Multi-platinum American rock band Skid Row, known for their electrifying performances and timeless hits, is taking their passion for music and fan connection to a whole new level by venturing into the world of spirits. Today, the band proudly announces the launch of Skid Row Spirits, a thrilling and high-octane portfolio featuring Skid Row 18 And Life Single Origin Ultra Premium Rum and Skid Row Midnight Vodka. Skid Row Spirits is a tribute to the band's enduring legacy, providing fans with a taste of the rock 'n' roll lifestyle.


After more than a year in product development, this exciting portfolio comes as a natural extension of the band's creativity, offering fans and spirit enthusiasts alike a chance to experience the same level of intensity and quality they've come to expect from Skid Row's music. For hardcore Skid Row followers, the spirits are an opportunity to connect with the history of the band through every sip of the carefully curated liquid concepts.







Resonating with all Skid Row fans from past to present, Skid Row 18 And Life Single Origin Ultra Premium Rum celebrates the 35th anniversary of the iconic song in 2024 and the nostalgia evoked through its timeless themes and musical craftsmanship. The distinct product is a unique and captivating 18 year expression combining the artistry of Guyanese rum distillation with European aging methods. After being housed in American oak barrels in Guyana, the rum was finished in rare teak wood leggers in Europe. Bold and standing centre stage with 45% ABV, Skid Row 18 And Life Rum blends tradition with innovation, delivering deep tones of nougat with hints of toasted coconut and vanilla bean. The rich and complex flavour profile is complemented by elegant layers of dried fruit with a rounded velvety smooth chocolate finish, resulting in an unparalleled sipping experience for both rum connoisseurs and fans.


Skid Row Midnight Vodka is a smooth yet edgy vodka that captures the essence of the band's exhilarating live performances and uncompromising style. Crafted with the same dedication and passion that Skid Row brings to their music, Skid Row Midnight Vodka is highlighted by a product character as raw and real as the band themselves. Each sip delivers crisp and clear tones of grain and toasted bread, complete with a rounded, dry and bold finish. When the clock strikes midnight, turn to Skid Row Midnight Vodka.


As an extra gift for the launch, collectors and fans can look forward to the Skid Row Spirits Limited Edition Collection – a merch promo pack including both bottles plus exclusively designed playing cards and two guitar picks.


”The idea of having our own brand of liquor has been floating around our collective minds for quite some time. Upon meeting the fine folks at Brands for Fans we realized that the time was now. From their rich history, their association with iconic artists to their attention to detail we knew this idea would finally come to fruition. We’ve been involved with every stage of this process from beginning to end to make sure that the highest quality and character are achieved with every bottle. And we hope that you will enjoy these offerings as much as we do! As always, thank you for your support! Drink responsibly and celebrate life!!” – sNAKE


"Skid Row Spirits are not products that we just put our name on the label then slapped on a bottle, they're products we took pride in creating for our fans to like. We have worked closely with Brands For Fans to develop great tasting spirits that will be enjoyed by both the casual drinker as well as the most discerning palette." - Rachel Bolan


CEO of the drinks partner Brands For Fans, Filip Lundquist, comments: “We’ve loved working with the Skid Row guys – they have had so much energy for the project and passion for delivering the best for their fans. We’ve been able to work with real agility and creativity, which we really appreciate in a partnership. Quality of these liquids are extraordinary”.


Skid Row Spirits will begin a global launch with an initial pre-order rollout in Europe/UK in November* and Australia in December**, followed by Japan, USA and Canada in early 2024.


- Skid Row Midnight Vodka – RRP €35.90 and £35
- Skid Row 18 And Life Ultra Premium Rum – RRP €85.00 and £75.00
- Skid Row Limited Edition Collection - €99.90 and £95


For more information and to buy Skid Row Spirits in Europe/UK, head here. Australian stockist here.


* Bottles available for shipping in EU from first week of December and from UK in second week of December
** Bottles shipping in Australia in January

Prepare to dive into the world of groove metal once again with the latest track from Dirty Audio Machine’s EP Only Fury Remains, which was released in June of this year. The track “Are You Alive” is four minutes of slick riffs, abrasive southern style gutturals, and gritty cleans that will leave an impression. 


The band shares the premise behind the song:


“Like the track before it (“System Of Revolution”), “Are You Alive” is another call to arms, expressing a desire for people to wake up and fight back against their oppressors, and general dismay at how unaware and/or apathetic a lot of people are about what is going on. The people have the power.”




BraveWords is premiering the video for “Are You Alive” – watch below:





Following the success of their previous release, King Of Disappointment in 2022, Dirty Audio Machine returns with Only Fury Remains, a five-song EP that showcases their relentless pursuit of groove, intensity, and energetic lyrical themes. There is no end in sight for these guys either, they have more songs in the pipe and expect to release a new EP in the not-so-distant future.


Main songwriter and band founder Steve Ricardo often finds inspiration striking at 2 AM, prompting him to head to his home studio and record riff ideas using his cell phone. It's a testament to the band's dedication to capturing the essence of their music at any given moment. He also produced and mixed the EP; the artwork, created by LOKI, depicts the end of mankind—a fitting representation of the EP's themes of struggle and anger.





A brick wall of groove metal talking about life’s challenges and making it one day at a time, Only Fury Remains is a heavy, relatable record about how the struggle is real. Purchase the EP on Bandcamp.

In a new interview with Meltdown of Detroit's WRIF radio station, METALLICA bassist Robert Trujillo spoke about his participation in Geddy Lee's new four-part TV documentary series "Geddy Lee Asks: Are Bass Players Human Too?" The Paramount+ series will feature the RUSH legend digging into the lives of Trujillo, former NIRVANA bassist Krist Novoselic, PRIMUS bassist/vocalist Les Claypool, and former HOLE/SMASHING PUMPKINS bassist Melissa Auf Der Maur, making music, and taking part in a range of extracurricular activities, from trading licks with Auf Der Maur, flying in an airplane with Claypool, canning tomatoes with Novoselic to surfing with Trujillo.

Robert said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "It was a lot of fun. I got to hang with Geddy for two days solid… I'd met him before, but we were hanging out for 10 to 12 hours through the weekend. And we just kind of threw it all into two days. We had two beautiful days down in SoCal. And it's basically a lifestyle hang. He wants to know, or wanted to know, what's it like in the world, in the life of Robert Trujillo outside of bass? And he came by the house. We went down to Venice Beach. We kind of got a bit of education on the history of my neighborhood and some of the people I grew up with. It was really, really cool. And the stars kind of aligned those two days. The waves weren't huge. They filmed me surfing, and I did the best I could with what we had. And yeah, it was just a lot of fun. It was just one of those weird weekends where everything kind of came together. And my son was actually playing a gig too — I think it was on the Saturday night that [Geddy] was there — and [Lee] came out and checked that out. I think he was only gonna stay for, like, two songs and he ended up staying for, like, 10 songs. So it was pretty cool. And the funniest thing was people that were there to see the show were, like, 'Wait a minute. Is that Geddy Lee?' There was the triple take and the quadruple take, 'cause he had a lot of fans there. But it was just so surreal that he was hanging at a local [gathering] — this is local-style, neighborhood we're talking. We were talking neighborhood kids, neighborhood parents. I mean, it was all very, very localized. And he's coming out there from Toronto."

Trujillo went on to say that it was surreal for him to be spending time with his musical idol whose playing had influenced him from his teenage years.

"I played in backyard party bands at age 16 and we played [RUSH's] 'La Villa Strangiato', we played 'YYZ', we played all those classic songs," Robert said. "The harder, the better back then. And we probably butchered them, but we would play these backyard parties and play RUSH songs in the same way that we also played Ozzy [Osbourne] songs and we played BLACK SABBATH songs and VAN HALEN and all these different bands. So you can imagine hanging out with one of your heroes and just trying to stay grounded. At the end of the day, everybody's a human being and you always wanna treat people with respect and, again, stay grounded. But at the same time, you're going, 'Damn, that's Geddy Lee.'"

In the trailer for "Geddy Lee Asks: Are Bass Players Human Too?", which was released last month, Lee said: "I'm trying to show the world that a bass player can do many things. Join me as I travel to the homes of four bass legends and dive deep into their lives. And their inspirations. Plus some fun making music, as I try to answer one really important question: Are bass players human too?"

He added: "The idea for this show was born out of interviews I did for my first book 'The Big, Beautiful Book Of Bass'. I was struck that these accomplished musicians also lived incredibly interesting, multifaceted lives offstage. Who knew bass players were so effin' human?"

"Geddy Lee Asks: Are Bass Players Human Too?" will premiere on Paramount+ on December 5 in the U.S. and Canada, and December 6 in the U.K., Australia, Latin America, Brazil, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland and Austria.

The clip below features Trivium performing "Down From The Sky" live in Edinburgh, Scotland with soundboard audio. It was shared online by frontman Matt Heafy.





Bullet For My Valentine wrapped up their North Amnerican tour on November 10th at Hard Rock Live in Orlando, Florida. They were joined by Heafy for "Tears Don't Fall", bringing the house down two songs into their first encore. Check out the fan-filmed video below. 

British guitar sensation, Sophie Lloyd, released her debut album, Imposter Syndrome,via her own Autumn Records on November 10th. She discussed the making of the album with Ultimate Guitar as part of their On The Record series. Check out the interview below.


UG: Is there a riff or a solo, or a song that you're most proud of or that you're most excited about?


Lloyd: "All of them mean so much to me in different ways. This was always an album I said that I wrote for my 15-year-old self. So it's quite like a retrospective album, and it's one that I wrote for that girl who was a bit of an outcast. She just knew she loved music, and she loved all of these artists."




"I had so many posters on my wall of people that are on this album, like Lzzy Hale. I was the biggest Halestorm fan. Me and my mom would sing Halestorm in the car on the way to school. Chris Robertson from Black Stone, Cherry Michael Starr, all of these people — I had their albums on my walls."


"So hearing their voices, that were the voices of my childhood, on the tracks that they're on has just been such a surreal experience. I'd say, especially the Lzzy Hale song. 'Impostor Syndrome', the title song on the album, the lyrics of that song mean a lot to me, and me and Lzzy got together, and we had this really deep, really healing chat for me that kind of validated my feelings about everything."


"And it was just really cool to have one of your heroes talk to you about that. And then she wrote that beautiful song which kind of put everything I thought into words. So that song is very special to my heart."





To coincide with the release of Imposter Syndrome, Lloyd released an official video for "Judge And Jury" featuring Theory Of A Deadman vocalist Tyler Connolly on the same day. It can be viewed below.





Imposter Syndrome is available as a digipack CD, Black Gatefold Vinyl and Limited Edition Gatefold Purple Splatter Vinyl. Orders can be placed here.





Tracklisting:


"Do Or Die" (feat. Nathan James)
"Pressure" (feat. Brandon Saller)
"Imposter Syndrome" (feat. Lzzy Hale)
"Let It Hurt" (feat. Chris Robertson)
"Runaway" (feat. Michael Starr)
"Fall Of Man" (feat. Matthew K. Heafy)
"Lost" (feat. Cole Rolland)
"Hanging On" (feat. Lauren Babic)
"Avalanche" (feat. Trevor McNevan)
"Won't You Come" (feat. Marisa Rodriguez)
"Judge And Jury" (feat. Tyler Connolly)


"Runaway" featuring Michael Starr of Steel Panther:





"Lost" featuring Cole Rolland:





"Hanging On" featuring Lauren Babic:





"Fall Of Man" featuring Matthew K. Heafy of Trivium:

Degenerator is an aggressive musical powerhouse based in Edmonton, Alberta, that combines the genres of post-grunge, stoner rock, and doom into a captivating and relentless fusion. Comprised of two musicians, Barrett Klesko and Jonathan Webster who have already garnered intonation musical acclaim they are demonstrating their musical prowess in their debut album The Abyssal Throne. The second single “Neurotonic” takes heavy music fans deep into a unique and intriguing soundscape full of fresh energy and innovation. 


Klesko comments:


“Loss haunts our hearts. We must cherish our loved ones. Before they are gone. I always strive for stirring emotion, while revealing a glimpse of a mystical hidden depth. This music came from investigations of my connection with both the material and ethereal worlds, and I hope this ignites a similar reflection in others.”




The Abyssal Throne captures the spirit of the '90s and '00s goth and grunge while infusing fresh energy and innovation. The album takes listeners on a rollercoaster of emotions, navigating intricate and progressive time signatures, and balancing thunderous, distorted riffs with intricate melodies that seamlessly intertwine. Each song becomes an adrenaline-fueled journey, inviting listeners to surrender to the primal depths of their own emotions.


The project began as a trial, with Klesko reaching out to his friend Webster, with whom he had previously played in The Order of Chaos. The album started to take shape as Klesko composed to rough drum tracks provided by Webster. What began as an experiment evolved into something entirely unique, distinct from its source material.


The Abyssal Throne is due out November 24, 2023. Preorder on Bandcamp.





Tracklisting:


“Eternalism”
“Finality”
“The Day That Never Comes”
“Darkness Prevails”
“Neurotonic”
“The Children Of The Night”
“Hiraeth”
“The Spiral”
“Heart Like A Hole”
“For Every Truth”
“A Way Out”


"Neurotonic" video:





“Eternalism”:

In an early Christmas surprise for fans, Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame band BON JOVI released a new original holiday song, "Christmas Isn't Christmas", on Island Records today. Recorded recently in Nashville, the song can be streamed below.

BON JOVI frontman Jon Bon Jovi said of the songwriting and recording: "'Christmas Isn't Christmas' is a song that I wrote about family. The sentiment that Christmas really isn't Christmas without YOU which can bring up a lot of memories for people. I also liked to turn it around and know that because of you Christmas IS Christmas."

Over an illustrious career spanning more than three decades since their formation in 1983, BON JOVI has earned their place among global rock royalty and was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame as well as the Songwriters Hall Of Fame. With over 130 million albums sold worldwide, and extensive catalog of hit anthems, thousands of concerts performed in more than 50 countries for more than 35 million fans, and ticket grosses well over $1 billion around the world in the last decade alone, BON JOVI is the consummate rock and roll band.

BON JOVI's latest album, "2020", was released in October 2020 via Island Records. Once again co-produced by John Shanks and Jon Bon Jovi, the record features the entire touring band — keyboardist David Bryan, drummer Tico Torres, bassist Hugh McDonald, guitarist Phil X, percussionist Everett Bradley, and guitarist John Shanks.

Press photo courtesy of Lauren Schneider of Island Records

In a new interview with the "Christian Music Guys" podcast, John Cooper, the frontman and bassist for the Grammy-nominated Christian rock band SKILLET, has weighed in on the argument by some conservative politicians and media pundits that the epidemic of fatherlessness is a greater social problem in America than systemic racism.

The 48-year-old musician, who is promoting his second book, "Wimpy, Weak And Woke", said in part (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "One of the things the woke are always yelling about is racial disparities. I care deeply about racial disparities. The woke narrative says if there are any disparities between whites and blacks or whites and brown people, or however it goes down, then it has to be oppression; it has to be racism. That's the only reason. And in my [new] book, I say, no, I don't believe that woke narrative. I think a better, more rational approach is to look at the Bible. How does the Bible tell us to thrive? One man and one woman come together in a marital union and covenant for life. They have kids and together they raise their children. And then you see the blessing of God come."

He continued: "If you just look at the statistics, the amount of fatherlessness, if you break it up into racial groups, the amount of fatherlessness coincides with economics and material outcomes. In other words, what I'm trying to say is this, the number one most economically privileged group is Asian Americans. They're the number one most economically privileged group and they have the least fatherlessness. Number two is white people. They're the number two most economically privileged, and they have the second least amount of fatherlessness. Next is brown people and last is black people. So it goes up. I think Asians have something like nine percent fatherlessness. Well, there's no way that white people are ever going to make as much money and have as good of outcomes, educational and whatnot, as Asian people, because we have a 30 percent fatherlessness rate. You can't buck against the kingdom of God. That is a rational argument and it makes so much more sense and it is in line with the scriptures. And that's how I think that we have to handle the world."

In recent years, talk radio host and writer Larry Elder, who has made waves as an outspoken black conservative, has said that the biggest problem facing the black community in America is not systemic racism. "[The number one problem] is the large number of kids entering the world without a father married to a mother," Elder said during a March 2022 talk. "Everything else pales in comparison."

In various interviews over the years, Cooper has said that he "always had faith in God" and that his mother was a "Jesus fanatic." He also claimed that he was willing to put his career on the line to take a stand for Christ.

In 2021, Cooper was asked by the "Undaunted.Life: A Man's Podcast" what he would say to someone who says that Satan works through rock music, and thus Christians shouldn't play rock music. He responded: "I would say Satan can work through just about anything. I would say that music is created not by the Devil; [it is] created by the Lord. All things were created by God. So instead of thinking that the Devil owns a genre of music, I would say capture that music and bring it back into subjection under the lordship of Christ."

As for what he would say to someone who says it is sinful for Christians to have tattoos, Cooper said: "I understand why Christians think that, because of the Old Testament. I would say it probably takes a little bit of a longer explanation of Old Testament law and what it meant. But a short version would be there are some things in the Old Testament that were a picture of something in the New Testament. There are some things that are not pictures, like murder — we don't murder, we don't steal, so and so forth. Dietary restrictions, things like that, were a picture of something.

"Here's what God wanted: God wants to make his people set apart and holy unto his name," he continued. "And I don't think that God does that any longer from the way that we look; he does that now because of Christ's work on the cross, his resurrection, and he sanctifies us, which sets us apart from the sinner and the pagan."

SKILLET's latest album, "Dominion", was released in January 2022 via Atlantic.

"Wimpy, Weak And Woke" will be released on November 14.

John's debut book, "Awake & Alive To Truth", has had over 10 printings and won the Book Impact Award at the 2021 K-Love Fan Awards. His podcast, "Cooper Stuff", continues to grow rapidly as well with over four million downloads and more than two million YouTube views.

John Cooper press photo courtesy of The Media Collective

In a new interview with Gustavo Maiato, SAXON frontman Biff Byford was asked to reflect on "the most challenging" moment in the group's career and how he and his bandmates overcame it. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I think the most challenging period in our career and a lot of British metal bands' career was the sort of early '90s, late '80s when a lot of hair metal came in — your CINDERELLAs and your MÖTLEY CRÜEs and your POISONs, they seemed to take our style and make it their own style and they became very popular. I think when grunge happened over on the West Coast, that made a big hole in a lot of our audience, I think. A lot of rock fans, especially younger rock fans, went to see PEARL JAM and NIRVANA and people like that. So I think that sort of American new wave of grunge thing went round the world like we did. So I don't see any problem with it… We came back later, I think, in the '90s, we came back again strong. I think, really, that was the hardest point, for a lot of bands. I think most bands. I mean, we were very lucky because we had some big hits in the '80s, so we were able to play live. But I think the album sales went down. And maybe we weren't writing such good songs in the '80s, maybe, in the late '80s, you know, like [1988's] 'Destiny'. I think, really, until we got to [1991's] 'Solid Ball Of Rock', I think that's really when we started to turn it around again."

SAXON recently entered the studio to begin recording its new album for a tentative early 2024 release.

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

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

SAXON's latest release, "More Inspirations", arrived in March via Silver Lining Music. Following the release of "Inspirations" in 2021, "More Inspirations" is the second "deep dish" serving of the influences which have fed SAXON's immensely successful 40-plus-year career.

Produced by Biff, with Seb Byford helping record the music alongside mixing engineer Jacky Lehmann, "More Inspirations" includes takes on RAINBOW, ZZ TOP and CREAM, as well as "Razamanaz" by NAZARETH, THE WHO's "Substitute", and URIAH HEEP's "Gypsy".

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

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

The Mojo Dojo YouTube channel ("I make David Lee Roth things. This channel is dedicated to all things David Lee Roth.") has uploaded the video below, along with the following introduction:


She said "Honey read the small print
If ya want to be with me
When it comes to you and fashion
You're a totally emergency!”


"The famous “Alligator Pants” worn by Diamond Dave throughout the last VH tours and a few times during the solo tours in 2020. Playing with a new concept and idea in combining real imagery with animation alongside DLR. Something incredibly unique about this song- every single part: bass, beat, drum sound, is all DLR singing the sounds. Incredible as always."

Yucatan based melodic death metal outfit Death Scythe have unleashed their latest offering, "Final Ascent", their first new music since the Killing For Pleasure Forever album. 


The band elaborates on the legends that inspired the single: "'Final Ascent' describes the Mayan legend of Chechén and Chacá, a story of two warrior brothers, Tizic and Kinich, who fall in love with the same woman, Nicté Ha. Their rivalry leads to a deadly duel, invoking the wrath of the gods. After their deaths, they are reborn as trees: Tizic as the poisonous and dangerous Chechén, and Kinich as the Chacá, capable of remedying Chechén's poison. The story warns about the existence of the poisonous Chechén tree in the states of Quintana Roo and Yucatán in Mexico, causing painful burns and spreading its poison if the wound is opened. This legend of Chechén and Chacá teaches us that our choices can weave a complex and enduring destiny. It invites us to consider how our actions, even after death, impact the world we leave behind."







For further details, visit Death Scythe on Bandcamp.





 

Crossbone Skully — the exciting new project led by mastermind Tommy Henriksen (guitarist and musical director for Alice Cooper’s band & member of Hollywood Vampires) — shared their explosive single “The Boom Went The Boom” (feat. Phil Collen of Def Leppard) last month and are excited to return with a third new track, the justice-driven, affirmational and anthemic “I’m Unbreakable”, out November 17, digitally via Better Noise Music.


“I’m Unbreakable” was recorded by Henriksen on lead vocals, guitar, bass, percussion and sound design, with Glen Sobel (Alice Cooper, Hollywood Vampires) on drums, Jamie Muhoberac (My Chemical Romance, John Mayer, Seal) on keys, Jason Roller (Ganjo), and The Hellhounds on backing vocals. It was executively produced by the legendary Mutt Lange (AC/DC, Def Leppard) who emerged from retirement to work on the upcoming album. Pre-save “I’m Unbreakable” now at this location.







Henriksen reveals Crossbone Skully’s touring lineup in the live performance shot music video for “I’m Unbreakable” which premiered today, November 16, via YouTube, and can be streamed below. The live band lineup includes Henriksen and Wyse along with up-and-coming musicians including guitarists Sam “Bam” Koltun (Dorothy, Faster Pussycat, Budderside) and Anna Cara — who Henriksen found after seeing her viral YouTube guitar cover videos — along with Tuesdai on drums.


“The entire Crossbone Skully universe is built around the age-old concept of good vs evil, right vs wrong and, as a result, that concept is central to the songs of the album,” shares Henriksen. “With ‘I'm Unbreakable’, we wrote it while thinking about having confidence to know that you can win. We're all warriors just dealing with the bullshit of everyday life that we all gotta deal with. I'm telling everyone to be strong and to believe in yourself because you are a warrior, you've made it this far so you must be unbreakable, remember that.”





Crossbone Skully will release a series of limited-edition 7” vinyl singles with the first of the series having been announced with the release of “The Boom Went The Boom” (feat. Phil Collen of Def Leppard) in October. After initially being available only through Spotify, the band have announced it will now be made available through their merch store at CrossboneSkully.com and will feature “I’m Unbreakable” as its B-side track. The 7” will also come with a limited-edition signed copy of Crossbone Skully’s “Thing #1” ashcan comic. Proceeds from the sale of the limited edition 7” vinyl will be donated to the 501(c)(3) charity MusiCares who offer preventive, emergency, and recovery programs for musicians and music industry workers in times of need.





"The Boom Went The Boom" video:





"The Boom Went The Boom" lyric video:





(Photo - Jason Mayer)


 

Slasherwave outfit and recent Metal Blade Records signees, Gost, will release the thundering thirteen-track full-length, Prophecy, on March 8, today revealing the record's first video/single and pre-orders.


Gost exists in the dark crack between black metal and the most shadowy end of electronic music. Since the release of the Radio Macabre EP at the start of 2013, and the remorseless digital nightmare of their Skull debut album six months later, Texas-based multi-instrumentalist, producer, and main-brain James Lollar has become an increasingly singular force in music. Far more aggressive and sinister than the synthwave he's often grouped with, Gost is a harsh and unique digital nightmare that takes the listener right into the heart of the abyss.


Now Gost returns with their sixth album, Prophecy. Unquestionably their most exhilarating and dangerous sounding work to date, Prophecy is a record that perfectly reflects the horror and grim anxieties of a world beset with religious and political overreach, and progress, "being rolled back to the fucking 1950s."




"It's about an imaginative fall of the Western civilization, the biblical end of the world - the rise of Satan and Armageddon," says Lollar. "In America, there's been a big rise of scared, reactive Christianity again, and almost like a re-emergence of the Satanic Panic. So it felt like an appropriate time to bring Satan back into things."


Recorded alone in Texas during a burst of creativity at the end of 2022, Prophecy is the perfect vessel for such things. Following the experimentation and more melodic touches of 2019's Valediction, Lollar says it also acts as something of a return to older roots, to recapture the spirit of Gost.


"When Valediction came out, COVID hit, and I guess people weren't so into art while the world was on its knees," he says. "I also wanted to reconnect with some of my older fans who maybe didn't feel that album so much. I wanted to go back in time and bring some of the older shit back, some of the older sounds."


In advance of the release of Prophecy, Gost has unveiled the first single, the record's title track, and its accompanying video (which includes intro track, "Judgement").


Elaborates Lollar, "With 'Prophecy,' I wanted to revisit some of the sounds of 'Possessor.' Rather than simply replicate those sounds I expanded upon them. I pushed the saturation and compression to their literal limits, resulting in some of the heaviest sounds I have yet to produce. I wanted to combine some classic EBM elements with my digital metal sound as well. This EBM influence can be heard throughout 'Prophecy.' Horror has been a huge aspect of my sound since day one and that theme is ever present on 'Prophecy,' through ratcheting strings and dreadful choir lines. 'Prophecy' expounds on the slasherwave genre I originally created with 'Behemoth.'"


Watch Gost's "Judgement / Prophecy" video below.





Prophecy will be available on CD, LP, and digital formats. Find pre-ordering options here.





Prophecy tracklisting:


"Judgment"
"Prophecy"
"Death In Bloom"
"Deceiver"
"Obituary"
"Temple Of Tears"
"Decadent Decay"
"Widow Song"
"Golgotha"
"Digital Death"
"Shelter"
"Through The Water"
"Leviathan"


"Judgement / Prophecy" video:





Gost is currently traversing North America supporting Katatonia on their Sky Void Of Stars tour. Additional support is being provided by SOM on select dates.





(Photo - Tracy Lollar)

German-based melodic death metal formation Hiraes - featuring former members of Dawn Of Disease and Critical Mess - will furiously kick off the new year with the release of their sophomore studio album, entitled Dormant, due out January 26 via Napalm Records.


Wasting no time, Hiraes have just unveiled the first single from Dormant - thunderous album opener “Through The Storm”. The track offers a glimpse into the variety of elements on the album, including powerful and varied drumming, poignant and melancholic melodies, infectious choruses, and breathtaking soundscapes – all complimented by Britta's versatile vocals.


The band comments about the track and video: “In a way, the video is a continuation of our first single, ‘Under Fire’, from the last album. It’s dedicated to a storm and its indomitable energy. Experience this debut single and join us as we navigate ‘Through The Storm’ together!“




The band adds: “We are far beyond proud to present our second album Dormant to you! The album will grab you with its intensity from the first second on and won't let you go. We invested a lot of energy, dedication and passion to create this monumental and melancholic piece of melodic death metal. Having played countless shows over the last two years, Dormant captures the energy of Hiraes’ live performances and places the songs right between heart and gut. Once again, none other than the talented staff of Fascination Street Studios under the direction of Jens Bogren are responsible for the refinement of our sound. We are so much looking forward to unleashing Dormant upon all those metalheads out there!“


Watch the official video for “Through The Storm” below.


Compared to their lauded 2021 debut, Solitary, it's immediately evident that Hiraes did not only grow within their sound due to countless live appearances, but have invested more time and energy into developing their sophisticated songwriting and production, leaning further into their own unique sound profile. Due to the use of varying keys and sonic elements, Dormant is undoubtedly fresh without sacrificing the nuances that caused their first album to connect so successfully with fans.


With their very first offering, Hiraes already created an exciting new melodic death metal emergence, built upon a brutalized vocal attack, intense melodies and aggressive guitars. On Dormant, Hiraes  flexes their own trademarks in an intensified way, ranging from versatile drumming, catchy riffs and hymn-like melodies to enthralling soundscapes and the impressive vocal onslaught of singer Britta Görtz. Dormant is a stirring, intense and dynamic death metal affair that is both heavily brutal and dark, yet full of melodic melancholy.





Set to be released on January 26, Dormant will be available in the following formats:


- 1 CD Digisleeve (6page)
- 1 LP Gatefold solid royal blue
- Digital Album


Pre-order here.





Dormant tracklisting:


"Through The Storm"
"We Owe No One"
"Undercurrent"
"Chance To Fail"
"About Lies"
"Come Alive"
"Ocean Child"
"Nightflight"
"Red Soil"
"Dormant"


"Through The Storm" video:





Hiraes are:


Britta Görtz - vocals
Lukas Kerk - guitars
Oliver Kirchner - guitars
Christian Wösten - bass
Mathias Blässe - drums


(Photo - Lisa Ulferts)

Robert Cavuoto spoke with Europe frontman Joey Tempest for Sonic Perspectives about the band's new single, "Hold Your Head Up", thier forthcoming album, a new documentary on the band currently in the works, and more. Check out the interview below.


Q: There's also a new album in the works for late 2024 / early 2025. How deep are you into writing and recording it?


Tempest: "We talked about that last week. We have some ideas. One was 'Hold Your Head Up', so we are not entirely starting from scratch. We think this winter, we will pull all the ideas together and send them to each other. If we are lucky, we can get it out, like you said, later next year or early 2025. We are looking forward to recording it. It's been a while since Walk the Earth in 2017, which was recorded in Abbey Road Studios." 




Q: I know you are still working on the songs, but will the album have any unexpected moments that Europe is famous for and fans can look forward to?


Tempest: "You sound familiar with the band, and we always like to take fans on an adventure. 'Hold Your Head Up' has some punch to it with some old Europe metal edge to it while feeling modern. I have a few ideas that are a bit different to share with the band yet, so there will be some exciting stuff."


Q: Are you always inspired to create music?


Tempest: "Yes, I think about music every day and listen to music every day. I play guitar and keyboard almost every day, depending on what I'm doing or if I'm traveling. It's been part of my life since I was 6 or 7. There was always an instrument at home. My sister had a guitar and piano, and she didn't continue, but I did. I like to express myself musically, and it makes me feel good to write and think of new ideas. I collect lyrics and melody lines all the time." 


Read more here.





The official music video for "Hold Your Head Up" offers a glimpse into the brand-new documentary that the band have been busy filming with producer / director Craig Hooper (Deep Purple / Saxon) for Coolhead Productions simply entitled Europe - The Movie. The film will tell the story of the band, from formation until present day, telling of their rise to success in the mid ‘80s, through hard times and heartache, to coming back in the millennium, and the current successes the band has achieved. This is set for release in early 2024.


Watch "Hold Your Head Up" below.





"Hold Your Head Up" was recorded at the Atlantis Studios in Stockholm with producer Klas Åhlund (Ghost, Robyn), it is a punchy up-tempo rocker with reminiscent elements of early Europe. The song was mixed by Stefan Glaumann (Rammstein, Def Leppard) who also mixed Europe's Secret Society album.


"'Hold Your Head Up' is an up-tempo guitar driven rocker about pulling through in difficult times and the influence my father had on me to always do my best and persevere,” offers Joey Tempest. “It’s been six years since our last release Walk The Earth recorded at Abbey Road, and we had a great time in the studio with producer Klas Åhlund. He really brought out a hungry, engaged band that’s ready to continue an amazing journey. We can’t wait to play this song on tour and incorporate it on our next album. We’re very proud of this track.”





(Photo - Fredrik Etoall)

Devin Townsend played the last of four Australia shows in Brisbane on November 12th. During the set, he performed the Strapping Young Lad crusher "Detox" on acoustic guitar. Check out the fan-filmed video below.





This is what it should sound like:







On November 11th, Townsend played a sold out show at Metro Theatre in Sydney, Australia. Fan-filmed video of the entire show can be viewed below.


Setlist:


"Lightworker"
"Kingdom"
"Dimensions"
"Deadhead"
"By Your Command"
"Deep Peace"
"Spirits Will Collide"
"Almost Again" (Strapping Young Lad)
"Aftermath" (Strapping Young Lad)
"Why?"
"Truth"
"Bad Devil"
"Down And Under"
"Ih-Ah!"
"Bastard" (Ocean Machine - acoustic)
"Love?" (Strapping Young Lad





Devin Townsend celebrates the 25th anniversary of his landmark solo album, Infinity, with a brand new edition of the record being released on November 24. This newly remastered version of the album comes as a Limited 2CD Digipak, Gatefold 180g 2LP + LP-booklet & as Digital album, and includes all the bonus tracks from this era, as well as newly shot artwork & liner notes from Devin.


Pre-order here.


Devin comments: “As I move into a new phase of my work, (one that requires the next two years to be spent writing and recording), I reflect on the Infinity album and the period it all happened in many ways. This was my first attempt at engineering and mixing an album, and without it, I wouldn’t have gotten where I am now on a technical level. It was like going to college at the time, and although it is primitive in many ways, it also reminded me of the amount of passion it takes to reach a new level. The whole process during the making of this album was fraught with learning, turmoil, growth, and psychological development. In fact: I didn’t think at the time that I would even get through it, (let alone be here 25 years later writing and working with the hard-won experience that came as a direct result of making ‘Infinity’). I realize now how pivotal this period of expression was for me, and how it was a testament to tenacity in the long run. As such, I’m proud that we’ve decided to re-release the record with all the bonus tracks and personal artwork from that period in one place. I was even asked to do an updated version of the naked cover album cover (!!!) so in the name of authenticity… I did that too.  I believe this to be the quintessential version of the record. It was a statement then as it is now. And for those who were there during that period as well as those who are perhaps interested in how it all began, I present to you ‘Infinity’ in an updated fashion. I’m grateful for the opportunity to release it in this light and thank you all for the support all these years. Please wish me luck as I delve into this next phase, and being able to reflect on ‘Infinity’ during the start of this process has proven to be very useful.”


Devin has remastered the original album, plus 7 bonus tracks including the songs from the Christeen EP (which appear here on vinyl for the first time). The audio has also been specifically mastered for the vinyl edition.





Tracklisting:


CD1:
"Truth"
"Christeen"
"Bad Devil"
"War"
"Soul Driven Cadillac"
"Ants"
"Wild Colonial Boy"
"Life Is All Dynamics"
"Unity"
"Noisy Pink Bubbles"


 


CD2:
"Om" (Demo)
"Sit In The Mountain" (Demo)
"Processional" (Demo)
"Love-Load" (Demo)
"Sister" (Live Acoustic)
"Hide Nowhere" (Live Acoustic)
"Man" (1996 Demo)

In a new interview with Rolling Stone, KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons insisted that the band's final show on the "End Of The Road" tour, scheduled for December 2 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, will be the group's last.

"My hand on the Bible," he told the magazine. "And I should know because my people wrote that book. In fact, my people also wrote the follow-up book, the New Testament. And so I'll say right here, right now, my hand on the Bible, it will be the final KISS-in-makeup appearance."

Regarding KISS's reasons for hanging it up at this time, Simmons said: "It has nothing to do with ticket sales or anything. It has to do with Mother Nature. And at a certain point, you have to understand that it's going to be a point of diminishing returns because of the kind of band we are. I wear seven-inch platform dragon boots, each weighs as much as a light bowling ball, armor, studs, leather, all that stuff, and that weighs about 40 pounds in total. And I got to spit fire, and fly through the air, and all that, and you got to do it for two hours."

The 74-year-old Simmons also opened up about the emotional weight of the his touring days with KISS coming to an end.

"When I was a kid going to school, my nickname was Mr. Spock," he said. "I've never been much for emotion and stuff like that. I remember my Uncle George, who I loved dearly. I remember standing over his grave, and being sad, but I didn't cry. Tears don't come easy for me. But the few times they have is when I look out at the audience and I see a 50-plus-year-old fan who's been with us ever since he was a kid, wearing KISS makeup. And next to him is his late 20s/early 30s-year-old son wearing makeup, and sitting on the shoulder of his son is his grandson, five-year-old, six-year-old, whatever, wearing our makeup. And that little kid putting up my hand gesture, with the two horns and the thumb out, which actually in sign language means 'I love you,' and sticking his tongue out for the first time. Well, that gets me going every time."

Gene was also asked if there was possibility of a one-off KISS show in the future.

"Paul [Stanley, KISS guitarist/vocalist] has his SOUL STATION band," Gene said. "I'm sure he'd love to play some shows. I've got the GENE SIMMONS BAND. At some point, I may want to jump up onstage and do some tunes. But the physicality of being in KISS says that this is the right thing, at the right place, at the right time. Because B.B. King played until his late 80s. He was sitting onstage. We can't do that. We don't sit down."

KISS launched its farewell trek in January 2019 but was forced to put it on hold in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"End Of The Road" was originally scheduled to conclude on July 17, 2021 in New York City but has since been extended to late 2023. The trek was announced in September 2018 following a KISS performance of the band's classic song "Detroit Rock City" on "America's Got Talent".

In a recent interview with Dan Savoie of 519 magazine, Gene stated about "End Of The Road": "This tour is the end of the road for the band, not the brand. KISS is a universe of its own — movies, merchandise, maybe even Broadway. The band will end, but the KISS experience… it's immortal." He then clarified: "It's the end of touring."

Simmons went on to detail some of the ways in which the KISS brand will be kept alive.

"KISS will continue," he said. "There's a KISS museum in Las Vegas at the Rio called KISS World, and oh my goodness, we have KISS cruises, a movie coming out, and we're working on a cartoon show, a lot of stuff. And of course, all the fun toys and games that will continue."

As for the future of KISS performances, he said: "The KISS show will live on in different ways. Yes, that's being planned. It'll also be four to ten different travelling shows. So, you'll be able to be in Japan and have Japanese actors, musicians being us, and at the same time you could go to Vegas or New York or London."

Earlier this year, KISS's longtime manager Doc McGhee said that a biopic based on the band's early years is tentatively scheduled to hit Netflix in 2024. McGhee also said that while Gene and fellow KISS co-founder Paul Stanley are ending KISS as a touring entity, he didn't see it as the end of the brand, which he compared to the Marvel universe. "Will there be other forms of KISS maybe in the future after I'm gone and after they're gone?" he told "The Rock Experience With Mike Brunn" show. "I don't see that KISS goes away."

San Francisco Bay Area metallers EXODUS kicked off their fall 2023 U.S. tour with FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY, DARKEST HOUR and UNDEATH last night (Wednesday, November 15) at Revolution in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Fan-filmed video of the concert can be seen below.

A month ago, EXODUS singer Steve "Zetro" Souza shared a graphic promoting VIP upgrades for the band's fall 2023 run with FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY, DARKEST HOUR and UNDEATH, and he included the following message: "It's coming quick everyone!!! We are rampaging through the states with our new friends @fitforanautopsy @darkest_hour_official and @undeathny find the venue that's closest to you and come have one of the heaviest nights of your life !!!

"On this tour EXODUS will be playing deep cuts and actually opening with a song we haven't played in Over 32 years and one we have never ever played live !!!

"Get your tickets and get your VIPs , because EXODUS' meet and greet is un like no other !! ask someone who's been to one of our meet and greets they will tell you!

"Looking forward to seeing everyone in the pit for a night violence and mayhem in the best of ways !!"

The tour will conclude on December 10 in New Kensington, Pennsylvania.

EXODUS is continuing to tour in support of its latest album, "Persona Non Grata", which arrived in November 2021 via Nuclear Blast.

"Persona Non Grata" was recorded at a studio in Lake Almanor, California and was engineered by Steve Lagudi and EXODUS. It was produced by EXODUS and was mixed by Andy Sneap. For the third time in the band's history, they returned to Swedish artist Pär Olofsson to create the album artwork.

"Persona Non Grata" was the follow-up to 2014's "Blood In Blood Out", which was the San Francisco Bay Area thrashers' first release since the departure of the group's lead singer of nine years, Rob Dukes, and the return of Steve "Zetro" Souza, who previously fronted EXODUS from 1986 to 1993 and from 2002 to 2004.

FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY released its sixth album, "Oh What The Future Holds", in January 2022 via Nuclear Blast.

TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA (TSO),the multi-platinum, progressive rock group, kicked off its 2023 tour last night (Wednesday, November 15) with captivating performances in Green Bay, Wisconsin and Council Bluffs, Iowa. Fan-filmed video of the latter concert — featuring the West Coast touring production — can be seen below.

For 2023, TSO brings a completely updated presentation of the unforgettable, multi-generational holiday tradition, "The Ghosts Of Christmas Eve". Over the course of the tour, TSO will visit 62 cities, delivering an impressive 104 performances before concluding on December 30.

A product of the imagination of TSO's late founder Paul O'Neill, and based on TSO's multi-platinum CD and TV special "The Ghosts Of Christmas Eve", follows the journey of a runaway who breaks into an abandoned vaudeville theater on December 24. While seeking shelter from the cold, the teen is discovered by the theater's caretaker who uses the ghosts and spirits from the building's past to turn her life around. Following the performance of the rock opera, 2023's tour also boasts a rocking, blazing, and laser-lit second set containing more of TSO's greatest hits, fan-favorites, and surprises. In addition to experiencing the story at TSO's live concerts this year, fans at home can watch a digitally restored "The Ghosts Of Christmas Eve" on their local PBS station.

TSO's music director and lead guitarist Al Pitrelli said: "For 27 years you have helped make Paul O'Neill's TSO stories a part of your holiday tradition. And, for 27 years, our tradition has been to make every year's tour better than the last for you. 2023 is no exception as this year's tour will be the best ever. I can't wait to see our 'repeat offenders' out at the shows and look forward to seeing the new faces as well."

TSO, which has sold more than 12 million albums and DVDs, released music in several formats this fall, including a 25th anniversary edition of "The Christmas Attic" on vinyl, in deluxe and standard packaging, on September 29; a clear vinyl pressing of "Christmas Eve And Other Stories" on November 3; plus, a digital release of "The Ghosts Of Christmas Eve" in Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio and hi-fidelity stereo mixes, including both the songs and narration, titled "The Ghosts Of Christmas Eve - The Complete Narrated Version" on November 10.

Since its touring debut, TSO has played more than 2,000 winter tour shows to more than 18 million fans. In just the past 10 years (encompassing nine tours),TSO has performed for more than eight million fans. Keeping with O'Neill's vision, TSO remains one of rock's most charitable bands. Once again, TSO will give at least $1 from every ticket sold to charity. To date, more than $18 million has been donated by the group.

After its first year off the road in more than two decades, TSO made a triumphant return to touring in 2021 with a 25th-anniversary celebration of "Christmas Eve And Other Stories".

According to Billboard, TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA's entire 2022 haul generated $66.5 million in gross revenues from 914,000 tickets sold — with 77% of that sum coming from December dates alone. That was the second-highest grossing tour in the band's history, narrowly missing 2019's pre-pandemic $66.8 million.

In a new interview with CBC News' The National, RUSH vocalist/bassist Geddy Lee explained why he and RUSH bandmate Alex Lifeson wanted to publicly speak out about the deadly conflict triggered by Palestinian group Hamas's shock attack on Israel.

In response to Palestinian militants in Gaza firing a deadly barrage of rockets and sending gunmen into Israeli territory, Israel launched strikes on what it called Hamas targets in Gaza. The combined death toll on both sides of the war has climbed over 12,000.

On October 13, RUSH released the following statement via social media: "We are sickened by news of the brutal atrocities and monstrous acts of cold-blooded murder committed by the terrorist group Hamas - an organization dedicated to the destruction of the Jewish state and the extermination of its people. Our hearts break for the people of Israel and for Jews around the world as they process these horrible events. These are dark acts of barbarism for which there can be no justification. Our hearts also go out to all innocent souls in Gaza that have lost their lives, been injured or put in jeopardy as a result of the actions of this inhuman terrorist regime."

Asked by The National's Ian Hanomansing why RUSH wanted to publicly comment to clearly and unequivocally denounce Hamas's violent attacks against civilians and express their anguish at the bloodshed in both Gaza and Israel, Lee said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET) : "Well, it was a hurtful, terrible moment in modern history and speaking out as a human being that happened to be a Jewish person — this happened to Jewish people — so both Alex and I felt it was important to express the pain we were feeling watching this, what could be arguably called one of the worst massacres since World War II of the Jewish people."

He continued: "It's a complicated issue. I am not a person that wants to be a spokesman, spokesperson for Israeli politics; it's not really about that. It was just a natural crying out of, 'Wow. This is a terrible thing we're watching.' And it's still terrible to watch."

Israel's military said Hamas's attack from Gaza had killed more than 1,200 people; Hamas has continued to launch rocket attacks. Meanwhile, Israeli reprisals have killed around 11,000 Palestinians, displaced more than 1 million people and left Gaza in a dire humanitarian crisis.

Several U.S. leaders have called for a pause in fighting to allow for humanitarian aid to reach civilians in Gaza. But others have argued against a full cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, saying it would allow Hamas to refuel and prolong the conflict. At the same time, they have backed humanitarian pauses, which would allow aid to be sent Gaza's civilians and the hostages taken by Hamas.

In a 2009 interview with Heeb magazine, Lee described himself as an atheist. "I consider myself a Jew as a race, but not so much as a religion," he explained. "I'm not down with religion at all. I'm a Jewish atheist, if that's possible… I celebrate the holidays in the sense that my family gets together for the holidays and I like being a part of that. So I observe the 'getting together' aspect."

Lee's Jewish mom, Mary Weinrib, who passed away in July 2021, was not only a massive supporter of her son's music career but was also a Holocaust survivor.

Geddy, who was born Gary Lee Weinrib in 1953 in Toronto, reportedly took on his stage (and later, legal) name as an homage to his mother: her strong accent made "Gary" sound like "Geddy," and the name stuck.

Legendary rock guitarist Steve Hackett will release his new studio album, "The Circus And The Nightwhale", on February 16, 2024, via InsideOut Music. A rite-of-passage concept album with a young character called Travla at the centre of it, "The Circus And The Nightwhale"'s 13 tracks have an autobiographical angle for the musician who says about his 30th solo release: "I love this album. It says the things I've been wanting to say for a very long time."

"The Circus And The Nightwhale" is Steve's first new music in over two years. It follows the beautiful acoustic LP "Under A Mediterranean Sky" from January 2021 — which rose to No 2 in the U.K. Classical chart — and, in September of that year, his metallic masterpiece "Surrender Of Silence", which hit the U.K. Top 40. His 2023 live album, "Foxtrot At Fifty + Hackett Highlights: Live in Brighton", reached No 2 in the Rock & Metal chart. Steve's new LP promises ballads, blues, blistering progressive rock… and healthy measures of theatre and fantasia.

Recorded between tours in 2022 and 2023 at Siren studio in the U.K., with guest parts beamed in from Sweden, Austria, the U.S., Azerbaijan and Denmark, the lineup for "The Circus And The Nightwhale" includes some familiar faces alongside Steve on electric and acoustic guitars, 12-string, mandolin, harmonica, percussion, bass and vocals. Roger King (keyboards, programming and orchestral arrangements),Rob Townsend (sax),Jonas Reingold (bass),Nad Sylvan (vocals),Craig Blundell (drums) and Amanda Lehmann on vocals. Nick D'Virgilio and Hugo Degenhardt return as guests on the drumstool, engineer extraordinaire Benedict Fenner appears on keyboards and Malik Mansurov is back with the tar. Finally, Steve's brother John Hackett is present once more on flute.

The new album will be available to pre-order from the December 1, 2023 on several different formats, including a limited CD+Blu-ray mediabook (including 5.1 Surround Sound and 24-bit high-resolution stereo mixes),standard CD jewelcase, gatefold 180g vinyl LP and as digital album. All feature the stunning cover painting by Denise Marsh.

The full track listing is as follows:

01. People Of The Smoke
02. These Passing Clouds
03. Taking You Down
04. Found And Lost
05. Enter The Ring
06. Get Me Out!
07. Ghost Moon And Living Love
08. Circo Inferno
09. Breakout
10. All At Sea
11. Into The Nightwhale
12. Wherever You Are
13. White Dove

Summing up "The Circus And The Nightwhale", Steve says: "It's a lovely journey that starts dirty, scratchy and smoky and becomes heavenly and divine. How can you resist it?"

Steve is currently on tour in North America, continuing his "Foxtrot At Fifty + Hackett Highlights" run. Next year he will tour the world extensively, including a brand new U.K. tour under the name "Genesis Greats, Lamb Highlights & Solo" (that will see him return to the legendary Royal Albert Hall),as well as a return to the U.S. for additional "Foxtrot At Fifty" shows from March 1 through April 13.

Photo credit: Tina Korhonen