Eric "Shade" Balderose, and engineered by Steve Albini.

At the time of the LP's release, Jami said: "We wanted the album to be able to wash over you with melody, aggression, and joy, but it was of equal importance that the closer you look, the more you are rewarded. It was to feel rooted in the 'analog' world, but with threads of digital reality binding things together. We wanted the sound and even the recording process itself to reflect that edict, so we enlisted Steve Albini at Electrical Audio to get the most real and raw version of the band possible, even recording us all at once in a room together for the first time in our career."

Photo credit: Tim Saccenti

It pains us deeply to announce that we are canceling our upcoming headline tour, as well as the ShipRocked cruise / Pulp...

Posted by Code Orange on Friday, January 12, 2024

During an appearance on the 24th episode of "The Metallica Report", the recently launched podcast offering weekly insider updates on all things METALLICA, former METALLICA bassist Jason Newsted was asked what he is up to these days in terms of any plans, projects, and just life in general. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "So this is the first time in my adult life, probably about 40 years or so, that I didn't have something pending, such as a tour or recording session or art exhibit or something like that. And I'm just allowing myself finally to enjoy the day. I really like going out for lunch. I go have a drink with somebody, sure, and all that kind of thing, but actually getting in my psyche and all myself to calm the fuck down, this is the first time in my adult life. I know it sounds weird, but it's these kinds of simple things that really I'm enjoying a lot. That type of thing, that's it — just trying to be a little bit more normalish. I know that that won't ever be able to be all the way, but I am enjoying getting that a little bit more simple type of things going on. So it's very different now to repurpose — literally purpose — repurpose myself, because the most important thing, I think the single most important thing is purpose. So I'm trying to figure that out, and it's gonna take a minute. But I have to fill some voids with some other things now — the void of not having a show or not having something to work up to I need to fill with another type of activity, but not necessarily any kind of serious project that has to have that kind of application. To give myself a break for a second and look at it through a different lens now that I've been away from [METALLICA] for 20-plus years and just a different perspective on things, to be able to see how I'm doing incredibly affecting it was on my little ball of clay, because I came into that as wet fucking clay, man — green and wide-eyed. Yeah, I had my chops, but I didn't have much else, as far as comprehension of the world or anything like that, man, at all. And so now I look back at that, for better or worse, and there are some things that I'm not gonna be able to change because what I had to rise to, what I had to become so quickly to come from just really a nothing, really trying hard, kind of skidding fucking guy to, all of a sudden this, in a very short amount of time, a global star, as it were — not my terms; just that's what they call it. So it's definitely in the way of going back to college, because I didn't go to college. So it's like reverting to what that time would have been when I decided to play bass instead, at 18 years old, and my dad was certainly expecting me to go to Michigan State University. But I didn't. Instead, I went out to California to play bass — or Arizona, anyway. So I would say, yes, it's just like going back to start college, but I never did."

Newsted went on to say taking stock of his life is an all-in affair for him.

"I find great value, great meaning in figuring these things out," he said. "I think that there are just some really invaluable things that come along with allowing yourself to enjoy the simple things that you missed in the busy, busy years. And I try to do something visual — about four or five times a week, I'll put a couple hours in a drawing or a painting, things that I have that are ongoing. I usually like to create on the day and whatever I make on that day in the many hours that I put in it just for that waking period. And that's the piece, and just sign it and that's that, but I do stay after it. It is a perishable skill — the same thing as guitar and stuff. So, I try to keep my chops up with that as well."

He added: "There are always offers and proposals from people globally to do exhibits or collaborations. There's still offers coming to play music collaborations. And so I'm open to those things, but I'm really very, very picky about those proposals these days."

Last May, Jason performed with his NEWSTED project for the first time in nearly a decade at Revolution Live in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Newsted, who plays bass and sings in the project, was joined at the gig by original NEWSTED members Jesus Mendez Jr. (UNDERLORD) on drums and Jessie Farnsworth (UNDERLORD) on guitar, along with new guitarist Humberto Perez.

NEWSTED's sole full-length effort, "Heavy Metal Music", sold nearly 8,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 40 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD was made available in August 2013 in North America via Chophouse Records/Collective Sounds and in Europe through Spinefarm Records.

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

Last year, Canadian rock legends THE GUESS WHO shared their brand new LP, "Plein D'Amour", via Deko Entertainment. They now continue their album rollout with the release of a brand new video for the single "Across The Line".

On "Plein D'Amour", bandmembers Derek Sharp, Michael Staertow, Leonard Shaw, Michael Devin and founding member Garry Peterson have crafted a collection of songs that raises the bar and continues to take it up a notch both musically and sonically. The album was recorded at Villa Sound in Singhampton, Ontario, Canada, with Adam Fair. It features other standout tracks such as "Headline" and "Spaces". Artwork for the release was provided by world-renowned graphic designer Ioannis (DEEP PURPLE, ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND, LED ZEPPELIN, etc.).

In February 2023, THE GUESS WHO shared the first single off their new album, "The King". Upon its release, the track immediately landed on multiple editorial Spotify playlists. With follow-up singles "Plein D'Amour" and "Headline", the three tracks racked up several hundred thousand streams collectively, making this record the most successful new release in the band's history.

THE GUESS WHO is a legendary band which enjoyed chart-topping hits in the late 1960s and early 1970s with an impressive catalogue of songs including "American Woman", "These Eyes" and "No Time". During the course of its career, the band has released 11 studio albums, and charted 14 Top 40 hit singles, 2 of which went to number one in the United States. THE GUESS WHO is best known internationally for its 1970 album "American Woman", which hit number one in Canada and number nine in the United States, with five other albums also hitting the top ten in Canada. Their fan base spans multiple generations. Very few bands have survived numerous member changes — let alone having smash hits with each lineup — but THE GUESS WHO's motto is "the music is the message."

The most recent and up-to-date version of the band has mastered a wildly entertaining romp through the early hits mixed in with their current creations, while managing to take the whole experience to a new level. Their live show is a celebration of life, being alive, and thriving in these uncertain times.

In November 2022, Peterson told TribLive that he has never entertained thoughts of leaving THE GUESS WHO. "The reason why is because I spent from 1962 to today devoting my entire adolescence and adult life to this band and to the creation of music in this band and the promotion of music created by this band," he said. "So, I think when you're that heavily invested, unless you're looking for something that you’re not getting out of this band, you would stay in it."

Former THE GUESS WHO members Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman have been highly critical of the latest iteration of THE GUESS WHO, calling it a cover band and "the fake GUESS WHO." Peterson, for his part, doesn't let the criticism bother him.

"They decided to go on to their own careers, which I respect and I support,” Peterson told TribLive. "You have to, in life, do what you feel you're called to do. My calling is to be in THE GUESS WHO."

Photo courtesy of Tell All Your Friends PR

Thrash and groove trailblazers EXHORDER will release their fourth full-length album, "Defectum Omnium", on March 8 via Nuclear Blast Records. Featuring 12 crushing tracks and ominous cover artwork by Travis Smith (KATATONIA, OPETH),the album follows the band's critically revered 2019 release "Mourn The Southern Skies".

EXHORDER vocalist/guitarist Kyle Thomas states: "It's been quite a journey for EXHORDER since the 2019 release of 'Mourn The Southern Skies'. Lineup changes as well as the 2020-2021 pandemic and lockdown presented hurdles that weren't easy to overcome. But we persevered, kept our heads down and went to work with intense focus and real goals. One of those goals was to bring our fourth full-length album to our fanbase.

"'Defectum Omnium' is a collaborative effort in songwriting, much as it was in the early days of EXHORDER. We produced it ourselves, as we felt no need or desire to bring in anyone from the outside based upon our shared vision. It was also important to us not only to continue the natural progression this band has been in since the early '90s, but to put a foot back into our roots. The influence punk and hardcore had on this band from getting our start in the New Orleans punk rock scene has a strong presence. We've also made sure to keep plenty of our thrash roots as well in our songwriting process. But we have also managed to keep our doom roots alive, which first surfaced on the song '(Cadence Of) The Dirge' back in 1992. In fact, on one new song we have guest appearances by Rick Wartell and Bruce Franklin from TROUBLE, and they absolutely killed it!

"From the time that we began pre-production until the actual release date, we can promise you that every bit of 'Defectum Omnium' was crafted with great care, and we are really excited about it! Our goal was to make an album that WE loved and gives the experience of a journey, or maybe even a rollercoaster ride effect. We can't wait to share it with the world!"

Without further ado, EXHORDER kicks in the door of 2024 with a savage new track, "Year Of The Goat", that sets the neck-snapping pace for the record to come. The song's official music video, which was directed by Brian "Bone" Thorburn and produced by Threshold Studios, can be seen below.

Thomas added: "Our debut single 'Year Of The Goat' is a fast-paced, chugging piece in the spirit of the influence that MOTÖRHEAD had on punk rock bands like DISCHARGE, GBH and THE EXPLOITED. The lyrical approach is a throwback to early EXHORDER attitude, and we had a ton of fun filming the video at a free show that we performed in the greater Cincinnati area. 2024 is the year of the goat!!!"

"Defectum Omnium" track listing:

01. Wrath Of Prophecies
02. Under The Gaslight
03. Forever And Beyond Despair
04. The Tale Of Unsound Minds
05. Divide And Conquer
06. Year Of The Goat
07. Taken By Flames
08. Defectum Omnium / Stolen Hope
09. Three Stages Of Truth / Lacing The Well
10. Sedition
11. Desensitized
12. Your Six

Following the release of "Defectum Omnium" in April, EXHORDER will kick off a U.S. tour with Bay Area thrash legends VIO-LENCE, Virginian extreme metalheads DECEASED and L.A. death metal band MORTAL WOUND. The brutality starts April 5 in Cambridge, Massachusetts and will wrap up on April 13 in Chicago, Illinois.

EXHORDER's new LP was recorded in part at Fat Track Studio in Cincinnati, Ohio with engineer Rob Nadler. The follow-up to "Mourn The Southern Skies" will be the group's first with former CANNIBAL CORPSE guitarist Pat O'Brien, who made his live debut with EXHORDER at the 2022 Maryland Deathfest.

The Maryland Deathfest gig took place three months after guitarist Marzi Montazeri left EXHORDER, explaining at the time in a statement that he "decided to no longer be a part of it."

In a June 2022 interview with BLABBERMOUTH.NET, Thomas spoke about O'Brien's first appearance with EXHORDER and how the crowd reacted upon seeing the guitarist re-emerge on stage more than three years after his arrest for burglary and assaulting a police officer while his Florida home was in flames.

"He was as apprehensive about it as anybody," Kyle said. "Having not been onstage for a while, he wondered, 'Are these people going to want me around?' We were, like, 'Come on, Pat. You're Pat O'Brien. These people want to see you.' I can appreciate how he felt about it after all he had been through. I could imagine there was an intimidation factor about it. We got up there and he said, 'I think I'm going to lay low in the back, get up and play and be done.' As soon as we got onstage and people saw him, the place went nuts. I said to the crowd, 'Hey, look, you all know Pat, right? Show Pat some love.' And they went nuts. They adore this man. Who wouldn't? If you ever met him, he's one of the nicest people you'd ever meet. He's one of the greatest at what he does, too. Then he started taking pictures with people and talking [after the gig]. He had a big smile on his face. That was so worth it. Here was a guy who needed a good break in his life and we needed help from him to get the show done. It couldn't have been any more perfect."

O'Brien made headlines in December 2018 when he was arrested for burglary and assaulting a police officer while his Florida home was in flames. At the time of the arrest, deputies said he burglarized a house and charged at a deputy with a knife.

In March 2021, O'Brien was sentenced to time served and five years of probation and ordered to pay $23,793.45 in restitution. He was also ordered to get drug and alcohol evaluations and render 150 hours of community service. In addition, O'Brien was ordered to abstain from using alcohol and controlled substances and to be subject to random testing.

In early 2021, it was announced that O'Brien had been replaced in CANNIBAL CORPSE by Erik Rutan, one of the death metal's most acclaimed guitarists who is known for his time as part of MORBID ANGEL throughout the '90s and early 2000s, as well as handling vocals/guitars for HATE ETERNAL.

Shortly after the Houston-based Montazeri announced his departure from EXHORDER, the remaining members of the band — Thomas, bassist Jason VieBrooks and drummer Sasha Horn — said that they and Marzi had been "moving in different directions" and assured fans that they would "continue to thrive"

Thomas is now the sole remaining founding member of EXHORDER, which released its debut album, "Slaughter In The Vatican", way back in 1990. In February 2020, EXHORDER parted ways with its original guitarist Vinnie LaBella, who wrote much of the material on "Mourn The Southern Skies". The remaining members of the group later issued a statement saying that they would fulfill their "touring and recording obligations for 2020 and beyond."

In December 2021, Thomas confirmed to the "Brutally Delicious" podcast that he and his bandmates had spent much of the coronavirus downtime working on material for the follow-up to "Mourn The Southern Skies".

EXHORDER released two albums in the early 1990s through the Roadrunner label — the aforementioned "Slaughter In The Vatican" and 1992's "The Law" — before breaking up, with Kyle going on to form FLOODGATE and also briefly appearing live as the vocalist for TROUBLE, which he later joined on a full-time basis (and is still a member of).

EXHORDER, which is cited by many as the originator of the riff-heavy power-groove approach popularized by PANTERA, completed a U.S. headlining tour in late 2021 during which it performed "Slaughter In The Vatican" in its entirety.

WHOM GODS DESTROY, the formidable group formed by keyboardist Derek Sherinian (DREAM THEATER, SONS OF APOLLO, BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION),guitarist Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal (GUNS N' ROSES, SONS OF APOLLO) and vocalist Dino Jelusick (WHITESNAKE, TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA),along with the potent rhythm section of bassist Yas Nomura and drummer Bruno Valverde, has announced its debut album, "Insanium", to be released on March 15, 2024 worldwide via InsideOut Music.

As first appetizer for "Insanium", WHOM GODS DESTROY is launching the first single and opening track off "Insanium" today. Check out the dynamic track "In The Name Of War" in a video directed by Vicente Cordero of Industrialism Films and edited by Vojan Koceić of Pilot studio.

Thal commented about "In The Name Of War" as follows: "Derek, Dino and I began writing this song in 2020. It was the first song we wrote together. This song captures a lot of what the band is about. It's a good example of what to expect from the album. The song gets pretty intense when the band kicks in, an unexpected contrast. The music tells the story alongside the lyrics — the Eastern scale melody in the chorus followed by the 'war drum' pattern, the bridge feeling like it's heading toward something, an urgency..."

The artwork for "Insanium" was created by Nello Dell'Omo and can be seen below.

"Insanium" track listing:

01. In The Name Of War (06:38)
02. Over Again (05:01)
03. The Decision (07:08)
04. Crawl (06:36)
05. Find My Way Back (05:46)
06. Crucifier (04:43)
07. Keeper Of The Gate (04:54)
08. Hypernova 158 (03:24)
09. Insanium (08:37)

Sherinian and Bumblefoot have built upon the creative link they developed as two of the key elements of supergroup SONS OF APOLLO and now set their sights on a new path with WHOM GODS DESTROY, who are getting ready to present the musical odyssey that is their debut opus, "Insanium", to be released in March 2024.

Bumblefoot explains how WHOM GODS DESTROY got started: "Derek and I began writing new music in 2020. Soon after, Dino joined, followed by Yas and Bruno. We'd share ideas, and each record parts, building and rebuilding songs, and by June '23 the album was finished. The songs all went through a lot of changes, developing...you can definitely hear what each person brings to the music – when it adds up, it's a mix of melody and intense heavy prog."

Working with powerhouse vocalist Dino Jelusick, as well as Yas Nomura and Bruno Valverde, they knew they were building something special, says Bumblefoot. "These guys are all just mind-blowing," he says. "I've known Dino for a few years. We did a collab song a few years ago... His voice is just magic. He's one of the greatest singers out there. Bruno and Yas are downright frightening; there's no limit to what they can do, WTF...! And all great guys to hang with."

Sherinian agrees: "All three of these musicians are super talented with great energy. I think Dino is the real deal. Ron and I knew that we could do something great with him."

Jelusick expresses his excitement as well: "What I love about this band is that it doesn't have any limits. It came together back in 2020 when we started talking about it. Yas and I started working separately not knowing we were both asked to do this. Bruno was the last piece of this puzzle and I'm glad the recommendation came from me. Love this lineup. Derek and Ron are wizards."

WHOM GODS DESTROY is (from left to right in photo from Greg Vorobiov):

Bruno Valverde - Drums
Yas Nomura - Bass
Dino Jelusick - Vocals
Derek Sherinian - Keyboards
Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal - Guitars

DISTURBED has released the Matt Mahurin-directed music video for "Don't Tell Me", a track from the band's latest studio album, "Divisive". The song, an epic emotionally charged duet with HEART's Ann Wilson, marks the first time the band has included a guest feature on an LP.

DISTURBED vocalist David Draiman comments: "I have tremendous respect for Ann. In my humble opinion, she's the greatest female rock voice of all time. I think she's untouchable. I feel like we were very gifted to have her be a part of this."

Wilson adds: "I was honored when I got the call from David Draiman. DISTURBED did a version of 'The Sound Of Silence' that my husband and I both really dug. And so when the opportunity came to sing a duet with him on a song that meant so much to David emotionally, I jumped at the chance. And then the video turned out great, which is yet another cherry on top. Hopefully we'll find a time to perform 'Don't Tell Me' live together at some point. If they call, I'm there."

Last November, DISTURBED shared behind-the-scenes photos from the set of the "Don't Tell Me" video shoot in California and captioned them: "On set for our video shoot for our next single 'Don't Tell Me' featuring @annwilson from @heartofficial".

Regarding how the collaboration with Wilson came about, DISTURBED drummer Mike Wengren told Terrie Carr of WDHA-FM 105.5 FM: "That was always supposed to be the 'power ballad,' per se. And as we were tracking it in the studio, David [Draiman, DISTURBED singer] just threw out the idea, 'Hey, let's do a duet on this song.' We've tossed around the idea before, but there wasn't ever either the right material or the right time. So in this particular case, we kind of said, 'Well, who you've got in mind?' And he didn't even have a list; he just had one person, and that was Ann. It was a no-brainer. 'Hey, let's hit up Ann. Let's see if she'd be into it.' And she was on board right away; we didn't have to convince her."

Mike continued: "[David and Ann] sort of struck up a bit of a friendship, a little bit of a rapport. When [DISTURBED cover version of] 'The Sound Of Silence' came out years back and had its success, she was one of many artists and celebrities that took it up themselves to go on Twitter and praise the song and praise our version of it, which we couldn't have been more honored. Iconic, legendary Ann Wilson thinks that we did a great job with a SIMON & GARFUNKEL cover. That's pretty incredible, a pretty great honor. So when we reached out to her, she was more than willing to jump on board. And she came in and she killed it… And she's super cool and down to earth too, and just incredibly talented. It's such an honor to have her be on our record. And to me, the blending of her voice and David's voice, they really, really work so well together. I'm so proud of David and just so honored to have her a part of our record."

In September 2022, Donegan, whose divorce inspired "Don't Tell Me", told Meltdown of Detroit's WRIF radio station about DISTURBED's collaboration with Wilson: "Early in our career, we wanted to really establish ourselves without having any guests. We didn't really talk about it much, but just [felt], 'This is the band.' Not that we were ever against it, but this far along in our career… We're always pushing ourselves, trying to do stuff that's different musically. And there's so much talent out there and so many people we would love to do collaborations with now or later in our career.

"Ann Wilson had mentioned before — she tweeted about us before," he continued. "A few years back, somebody asked her in an interview or whatever if there's anything new out there, or newer, musically that she's heard that she's fan of, and she mentioned she really loved our version of 'The Sound Of Silence'. And that kind of opened the door to a social media friendship between her and David a bit. And then when we wrote this song, it just seemed like it would lend itself to Ann's voice and then trying to see that merge between her and David's voices together. She jumped on the opportunity. Immediately she responded, and we were, like, 'Holy shit. She just said yes to this.'"

Asked by Meltdown if "Don't Tell Me" is a more mellow track than the standard DISTURBED fare, Dan said: "I can't give it away, but their voices, it's like Fergie and Jesus — a little 'Step Brothers' [2008 movie] quote there… It was a pretty magical moment to be in the room and to hear the two of them harmonize together.

"We tracked David's vocals in Nashville, and we wanted to make it easy and convenient for her, 'cause we were, like, she said yes, she's gonna do it," Donegan continued. "Let's make it as easy as possible on her.' We flew out to California to meet with her. We went into a studio out there for just a couple of hours, and she sang against David's tracks. And he was there kind of going over the harmonies with her and stuff too. So it was kind of a really magical moment to see the two of them working on those harmonies together. It was pretty impressive. And she's such a pro, and she's so damn good. She's a legend. So it was pretty exciting. And it's not like she sits there and jumps on people's albums either, so we take that as a badge of honor to think that there's not many times where somebody as big a legend as she is that she would jump on any album. She doesn't have to, and she chose to be on this one. And she loves the track. And it just came together great."

Released in November 2022, "Divisive" was recorded earlier that year with producer Drew Fulk (MOTIONLESS IN WHITE, LIL PEEP, HIGHLY SUSPECT) in Nashville, Tennessee.

According to Billboard, "Divisive" sold 26,000 equivalent album units in its first week of release, with 22,000 units via album sales.

On the all-format Billboard 200 chart, "Divisive" debuted at No. 13.

DISTURBED has had five No. 1s on the all-genre chart, beginning with "Believe" in 2002.

KILL THE LIGHTS, the band featuring ex-BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE bassist Jason "Jay" James and drummer Michael "Moose" Thomas, along with former members of THROW THE FIGHT, THREAT SIGNAL and STILL REMAINS, will release its sophomore album, "Death Melodies", on March 8 via Fearless Records.

To celebrate the exciting news, the band has also shared the video for "From Ashes". Watch it below.

With its classic, '80s semi-ballad songcraft twinned with modern sounds, "From Ashes" is a new anthem that should accompany any and all rigorous activity. Going to the gym? Then put "From Ashes" at the top of your playlist, as it will get the blood and adrenaline pumping through those veins.

"'From Ashes' lyrically discusses having to live with the pain of knowing that you let your loved ones down," the band offers.

Certain bonds cross any and all borders and boundaries. KILL THE LIGHTS harbor this kind of connection between them. Even though you've got Thomas and James in Bridgend, Wales, James Clark (vocals) in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Jordan Whelan (guitar) in Grand Rapids, Michigan and Travis Montgomery (guitar) in Dallas, Texas, the musicians lock into an impenetrable groove that eclipses physical distance. The band is especially adept at fusing classic, galloping guitar riffing with modern metal conventions, like alternately sung and screamed vocals and breakdowns that will incite pits to erupt.

Of course, the musicians boast an incredible pedigree. Moose co-founded multi-platinum international heavyweights BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE, while Jay also played in the band. James fronted THROW THE FIGHT, and Jordan and Travis handled guitar duties for STILL REMAINS and THREAT SIGNAL, respectively. Upon forming KILL THE LIGHTS, they uncovered uncontainable chemistry, releasing their debut LP "The Sinner" in the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Among many highlights, "The Faceless" posted up two million-plus Spotify streams and counting followed by "Through The Night" and "Shed My Skin", which each crossed the one million mark. Metal Hammer rated it 4 out of 5 stars and proclaimed "KILL THE LIGHTS nail the groove and the glory." After piling up millions of streams and earning acclaim from the likes of Kerrang! and New Noise, a sense of unwavering unity drives their second full-length offering, "Death Melodies".

"Death Melodies" track listing:

01. Hear You Scream
02. Die Alone
03. Broken Bones
04. Bleeding
05. Scapegoat
06. From Ashes
07. Wasting Away
08. Man Without A Face
09. Ghost Of Yesterday
10. Sleep With The Devil
11. Suicidal
12. Drowning

BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE announced Jay's departure in February 2015 during the recording sessions for the group's fifth album, "Venom", and recruited Jamie Mathias as his replacement in May of that same year.

In July 2015, BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE frontman Matt Tuck told Revolver: "We parted ways with [Jay] a long time before we announced it. We wanted to make sure we were comfortable making that decision, and comfortable with making that statement publicly. We wanted to get the album ready to be recorded before we said anything…"

Tuck described the split with James as "the most difficult thing we've ever had to do, and not just in the band or in our careers, but in our lives, personally. It was awful. Losing a long-term member — and our best friend, which was much more important to us — was a very powerful moment that we'd never been through before, and it was a decision that we deliberated over for, like, three months; we kept fighting and fighting to find valid reasons for him to stay, but eventually it was just impossible.

"I'm not going to go into detail," Tuck continued, "but it was in Jay's best interest personally, more than ours, that he was not in the band. People can read into that what they want, which they will anyway; but it was just stuff going on that was jeopardizing the band's career, and it had to stop. And, unfortunately, it came to the point where enough was enough, and we just had to make that call."

In December 2017, BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE announced that it was officially parting ways with Thomas and replacing him with Jason Bowld (PITCHSHIFTER, AXEWOUND). Bowld had toured with the group since November 2015, filling in for Thomas, who had taken a leave of absence as he and his wife were expecting their first child.

In February 2020, Thomas told the "No Fuckin' Regrets With Robb Flynn" podcast that he didn't leave BULLET FROM MY VALENTINE of his own accord.

"We'd done the last album [in 2015], which was 'Venom', which was kind of more back-to-the-heavier-roots type of thing, which I was a lot happier with; I think everyone was," Thomas explained. "And it was on that album we left — Jay, and then I left a year later. So we finished 'Venom' and then started touring 'Venom'. It was on the European tour cycle of 'Venom' that I left and didn't return. I would have gone back [on tour], but no one answered my e-mails."

British rock frontrunners ASKING ALEXANDRIA are kickstarting the new year with a new EP highlighting the debut single "Dark Void" from their 2023 critically acclaimed album "Where Do We Go From Here?" via Better Noise Music. Available today, January 12, across digital platforms, the "Dark Void" EP features five tracks including the original version of "Dark Void" along with a new radio edit, a stripped-down piano version, and a Sullivan King-remixed version. The emotive and empowering single relates to those battling with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and loneliness, while acknowledging the strength it takes to confront one's inner demons and fight off negative thoughts.

"Blue Monday is coming up this Monday, January 15," relays ASKING ALEXANDRIA bassist Sam Bettley. "Unfortunately, it's that time of the year again where a lot of us, including myself, are facing depression, anxiety, and loneliness. I can't stress enough how much music has helped me through these dark times. Our song 'Dark Void' gives an insight into how crippling these feelings can be. So put it on, turn it up, and let it be a reminder that you aren't alone and together we can make it through!"

The "Dark Void" EP also includes the fan-favored electronic-tinged album track "Nothing Left" which ASKING ALEXANDRIA have highlighted with a new lyric video aligning with the EP's release.

"Dark Void" EP track listing:

01. Dark Void (Album Version)
02. Nothing Left
03. Dark Void (Radio Edit)
04. Dark Void (Sullivan King Remix)
05. Dark Void (Stripped)

ASKING ALEXANDRIA's critically acclaimed eighth album, "Where Do We Go From Here?", features their second-ever No. 1 Active Rock radio single with album track "Psycho". Produced and mixed by Matt Good (HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD, FROM FIRST TO LAST),the album is a culmination of the band's career, melding their flagship sound with experimental electronics. The latest album from ASKING ALEXANDRIA has accumulated 43 million streams since the start of its campaign. The album's official music and lyric videos so far have accumulated 5 million YouTube views.

ASKING ALEXANDRIA — Ben Bruce (lead guitar),Danny Worsnop (vocals),Cameron Liddell (rhythm guitar),Sam Bettley (bass) and James Cassells (drums) — spent last fall touring across the U.S. on a co-headlining run with labelmates THE HU along with stops at several of the country's top rock festivals such as Rocklahoma, Louder Than Life, Inkcarceration and Rock Fest. The band will continue to bring their high-energy performance to audiences across the globe throughout the year starting with a support slot on the "I Wanna Be Tour" in early March across Brazil with SIMPLE PLAN, A DAY TO REMEMBER, THE ALL-AMERICAN REJECTS, ALL TIME LOW, THE USED and more, and will be seen on festival stages including Knotfest Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane) and Slam Dunk Festival (U.K.). ASKING ALEXANDRIA will return to the U.S. this spring from April 12 to May 18 on a headlining tour featuring support from MEMPHIS MAY FIRE and THE WORD ALIVE.

Photo credit: Danny Worsnop

Powerhouse metal band Lutharo have announced the release of their latest digital single, “Reaper's Call.” This release is a tantalizing preview of their upcoming album, Chasing Euphoria, slated for release on March 15, 2024 via Atomic Fire Records.





Krista Shipperbottom enthuses: "Hey there! You look like you could use a fix and we've got just the thing! Our newest single 'Reaper's Call' is out now and ready to scratch every itch you need. Do you fancy soaring falsettos and gutturals that will make your stomach turn? What about a heavy dose of screaming guitars and adrenaline pumping drums? Well then, pick your poison and get ready for a thrill."




In celebration of their new album, Lutharo are hosting an exclusive release show on March 15, 2024 at the Corktown Pub (Upstairs) in Hamilton, ON, Canada. This electrifying event will mark the official launch of Chasing Euphoria, offering fans a firsthand experience of the new music. Tickets are available at ticketscene.ca.


 The Canadian metallers bring forth their signature mixture of traditional heavy, melodic death and thrash metal plus more on their latest effort, Chasing Euphoria, the follow-up to their critically lauded debut full-length Hiraeth. Due out on March 15, 2024 via Atomic Fire Records, Chasing Euphoria is as destructive and violent as it is soaring and captivating.


Preorders are available here.


The band elaborate on the album: "We are beyond excited to finally announce our second full length album Chasing Euphoria will be released on March 15, 2024! This album is very near and dear to our hearts as it has brought out the most emotion in us to date! We laughed, we cried and we put everything we have into this album. So when you listen to these songs, know you are taking a piece of us with you."


Chasing Euphoria formats:


- CD-digipak
- 1LP (red-transparent/blue/white vinyl; EU + US)
- 1LP (pink/blue vinyl; band shop excl.)
- digital


Artwork by Niklas Sundin (Dark Tranquillity, Delain, Aephanemer):





Tracklisting:


“Gates Of Enchantment”
“Reaper’s Call”
“Ruthless Bloodline”
“Time To Rise”
“Born To Ride”
“Bonded To The Blade”
“Chasing Euphoria”
“Creating A King”
“Strong Enough To Fall”
“Paradise Or Parasite”
“Freedom Of The Night”


"Reaper's Call" video:





"Time To Rise" video:





“Born To Ride”:





Lutharo are:


Krista Shipperbottom - lead vocals
Victor Bucur - guitars, backing vocals
Chris Pacey - bass
Cory Hofing - drums
Jeff Wilson - guitars (live)

Iconic death thrash metal band Pentagram (Chile) was formed in Santiago, Chile in 1985. At the time, the country was roiling from political upheaval, but that didn't stop Anton Reisenegger, Juan Pablo Uribe, and (former drummer) Eduardo Topelberg from ingesting and eventually emulating the brutalist, evilest forms of metal from around the world.


Pentagram (Chile) has now announced their new album Eternal Life Of Madness and is comprised of guitarist/vocalist Anton Reisenegger, guitarist Juan Pablo Uribe, drummer Juan Pablo Donoso, and bassist Juan Francisco Cueto. 


Pentagram (Chile) marched forward from their debut The Malefice (2013) while preserving the savage DNA that informed Darkthrone, At The Gates, Dismember, Napalm Death, and many others. 




Eternal Life of Madness, which is a far-off salute to the group's classic Spell Of The Pentagram from their 1987 first Demo, features the crushing heft of "Possessor," "El Imbunche," "The Portal," and "Deus Est Machina."


"When the pandemic hit, and I was in lockdown at home in Spain, I started writing riffs for a new Lock Up album," says Reisenegger, who plays guitar in grind legends Brujeria and Chilean groove-thrash masters Criminal. "I realized some of the stuff I wrote had the original Pentagram (Chile) feeling, so I put those ideas aside. They started piling up, so when the Lock Up ’The Dregs of Hades' record was done, I began arranging them and working remotely with our drummer, Juan Pablo Donoso. I didn't even realize I had all that material in me, but it was somehow untapped. We had a 'false start' a few years before when original guitarist JP Uribe, JP Donoso, and I got together and started jamming on some new riffs. 'The Portal' came out of those sessions.”


Though never explicitly political lyrically, Pentagram (Chile) have issued angst-ridden proclamations throughout their 39-year existence. The relics of the waning (and most repressive) years of Augusto Pinochet's reign have long memories, manifesting via supernatural and horrific lyrics. Previous songs, such as “The Apparition”, “Sacrophobia” and “Prophetic Tremors” (all from The Malefice), have dealt with superstition, mental disorder, and cataclysm. The Eternal Life Of Madness is no different. Anton Reisenegger brings to bear his favorite themes, imbuing them with the world's weight. From the folkloric “El Imbunche” and the god-challenge of “Omniscient Tyrant” to the horror-themed “Possessor” and the apocalyptic visions of “No One Shall Survive” these are some of Pentagram (Chile)'s most intense lyrics to date.


Eternal Life Of Madness will be released on April 26, 2024 on Listenable.





Tracklisting:


“El Imbunche”
“Possessor”
“Omniscient Tyrant”
“The Portal”
“Eternal Life Of Madness”
“Icons Of Decay”
“Devourer Of Life”
“State Of Grace”
“The Seeds Of The Deed”
“Deus Est Machina”
“No One Shall Survive”

After the release of their very successful self-titled album Beyond The Black, which was released in January 2023 the band now release a deluxe edition of their album. The deluxe edition features three bonus tracks “I Remember Dying (Stranger Reprise)”, “Wide Awake (Piano Version)”, and “Raise Your Head (String Version)”. BTB has also released their brand new video for “Raise Your Head (String Version)”. Their Dancing In The Dark tour starts in April 2024. 





Jennifer Haben comments about the deluxe edition:




"How quickly time flies. It’s been a year since the release of our 5th studio album Beyond The Black. We are very pleased that we can now give our fans a special gift for its anniversary with the digital deluxe edition including 3 exceptional bonus tracks."


Jennifer Haben states about “Raise Your Head (String Version)”:


"From the bottom of my heart, in my opinion, this bonus ‘String Version’ is one of - if not THE best bonus song we’ve ever released. 'Raise Your Head' is a call to everyone who feels trapped in their lives and is looking for a way out. It's a reminder that we are all capable of breaking free from societal expectations and forging our own path. If only we have the courage to look behind the illusions and ‘raise our heads’."


Stream the album here.


Dancing In The Dark Tour 2024:


April
5 - Munich, Germany - TonHalle
6 - Memmingen, Germany - Kaminwerk
7 - Brno, Czech Republic - Sono Centrum
9 - Vienna, Austria - Arena Wien (big hall)
10 - Budapest, Hungary - Barba Negra Blue Stage
12 - Geiselwind, Germany - Music Hall
13 - Hannover, Germany - Capitol
14 - Haarlem, Netherlands - Patronaat
16 - Paris, France - Trabendo
17 - Wiesbaden, Germany - Schlachthof
19 - Zurich, Switzerland - Komplex 457
20 - Stuttgart, Germany - Wagenhallen
21 - Saarbrücken, Germany - Garage
23 - Krakow, Poland - Kamienna12
24 - Berlin, Germany - Astra Kulturhaus
26 - Antwerp, Belgium - Trix
27 - Oberhausen, Germany - Turbinenhalle





(Photo - Heilemania)

Grammy-nominated, Lancaster five-piece August Burns Red — JB Brubaker [lead guitar], Brent Rambler [rhythm guitar], Matt Greiner [drums], Jake Luhrs [vocals], and Dustin Davidson [bass] — are extending the celebration around their 20th anniversary!


At the May 3 performance from last year's anniversary tour at Stage AE in Pittsburgh, the band had a crew come out to film the entire show. The multi-cam footage has been edited into a 90-minute, full-show performance, with professionally mixed audio. It will air on Saturday, February 3 at 9 PM ET/6 PM PT. The band members will be interacting with fans during the event, so you can "ABR and chill" on the couch.







Head to augustburnsredtourmerch.com for additional information.


"Winter sucks so let's do something together," the band says. "Join us on Saturday, February 3, for a special livestream of our 20 Year Anniversary show from Stage AE in Pittsburgh, PA. We filmed and recorded the entire show, and had the footage and audio professionally edited and mixed. The five of us will be hanging out with everyone in the chat during the stream, so let's share memories, reminisce, and have a great time together."


ABR will also release a double LP live album, 20 Year Tour Live, taken from dates across the 20 Year Anniversary Tour from 2023.


The LP is available to preorder now in three different variants, and will begin shipping in mid-to-late February. Preorder at augustburnsredtourmerch.com.


"Also, we're stoked to announce that we've put together a new live album from our 20 Year Anniversary Tour," ABR shares. "Every night on tour, we recorded the audio for each set. Then, we picked our favorite songs from different cities all over North America and put together the album. It was the perfect way for us to wrap up our 20-year anniversary, and be able to relive those shows forever."





Tracklisting:


Side A
"Intro"
"Fault Line" (Tempe, AZ)
"Truth of a Liar" (Toronto, ON)
"Marianas Trench" (Nashville, TN)
"Empire" (Denver, CO)
"Martyr" (Dallas, TX)


Side B
"Ancestry" (Atlanta, GA)
"Eleventh Hour" (Quebec City, QC)
"Carpe Diem" (Philadelphia, PA)
"Invisible Enemy" (Worcester, MA)
"Meddler" (Anaheim, CA)


Side C
"Your Little Suburbia Is in Ruins" (Salt Lake City, UT)
"Backfire" (Detroit, MI)
"Laniakea" (St. Louis, MO)
"Provision" (Portland, OR)
"Ghosts" (New York, NY)


Side D
"Meridian" (Cleveland, OH)
"Back Burner" (Richmond, VA)
"Spirit Breaker" (Seattle, WA)
"Composure" (Charlotte, NC)
"White Washed" (Montreal, QC)

The name Ruthless in itself means “without mercy.” Since the early 1980’s, lead by vocalist Sammy DeJohn, the band has stayed true to its style of metal, from the classic first EP Metal Without Mercy (1984) and the debut cult album Discipline Of Steel (1986), to the current albums They Rise (2015) and Evil Within (2019), they’ve never wavered on the power of bands like Judas Priest, Accept and Black Sabbath, always staying true to their roots.


With the mind blowing opening and title track, “The Fallen”, Los Angeles based cult metal act, Ruthless, unleash their new single today. The song is a true headbanger hymn, talking about fallen war heroes. Traditional 80s US metal at its best!







The Fallen is available as a CD, two limited vinyl editions (300 copies each) in dark orange & bloody red, as well as along with an exclusive logo bundle shirt at the Atomic Fire Records Webshop, and digital.


“You can expect it to be very powerful with a throwback to the early days of the band. This album will give you everything Ruthless", comments Sammy DeJohn, who founded the band in 1982.


Order here.





Tracklisting:


"The Fallen"
"Dark Passenger"
"Betrayal"
"No Mercy"
"Dead Fall"
"End Times"
"Soldiers Of Steel"
"Thulsa Doom"
"Order Of The Dragon"
"Live To Die"


"Soldiers Of Steel" visualizer:





"Betrayal" lyric video:





Ruthless are:


Sammy DeJohn - Vocals
Glen Paul - Guitar
Sandy K. Vasquez - Bass
Bob Guitrau - Drums


(Photo - Alex Solca)

Washington, D.C. quintet Darkest Hour - Mike Schleibaum [guitar], John Henry [vocals], Aaron Deal [bass], Travis Orbin [drums], and Nico Santora [guitar] - will release their tenth album, Perpetual | Terminal, on February 23 via MNRK Heavy.


Today, the band share the video for the new song, "Societal Bile", which was directed by Chad Fjerstad.


"This song is for survivors," says Schleibaum. "While we all have our own special survival story, this song touches on the bile that immerses us as we navigate this modern life. It's also an acknowledgment of the personal responsibility we all share to ourselves to reject all that attempts to consume us and fight each day to find our own space to exist in peace with a world at war. It's dedicated to everyone who's got that survivor's disease and won't ever give up."







Pre-order Perpetual | Terminal here.





Tracklisting:


"Perpetual | Terminal"
"Societal Bile"
"A Prayer To The Holy Death"
"The Nihilist Undone"
"One With The Void"
"Amor Fati"
"Love Is Fear"
"New Utopian Dream"
"Mausoleum"
"My Only Regret"
"Goddess Of War, Give Me Something to Die For"


"Perpetual | Terminal" video:

Nashville based prog rock virtuoso, Neal Morse, has released his new album, The Restoration - Joseph: Part Two - the follow-up to 2023's The Dreamer - Joseph: Part One.


The Dreamer - Joseph: Part One concluded with Joseph unjustly imprisoned. In The Restoration - Joseph: Part Two, the biblical narrative unfolds, chronicling how Joseph's wisdom and intelligence led him to become the viceroy of Egypt and, to the eventual reunion with his family.


Listen to the song, "Dreamer In The Jailhouse":







Neal comments on the album: "The second installment in the Joseph story shocked me! I wish you could hear the development… Where it started to where it ended up! Pretty crazy, how it all developed largely with the help of other artists. I won’t get into naming names because I would have to name all of them, but friends and brothers (lliterally!) really brought a lot to the table on this one and I am absolutely thrilled with the way 'The Restoration' turned out. I hope you guys love it as much as I loved making it!”


Order/save The Restoration - Joseph: Part Two here.





The Restoration - Joseph: Part Two tracklisting:


"Cosmic Mess"
"My Dream"
"Dreamer In The Jailhouse"
"All Hail"
"The Argument"
"Make Like A Breeze"
"Overture Reprise"
"I Hate My Brothers"
"Guilty As Charged"
"Reckoning"
"Bring Ben"
"Freedom Road"
"The Brothers Repent / Joseph Revealed"
"The Restoration"
"Everlasting"
"Dawning Of A New Day (God Uses Everything For Good)"


"I Hate My Brothers" video:





"Cosmic Mess" video:





Lineup:


Nick D’Virgilio
Eric Gillette
Gabe Klein
Neal Morse
Sam Hunter
Gideon Klein
Alan Morse
Mark Leniger
Bill Hubauer


Cast:


Neal Morse
Ted Leonard
Matt Smith
Nick D’Virgilio
Ross Jennings
Alan Morse
Jake Livgren
Mark Pogue
Talon David
Wil Morse

Today, Jim Peterik & World Stage, release their new album, Roots & Shoots Vol.1. To celebrate the album's release, the band shares "Suddenly," a new single featuring versatile vocalist Leslie Hunt. Listen below:





Jim about the album: “Roots & Shoots is my latest collection of new music by what I consider to be the most iconic artists from the classic rock of the 80’s (the Roots) paired with the most exciting new talents I’ve had the pleasure of discovering. I found the same timeless qualities in the Shoots represented on this album. They are all rising stars!”




With the new Roots And Shoots album concept, the Chicago-based artist presents two superb albums equally divided between Roots (classic rock stars) and Shoots (emerging rock stars).


In addition to Kevin Cronin and REO Speedwagon, Vol. 1's notable guests include: Kelly Keagy (Night Ranger), Don Barnes (.38 Special), Mark Farner (Grand Funk), alongside emerging talents like Colin Peterik (Jim's son), Ashton Brooke Gill, Paul Childers, Leslie Hunt, Mark Mackay, and a captivating duet between Dave Mikulskis and Lisa McClowry.


World Stage embodies Jim Peterik's outstanding musical legacy, a testament to his songwriting prowess as one of the true icons of melodic rock. Order here.





Tracklisting:


"Dangerous Combination" (feat Kevin Cronin & REO Speedwagon)
"Before Anyone Knows We’re Gone" (feat Colin Peterik)
"Last Dream Home" (feat Don Barnes)
"Forever's The Last Place You Look" (feat Paul Childers)
"Mend Fences" (feat Kelly Keagy)
"As I Am" (feat Ashton Brooke Gill)
"Friends Forever" (feat Jim Peterik and Mark Farner)
"Suddenly" (feat Leslie Hunt)
"I Found Me" (feat Mark Mackay)
"Fire And Water" (feat Lisa McClowry and Mike Mikulskis)
"Fire And Water" (Acoustic Version) Bonus Track Japan


"Last Dream Home" video:





"Dangerous Combination" video:





Throughout his career, Jim Peterik has penned some of rock's most unforgettable songs, including "Vehicle" by The Ides Of March (where he served as lead vocalist), hits such as "The Search Is Over," "High On You," "I Can't Hold Back," and classics for .38 Special like "Hold On Loosely," "Caught Up In You," "Fantasy Girl," and "Rockin' Into The Night." Peterik also wrote the stellar and well loved song "Eye Of The Tiger," for which he garnered a Grammy win and Oscar nod. He's also contributed to "Heavy Metal" with Sammy Hagar, among other projects.


Presently, Peterik is a vital part of Pride Of Lions alongside vocalist Toby Hitchcock, enjoying high esteem in the recording artist and songwriting community, not only on the Frontiers Music label, but within the broader melodic rock scene as well.

Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame drummer Matt Sorum, who held the drum chair for GUNS N' ROSES for seven years, in addition to his stints with THE CULT and VELVET REVOLVER, says that "drumming and music is becoming a focus again" for him after he spent the last few years concentrating on various business ventures, as well as raising his young daughter.

A founder of six startup companies, Matt sits on the Global Blockchain Business Council at UCLA, and has spoken at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. He has also created his own beer line, appropriately named The Drummer.

On Sunday (January 7),Sorum took to his Instagram to write: "Manifestation is something I've done since I was a kid, drawing pictures of drum sets on my Peechee folder in the back of the class. Picturing myself on stage in the biggest arena and after seeing KISS in 1975 did I realize it could be possible, Rock N Roll was in my blood and my goal was getting to Hollywood to make it big ! It didn't happen overnight as I headed to Hollywood at 19 and didn't get in my first breakout gig THE CULT till I was 28 which was old for a rocker in those days. The thing I always did was to believe in myself when no one else did. I really didn't have an option as it was do or die.

"Well I eventually got there and higher than I had imagined," he continued. "For my life now I use the same idea of manifestation in other areas of my life from the Startup world and beyond what I've done in music. My family and daughter being my focus the last 2 1/2 years since Lou was born I have been in 24/7 Dad mode. The greatest experience of my life and I will continue to be the best I can be for her. That being said I'm visualizing 2024 and where I want to go and drumming and music is becoming a focus again. Many things are starting to perculate but now I'm setting my intentions and bringing in the energy. The Universe listens and I believe this year will be a special one."

Sorum, who replaced Steven Adler in GUNS N' ROSES, recorded the highly successful albums "Use Your Illusion I" and "Use Your Illusion II" (both 1991) and "The Spaghetti Incident" (1994). He also supported the group on the "Use Your Illusion" tour and can be heard on GUNS N' ROSES' "Live Era: '87-'93" (1999) and "Greatest Hits" (2004).

Sorum was among the GUNS N' ROSES members who were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in April 2012. He, Adler, guitarist Slash and bassist Duff McKagan attended the ceremony, while singer Axl Rose and founding guitarist Izzy Stradlin stayed home.

The 63-year-old musician, who has also played with THE CULT, VELVET REVOLVER and HOLLYWOOD VAMPIRES, is not involved with GN'R's hugely successful reunion tour, which features Rose, Slash and McKagan alongside drummer Frank Ferrer, keyboardist Dizzy Reed, guitarist Richard Fortus and second keyboardist Melissa Reese.

Sorum's autobiography, "Double Talkin' Jive: True Rock 'N' Roll Stories From The Drummer Of Guns N' Roses, The Cult, And Velvet Revolver", arrived in May 2022 via Rare Bird Books.

Photo credit: Michael Segal

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A post shared by Matt Sorum (@mattsorum)

Today Was Yesterday and Music Theories Recordings / Mascot Label Group recently announced the global release of the duo’s debut studio album on February 23.


Drummer, percussionist and programmer Ty Dennis and lead vocalist, primary songwriter, bassist, guitarist, pianist and programmer Angelo Barbera together are Today Was Yesterday. On this collection of recordings, both Robby Krieger and Alex Lifeson contribute several performances.


Watch a video for "A Louder Silence" featuring Alex Lifeson below, and pre-order the album here.







Tracklisting:


"Grace" (feat. Alex Lifeson)
"A Louder Silence" (feat. Alex Lifeson)
"On My Own" (feat. Alex Lifeson)
"I Take All"
"My Dog Is My God" (feat. Alex Lifeson)
"Faceless Faraway Song" (feat. Alex Lifeson)
"If I Fall (Silly Games)" (feat. Robby Krieger)
"Rukus"
"Borrowed"
"My New Low" (feat. Alex Lifeson)


"A Louder Silence" lyric video:





"Grace" lyric video:

Eonian Records artists, Freakshow, have revealed their second singe and video, for the track "It Hurts Me", from the new album So Shall It Be.


The track is written for the late Cinderella/Freakshow guitarist Jeff LaBar. It is a special song for Ronnie Borchert and the band and they capture that in this performance.







So Shall It Be features the incredible talents of Ronni Borchert, Carlos Cavazo, Greg Chaisson and Stet Howland. Purchase/stream the album here.





Tracklisting:


"Get It Ready"
"Wendi"
"You Shine"
"So Shall It Be"
"M.S.M."
"Tell Me You Love Me"
"Full-On Shred" (Instrumental)
"It Hurts Me"
"Ice Cold Hands"
"Lovin You, Lovin Me"


“You Shine” video:





Freakshow’s debut album was a supergroup featuring Miss Crazy’s Ronnie Borchert, Cinderella’s Jeff LaBar, Quiet Riot’s Frankie Banali, and Tony Franklin, who had played in The Firm, Blue Murder, and Whitesnake.


Fast forward to 2023... different players, yet another output of amazing, hook-filled, blazing rock-n-roll. Ronnie Borchert brings together friends Carlos Cavazo on guitars (Quiet Riot, Ratt), Greg Chaisson on bass (Badlands, Atomic Kings), and Stet Howland on drums (W.A.S.P., Metal Church) to record the brand-new album, So Shall It Be.


Freakshow founder, Ronnie Borchert, stormed onto the rock scene in 2005 as the frontman for San Francisco-based Miss Crazy. His vocal style quickly solidified Miss Crazy as one of the best new melodic rock bands and drew quick comparisons to singers such as Brian Johnson, Tom Keifer, Steve Whitman, and Joe Elliot. Prior to Miss Crazy and Freakshow, Ronnie was the lead vocalist for melodic hard rock and glam bands Amsterdam and Trixie.