A new album from original WHITESNAKE guitarist Bernie Marsden will be released posthumously on November 24 via Conquest Music.

Although Bernie had always worked hard and kept busy, most recently releasing three solo albums since 2021 in "Kings", "Chess" and "Trios" as part of his "Inspirations" series, only a few knew that he had just completed a brand new album.

Earlier in August, Bernie had approved the artwork, sequence and audio masters for "Working Man", an album of Marsden original songs.

The final recording sessions took place in June 2023.

Bernie was fully involved in the mixing, artwork, and planning for the album, and he really wanted the "Working Man" album to come out in late summer, but because of the longer lead time needed to manufacture vinyl, it was scheduled for release in November.

Fran Marsden, Bernie's wife of over 40 years, said: "Bernie was really excited about his new album, 'Working Man', and proud of the tracks featured on it.

"After the last three albums of covers, he was keen for his fans to hear some new, original songs. He loved working on them in the studio during lockdown and he couldn't wait to get the album out into the world.

"Conquest Music was considering delaying the release until 2024 out of respect, but knowing Bernie's eagerness to get the album out there, we want to follow his wishes and release it as planned."

Alan Bambrough, speaking on behalf of Conquest Music, emphasized the label's profound connection with Bernie: "Bernie Marsden was far more than an artist to Conquest Music. He has been a great friend and mentor for many years and was a huge part of our decision to form the label. His 'Kings' album was our first release and we are proud to work with his company, Little House Music, in releasing some of his finest ever work.

"We are heartbroken at Bernie's passing and thought the right and respectful thing to do would be to postpone the release until next year. Fran Marsden convinced us that Bernie would want the 'Working Man' album to come out as planned."

"Working Man" contains 12 brand-new Bernie Marsden-penned tracks produced by Marsden and mixed by Dave Eringa (MANIC STREET PREACHERS, THE WHO).

The limited first pressing of the LP and CD will come with a bonus disc of 10 more new recordings.

"Being Famous" is the first single from the album and reflects Bernie's typically humble thoughts on the ludicrous decadence lavished on rock stars in his day. With a driving rhythm, complemented by bar room keyboards and, of course, Bernie's powerful guitar licks, the song captures that classic early WHITESNAKE feel that remains so loved by the fans.

The single is on digital services now.

"Working Man" will be available initially as a limited-edition 2CD digipak and 2LP set in burgundy vinyl. These limited-edition sets will also include a bonus disc of 10 more new recordings alongside the 12-track "Working Man" album. These bonus tracks include some astonishing reinterpretations of classic WHITESNAKE songs.

The album can be pre-ordered from the special Bernie Marsden shop, where there's a chance to win one of five special lithographic prints hand-signed by Bernie. Each order will also include an exclusive free Collectors' Card.

"Working Man" limited-edition double CD track listing:

Disc One

01. Being Famous
02. Midtown
03. Longtime
04. Invisible
05. Son I've Never Known
06. Steelhouse Mountain
07. Working Man
08. Valentine's Day
09. Savannah
10. Bad Reputation
11. You Know
12. The Pearl

Disc Two (Bonus Disc)

01. Look At Me Now
02. Midnight Believer
03. Who's Fooling Who
04. Just Don't Have The Time
05. Foolish Day
06. Here I Go Again
07. Ain't No Love In The Heart of The City
08. Til The Day I Die
09. Time Is Right For Love
10. Come On In My Kitchen

Marsden was one of the U.K.'s foremost rock and blues guitarists, famous for his time in professional bands since 1972 and a founding member of one of the biggest rock acts of all time, the mighty WHITESNAKE.

But there was a lot more to this man, from his first band UFO to treading the boards of the National Theatre in London, on stage with Ringo Starr in Monaco, playing the Beacon Theatre in New York with THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND, writing and playing with Joe Bonamassa and MOTÖRHEAD.

His long-term friendships with so many top names in the guitar business, Billy Gibbons, Steve Lukather, Warren Haynes, as well as rejoining the new WHITESNAKE lineup of recent years and a solo career kept him both on the road and in the studio. He became interested in guitars as a teenager watching THE BEATLES, his fascination continued to his final days. Bernie also developed one of the most unique and expansive private guitar collections in the world.

At a rough guesstimate, Marsden's name appears on a hundred albums — maybe more. In addition to a long-running solo career, the Buckinghamshire-born guitarist had been a recording musician since the early 1970s via membership of such groups as WHITESNAKE, UFO, WILD TURKEY, BABE RUTH, PAICE ASHTON & LORD, COZY POWELL'S HAMMER, ALASKA, M3 and many more. Though there's a tendency to pigeonhole him as a blues-rock guitarist, each of Marsden's acts had its own individual flavor.

Following an ambitious multi-year tour that saw the band bring their heavy metal power to Europe, Canada and the US, the Australian heavy metal band, Elm Street, finally returns with their third studio album, The Great Tribulation. The album will be released as CD Digipak, Ltd. Vinyl LP and Digital formats on October 27 via Massacre Records, the pre-sale is now available, here.


After the four-piece shared a previously-released, first single, "Take The Night", today, Elm Street presents a brand new music video for "The Price Of War". The second single from The Great Tribulation is a thrash / groove metal hybrid, capturing the band looking at the state of conflict overseas and questioning who are the real winners and losers (if there are any in war). The song is propelled by Tomislav Perkovic's lightning-pace double bass for a machine-gun intro before the band locks into a groove, with a melodic and technical middle section showcasing the band's musical dexterity.


The term "The Price Of War" is multi-dimensional, it not only addresses those who profit from the business of war," the band states, "but also highlights the human cost of fighting for someone else's gain."







A soundtrack for troubled times, or a charred mirror reflecting the state of the world today, The Great Tribulation provides commentary on the darker side of life, and pairs it with the band's most ambitious and hard-hitting music to date. While Elm Street's first two albums, Barbed Wire Metal and Knock 'Em Out... With A Metal Fist, have both been revered as modern classics by fans of traditional-flavoured heavy metal, The Great Tribulation seeks to take the template set by the two albums preceding it, and amplifies it by several notches, resulting in the band's most powerful, complex, and heavy performances recorded to date. Everything about The Great Tribulation encapsulates a band at the peak of their powers, Elm Street have left no stone un-turned in expressing their diverse musical palette, resulting in a wide-ranging collection of songs that stand tall individually, but extremely powerful as a collective unit.


Album number three from the thunder from down under may be well received by old fans and new alike and will set a very high benchmark for what to expect in the future. If you are a fan of classic powerhouses like Helloween, Judas Priest, Hammerfall, or Manowar, get ready for the ride of your life!


The Great Tribulation was recorded at Melbourne's legendary Sing Sing Studios, in fact, may be one of the last albums recorded in its current location. Luke Cincotta (Airbourne, The Amity Affliction, Butterfly Effect, Karnivool, Northlane) was the master behind the recording desk, and German legend Michael Mainx (Toxpack, Tankard, Destruction) mixed the album. The striking front cover was painted by Andreas Marschall (Kreator, In Flames, Sodom, Blind Guardian), and the album design and additional artwork provided by Dark Prince Graphix.





The Great Tribulation tracklisting:


"Seven Sirens"
"Take The Night"
"The Price Of War"
"If Provoked, Will Strike"
"Behind The Eyes Of Evil"
"The Last Judgement"
"The Darker Side Of Blue"
"A State Of Fear"


"Take The Night" video:





Lineup:


Ben Batres - Vocals, Rhythm Guitar
Aaron Adie - Lead Guitar
Nick Ivkovic - Bass Guitar
Tomislav Perkovic – Drums

If you thought you would have to wait another 10 years for a new Fusion Syndicate album to light up the night sky, we have some exciting news for you. Yes it took over a decade for the jazz fusion supergroup to follow up its 2012 debut self-titled album with their sophomore effort, A Speedway On Saturn’s Rings, released earlier this month. But now comes the announcement that the group is set to release another full-length album, Beautiful Horizon, on November 3, ensuring that their fans and followers will have plenty to tide them over for at least another decade or more!


Beautiful Horizon is in many ways a companion piece to Speedway, continuing its cosmic theme while expanding its universe with a mindblowing array of eclectic performers including Fishbone's Angelo Moore, The Door's Robby Krieger, PiL's Jah Wobble, Mahavishnu Orchestra's Jerry Goodman, Marty Friedman (ex-Megadeth), Chrome's Helios Creed, and more. The album showcases even more adventurous, musically complex master works, including the album’s first single “Meteor Shower,” which is released today. The combination of fiery metal guitarist Marty Friedman and icy cool keyboardist Brian Auger creates a brilliant once-in-a-lifetime cosmic event that not even Haley’s comet could upstage!


Stream/download the single here, listen below.




Watch for the full album experience of Beautiful Horizon to be released on CD and digital with bonus tracks that feature additional performances Steve Morse, Tony Kaye, John Etheridge, Steve Hillage and others. And keep watching the night sky for the appearance of the vinyl version following shortly after.


Order the CD here. Pre-order/pre-save the digital here.





Tracklisting:


"Blood Red Supermoon Musick"
"Andromeda Passage"
"Cosmic Feeling"
"Got Me In A Lunar Funk"
"Retrograde"
"Meteor Shower"
"Beautiful Horizon"


Bonus tracks:


"At The Edge Of The Middle"
"Atom Smashing"
"In The Spirit Of…"


"Meteor Shower":

In a new interview with Anne Erickson of Audio Ink Radio, STITCHED UP HEART singer Alecia "Mixi" Demner talked about was asked being a woman in a traditionally male-centered and male-dominated business of rock and roll. She said: "I gravitate to the women in the industry, so I'm always, like, 'Oh my God. There's a girl in the band. I need to check out this band.' I don't know what it is, [but] I just relate a lot, and I seem to have a lot in common with the other women in the industry. So it's kind of, like, when I find band with a girl in it, I know almost every single one, so if there's another band that I don't know of that has a girl in it, I'm surprised."

She continued: "But I do think there's definitely been growth in women being more accepted in the heavy music genre, but still, there's a lot more room to go, 'cause it's still way male-dominated. And I just wish I could see, like, a 50-50 split with women [and men]. But it is really, really cool to see the women… It's not the easiest gig. It's rough on the road. As women, we like to be pampered, and we like to be clean, and it's not always the cleanest. [Laughs] But I keep it as clean on the road as possible. So, I understand why it's a little more difficult."

Demner added that she would like to see more women enter the rock and metal music industry. "I'm hoping that that'll change, 'cause if you look at pop, rap, country, [there are] so many women, and why is it different with metal?" she said. "I mean, if you look at Europe, they embrace the women in metal, and actually metal, in general, is a mainstream thing. So I'm hoping the U.S. catches up with that. But there are so many great bands with females in them in the heavy genre."

STITCHED UP HEART's latest album, "To The Wolves", arrived on September 1 via Century Media Records.

STITCHED UP HEART is currently on the road as the support act for ESCAPE THE FATE, along with D.R.U.G.S., POINT NORTH and GARZI. The U.S. trek kicked off on August 31 in Salt Lake City, Utah and will wrap up on October 5 in Portland, Oregon.

Formed in Los Angeles, California in 2010, STITCHED UP HEART has gained recognition for its intense live performances and deeply personal songwriting.

Mixi is joined in STITCHED UP HEART's core lineup by James Decker on drums, Merritt Goodwin on guitar and Randy Mathias on bass. They released their album titled "Never Alone", which debuted in the Top 10 of both the Billboard Heatseekers and Hard Rock charts. With their single "Finally Free" organically gaining hyper rotation on active rock radio the band paved the way to success for the next two singles "Monster" and "Catch Me When I Fall".

In 2020, STITCHED UP HEART released its sophomore album, "Darkness". Produced by Matt Good, the LP delved further into the band's introspective songwriting and showcases their growth as musicians. Tracks like "Lost" (featuring Sully Erna of GODSMACK) and "My Demon" highlighted the band's ability to blend heavy guitar riffs with anthemic choruses, making a lasting impact on the rock genre.

STITCHED UP HEART is:

Alecia "Mixi" Demner - lead vocals, rhythm guitar
James Decker - drums, backing vocals
Merritt Goodwin - lead guitar
Randy Mathias - bass, backing vocals

Swedish hard rock veterans EUROPE have released the official music video for their new song titled "Hold Your Head Up". The track, which is described by the band as "a punchy uptempo rocker with reminiscent elements of early EUROPE," was recorded in August at Atlantis Studios in Stockholm with producer Klas Åhlund (GHOST, ROBYN) and was mixed by Stefan Glaumann (RAMMSTEIN, DEF LEPPARD),who also mixed EUROPE's "Secret Society" album. The song, which will be available to stream and download on Friday, September 29 across all reputable digital platforms, including Spotify, Apple, iTunes, Amazon Music, Deezer, Tidal, Pandora and YouTube Music, will serve as a precursor to EUROPE's twelfth studio album, to be recorded in 2024 and released in late 2024 or early 2025.

The "Hold Your Head Up" video 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 titled "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-1980s, 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.

EUROPE singer Joey Tempest said: "'Hold Your Head Up' is an uptempo guitar driven rocker about pulling through in difficult times and the influence my father had on me to always do my best and persevere.

"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."

EUROPE is currently undertaking a "Time Capsule" tour which includes 21 concerts across Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Norway, Sweden, France, The Netherlands, and the U.K., including two nights at the famous London Palladium. These anniversary shows will consist of a career retrospective "evening with" performance featuring all the hits together with deep cuts and fan favorites from all of their 11 studio albums.

In a recent interview with Mark Jeeves of Planet Rock's "My Planet Rocks", Tempest spoke about EUROPE's plans to work on the long-awaited follow-up to 2017's "Walk The Earth" album. He said: "We're becoming interested and inspired again now. It's taken a while.

"This period with the world made me go back to the roots and write a lot again," he continued. "So I have loads and loads of ideas, but not necessarily all of 'em for EUROPE. So it's been very creative, but it sort of a few gigs last year for us to start — because we're friends from teenage years — but we started connecting again. And we started sending stuff to each other, and we have a few really good ideas now. And that's always great.

"I remember when we did 'Out Of This World' after 'The Final Countdown', and I managed to come up with 'Superstitious'. And I [was, like], 'Thank goodness.' You need something to kick things off, and I think we have one of those tracks brewing. So it's always nice to get going with something really cool."

Tempest also talked about the fact that EUROPE is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its self-titled debut album this year.

"It feels impossible — with the same guys around, actually," he said. "We met when we were teenagers. I saw [guitarist] John Norum play — he was 14; I was 15 — and I thought, 'It would be great to start a band with him.' And here we are. It's incredible. Eleven albums. I wouldn't say that's loads of albums, but it's still fairly okay. We've done six albums since we started again and five in the first era. So we're kind of proud. And we get on now. The egos are sort of put aside and we sort of feel lucky that we have this job. So doing this tour this year, the 40th-anniversary tour, it's a pleasure. And we can dig even deeper; we can play some tracks we haven't played. So it could be fun as well."

Back in July 2019, Tempest told Finland's Kaaos TV that he and his bandmates don't "write so much on the road". He explained: "We've never been like that. We're a soundcheck band as well. So we always soundcheck. We soundcheck whenever we can. Festivals is more difficult, as you know. But it's possible sometimes — you can go in the morning and do it.

"What happens to us is usually we write for six months when the touring has come to an end on an album," he continued. "So it takes us about four to six months to write, to get everything together, get 75 to 80 percent ready, music and lyrics. Then we go into the studio and then we work fast — record everything live in two weeks. This is how we've done it on 'Bag Of Bones' [2012], 'War Of Kings' [2015] and 'Walk The Earth'. The last three EUROPE albums were recorded fast, because those fast decisions are amazing in the studio — everybody's there; everybody's on fire. That's how those great albums were made in the '70s — on the spot, when that glow and that fire is there."

While stressing the importance of improvisation in the studio, Tempest said that "you should be prepared. You don't wanna waste time in the studio and waste anybody's time. So if you're 75 percent ready, the last bit the producer can help out with or the circumstances, or whatever happens happens in the studio. But we've been so lucky working with Dave Cobb — a great musician and producer and a great guy to just hang with. He's now part of the band. Like he works with RIVAL SONS, he also works with us. He's part of the band when we're in the studio with him. He writes with us. He comes up with great ideas. He sits and plays the songs with us in a circle in the studio before we record it, and then we just slam it down live, three or four takes, and pick the best takes to work on and to finish up. And the nerve is there, the decisions were made right there, and that's how you make great rock records."

"Walk The Earth" was released in October 2017 via Hell & Back Recordings (Silver Lining Music). It was recorded at famed Abbey Road Studios in London with the aforementioned Grammy Award-winning producer Dave Cobb (RIVAL SONS, Shooter Jennings, Jason Isbell, Chris Stapleton).

Photo credit: Fredrik Etoall (courtesy of ABC Public Relations)

THY ART IS MURDER has recruited Tyler Miller of fellow Australian metallers AVERSIONS CROWN as the band's new vocalist.

Miller made his live debut with THY ART IS MURDER earlier tonight (Wednesday, September 27) at the opening show of the group's European tour at the Turbinenhalle 2 in Oberhausen, Germany.

The news of Miller's addition to THY ART IS MURDER comes less than a week after the band parted ways with longtime vocalist Chris "CJ" McMahon. THY ART IS MURDER also revealed in a statement that McMahon's vocals do not appear on the group's newly released album "Godlike", which came out on September 22 via Human Warfare, with CJ's replacement having "finished re-recording vocals on the new album" earlier last week.

AVERSIONS CROWN released its latest album, "Hell Will Come For Us All", in 2020 via Nuclear Blast.

The band has been inactive on social media since a year ago when AVERSIONS CROWN announced the cancelation of a U.S. tour after being unable to secure "the appropriate work visas required to enter" the country.

The split between THY ART IS MURDER and McMahon happened a month after he deleted (and subsequently reinstated) his social media due to the backlash he received for posting a transphobic comment on Instagram. The following day, the other members of THY ART IS MURDER posted a trans flag on Instagram in solidarity with the community. "Setting the record straight, we stand with you," the band wrote.

On September 22, THY ART IS MURDER shared a statement on social media confirming that McMahon had been fired from the band, and that his contributions to "Godlike" album had been removed.

"We understand that this may come as a surprise and we want to assure you that this decision was made to preserve the band's integrity and direction," THY ART IS MURDER said in the statement.

"What transpired over the past month was not the cause of this action, but just another symptom of the drawn out breakdown in [McMahon's] character and judgement," the group added. "The straw that broke the camel's back if you will. Long story short, the fallout has been immense. We were lobbed with threats to destroy THY ART IS MURDER from the inside if we did not capitulate to various ideologies that he holds."

A few hours later, McMahon posted a short message on Instagram in which he said: "I just woke up and saw the news. Yes this is how I found out. And yes it's not the whole story."

Days after he shared his original transphobic comment on social media, McMahon posted a video to the band's Instagram in which he said he wanted to "apologize to everybody that's been upset and offended by the video that I shared and commented horribly on Instagram. My intentions weren't to be transphobic in any way, shape or form. And now it's gotten to the point that it really doesn't matter what my intentions were. I apologize to the LGBTQ+ community and their allies and the people that support them. And I thought I did support them, but obviously my video that I shared and commented horribly on has proved otherwise."

McMahon joined THY ART IS MURDER back in 2009 after the band's previous vocalist, Brendan Van Ryn, quit the previous year.

Photo credit: Third Eye Visuals

Prisoner of earth
King in the afterlife
We were born to be #godlike

📷 @kim.quint

Posted by Thy Art Is Murder on Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Once again, Los Angeles's Kitten Rescue is proving itself to be the most rockin' cat rescue in the United States. Musicians from around the globe have contributed collectible items to their online auction raising funds for their lifesaving mission.

Own a piece of rock and roll history with a signed "Use Your Illusion I" album by the legendary GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Slash. Released in 1991, "Use Your Illusion I" is an iconic masterpiece by GUNS N' ROSES, debuting at No. 2 on the Billboard charts and earning a Grammy Award nomination in 1992. Slash, widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, lends his signature to this album, making it a must-have for any music enthusiast. Immerse yourself in the electrifying sound of one of rock's most influential bands, immortalized by a true guitar virtuoso, and celebrate the enduring legacy of GUNS N' ROSES with this extraordinary collectible. It will be sent to auction winner in October when Slash returns to Los Angeles to sign it. U.S. only.

Unleash your inner rockstar with a Slash Les Paul guitar performance pack. This all-inclusive package includes a Les Paul Special-II designed by Slash in a classic appetite amber finish. The pack also includes a premium gig bag, a 15-watt Slash "Snakepit" amp, custom Slash signature picks, and free online lessons from Media. With its AAA flame maple veneer top, and cherry back and sides, you'll capture the essence of Slash's iconic sound in style. Item may be shipped to any destination at an additional cost (to be determined) or picked up in Los Angeles.

From The Metal God, JUDAS PRIEST singer Rob Halford, come two separate Cat T-Shirts worn and autographed by the man himself. Halford's Cat-mas T-shirt Deck your halls with cats of metal, fa la la la la!!! This Cat-mas Tree, T-shirt worn and autographed by Halford, pictures some seriously rockin' kitties: just what you need to complete your holiday decorations. Complete with The Metal God's autographed holiday CD, "Celestial" and a Rob Halford guitar pic, this package is the purrfect gift for any metal fan.

The second T-shirt donated by Halford features a sphynx cat, which legend has it that are the most metal. Hairless and ready to rock, this fierce kitty has dawned his black metal makeup just in time for Kitten Rescue's gala auction.

MÖTLEY CRÜE drummer Tommy Lee has donated a pair of autographed Ahead drumsticks. Designed for Tommy Lee's style of playing, providing durability and shock resistance. A long and slightly top-heavy drumstick with plenty of speed. Tommy's first choice for live and studio playing. These drumsticks are signed by Tommy Lee himself.

BUSH's Gavin Rossdale is the subject of this limited autographed (383/500, hand-numbered in gold) picture of Rossdale taken by director/photographer Peter Chelsom. This is a VIP item offered by the band in 2019 while touring to support 2017's "Black And White Rainbows". This collectible image, autographed in black Sharpie, measures 19" x 13", is in perfect condition.

International Scottish sensation, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi, has hand-signed this highly collectible, drumhead from Remo. Own this unique item from Capaldi who has topped the Billboard Hot 100 and U.K. album chart.

Two auction items were donated by Elvira and Kreepsville: The first is an autographed Elvira coffin table book and collectible mug. Get your hands on a piece of horror history with the Elvira autographed coffin table book. This spooky treasure comes with a personalized autographed bookplate from the iconic Elvira, Mistress Of The Dark herself. Dive into 240 pages filled with stunning imagery and captivating commentary from Cassandra Peterson. And as a bonus, this bundle includes a ceramic mug featuring two of Elvira's infamous assets.

The second is the autographed "Elvira Yours Cruelly Pop Edition" book and exclusive Funko Pop! bundle. This amazing bundle includes the highly sought after "Yours Cruelly, Elvira: Memoirs Of The Mistress Of The Dark" autobiography with exclusive Pop! cover and the Elvira Funko Pop! black light edition, both personally signed by Elvira herself. This exclusive bundle is a must-have for any Funko Elvira fan.

Kitten Rescue is a non-profit, volunteer-run organization devoted to finding loving homes for unwanted, homeless cats and kittens. Kitten Rescue saves cats and kittens from the streets of Los Angeles and from City Shelter euthanasia. Since their start in 1997, they have grown into one of the largest, most well-respected animal welfare groups in L.A. Other notable rock icons such as Geezer and Gloria Butler, Ozzy Osbourne bassist Blasko, Glenn and Gabi Hughes, as well as BLABBERMOUTH.NET are some of the organization's loyal supporters. Halford and Elvira have lent their image in support of Kitten Rescue.

Melbourne, Australia-based progressive metal band, Teramaze, will release their new DVD/CD, Live At 170 Russell, on October 27. Watch a video for "Jackie Seth" below, and pre-order the title here.


Says the band: "It was one of those opportunities that fell from the sky gift wrapped for us, all we had to do was seize the moment… As Avatar were making their way to Australia for the first time, an email was sent to us with an offer we couldn’t refuse. A three week notice to prepare a fast paced, high energy set that would ignite our home town crowd. We had such an amazing, top quality team working with us to make this live DVD a reality and we couldn’t be happier to share this long awaited moment with you. To all of you who couldn’t be there with us, we give you our full, uninterrupted live experience. Teramaze at 170 Russell."







Tracklisting:


"From Saviour To Assassin"
"Transhumanist"
"Untide"
"Jackie Seth"
"The Heist"
"Sleeping Man"
"Take Your Shot"
"Battle"


"Jackie Seth" video:

It was revealed yesterday (September 26th) that Jon Kennedy, the former bassist for Cradle Of Filth, and former vocalist for Hecate Enthroned has died at the age of 46.


COF singer Dani Filth shared the news on social media stating, “It is with much sadness that we hear about the untimely passing of our former bassist Jon Kennedy.


He was a great bassist and singer who filled in for Cradle at a time of such magical import, mayhem and mischief. I distinctly remember having a wickedly wonderful week staying just outside Wrexham in Wales at Jon’s Mum’s house in 1995. We picked our own magic mushrooms from a local football pitch and then watched Emperor synch up with the newly-released Disney Aladdin on VHS, heading out to undertake black metal shenanigans thereafter. 




We were always pulling pranks and playfully winding each other up back in those days. He will be missed!”


Former Cradle Of Filth backing vocalist Sarah Jezebel Deva has paid trbute to Kennedy via social media with the following message:


"Heavy heart today and so many affected by this news. Please do not say sorry for your loss, those words should be for his family, his very close friends and Hecate Enthroned (past and present).
 
Jon was such an amazing vocalist. I've made my views on him and the band (past and present) so well known over the years, baffled why so many are still yet to discover this band. I met Jon on one of my first trips to Colchester when I was 16, to be with COF. I was travelling with Nick to go and record. I would like to say it was Dusk, because that was my first ever recording with them before they split.
 
Jon was a lovely guy, passionate about music and although I didn't know him like others did, I am grateful for the memories and definitely grateful for the shows I saw them play in the early days. Many broken hearts yesterday and many more today. saddened I never got to see him again and only talk online.
 
Thank you for your fantastic voice, a voice that many aspired to sound like. Rest in peace our friend...."





Kennedy replaced Robin “Graves” Eaglestone during the Principle Of Evil Made Flesh Tour and participated in the first recording sessions for Dusk And Her Embrace and performed on Dusk On Her Embrace – The Original Sin.


Kennedy was also vocalist and founding member of UK symphonic black metallers Hecate Enthroned, performing on their first two full-length albums. 

Sol Negate emerged from the mind of Edoardo Curatolo in Seattle. He had the intention to compose music in a classical manner, but with modern guitars/drums as part of the orchestral ensemble. He wanted to “paint” using the palette that extreme metal offers without necessarily writing traditional metal songs. 


With the aid of drummer Sebastian Lanser (ex-Obscura, Juvaliant, Obsidious) finalizing drum parts and making them his own along with vocalist Riley McShane (Continuum, ex-Allegaeon) taking on the concept to add his unique lyrics and vocal parts, the result transformed into the debut album On The Verge Of Dreaming Again, which challenges the boundaries of progressive death metal. 


Curatolo explains what’s in store:




“It explores the journey of the mind as one approaches death, reliving moments of life flashing before their eyes and experiencing the fall into the unknown. Each track on the album represents a passage of time, reflecting how seemingly insignificant experiences can leave lasting imprints and how perceptions of events can continue to haunt us even in our final moments.”


The album, On the Verge Of Dreaming Again, is more than just a collection of tracks; it is a carefully crafted concept album, centered around the themes of death and dreams, that invites listeners to embark on a profound musical journey. Best experienced from start to finish, with headphones on, late in the evening, the album offers a deeply personal experience that evolves with each listen.


The progressive side of this endeavor was about making the music both fun and interesting while concealing the complexity of the composition. Those who appreciate 'crazy' time signatures, unconventional song structures, and intricate approaches, will discover them within the music, but it won't feel like a gimmick. On The Verge Of Dreaming Again is symphonic and progressive without sacrificing being heavy. It is recommended listening for fans of Fleshgod Apocalypse, Dream Theater, and Obscura.


The album is out now on Spotify, Apple Music, and Bandcamp.


A special instrumental version of the album is available on Bandcamp. 





Tracklisting:


“Prologue”
“…And All Creation Was A Dream”
“A Mind That Bleeds”
“Waves Into The Darkness”
“Dusk Has Come; Stars Are Forming”
“Come And Embrace Me”
“Dissipate Into”


“Waves Into The Darkness” lyric video:

Seminal New Wave of American Heavy Metal act God Forbid have announced a vinyl reissue of their 2005 groundbreaking conceptual album IV: Constitution of Treason on October 20. 


Anticipated and requested by fans, M-Theory Audio will issue proper vinyl release of this landmark and critically praised album. Housed in a gatefold jacket this 2LP set is further expanded with a 4-panel insert with liner notes from singer Byron Davis and personal pics, flyers, etc. reworked by original designer and A+R man Tom Bejgrowicz (Misfits, Beastie Boys, Bad Brains), plus the bonus track, “We Are No More.”


While the album is available from retailers worldwide October 20, preorders are available now here.







IV: Constitution Of Treason comes available as the retail 700 copy run on Ashes of Liberty splatter, or the mail-order/band direct variant format in a limited 300 copies on Dead, White and Blue colored vinyl.


"We are very proud to announce the release of God Forbid's IV: Constitution Of Treason on vinyl. Although there was a small picture disc pressing released almost 20 years ago, the fan's demand for vinyl is so much more passionate now,” states guitarist Doc Coyle. “Many consider Constitution the best God Forbid album, and I couldn't be happier to give everyone a chance to re-experience this classic album in the best way possible."


The concept behind the IV: Constitution of Treason album told the story of a futuristic society that destroys itself, reforms many years later, and eventually destroys itself again in the same way as originally. Produced by Jason Suecof (Trivium, All That Remains, Death Angel), Eric Rachel (Black Dahlia Murder, Municipal Waste, Symphony X), and guitarists Doc and Dallas Coyle the album was a significant undertaking. 


The statement was further visualized by the wraparound artwork of Travis Smith (Opeth, Devin Townsend, Overkill, Nevermore). God Forbid’s fourth full-length was the first to chart on the Billboard 200, and the band toured relentlessly in Europe and the US in support of this album with bands such as The Haunted, God Dethroned, Meshuggah, Mnemic, Full Blown Chaos, and more.


While God Forbid disbanded in 2013, a recent slate of reissues in recent years of Determination and Gone Forever prompted renewed interest in the band, as well as guitarist Doc Coyle’s success in Bad Wolves, leading to an invitation to reform for the Blue Ridge Festival, in addition to some headliners in the northeast. Next month God Forbid will go on a special run of shows in support of former labelmates Lacuna Coil, as well as their participation on the Headbangers Boat alongside names like Lamb of God, Mastodon, Testament, Shadows Fall, Hatebreed, GWAR and more.


Dates:


October
26 – Baton Rouge, LA – Chelsea’s Live
28 – Destin, FL – Club LA
29 – St. Petersburg, FL – Janus Live
31-Nov 4 – Headbangers Boat

GOODNIGHT, TEXAS has released the official music video for its new single, "Runaways". The animated clip, which can be seen below, was produced by Sound and Vision Co. and features direction and animation by Aaron Caleb Eisenberg.

Instead of the thought-provoking, earthy blend of folk rock they're known for, the two singer-songwriters, Patrick Dyer Wolf and Avi Vinocur, have instead created a beast of a hard-rock song. Indelible riffs, thundering rhythms and a positively scorching lead guitar, from none other than metal giant and METALLICA guitarist Kirk Hammett, prove that this band is not afraid to push their own musical boundaries.

"This is the hardest we've ever rocked on a recording," Patrick explains of the new single. "That's thanks in no small part to an actual and absolute vintage Kirk Hammett wah solo on his legendary Greeny guitar, about which I am self-pinching daily. The main riff of the song had been lurking in my drafts like a caged animal since our last album, and at some point in the past year we decided it was time to set it free."

He adds: "We're not abandoning our banjos and mandolins, and in fact, there's banjo in there; if you squint you can hear it. For now though, we're slinging double electrics, Scott traded brushes for drumsticks, Chris is grinding the low strings, and we have a metal legend coming in at the 2:25 mark."

"Runaways" is available on all digital and streaming platforms via 2 Cent Bank Check Records.

Recording credits:

Patrick Dyer Wolf - Lead vocal, guitar, electric piano, banjo
Avi Vinocur - Vocal, guitars
Chris Sugiura - Bass
Scott Padden - Drums
Kirk Hammett - Lead guitar

GOODNIGHT, TEXAS is a tough-to-define storytelling folk rock band whose strength lies in unexpected sweet spots. Drawing their name from Pat and Avi's onetime geographic midpoint (the real town of Goodnight in the State of Texas, a tiny hamlet east of Amarillo directly betwixt San Francisco, California and Chapel Hill, North Carolina),the five-piece band also exists at the center of its songwriters' contrasting styles — via a 1913 Gibson A mandolin and a 2015 Danelectro Baritone Guitar, at the crossroads of folk and blues and rock 'n' roll, in a place where dry wit and dark truths meet hope and utmost sincerity.

GOODNIGHT, TEXAS's fourth album, "How Long Will It Take Them To Die", was released in 2022.

Photo credit: Ross Halfin

In the new video below, Corey Taylor (Slipknot, Stone Sour) performs his song "Breath Of Fresh Smoke", from his new CMF2 album, during an exclusive live acoustic session at Guitar World Studios in New York City.





Watch Taylor's performance of "Silverfish" from the same session:







CMF2, out now, is Taylor's first album for BMG and the first on his own label imprint, Decibel Cooper Recordings. the album was produced by Jay Ruston (Anthrax, Steel Panther, Amon Amarth), who also produced Stone Sour’s 2017 Hydrograd as well as Taylor’s solo debut release, CMFT.


The 13-track opus packs the energy, experimentation, and forthrightness that’s defined a career which has seen him sell more than 12 million albums with his Grammy Award-winning band Slipknot and several million with chart-toppers Stone Sour. Throughout CMF2, Taylor sings and plays lead and rhythm guitar, piano, and mandolin.


Order/save/add CMF2 here.





CMF2 tracklisting:


"The Box"
"Post Traumatic Blues"
"Talk Sick"
"Breath Of Fresh Smoke"
"Beyond"
"We Are The Rest"
"Midnight"
"Starmate"
"Sorry Me"
"Punchline"
"Someday I’ll Change Your Mind"
"All I Want Is Hate"
"Dead Flies"


"Sorry Me" video:





"Talk Sick" video:





"Post Traumatic Blues" lyric video:





"Beyond" video:





"We Are The Rest" video





In support of his new album, Taylor is out on his 2023 tour featuring special guests Wargasm and Luna Aura on select dates. Produced by Live Nation, the 28-city tour is making stops across the US before the final headline show in Los Angeles at The Wiltern on October 5.





Tour dates:


September
27 - Albuquerque, NM - Revel **
28 - Tempe, AZ - Marquee Theatre **
29 - Henderson, NV - The Dollar Loan Center ***


October
1 - San Diego, CA - House of Blues **
3 - Riverside, CA - Riverside Municipal Auditorium **
5 - Los Angeles, CA - The Wiltern **
7 - Sacramento, CA - Discovery Park (Aftershock Festival) ***


** w/ Wargasm & Luna Aura
*** Festival / Radio show

With just five months until Christmas Day and the holiday season fast approaching, Grammy Award-winning musician, producer, author as well as founding member of hard rock bands ALTER BRIDGE, CREED and TREMONTI, Mark Tremonti has released the first song from his upcoming holiday album, "Christmas Classics New & Old". "The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year" is now available via all streaming partners and a holiday-themed visualizer can be seen below.

"Christmas Classics New & Old" is Mark's interpretation of nine holiday classics and one original penned song from the acclaimed songwriter himself. After the success of his interpretation of songs Frank Sinatra made famous on his album "Mark Tremonti Sings Frank Sinatra", Mark decided to partner up with the orchestra from that album to work on the holiday album. The album is scheduled for release worldwide on October 27 and is now available for pre-order at www.tremontichristmas.com.

From the opening horns of "The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year" to the slow fade of the Donny Hathaway classic "This Christmas", Tremonti showcases the music that was the bedrock of his childhood holidays. Mark's interpretations of songs like "Jingle Bells", "The First Noel" and "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" find their place among the many great versions that preceded them. "O Holy Night" is one of Mark's personal favorites and finds new life in the inspired arrangement by producer Carey Deadman. Mark also took the time to create his own holiday composition called "Christmas Morning". Piano twinkles as a marching band drum roll picks up the momentum. As if changing from black-and-white to technicolor, horns herald a wonderfully warm picture on the track's finale, "My lady and me will make sure our children believe in the glory of Christmas morning."

"Christmas Classics New & Old" will sit alongside the most cherished holiday albums and continues to showcase the musical diversity inside Tremonti. Music from the album will be released in the coming months and a teaser video for the holiday album can be seen below.

"Christmas Classics New & Old" track listing:

01. The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
02. Jingle Bells
03. The Christmas Song
04. Christmas Morning
05. The First Noel
06. Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town
07. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
08. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
09. O Holy Night
10. This Christmas

As a Grammy Award-winning multiplatinum musician, Tremonti's dynamic musical career spans influential bands from ALTER BRIDGE and CREED to his own TREMONTI, leaving an indelible imprint on hard rock with over 40 million albums sold, chart-topping debuts, countless television appearances and magazine covers, sold out arenas everywhere, and dozens of other accolades. To say he broadened his horizons with 2022's "Mark Tremonti Sings Frank Sinatra" might just be the understatement of the century though. He paid homage to 14 Sinatra classics backed by surviving members of Ol Blue Eyes' band in addition to a cadre of A-list session players. Right out of the gate, it incited widespread audience and tastemaker applause. Beyond features from Billboard, CBS New York, Washington Post and many more, Carson Daly spotlighted the project on "Today" and raved, "Bar none the best Frank Sinatra cover I've ever heard." Donating 100% of the album's proceeds to the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) as part of his Take A Chance For Charity organization, NDSS notably honored Mark and his family at its annual gala and auction in 2023. Moreover, the album hit No. 1 on the Billboard Top Jazz Albums chart, and he would go on to play a handful of sold-out shows in support of the album. However, he has yet to musically contribute to the happiest season of all — until now. Just in time for the holidays, he delivers "Christmas Classics New & Old" with nine renditions of holiday anthems and one original tailor made to "put a smile on your face, make you feel good, and get you into the Christmas spirit," according to Mark.

Photo credit: Chuck Brueckmann

Grammy-nominated band SUM 41 has released a new single, "Landmines", via Rise Records alongside a new music video (set to premiere at 9:00 a.m. PDT / 12:00 p.m. noon EDT).

SUM 41 vocalist Deryck Whibley states: "When I wrote 'Landmines', I had no intention of writing an old-school 'pop punk' song. It just came out really quickly and I knew right away that this song felt special to me."

SUM 41 will perform on October 21 and October 22 at the When We Were Young festival in Las Vegas, Nevada. The band will also play a set at a sold-out When We Were Young Sideshow on October 20 at Brooklyn Bowl alongside BOWLING FOR SOUP, PLAIN WHITE T'S, YOUR BROKEN HERO, and more.

In May, SUM 41 announced plans to split up following the completion of a worldwide tour in support of its upcoming album, "Heaven :x: Hell".

SUM 41's storied 24-plus-year career includes over 15 million records sold worldwide, multiple Billboard-charting releases, a Grammy Award nomination, two Juno Awards (seven nominations),a Kerrang! Award in 2002, as well as multiple Alternative Press Music Awards.

Earlie this month, Whibley was discharged from a hospital after being treated for pneumonia.

Back in 2014, Deryck collapsed in his kitchen and was rushed to the hospital, before doctors revealed his liver and kidneys had failed. He was placed in a coma for a week to help his body detox from alcohol and went on to get sober and lead a healthier lifestyle.

Photo credit: Travis Shinn

Ohio-based metal masters, War Curse, today unveil their new single and accompanying video for "The Convoy". The track comes by way of the band's Confession full-length, set for release on October 20 via Metal Blade Records/Blacklight Media.


Having built a devout fan base for their thrash-oriented metallic attack starting with 2015's Final Days and cemented with 2019's Eradication, War Curse returns in 2023 a more refined animal. In fact, it could be argued that the ten tracks of Confession stand as War Curse's Black Album, having the courage to move beyond what they're known for and to focus on songwriting, groove, dynamics, and melody, without compromising on muscle one iota.


Elaborates guitarist Justin Roth of the theme behind the band's fiery new single, "A number of prominent tyrants surfaced during the pandemic. Power hungry, seething scumbags who allowed their true colors to show. Very few private citizens had the will or the means to stand up to them. 'The Convoy' is a modern day battle hymn written for the people who risked their livelihood and reputations for our individual liberties. May every power drunk dictator one day find themselves at the end of a short rope."







With extensive touring plans in 2020 falling apart due to the pandemic, War Curse spent several months in purgatory before deciding to dust off their instruments and start writing a new album. With the uncertainty of not knowing if they would ever get a chance to play music again, it was speculated that this could be the band's swan song. With the world in a strange place, motivation came and went, reflecting the tumultuous day to day change in information. This led to the writing process taking a year however it was time well spent.


"We demo recorded every song two or three times, picked them apart, edited them, and then rehearsed them in a room together. We allowed the process of collaboration and experimentation to take us wherever the wave carried us. Compared to previous releases, we were a lot more critical of ourselves during the writing and recording of this album. We set out to make an album in the truest sense of the word, not just a collection of songs."


This is very much apparent when listening to Confession, from the agitated, muscular title track with its widescreen chorus, to the driving "Power Of The Powerless," or the equal parts triumphant and steamrolling "Sowing Division," every track stands on its own while taking its place in the overall picture.


The vocal contributions of Blaine Gordon, who emanates confidence in ways he has not previously, are particularly striking on the band's latest output. "On Eradication, Blaine replaced our previous vocalist in the studio, on very short notice, and mimicked what was already written. This was the first time he got to add his creative input. He pushed us in a more melodic direction, and [guitarist Joshua] Murphy and I backed him up with guitar parts that felt harmonious with his vision. Likewise, when a part called for heavy or dirty vocals, Blaine returned the favor tenfold."



All songs on Confession were recorded, mixed, and mastered by Neil Tuuri at Amish Electric Chair Studios. The album art, layout, design, and photography were handled by Justin Roth. As an added bonus, the record includes a cover of Grip Inc.'s "Rusty Nail".





Confession will be released on CD, LP, and digitally. Find pre-orders here.





Confession tracklisting:


"The Nothing (That is Me)"
"Fortress Of Agony"
"Confession"
"Miracle Broker"
"Power Of The Powerless"
"The Convoy"
"Return To Dust"
"Sowing Division"
"Rusty Nail" (Grip Inc. cover)
"Illusion Of Choice"


"Miracle Broker" video:





War Curse lineup:


Blaine Gordon - vocals
Justin Roth - guitar
Joshua Murphy - guitar
James Goetz - drums
Johnnie Wallace - bass


(Photo - Brian Vogel)

Finnish chart-topping nu-metal stars, Blind Channel, have announced their new album, Exit Emotions, which will be released next year via Century Media. The band’s fifth full-length studio effort is the follow-up to 2022’s Lifestyles Of The Sick & Dangerous.


Earlier this summer, Blind Channel released their new single "DEADZONE". Watch the epic music video for the track below:







With news of the new album, Blind Channel is also announcing some massive tour plans for the remainder of 2023 and next year - none more urgent than the band’s own Exit Emotions European headlining tour for spring 2024. The 30-city trek will kick off in Oberhausen, Germany on March 21, and conclude five weeks later in Tampere, Finland on April 27.


Joining the band on this run as direct support is Ghøstkid. Tickets go on sale this Friday, September 29. For all dates and ticket links, head here.





In addition to their upcoming headlining run in Europe, Blind Channel will spend much of what remains of 2023 in North America, starting with a two-week trek supporting Mongolian folk metal stars The Hu on their Warrior Souls tour.





Blind Channel are:


Joel Hokka - Vocals
Niko Vilhelm Moilanen - Vocals
Joonas Porko - Guitar
Olli Matela - Bass
Tommi Lalli - Drums
Aleksi Kaunisvesi - DJ, Percussion

In a new interview with Tom Power, host of "Q" on Canada's CBC Radio One, Corey Taylor was asked what has kept SLIPKNOT going for more than two and a half decades. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I think it's a couple of different things. I think it's the fact that we all still have that fire in our belly to make music, to get on stage and push it as far as we can. Even though, obviously with age and injury, it's slowed us a little bit, but there's still that urge to do it. It's also the fact that we're all fans of each other's writing, playing, performing. We love the music that we create together and there's still so much that we haven't done. There's still so many things musically that we could still kind of lean into."

He continued: "I think we know that we're not done yet, let's put it that way. I think the consensus is that we know we're not done yet. And maybe when the time comes that we all look at each other and go, 'You know what? I think we've done it. We've achieved what we need to achieve,' that'll be the time where we kind of put our tools down and back out of the garage. But till then, man, I mean, we're still very lucky to be able to do this. We're still very lucky to have the size of the audience that we do. We captured something in the zeitgeist that is very rare. And it's very rare for a band of our age and our genre to stay modern and current. So, I don't know if I really even have the answer for that. All I know is that we are trying to take advantage of it as much as possible because there's really no roadmap for it — other than maybe a handful of other bands; METALLICA, obviously. Other than that, there's really no roadmap for us to follow. We're just kind of cutting the road as we go."

Last year, SLIPKNOT guitarist Jim Root told Australian Guitar magazine that there was no room for egos in his band. "We're getting to that point in our career where we're all in this together," he explained. "We all want to do the best we can for the role we play in this band, and when that becomes the priority, that's when you put ego aside, put all that bullshit aside, and work together to make something great."

Guitarist Mick Thomson added: "We'd be stupid to keep doing this if we didn't love it. There's too much bullshit. I think the biggest problem that breaks up bands is when everyone comes in with fucking egos. When egos and bullshit start to make a person nutty, that's when problems happen and musicians start to hate each other. Fortunately, in the first few years after we blew up, nobody's ego got too far out of check. And that can happen real fucking' easy. There's no I; there's us."

This past June, SLIPKNOT announced the addition of a new keyboardist, two weeks after Taylor and his bandmates revealed the departure of longtime member Craig Jones.

SLIPKNOT played its first show with its new mystery member on June 7 at the Nova Rock festival in Austria. The concert took place hours after the band announced in a social media post that it had parted ways with Jones.

A short time after SLIPKNOT revealed Jones's exit from the group, the band's original post announcing his departure was deleted and a photo was shared of SLIPKNOT's apparent new member. The same unidentified person appeared onstage behind the keyboards at the Nova Rock show and all subsequent SLIPKNOT tour dates.

No reason was given for Jones's departure from SLIPKNOT.

Jones joined SLIPKNOT in early 1996, shortly after the band had finished the recording of its demo album "Mate. Feed. Kill. Repeat." He was initially brought in to replace Donnie Steele, one of the two original guitarists, though he quickly moved on to the role of sampling and keyboards. Following the departure of drummer Joey Jordison in 2013, Jones was the second-longest-serving member in the band.

SLIPKNOT is continuing to tour in support of its latest album, "The End, So Far", which was released in September 2022 via Roadrunner Records. The follow-up to "We Are Not Your Kind", it is the band's final record with Roadrunner after first signing with the rock and metal label in 1998.