Kings Of Thrash, featuring former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson and guitarist Jeff Young, performed at the historic Whisky a Go Go in West Hollywood, California on December 14. Watch the band perform Megadeth's "Looking Down The Cross", from 1985's Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good! album, below:





During a recent interview with Metal Express Radio, Jeff Young revealed he and  David Ellefson are gearing up to release an album of all original material.




Young: "Everyone's saying Kings Of Thrash is coming out with an original album, and it's not Kings Of Thrash. Chaz (Leon) is our singer for doing the Megadeth stuff, but for the original stuff, Ellefson and I have been writing for over a year. We've been working on some (new) songs. We're using this guy from Brazil that's gonna blow you guys away. He sounds kind of like Dio meets Chris Cornell meets Rob Halford. He's got perfect pitch, so he never hits a bad note. It's crazy."

During a recent appearance on the "Die By The Click" podcast, guitarist James Murphy (ex-DEATH, TESTAMENT, OBITUARY) was asked if he has ever been approached to take part in the DEATH TO ALL (DTA) touring project, which features former members of DEATH celebrating the life and music of late DEATH leader Chuck Schuldiner. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): No, I never was. And without going into any details, I'm gonna chalk that up to a couple of things. Number one, I think they've got their lineup. I think they've slowed down on the floating different people in and out of it. I think they've kind of settled into a thing, and that's Bobby [Koelble, guitar] and Max's [Phelps, guitar/vocals] gig now. And I'm cool with that — that's their gig."

He continued: "Back when they were floating people in and out of it a lot, having different people on different tours — because I'm not really up on the history of exactly what all has happened, lineup-wise and everything with that project… In addition to the feeling that they've sort of settled on their lineup, somebody involved with it who's not involved with it anymore, but back when they were cycling through different people, there was someone who did not want me — at all. And so I suspect that that's initially why I never got a call. This is also part of the reason why a particular project that I was working on years ago got put on a shelf, because of the same individual. There's no point in naming names. It's no longer an issue on either front, but at some point there's damage done."

In addition to Koelble and Phelps, the current lineup of DEATH TO ALL includes Gene Hoglan (TESTAMENT, DARK ANGEL, DETHKLOK) on drums and Steve DiGiorgio (TESTAMENT, CONTROL DENIED, SADUS) on bass.

Two years ago, Murphy joined former DEATH bassist Terry Butler to play two shows commemorating the 20th anniversary of Schuldiner's passing at Brass Mug in Tampa, Florida. Murphy and Butler performed DEATH's classic third album, "Spiritual Healing" (1990),in its entirety under the LIVING MONSTROSITY banner.

In October 2021, Eric Greif, former manager of DEATH and president of Perseverance Holdings Ltd., which manages Chuck Schuldiner's (DEATH, CONTROL DENIED) legacy, died. Greif also worked as an entertainment lawyer, representing bands like OBITUARY and MASSACRE. He was 59 years old.

In a December 2022 interview with Pod Scum, Murphy spoke about his plans to complete the long-awaited DEATH tribute album "Within The Mind - In Homage To The Musical Legacy Of Chuck Schuldiner" which he had started work on two decades ago. He said: "I still have all those tracks in the can. The bottom line is I stopped working on it for a number of reasons, one of them which was pretty pernicious but which has… that problem has gone away; it's resolved. Now, obviously, the moving parts that were in place to get that behemoth of a project moving forward and rolling when it did, those have all been at rest for a long time. So now it's a matter of getting the proper lubrication and fuel and impetus back into those moving parts so that it can roll again. And that's what I'm figuring out, if that's still wanted, desired and needed by everyone involved. And if it is, then I will get it done — now that the main hindrance and problem has resolved itself. I'm not gonna go into what that is — it wouldn't be fair to everyone involved — but a major hindrance came to a resolution. So that sort of leaves it open for the beast to be revived."

Murphy went on to say that the tribute LP is still a long way from being finished. "It's not as simple as flicking a switch; there's a lot of things to get done to make it happen," he explained. "So perhaps it will get done; I certainly hope so. But it was put to bed — it was put to bed quite some time ago. There's still a lot left to do. There's still some recording to do and there's all the mixing and mastering to do. There's some re-recording that will need to be done. And there's also a lot of clearances and permissions and stuff like that that will have to get done, because paperwork and clearances and permissions that were in place back in the day when we started are no longer valid. We've gotta redo a lot of that work, and we will."

"Within The Mind - In Homage To The Musical Legacy Of Chuck Schuldiner" was originally conceived by then-CKY guitarist/vocalist Deron Miller as a means to help Murphy raise money for his medical bills (Murphy was diagnosed with a massive brain tumor in August 2001).

Among the musicians who were scheduled to appear on "Within The Mind" when it was first announced were Miller, Murphy, Dave Culross (MALEVOLENT CREATION, SUFFOCATION),Richard Christy (ICED EARTH, DEATH, CONTROL DENIED),Matt Thompson (KING DIAMOND),Luc Lemay (GORGUTS),Patrick Mameli (PESTILENCE),Jean-Francois Dagenais (KATAKLYSM),Mick Thomson (SLIPKNOT),Paul Gray (SLIPKNOT),Brett Hoffmann (MALEVOLENT CREATION),Ross Dolan (IMMOLATION),Mike Chlasciak (PAINMUSEUM, HALFORD),Matt DiFabio (PISSING RAZORS, SINGLE BULLET THEORY) and Terry Butler (OBITUARY, DEATH, MASSACRE).

Veteran British metallers TANK have announced the addition of longtime DIAMOND HEAD drummer Karl Wilcox to the group's ranks. Wilcox will sit behind the drum kit for all of TANK's upcoming shows and will take part in the recording of the band's new studio album, which is scheduled for release later this year.

TANK guitarist Mick Tucker said: "Karl's drumming style fits perfectly with the direction we're heading in and he really understands our music. We all grew up listening to the same bands so we have that special connection when it comes to playing and creating music."

Added TANK guitarist Cliff Evans: "It's gonna be so powerful having Karl driving the band along on stage and in the studio. He's a hard hitter and knows how to hold down a groove."

Karl stated: "2023 turned out to be a year of change for us here in the DIAMOND HEAD camp. As you are aware Brian [Tatler, DIAMOND HEAD guitarist] was asked to tour with SAXON, as a fitting replacement for Paul Quinn. While he is exploring that musical avenue, I have some exciting news of my own. I have been given the opportunity to thump the tubs with rock/metal stalwarts/legends TANK. With a new album forthcoming later this year and tour dates to be announced very soon. All dates and info will be on www.tankofficial.com and all their respective socials.

"I am really looking forward to this challenge and the possibilities this new venture will bring. And I hope to see you all again very soon.

"In closing I wish to conclude by saying this: DIAMOND HEAD is not over, we will continue to make music, play live and do what we do!"

Karl completes this formidable TANK lineup which now features Tucker and Evans, Marcus Von Boisman on vocals and Gav Gray on bass.

TANK will return to the USA for the first time in 39 years to make a special appearance at the 2024 Hell's Heroes Festival in Houston, Texas on March 23.

Tucker said: "We're really looking forward to returning to the US after so long. TANK has always had a solid fanbase over there but we've just never had the opportunity to return until now."

Evans added: "We'll be treating the U.S. fans to some good old British powerhouse rock. We're really geared up for it now with this lineup."

Last May, original TANK frontman Algy Ward died at the age of 63. He reportedly passed away at a hospital in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, United Kingdom after suffering from serious health issues for quite some time.

Firstly I would like to wish everyone “Happy New Year 2024”

2023 turned out to be a year of change for us here in the...

Posted by Diamond Head on Friday, January 5, 2024

Former MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson has executive-produced the upcoming feature film "Bunker Heights". The 59-year-old musician, who also appears in the movie, says: "It's always such a pleasure working with Drew Fortier on any creative endeavor and his knack for making engaging horror films is second to none. I'm glad to be a part of this amazing new story."

"Bunker Heights" is a genre-bending farce that delves into the complexities of a troubled city facing a catastrophic crisis. Blending elements of crime, horror, and dark comedy, the film offers a gripping narrative that follows the lives of its citizens as they navigate the looming threat that jeopardizes their very existence.

Written and directed by Fortier under the production of Hannah Fierman ("V/H/S", "Dark Circles", "Siren"),the film boasts mesmerizing special effects crafted by Deryk Wehrley ("Late Checkout", "Crust"),alongside captivating cinematography courtesy of Gordon Cameron ("Her Name Was Christa").

Principal photography for the film took place in secret with a budget of $30,000 and is currently in post-production with no set release date.

As "Bunker Heights" enters its post-production phase, the suspense continues to build with anticipation, promising audiences an unforgettable cinematic experience. While the official release date remains undisclosed, the film's blend of gripping storytelling and ensemble cast guarantees a viewing experience that will captivate audiences.

"Bunker Heights" stars:

* Drew Fortier ("Dwellers", "Side Effects May Vary")
* Hannah Fierman ("V/H/S", "Siren", "Dark Circles")
* Chaney Morrow ("Wrong Turn", "Haunt")
* Paul T Taylor ("Hellraiser: Judgement", "Sin City")
* Floyd Ewing Jr. ("The Dead Next Door", "Robot Ninja")
* Douglas Esper ("Dwellers", "Trivial")
* James L Edwards ("Her Name Was Christa", "Side Effects May Vary")
* Daniel John Kearney ("Crust", "Watchdog")
* LC Holt ("You're Next", "V/H/S 2")
* Xander Goldman ("Macabre Mountain", "Massacre Academy")
* Christopher Robin Koch

The cast also includes various talent from the music world such as:

* David Ellefson (ex-MEGADETH, THE LUCID)
* Violent J (INSANE CLOWN POSSE)
* Vinnie Dombroski (SPONGE, THE LUCID)
* Lance Eric (ex-BANG TANGO, COLOR OF CHAOS)
* James Leg (BLACK DIAMOND HEAVIES)
* Bass Amp (FIRST JASON)

A trailer is available below.

Ellefson previously produced "Dwellers", a found-footage horror film written, directed and starring Fortier. The movie has been described as "'C.H.U.D.' if it were shot like 'The Blair Witch Project'." The film stars Fortier, James L. Edwards ("Her Name Was Christa"),Douglas Esper ("The Nutshell") and Omar Baig ("Let's Make A Movie"). It also features cameos from Ellefson and former MUSHROOMHEAD vocalist Jeff Hatrix.

Bassist Becky Baldwin, who toured North America with Mercyful Fate in late 2022, has released the video below, performing a playthrough of "The Oath".


Says Baldwin: "'The Oath' - The first song I played with Mercyful Fate, both in rehearsal in Dallas and when the curtain dropped on my first show at their guest bassist back in 2022. In this track we are treated to a range of fun bass lines, with thunderous, unrelenting triplets, rapid fills, melodic counterpoint, harmonics, and a cheeky bass solo!


This playthrough stays as true as possible to Timi Hansen's original bassline from the 1984 recorded release. The only change made is the end of the bass solo at 3:54 I have borrowed a descending line that Joey Vera would play for his live shows for Mercyful Fate (I thought this change was really cool!)




This is my first recording for Youtube where I've had the pleasure of using my new Quad Cortex by @NeuralDSP which made the process much simpler by using the two XLR outputs to simultaneously record a clean and a distorted tone (usually I have to use a DI box to split the signal and achieve this). I'm using the tone preset that I built for my tour with Fury this Autumn. If you also use the QC, you can take a look at exactly what I'm using on the Cortex app (find my username - BeckyBaldwinBass)


Want TABs? Sign up to my Patreon to access full songs in standard notation and TAB."





Becky's previous playthrough videos for the Mercyful Fate tracks, "Melissa" and "Doomed By The Living Dead", can be viewed below:

Fourteen year-old Japanese drum prodigy Yoyoka Soma, who has become a YouTube sensation and attracted the attention of KISS icon Gene Simmons, Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl and Deep Purple drummer Ian Paice, has shared a one-take performance of the Tool classic, "Forty Six & 2". Check it out below.





Tool make their highly-anticipated return to Europe this spring, with a month of dates slated for the 2024 trek, including outings at London's The O2 Arena, Stockholm’s Tele2 Arena and Paris' Accor Arena, as well as festival outings at Graspop Metal Meeting, Tons of Rock and CopenHell.




News of the band’s European tour follows a particularly busy time for the Los Angeles-based band, with the foursome featuring Danny Carey, Justin Chancellor, Adam Jones and Maynard James Keenan, currently in the midst of a North American tour that extends into February. Over the last five months, Tool has headlined Aftershock, Welcome to Rockville, Louder Than Life and the Sonic Temple Arts & Music festivals, as well as a once-in-a-lifetime performance at Power Trip.





European dates:


May
25 - Hannover, Germany - ZAG Arena
27 -  Amsterdam, Netherlands - Ziggo Dome
30 - Birmingham, UK - Resorts World Arena


June
1 - Manchester, UK - AO Arena
3 - London, UK  -The O2 Arena
5 - Paris, France - Accor Arena
8 - Berlin, Germany - Parkbühne Wuhlheide
10 - Wien, Austria - Wiener Stadthalle
11 - Kraków, Poland - Tauron Arena
13 - Budapest, Hungary - BudapestAréna
18 - Köln, Germany - Lanxess Arena
20 - Dessel, Belgium - Graspop Metal Meeting
22 - Copenhagen, Denmark - CopenHell
25 - Stockholm, Sweden - Tele2 Arena
27 - Oslo, Norway - Tons of Rock


Tool's 2024 US tour dates are listed below.





January
10 - Baltimore, MD - CFG Bank Arena
12 - New York, NY - Madison Square Garden
13 - New York, NY - Madison Square Garden
18 - Hollywood, FL - Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
19 - Hollywood, FL - Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
21 - Charlotte, NC - Spectrum Center
23 - Nashville, TN - Bridgestone Arena
24 - Atlanta, GA - State Farm Arena
26 - Birmingham, AL - The Legacy Arena at The BJCC
27 - Biloxi, MS - Mississippi Coast Coliseum
30 - Corpus Christi, TX - American Bank Center
31 - Austin, TX - Moody Center


February
2 - Dallas, TX - American Airlines Center
3 - Oklahoma City, OK - Paycom Center
5 - Denver, CO - Ball Arena
7 - El Paso, TX - UTEP Don Haskins Center
9 - Phoenix, AZ - Footprint Center
12 - Fresno, CA - Save Mart Center
14 - Los Angeles, CA - Crypto.com Arena
15 - Los Angeles, CA - Crypto.com Arena
17 - Ontario, CA - Toyota Arena
18 - Las Vegas, NV - T-Mobile Arena

Trivium frontman Matt Heafy has shared  a guitar playthrough video for  "If I Could Collapse The Masses", which can be viewed below. The track is taken from the band's 2003 debut album, Ember To Inferno,





Heafy previously shared live video of the band performing "The Sin And The Sentence" on tour at an undisclosed location featuring soudboard audio. Check it out below.

Unleashing their latest album, Grotesque, via Gore House Productions this past November, UK death grinders, Foetal Juice, have a new drum playthrough to brutalize the masses with.


The second track on their latest full-length, "Mountain Of Gore", features groovy drums over a simple riff. The band's style for this one is more Exhumed and Impaled influenced with rabid drum fills everywhere.


"We wanted to change a few things up on this album and include some slower, groovier sections than we have before. The intro to the song is a result of that. We think this one includes one of the fastest bomb blasts on the album too. It is a really groovy bouncy song throughout to keep a crowd energized at live performances," adds the band.




Watch the drum playthrough for "Mountain Of Gore":





Foetal Juice’s sound is a melting pot of influences, ranging from death metal and grindcore to black metal, gore, groove, thrash, and even Enya. Their evolution as a band has brought new dimensions to their music, incorporating diverse elements while staying true to their death metal roots.


Notorious for their catalogue of unpleasantries and musical vulgarities, this album promises to be heavier, catchier, faster, and more aggressive than anything they've ever done before. It's a relentless assault on the senses, and Foetal Juice is ready to claim its place in the annals of brutal death metal.


A relentless barrage of blast beats, horror and gore that will have you questioning your sanity, “Grotesque” is recommended for fans of Cannibal Corpse, Deicide, and Vomitory.


They comment on the new album: "Everything seems to have worked amazingly on “Grotesque.” It turned out far better than we ever imagined it would. Everyone has brought their A-game to the table with this one. Then Chris Fielding (Producer) put the cherry on the top with the outstanding mixing/mastering. He really has made this album sound incredible. Due to the lockdowns during Covid, Ryan, who is the main songwriter/Guitarist, has churned out hundreds of riffs and song ideas, which has meant we could be a lot more selective with choosing the final ideas than we would normally be able to. This has really helped us to find the best riffs and ideas to use on this album.


We always write the next song as if it has to be better than the last song we wrote. This really pushes us to impress one another when it comes to our individual parts. When we recorded the last album, Lewis had only been in the band for 2 months and pretty much had to copy the guitar parts with his bass lines. On Grotesque, he has really come into his own. The bass lines have added so much to each song as it’s not just the same as the guitar riffs.


With Foetal Juice, we push each other as far as we can to get the best out of each member. This is mainly because individually, we are all really difficult to impress, so when we have to impress one another, it really takes you to the next level of performance/writing.


We are so proud of everything about this album, from the artwork and songwriting to the performance, recording, and mastering. Even if no one likes it like we do, we can all hold our heads up high with this one.”


Order (Cassette / CD / Digital) here.





Tracklisting:


"Human Beach Master"
"Mountain Of Gore"
"Legion Of The Grotesque"
"Ghoul Amongst The Mouldering Dead"
"Two Bongs Don’t Make A Right"
"Cunt Of The Litter"
"Cemetery Leachate"
"The Walking Groin"
"Torn Apart"
"F. K. E. O."
"Gruesome"


"Ghoul Amongst The Mouldering Dead" video:





"Legion Of The Grotesque":





"Two Bongs Don't Make A Right":





(Photo - Karen Carley)

The Ed Morales and montopolisTHRASHER YouTube channels have uploaded video of WATCHTOWER's January 5 performance at Come And Take It Live in Austin, Texas. You can now watch the clips below.

WATCHTOWER played its first reunion concert with singer Jason McMaster on September 8, 2023 at Fitzgerald's Bar & Live Music Venue in San Antonio, Texas. This marked the progressive metal legends' first appearance with McMaster since the band's performances at Germany's Bang Your Head!!! festival in 2000 and Holland's Headway Festival in 2004.

McMaster is joined in WATCHTOWER's current lineup by bassist Doug Keyser, guitarist Ron Jarzombek and drummer Ric Colaluca.

Jason confirmed his return to WATCHTOWER in May 2023 during an appearance on the "Decibel Geek" podcast. He said at the time: "I rehearsed with WATCHTOWER recently, and we're doing some festivals next year… So, you know, well, you know, maybe I let the cat out of the bag. But those are not confirmed. But we have been asked to play some festivals. It's possible that we are to do some shows soon. But we have rehearsed a couple of times.

"It's weird playing songs very sporadically," he continued. "Because I've done reunion things with WATCHTOWER before, but the last one was 20 years ago. The last sort of reunion thing we did, we went to Amsterdam, and played a festival over there. And we did a couple of warmup shows around Texas before we got on the plane, kind of thing. And that was in 2004. So, singing songs that you wrote 40 years ago? It's crazy to think about that… And have them be legit. Play them, like, 'Holy shit.' And have all of the guys look around each other in rehearsal as old men and go, 'This shit is fucking hard to play.' But that's why people like it."

McMaster co-founded WATCHTOWER in 1982 and appeared on the band's 1985 debut album "Energetic Disassembly" before leaving three years later to focus on sleaze rockers DANGEROUS TOYS. Jason was replaced in WATCHTOWER by Alan Tecchio (formerly of HADES),who sang on group's second and most recent studio album, 1989's "Control And Resistance". A reunion with McMaster followed in 1999 and lasted for several years, only for Jason to leave again. Tecchio returned for new material intended for WATCHTOWER's since-scrapped third album "Mathematics" that resulted in the 2016 EP "Concepts Of Math: Book One".

Jason previously stated about WATCHTOWER's early musical direction: "By the end of 1983, we had a set of unbelievable, technical, fast, crazy, time-changing, sophisticated sounds coming out of the mill we had created, making a planet that we didn't feel had been fully instigated. All of the lyrics were socially aware and some strange fascinations with nuclear power and some sort of holocaustic world (that had been dreamt up by guitarist Billy White and bassist Doug Keyser). They equally weirded each other out with their lyrics. I had no problem with the stuff they were pumping out. It was so tasteful, but yet had urgency and was frantic about the topics, mostly apocalyptic and socially chaotic on news issues. These were crazy words to sing over crazy changes."

He added: "I had no map. This wasn't rock and roll. I wrote all of the melodies (I use that word loosely) for the songs, and that was my contribution to the sound and timber, even though later on a few critics would learn to hate the style of 'pissed off Geddy Lee' vocals. It seemed to be most of the death metalhead mags would say that they 'love the band, hate the singer'."

In April 2010, WATCHTOWER played its first live show with Tecchio on vocals in some 20 years as co-headliners of Germany's Keep It True festival in Lauda-Königshofen.

In a new interview with Guitar World magazine, KISS guitarist Tommy Thayer commented on the band's announcement that the legendary rockers will continue as digital avatars. The technology, originally developed for ABBA's "Voyage" show in London, will allow KISS to stay "on the road" in retirement.

"It's been interesting doing the avatars so far; it'll take some time to get the imagery where we want it to be," Tommy said. "I haven't really thought about what it all means in the big picture, but with technology evolving as quickly as it is, there's no doubt that this is the direction a lot of entertainment is going."

Last month, KISS revealed that fans will apparently have to wait more than three years to see the band's first avatar performance. On December 22, KISS released a short video announcing that "a show" featuring the KISS avatars "is coming" in "2027". The band captioned the clip: "50 years is a long time, and what the future holds is in the making."

The KISS avatars were created by Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) and were financed and produced by the Swedish company Pophouse Entertainment, which is behind "ABBA Voyage".

Earlier last month, KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons said that "about 200 million" dollars is being invested into the KISS avatar show.

Unlike the "ABBA Voyage" show, which recreates a 1970s-era ABBA concert in a custom-built London arena, KISS's avatars that appeared at the band's final concert in New York in early December will not be as grounded in reality as ABBA's digital replicas. According to BBC News, the KISS avatars will see the band appear as fantasy-based superheroes who are eight feet tall, breathing fire and shooting electricity from their fingers, while floating above the audience.

No further details have been announced yet for KISS's plan with the band's avatars. "We're going to figure it out after the tour," Pophouse CEO Per Sundin said prior to the final show at Madison Square Garden. "Is it a KISS concert in the future? Is it a rock opera? Is it a musical? A story, an adventure? These four individuals already have superpowers. We want to be as open as possible."

The avatars will now be available for live shows around the world and in digital online settings, which some people collectively refer to as the metaverse.

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

JOCOUP Creative, an experiential design firm co-founded by former Universal Creative director Thierry Coup and BRC and Universal Creative alumni Johanna "Jojo" Atilano, is also involved in the project. Coup has been announced as creative director of the KISS avatar show.

Long-running Swedish death metallers GRAVE have parted ways with bassist Tobias Cristiansson and guitarist Mika Lagrén.

Earlier today (Friday, January 5),GRAVE guitarist/vocalist Ola Lindgren released the following statement via social media: "The past months have been quite overwhelming in the GRAVE camp. Two of our long-time members Mika Lagrén and Tobias Cristiansson have jumped ship and are no longer in the band. There is no bad blood between us and we wish them all the luck in their future endeavors. However this puts an enormous strain on the band and it's hard to see what the future holds and if there even is a future. At this moment nothing is for sure and nothing is taken for granted.

"A decision has been made to halt all live activities for 2024 since there really is no line up which makes necessary preparations impossible.

"The main focus for this year will be to restructure the band if possible and to hopefully write/record and release a long awaited new studio album."

Tobias said in a separate statement: "I want to inform everyone that I have left GRAVE. After much consideration I felt it was best for me to depart.

"I want to thank the band and the people that we have been working with over the years. I will however continue to play with NECROPHOBIC, DARKENED, IN APHELION and as a session player with other projects. I love to play and I love to be on stage, that's the most rewarding thing in my life and I never want to give that up and it's something I want to do as much as I can.

"I joined GRAVE in 2010 and it has been part of my life for the past 13 years. I have been fortunate to meet lots of fantastic people throughout the years and it has brought me to places around the world that I would never have had the chance to see if it wasn't for GRAVE, for that I am forever grateful.

"I want to express my deepest appreciation to every single person that have bought tickets to any of the hundreds of shows that we have done over the years. I hope to see you all in the future!"

One of the very first Swedish death metal bands alongside NIHILIST, MORBID and TREBLINKA, GRAVE released its first demo in 1986 under the band name CORPSE, before they switched to GRAVE in 1988. GRAVE's debut album, "Into The Grave", arrived in August 1991 through the then-young record label Century Media.

Lindgren told the "Swedish Death Metal" book by Daniel Ekeroth about how GRAVE landed its record deal: "We sent our third demo to just every label there was. A lot of them kept in touch, such as Earache and Peaceville. But Century Media was working faster than any of them, so we just went with them without thinking too much about it. Century Media invited us down to Germany to record that single ('Tremendous Pain'),and it was only after that we started to discuss a deal. It felt amazing for us to go abroad, so in a way they lured us into their roster! But it turned out well."

After Century Media and GRAVE parted ways after seven albums with the release of 2006's "As Rapture Comes", the band launched two highly acclaimed albums, "Dominium VIII" (2008) and "Burial Ground" (2010) through Regain, before reuniting with Century Media for 2012's "Endless Procession Of Souls" and 2015's "Out Of Respect For The Dead".

In 2019, GRAVE teamed up with Century Media Records to bring back the albums "Dominion VIII" and "Burial Ground" as classy, limited colored and black vinyl editions, hand-numbered digipak CDs limited to 3,000 copies each, and digitally. Remastered in 2019 by Lindgren and mastered for vinyl by Patrick W. Engel of Temple Of Disharmony, these records offer crushing and savage GRAVE tracks that fully live up to the group's morbid legacy.

The past months have been quite overwhelming in the Grave camp. Two of our long-time members Mika Lagrén and Tobias...

Posted by Grave on Friday, January 5, 2024

In a new interview with Metal Hammer magazine, SLAYER's Kerry King revealed that the upcoming debut album from his solo project has been "done since June" 2023. Regarding the musical direction of his solo material, the 59-year-old musician said: "If I was ever to try anything different [from SLAYER], I guess that would be the time. But no, I really have no desire to do anything different. If I wasn't in SLAYER, I would be a SLAYER fan. So yes, I think it's an extension of SLAYER, and I think a lot of people will think it might have been the next record. I guess maybe 80% of it would have been, maybe it would have been exactly what I'm putting on this one. In my eyes, I think it's a definite extension, a follow-up to [SLAYER's 2015 final album] 'Repentless' for sure."

He continued: "There's definitely some fast stuff on it. It's not the fastest thing I've ever done, but I've done some pretty fast stuff. There's definitely some Herculean speeds getting achieved on this, but there's heavy stuff. There's punky stuff. There's doomy stuff. Pretty much any aspect of any kind of music we've done in our history, I think you'll find on this record."

Kerry added: "For me, the slowest [song] is similar in vibe to ['Repentless' track] 'When The Stillness Comes'. That one came out really cool and spooky. And then there was one where my entire intention was to write something like the SCORPIONS' 'Animal Magnetism' crossed with the 'chug' of 'Hell Awaits'. That one came together pretty early. I like that song a lot. I mean, I like all of them a lot, but that one, that one's got a different vibe for sure."

King did not name the rest of the musicians who appear on his upcoming LP, but he did say that it is "my intention that everybody that's on the record is going to be in the band, hopefully for its entirety."

More than three years ago, SLAYER drummer Paul Bostaph revealed that he is involved in Kerry's new project. Paul told Australia's Riff Crew that the new band will "sound like SLAYER without it being SLAYER — but not intentionally so. I mean, Kerry's been writing songs in SLAYER his entire career, and he has a style," he explained. "And that style, as a songwriter, you just don't change your style because your band is done… So, all I can say is if you like heavy music and you like SLAYER, you'll like this."

Kerry's new band, called simply KERRY KING, has announced two U.S. shows so far: May 9, 2024 at the Welcome To Rockville festival at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, and May 16, 2024 at the Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival at the Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.

More than a year ago, Kerry said that he was angry over the prospect of SLAYER calling it quits when the subject was first broached. Asked in an interview with Metal Hammer magazine for his reaction when the conversation to end the band arose, the guitarist said: "Anger… what else? It was premature. The reason I say 'premature' is because my heroes from my childhood are still playing! I can still play, I still want to play, but that livelihood got taken away from me.

"But, anyway, on to the next chapter, I guess," he continued. "We were on top of the world, and there's nothing wrong with going out on top of the world, it's a good way to go out. So, bravo for that. But do I miss playing? Yeah, absolutely."

In the same interview, King also hinted that SLAYER fans will be happy with the musical direction of his yet-to-be-announced new band. "If you know my work, you know what it’s going to sound like."

Two years after he revealed that he had more than two records' worth of music written for his new band, King stated about the new material's direction: "You know me, so you know what it's going to sound like. I played this new song for a buddy, and I said to him, 'If there's anything I've written in the last few years that sounds like SLAYER, it's this.' And he said, 'That sounds like you could have pulled it off of any SLAYER record.' I actually made that riff up backstage at a SLAYER show. We were walking to the stage and I got my phone out and recorded it so I wouldn't forget it."

King went on to say that he expects his new band to start out by playing "much smaller" venues than SLAYER did at the end of its four-decade run.

"Had it have been up to me then I'd have been out in 2020," he said. "But that thing called the pandemic fucked everything up for everyone. You know, I waited on that, because it had to run its course. I didn't want to be the guinea pig; I didn't want to learn how to tour again. I already did my dues; I don't want to have to prove myself again.

"Have I been dragging my feet? Yeah, because I wanted this [pandemic] shit to get sorted. I won't be dragging my feet much longer."

One day after SLAYER played the final show of its farewell tour in November 2019 in Los Angeles, Kerry's wife Ayesha King said that there is "not a chance in hell" that the thrash metal icons will reunite for more live appearances. In August 2020, she once again shot down the possibility of her husband and bassist/vocalist Tom Araya sharing the stage ever again under the SLAYER banner.

After Ayesha shared three photos of Kerry holding their cat in slideshow-type Instagram post, a fan wrote: "No Tom, No SLAYER Kerry. Stop thinking SLAYER without @tomarayaofficial". Ayesha then replied: "don't worry, they'll never be SLAYER again! You can rest easy".

Just a few days earlier, Kerry told Dean Guitars that he had plenty of musical ideas for his upcoming project. "I've been very, very lucky with riffs in 2020," he said. "Maybe because I can't go anywhere — I don't know — but riffs have certainly not been a problem. And looking forward into the future, what that means for me is I'm gonna be able to cherrypick the best stuff. And it's good stuff. I've got more than two records' worth of music, but to be able to go through that and cherrypick the best 11 or 12 [songs]… That first record should be smoking."

When SLAYER first announced that it was embarking on its final tour back in January 2018, Ayesha assured fans that they would "always get music" from her husband.

King has said in previous interviews that his post-SLAYER musical efforts would not be much different from the sound fans have grown accustomed to hearing from him.

"If someone quit, I'm not going to go around with a made-up SLAYER," he told AZCentral.com back in 2010. "But my next band would sound like SLAYER, that's all I know."

SLAYER's final world tour began on May 10, 2018 with the band's intention to play as many places as possible, to make it easy for the fans to see one last SLAYER show and say goodbye. By the time the 18-month trek wrapped at the Forum, the band had completed seven tour legs plus a series of one-off major summer festivals, performing more than 140 shows in 30 countries and 40 U.S. states.

Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, along with their children Jack and Kelly, have released the eighteenth episode of their revived podcast. Ozzy is joined by his friend Billy Morrison for an electrifying episode diving deep into the essence of rock 'n' roll. From heart-stopping tour tales to candid conversations about addiction battles and the ever-evolving music scene, this episode unearths the unseen facets of their storied careers. Get ready for rock 'n' roll revelations as they reminisce about iconic moments onstage and off, sharing the secrets behind legendary tours and reflecting on the changing landscape of rock music. Sharon Osbourne even makes a special appearance to shed light on managing the Ozzy legacy. With discussions ranging from touring today versus the '80s and '90s to poignant reflections on the future of rock, this episode is a backstage pass into the raw, unfiltered world of music legends gearing up for an epic return to the stage.

The legendary BLACK SABBATH singer, who has struggled with a number of health issues in recent years, offered an update on his condition, saying: "I'm not seeing so many doctors anymore. Now I've got Parkinson's [disease], [so] I have to see the Parkinson's doctor. But I'm not having surgery."

Reflecting on the last surgery he had in September 2023, Ozzy said: "When I came out of surgery, I said to Sharon, 'Whatever I'm gonna be at right now, that's it. I can't have any more surgery.' I had seven surgeries in five years."

He added: "It's a slow recovery. I'm not as young as I used to be, so the recovery [from] anything [takes longer than it did before]."

Ozzy also once again voiced his desire to get back onstage in 2024, saying: "I'm gonna try my hardest to get well enough to do a few gigs."

Last November, Ozzy spoke to Rolling Stone UK about the possibility of returning to the live stage. He said: "I'm taking it one day at a time, and if I can perform again, I will. But it's been like saying farewell to the best relationship of my life. At the start of my illness, when I stopped touring, I was really pissed off with myself, the doctors, and the world. But as time has gone on, I've just gone, 'Well, maybe I've just got to accept that fact.

"I'm not going to get up there and do a half-hearted Ozzy looking for sympathy. What's the fucking point in that? I'm not going up there in a fucking wheelchair. I've seen Phil Collins perform recently, and he's got virtually the same problems as me. He gets up there in a wheelchair. But I couldn't do that."

Ozzy went on to pay tribute to his fans who made it possible for him to have a five-plus-decade career, first with SABBATH and then as a solo artist.

"That's one of the things I've been the most fucking pissed off at: I never got the chance to say goodbye or thank you," he said. "Because my fans are what it's all about. If I can just do a few gigs… They've been loyal to me for fucking years. They write to me, they know all about my dogs. It's my extended family really, and they give us the lifestyle we have. For whatever reason, that's my goal to work to. To do those shows. If it's at Ozzfest or somewhere, or even a fucking gig at the Roundhouse [in London]

"If I can't continue doing shows on a regular basis, I just want to be well enough to do one show where I can say, 'Hi guys, thanks so much for my life.' That's what I'm working towards, and if I drop down dead at the end of it, I'll die a happy man."

Nearly four years ago, Osbourne revealed he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder that progresses slowly in most people, and has no cure. Ozzy also previously suffered a nasty fall and dislodged metal rods placed in his spine following a quad-bike accident in 2003.

Earlier in November, Ozzy and Sharon's son Jack told The Messenger that his father's days of hitting the road are likely behind him. "I don't think he'll tour again," Jack said. "But he's gunning to do one-off shows — like festivals, gigs, things like that."

"He's not done yet," he added.

This past September, Ozzy opened up about his series of operations in an interview with Metal Hammer as he shared his hopes of making "one more album" and a return to touring.

"I've had all the surgery now, thank God," the 75-year-old said. "I'm feeling okay. It was just dragging on. I thought I'd be back on my feet months ago. I just couldn't get used to this mode of living, constantly having something wrong. I can't walk properly yet, but I'm not in any pain anymore and the surgery on my spine went great."

Osbourne also discussed his plans for 2024, saying: "I'm getting myself fit. I've done two albums fairly recently [2020's 'Ordinary Man' and 2022's 'Patient Number 9'], but I want to do one more album and then go back on the road."

Last July, the BLACK SABBATH singer canceled his appearance at the Power Trip festival due to his ongoing physical ailments.

Ozzy's health issues, including catching COVID-19 nearly two years ago, forced him to cancel some of his previously announced tours.

While Osbourne's health issues forced him to scrap most of his live appearances, the musician said he would return if his condition improved.

Osbourne's previously announced European tour with guests JUDAS PRIEST, originally set for 2019 and then rescheduled three times, was officially canceled in early February 2023.

Despite his health problems, Osbourne has performed a couple of times in the last year and a half, including at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in August 2022 and at the NFL halftime show at the season opener Los Angeles Rams and Buffalo Bills game in September 2022.

According to Metal Sludge, veteran rock drummer James Kottak, who is best known for his work with SCORPIONS and KINGDOM COME, has died. He was 61 years old.

In addition to SCORPIONS and KINGDOM COME, Kottak had toured with such bands as WARRANT and even DIO for a short run. James was also involved in various other projects, including the 1990s band KRUNK in which he sang lead vocals and played guitar.

POISON drummer Rikki Rockett reacted to his friend's death, tweeting simply: "RIP … James Kottak".

Another one of Kottak's friends, drummer Troy Patrick Farrell (WHITE LION, TANTRIC, GILBY CLARKE),who previously interviewed James for his "This That & The Other With Troy Patrick Farrell" radio show, also confirmed Kottak's death, writing on social media: "Sad News to report, Alumni Guest of #TTTO and drum bud @JKottak James Kottak has passed. Sad News no doubt".

Kottak spoke about his alcohol issues in an April 2023 interview with Tulsa Music Stream. He said in part: "I've had a few bouts with booze over the years. But what people don't know is all the years that I was sober. 2008 to 2011. And here a year, and there a year. And when our kids [with his ex-wife Athena Lee, MÖTLEY CRÜE drummer Tommy Lee's sister and acclaimed drummer in her own right], were in the oven. I spent a lot of time not drinking. And then I had my moments when I did drink. And that doesn't mean I'm falling down drunk, walking around with a bottle around the house."

James, who said in a separate interview that he had been sober since October 2022, added that he hadn't been able to completely give up drinking. "Well, I'm not gonna say I haven't drank anything," he said. "When I go out [and] I see some guys playing, I'm standing there and everybody wants to buy me a drink. And I go, 'No, no,' and finally I take it and I have a couple of glasses of white wine. And then I'm pissed at myself. And so there you go."

He added: "I wish I could say, 'Oh, yeah, I've been sober for six years.' It hasn't worked like that for me. I've been in and out and in and out and in and out — and mostly 'in', meaning not drinking. But I've had my moments. And it's an ongoing process. It's progress, not perfection, as we say."

The musician, who missed some of KINGDOM COME's recent shows because he had been dealing with "health issues", told Artists On Record Starring ADIKA Live! that he "fell out of bed" in his sleep in July 2022 and "cracked, like, three or four ribs". He also said that he "cracked" his hip in the fall of 2022 after when he "tripped and fell on the pavement" in a completely separate incident.

In March 2023, KINGDOM COME singer Keith St. John, who joined the band in 2018 as the replacement for original frontman Lenny Wolf, told Italy's Poisoned Rock about Kottak's absence from the road: "James needed some time off from the band, 'cause he's had some health issues. I don't really wanna say too much about it, but he's got some personal health issues [that] he's been working on resolving and getting care and everything."

St. John also talked about KINGDOM COME's now-infamous appearance in June 2022 at Sweden Rock Festival, which was described by the popular Swedish site Rocknytt as the event's "biggest fuckup." Writer Peter Johansson singled out Kottak, saying that the drummer played "really badly, sluggishly" and at times failed to keep the tempo "worryingly throughout the concert". At the end of the show, Kottak "stumbled to the edge of the stage to bow with his bandmates," according to Rocknytt. Also critical of KINGDOM COME's performance was renowned Swedish music journalist and guitar player Janne Stark, who took to his Facebook page to share a photo of the gig and he wrote in an accompanying caption: "I've never seen a drummer fall asleep on stage before but James Kottak is pretty damn close. Drunk? He slows down every song to half tempo. KINGDOM COME, sorry guys but this is SHIT!"

Keith said: "That was the show… I hate to say this, but it's in the best interest of James and the band… I think James should have started working on his health and what was happening with him earlier than that, earlier in the year, 'cause he was already… But James, he has a youthful spirit, and he wants to keep on going. He's one of those guys that at the last breath of life is gonna be clawing and climbing up the cliff and playing drums and going out there and doing it. It was a hard situation, but at Sweden Rock the band wound up getting some negative reviews in the press, and it was largely because of the performance on the drums, I hate to [say it]," the singer admitted.

According to St. John, KINGDOM COME is in a good place right now, despite the fact that the band's recent shows have featured SLAUGHTER's Blas Elias behind the kit instead of James.

"I'm glad we are where we are, 'cause it needed to happen and James needs to get it back together so he's strong enough to play again," Keith said. "He was like next coming of [John] Bonham when he came out [in the 1980s], so he needs to be at his best. Even at an eight for James is a 20 for most people. Even if he's at seven or eight out of 10, then we can go and get that going. In the meantime, Blas is doing a great job. The band continues playing live."

KINGDOM COME played its first two shows with Elias in September 2022 in Texas. That same month, Kottak announced that he wouldn't play with his KINGDOM COME bandmates at their concerts in Texas. In the early hours of August 21, 2022, James took to his Twitter to write: "I will not be at the Kingdom Come Plano or San Antonio shows so don't waste your time thanks jams k [sic]".

In February 2023, St. John told Chris Akin Presents about Kottak's absence from KINGDOM COME recent shows: "James Kottak has had some health situations over the last year, and they've really been affecting his playing. Everybody in the band really wanted him to be able to continue and play, but he's just gotta sort some things out and wait for some stuff in his body to heal before he has the strength to play the songs [properly]."

Kottak publicly discussed KINGDOM COME's performance at Sweden Rock for the first time in an interview with "This That & The Other With Troy Patrick Farrell" conducted just days after the concert. Regarding what caused the show to fall short of expectations, James said: "I wanna say about eight or nine days ago, maybe 10 days ago, in the middle of the night, like four o'clock in the morning, I was in a dead sleep and I just rolled off the bed and I cracked three ribs on my left side. And I went to my chiropractor guy and he says, 'Oh, you have hairline fractures.' And I'm, like, 'Oh, great.' And dude, it's just been non-stop pain. It's not just my ribs; it's head to toe. That's why things were a little bit slower. 'Cause I took ibuprofen and the usual, Aleve or whatever, but, man, it was an uphill battle from the time we started. And it was just — I mean, not pain; I'm talking pain-pain, big-time stuff. That's no excuse, because the show must go on. But, yeah, I was a little slower than usual. But also we [usually] have a click track, of course, 'cause we might have a little bit of playback. Something was up with that, so we were flying solo… And [when] you don't have it, you go, 'Oh-oh. Okay. We'll do this.' It was just an off day, and there's nothing you can do about it."

According to James, there was "definitely no drinking" involved prior to the KINGDOM COME mishap at Sweden Rock. "Because that with the medication, it doesn't go good together," he explained. "And it was just an off day, man. I did everything to [make it better] — tons of tea, this and that, and all the usual things that I do — but, man, it was just too soon after falling that we went to play this gig. But it's Sweden Rock, and you don't wanna bail out on that."

Asked if alcohol contributed to him falling out of bed prior to the Sweden Rock performance, Kottak said: "I always sleep on the left side of the bed, and I just somehow, in my sleep, rolled off the bed and landed on my left side. I mean, that's really it. I wasn't drinking — nothing like that. Yeah, I have a few white wines here and there, but nothing like that. I just rolled off the bed. And that's the first time in my life that's ever happened where I actually fell off. I woke up and saw stars. It took me 15 minutes to get off the floor. These things happen sometimes, and there's nothing you can do. With SCORPIONS, going up my riser to get to my drums, there were, like, 14 steps, and I fell down those stairs at least five times, if not six times. Because I was like a dummy — I was always spitting this water. And I'd finish a song and I'd come down not thinking, and, just, 'Whoop', right on my ass."

James also denied that his battle with alcoholism was the primary reason he was fired from the SCORPIONS in 2016. He has since been replaced by former MOTÖRHEAD drummer Mikkey Dee.

"I hate to say it, but Blabbermouth's kind of been the worst James basher," Kottak said. "They always say — any article about SCORPIONS, they say, 'Yeah, ever since James Kottak was released for alcohol abuse.' So I e-mailed them one day and said, 'Man, stop saying that.' We parted ways. It wasn't just from alcohol, dude. We went through five years of negotiations, 'cause the manager and tour manager both died within six months of each other. Then the band decided to self-manage, which is cool. But I'll tell you what, man — that's when it was a super-bumpy road and we were just not on the same page anymore. And that happens with bands."

Six years ago, SCORPIONS guitarist Matthias Jabs said that he and his bandmates "had to make" the decision to fire Kottak, explaining that they gave the drummer "all the chances" to get better. During an appearance on "Rock Talk With Mitch Lafon", the guitarist said: "James was a real good friend — and he still is — but we couldn't continue with him. We gave him all the chances, and 10 more. And it was something that developed over the years — the drinking habit. It came in waves — sometimes it was good for four weeks, and then [there] was drama, and if you know him, you know what that's like. Then if it affects the show, you have to go, 'Hmmm…' Because our drum riser goes up 21 feet, or 24 feet sometimes, if the venue allows it, and the production manager, or stage manager, goes, 'I can't have him go up there. It's too risky.' If you can't really walk down the stairs straight, you can't have that. So that affects your intro of the show, and that's not good — it's not professional."

He continued: "We were helping him — we were sending him to [the island of] Antigua [to Eric Clapton's Crossroads drug and alcohol treatment center], and we paid for it, and we did everything we could, because we are extremely loyal. It's always hard if you work with somebody for almost 20 years to say, 'Okay, you've gotta go.' We'd rather do the opposite and try to keep him and help him. But we reached the point — or he reached the point — where it was just not worth it. After three months or four months even — they gave him an extra month in Antigua, the rehab — he'd come home, we'd start again, and you can't even talk to him. So we had to make that decision. We had Mikkey on the road, so [James] didn't notice. So I rehearsed with [Mikkey] and Paweł [Mąciwoda, bass] in the afternoon, just a backup; that was the original plan. But then there was no way we could continue with James, so we started with Mikkey."

Four years ago, Kottak, who joined the SCORPIONS in 1996, told the SCORPIONS official fan club Crazyscorps about the circumstances that led to his departure from the legendary German hard rock band: "I always liked a drink here and there. And then I always also take a pain medication called Aleve. It's what all the baseball players take, all the footballers, and it works like a charm. You take those of those and you don't feel anything. But on top of that, I'm a rock drummer in a rock band, and you've got the green light to drink.

"From 2008 to 2011, I didn't drink," he explained. "I just woke up one day and said, 'I just don't wanna drink anymore.' I didn't go to rehab; I didn't do any of that stuff. I just didn't wanna drink anymore.

"If you have any knowledge of A.A. [Alcoholics Anonymous] or any type of program or rehab, it only lasts so long and then you have what we call in recovery a relapse. I would go through these phases of a year or maybe two years of no drinking, and then you gradually…

"SCORPIONS, we play our show, we go back to the hotel, [and] 45 minutes later, we're all downstairs having dinner," he continued. "And everything's just the right price — free. All these flights back and forth from Europe, from L.A. — I was just flying constantly. Which I'm not complaining about, but it's always business or first class, and once again, all the booze is at the right price. I'm going, 'I've got the next two days off. I might as well have a drink.' And that's what triggered me to start drinking again sometimes. It's a typical alcoholic way of thinking: 'Well, I may as well have a drink. Why not?' And that's typical alcoholic disease thinking. 'Cause it is a disease."
RIP …
James Kottak

— Rikki Rockett (@RikkiRockett) January 9, 2024



Sad News to report, Alumni Guest of #TTTO and drum bud
@JKottak James Kottak has passed.

Sad News no doubt: ...

Posted by This That & The Other Radio Show w- TPF on Tuesday, January 9, 2024

Tony Clarkin, guitarist, mastermind and main songwriter of the U.K. prog/pomp/AOR rock band MAGNUM, has died at the age of 77. The news of his death comes just weeks after it was announced that he had been diagnosed with a rare and incurable spinal condition. As a result of his diagnosis, MAGNUM canceled its previously announced spring 2024 tour.

Earlier today (Tuesday, January 9),Tony's family released the following statement: "On behalf of the family it is with profound sadness that daughter Dionne Clarkin is sharing the news of the passing of Tony Clarkin. Following a short illness, he died peacefully surrounded by his girls on Sunday 7th January 2024.

"I know that Tony has touched so many people through his music in so many different ways. I don't really have words to express what he meant to me right now as the grief is too fresh.

"As many of you know Tony had a great affinity with animals. It is the family's intention to set up a charitable trust in his name to aid this cause, further details to follow. Please do not send flowers or cards, as he would have much preferred expressions of sympathy to go to charity in this way.

"It was a privilege to call him my Dad."

Olly Hahn, head of Steamhammer, said: "We at SPV/Steamhammer are devastated about the passing of Tony. We can't believe that he's gone. For 22 years the whole team and I had the pleasure to work with him, 22 years of fantastic music, trust and loyalty. We are forever grateful for this. Rest in peace, Tony!"

On December 18, Clarkin released the following message via social media: "I'm afraid I have some bad news for you guys. Over the past year or so I've been bothered by increasingly bad pains in my neck and head. For a long time the docs couldn't work out why, but now they've found out and it's gonna mean some changes.

"I have developed a rare spinal condition. It's not life-limiting, but it can be degenerative in some people, and sadly it's not curable. There are treatments that may help but we don't know how good they'll be.

"With the nature of touring and the weight of electric guitars this means there's no way I would be able to play the scheduled shows in the spring. We've taken the decision to cancel the tour, rather than mess anyone around trying to postpone in the hope things might get better in the short term. Bob [Catley, vocals] didn't feel it would be right doing it with a dep at this time.

"This is not gonna be the end of MAGNUM, but the future might have to be a bit different, so please bear with us while we try and figure out what I can and can't do moving forward.

"I'm really sorry for everyone who'd already bought tickets, it goes without saying that I'm absolutely gutted that I'm not gonna be able to play for you.

"Cheers and I hope I'll be able to see you all again soon."

The rest of MAGNUM added in a separate statement: "We are obviously all extremely upset at this development, especially so close to Christmas. We can't thank you all enough for your support over the years and hope you'll stick with us through this too. We really hope you're all going to love the new album 'Here Comes The Rain' out on the 12th January 2024 and this won't spoil it for you.

"Please everyone contact your ticket reseller for a refund. We'll be back…"

In a December 2023 interview with Friday 13th, just days after Tony's diagnosis was made public, Catley spoke about how he and his bandmates were dealing with Clarkin's health setback. He said: "I've been having a few bad days, actually, if you wanna know the truth, with Tony and everything, and the tour canceling, having to be canceled, because he can't commit to that at this stage. But it's gonna get better soon, whatever they can give him."

Bob continued: "He's got a spinal condition that is quite rare, apparently, and it's been coming on probably since the last time we did some gigs last year, and then we've been recording the new album all through this year, and it's been getting gradually worse for him, and now it's, like, 'Oh.' He can't do anything. So touring, wearing a guitar on stage for nearly two hours and [being on a] tour bus — just the fact that you're on tour is a big no-no at the moment. And we're all, like, 'Oh, Tony.' But, of course, he's gotta heal now somehow, and the future will have to take care of itself. We can't talk about the future. It's way too soon. We just want him to be in a better place and for everybody to be kind and [to] understand his situation. And I know they will be, because they're MAGNUM fans and of course they will be kind and understanding. And I know Facebook's full of it, of sending Tony their best wishes. And it's all up on the Internet, [Tony's] statement there. So just read that, people. And I can't tell you any more than what the statement says."

Added MAGNUM drummer Lee Morris: "Tony will be gutted about the tour. Obviously, we're all very proud of this album. We really wanna get out there and play these songs live for everybody. So I know he's gonna be gutted about it. We just seem to be cursed when it comes to touring. This is the second tour — we had 'The Serpent Rings' tour canceled because of COVID, and now obviously with Tony's medical sort of issue now, it's the second tour which we've had to cancel, so we've done, like, two tours for the last four studio albums.

Bob chimed in: "We've been here before. We're getting déjà vu. I just don't wanna get used to it. This ain't the way it's supposed to be."

Lee continued: "At the day, Tony's health is the most important thing. At the end of the day, he's our captain, he's our friend. We've gotta make sure he's right. And I know Tony's a trooper, and he tried to commit to the tour, but it wouldn't be fair to put him through that. Being on a tour bus and carrying a guitar, it would have just been too much. It's the wise thing to do."

Formed in Birmingham over 50 years ago by singer Bob Catley and Clarkin, MAGNUM have cemented themselves as one of the U.K.'s finest hard rock exports, a largely American dominated genre.

With their unique melodic skill and tasteful instrumentation, the group have released 22 studio albums over the years, with their most recent, "The Monster Roars", arriving in 2022 to great critical acclaim.

Photo courtesy of Palmer Turner Overdrive for SPV/Steamhammer

From the Clarkin family:

On behalf of the family it is with profound sadness that daughter Dionne is sharing the news...

Posted by MAGNUM on Tuesday, January 9, 2024

MAGNUM's most recent lineup consisted of Catley, Clarkin, Rick Benton (keys),Dennis Ward (bass) and Morris.

British heavy metal legends JUDAS PRIEST have released the official music video for "Panic Attack", the first single from their upcoming studio album, "Invincible Shield". Check it out below.

"Invincible Shield" will arrive on March 8, 2024 via Sony Music. The official music video for the LP's second single, "Trial By Fire", can also be seen below.

The release date for PRIEST's follow-up to 2018's "Firepower" was announced on October 7, 2023 during the band's performance at the Power Trip festival in Indio, California.

After BLACK SABBATH's "War Pigs" played as the intro to PRIEST's set, a graphic was displayed on the video screens announcing "The Invincible Shield".

The cover artwork for the CD and vinyl versions of "Invincible Shield" can be found below.

To pre-order "Invincible Shield", visit shop.judaspriest.com.

"Invincible Shield" track listing:

01. Panic Attack
02. The Serpent And The King
03. Invincible Shield
04. Devil In Disguise
05. Gates Of Hell
06. Crown Of Horns
07. As God Is My Witness
08. Trial By Fire
09. Escape From Reality
10. Sons Of Thunder
11. Giants In The Sky

Deluxe edition bonus tracks:

12. Fight Of Your Life
13. Vicious Circle
14. The Lodger

Last June, PRIEST guitarist Richie Faulkner told Anne Erickson of Audio Ink Radio that the band's new album was "sounding great. I was in Phoenix with [producer and touring guitarist] Andy Sneap and Rob a few weeks ago, putting the vocals down," he said. "And it's always exciting to hear new PRIEST tracks, because they become PRIEST tracks when Rob sings them. It's, like, the world hasn't heard them yet, but there's new PRIEST tracks that we're hearing for the first time. It's really exciting, hearing that characteristic voice that we've heard for decades singing new stuff. It's an incredibly exciting thing, so I can't wait for the world to hear it all."

Elaborating on the musical direction of the new PRIEST material, Faulkner said: "There are definitely a few more twists and turns on this record. There are a few more musical parts. So, there might be a bit of... As I said, there are twists and turns. I've used the word 'progressive' before, and the Internet ripped me a new asshole. But it is progressive in the sense that it's not like verse-chorus-verse-chorus-solo-chorus-finish. It's musical part-verse-musical part. It might do a few twists and turns, musically. It veers from the path of it, a bit like 'Sinner' or 'Tyrant' or something like that. So, it's a bit more '70s PRIEST, which I welcome as a guitar player… It's '70s PRIEST, but it's not a retro album, by any means. It's the influence of '70s PRIEST in the progressive sense, but it sounds like PRIEST in 2023."

He added: "Every PRIEST album has kind of stood on its own, stylistically. It's had that DNA of JUDAS PRIEST, because the characters are so strong. But it's always been a little bit different — retaining that DNA but having its own character. So, this one's no different, really, in the sense that it's obviously JUDAS PRIEST, but it's its own animal; it stands on its own two legs."

In November 2022, Faulkner told Robert Cavuoto of Metal Rules that some PRIEST fans misconstrued his previous comments about the musical direction of the band's upcoming LP. He said: "I think we've used the word 'progressive', and everyone thinks it's gonna become 'Nostradamus' [PRIEST's controversial 2008 symphonic heavy metal concept double album about Nostradamus], or RUSH, which is two different things. I've definitely used the word 'progressive' [to describe the new PRIEST material in previous interviews], purely because it's got a few musical turnarounds that 'Firepower' doesn't have. But that doesn't make it a RUSH record. It just makes it — instead of, like, a verse into a bridge into a chorus, there might be a couple of more musical passages in there to make it a bit more… interesting; might be the wrong word. I don't know. You've gotta be careful with the words you use these days. So it's not 'Firepower 2', but it's the same band a few years later, so there's obvious connections to the last record. But it's not 'Firepower 2' by any means."

Richie continued: "No PRIEST records have sounded the same, but it's got a common DNA. And you always try and make the next one sound a bit better — or whatever 'better' may be; 'better' is subjective. So, is it better written? Are the lyrics better? Does it sound better? And 'better' is always subjective. So it's hard to pinpoint, really. But it's a bit more of a musical adventure than the last one, I'd say. But then again someone might listen to it, when it does come out, and have a totally different interpretation of what it is. So it's always tough to sum up your own music without sounding up your own butt."

In February 2022, Halford was asked by Remy Maxwell of Audacy Check In if he agreed with Faulkner's comment that the band's upcoming album will be more musically "progressive" than "Firepower". He responded: "Yeah, the metal is there. But here's the thing: we've tried our best not to replicate anything that we've done. From 'Rocka Rolla' all the way through to 'Firepower', each record has had a distinctive character. And it's tough because fans go, 'We want another 'Painkiller',' 'We want another 'British Steel'.' And [it's, like], 'Dude, we've already done that.'

"Fans know that we're a band that is always full of adventure and trying new stuff," he continued. "And so, yeah, this has got probably some more progressive elements that we've never really delved into before. And that's exciting, because, again, it gives us and our fans another opportunity to see a different side of PRIEST. But it's still metal. There's just more of it. There are more notes than there were before."

Also in February 2022, Faulkner told Canada's The Metal Voice about the overall sound of the new PRIEST music: "Whenever you start a record, you never know how it's gonna turn out. So you might start with an idea of what it's gonna be, and as it kind of rolls on, it comes out something different. So you don't quite know. And also it's really hard to sum up your own music, I find, without sounding really pretentious. But I think this one — it's not 'Firepower 2', I don't think. It's its own thing, it's its own animal. If anything, I would say it's a bit more progressive in places, and in places it's got a bit more of that 'Killing Machine' swagger."

Faulkner added: "I know everyone says, 'Oh, is it the next 'Painkiller'?' or 'Is it the next…?' whatever… I don't know if they'd ever done it, but I know we've never done it when I've been in the band; we've never tried to recreate an album. It's always we try to create an album that stands on its own legs. So I think it's definitely a little bit more progressive than 'Firepower' and, as I said, in places it's got a little bit of that 'Killing Machine' angry swagger attitude going on."

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

Photo credit: James Hodges Photography

CD cover:

Vinyl cover:

Mike Portnoy (DREAM THEATER, THE WINERY DOGS), Frank Bello (ANTHRAX), Jason Bittner (SHADOWS FALL, OVERKILL), Jon Dinklage ("Clockwork Angels" string ensemble), Joe Bergamini (drum instructor, author), John Wesley (PORCUPINE TREE) and Seven Antonopoulos (OPIATE FOR THE MASSES) are among the guests who performed with YYNOT, considered one of the premier RUSH tribute bands, at this year's "Bubba Bash 2024", a charity concert in celebration of RUSH's late drummer Neil Peart on the fourth anniversary of his passing. Proceeds from the show, which was held last night (Saturday, January 6) at the Keswick Theatre in Glenside, Pennsylvania, will go to benefit Cedars Sinai Hospital in memory of Neil.

Fan-filmed video of the concert can be seen below (courtesy of 4K Concert Videos).

The progressive rock band YYNOT was the coming together of award-winning guitarist/songwriter/producer Billy Alexander and Florida-based virtuoso bassist Tim Starace. In 2015, after seeing Tim post videos of his mind-blowing and accurate RUSH bass covers, Alexander approached him about forming an online collaboration. With the addition of drummer Mike Hetzel and vocalist Patty PerShayla, YYNOT delivers a well-deserved "throat punch" in both their live shows and recorded material with their original progressive rock and "note-for-note" vintage RUSH covers while adding their own swagger to the mix. Their debut album and latest release, "Resonance", have garnered praise from the rock world including Prog magazine and Classic Rock. The records have continued to sell in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Brazil and more. YYNOT has accumulated devoted fans all over the U.S. and abroad.

Three and a half years ago, Portnoy spoke to World Prog-Nation about how Peart influenced him on a musical and personal level. He said: "I spent 20, 30 years idolizing him and being his biggest fan. And all those years, it was mainly the drum kit — the drum kit was such a fascination for me. He always built such amazing kits and put so much thought into it. I'd always get the tour programs where he'd write about the kit and what the new things were on it, and I would just look at those photos. Most other kids were looking at Playboy centerfolds; I was looking at Neil Peart drum kits. And then, obviously, his playing — it goes without saying. I learned how to really develop parts and orchestrate drum parts to build and change and develop within the song. So that was the biggest stuff for me as a fan. And then later on, once I got to know him, I was so inspired by what a gracious person he was."

Mike added: "He had this reputation that he was sort of quiet and isolated and private, and he was, and it was very important for him to guard that. But once you were somehow allowed into that inner cicle, he was always so sweet and kind and generous. He'd always send me holiday e-mails and he would always send me his new books and stuff like that. It was a relationship that I'll always cherish and I was honored to have."

During an October 2021 interview with TWISTED SISTER bassist Mark "The Animal" Mendoza's Internet show "22 Now", Portnoy once again spoke about a hypothetical scenario in which he would be chosen to tour with Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson as the replacement for Peart. Asked if he would be interested in taking that gig, Portnoy said: "Of course. That would be a dream to play with those guys. But I don't wanna see the Blabbermouth headline right now, me thinking that I deserve the gig. I'm not saying that. You're asking me a question. Hypothetically, of course, it would be a dream come true. Neil was my hero, and always will be, and Geddy and Alex are as well.

"I don't think in a million years they'll play [as RUSH] without him; I really don't," he continued. "But in a hypothetical dream scenario, I mean, come on — of course. But I don't think in a zillion years it will happen. But it's a nice dream to hypothetically wonder about. But I honestly don't think it would ever happen. But who knows? You never know.

"As much as hypothetically it would be fun, it would be amazing, it would also be an impossible role to fill," Portnoy added. "It's a no-win situation. Really, it would be impossible, 'cause his fans are as obsessive as they get — and count me amongst them. So, yeah, that would be a tough one."

Mike also talked about RUSH's final tour which concluded at the Forum in Los Angeles on August 1, 2015. Peart indicated at the time that he wanted to retire while he was still able to play well, along with a desire to spend more time at home with his young daughter.

"They went out on such a high," Portnoy said. "Their last tour was a farewell tour. I don't think anybody expected Neil to pass, but they wanted to stop touring, so they really went out with such an amazing tour. That tour was just so well done, so perfectly executed, and they went out with all three of them still at the top of their game. So I give them all the credit in the world for that. It's just sad that Neil didn't get many years to enjoy the retirement before he got sick. That saddens me."

In February 2020, Bello commented on Peart's passing, telling the "Come To Where I'm From" podcast: "I didn't expect that. I didn't see this coming at all. That's one of my guys. And as a bass player, too, I'll say that. That's the guy I try to lock in bass with… Just think about these crazy things that he did outside the box and experiment and made it look easy. I mean, think about it.

"I'm so sorry I didn't see that last [RUSH] tour. I wasn't home. That last tour, I was never home when they were [near my hometown], and I regret that.

"Man, talk about a loss," he added. "It just breaks my heart. You just want more. 'Cause I don't think there are people like that around. There's never gonna be another RUSH. That came organically.

"Growing up in the Bronx, I'd come home from school, [go over] to my Uncle Joe's deli, worked till eight o'clock. Eight o'clock, eight thirty, I'd grab something to eat, go right to my room and learn a RUSH song."

RUSH announced Peart's passing on January 10, 2020, setting off shockwaves and an outpouring of grief from fans and musicians all over the world.

Bubba Bash 2024 in the books - what another epic night!! So much fun and everyone brought their “A”game to the stage!!...

Posted by Jason Bittner on Sunday, January 7, 2024

Mike Portnoy on Drums
of Dream Theater
and me
After Bubba Bash 2024
Tribute to Neil Peart & Rush
Benefits Cedars Sinai Charity

Posted by Craig M Wax, DO, LLC - Family Medicine & Health on Saturday, January 6, 2024

This is happening TONIGHT!!! A tribute to our hero, the late great Neil Peart, and the music of Rush…The show is already...

Posted by Mike Portnoy on Saturday, January 6, 2024

Starting off 2024 in style with our SOLD OUT Bubba Bash!

Posted by The Keswick Theatre on Saturday, January 6, 2024

Mark your calender!
Bubba Bash 2024 - 1/6/2024 at The Keswick Theatre
Tix - https://bit.ly/3t5RW8h
Featuring YYNOT,...

Posted by YYNOT on Friday, November 10, 2023

Los Angeles quartet, Dead Poet Society, will drop their second album, Fission, on January 26 via Spinefarm. Pre-order here.


Today, the band has shared "My Condition". Commenting on the track, frontman Jack Underkofler says, "This song took years to write and it’s one of our favorites. It's about knowing that nothing matters, so might as well go for what brings you fulfillment and do what you want."







DPS have also announced details of an exclusive and intimate record release show. Rock Night Out presents Dead Poet Society: The Fission Album Release Experience, sponsored by Spinefarm Records, is set for January 24 in Los Angeles at Pico Union Project. Stay tuned to the band's social properties for more information on this special show.





Fission tracklisting:


"- 5:29:45"
"Running In Circles"    
"Hurt"
"How Could I Love You?"
"I hope you hate me."    
"UTO"    
"Tipping Point"    
"LA Queen"    
"Hard To Be God"    
"81 Tonnes"    
"My Condition"    
"KOET"    
"Black and Gold"


"Running In Circles" / "Hurt" video:





"How Could I Love You?" live video:





Dead Poet Society lineup:


Jack Underkofler - Vocals/Guitar
Jack Collins - Guitar
Will Goodroad - Drums
Dylan Brenner - Bass

Following their 2019 debut album, Lunar Falls - an album that not only stunned listeners and international press, but also rock and metal empire Napalm Records - Australian dark folk/blackgaze project Suldusk will herald the new year with the release of their sophomore studio offering, Anthesis, out March 1. In celebration of today’s announcement, the band has revealed the album’s title track and its accompanying music video.


While Suldusk started as a one-woman project founded by the highly talented Emily Highfield, for Anthesis, she recruited incredibly talented musicians to help elevate the vision of their acoustic-based music to the level of an intense, powerful and heavy record. Anthesis continues where Suldusk left off with their transfixing debut, yet proves musically more complex. The album will take you into a gloomy, magical world where the Melbourne-based project combines a high variety of dark and extreme sounds within its very own sonic universe.


Emily Highfield offers: "We are very excited to finally release ‘Anthesis’, which is the title track and first single off the upcoming album. Lunar Falls was a one woman project, but the new album is a band venture. This has enabled Suldusk to delve even deeper musically, lyrically and as a live experience. Many thanks to the loyal fans for being ever so patient, and to the great team at Napalm Records. Much love, Emily."




Watch the music video for “Anthesis” below.


On Anthesis, Suldusk shines with dark folk, blackgaze, post-rock, prog, doom and even black metal elements - flowing together to create one very unique synthesis of sound. Emily’s voice is a strong highlight, impressing with softness and fragility at times, and turning over to demonic screams in the very next moment. For the first time in Suldusk’s young history, there are also male vocal harmonies contributed by Shane Mulholland. Anthesis was produced and mixed by Troy Mccosker, and was mastered by Thomas “Plec” Johansson (Soilwork, Opeth, Katatonia). The album also features guest appearances from Raphael Weinroth-Browne (Leprous) and Rachelle Harvey on cello.


With their second album, Suldusk are more than ready to embark on another journey into the depths of primeval forests, where emotions are hidden under the thickets to reveal what’s not meant to be seen. The album is a stunning and enthralling masterpiece - highly recommended for fans of Myrkur, Oathbreaker and Chelsea Wolfe - and one that unconditionally needs to be seen, felt and heard.





Anthesis will be available in the following formats:


- 1 CD Digisleeve
- 1 LP Gatefold Red
- Digital Album


Pre-order here.





Anthesis tracklisting:


"Astraeus"
"Verdalet"
"Crowns Of Esper"
"Crystalline"
"Sphaera"
"Anthesis"
"Mythical Creatures"
"Leven"
"A Luminous End"


"Anthesis" video:





Suldusk are:


Emily Highfield - Vocals, Guitars
Shane Mulholland - Vocals Guitars
Daniel Green - Bass
Josh Taylor - Guitars
Hayley Anderson - Violin
Frankie Demuru – Drums


(Photo - Naomi Baker)

Townsend Music has launched a pre-order for two new Motörhead titles, The Löst Tapes - The Collection (Vol. 1-5) 8CD Boxset and Vol.5 (Live At Donington, Download Festival 2008) Yellow Double Vinyl.


A message states: "Cassette tapes. Remember those? Those things with the dual spools and loads of wide brown plastic recording string that’d occasionally unravel and hang out of the shell, requiring a pencil and firm wrist to spin back into place?


Yeah, well, once upon a time, old-school sound systems contained cassette decks for the express purpose of recording shows, and these “cassette” things were a standard part of every tour. Motörhead were certainly no exception, recording show after show.




We are delighted to announce that this unique collection of live gems will now be heard by the world, via carefully digitized transfers, in the series titled The Löst Tapes."


For complete details, and to pre-order The Löst Tapes - The Collection (Vol. 1-5) 8CD Boxset and Vol.5 (Live At Donington, Download Festival 2008) Yellow Double Vinyl, head here.

Lipz, the dynamic force in glam rock, is thrilled to announce the release of their new single, "Bye Bye Beautiful", and the upcoming launch of their sophomore album, Changing The Melody, on March 15.


Watch the video for “Bye Bye Beautiful” below, and pre-order Changing The Melody here.


“‘Bye Bye Beautiful’ is a timeless, guitar-infused composition that strikes a perfect balance between classic and contemporary hard rock. It delves into themes of self-destruction and self-awareness,” the band admits.




This exciting development comes as a result of the band's collaboration with Frontiers Records, a partnership that promises to redefine the landscape of glam rock.


The stage is set for Lipz to captivate audiences worldwide with their unique blend of glam rock infused with a contemporary edge. Changing The Melody is poised to be a sonic journey that showcases the band's evolution and artistic growth. With the backing of Frontiers Records, Lipz is geared up to unleash a wave of infectious melodies and spellbinding performances, setting a new benchmark in the glam rock genre.


The visionary Klintberg brothers, Alexander (vocals, guitar) and Koffe (drums), along with guitarist Conny Svärd, have steered the Lipz saga into an exhilarating new chapter. Originating in 2011, the band's journey took a transformative turn when Alexander assumed the role of frontman, paving the way for their distinctive sound.


Lipz's musical journey began with the release of their debut single, "Ghost Town," in September 2012, followed by the EP Psycho three years later. The quest for a stable bass player added a unique twist, leading to a three-year adventure to complete their debut album. Undeterred by challenges, Alexander took on bass duties, exemplifying the band's unwavering dedication to their craft.


In a ground-breaking move in 2023, Lipz joined forces with the esteemed Frontiers Records, marking a pivotal moment in their musical odyssey. This collaboration aligns the band with a label renowned for nurturing exceptional talent in the rock and metal genres.


As the world eagerly anticipates the musical revelation that Changing The Melody promises to be, Lipz stands ready to usher in a new era of glam rock on the global stage. Brace yourselves for the infectious energy and sonic brilliance that will undoubtedly define Lipz as trailblazers in the realm of glam rock.





Changing The Melody tracklisting:


"I’m Going Under"
"Changing The Melody"
"Bang Bang"
"Stop Talk About..."
"Bye Bye Beautiful"
"I’m Alive"
"Freak"
"Secret Lover"
"I Would Die For You"
"Monsterz"


"Bye Bye Beautiful" video:





Lipz are:


Alex K Klintberg (Vocals, Guitar)
Koffe K Klintberg (Drums)
Conny Svärd (Guitar)
Chris Young (Bass)

Parlophone Records are proud to announce the release of a very special David Bowie limited vinyl LP, Waiting In The Sky (Before The Starman Came To Earth) which will be released on April 20 for Record Store Day.


The album is taken from the Trident Studios 1/4” stereo tapes dated 15th December, 1971, which were created for the then provisional tracklisting for what would become The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars album.


The tracklisting for Waiting In The Sky (Before The Starman Came To Earth) runs differently from the Ziggy Stardust album and features four songs that didn’t make the final album.




On Side 1, in the place of ‘Starman’, one of the last three tracks recorded for the album in February 1972, is ‘Round And Round’, a Chuck Berry cover. The track was finally released on a single as the B-side to ‘Drive-In Saturday’ on 6th April, 1973. Initially, closing Side 1 of the album was Bowie's version of Jacques Brel’s ‘Amsterdam’, which would later appear as the B-side of ‘Sorry’ on 12th October, 1973.


Side 2 of the 15th December, 1971 tracklisting features two long-time non-LP fan favourites, ‘Holy Holy’ and ‘Velvet Goldmine’. The former is a re-recording with The Spiders of David’s 1971 single. Again, this version of the track had to wait several years before surfacing as the B-side of ‘Diamond Dogs’ on 14th June, 1974.


‘Velvet Goldmine’ is considered by many to be a lost Ziggy era classic, one Bowie often referred to as ‘He’s A Goldmine’ or ‘She’s A Goldmine’ in his notebooks and interviews. The track was recorded during the Ziggy sessions but was not released until 26th September, 1975, alongside ‘Changes’ backing the re-released album version of ‘Space Oddity’, which peaked at no. 1 in the U.K. singles chart in November 1975.


The cover of Waiting In The Sky (Before The Starman Came To Earth) features a photo of David taken at an early Ziggy Stardust period session by Brian Ward, and the two sides of the inner bags are the fronts of the two Trident Studios tape boxes. The album’s title comes from the lyrics of ‘Starman’, which, along with ‘Rock ’N’ Roll Suicide’ and ‘Suffragette City’, had not yet been recorded when this variation of the album was compiled.


Waiting In The Sky (Before The Starman Came To Earth) was cut on a customised late Neumann VMS80 lathe with fully recapped electronics from 192kHz restored masters of the original Trident Studios master tapes, with no additional processing on transfer. The half-speed vinyl cut was by engineer John Webber at AIR Studios, London.





Tracklisting:


Side 1
"Five Years"
"Soul Love"
"Moonage Daydream"
"Round And Round"
"Amsterdam"


Side 2
"Hang On To Yourself"
"Ziggy Stardust"
"Velvet Goldmine"
"Holy Holy"
"Star"
"Lady Stardust"

A new Angus Young 8” action figure is now available from the official AC/DC store.


Description: It’s hard to find a rock fan alive who hasn’t heard of Angus Young. This king of hard rock is the core of Aussie band AC/DC. His electrifying guitar work and unforgettable songs have driven them to superstardom around the world. This fully articulated action figure is based on Angus’ appearance in the “Highway to Hell” music video and stands 8 inches tall. Comes with guitar and strap, hats, plus interchangeable heads and hands. Window box packaging.


Order here.

In a new interview with Germany's Radio Bob!, Ace Frehley was asked if he would ever consider using artificial intelligence during the songwriting process. The former KISS guitarist responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I remember calling up Steve [Brown, Ace's co-writer and producer] after we had recorded about five or six songs for [my new] record ['10,000 Volts'], and I said most of these songs are about girls. And there's nothing wrong with that, but I said it's time to change some of the subject matter. And I had been recently — I was on YouTube listening to things that scientists were saying about AI. Elon Musk, he made a statement that he's nervous about the regulations that we have in place at this moment and that AI, at any point, can go out of control. Some scientists have said that within five or 10 years, just like the 'Terminator' movies, prophesized they could take us out, all the robots and stuff, once they become self-aware.

"Google's making robots that have access to 20,000 computers, so a Google robot can beat any human being in chess, can beat any human being in math, can answer more questions than anybody, can get a perfect IQ of 200 or whatever a perfect IQ is," he continued. "Mine's 163. Thank God. I'm not one of those ones in the under-100 area. So we have these machines that have access to so much information and there is gonna come a time when they may become self-aware. And once they become self-aware, they may decide, 'Hey, the humans can pull the plug on us at any time and we're dead. So maybe we can make a better world without humans and start all over again and just keep a select few.' I have no idea what's gonna happen. And I just live one day at a time at this point."

When asked if that means that he is not going to use AI anytime soon, Ace said: "I don't use AI at this juncture. I know there's ChatGPT. That's AI. And my friend was here, who's a computer genius, and most of the stuff I've learned about computers he taught me. He taught me computer animation. And he was just sitting in my kitchen with his iPad and he had that ChatGPT program. And he said, 'Write me a song like [Frehley's 1987 song] 'Rock Soldiers' but in a country version with very patriotic lyrics.' And within five minutes all these lyrics started coming out that went perfectly along with the music. And it's unbelievable what it can do."

Frehley continued: "I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of musicians are using that program when they get stumped for lyrics. What I do if I'm writing a lyrical verse or chorus, I'll just say to Steve, 'I need a word here that's gonna rhyme. And he'll go on the Internet and go look in the rhyming dictionary. And a lot of times we'll find a rhyming word that works. We'll just brainstorm for five or 10 minutes and it pops into our heads. But we don't use AI — on this record. I don't know about the next one. [Laughs]".

"10,000 Volts" will arrive on February 23, 2024 via MNRK Music Group (formerly eOne Music). The official music video for the LP's title track — directed by Alex Kouvatsos from Black Wolf Imaging — was released in late November.

Ace's next all-original album will be the follow-up to "Spaceman", which was released in October 2018 via eOne.

KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons co-wrote two tracks on "Spaceman", "Without You I'm Nothing" and "Your Wish Is My Command", the latter of which also features Gene's bass playing.

Frehley, who co-founded KISS in 1973, left KISS twice — in 1982 and again in 2002.

When all four original KISS members concurrently released solo records in September 1978, Ace's LP was the most successful, yielding the top 20 single "New York Groove".

In 2016, Frehley collaborated with KISS frontman Paul Stanley on a rendition of FREE's "Fire And Water". That track appeared on Frehley's covers LP "Origins Vol. 1", released that year.

Celtic metal singer-songwriter has released new single “Archangel” featuring former Delain guitarist Timo Somers and current Delain drummer Sander Zoer.


"‘Archangel’ was a really fun song to write and came easily and naturally. It’s one of those songs that felt like it wrote itself. It’s a song about the more ominous side of angelic warfare and the interaction between humans and the realm beyond. I hope everyone enjoys the concept and the music!" - Leah







Preorder Leah's sixth album, The Glory And The Fallen now. Dropping February 16, this much-anticipated, crowdfunded new release will feature a who’s who of renowned musicians with appearances from Mark Jansen (Epica, MaYaN), Timo Somers (Arjen Lucassen, Ex Delain), Sander Zoer (Delain), and was produced by Oliver Philipps (Everon, Phantasma). The amazing artwork was created by Giannis Nakos (Kamelot, Evergrey, Amaranthe.)


“This is one of my biggest projects to date”, illustrates the Canadian maven from her home, just outside of British Columbia. “Not because of the number of people involved, but because of the scope of the music and the way I challenged myself in the songwriting process. I think you’ll hear a continuation of my evolution as a songwriter and vocalist. This collection of songs is very much the classic Leah sound but also explores some new territory that I think you’ll really enjoy.”


In a gallant move, Leah will also be treating fans to an instrumental album and folk versions of several songs from the album, providing a full experience for a wide range of musical tastes.





Check out Leah’s past work on Bandcamp.

Sharon Osbourne has admitted she can't be bothered to have sex with her husband Ozzy Osbourne as she reveals her response when he asks to get frisky, reports DailyMail.co.uk.


The former X Factor judge, 71, has stayed by her husband's side as he was treated for sex addiction following a string of affairs over the course of their marriage.


Sharon discussed how she no longer feels the need to get intimate with her husband of 40 years and admitted she says 'do we have to?' when he tries it on.




She was quoted by the Daily Star saying: 'There's nothing (Ozzy) is not addicted to.'I mean, that's his personality.' When asked if she still has sex with Ozzy, she added: 'It's like: 'Oh, do we have to? Really?'


Ozzy's affairs have included flings with his hairstylist, two masseuses, a Russian teenager and a cook. It was only three years ago that Sharon boasted about still having sex with Ozzy 'twice a week' during an appearance on The Talk.


Read the full story at DailyMail.co.uk.

Rock band NEW YEARS DAY has shared a new song "I Still Believe". The track is taken from the group's fifth studio album, "Half Black Heart", which will arrive on March 1. It follows previously released singles "Secrets", "Vampyre" and "Hurts Like Hell". It was actually the first track written for the record — dating back to summer of 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic.

NEW YEARS DAY singer Ash Costello states: "Personally, I felt lost and uncertain about what lay ahead. However, a voice within me urged me to persevere, to never give up, and to maintain faith that things would eventually fall into place as they were meant to. I realized the importance of not overthinking and simply embracing the present moment. 'I Still Believe' is a heartfelt anthem dedicated to anyone in need of a reminder that with unwavering self-belief, anything is possible."

Costello previously said that "Half Black Heart" "holds a deep significance for us. While it's common for musicians to express affection for their albums, this one truly stands out to me," she revealed. "It feels like the culmination of all the hard work and growth we've experienced while creating our previous albums coming together. We've taken everything we've learned from those songs and poured it into this record."

She continued: "One of the reasons why 'Half Black Heart' is so special is because we were able to reunite with our original lineup. By adding Jeremy Valentyne, Brandon Wolfe and Trixx to the mix, we tapped into the original sound that initially defined NEW YEARS DAY. It allowed it to evolve into an authentic representation of who we are today!

"The title 'Half Black Heart' visually symbolizes the essence of our band. It represents the duality that has always been a part of us — half red, half black; half heavy, half poppy; half dark, half fun, half metal and half rock. We have always embraced our unique identity, but with this album, we truly harnessed the fearlessness that NEW YEARS DAY embodies and translated it into our music."

NEW YEARS DAY was featured on WWE NXT's "Halloween Havoc", where band performed recent singles "Vampyre" and "Hurts Like Hell".

Kerrang! magazine counts NEW YEARS DAY among an elite handful of bands inspiring the next generation. Led by "the vibrant force of nature that is frontwoman Ash Costello," NEW YEARS DAY unleash anthems of discontent and empowerment, delivered with gothic flair and theatrical bombast.

It's a sound that crashed into the Mainstream Rock Top 40 for the first time in 2019 with a top 15 rock radio charting single "Shut Up" followed up by the cathartic "Hurts Like Hell", which finished 2022 as one of SiriusXM Octane's Top 25 songs of the year. Each successive victory is a celebration of hard-fought creative freedom, unstoppable determination, and dedicated fans. Throngs of diehards and newcomers alike sing and sweat along with NEW YEARS DAY, at festivals, in clubs, or on tours with HALESTORM, FALLING IN REVERSE, MOTIONLESS IN WHITE, ICE NINE KILLS and IN THIS MOMENT.

Saints and sinners, victims and victors. In sound and vision, NEW YEARS DAY walk the line between darkness and light. The band's duality comes to fruition on "Half Black Heart", an unrepentant and unashamed album championing discovery, from the darkest secrets to one's inner strength.

Unrestrained fury collides with arena-ready glamor, confrontational DIY passion, and melodic hooks. "Hurts Like Hell", "Vampyre", "Bulletproof", "Fearless", the title track, and the rest of "Half Black Heart" join an already impressive catalog of songs, like "Come For Me", "Skeletons", "Kill Or Be Killed" and "Shut Up". Fans have streamed "Angel Eyes" more than 14 million times on Spotify alone.

"Victim To Villain" (2013),"Malevolence" (2015) and "Unbreakable" (2019) deeply resonate with listeners who cherish them as timeless keepsakes, marking different times in their own personal evolution. It's because Costello, who skillfully conjures horror and comic book aesthetics as allegory, is one of them.

In cinematic music videos, transcendent live performances, and daily interaction (virtual or in-person) with like-minded misfits, t NEW YEARS DAY makes pleasure from pain. Even when it hurts like hell.

"Half Black Heart" track listing:

01. Vampyre
02. Half Black Heart
03. Hurts Like Hell
04. Secrets
05. Fearless
06. Bullet Proof
07. Burn It All Down
08. Enemy
09. I Still Believe
10. Unbreak My Heart
11. So Sick
12. Creature Of Habit

NEW YEARS DAY is:

Ash Costello - Vocals
Nikki Misery - Lead Guitar
Jeremy Valentyne - Guitar
Brandon Wolfe - Bass
Trixx - Drums

Photo credit: Matt Akana

Exocrine have released a music video for "Eidolon", the third single from their new album, Legend, out January 26 via Season Of Mist. Watch the clip below:





Exocrine have been blending ultra-technical and extraordinarily rapid death metal with philosophical musings for quite some time now. The French band released their first album back in 2015. But their new album marks a new chapter. While still choked-full of eerie, dissonant finger-taps and enough blast beats to blow out your eardrums, Legend rages from within.




"We see Legend as a reflection of our existence, of what we create, and what we wish to leave of ourselves in the end", says lead guitarist Sylvain Octor Perez. "It's this Dante-like confrontation between these three characters in complete opposition, combined with questions about the lessons of the past and our place in the universe.That's why we wanted to create a more intimate atmosphere with a more organic production, and return to calmer tempos at times."


Exocrine are architects of sonic transcendence, explorers of the uncharted, and pioneers of the unimaginable. With each release, they redefine the limits of technical death metal, and Legend is poised to be their most audacious and groundbreaking endeavour yet, a true testament to their status as legends in the making. 


Pre-order Legend at the Season Of Mist webshop.





Tracklisting:


“Presage”
“Legend”
“Life”
“Eidolon”
“The Altar Of War”
“Dust In The Naught”
“Warlock”
“Dragon”
“The Oath”
“By The Light Of The Pyre”
“Cryogenisation” (Bonus Track)


"Life" visualizer:





“Legend” video: